The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1874-09-10
Trottinq and Flowing Matches.
An esteemed correspondent from Pendleton

An esteemed correspondent from Pendieton
directs our attention to certain articles con-
tanned in a recent number of the american
Farmer on the subject of trottng and plowing
matches at Agricultural Fairs, requesting their
reproduction in our columns. One of the ar
ticles aforesaid, prefaced by the remarks of our
correspondent, appears in this issue. We think
it necessary, however, to express an entire dis
sent from the idea that a sweeping denuncia-
ton of 1rotting- matches, as they are under
stood and conducted in many sections OF the
country, applies to the Agricultural Fairs held
at this place. At no time in the history of the
Anderson Farmers and Mechanics Associa-
ton, as our correspondent will readily admit,
has this feature of an exhibition received un-
usual prominence, nor has any excessive sum
of money been set apart as premiums OF morse
racing, even its midest and least Objectionable
form. Not more than $50 has been expended
any one year since its organization for this
purpose, and last year only SO went out OF the
Societys exchequer for trottlnS- match on
single day of the exhibition. Certainly, if
moderation is to be commended and practiced,
the officers of the Society are amply sustained
by the record. We know that it has been the
purpose of the managers to exclude the most
Objectionable characteristics of horse-raclng
from the grounds, and to prevent an unseemly
prominence being given to this portion of the
programme. But experience has convinced us
that an immense number of people are always
in attendance, whose chief desire is to witness
the display of horses and who are anxiously
awaiting the hour for the trotting- match to come
off. They become nervous and impatient when
other matters are beguilipg attention, and their
favorite pastime is neglected; and when the
day is passed without a trial of speed, there is
inevitable disappointment and woful chagrin
All this may be wrong and demoralizing, but
we are stating facts, not inditing moral essay.
Such is not the case when the plowing match
IS announced. Our excellent correspondent,
whose devotion to agriculture is proven by his
life's service in the cause, never fails to be Oh
the ground, ready to encourage the skillful and
practiced hand in the use of that indispensable
implement, the plow. But only small por-
ton of the vast throng shares in his proper en-
thusiasm for this part of the show, and the
blowing match is either wholly neglected or at
the best slimly attended. In cases of total
neglect, it sometimes happens that the ground
is.not in suitable order, or proper ground is in
accessible for a good match. In other cases,
there are no persons ready or willing to enter
the lists and this interesting feature is obliged
to fail. Now, We are entirely agreed with our
correspondent and all others agreeing with
him that the plowing matches should not be
neglected or overlooked, and in order to give
this matter practical test, we trust that every
one who appreciates the argument in favor of
blowing matches being made prominent in our
exhibitions will be present during the coming
Agricultural Fair, and that there will be
wanting neither plows, plowmen, suitable earth
or an appreciative audience to magnify and
endorse the plowing matches rs one of the chief
attractions of the occasion.