The Portland daily press., 1874-09-26
Agricultural Exhibitions.

The autumnal equinox brings liz its train
those industrial exhibitions, which, although
made up from the contributions of the farmer
and mechanic alike, ale usually described as
agricultural exhibitions. Those associations
which wish to be a little ahead of others, are
altogether likely to encounter the perils and
discomforts of ''the line Storm" and TO find
that "haste makes waste" and not unfre-
quently are compelled to postpone their exer-
done the present season. In looking over
the lists of cattle shows and fairs in this state,
we find some forty announcements and near
ly all the societies display their good sense by
selecting the last week i'll September or from
the first two in October for their annual ex-
hbtion. The appropriateness of this selec-
ton appears from the fact that at that time
the close of harvest brings the farmer sea-
son of leisure, the varied products of the
orchard, farm and garden are matured and
reasonable probabilities warrant some COM
fortableand pleasant weather.
Respecting the exhibitions of the two soci-
cites known distinctively as state associations,
the State Agricultural Society and the State
Pathological Society, we have to say that
while the latter has surpassed its previous
displays, which have always been creditable,
the former, although highly respectable, has
suffered seriously by the loss of all the beauty
and luxuriance which has lent new charms to
our city hall for the last four days. We are
not quite satisfied with even an apparent OPP
position between the two exhibitions, nor are
the public, and we think the managers of the
State Agricultural Society are expected to
rise and explain.
There was no occasion for rivalry between
the two societies and il none existed then we
can only suppose that''somebody Numbered"
We can, however, discover by the exercise of
our charitable optics that many persons will
doubtless enjoy the privilege and pleasure of
both exhibitions who could not have done SO
had they been widely separated by time and
space. Friends, as we are, of both societies,
SO far as the future is concerned we say, "Let
us have peace"
Another suggestion we have to make as
the result Of much observation and delibera-
eioh is3 eAou thC 0IdtO oil luStCdu VI UCluS
the first of the exhibitions, should always be
the last and that so far as our own produc-
tons are concerned it should be made up
mainly, if not entirely, from those contribu-
tions to the several county fairs which have
received pecuniary or honorary testimonials.
Only in this way will the exhibition ever be a
fair, or complete representation of the diver
siied interests and industries of the entire
state. Whenever this plan shall be adopted
and divisions and departments made which
shall allow each county to be by itself and
thus afford opportunities for comparisons and
contrasts, then will there be developed spir-
it of competition between the several 1ocali-
ties, sometimes not to be countenanced, which
can only result here in profit to the individu-
al and the state. With such an opportunity,
many persons and associations and commune
ties would combine and spend time and
money and effort, merely that they might
win sthe coveted superiority, although it
might be only diploma or banner, and yet
the advantage to the state would be as great
~ IS .~---Ass- .A.~--
also might strive for success by the amount