Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-09-26
THE STATE AGRICULTURAL FAIR.

Il
The reports of the State Agricultural Fair
held at Lewiston leaves no doubt of its
great success. both as an exhibition OF
what the farmers in the State are doing,
and as means of replenishing the Treas
ury of the society.
We Judge that none Of our previous
State fairs have been equal to this. For
tunately the weather, which on many 9TH
er occasions has been so unfavorable rs to
seriously interfere with the show, this
wear has been all that could be desired by
the public and the society. Good weather
is wonderful aid towards bringing to-
gether samples of the agricultural products
and skill of State containing an area OF
nearly thirty. two thousand square miles
an extent of territory almost equal to that
of all the rest of New England.
In spite of all the eroaking about Maine
being poor State for farming and going
backward in its agricultural products and
resources, the evidence presented at the
recent fair entirely disproves the idea of
retrogresson, and demonstrates that we
have not only State of grand capabilities
for agriculture, but that our farmers are
progressing in their methods of managing
their busit ess, and obtain better and bet
ter results from it. AS farming becomes
distinct occupation it rises in Importance.
skill and profit. Too many in Maine have
made farming secondary employment.
They have not depended upon it entirely
for a living. They have engaged in lum-
bering, fishing, building and sailing YES
sells. while undertaking at the same time
to farm. The consequence in the major
ity of such cases has been poor crops, in
ferior cattle and horses, and impoverished
soil. AS the lumber vanishes from our
domain. no longer being a resource upon
which many of our people can depend for
bread, more attention is given to the
farms, and whenever this is the case I'M
provement soon begins in the appearance
of land, buildings, crops and profits.
Thousands who have neglected their farms
tor other occupations will bear tes-
timony that they would have made more
money to have dropped everything else
and stuck to their acres for support
In respect to cattle and horses this fair
was far ahead of anything before held in
the State. The cattle were not only sleek,
fat and large, but they were of the choic-
est kinds found in this country or England
celebrated for their milk and butter or
their rich, juicy meat. The horses would
do credit to the best stables in the land,
showing blood, speed, beauty of body and
! limb, and excellent care and training.
True some of these were not in the hands
Of practical farmers, but allthe exhibitors
were of those who make cattle and horse
raising speciality and study, and by
their example instruct and stimulate the
farming community to better endeavors
in this important breach of farmers oc.
cupation. What an immense stride onr
State has taken in the last
thirty years in the improvement OF cattle
and horses Thirty years ago it was diff
ficult to find horse of good blood, well
trained and groomed, or any fancy neat
stock in sny farm yard in the State; now
the farmers who do not try to raise fine
horses, cows and oxen are the exception.
The fancy stock raisers are to be credited
with large share in this improvement.
The State and the County fairs have had
much to do with it. The well-conducted
trotting park, though much censured as
demoralizing institution, has. also, been u
contributor to the growth of better horses
by the impulse it sends ont in favor fspeed
and bottom. The county press has been
an aid. And so from all these influences
we find our State standing in the front
rank for the production of superior horses
and cattle
In all respects this was superior fair
in the production of orchards, diaries
and the household. The mechanical pro-
ducts except such as are applied to agri-
cultural were not as large as formerly. The
opinion prevails that distinction should
be made between the products of the soil
and those of the hand, that each should
have its own fair. As we grow in re-
sources the farmers will have their fairs the
mechanics theirs We hope the county
fairs yet to be held will be we'll attended.
and that all may contribute to raise the
character of the State as one of excellent
agricultural resources.
The sale of State lands on Wednesday
brought more cash into the treasury than
vas anticipated. 1t was thought it