The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1875-02-19
DISTRICT OR COUNTY FAIRS.

WnaC can ne done TO make them
more instructive, pleasant, popular
and a better in vestment to those who
compete for the premiums, as well as
the stockholders That ours has failed
from pecuniary view, is patent to all
who are at all acquainted with the do
inGs of our society. That the stock
holders have done their duty in the
premises, to all fair-minded persons,
will scarcely admit of doubt. That
the fault is Our own, there can scarcely
be a question. That we haveneglect-
ell to give it reasonable amount of
patronage and fair consideration, and
at our own expense, is true. That we
have taken orr vegetables and cereals
there Cat least some of us), and con-
tested with our neIghbors for the pre-
minms, is so beyond doubt; also cur
cattle and hogs for q show. While
these things are commendable III them
selves, and important as object teach
ers, still the fact stares us in the face,
that large majority of farmers do not
take the interest in our Fairs that they
should.
L will suggest a few things that
1 think and believe would give it
vitality or vim, if they can be accom-
plished. First, we want live Direct
DRY, equally distributed throughout
the county or district, composed of
men who have the interest of agricult-
ure and stock-raising at heart, enough,
at least, to take share or two of stock
in the society $50 a share), 'sfor by
their works We shall know them;'' and
then they want to talk it up among
their neighbors. And, by the way,
the Grange may be made quite as use
full for the purpose as for many others
for which il is being used. The lect-
urer of each Grange might make
part of the time of several meetings
quite as interesting by bringing this
subject up for discussion. He might
incidentally advocate Cor any other
member,) the propriety of taking stock
as members or as u Grange; for there
can be no question of the necessity of
money or capital in any society or or
ganization to give it adhesion and
working power.
Second. 1t occurs to me that it
would be good idea for the directors
to appoint good, live man, empowered
with some authority, in each Grange
throughout the county or district, to
work up the matter In regard to bring
ing their products to the Fair, thereby
creating somewhat of a competition
between localities and even counties.
That plan was tried in our State Hor-
ticultural society and worked admira-
bly,.
We offer these sngg estions for con-
sideration, knowing that our directors
have had under consideration the
changing of our County Fair to, Dis
trict Fair. If any one can suggest
better plan, all right; but do not let
the matter go by default
We noticed it stated in some paper,
the other day, that some OF the Fairs in
New York were held upon the plan of
selling or exchanging whatever was
exhibited, and that very large num-
Der. of entries were made on that ac-
count; and so tar as my information
goes, they have been successful, and
have yet to learn of the discontinue
ance of any Of them.
AS an object teacher the Fair can
scarcely be over estimated, by becom-
ing acquainted with the appearances,
at least, of all kinds of stock, yegeta-
bles and cereals that are the most prof
liable for growth and manufacture
the horse of the best proportions for
work and speed, the COW that has the
best points, either as feeder, mixer
or butter-maker, the hog that will
produce the largest profit on a given
amount of food, the sheep that is the
best adapted to the growth of wool,
mutton, or both, and so on throughout
the whole range of manufactured
products. Finally, wha. we want is
general interest among farmers to make
Fairs success. Let us unite and we
will accomplish it. More anon.
RIVER