The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1877-10-13
Railroad and money kings, we

mean.
Our next visit was to the tent containing
nice collection of birds,-some living
specimens, others stuffed and arranged
with much skill. A fiendsh looking old
ogre presided here and called the people
hither by blowing vociferously upon an old
fashioned dinner horn.
In the hall was a very creditabe display
of vegetables, fruit, flowers, needle work,
etc.
The trottins was not so exciting as that
OF last Spring, and the number of contest
ants fewer.
We could not but wonder, as we looked
around upon the evidences of prosperity
among the farming community of this re-
gion, and reflected that while this prosper
ity is general throughout the land, that the
statistics of insane asylums show increas-
ing insanity among agriculturists. The
latest published reports of ninetenths of
the asylums in the United States, for the
present year, show a fearful increase of
brain disorders among the wives and daugh-
tiers of farmers. Now why should this be
the case? While abundant crops are pro-
duced, the business depression is felt with
less severity among the farmers than any
other class. 1t seems to us the most exu-
berant health of mind and body ought to
prevail among the farmers. That it does
not, only evinces that they do not properly
understand the science of living. Yet there
is a marked contrast between the farmers
and their wives. The farmers are usually
hale, fat and sleek, with round Jolly faces,
while their better halves are thin and
stopped, with listless, weary, overworked
countenances. AS we looked at the bright
young creatures tripping by their sides, we
could not but ask ourselves sadly, if the
future would show these fair faces scanned
care worn, and wrinkled before their time,
like the faces of the mothers
Amid the sights and sounds of the ''Fair''
the afternoon passed rapidly and pleasantly
away; the threatened shower did not fall,
and nothing occurred to mar the harmony
of the occasion. The sun set in blaze of
crimson glory, which famed up to the
zenith.
Our drive homeward was very enjoyable
Outlined against the glowing western sky
were the mist crowned hills of Lancaster
and York; while on either hand stretched
away the cultivated fields of Chester, with
here and there a woodland grove still green
and fresh as though the season was early
Summer instead of mid Autumn.
Next day we resumed our Journey and
passed by the brick meeting house, from
We were anxious to reach the Blue Ball,
legends of the inn, and of the redoubta-
BILE "Katy" had beguiled our childhood's
hours; but when we reached the far famed
tavern, a glance sufficed to convince us that,
with 6 Katy and her reputation for witch
craft, the glory hath departed from the
Blue Ball. The face of the country from
this point to Fair Hill is wild and rough,
although occasionally we pass good farm
with comfortable buildings. Near the Rock
Church (Which, by the way, is very roman
tically situated) we noticed a large stone
mansion standing on the left hand side of
the road untenanted and falling into ruin.
How sad is such sight, and what train
of melancholy reflections it brings upon
the mind. Here was once the abode of life
and joy. What untoward events led to
the abandonment of the cherished home
stead to premature ruin and decay we know
not, but we feel satisfied that the lettering
walls hold some legend of sorrowful do
nestle history.
for fox hunts and the sale of Jersey light
ming. The next village we passed through
was neat collection of houses, known in
local history as Poplar Hill. The most
conspicuous dwelling is that of "Gyp,"
well and favorably known parsonage in this
neighborhood, a credit to his race and an
honest upright citizen.
Soon after we reached our destination, the
renowned village of Cherry Hill, where we
intend passing few days in the hospta
BILE family of particular friend.
In our next we shall tell your readers of
some of our rambles hereabouts, visiting
the paper mills, the poor house and the
public schools. Having no TAX to grind"
in the latter profession, we shall feel free
to picture the faults and projections wit
messed therein with an impartial pen.
COUSIN SUE.