The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1881-12-02
Tnl AGRICuLTrRAkFA FAIR'

Agriculture is the basis Of the
wealth, power and prosperity Of the
American people; It is the leading
and essential business of the nation,
employing more than three-fourths
of our adult population; 1t is really
the ground work of civilized society
and the basis of all progress; hence
in all that relates to the progress and
improvement of this art, IN all that
tends to lessen Its labors, to broaden
It's field and more literally to reward
its endeavors, the agriculturist and
the well-wisher of his country should
lend helping hand and word of
encouragement. Among the WE'LL
tried auxiliaries to agricultural prog
ress are the Autumn festivals, the
cattle shows. the farmers fair and
theStime-honored gatherings for th
euItiyators Of the soil for mutual come
parIson Of methods and results, OF
specimen crops and finely bred ami
mais. Such is tho natural isolation
and consequent independence of the
farmers life that only some extraordi-
pary occasion will attract his pres
ence and cooperation, outside his
daily round Of duties. Welcome
then, the farmers fair, which shall
combine the pleasure of attendance,
the profit of participation and tho in
creased knowledge which springs
from observation, from mutual conn.,
parison and discussions between bro
ther farmers, and from enlarged op-
portunties for seeing in one collection
the choicest fruits and grains, the
most profitable flock and herds, az
forded By the surrounding country.
While the value Of these farmers
annual gatherings must depend
mainly upon the hearty cooperation
OF those FOR whose benefit Ethey are
organized, and while it is the duty
of each farmer to contribute some,
thing to the general good, yet 1t is
not from the holiday aspect sl0ne ol
such occasions that the most per-
manent good is TO he derived. The
agricultural fair viii, however, con-
tinue to be an index of the demands
and desires Of those whe annually
pay their visits to Its enclosures. The
streams cannot rise above its foun-
tain head, neither will the manage
ment Of 3 fair provide q programme
Objectionable to q msjority of its
supporters. Flowing matches would
soon become obsolete il there were
none TO witness the contests; horse
trots would go cut of fashion if the
popular attendance did not manifest
3 most decided approval or its sport.
The farmers take 70 themselves Sc
few days Of respite from toll, that
with them should lay the choice
whether the single Autumnal festival
should be one OF pleasure and profit,
education and friendly competition
combined, or whether the occasion
should be given over TO the sports o.
horse racing, bicycle tournaments,
pedestrian matches, monkey shows
and the like. II, however, the pent
up exuberence of the agriculturist de
mands day or two Of fun each year
would it not be well TO set apart one
occasion for genuine frolie, then max
ing the regular agricultural fair a sep
crate appointment for devoting tins
aud attention to the important inter
esIs of the farm and its products
Il is really a matter for serious con
sideration whether or not the average
farmer allows himself and family 1
sufficient number OF holidays durini
the year. 1t is q question whethe
the constant strain, the inceSsant wor
ry, the overworked frame can accom-
plish go much remuHerative labor as
the individual who sandwiche:
in q little enjoyment between hi
hours OF toll, and who secures need
ed rest through change Of scene anC
occupation. Yet, while we would
encourage more frequent seasons o.
enjoyment and merry making, we d'
OBJECT TO denomiHating such seer
and sports encouragement OF agricul
fure. For instance, in Massachusetts
we question the propriety of spend
ing State agricultural appropriation
in popular amusements; rather devett
these generous grants to stimulating
improved methods, seeds, fruits, cat
tie, implements. etc. Rather allow
the province of the agricultural fai
TO be the dissemination OF correct anC
progressive ideas, illustrated by liv
ing and growing specimens, granC
arena Of ohject-teaching. Let the
farmer determine to devote at leas
one day in the year to the mutual in.
yestigaiioH of agricultural topics with
his fellow-Workers in the same cause
white surrounded by the representa-.
tive farm products of his section. Ii
this manner only can the agriculture
fair fulfil lis true mission ;; under thi!
banner alone can the the progressive
farmer march to new conquests II
natures fields, and to new triumph.
in ihe world of progress.