The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1881-09-21

We deem II proper at this time Of Agri.
cultural fairs 10 give an extract from re.
port made 10 the State Board Of igricnliure
! by Hon. g. G. Musselman.
"Man is social being, and il is as much
the duty of the farmer to cultivate himself.
in order To bring forth good fruit, as il Is to
cultivate the soil And | know of nothing
that will do so much for the farmer and his
laudable vocation, in the same time and on the
amount invested, as Agricultural Societies
and Fairs--if properly conducted.
1t needs no argument TO prove that II the
farming interest is permitted TO languish,
every other industrial pursuit will exhibit
corresponding signs of decay. 1t behooves,
then, every citizen who regards his interest,
TO lend his aid to anything that will impart
hope and encouragement to the tillers of the
soil
Agricultural Societies and Fairs are medi-
ums through which farmers can have free
interchange of opinion with each other,
upon the best means of promoting improve
ment in the theory and practice of Agricult
ure, by exhibiting their stock and imple-
ments with the products of their fields and
orchards.
Agricultural exhibitions are the precursors
of improvement ; they are eminently cal
culated to arrest the attention of those who
are void of feeling to break in upon the
dull monotony that peryades the locality
where the fair is held. They are As interest
ing as they are instructive, and never fail
if properly conducted-to impart salutary
and abiding influence upon the minds of all
who participate in their interesting display
and innocent recreation.
Within their enclosures are to be found
the best specimens of farm stock, the choic
est varieties of seeds, samples of the last
crops, improved implements of husbandry,
specimens of household manufacture, but
ter, cheese and poultry, all arranged for the
inspection of the curious and challenging
competition.
Who can look upon such scene and not
be struck with n deep sense of its utility
and what farmer however enlightened, but
may add something 10 his stock of knowl.
edge, or have his doubts removed as 10 the
excellence of some breeds Of farm stock, or
the capacity of some implement which he
never used 3? These with the friendly greet
ings, the revival of old friendships and the
formation of new acquaintances, give to
the scene holiday freshness-a dash Of r,-
raj felicity that eompensates for many n
long and solitary day of toll upon the farm.
Agricultural Societies and Fairs have al
ways seemed to me favorable experiments
whereby laudable emulation and rivalry
might be promoted, and 10 serve as n rally
ing point where we can snatch spark of
that spirit and enterprise, so luminous in the |
track of the busy throng that are pushing |
along and going ahead with railroad speed. |
1t generally brings together in one great |
social body most of the leading and efficient |
friends of agriculture. Their meetings are
friendly and social. They come together as
a rule animated by a kindred spirit, and de-
voted to kindred pursuits, act in concert |
and part with the best of feeling. Happily |
together, not to engage in political I
or party strife, but for their mutual good,
how best to promote the inter
ests of agriculture, peace and good will ami
mating every bosom Great jubiees of the
tillers of the soil The common school of
the farmers, and have tendency to gladden.
the hearts of all who attend them"