Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-10-07
I'm IARlfHRs' HOLIDAY.
Ffty-First Annual Exhibition Of the
Kennebec Agricultural Society.
Prot. BaIlantine Of the State College Delivers
the Address.


time for the Faifp' are explanations which
have been repeatedly heard this week Three
days of gorgeous October weatheri days
when nature seemed tn exert herself to favor
the husbandman; not . cloud in the sky;
| temperature neither too cold nor too hot,-a
brilliant landscape over which a warm Oc-
tober sun shed dreamy glamour. Such
days as these were Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday of this week, on which was held
the 5lst annual exhibition of the Kennebec
Agricultural Society, the oldest organization
of its kind in the State. The grounds
are located hard by the bright little village of
Readfield, typical New England hamlet,
and are located on slightly descending ground
overlooking pretty lake, which, fringed With
trees and shimmering in the sunlight il one
of the most pleasing features of the landscape.
The exhibition has been a success in every
sense of the word. While other county and
town fairs already held have not as a rule
been up to the average, either in attendance
or display, this one has upheld its reputation
nobly, and to- day stands ahead of any county
fair in the State. The number attending
each day was very large, and estimated to be
$500 on the closing day. Each morning the
entrance gate was crowded with teams and
footmen. People came from all the surround
ing towns and many were present from Angus
Ia. The total receipts at the gate for the
three days amounted to STA 20, larger than
on any previous year. with the exception of
cr ba
exceeded by about 81. The amount taken
last year was $6s2.27. On the grounds the
scene was an animated one. The hawkers,
shouting and vociferating, displayed their
wares before the county; baked beans, GIN
gerbread, and turnovers were served out from
beneath booths and awnings, and Punch
and Judy show, which was well patronized,
was in full blast. Everybody seemed to
JOY themselves, and well they might.
The display in the exhibition building was
full, with the exception of fruits and veee-
tables, which was considerably below the
average owing to the drouth. The exhibit of
fruit might have been larger. O;e farmer
said that he could have shown a better lot
than any on the table. G. NJ. Weston showed
eight very fine plates of pears J. C. Dudley
10 varieties of winter apples. In the vege
table exhibit there was dearth of pumpkins
and squashes. There were several very good
lots of onions and potatoes. also of cram
berries. One side Of the hall was well nigh
covered with traces of corn which looked very
we'll, although the ears were shorter than
usual. The display Of dairy products was
very large, some 60 entries being made. The
exhibit in the ladies' department WAS the
largest ever made in the history of the socie
ty. Among the many beautiful and useful
articles shown was a very handsome afghan,
worked with Gala lily design, made BY Miss
Cora NJ. Hayden. Kent's Hill two quilts set
together by two old ladies', one 80 years Of
age; a quilt containing 1904 squares, made
by Lizzie f. Butnam; a pair of stockings
knit bv little girl five years of age. Quite
large number of home made blankets and
/ carpets were shown. The floral and art dis
plav was very fine. Out of doors the first
day was devoted to stock. Over 400 head of
cattle were on the grounds, mostly steers and
Young stock The number of oxen was not
as large as in former years, as the demand
for beef during the past year has thinned
them out The second day was given up to
horses More carriage and driving horses
were exhibited than usual. On the forenoon
Of the third day reports of committees and
premiums awarded we're read from the stand
| AtII3 80 A. NJ. Judge f. o. Bean stepped
forward and introduced Prof. Walter Ballan-
tine of the State Agricultural College, who
delivered a scholarly address, occupying
about three-quarters of an hour. Subject,
Education of Farmers"
Mr.. Ballan,ine said: 1t seems fitting that
one connected with our Agricultural College
should discuss this subject. | have not
selected this topic because l am connected
with this institution, but because it is OF gen.
eral interest. There was time when our
farms were not cropped as they are now,
when the soil possessed its natural fertility.
Rut thi. is changed now. The wave has
swept West. Once New York was the
State, next Ohio. now it is Dakota
The time has now come when brains
are of importance to the farmer
Tbe time Is past when the brightest boy
should be devoted to the legal profession or
study medicine. The time has arrived when
brains are as much Importance on the farm
as in every other business in which man
can engage The Indian gained but scanty
living from the coil. The civilized man
gains a good livelihood and is surrounded
with plenty Our Eastern farmers are be-
ginning to rely on commercial fertilizers
Some have. realized the needs of the soil,
others have not.
The farmer cannot but admit that agricul-
tural schools are of great good to the farmer.
The uollanders farm it on land worth $500
an acre, and compete with us in our home
markets Cheap labor does not explain this
I, is partly owing to the high prices in
America but chiefly because he studies the
laws If nature. Taking the amount OF but
ter made in Maine. the average OF each COW
il low. Still there is not a better State in
The Union for dairsing than Maine do
not claim that study of science will make a
farmer alone. Experience is also necessary
In 1870 the capital employed in farming was
about four times that employed in other
!. industries, vet in the United st ties Senate
there were only two farmers to place on the
Agricultural Committee and only about half
enough to all the corresponding committee
, in the House. Is this the representation our
| L, prnf I.ow