The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1883-09-06
FARMERS AT FAIRS.
AUSTIN. TEXAS


Farmers should especially take a
deep interest in the coming Capital
State Fair. BY meeting at that time
and consulting on the results Of the
year they win learn each other vast
deal for mutual benefit in the future.
The thrifty farmer is always pleased
to combine business with pleasure,
and he has in this occasion, it appears,
an admirable arrangement for both.
The most conspicuous, if not the most
i-02rtant. item Of business convent
and the one most prominently
advanced as a reason for attending, IS
i4s opportunity of securing the new
est and best agricultural machinery
and improved live stock at reasonable
prices. At this fair the dealers in
Implements for farmers will dis
play their wares and make sales direct
to the users on their demonstrated
merits. Beyond this is the valuable
taentaI culture afforded by an inter
change of views and experiences, OF
learning why one man succeeds where
another fails, and of that general
sharpening of wit which comes from
intercourse between many people in
The same line Of business. A writer
ina recent English periodical, speak
sing Of The farm laborers of Dorset
shire, notes that since they have fallen
into the habit OF changing employers
once year. and moving as frequently
from one farm to another, though
only in the same county, there
is marked Improvement in
their mental condition. They
are more intelligent, take broad
er views, and are more desirable work
ers.. Il is the same all over the world.
The intelligence and skill which en-
abled the German artisans of the Mid
die Ages to surpass all Others sprang
largely from the institution of the
Wanderjahr, which sent the young
mechanic knocking about among his
fellows until his mind as well as
his hand was trained, If every
farmer in Travis, Hays. William
son, Bastrop, Burnett, Caldwell and
other Immediate counties would only
conclude to assemble at the Capital
State Fair fog consultation, as well as
for seeing what may be displayed,
not one among them all but would be
pEofited tenfold the cost by increased
intelligence, and by insight into gen
eral matters discussed, and in
things witnessed and investi-
gated. The fact is the farmers
do not understand fully how
r4nch they do learn by such inter
course, but the results are seen in the
improved condition of the farms, and
In the Increased value of crops and live
stock, as well as in greater liberality
and intelligence among the farmers.
Not only may valuable lessons be
learned by attendance at fairs, but
it is known that cities mark the cul-
minatiGn OF human progress, as
the plow marks its beginning.
True, Austin is no great
city, but it is moving with the most
rapid stfides towards an intellectual
and socias grandeur, not surpassed
anywhere ia the county. Not
alone in these respects is it
attractive, but in its public build
ings and private mansions there
is an attractiyeness which must be
felt to be appreciated. Aged and
young may alike be entertained. The
youth who has spent his life on the
farm. however literally he may have
been educated by means of books
and practical lessons in work
ing soils, will return from week
spent at Austin, during the fair, inn
proved and benefited, and with greater
ambition to achieve for himself COM
petence and comfort. Such occasions
Influence for good the young and the
old, and. the benefits are felt more
strongly lin proportion to the infre-
quency with which observations at
tending them are made. Not only
should the agriculturists of Tray.
is-ahd adjoining counties attend
EN- masse this fair, but others
from all parts of the state
should come. The purpose isto make
this the most attractive fair ever held
in Texas; and the spirit that must sus.
tain grand semi-centennial eXposi.
ton. in 1856, should receive its inspira'
tion, in October, at Austin, the capital
of what is destined to be the greatest
of American states.