Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1883-07-24
Agriculture and Mechanics.

/ Tie subject Oh SeGNLAS SUM III SilS
organization of an Agricultural and
Mechanical Society in this county
Now, in further development of the
subject. resume to discuss the pro-
priety and plan which, in my humble
opinion, would make a success, in
both features. The theme of Agri-
cultural Society Exhibitions, or Fairs,
has been made the topic of NOR
alizing sermon in neighboring coun-
ty. Perhaps, however, the subject
matter of Fairs can be confined to
terrestrial comment in Jefferson 1t
is discouraging labor to advocate any
thing when leading citizens pronounce
it impracticable, and at the same time
profess to favor. it themselves. To
defeat an enterprise is best accom-
plishcd by saying on all occasions,
and in the hearing of listeners, that
it cannot be accomplished. It would
be far better to say, the object 4riU sac
ceed, but will not subscribe to its
accomplishment, than to say have
taken shares of its stock, but it will
never succeed. The latter mode is
better than dynamite, and more to be
feared by the friends of 0n9Cdrd en-
tcrprises, than canister in war. IF the
five selected citizens in each of the
five NIagisterial Districts exercise
their influence with their neighbors,
the five thousand dollars recommend
ed as sufficient by the Executive Com
mittce, will be subscribed before the
next meeting: but if the twenty-five
committee men ask no one to sub
scribe stock, and take none them
selves, of course the thing will be a
failure. People are not expected to
importune the members of the COM
mittcc to please let them subscribe.
That is not now the new departure
contemplated, but that economy and
fair dealing shall be leading features
in the socicty's exhibitions, and gam
bling devices taboocd.
The Scotch idea of Fairs is, COM
petitive exposition-a bringing to-
gether at particular time, stock and
commodities which are presented for
sale. There are no money premiums
given, or expected. The history of
every Fair around is, that the strug-
gle to raise money to pay premiums
keeps our fairs always cramped.-
Now, let us inquire what good pre-
miums do, either to the society or the
exhibitor. Firstly, they breed con-
tention among exhibitors and the
board of managcrs-favoritism in
awards, prizes on undeserving imple-
mcnts and animals, making the whole
thing Il scorn and gibe. The money
premiums work badly, for it only pays
the smallest part of the expense to
the recipient, and the great majority
| get nothing, and have to pay expenses
besides, so it works partially and, in
fact, is small consideration to the
few who realize premiums. What,
then, are the substantial features of
all Fairs. [ may truly say, if prop
erly constituted, they are many
First, it brings together competing re-
suits achieved, and leads to still
greater Improvement in the future
: One mechanic sees on exhibition the
complete achievements of his brother
mechanic, whose skill is proudly man
fest, and ready for orders. lie is
thus stimulated to exertion, and the
next year lays before an admiring
public his accomplished work, thus
offering the best and cheapest adyer-
tisement extant. And what is true
in mechanism is doubly true in hus-
busbandry in ali its multiple branches.
I will close by copying the second
article of the constitution Of the Ag-
ricuIturaI society of Frederick county,
Maryland, viz:
The object of the Society shall be
to discover new manures, to facilitate
the collection of manurcs generally,
and designate the best mode of their
application to the different objects
of cultivation. TO procure and i'm
prove implements of husbandry; to
improve the style of rural architcc-
ture to improve the breed of do
nestle animals to devise means for
destroying vcrmin and insects which
arc injurious to husbandry to collect
foreign and domestic trees, shrubs,
vines, plants, seeds and grains, which
may be deemed useful for substance
or comfort; for fences, fuel or TIM
Der, and to make experiments as to
their growth and adoption to our eli
mate, and differ cnt kinds of soil; to
discover, if possible, new and profit
able objects Of commerce, from the
products either of the field, the forest,
or the bowels of the earth; and what
ever else shall tend to improve the
agricultural and rural economy of
the country. And the better to effect
the above objects, the Society shall
hold annual meetings, shall pass all
Rules and Bylaws for its proper
government, and the promotion of
its ends; and as soon rs its funds
are sufficient for that purpose, shall
purchase or procure cabinets, collec-
tons of implements, libraries, and
other aids TO the general purposes of
the Society.
Trusting that farmers and me-
chanics will have spirit enough to sub
scribe the stock necessary to push this
enterprise along without delay, I
have not alluded to the social feature
which would so pIcasurably obtain
once q year at our fairs, because that
ought not to need an advocate, being
self-convincing. IBID.