The Red Cloud chief., 1884-03-28
Fair Morals.

RVAesCS
The discussions that Just now occupy
50 much space in the agricultural jour
nails relative to the reforms needed id
the management of fairs are very time
ly. and in every way worthy the atten-
ton of intelligent men, and it is to be
benefits in the directions proposed.
That the reforms are needed; that the
moral tone of these annual exhibitions
has been greatly lowered by the concom-
itants to which special attention has
been called, there can be no question:
but while these are being so strictly
| considered there are other sins which.
if no SO heinOus, are 3 source of much
loss to those Immediately interested.
both in apecuniary way and in the di-
rection of the principal objects for
which these exhibitions were organized.
The sins to which reference is made are
those of omission rather than of COM
mission, and they are prevalent in all
countries and sections alike.
In 2 report of n of the State Boards
of Agriculture the list of premiums shows
an excellent classification of the objects
of the exhibition represented, and an
evidence that there must have been q
reasonable number IF exhibits in each
class. But this is about all that may
be learned from the open page. 1t may
tell that Mr.. X was awarded a first
premium for the best COW of a given
breed and age; but the record furnishes
NO information a. to the really practical
reasons for such an award. 1t may be
said that she had all the points of ex-
~cellence, causing her to surpass in her
way other animals of like character ex-
hibited; but what vas the standard at
tanned and how was it reached? Did
she mature early? If so, where is the
evidence of the fact lin this recorde
Did she give more milk. or better milk.
more or better butter. than her COM
petitor during the period of a year OF
more? If so, the record does not show
it. and is therefore wOfully lacking to
that extent. In some cases statements
may be found of tie size and dimen.
sions of fat animals, but the reader may
learn nothing of the neal emplOyedtO
develop these dimensions.
These fairs were established for q
twofold object: First, to stimulate en-
deavor in the production of the best of
every kind in which agriculturalists
may have an interest: and, second, to
give farmers al opportunity to COM
pare their products. and to confer as to
the means to be employed to secure
them. For the first object generous
premiums are offered and paid; the
fortunate exhibitor is glorified to that
extent, and the money or prize becomes
premium that should encourage him
to Withhold the e for promoting the
object of the fair. all description
of the methods employed, and the cost
involved in securing the product for
the prize is given. In this way
are the worthier objects completely de-
and the greatest benefits that are
and should be expected are
lost.
What should be impressed upon the
attention of fair authorities and of all
agriculturalists interested in
the progress of the branches in which
they are severally engaged is this: Each
in this country, in whatever line
he may be working. is largely governed
by his own views. and he follows to no
extent methods of his own devils
ing. Different methods prevail upon
different farms. Animals are bred diff
fed differently. treated differ
and. though these methods may
more or less empirical. they lead to
favorable results as the splendid show
20 common in autumn make strik-
ngly manifest. Grains are grown, and
when exhibited present 4 fine appear
ance, are attractive to the eye, and are as
as they are attractive. But the
methods of production, though largely
the same trend. differ in important
particulars upon which the differences
.hat may be noted in the products un.
lOubtedly depend. Such differences
be made prominent upon the
card if the farmers are to
educated by the object lessons thus
presented, and they should be account
ID important elements in the deter
ninatiOn of the recipients OF the prizes.
furthermore, they should form i'm
features in the reports of the
awarding committees, so that by COM
Dar.son and by careful consideration
he progressive farmers may be able to
improve upon past experiences, remedy
Deficiencies. and see through them
encouragement for the future.
1t may be urged, ever by writer's of
'ome prominence in the agricultural
,ress, that the American farmers are
lot prepared for such details; that they
ARE nothing for the facts that would
hus be elected from year to year. and
f they did care could not fully under
'tand or appreciate them. But it may
,e doubted if the farmers of the great
,orn and wheat belts will appreciate
he compliment: on the other hand,
hey would highly appreciate and are
eady to support any effort such as has
'een suggested above looking to the
of their methods and
progress in their results. If managers
# fairs. both county and State, con-
ider these points carefully, they will
ee in them the changes needed to
Emulate interest in the exhibitions,
md to drive put by their influence the
wills that have aroused the discussions
eferred to in the beginning OF these re-
narks.-C Chicago Tribune.
A Badge OF Mourning.