Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-01-15

ana Ignt-narntsS horses aS Its importance de
mands, nevertheless improvement in all classei
of horses is manifest, but especially so in tn,
heavy draft clsss, in which seventy entrie!
were made, and their uniform excellence O
style and quality won the admiration OF tht
most critical.
The mule exhibit was a surprise. This in.
terest has been somewhat neglected for sew
eral years, until its place in our premium lis
had become largely matter of form, but thi:
year fifteen entries of superior animals indi-
Gates a mule revival.
The coach horse has not yet made his ap-
pearce in our midst, singular fact, too, con.
sidering the enterprise evinced by our horse.
men in other classes OF horses. Double team;
abound, and sometimes individuals of a team
resemble in color and size, but closely
matched teams are scarce. hence the intro
ductiou of a few Cleveland bay stsllious 10
cross on the best illies OF our roadsters and
general-purpose class would meet a much fell
want and prove bonanza to the enterprIsing
adventure
The cattle department, considered as to
number, quality, or variety, was not superior
10 many previous exhibitions, but no retrogade
tendency is conceded.
The sheep exhibit compared favorably with
former shows, although the interest in this
industry is much abated. An unusually large
number OF sock sheep will be ted OF THIS
winter, hence the next spring crop Of lambs
will he small
The hog pens were not as well filled as
has been their wont, some of the old compet-
itors for public favor B rkshire) not being
represented. The swine plague has rendered
this branch of agriculture so precarious that
a general apathy peryades the community, In
uring to its neglect, however, forty-seven en-
tries were made, which included some very
fine specimens of porcine e: cellence.
The poultry division of the Live Stock de-
partment numbered 2O9 entries, in which the
numerous varieties OF domestic fowls were
represented. No Plumed Knight of the
barn-yard, however well-booted and spurred
(sword and pistols were not allowed) can
draw premium unless he scores IS points OF
excellence. This application OF civil service
reform, so 10 speak, brings out the very best
specimens, and places the premiums much
more satisfactorily than under the old regime.
Our State Board has applied the same prin-
ciple OF guarding premiums 10 swine, and
doubtless, if some recognized standard of
excellence adapted to the various depart
ments, could be made to determine merit, other
han awarding premiums to articles, and aui-
mails because they are relatively superior to
their competitors, public interest would be
subserved, AMI some ludicrous decisions
averted.
Not siths;anding the date of folding our
fair, and the long continued drought, our
m hal I'd IL L.
varied products of the farm; even apples,
pears and grapes were displayed in rich pro-
fusion. The peach has almost become an
exotic, certainly good crop is mere acci-
dent, and if the trees should survive the rigor
OF our modern winters, t1ey are as barren as
the historic fg-tree. Our fine art hall, de-
scribed in my last years report, has been
erected, although not fully completed. vet
the brilliant display Of innumerable articles
within its confines. evidenced much aesthetic
taste, and an extensive cultivation of the fine
arts by our citizens.
The space allotted our manufacturing in
terests was crowded with a hewilderiuC d.
versity of machinery rarely seen at a county
fair
Our aggregated entries numbered Ais,
for which 50. .737 were offered in premiums
but visitors are indispensable factors in the
financial success of a fair, and good weather
is another essential element closely related
to the former, neither Of which is quite I'M
der the control of the board of managers
hence the muttering clouds on Thursday
morning reminded US that the best laid
plans OF mice and men are easily brought t.
nsugbt. In fact, that much-peeded rain cut
our receipts $500, uecessiiating a discount OF
20 per cent. on premiums.
The depressing influences that have hovered
over the whole country for more than year
past, paralyziug manufactures and trade gen.
orally in all business centers, have reached
the rural districts, and farmers are expert
encing more difficulty in meeting their obli-
cations than at any time since the war. II
our crops have not quite reached an average
their quality is superior, but the contraction
in values scarcely finds a parallel outside Of
the Confederate currency.
Labor being unwilling to adjust itself tc
the existing state OF affairs. farmers are seek
ing to restore the equilibrium by reducing
the amount employed. The day-laborel
continues TO demand a dollar per day and
board for ordinary farm work, and from
$3.50 TO $500 per day for harvesting, thresh.
ing, etc. The average wages for month
hands. including board and washing. i:
SIC cog per month.
The interval between the early and latter
rain, last summer, brought an almost mid.
winter barreness 10 our pastures, impairing
the condition of stock TO an extent the washy
tall grass was not able TO fully restore henc,
stock as a general thing goes into wintel
quarters rather thinnish, but food is abundant
and cheap, and so is stock.
Our tile factories are well patronized. and
our tiled lands, whether the season prove!
wet or dry, pay the hest
The drought. although charming, did NO
prove an unmitigated evil. One of its com
pensating blessings was splendid harvts
with all that implies; another, the opportu
nifty to keep the growing crops clean, anC
never 10 my knowledge was corn kept cleane
and better seed bed prepared for wheat thai
during the past summer; a third blessing
though not so patent, but yet as real, is th
increased fertility given to the soil, as re
suit of reversed capillary action bringing u
from the deep suhsoil those mineral element
so essential to vegetable lite and vigorou
development; still another, is the lessor
taught US by the experience of last summer
viz: that if the soil is well cultivated no
much rain is required TO make good crops
and, as a corollary, farmers should pay NOR
attention 10 the soil over which they hay
control, and less 10 the clouds that are guide,
in their course by Mightier Hand. H
that regardeth the clouds shall not r. ap," is
divine admoniuor. J. 5. r. HAZARD.