Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1884-1886, 1885-06-17
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

One of the best evidences of the stability
and permanence of any community is the
interest manifested in the department of
agriculture. The cultivation of the soil has
been one of the greatest sources of steady
growth in wealth. The want of proper cul-
tivation of the soil is onle second to TO the
want OF proper aad intelligent general
knowledge OF how to cultivate. Farmers
must be true to themselves and their OPP
portunities in order 10 succeed. An an
Gent orator.once defined the secre. of sue
cess in raising crops by saying: The first
thing TO do is. pillow thoroughly the second
70 pillow the third to manure, the fourth
choose the best seeds and plenty of them
and the fifth TO root cut all weeds" His
saying is the summary Of the principal facts
upon which rest the success Of all who earn
a livelihood and accumulate = fortune by
the slow but sure calling Of an agricultural
life. Success may be reached to limited
extent by the neglect of some of their rules,
in our fertile soil, but if strictly adheared TO,
what results might we not anticipate. The
farmer who has rot a good farm is the most
independent individual, financially. that can
be found in a community. lie has a "bank''
that always Yields dividend commensu-
rate with the attention he gives to IFS cult
walton. In this age of progress and new APP
planes in the department Of farming
implements, no country in the world sur
passes the United States, especially in this
true Of the great West, and Kansas is per-
haps the best adapted TO their uses, and in
Kansas no county is superior to Sedgwick,
not only for cereals but for stock "a well.
Our agricultural fair next October will af-
ford an opportunity for displaying the pro-
auctions of our soil in this Arkansas valley.
Many visitors will be with us from the
mountainous and hilly districts of the east,
in order to inspect cur products, and take
notes Of our rapid developments from prairie
sod to well cultivated farms. We want
them TO come and satisfy themselves that no
better soil and climate can be found than
this of ours; and show evidence Of our
thrift, So that they may come to stay. and
bring their wealth and industry into our
country. We have the stock, the cereals
and other products within the bounds of
our country TO make display that would
surpass the state fairs Of many Of the eastern
states. Every citizen of Sedgwick county
ought TO be fully alive to it, interest, and
they can eaah do something in this dirrec-
ton by taking an interest in the success of
our next fair. This can be accomplished in
various ways. Our society has an aut hor
divided into l,0O0 shares of - each, nearly
one-half ofthe shares are sold and distrib-
uted among over 260 individuals, principally
farmers and stock breeders. The financial
and property, after deducting the liabilities,
Is over ten thousand dollars. The directors
are erecting another large agricultural hall
for the accommodation of such articles as
fully urge upon those who have no stock in
this enterprise to come to the front and take
stock and be identified with Us 1t is
duty incumbent upon every citizen TO do
what be csn TO further tirc interests of every
enterprise that has for its end and ann the
the elevation of agricultural pursuits.
\ first-class agricultural society Is to the
farmer and stock breeder what college lee
lures are to the professional man. Our an
nual meetings can be made more profitable
if every one viii bring something, either as
an exhibit or contribute, of his experience
or knowledge in his or her department and
calling in life, and thus stimulate others to
more aggressive efforts The untold wealth
of SedSwick county's agricultural products
is hidden in our rich soil, and by patient in
dustry and skillfui judicious cultivation it
will not only become n source % wealth to
the cliltiyatcr, but be of material AID in
establishing our importance and permancnce
among the solid institutions Of our state.
ID. A. MITCHELL, Secretary.