The Press., 1886-10-21
The stafGord Fair.

Accepting an invitation to judge on fruits at the Stafford fair, allow note of a few impressions regarding the fair. 1st. The general interest:
 It was an unavoidable conclusion that every class of society was largely represen- ted at the fair.
 E When we see people congregated by thousands acres of ground thickly cov- cred over with old and young; we know that astrong interest is manifest they are being educated in large classes, hence the importance of well prepared instruction. The social element is brought out, and old friends who seldom meet are brought together most pleasantly 1; this is right and desirable
 We are glad to note that Stafford is on the worthy roll of towns which voted no license, and we believe from what we saw and heard that the determination is to have that decision respected this is in striking contrast with Rockville, where they voted license, and when going to that exceptionally good exhibition in nearly all respects found myself in bus with one of the most disgusting objects in the shape of humanity I ever chanced to meet, whose language would disgrace Hottentot, and yet the good people of Rockville mahy of them voted for just this, ana nave It, JO Gne1r shame.
 In looking over the people at Stafford fair I was reminded strongly of a question once put by avisitor to a New Hampshire farmer, to. wit: What do you raise up here?" he answered, ''we raise men and Not the least among the many attractions were the intelligent people everywhere met what product! Indeed..worthy of all care and home culturei; let the production be perfect.
 will not go into details which have al- ready been before the public in regard to the different lines of exhibit farther than this, namely, in the Horticultural hall, which by the way is too small, it should be extended at least 20 feet in length, to accommodate conveniently the growing in- terest in Horticulture Dairy products, cookery and vegetables were in tempting display, and the Storrs school-what will you do with that why only cudgel it an other year as in the past, and your Horti- cultural hall will not hold their products, Prof. Chamberlain will need lookiug after :; who ever saw an exhibit from any farm in Connectciut to match it? Where is there farm in the rich Connecticut valley that will s1rpass it? This institution, if perma- nently established, will be a monument to
 
 than granite so let it be.
 Why bye-and-bye some philanthropic cit izen will be establishing school of Horticul- tue for girls and richly endowing it. now recollect that not long time since cultured city girl came into our nursery to get practical lessons on budding trees. A few days after I called at her home and was told she was in the garden, where found her vigorously at work In response to my surprise she said, ttMy | &r,f a l wrong. Noble teaching. ss5 ~ | few words regarding the fruits. Last year was surprise to me. The fruits of Fol hand County were very fine they are less per I feet this year. Many worny specimens were found on the exhibition plates here as else
 where. The number of dishes, however, was largely in excess of last year the tables were too closely crowded to show to best advan- tage. Shallow plates are better than deep dishes. Again, we advise better system in ar- trangement, which would ensure more perfect judging of the comparative merits of compet- ling dishes. To illustrate: In judging of Baldwin apples, an inspection of the entire flength of the table was necessary, whereas, should be in one group. Collections, as sEEnch, should be offered Q more liberal prem ium and not be allowed to compete for asin- Hele dishes, land should be placed in separate division.
 | N Thus A. has superior Sheldon pears; he has also a superior collection of pears. The Iplate of Sheldons in his collection, after an Important influence in securing the prize fo1 the collection should not enter into competi- tion for another prize, but duplicate plate sntered specially for a single dish" should be required.
 This is simple justice and would tend to in crease the merit of the show.
 I Again, collections should be so separated by I some demarkation that each exhibitors coIlec- tion shall be readily identified and compre fhended. This is due not only to the exhibit
 or, but to the judges, and visitors. l The importance of legible and correct la bel in connection with each dish of fruit k fapparent to all. s Y I Again, the requirements of exhibitors lshould be specified distinctly in the pamphlet premium list. - T Thus, each dish of apples pears, peaches Equinces, or plums, should contain just spec flied number of specimens -5 to 10, as may
 be desired, but just the specified number. Each dish of grapes, 3, 4, or 5 clusters, as the management may decide, but no more, nc less, than specified. This renders comparison
 much more easy and accurate.
 Thanking the Stafford society for many lcourtesies, am yours, &c.