The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1891-08-08
THE FARM.
The Agricultural Fair.

Attendance upon the agricultural fairs
Is one of the important, and to great
extent unappreciated, means by which
farmers can easily obtain both pleasure
and profit. 1t is true, as is often as
serted, that too many of our fairs have
made horse-trotS aud side shows of vari
Gus kinds altogether too prominent. But
even where the legitimate purpose OF ali
agricultural fair seems TO have been al
most wholly forgotten, and the advcr-
Using ''attractions' are foreign TO the
proper spirit of the occasion, the intelli-
gent and thoughtful farmer can find
much that will be pleasant and useful.
Then, too, by his presence and influence,
and by his contributions as an exhibitor,
he can do much to improve the character
of the fair and to bring about better
state of things for the future.
Even at fair which, from an agricul-
tural point of view, is far from first
class. the farmer " i'll find many things
that he does not have ut home, and will
be able to obtain a good deal of Informal
ton. He will find different breeds of the
various classes of live stock aud can
Judge much better of their relative mcr-
its, and of their adaptation to his cir
cumstanceS and conditions, by looking
them over than he can by merely read
ing about them. Different varieties of
corn and other grain will be exhibited,
and he can form pretty correct opinion
as to whether any of the sorts are supe-
ror to the ones which he has under cul
tivation. He will also find specimens of
the new varieties of potatoes, and can
decide whether it will be best to give any
of them trial the next season. The
same is true of the Numerous kinds of
garden vegetables.
In regard TO fruits a great deal of in
formation can be obtained. Nearly
every farmer will find specimens of
varieties which he does not grow, but
about which he has read. He can note
their special characteristics and compare
their qualities with those of the sorts
which he produces. Farm implements
anC machines will also be on exhibition,
and, by looking them over. the visitor
may get many excellent ideas about
la bors saving implements. Even if he
does not find anything that he needs to
purchase, he will get much useful infor
nation in comparing the machines Of
different makers.
Not the least of the benefits which the
farmer will receive from attending the
lar III Ut Sdllcu ny IucttInH0 liItiuS
and acquaintance who are in TIE same
line of business, and in talking with
them about the various methods of doing
farm work and the relative value Of diff
fercnt crops and varieties. Then, too
aside from all direct business interests.
the change from the everyday work of
the farm. aud the meeting and couVcrS-
ing with other people, will be of great
and lasting benefit both to body and
mind.
Not only should the farmer go to the
fair but he should take his family with
him. Even more than himself the boys
and girls need the change from ordinary
duties and the information that Is to be
obtained at the fair. They will there
find much to interest them in, and make
them contented with, farm life. And
far more than any other member of the
family the wife needs the change which
attendance at the fair will give to the
routine of daily life. She will see num-
berlesS things in which she will be inter
ested. meet many old friends, get num-
erouS helpful hints. and be greatly en-
couragcd for faithful work in the future.
BY all means 60 to the fair. II posi-
BILE enter something for exhibition and
thus gain personal interest in its SITE
cess. Take the family along and make
a day of it" If wisely improved it Will
be day of many benefits and will lee
long and pleasantly remembered by all.
-Prdcticol Farmer.