Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1892-12-01
eseness' lsssls.ss 4 Fszersii.


Especial % the Kennebec JorRsxL-
secretary NcKeen. Hon. H. G. Burleigh.
Prof. I. 0. WinsIos, Hon. ~ y. Bean and
DR.. G. NJ. TwireheiI held an institute -
Grange Hall, Foxcrofr, Tuesday, Nov. -.
The lora. member Hon. A. w. Gilman bad
provided far ali details. and large and
enthusiastic audience greeted the mrs.
sneaker. Mr.. Gilman vas particularly
happy in calling to order and presenting me
speakers. The attendance has been large
An inserestin stIsiress of welcome was de-
liyered by Mr.. H. L. Leland Of Sangsrvilie,
| 70 which Sec'y McKeen replied. Good
music was furnished.
Yue.r. or Agricultural societies.
pr. G. ". Twitchell, secretary Of the
Maine State Agricultural Society discussed
| the question of the future of Agricultural
| societies calling attention first TO the fAct
that the State is aiding those which are m
corpofafed TO the amount Of over nine tnoa-
sand dollars yearly, and that In the prom
| ised increase there must either oe an m
crease of appropriations or the stipend fof
those nov incorporated VIII be redncen-
Agricultural societies said he exist fof
three specific purposes. ist- 10 pfovios
oppor,unisy for recreation and the extend
ing Of acquaintance; I'd, to stimulate the
desire for better stock and products
through competition. and thifd,
10 educate the masses to
Enowledse OF the demands of market,
which is ever changing to meet the condi-
lions OF trade. The first object is fully met.
To fact the thought will at once arise
whether We have not allowed the idea OF
recreation and amusement to run away with
onr better Judgment. Amusements. which.
in their place are all right become an injury
when allowed to engross the thought and
attention. In competition lies the chief
element of growth So long as this is
DIRECTED ,,vsarls the production of the best
animal, OF peck of potatoes or specimen OF
handiw ork il is helpful to the individual aud
tue State. The moment il drops to the single
desire to win IA premium, or drive com
petitor from the field it becomes an
Injury The question of superior
quality and how to produce the
same must never he made secondary to the
inning OF the largest number of ribbons.
The great objection 10 be made against our
,ystpIns of conducting our exhibitions is that
the educational feature is sadly neglected.
IL il the mission of the agricultural society
to materially advance this education and
failing it becomes serious question
whether there are just claims on the State
for continued financial support.
The grounds where an exhibition is to be
held should be thoroughly fitted for the
same. What sense is there in requiring
visitors to travel the entire length of the
stalls and sheds and look only upon the hind
parts of the animals. IL is the face which
tells the story of intelligence. Stalls and
sheds should be provided where there may
be the fullest examination, and the entire
stock must be kept on the grounds through
out the entire exhibition. Regular hours
must be assigned for the examination of all
classes and the place should be well adj
vertised that the whole field may be in
spected. More than this room for the Wis
itor with seats should be provided where
the examination may be followed with
some degree of comfort. A fixed system
of awarding premiums is called, and with
that the greatest publicity in making
aw ards The fixed scale of points and
score card is applicable as well in the house
hold department as with the blooded stock
or horses. Into the field the blackboard
should be carried, where the detailed score
of the individual animal may be recorded,
as made by the expert, and the public have
an opportunity to question and to eriticise.
This explicit system of reasons is called in
order that those who fail may know the
reason for the failure and be educated to
remedy the same. The ticket system re-
ceived thorough going over, the speaker
being outspoken in favor of single adniis
| ion tickets.
| In the further discussion of the question
considerable time was devoted to the future
] of these societies and the part they may
play in encouraging the production of better
| farm products and the breeding of higher
class of stock it being urged that the work
due the State does not close when the finan-
cial statement is made up for the State
officials, but that during the year the organ
! lied body should exert an active influence
by holding regular meetings throughout the
county or section where the lessons of the
exhibition may be made of great value TO
all. Following the lecture Dr. f. scored
several horses discussing the industry and
furnishing an object lesson in this public
manner of awarding prizes.