Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1892-09-02
FOR CONGRESS,
WILLIAM M. McKAIG,
OF AILEGANY COUNTY
OUR AGRICULTURAL FAIR.

n well organized ana enerBetiC AgrlCul-
tural Society, with large and good exhibit
tons, is one of the best evidences of the
agricultural growth of the community it
represents--of labor intellgently directed
and proftably applied-of social inter.
course that makes every farmstead thing
of joy and beauty"
Montgomery is strictly an agricultural
county. Few counties in the State have
made more rapid and substantial improve
ment in remunerative agriculture than ours.
This is evidenced in every direction. All
of our WORKOUT and discarded lands have
been reclaimed and are under assiduous
care, and the application of fertilizers have
been made productive in the fullest meaning
of the word. The latest and most improved
machinery has been eagerly sought and OBJ
tanned. The best and finest grades of horses,
cattle and sheep have been introduced and
made profitable Young and vigorous or
chards, selected from the best nurseries on the
continent, are to be seen on almost every
farm, whilst the dairy, the garden and the
flower beds have been the objects Of special
attention.
That our annual agricultural exhibitions
have had much to do in bringing about this
most gratifying state of affairs no intelli.
gent and observant person will for moment
deny. Our fairs generally bring together
large crowd OF people, not only from this
county, but throughout the State, and from
other States. Notwithstanding the great
drawbacks our farmers haye had to contend
with in the way OF scarcity of labor and
the failure of crops, our agricultural exhi.
billions have been reasonably good, particu
larry the last two or three years. Every de-
partment, If not largely REPRESENTED, was at
least encouragingly and well represented,
and was satisfactory evidence that those
connected with and interested in the fair
were doing their part, and doing it well.
Agricultural exhibitions not only have a
stimulating effect upon the community they
represent, but they are decided educators in
this great industrial line. Outside of the
congregation of farmers, all classes of so.
ciety are largely represented, They come
not for the pleasure of social intercourse,
not TO see and be seen, not from mere empty
and idle curiosity, but the larger portion
come to learn. The farmers attention is
directed TO the varied exhibit in his i'm.
mediate line. He observes closely and mi.
nutely the breeds of horses, cattle, sheep
the improved machinery, the character of
wheat, oats, potatoes and other farm pro.
ducts. Their ambition is at once aroused,
and very naturally they make inquiries of
tained, what mode of agriculture was adopt
cd, what fertilizers were used and how
The time and manner Of seeding. What
particular machinery was used and how il
was operated. The best blooded and DRAFT
horses, the best mich cows, stock cattle and
grades of sheep-the latter one of the most
remunerative industries on the farm. These
inquiries are made not only from desire to
have his labor more productive, but to light.
en- and cheaper the burden of labor. They
return home not only wiser with regard to
these different branches of industry, but with
ideas that will enable them TO bring about
not only more practical but larger and con
sequently more remunerative results from
their farm operations.
So in the ladies' department-the rarest
and sweetest flowers, paintings, home fab.
RIGS, needle work, bread, butter, preserves,
wines and other articles, each has its
sgnificance-each is a silent educator in its
special line.
Our fair grounds, If not the largest, are
among the most attractive in the State, with
an abundance of shade and fine water. A
beautiful race course, with sufficient stables
and accommodations for those who delight
TO exhibit a fast breed of horses-and last,
but not least, with every department un.
der good and effective management.
We have headed this article "Our Agri.
cultural Fair" II is our enterprise-our
home industry. 1t is great incentive in
the further development Of our agricultural
pursuits, and we therefore hope our people,
all classes, all professions and vacations, will
give II their active support, so that II may
be the better prepared to give larger and
more beneficial results and thus place our
county In the agricultural lead in the State