Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1893-03-07
AMUSEMENT, EDUCATION.
TIE AIMS OF TIE AGRICULTURAL
FAIRS. ARE THEY METZ

Agricultural societies have long exist
ed, and generations have come aud gone
since yearly exhibitions were establish
ed. The beneficial effects Of these have
been recognized and a grand influence
exerted In Improving methods and slim
ulating love for better stock and prod
ucts.
With the multiplication Of societies
there has also come the marvellous In
crease In products, resulting from the
opening of western sections.
This has materially changed the rela-
tions as well AS the condition OF the
eastern farmer, so that to-day, In order
for the society to do Its work, II must be
set In line with the advanced needs of
the individual from purely present
standards.
Evidence Is multiplying that lncreas-
cd exhibitions tend To divided Interests
and do much to promote sectional feel
ing, because their chief object Is lost In
the competitive struggle or the effort 10
excel i'm special amusements.
Agricultural societies exist for three
specific purposes:
First, to afford opportunity for recrea-
ton and the extending Of acquaintanees.
Second, to stimu ate the desire for bet
ter stock and products through competi-
ton.
Third, to educate the masses to u
knowledge Of the demands Of market
which Is ever changing Its standards "
meet the conditions of trade.
That the first object Is fully met there
Is no question. In fact, the Thought Viii
,rise whether We have not allowed the
idea of recreation aud amusement To run
away with our better Judgment. Health
ful recreation does not call for disgust
lug exhibits, for reckless chances being
taken, for balloon ascensions, or tigh'
rope performances. Five legged calves,
human monstrosities or inhuman specta-
cles do not promote soeiability. Amuse-
ments which In their place are all right
become an injury when allowed to Gu
gross the thought and attention. Horse
trotting, which Is a legitimate feature,
Al allowed To oyer-run the others, Will
bring disaster TO any society. SO long
as the annual exhibitions divert from
the exacting duties Of the BARN, bring
people together for social intercourse,
Iuto touch with the active forces which
are manifest In the varied exhibits, 50
long will they be necessary Tor the pro-
motion Of the welfare Of the state.
In competition lies the chief element
of growth for the agricultural society.
10 long AS this Is directed toward IN.
production of the best animal or tht
best peck of potatoes or wheat or spect-
men of handiwork, 50 long will IL be
helpful to the Individual, the community
snd the state. The moment IL drops To
the single desire To win a ribbon or n
dollar, to beat some competitor, IL loses
ts beneficial qualities aud becomes
curse.
The grounds where an exhibition Is to
be held must be fitted with sole refer
ence To the best possible display OF All
classes of stock, farm and household
products. Every man selects from his
IDEAL and the agricultural society mas an
opportunity to Tx this by educating Ia
details. a sheep Is sheep, they say
but the man who Is breeding for an
average wool clip aud a heavy weight
of carcass knows that skill sud intelli-
grnee are necessary to insure the lambs.
The country L. oyer-run with horses,
barns are filled To overtiowing aud the
prices were never so low, yet there
never was day when IL was SO difficult
to find really choice gents drivers and
never day when prices for such as are
wanted at all were so high. There Il
great call for education along this line.
l. there anything educative or satisfse-
tory In passing through building anu
looking on baskets of potatoes or traces
of corn, rows of pumpkins or bags oil
Deanss In every case, with every ex'
nibit, there should be requireda a full, ex-
llicit statement of the treatment given,
Aind of soil, method Of cultivation, ami
n possible, origin of seed.
liza the case of manufactured products
Se want the facts relating to breed of
COWS, quantity and quality Of feed,
manner of caring for milk and cream,
as we'll as churning, working and pre-
pairing the butter. =.
In awarding prizes there IL need oi
.reater publirity Ina order Ia satisfy as
,.ll as To educate exhibitors and visit
Urs.
IL l. AN injustice To cramp stock Into
narrow stalls and pens and FAR more 10
,ward prizes at the pleasure of piekeu
up committee. The man who falls TO
Ain has the same right To know why b.
failed as has his more fortunate neigh
bar 10 his ribbon. The fixed scale oi
points, the score card, the expert Judge
aud the blackboard are To be the euuc'-
tors of Tomorrow.
IL l. obvious that some changes arr
e He'd for In the ticket system. The
~hole system of life, member and lam
ily tickets l. punctured with abuse ana
ls a Tremendous load for any society to
carry. Put business into the manage
meut of the finances ami thus be enabled
to greatly increase the premiums offered.
The larger the receipts the greater the
opportunity for the society to Increase
its work.
These organized societies should take
up the lessons Of the exhibitions and the
yearly institutes aud by some continuous
work during the mouths following
quicken TO greater activity. The society
should supplement the educational feat
ures of the exhibitions with those OF
the lecture and debate, holding frequent
meetings In the several sections, organ
iring for discussions and pushing the
field OF investigation throughout the
winter months that the next years
operations may be more abundant and
G. NJ. TwrrCHELL.