The Newtown bee., 1904-12-02
OUR NEIGHBORS. OLD.TI1E COUNTY FAIR. THE NEW ENGLAND INSTITUTION THAT
 IS ON THE DECLINE.

It must seem quite evident to one going the rounds of the fairs at this season that the old-fashioned ''cattle show" or the so-called "county fair" has lived its day and is rapidly becom- ing thing of the past, says 1.-The Boston Transcript.'' True, George Ade has given us play with 1t as the theme, but it is no more picture of present conditions than "The Old Homestead" is. There is but little now even to remind one of the good old days when the husbandman, with his goodly helpmeet, represented to cates of industry now represent to the public. Time was when the people of the rural community raised and slaughtered their own beef, wOve their own fabrics, built their own wagons and supplied all neceSsaries of life. Their larders were packed with meats and fruits, nearly all of which were the direct result Of their own industry and talent. Neighbor vied with neigh Dor m producing superior results. The challenge was taken up, and the test "fair," where products were placed side by side for public inspection. Money premiums in those days did not count for much. Indeed, there were practically no such premiums. It was enough that the product, whether of the farm or handicraft, should receive especial cOmmendation in points of perfection and utility.
 Such competitions under the name of cattle shows or fairs began in the early years of the 18th century. In time almost every town had its ''show." Some of them died of their {pn ohSnrhad o larger fairs, while others have Strug- gled for existence to the present day. owing what life they have to the ap- propriation of up-to- date methods and attractions.
 Something of the old parish cult en- tered into the spirit of the early show. It belonged to community. It was opened with religious exercises. Every body was expected to attend divine services, and everybody did attend them. By the time the day was over, had their inning. The fair was brought to close by grand ball. What happened between-the real thing-the exhibition of cattle, farm products, and arts and crafts, is well told in some lines of Will Carleton, written 25 years ago-a description of his day. They run as follows:
 They brought the best and sleekest of their
 locks-
 The milkiest COW, the squarest shOuldered OK The bull, with mimic thunder in his cry, And lightning in each eager. wicked-eye; The sheep that had the heaviest garments
 worn.
 The cock that crowed the loudest in the morn The mule, unconscious hypocrite and knave The horse, proud high born Asiatic slave: The playful calf. with eyes precocious bright The hog--grim quadrupedal appetite;
 The India corn prodigal of yield, The golden pumpkin, nugget of the field; The merriest-eyed potatoes, nursed in gloom Just resurrected from their cradle tomb; Rich apples, mellow checked. su f1icent all To've tempted Eve to fall-to make them fall The grapes whose picking served strong vines
 to prune,
 The peach-rich altho of the orchards tune The very best the farmers land had grown They brought to this menagerle of their own The new made plough, with curving iror The thresher, with its snowy plume of steam The windmill, now once more at work fo
 men,
 Like some old help, discharged, and hired
 again;
 The patent churns, whose recommends would