The Tupelo journal., 1905-11-03
BY H. E. BLAKESLEE, Jackson.

the 18th. This was the second year for
that phenomenally successful institution
and the promoters, who are of McComb's
best business men, lave much to con-
graduate themselves for.
The grounds for the Fair are well stu
ated just outside the residence district
and conveniently arranged for the pur-
poses intended. The track is one-half
mile and an unusually fast one. A large
grand stand, with a seating capacity of
$500 persons and solidly constructed,
affords comfort for an ordinary attend
ance. A large building for the display
of exhibits had been provided, as well
as a number of smaller ones for various
purposes. Dozens of comfortable stalls
for stock of every kind were arranged
around the grounds. Take it all in all,
everything necessary to the successful
conducting of a county fair had been
literally provided.
Last year, the opening year, the or
ganization held a most satisfactory meet
ing. The attendance, while not nearly
what it was this year, was gratifying in
deed and the expense incident to holding
the fair was more than met by the re-
ceipts. Between fou and five thousand
people were present the opening day
this year and the attendance during the
entire time was splendid. As good stock
as the South can afford was on exhibit
ton and in large variety and num-
bers. The agricultural exhibits were
magnificent and clearly demonstrated
the fact that Pike County and South
Mississippi can't be beaten in this line.
The schools of MeComb deserve especial
mention for the highly creditable display
made and the fancy work by the ladies
would be in line for first prizes at any
place. The floral display attracted much
attention and elected words of admira-
ton and praise. DIR. Hart, of near Nc
Comb, exhibited more than 125 different
products from his farm, "Grampion
Hills and was the recipient of profuse
congratulations at the hands of his
friends and the public in general. Too
much space would be required to mention
every feature worthy, but suffice it to
saw that the Pike County Fair Is a
grand success from every standpoint, n
the gentlemen in charge are deserving OF
especial credit and commendation. 1t Is
now and in the future will prove, one
of the greatest factors III the develop
ment of that splendid section OF the
State. 1t was freely stated that the i'm
provement already noted would hand
somely repay the gentlemen who orlgl-
mated and put the enterprise on loot, II
not one dollar had been realized from
other sources. Progressiveness, energy
and business Judgment characterize the
management of the institution. May IL
continue to prosper and accelerate the
wonderful work of development now 60
ing on in that portion of the Greater
Mississippi"
1t was the writer's intention to spend
the 18th at Grenada, the opening day
of the fair at that point, but from the
fact of having been to McComb the day
previous quarantine regulations pre-
vented and there was nothing to do but
comply with the order to move on" Re
ports from there, however, state hat the
meeting was very successful and that
the event would be a feature every year.
Columbus held last week with a fine at
tendance and a satisfactory meeting.
Starkyille holds this week, and the pros
poets are said to be fattering.
In support of the writer's of~t-repeated
contention that the county fair is the
GREATEST uth elOptl vi tlIC PiNSNiIC S'ot viz
success of those noted above is offered. 1t
is not what money is taken at the gate
that counts, but in the improved condl-
ton of affairs in general. A community
that maintains a creditable fair Will out
distance the one that does not and sits
idly by upon laurels already won. The
friendly rivalry produced is the great
est stimulant imaginable for the farmer
and stock raiser to improve upon what
he has or had done during the year past.
Mississippi is fast awakening to the
realization of the Importance and value
of such enterprises, as Is evidenced by
the increased number that are springing
into existence. This means in the near
f Aure a Greater Mississippi in the full
and true meaning of the word.
The Pontotoc- R~idgeway Fruit Com
pany has been organized at Pontotoc for
the purpose of planting orchards and
marketing the product. A number OF
excellent business men are interested In
the movement and it goes without say
ing that success will crown their efforts.
Pontotoc is in a section of the State
noted for its fine fruit. The ridge of
hills that pass through that section are
said by those in a position to know to
be the best adapted to fruit raising OF
anv portion of the South. Prof. A. b.
Mckay. ho~rticulturist at the A. and Nj.
College, has purchased a tract of land
near Pontotoc, and last year planted
10000 peach trees, and will plant more
this year. The industry is one that is
very likely to increase in interest. Land
generally considered unfit for farming
will be made to produce of the worlds
needs and bring a profit to the owner
Nav the greatest measure OF success at
tend the efforts of the promoters, for 1T
means much to that section OF the State.
Yazoo City's new directory is being
distributed and contains the names end
addresses of 1864 people. There is
much friendly rivalry between a mum
her of progressive and aspiring towns
throughout the State and about the
same size. but Yazoo has the laugh on
them lust at present. Greenwood, Hat
t;esburg. Columbus and other towns
would Drove an inviting field for direct
ory canvassers just at this time.
THE curtain is down on the last act OF
the Stegomyia Fasciata Stock Company,
and let us hope that it will remain nailed
down.
The Magnolia Gazette cites an instance
where q farmer in the vicinity OF that
town realized over $50 from a sweet po-
tato match that cost him only $3.50. This
Ia another evidence of what the soil Of
- Lor oo,,ntias in that section