ASSOCIATION OF FAIK MAXAGEKS, 179 



was well up to the ideal in both exhibition and management, and all 

 such fairs should have the encouragement of every citizen and the sup- 

 port of the Legislature in any emergency. 



What fairs have accomplished defines their object and purpose and is 

 the heritage of everyone, whether from town or country. There is no 

 other place provided for the assemblage of the people where such great 

 and diversified benefits can be obtained. 



To succeed upon the farm the agriculturist must adopt advanced 

 methods and prosecute the lines most to his lilving. He must know how 

 to score its points if he desires a perfect animal. He must know the 

 most profitable stock to raise and how to care for it, the best feed to 

 use and the best results obtainable from it. He must know the varieties 

 best adapted to his purposes and the climate where he lives, if he wishes 

 to set an orchard or a vineyard. He must know the kinds of seed to 

 plant and the character and needs of the soil where he plants it. 



He must know something of the best machinery and implements, 

 how to use and repair them, and where he can best buy them. 



To be a useful citizen he must keep advised as to the affairs of his 

 country and in touch with the progi-essive element of his county and 

 State. 



At these great schools of instruction he sees the best specimens in 

 every department, carefully observes the points of merit and improve- 

 ment, and by free intercourse with the people, he is enabled to correct 

 liis mistakes and profit by the experience of others. 



The housewife learns of new ideas for the development, beautifying 

 and economical management of the home. In the sphere of needlework 

 she is enchanted with practical and useful designs. In greeting friends 

 and extending acquaintance she feels the burden of the daily round of 

 life lightened, and for a- time forgets the oft-recurring thought that 

 "woman's work is never done." 



The boys about the barns and pens, the agricultural, horticultural and 

 mechanical halls are looking, listening, learning; gathering information 

 for the foundation of the edifice of future usefulness. The girls, here with 

 the choicest viands, there among the flowers, here in the midst of the 

 finest display of needlework, there in the presence of the greatest works of 

 art, looking, listening, learning, storing up ideas of business, culture and 

 refinement. 



The artist hangs his best productions alongside those of another. He 

 hears the expressions of commendation and criticism. While flushed 

 with success he is gratified to learn of mistakes in placing lights and 

 shadows. The tradesman and manufacturer find in the exhibition of their 

 goods the most practical as well as the most economical method of 

 attracting the attention of the people, and the genius suggestions and 

 material for his limitless field of investigation. And as a means of 

 advertising a county and of dis.seminating information among the people. 



