250 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



OUE FAIRS AND HOW TO IMPEOVE THEM. 



BY HENBY PRALICK. 



The formation of agricultural societies, now so numerous in this and other 

 countries, belongs chiefly to this century, though their origin dates further 

 back. In Great Britain the Highland Society of Scotland, the oldest in the 

 kingdom, was formed in 1780. Some small associations of similar character 

 may have existed at the same time on the continent of Europe. In our own 

 country the first steps towards such organizations were taken shortly after the 

 close of the war of the revolution. Several gentlemen who had occupied 

 prominent military and other positions during that contest, on returning 

 again to agricultural pursuits, and seeing the low condition into which agri- 

 culture had fallen during the long period when the mental and physical ener- 

 gies of the people had been almost entirely absorbed in the great straggle for 

 national existence, resolved to associate themselves together for the improve- 

 ment of that interest which they well understood constitutes the foundation of 

 the country's prosperity. 



This association was organized in 178? and was called "The Philadelphia 

 Society for the Improvement of Agriculture." It numbered among its mem- 

 bers George Washington (as an honorary member), Kobert Morris, Richard 

 Peters, Timothy Pickering, and other distinguished men. Pickering, who 

 was Secretary of State under Washington, returned to Massachusetts, his 

 native State, on leaving that office, and took an active part in the Massachusetts 

 Society for promoting agriculture, which was formed in 1792, and included 

 among its members many of the leading men of the State — the eminent 

 Samuel Adams being its first president. 



The New York State Society for the promotion of agriculture, arts, and 

 manufactures was organized in 1793, with Chancellor Livingston at. its head, 

 and Dr. Samuel L. Mitchell, John Jay, Horatio Gates, and other eminent men 

 as members. County societies were formed in several of the States before the 

 close of the last century. But it was not until the war of 1812-15 that these 

 societies became general. 



The Massachusetts Society held its first exhibition at Brighton in 181G. This 

 appears to have been the first State exhibition in the country. The society 

 made annual exhibitions for many years. They attracted great attention, were 

 attended by leading agriculturists from all parts of the country, and undoubt- 

 edly exerted much influence towards the introduction of similar exhibitions in 

 other States. 



Before the establishment of exhibitions societies directed their efforts mainly 

 to bringing out papers or essays in answer to questions propounded. Much 

 valuable matter was brought out in this way; matter which even now may be 

 read with advantage. Some societies, like that of Massachusetts, offered 

 premiums for the introduction of speciments of breeds of domestic animals, 

 implements, seeds, etc., which were thought to be desirable. Merino, Leices- 

 ter, and Texel sheep and Short-horn and Holstein cattle were introduced into 

 Massachusetts under these offers. Premiums were also offered for experiments. 



The Philadelphia Society published its doings in volumes entitled "Mem- 

 oirs," etc. ; the Massachusetts Society published its " Repository and Jour- 

 nal ; " and the New York Society issued its " Transactions." 



Any person who will take the trouble to look over these old volumes will find 



