STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 199 



FAIR ATTRACTIONS. 



I have no desire to drape the fair, but wish that the crimson 

 hues of vice might be supplanted by the more pleasing colors of 

 joys that bring no pain. Let us welcome the "merry-go-round" 

 that swings its happy burden to the sound of the hurdy-gurdy; 

 the stimulants to feats of manly strength, the national game, 

 firemen and band parades, glass-ball shooting, and increase their 

 number by inducements and ingenuity. Let ample Scope be 

 given for "youthful jollity." The fair is now and ever should 

 be a place for pleasure. It should be pruned of those things 

 that lead into doubtful and dangerous ways; the fair should not 

 lead anyone into temptation. 



THE FAIR AS AN EDUCATOR. 



It should be more of an educator than it is. I submit the fol- 

 lowing suggestions as aids in that direction: 



1. Domestic animals should be scaled by points; the judge 

 should have an outline of a perfect form furnished him as an aid 

 for this work. It is painful to see awards made upon size alone; 

 the world is full of quantity, but is still short on quality. 



2. This form test should also apply to vegetables. 



3. Grains should be graded by recognized standards. Samples 

 of standard grains should be at hand for comparison. 



4. Judging should be done openly; that is a reason given by 

 making an outline, or by verbal or written announcement why 

 awards are given. 



5. Standard packages for products and standard coops for 

 fowls, etc., should be recognized; such things educate rapidly. 



6. All entries should be made before the fair opens, and 

 judges carefully selected and supplied with outlines and guides 

 in standard measurement. If need be, pay them well and so get 

 good services. 



7. Paid and educated judges would be of great value; this 

 paid method already prevails at competitive examinations of a 

 high order. 



I close by repeating a former statement, that the faults of the 

 fair system are not the faults of the fair managers. 



The following address was then delivered by Prof. Cyrus 

 Northrop, president of the University of Minnesota, upon the 

 subject of "'Agricultural Education." 



