226 HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 



look upon the improvements that, within the last twenty years, 

 have been made in farming, and feel a satisfaction in believing 

 that the art is beginning to be understood. But we have 

 just entered upon the dawn of improvements in agriculture. 

 What the end will be, is beyond our comprehension. We pre- 

 dict, however, that farming is yet to be a popular branch of 

 industry. It has not of late years been popular, for many rea- 

 sons ; one of which may be, that farmers have not, as a class, 

 made their grounds and buildings more attractive. An appear- 

 ance of neatness and comfort should be the first thing to greet 

 the eye, as you approach the farmhouse ; and this may be gain- 

 ed, not necessarily by great labor and expense, but by a few 

 leisure moments each day or week, which would otherwise be 

 entirely lost. Good animals, well kept, are always attractive, 

 while poor animals, with corresponding keeping, are equally 

 repulsive. 



An idea prevails that, to be a farmer, and one worthy the 

 name, a large number of acres must be cultivated ; but experi- 

 ence proves that a few acres, well tilled, will yield a greater 

 income than many acres that are neglected. Ploughing for 

 crops demands great care and attention. No doubt there are 

 many farmers, who do not know how to plough well ; they 

 imagine that if the ground is broken and turned up, it is all 

 that is necessary. But we believe that it requires the same 

 kind of attention and skill to plough well, and in a manner 

 best adapted to the soil and the crop, as it does to make a 

 wagon, or build a house. And when a boy, who has not learn- 

 ed, or a hired man who does not care, is sent into the field to 

 plough for a crop, without proper directions in regard to his 

 work, you may be sure that disappointment will spring out of 

 the furrows, instead of an abundant harvest. 



The cattle show and fair of the society was held at Spring- 

 field on Wednesday and Thursday, October 2d and 3d. 

 Wednesday was very rainy, so that the show of animals was 

 not very large, though of choice animals. Thursday was 

 pleasant and warm, and the show of horses was very fine. The 

 display of manufactured articles, vegetables, butter and other 

 articles, was very large and attractive, and more people entered 



