94 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



but I was outvoted." Each one of them made that same 

 answer. This little incident first called my attention to pos- 

 sible evils of this system, and led to the study of the deci- 

 mal system and the benefits resulting from the use of the 

 score card. 



If the comparative system is to be continued, then one 

 man should make the awards in each class. These objec- 

 tions are manifest and valid, but the chief reason why the 

 State should require a different system, and insist upon its 

 intelligent application, is that the defeated party knows not 

 why he loses or the winner why he gains. The one may be 

 content with the honor and the other retire without complain- 

 ing, but neither has been helped to an appreciation of what 

 is necessary for improvement by having the weak as well as 

 strong features of their individual exhibits presented in de- 

 tail. In fact, the committee awards too often encourage bad 

 practices by strengthening selfish admiration for one's own 

 stock, and blinding to its defects, and also discourage by 

 failing to strengthen an appreciation of the good work 

 already accomplished. There is, there can be, nothing edu- 

 cative under this system. 



An agricultural society exists for three distinct pur- 

 poses : — 



First. To afford amusement and recreation. 



Second. To stimulate production through competition. 



Third. To educate, that agriculture may be advanced and 

 mechanics promoted. 



Competition, w^hich is the prime factor in improvement, 

 unless guarded and restricted, develops into a single thought 

 of winning, regardless of justice or equity. 



That competition may be made an educator, and thus a 

 helper to better conditions, there is demanded the safeguard 

 of the scale of points. 



Thus from every stand-point it becomes obvious that it 

 is the duty of the State either to withdraw its support or 

 require that the fundamental principle upon which these 

 societies were founded be applied. 



From an outside position, realizing the grand work pos- 

 sible through these incorporated bodies, and the supreme 

 necessity for its accomplishment, the work performed by this 



