1846. 



GENESEE FARMER. 



229 



that there is a slight difference in the plan rec- 

 ommended here, and the description of that on 

 which I drew the premium that year in this coim- 

 ty. The chief ditFerence consists in the top fix- 

 tures for turning sheep. The latter I think 

 much preferable for common farm fence. Tlie 

 former was topped with posts and boards, though 

 I see nothing is said about it in the published 

 description. 



While on this subject of roads let me suggest 

 another thought. Our roads are, a great major- 

 ity of them, two narrow — much within the lawiul 

 width. I suggest that the officers in the several 

 towns in Western New York, whose business it 

 is, should see to this long neglected but quite im- 

 portant subject ; and not only see to, but make 

 thorough work of it. Individuals have had tlie 

 land tlnat belongs to the public long enough. 



C. ROBINSO.X. 



Clarendon, Orleans Co.., 1846. 



P. S. A word on another subject. I have 

 read considerable in the Farmer recently of the 

 good effects of ashes applied to corn. I wish 

 some of your correspondents would publish their 

 experience about quick lime for the same use ; 

 for that article is as cheap, per busliel, as ashes 

 in some sections, and especially in Clarendon. 

 Tell how and when to apply it, and all about it — 

 its relative strength, utility, &c. C. R. 



We owe an apology to Mr. R., for having, at 

 the time of its receipt, misj)laced the above arti- 

 cle. It was received last winter, and should have 

 appeared in our March number. — [Pub. 



Monroe Co. Ag. Society.— Its next Fair. 



Dr. Lee — Dear Sir : Permit me once more, 

 through tlie medium of your valuable journal, to 

 say a few words to my fellow farmers on what 1 

 consider will promote their true interests, extend 

 their social intercourse, and increase their ration- 

 al enjoymnnt. 



The time of our Annual Festival (Agricultu- 

 ral Exhibition,) is at hand, and it will depend 

 upon us, whether it will prove a benefit, be in- 

 tei'esting, or otlierwise. It is very much to be 

 regretted that so many of the practical cultiva- 

 tors of the soil are so much opposed to agricultu- 

 ral associations, which might be made so emi- 

 nently useful, if we could but give them our 

 united support. 



I am aware of the numerous objections that 

 many of you have against societies and their 

 management ; but, fellow laborers, reflect for a 

 moment and see how few there are of those ob- 

 jections that cannot be removed, if you will but 

 give the society your active support. Tlie insti- 

 tution and its management are purely our own, 

 and if it is not rightly directed, the fault is ours. 

 The great difficulty with us is, that we do not 

 duly appreciate the value of our societies. We 

 too generally estimate them as a matter of mere 

 dollars and cents, and when we think that we 



have not a good chance for a premium, we deem 

 it not worthy of our attention ; and, when we 

 are confident of success, pay our dollar and at- 

 tend. If we are not successful, tlien we are mor- 

 tified, blame the judges, and condemn the society. 

 Now, my dear friends, this is not the right way 

 to do; the few dollars as premiums are not the 

 object of the society, any more than the school- 

 master's tickets are the motive for attending 

 school. The premiums, like the tickets, are 

 only intended as prompters to action, and never 

 ought to be the motive for attending. 



The expense of keeping up the society is too 

 trifling to deserve notice, by farmers who are the 

 owners of the soil they cultivate ; and as for the 

 time necessary for performing all the duties of 

 the society, and attending the exhibitions, there 

 are few of us but what spend more time on things 

 of much less importance. 



Try it, fellow farmers — give the society your 

 cordial and united support, — attend the Fair, and 

 let each one contribute something towards the 

 exhibition, and be sui-e to encourage the youth, 

 both male and female, to attend and take an ac- 

 tive interest in the business of the day. It will 

 be a valuable school, one of practical utility to 

 them ; seeing what can be done, and what others 

 are doing, will arouse their active energies, and 

 awaken their laudable emulation, extend their 

 social intercourse, and increase tlie social and 

 friendly feelings of society. 



Try it, fellow laborers, — try it, — turn out 

 unanimously, and Western New York will not 

 be second in the State, nor in the Union, in in- 

 dustry and skill /n productions and exhibitions. 

 Rest assured that you will not regret the time 

 and money thus spent. 



To the Artists and Mechanics : — Fellow la- 

 borers, think not because our association is called 

 agricultural, that you are excluded. No, far 

 otherwise — our interests are mutual ; without us 

 you could not exist, and without you, we could 

 not be prosperous nor successful. All produc- 

 tive industry adds to the wealth of the world, in- 

 creases tlie comforts of life, and promotes the 

 happiness and general weal of society. Come 

 on, my fellow laborers, come on, exhibit the va- 

 rious fruits of your industry and skill ; encourage 

 us, and we will patronize you. 



Ladies, we would earnestly solicit your pat- 

 ronage, knowing that your united exertions are 

 always successful. Honor us with your presence 

 at the Fair, and ornament the display with the 

 varied and numerous works of your skillful hands. 



Let us enjoy, at least once a year, the happi- 

 ness of social intercourse, unmarred by party 

 strife, or sectarian discord; and be assured that 

 it will extend and strengthen the social bonds of 

 society, and increase the rational enjoyment of 

 social life. A sincere Friend and 



Lover of Social Intercoursii.h. 



Monroe County, Sept. 15, 1846. 



