1868. 



NEW ENGLAND FAE^IER. 



433 



I admit this, and feel the annoyance as much 

 as any one, that such exhibitions of speed admit 

 of such chances for deception. That there are 

 many dishonest jockeys, I do not question ; 

 nor do 1 doubt that their action, and that of 

 equally dishonest owners, brings much oblo- 

 quy upon these trials. Nor do I suppose it 

 can be wholly avoided. Still I do believe 

 there are advantages enough to be derived 

 from speed trials at agricultural meetings, if 

 properly conducted by the managers of such 

 associations, to make the bi-eeding of a fast 

 horse a profitable undertaking, and the occa- 

 sion a pleasant, proper and profitable one. 



And although we are "welcome to the un- 

 qualified condemnation" of the editor of the 

 Canada Farmer for such trials of speed at 

 our agricultural shows, 1 cannot believe that 

 such condemnation will frighten the managers 

 of our New England fairs into the adoption of 

 such measures as will dissuade the thousands 

 of farmers and breeders within her limits from 

 demanding a fair and judicious share of the 

 public funds devoted to such fairs for the en- 

 couragement of that class of breeding in which 

 they are interested ; a claim as equitable as 

 that of the cattle breeder, sheep breeder, and 

 mechanic. 



As to "whirly-go-rounds," "side shows," 

 &c., it may be as well to have them inside as 

 outside the grounds, where they have a right, 

 and will attract those who wish to examine. 

 I do not wish to be understood as upholding 

 side shows, unless they are of a proper char- 

 acter for amusement or "instruction." But if 

 they will add to the innocent amusement and 

 instruction of a day or two, and at the same 

 time increase the general fund, I am willing to 

 receive them. And as the public is not forced 

 to sustaim them, I doubt not they will suffer 

 them. 



According to the statement of our Canadian 

 visitor, who attended the New England shew 

 at Concord in 18C5, "Nothing was lacking in 

 good order. No intoxicating drinks were al- 

 lowed to be sold upon the ground, but the 

 objectionable features were trials of speed and 

 side shows." I am aware that trials of spe6d 

 are not as common in Canada as in the States. 

 But in England, a country that assumes to 

 lead her colonies and the rest of the world, 

 trials of speed are not only occasions of more 

 excitement and interest than all their other 

 exhibitions together, but the staid citizen, the 

 church-goer, and statesman, as well as the 

 tradesman and artisan, make it the occasion of 

 welcome recreation. I have visited the fair 

 grounds of England and France on many occa- 

 sions of great interest, and may be allowed to 

 say that as far as the morality of such occasions 

 is concerned, I see nothing to make us asham- 

 ed of "sober New England." 



In conclusion, allow me to express my con- 

 viction that the success of agricultural fairs 

 depends upon a judicious unity of all agricul- 

 tural interests in one show. Catering to the 



various tastes of all classes, an interested 

 crowd is called out from all departments of 

 life. That there are many who do^not care 

 for trials of speed, I do not doubt. There 

 are others who are not interested in s^ilie, 

 cattle or sheep ; and others who are not inter- 

 ested ■«! agricultural tools and machinery, — 

 yet each department, well represented, makes 

 an occasion of great interest. Let not the 

 trials of speed overshadow or take too great 

 prominence, but allow them to have such place 

 as shall ensure success ; and let the manage- 

 ment be such as shall give confidence that the 

 rights of all will be respected and guarded, 

 dishonest jockeys and gamblers notwithstand- 

 ing. And when such get the reins or on the 

 stand, and it is apparent, let no false delicacy 

 allow them to injure the success of a show. 



I cheerfully grant that the great experience 

 of Mr. Howard, and the opinion of our Cana- 

 dian friend should be fully considered, from 

 their stand point. But let the breeders of 

 horses be heard also. 



The New England Agricultural Society has 

 been of the greatest benefit, by stimulating 

 among the people of the New England Stages 

 a laudable desire to excel in all her varied ag- 

 ricultural interests, and I hope it may not be 

 induced to throw aside its trials for speed ; 

 nor can 1 believe these trials have injured any 

 other interest. Truly yours, 



T. S. Lang. 



North Vassalboro\ Me., July 27, 1868. 



For the New England Farmer, 

 SilEMIWa INCONGRUITIES. 



Said an acquaintance recently, "What is 

 the benefit of continually reading agricultural 

 papers and books, and hearing addresses and 

 discussions, when they contain so much that is 

 contradictory ? Some say, phosphate of lime 

 or flour of bone is excellent, indispensable ; 

 others declare that equal parts of oyster shells 

 and sand ground together, would produce as 

 much benefit on their land. A few years ago 

 in setting out trees or a vineyard, deep trench- 

 ing and high manuring were recommended; 

 now it is shallow planting, with little or no 

 manure. One man plants his seed potatoes 

 whole, another cuts them mto small pieces, 

 while a third class plant small potatoes, and 

 each claim to have good success. In some lo- 

 calities grass is cut while in bloom, while in 

 others, good farmers say, let it stand until 

 well ripened. Here are some men extolling 

 Jersey cattle, while their neighbors declare 

 they would not farm if they were obliged to 

 keep them. One nurseryman would advise 

 you to buy certain trees or vines ; another, 

 only a few miles distant, assures you with 

 equal positiveness that his favorites cannot be 

 surpassed. And so it is, for and against, 

 through all the operations of the farm, and 

 the whole catalogue of fruits and animals. 

 Frequently after^ searching for information 



