59 



ages of toil and labor have been bestowed iipon literatui'e. Brain 

 work has been expended for years upon mechanics, while farming 

 has gone on in the same old rut. 



The old theory that anybody can be a farmer, and that all the ed- 

 ucated must be ministers, lawyers, doctors, or poHticians is false for 

 practical skill can only be acquired by practice, and real knowledge 

 only by hard study. A farmer needs both that he may be successful. 

 It is said that woman's wits go into her clothes — too true, 

 as seen iu the frills, ruffles, laces and ribbons with which she is 

 adorned. So let farmers' wits go into their farms, as seen in the best 

 of everything l^rought to our agricultural fairs, to deck the tables 

 and walls, and fiU the grounds of the society and thus excite the am- 

 bition of the thoughtless and more heedless classes among us. 



In conclusion, let me suggest a few ways of making the Hamp- 

 shire Agricultural Society what it should be, prosperous, aUve and 

 free from debt. First, we ought all to offer the prayer of the zealous 

 minister. Second, every member male and female should induce 

 one person, at least, to join the society. This would double the 

 membership and pay off the debt, and leave a thousand dollars in 

 the treasury to fall back upon some rainy day. Third, at the fair of 

 1872, let every member contribute something for the exhibition. If 

 awarded a premimn be satisfied with the honor of being the lucky 

 competitor, and leave the money in the treasury which will add 

 another thousand dollars to the permanent fund. Thus proceed 

 until the society can throw oj^en its doors wide and free, thereby in- 

 creasing knowledge among the people and the fairs shall add 

 wealth and happiness to every household. 



E. A. Thomas, Secreiari/. 



