32 PLAIN AND PLEASANT TALK 



course, half done. This led to dissatisfaction. The mis- 

 takes of carelessness were attributed to partiality or preju- 

 dice. Some dropped off; others relaxed; aiul, AY hen the 

 excitement \vas iM>nr, i\ \\ cared to take the dull but real 

 and necessary IMIMI 



4. Notwithstanding all these things, the county societies 

 did a great deal of good. A skillful farmer told me, that 

 in the county, where he resided, there was hardly a con- 

 siderable farmer \\lio did not try a few acres, at least, to 

 see what he could do / and even many renters exhibited 

 specimens of fine cultivation. More attention was paid 

 to every part of the farm ; and, for a time, everything felt 

 the impulse. 



A few words to those who may embark again in this good 

 cause. 



1 . It is best to begin as you can hold out. A great meet- 

 ing, a vast roll of by-laws, a regiment of officers, a parade 

 of speeches, these make a fine meeting, and that's all. Let 

 a few stanch friends to improvement put their heads and 

 hands together, without show or noise ; begin at the little 

 end, and hold fast what is gained. 



2. In choosing officers, societies almost invariably steer 

 upon one rock on which thousands have split. There is a 

 desire to put great men into offices, to get their influence. 

 In a mere public meeting of a day, this is well enough ; but 

 in a society which is to exist by efficient labor, it is suicide. 

 Such men like to be puffed and published as presidents, 

 chairmen, etc., etc., but that ends the matter. They go 

 away and are not seen again till the next annual meeting, 

 when, lo ! a resurrection takes place ; and they flame again, 

 a whole year's zeal exhibited in one day. It is best to 

 select officers, who are well broken, of a good strain of 

 blood, and who pull steadily, on hard ground, in the mud, 

 over bridging, or upon turnpikes. In this way we may not 

 have quite so large a show, but we shall have a steadily 

 growing and efficient society. 



