,666 THE FLORIST AND 



tions capable of penetrating the hidden operations of nature, so far as they 

 lie within his sphere of action; profiting by all that is deducjble from, or 

 observable in her teachings? And is it not a reproach to us, farmers, if 

 we do not establish our claim to this high consideration, and prove that we 

 are not the dull, unenlightened drudges we are supposed to be — good but so 

 far as material strength may serve, to toil, with other working animals of the 

 field! 



Agricultural exhibitions are precursors of improvement-^they are emi- 

 nently calculated to arrest the attention of the apathetic — to break in upon 

 the dull monotony that pervades the locality where the fair is held. They 

 are as interesting as they are instructive, and never fail, if properly con- 

 ducted, of impressing a salutary and abiding influence upon the minds of all 

 who have participated in their interesting display and innocent recreation. 

 Within their enclosures are to be found the best specimens of farm stock, 

 the choicest varieties of seeds, samples of the best crops, improved imple- 

 ments of husbandry, specimens of household manufacture, butter, cheese and 

 poultry; all arranged for the inspection of the curious, and challenging 

 competition. Who can look upon such a scene and not be struck with a 

 deep sense of its utility, and what farmer, however enlightened, but may 

 add something to his stock of knowledge, or have his doubts removed as to 

 the excellence of some breed of farm stock, or the capability of some imple- 

 ment, which he had never used, for the work it was designed to execute ? 

 And who can be insensible to the advantages of such an opportunity for an 

 interchange of opinion upon the theory and practice of culture and hus- 

 bandry ; upon soils, and the adaptation of crops and manures to each va- 

 riety respectively? These, with the friendly greetings, the revival of old 

 acquaintanceship, and the formation of new friendships, give to the scene a 

 holiday freshness — a dash of rural felicity, that compensates for many a 

 Jong and solitary day of toil upon the farm. 



FARMERS AND RAILROADS. 



No wonder that Farmers dislike granting the right of way to Rail Roads. 

 Mail Trains, Express Trains, Lightning Trains, fly through his grounds, 

 smoking, steaming and screaming, as if in derision of him. Perhaps, an ac- 

 GQmmodation train comes along once a day, but it does not stop at his 

 gate ; no ! no ! He must go to the station three miles off or more, and be 

 there rain or shine to the minute, and ten to one at the very hour, when in- 

 stead of leaving home he ought to be returning to it ; no great accomoda- 

 tion to him truly. If there be a station or water tank on his farm is he 



