378 
EDUCATION OF FARMERS. 
The arrangements of this society are the most 
perfect ot any in the country. Everything 
about these grounds shows the work of a 
master spirit, and a mind full of energy to 
do good, which actuates the managers, particu- 
larly the President, Charles B. Calvert. Every 
evening during the fair, a meeting was held at 
the society's rooms in the city, where reports of 
committees were made, and matters relating to 
them and the interests of the society and candi- 
dates for premiums freely discussed. 
The Annual Address, was delivered by Hon. 
Willoughby Newton, of Virginia, and was just 
such a common-sense document as might have 
been expected from one of the best practical 
farmers in the country ; such as always should 
be selected upon every similar occasion. It 
will be referred to again when published. 
Burlington- County (N. J.) Fair. — This was 
held as usual at Mount Holly, and in contrast 
with that at Baltimore, shows the great want of 
some permanent fixtures. The show of cattle, 
particularly some Devons of Thomas Hancock 
and Mr. Ferris, as well as some fine Durhams, 
good natives, and some beautiful oxen, was 
highly creditable. There were some good hors- 
es, and a fine show of swine, the Dutchess 
and Chester breed being the favorites. The 
show of sheep was beneath notice. The exhibi- 
tion of agricultural implements was meagre. A 
very large tent was filled with vegetables, 
fruit, flowers, and ladies' work and dairy and 
household manufactures. But above all things 
else, the show of people exceeded anything 
ever witnessed at the fair of any county society, 
not only in number but in general thrifty ap- 
pearance of men, women, and children, and all 
the appurtenances of good teams and wagons, 
and carriages, which plainly showed the prosper- 
ous condition of agriculture in that part of New 
Jersey. 
The address was made by Dr. Emerson, of 
Philadelphia, but whether good or bad, what 
man can tell'? For none could penetrate the im- 
mense mass of females who rilled the tent so 
densely that to get near enough to hear was out 
of the question. It was exceedingly gratifying 
to witness such a turn out, as it gives promise of 
success. We predict that no common event can 
stop the onward progress of this society in its 
career of usefulness. 
A permanent location should be fixed upon 
and improved, and farmers should lend some- 
thing besides their mere presence to help make 
up the annual show. The officers of the socie- 
ty should adopt measures to make the people 
read, by giving books and agricultural papers 
as premiums, and by an easy arrangement with 
publishers, getting a dollar paper for fifty cents, 
so as to give every one who will pay the society 
a dollar, a certificate of membership and sub- 
scription to the paper. The good effects of 
this plan are visible in many other counties. 
One great fault in the Mount-Holly fair was in 
the necessary hurry to get through in one day. 
It should be continued at least two days, to ac- 
commodate such a mass of people. 
Fair of Westchester County, N. Y. — This was 
held this year at Tarrytown. To say it was 
worthy of such a wealthy farming county, is 
stretching the truth too far. Any half dozen 
farmers could get up a better show if they de- 
sired. Think of 25 entries of cattle and 19 of 
sheep in such a great stock county — probably 
a dozen head of swine and as many coops of 
fowls — a few good horses and a few more not 
so good. As for agricultural implements, farm 
wagons, carts, and carriages, or agricultural 
machinery, where were they? Echo answers. 
There was perhaps a cart load of vegetables 
and fruit, and other small matters arranged un- 
der a most superb, large tent; under which was 
also arranged a speaker's stand and seats for 
the better half of creation, and very fine stand- 
ing room for the other half, 
The plowing and spading match of the Amer- 
ican Institute, held in conjunction with this 
county fair, though spirited in the performance, 
was very meagre in point of numbers of corn- 
competitors only three plowman and four 
spaders entering the lists. Yet, notwithstand- 
ing the meagreness of the show, the crowd of 
people in attendance upon both days was wor- 
thy of all commendation. Many of these were 
the wives and daughters of farmers, some of 
whom were not only intelligent, healthy, and 
thrifty in appearance, but truly beautiful. Up- 
on both days, the great tent was crowded full 
to hear the addresses of Dr. D. P. Gardner and 
General Dix, both of which were full of good 
things and duly appreciated by an intelligent 
audience. If a quarter part of the people of 
Westchester possessed a small share of the enthu- 
siasm of the president of this society, they would 
soon make it one of the best in the state. 
No doubt another year will add greatly to the 
interest, as a good spirit seemed to be awaken- 
ed at the meeting and a determination to im- 
prove. If the plan proposed of putting an 
agricultural paper into the hands of every fam- 
ilv who will become members, is carried out, the 
very next show will do credit to the county ; and 
a particular friend of the cause will be there to 
lend his aid to help along the improvement. 
Shall he have the pleasure of meeting many old 
friends and making more new ones among the 
farmers of Westchester 1 
Education of Farmers. — Farmers often com- 
plain that they are deficient in education. For 
this, there is no necessity. Let them support 
and improve good common schools. Let them 
avail themselves of the other means of mental 
improvement within their reach, and they will 
acquire an education adequate for any occasion 
they will be called to meet; and they will hold 
an elevation in society held by no other class 
of men. It is known that they have a large 
amount of leisure. Let this be spent in the cul- 
tivation of their minds; inlaying up stores of 
knowledge. — Blake's Farmers' Every-Day Book. 
.©- 
Grapes will Rot in badly-drained land 
much more than upon a dry soil. Too much 
shade will also rot them. To avoid this, pluck 
off the leaves and let in the sun. 
