_Premiums._—The most simple means of encouraging enterprise is found in premiums of various kinds offered by individuals, local societies or municipal authority. These operate by adding to the natural advantage of energetic labor some special reward in recognition of its accomplishment. Illustrations are familiar in connection with so-called fairs of all kinds where prizes are distributed for the largest product of a kind, the most profitable crop, the best article for any purpose, the greatest variety of crops or stock, or for any conceivable device which seems to add to the producing power of the community. Governments often offer premiums for plans of public buildings, and sometimes for offensive weapons. All of these operate upon the one principle of arousing special energy by superior advantage given to the successful competitor. Its advantages are evident. Its disadvantages sometimes outweigh advantages. It encourages somewhat the spirit of gambling, resulting in devices for winning the prize through false representation. It exaggerates the importance of showy qualities for the sake of notoriety, and it fosters those jealousies which too constantly interfere with the welfare of communities. Both advantages and disadvantages are well illustrated in agricultural fairs. These have proved a most admirable stimulant to better agriculture, where clear-headed, intelligent judges have judiciously distributed prizes of such a nature as to have their chief use in establishing the quality of the product shown without catering too distinctly for the enthusiasm of the crowd or for individual profit. The chief end of all such incentives is rightly found in the educational influence from comparison of products and the establishment of standards which the whole mass of the people may be led to accept.