The Sun.
London, England, 1863-09-12 00:00:00

fno go, and when they are grown np, it is not likely
that they will depart from it. How true was that
saying of some thoughtful moralist, in regard to
the rival merits of schools and prisons,—" It is
better to place a sign post at the beginning of a
man's life than a gibbet at the end of it !" In the
good cause of ameliorating the condition of our
poor children much has already been undertaken,
much more also remains to be done, and to every
single effort which, like the country gathering we
have alluded to, tends to help on that noble work,
we very heartily wish a Goa-speed; and while we
congratulate the generous Samaritans who so bene-
volently lend their aid on the occasion we have
been here referring to, we trust that many others,
prompted by their example, may "go and do
likewise."

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

ITALY.

ROME, SEPT. 1

A Papal Bull has been published, creating saveral
benevolent establishmeLqs, and apportioning them
a revenue out of the private estates of the Pope.

Among the changes of the present day which are
unmistakeable improvements may be reckoned the
absence of that narrow exclusiveness which of old
concentrated the interest of each class upon itself.
Agriculture and mechanism were regarded as an-
tagonistic forces; they had each their votaries who
looked upon the members of the rival profession as
enemies; and the idea of anyone not a farmer or an
agriculturist of some sort, taking any part in the
proceedings of an agricultural society would have
been greeted with ridicule. But things have altered
for the better. As each science becomes more de-
veloped, as each branch of useful knowledge grows
more complete, a harmony is perceived between
them which was never visible before. It is seen
that, instead of being antagonistic, they are really
congenial, and that a man never does his own work
the worse from understanding the principles which
govern that of his neighbours. In addition to this
reason for the increased interest now taken in rural
gatherings and exhibitions, we may add that such
shows have considerably increased in. interest,
owing to the application of science to agricultural
implements. Those who know very little of farm-
ing practically may feel consideiable curiosity in
watching the action of the new steam ploughs, or in
examining the various devices by which air and
iron are brought to do the work of man. A liberal
example of the wonders effected in this class of
machinery was exhibited on Wednesday last by the
Manchester and Liverpool Agriculture Society.
This society possesses some claims to notice on the
ground of its antiquity, being thirty years old. It
has lasted through all the changes of those eventful
years, and has more especially flourished since the
two societies of Manchester and Liverpool were
united, at the suggestion of Lord DERBY, who is
one of its patrons. Its annual show, which was
this year the largest ever known, was held in
Birkenhead Park, a fact which gave occa.
son to some singular comparisons of the
present condition of the busy and thriving locality
with its former state. Fifty years ago Birkenhead
had only about sixteen houses, and little mare than
100 inhabitants. What it is now we all know, and
it is but fair that the first representative it has re-
turned to Parliament should be one of those public
spirited and energetic men who have made it what
it is. Mr. LAIRD was, of course, present on the
occasion of the recent gathering, and took a promi-
nent part at the annual dinner, where plenty of al-
lusions in jest and earnest were made to that far-
famed vessel which has made Birkenhead a word of
terror to the Yankees. However, all was taken in
good part, and when the health of " the first Parlia-
mentaryrepresentative of Birkenhead"was proposed,
the hearty cheers with which it was drunk were
wound up with " one more for the Alabama." So it
appears that the cause of the North is not very
popular in Birkenhead at all events, and the pre-
sumed infraction of neutrality which has called
down such vials of wrath from Mr. SEWARD has not
exposed the builder of the " 290" to any loss of the
respect of his town-fellows. The gentlemen con-
cerned in the management of the show might well
seek for some refreshment and entertainment at the
close of the day, for their labours were most arduous.
The judges found it impossible, notwithstanding
their exertions, to award the prizes until a very
late hour, and we shall not be surprised at this if
we glaace at the extent and variety of the articles
to be decided upon. There were, of course, agri-
cultural implements and machinery of all descriptions
—the new magic steam machinery exhibiting its
powers in action, cutting imaginary chaff, and crush-
ing useless corn. But besides tL ese familiarand useful
articles of industry there were model iron cottages
to be inspected, washing machines of fabulous power,
exciting the admiration of thrifty housewives,
and a still more astonishing apparatus for drying
the clothes thus marvellously washed. As Liver-
pool and its vicinity have long enjoyed an unenvi-
able notoriety for smoke and " blacks," it is to be
hoped that these industrial inventions will help to
remedy the evil. But the tasks of the visitors and
judges were not half done when ploughs, carriages,
sausage machines, and summerhouses were inspected.
There remained the live stock, which comprised four
separate shows-163 entries of horned cattle, 223
entries of sheep, and 83 entries of these equally use-
ful but lees esteemed animals, pigs, kept up our
English reputation in this particular, while the

show of poultry might serve to attract lady visitors,
and the canine race had an exhibition of its own.

The show of horses was something of an innovation
on the ordinary custom, but its extent and success
will probably make it a more prominent feature iu

agricultural shows. Fruits, flowers, and vegetables
were also represented, and this department excited

general approbation. We mention these various
items to show the variety and character now pos-
sessed by an agricultural show. Could the farmers
of thirty years back have seen the present exhibi-
tion, they would probably have disclaimed its con-
nection with agriculture. They would have re-
garded it as some exhibition of a more general
nature, and might perhaps have been as much sur-
prised at the number and character of the visitors
who took an interest in the scene es at the marvels
which formed part of the show. But old prejudice
is dying out on both sides. The agricultural inte-
rest is no longer wrapped up in its own traditions
and unwilling to share its sympathies with workers
in another sphere, or to profit by the results of their
labours. Me❑ of cities, too, have learned to interest
themselves in questions connected with that profes-
sion, without which, after all, the wisest and
shrewdest among us would be sadly at a loss. We
might make excellent laws, write wonderful books,

nay, c‘cn construct astonishing machinery; but it
oure supplyindusry
of bread and meal were not kept up by
h
of the farmer, our skill and science
t

would bo of little profit. Such ex.hibitious as

the present are doubly useful in Winging together
the representatives of both forum of industry—the

mechanical and the agricultural, and by uniting

their sympathies, and proving to each how much

the other can accomplish, tkey serve still farther to

cement that happy co-operation by which the ekil

and energy of both are made to work for the com-
mon good.

DEATH OF TILE MARQUIS TOWNSHEND.—The
Marquis TowiAshend has died at his seat at Norfolk. The
deceased peer was born in 1798. He was a rear-admiral on
the reserved hollf-pay list, and war naval aide-de-cutup to
the Queen. 'tie represented Tamworth in Parliament from
1847 to 1856, when he succeeded his cousin in the peerage.
The title descends to his eldest son, Lord Raynham, who is
one of the members for Tamworth.
Ecito7tanaildoseetTTr
hTallsAleTft Ot
oTwunE Rf o r LION a Ozoß, Tt P—Sir
9wpoaso4
w
weeks ni tto jaisuumb,

TIM SON, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 12, 1863.