The Sun.
London, England, 1867-08-17 00:00:00

IRELAND.

DUBLIN, Aug. 16.
From one end of the country to the other we hear
of but one subject of engrossing interest. Never has
there been a brighter promise of an early and abun-
dant harvest. The sunshine we continue to enjoy
has completely dispersed the gloomy fears and mis-
givings which were beginning to form in the minds
of the farming classes, and they now regard the
prospect with unwonted confidence. In some places
slight traces of blight in the potato crop may be
found, but these are quite exceptional ; the general
character of the crop is testified by the quantities
sold, and the prices obtained in the provincial mar-
kets are highly satisfactory. Thunderstorms have
been reported in Waterford, Athlone, and other
parts of the country, which have inflicted some in-
jury, but the effects have been very partial.
The approach of the great annual show of the
Royal Agricultural Society, for which preparations
are being made, is heralded as usual by the exhibi-
tions of its provincial satellities. These are of consi-
derable importance in their localities, and generally
afford some indications of what may be expected
from the central body. Thus the annual show of
the North-West Agricultural Society was held on
Wednesday in Londonderry, and, it is stated, was
superior in quality to any previously held. It is
satisfactory to learn that the local gentry are mani-
festing a greater interest in the success of these
useful societies, and sending forward their best
animals to compete for prizes. Although there were
only 250 entries altogether, it was an interesting
show, and presented substantial tokens of improve-
ment. In an opposite district of the country the
Upper Ossory Society held its show yesterday. This
society has felt the depressing effects of disappoint-
ment in successive years, and has not obtained such
an amount of hearty support from the gentry and
small farmers of the district as might have been ex-
pected, but it has held its ground resolutely, and is
early in the field this year. The show yesterday at
Donaghmore, in the Quesn'sCounty,was pronounced
was presided over
by competent judges to be superior in quality, if not
in extent, to any of its predecessors. In the evening
bt hye
the
Rannualig dinnerßight
.a o n took. Ipvl a. c e,
Fitzpatrick.
and
After the
usual loyal toasts, the chairman proposed " The
Health of his Excellency the Lord-Lieutenant, and
Prosperity to Ireland," and took eccasion to observe
that the Marquis of Abercorn had been most courte-
ous to all with whom he came in contact, and was
deservedly a favourite with all classes of Irishmen.
The toast elicited a hearty response, and this, com-
ing from an assembly composed for the most part
of political opponents, was no slight compliment. In
giving the toast of "The Three Agricultural Asso-
ciations of England, Ireland, and Scotland," the
chairman referred to the wonderful progress of the
Highland Society, which was the oldest of the group,
and mentioned, as an evidence of its spirited man-
agement, that at its recent show it had offered
money prizes for live stock alone to the value
of £1,600. This observation aroused the na-
tional spirit of Mr. Ross, who responded on behalf
of the Royal Agricultural Society, and he an-
nounced that at the forthcoming show of
that society money prizes would be offered to the
amount of £1,300. This, considering the different
circumstances of the two bodies, speaks favourably
for the energy and spirit of the Irish Association.
Mr. Mowbray, who returned thanks for Scotland,
stated with commendable pride that the receipts at
Glasgow during the three days of the show amounted
to £6,018. lie may fairlychallenge Dublin to produce
as profitable a show in Stephen-green next week.

In connexion with the subject of agriculture, we
have now opportunely published by the Registrar-
General a return of the acreage under flax, and the
number of scutching mills in each county and pro-