Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-11-09
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER o, 1853
The state Fair.

Richmond, marks new era III the h'st"'3 Vi ''0
State Never before had such multitude ofpeo-
Mo heen assembled in the Commonwealth tor
similar purpose. and we doubt if on any other oc-
cason more genuine interest, and even eu'n"S'-
asm. has been felt and exhibited. HaY'"s oee'
in Richmond during two days OF the f""'
we ara enabled 10 testify rs witness. The mum
her and character of the stock and articles O' al
kinds exhibited, took us entirely by surprise anu
far surpassed all the expectations we nau ior'neo
THE ARRANGEMENTS.
The Mace of exhibition was at the head u main
street about mile from the business parts OF the
city. The arrangements were excellent a piece
ofcround containing ten acres, was enclosed WIN
substantial fence, against which, IN the INTERIOR
covered stalls for stock were constructed In the
centre of the arena stood large tent where Inc
speeches were delivered and the various exercises
took place, and where also the Armory Band at
intervals discoursed inspiring music. Some three
or four smaller tents were erected in the vicinity
of the larger one, in which great variety OF ar
,icles requiring protection from the weather We're
arranged. Other articles, such as farming uten-
sis, machinery, &c., were conveniently deposited
about the ground
ar. THE EXHIBITION, ADDRESSES, &C..
It will be utterly impossible for us to give de-
tailed account of the articles exhibited mere
list of the names would fill up this page ofour
paper Suffice it to say that every thing connect
cd directly or indirectly with agriculture seemed
to be represented. There were cattle Of all de-
scriptions there were horses, gedings. mares and
colts, sheep, hogs, poultry, farm and garden I'M
Elements and products, domestic manufactures,
ladies' fancy work, Sc, Sc, all forming a more
extensive and interesting show than has ever been
exhibited South of the Potomac.
The Fair opened on Tuesday the LIST instant.
On that dav, only members OF the Society and
their families were admitted, and the various com
mittees examined the articles exhibited with
view to the award of premiums, On "Wednesday
the public ceremonies took place. Mr.. EDMUNDs,
of Halifax, delivered the annual address IN the
large tent, and Gen. ScoTr and Ex-Presldent IY-
LER--who with the Hon. w. G. RIvEs and other
notabilities occupied seats on the platform-were
called up by the audience and briefly responded
On Thursday Mr.. P. A, BROWNE, of Philadel-
phis. delivered an address, or lecture, on woodland
sheep raising, which was highly entertaining even
to us. On Friday the premium committees re-
ported, and the Fair closed with an address from
Elk President TYLER.
OUTSIDE THE ENCLOSURE.
Outside of the Fair ground, near the principal
entrance, some half dozen or more tents were e
rected for the exhibition of variety ofrare shows
A man stood at the door Of each, descantng upon
the wonderful sights to be seen within, inviting
the crowd. to enter, and stunning the ears with
the Babel like CHATTER. In one tent, the Giant
Boy stretched himself to his utmost height, In an
other, the Giant Girl appeared in full Bloomer
Costume; and in third, the Bearded Lady ex-
hibited in company with Grained Sea Dog"
"rhe Mammoth Mule from Georgia." two
headed Calf, two legged Bear, five legged
Dog, six legged Sheep, &C., &C., had their re-
spective payilions, aud were extensively patron
lied BY the public,
MEETINGS or THE SOCIETY.
Meetings of the Society were held on WedneS-
day, Thursday and Friday evenings in Metropo-
Titan Hail. The attendance was very large on
each occasion, and the utmost enthusiasm was ex-
hibited by all present. On the first evening thir
ty-seven thousand dollars were subscribed by in
dividuas and pledged in behalf of counties for the
purpose of raising a permanent fund. The city
of Richmond was put down for $1,000. Loudoun
county was pledged for 81 900, and one Of its cit
liens made private donation of $500. Albemarle
promised 81 600, besides subscriptions Of 500
each from several citizens. Augusta could do no
less than give 81 900, and accordingly Maj. j.
M. McCUE, backed by Mr.. S. b. FINLEY and
others, pledged her for that amount. This money
is to be used in placing the Society upon perma-
nent and independent basis, which will undoubt-
edy rebound greatly to the interest Of agriculture
throughout the State.
At the meeting on Tuesday evening the officers
of the Society for the ensuing year were elected,
and other interesting business was Transacted
p. ST. GEORGE Cooke, of Fluvanna, was re-
elected President, and the following gentlemen
were elected Vice Presidents: EDMUND RUFFIY,
of Hanover, L. L. HARvIE, of Amelia, w
NEwroS, of Westmoreland, T. l.. Preston, OF
Washington, ]. r. EpMoNDs, of Halifax, ). F.
CHRIsrlAs, of Augusta and G. w. SUMMERS, o.
Kanawha. An Executive Committee was alst
appointed, which will appoint Secretary. Fur
Their subscriptions were made to the permanent
fund and the meeting was kept up till late hour
Towards the close resolution returning thanks
to the citizens of Richmond for their hospitality
was adopted, aud Mr.. MAYO, Mayor OF the city
responded to it. He said that since the Fair com
meneed there had been an unusual degree OF gooC
order in the city, and he had been much less bur
dened with official business than at ordinary times
AUGUSTA AT THE FAIR.
Our county, we are proud 10 say, bore off the
palm, not only by the number of her citizens ii
attendance, bat especially by the number of pre-
miums obtained by her products. fhenumber o
Augusta people in Richmond on Wednesday anC
Thursday has been yariousiy estimated at irou
three hundred to thousand The former W,
think is much nearer the mark than the latter
We met familiar faces, however, at every Turn
and sometimes could scarcely realize that we wer
out of the county The following citizens OF IN
county obtained premiums
JOHN McCuE, for the best Bull, between on
and two years, Durham and Devon, sl5.
SAMUEL +. CHRISTIAN, for the best Heller, DC
tween one and two years old, native and Devon