Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1853-11-04
conespondenoo q The virginlan.

RICHMOND, Nov. l.
The State Fair opened this morning under the
most auspeious circumstances. A moro boauti-
lul Autumn DAY could not have duwncd upon the
first public effort of the Agricultural Society,
and the success Of the enterprise thus far has
been most encouraging. To-day, the public gen
orally were excluded from the grounds, and none
but members Of the Society and their families nd
ndtted. Nevertheless, the attendance was large,
showing eoneusieely that deep interest Is felt
IN the eau-e which is the true glory of a ropub-
lie
The Fair is held nj the extreme western end of
Main Street, on spacious square, which has
been most snperb} fitted up for the occasion.
A. one approaches the grounds lac has to pa-s
through multitude of minor shows, which
skirt the street on either side These are can-
yasz tents displaying an indcscrihublc variety of
dirty ta.s.. and containing siA-lcggcd pigs, two
legged bear-, sen tigers, Scotch ginnts and mon
strosi#ios ID ever, shape and name; while the
shoWmen outside vie with each other in eloquent
y proeIamius the hidden wonders within.
Passing through this avenue Of tcrrors, we
reach the main entrance to the Fair grounds.
The gateway is surmounted by curiously de
,ised eupola, which greatly adds to the pictures
que appearance Of the exterior But the scene
within altogether surpo,scs expectation.
All around the enclosure may be seen stalls
for live stock, fitted up in most substantial
manner, regard being paid for the comfort of the
hrutes as we'll nv the appearance of the work.
These number 397, and completely environ the
grounds. On the left, commencing at No. /, We
see "A display OF horses, asses aud mules, com
prisng the hrst stock in Virginia Indeed quos-
ton there is ordinary horse to be- seen there
some Of the mules are of immense size, and might
be considered able to "rcmoye mountains g"
Throughout the day, the pathway in front of
the horse department has been used for exhibit
ing thepower of speed possessed by some Of the
nobl, aud beautiful animals, afordng great a
musement 10 many persons present.
Passing along, we come to the sheep and swine
There are some fine specimens, showing what
Virginia farmers can do, while there are others of
various mportotions, giving evidence of desire
10 improve the native breeds. | shall have to
defer more particular description, as there will
only be -paee in this letter for an outline of what
Is on exhibition.
Next, we reach the stalls of the horned COM
munity. There are great numbers of them, COM
pris'ng oNen, bulls COWS and calves, of both for
egn and native growth. | could here specify
some Yer, fine cutie, but decline doing so at
present.
There is an extraordinary collection of poultry
on exhibition. | took down the names of all their
varieties, but they nearly sufficient to fill II
volume. Some of them have most beautiful
plumage, while others are remarkable for their
size and others still are remarkable for their ex-
treme ugliness. But all are rare birds, and at
tract general attention. The excellent ladies of
Virginia, WHO take great interest in this depart
ment, will undoubtedly improve the opportunity
10 secure some of them to enrich their poultry
yards.
In the centre of the grounds may be seen sew
eral large payllions of snow white canvass, with
gay flags floating over them These contain an
endless variety of articles of special improve
ment-elegant needle-work and embroiderics-
pictures, gorgeous displays of flowers and fruit,
tobacco of superior brands, and specimens OF
handiwerk from many fair dame and ingenius
man. One large tent is set apart for the officers
of the Society.
The machinery department is very extensive
and occupies large space the grounds, a.
well as in the minds of spectators and the same
may be said Of Agricultural implements. Their,
are good many yankee inventions and manufac.
/ tares-hGt our artzans are making fine show
+ by The slae OF them, and may very likely bear of
tie prizes.
But Is now growing late and Unjust draw my
letter 10 close. ! wish to relate one incident
\ gentleman on the ground stated that he had u,
fear OF piek-pockets, although they were nnmer