Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-09-22
Gbe Otrmont Q5enit,
FIFTH ANNUAL FAIR OF THE
VERMONT STATE AGRICUL-
TItVAL SOCIETY.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of last
week. The weather was fair throughout,
with the exception of Thursday morning,
when showers commenced falling with sulli-
cient force and frequency to give promise Of
rainy day Many individuals intending to
be present on the last day of the exhibition,
were thus deferred from venturing far away
from home on such nh unauspcious morning.
The contemporary meeting of the New
Hampshire and Rhode Island societies oper-
nted to reduce the attendance, while the con-
dition and action of some of the railroads
further retarded many who would have other
wise been present Notwithstanding these
adverse circumstances the numbers present
were as great ms could have been prudently
anticipated, and sufficient to show that the in
terest in our annual expositons has suffered
no sensible diminution.
The grounds occupied were the same MS
were used for a like purpose three years since,
and were well adapted to the OCCASION. The
arrangements provided consisted of an en-
closed field aud grove of sufficient capacity,
within which were track half mile in cir
conference, nicely graded and in good condi-
ton; gallery capable Of seating two or three
thousand spectators; covered stables for hor-
scs and pens for sheep; hall 200 feet by 80
for agricultural implements, mechanical up
paratus, manufactures, vegetables and dairy
productions, &c; smaller hall for paintings,
pictures, fruit and fancy articles; and smaller
buildings for musical instruments, committee
rooms and refreshincnt stands. These all
were very suitable for their several purposes,
md of sufficient capacity with the exception
of the halls.
The exhibition, taken as n whole, was full
ly up to the general average. In some de-
partments it was superior to any of its pred
ecessors, in others equal, while in several il
fell measuraby below this standard. The
different localities of successive Fairs tend to
develope an undue prominence in some de-
partments, at the expense of others, particu-
lury where the articles are announcement of
transport, and where the local facilities for
production are superior to those generally en-
jOyed. The extensive marble and slate quar-
ries and manufactures of Rutland county,
furnish interesting specimens of peculiar
sort of merchandise of which other sections
cannot boast. On the other hand that portion
of the State east of the mountains, can dis
play greater and better variety OF neat stock
than their western brethren. Horses and
sheep can be readily transported to any Sec
ton of the State, thus rendering the exhibit
tions in these departments more nearly uni
form. The truth of these views will be seen
when the character of our successive Fairs
shall have been carefully examined.
The exhibition of houses was without par
allel in the history of State Fairs, at least so
far as our observation extends. Their num-
Der and value exceeded the show of any pre-
vious year. The three old patriarchs, the
most prominent living representatives of the
peculiar characteristics of the three branches
of the Morgan race, and which have hereto
fore frequently graced the exhibitions of the
society were absent, two of them abroad at a
neighboring Fair, and one of them at home
leading staid and quiet life, as best befts
his character, age and services They have
all been too long and too prominently before
the public to need description or eulogy.-
Their places were supplied by numerous and
able representatives which well illustrated the
peculiarities of their several progenitors. In
cluded in this department were fifteen OF
twenty animals, the value of each of which
was estimated to range from 81 900 to 81, 600
and the number of those that could trot theil
mile inside of three minutes was claimed tt
be still greater. Indeed it was remarked b,
an experienced horseman, in view of tbs
great number of fast horses present, that So
horse that could not trot inside of had nc
more business on the track than a yoke o
oxen"
The number of entries of horses was abou
800. Among these were abou, 10 fisherman
Morgan stations, mares, colts and fies; 4.
of the "Woodbury" branch; of the "Bull
rush' tribe; 40 of the acknowledgements" an,
! other blood; 81 pairs matched horses; 10,
geldings and mares; and IL foreign horses
making in all 942 horses, of all ages an,
grades, entered for exhibition, all but abou
| twenty of which were owned in this State
The several branches of the 'Morgan'
horses were well represented, although tina
of the fisherman" branch (Which include
the famous "Black Hawk" owned by NJ
David Hill of Bridport,) and his descendant
were far the most numerous. The hors
which drew the first premium in this sub-ya
riety is an animal of great beauty, action an
speed. He deservedly attracted great atteu
ton and his feats ON the track were rapturous
ly applauded by the spectators. This feelin
was enhanced by the well-known gentleman
" qualities Of Mr. North, one of the proprit
tors of the "Myrick Horse" and his drive
on the above occasion. This horse trotte
his mile in 1888. Numerous other horses i
this branch might he justly particularized di
our limits permit. We cannot omit mentio
Of the fine yearling colt exhibited by ou
friend Capt. Newman of Vergcnnes, an
which deservedly took the first premium. II
xVaa very lnrua aud oivoa ,,,oat ,,,,..i,.. =, e q