Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-11-01
AGRICULTURAL FAIRS.

Agriculture commands a degree of attsn-
ton now that it never enjoyed at any period in
the history OF our country. The lively and
pervading interest which is felt in it is contri-
buting greatly to the prosperity of all the in.
dustrial pursuits of the country. Agricultural
Fairs have become the fashion of the day, and
surely nothing could more tend to stimulate
that competitor which leads to increased zeal
and industry, than these exhibitions. Agricul-
ture is as much science as law or medicine,
and for want of being SO considered and treated,
the earth which God gave us has been sadly
abused. But new era has dawned upon US,
and farmers make now double, treble, quadru-
pie, the amount of produce that they formerly
did. Not only are they improving their lands,
increasing their crops, and multiplying their
means, but their horses, cattle, fowls, also
present the indications of closer and more
careful attention. Nor is this interest in agri-
culture confined to the farmers. Men of all
classes and pursuits have become actively en-
listed in it. The societies which have been
formed all over the country: number amongst
their members men of all trades and profess
sions. All men engaged in the struggle after
money hope for better and happier days, and
there are few who do not look forward to the
time when, crowned with prosperity and fortune,
they can secure for themselves quiet retreat
in the country, where, with calm composure,
they may indulge their tastes and take their
ease, undisturbed by the fierce contests of the
busting world.
Many of our most eminent men of letters
and science, and many of our retired politi.
clans, have caught the prevailing spirit and
are actively engaged in the great work Of agri.
cultural improvement. The interesting "xhi.
billions, notices of which fill the columns of the
newspapers, are thronged by multtudes of
both sexes. These exhibitions draw larger
crowds than political conventions, or even
those things so popular in the country-cir.
cuses and menageries.
A great fair has lately been held in Boston
which is said to have been one of the grandest
agricultural displays that has ever taken place
at the North. The interest of the occasion
was greatly enhanced by the presence of such
men as Mr.. Everett and Mr.. Winthrop, who
delivered admirable addresses.
Exhibitions are at this time going on in
Maryland and Virginia.
The Virginia fair opened yesterday in Rich.
mond; and we doubt not will prove one of the
finest displays that has ever been presented in
this country. For some days past visitors
have been pouring into the city from all direc
tons. The Enquirer says:
"The city overfows with the crowd of Virgil |
mans assembled from all parts Of the State to |
participate in the interesting scenes Of the Fair
The hotels, with their extensive appendages, |
are all full-and we hear that one thousand \
persons take dinner at the Exchange. The !
boarding houses and private residences are |
rapidly filling up, and we doubt not that Rich
mond, this morning, will contain one of the |
largest assemblages which it has ever held |
From hasty glimpse, we suspect the exhibi. |
ton will be fully worthy of the vast host Of |
visitors. On Monday afternoon there was a |
very fine display Of cattle, horses and agricul
tural implements. We shall from day to day, |
give full sketch of particulars"
eventure the assertion that the magnificent
grounds appropriated to the exhibition will be
filed by as imposing, cultivated and noble
looking company as ever assembled on any
spot The gentry Of the old State of Virginia