Mariposa Democrat., 1857-10-08
STATE FAIR AT STOCKTON.


Having received an invitation from the Ex
ecutive, we availcd ourselves of the opportunity
to behold the products of our fruitful soil and
the numerous specimens of mechanism there
on exhibition, fresh from the hands of our in.
ventive fellow-mechanics. On arriving, we
were courteously rendered, by the Secretary
a complimentary card, which gave us the enfrt
to the Fair grounds, and also an invitation to
attend bah to be given on Friday evening
We passed into the large pavilion erected on
Court House Square, the centre of attraction,
and were soon feasting our eyes on the beau
tiful specimens of fruit of all descriptions, ap-
pies, peaches, pears, grapes, Strawberries,
evidences of the productiveness of our soil,
which has now a worldwide celebrity. We
then took two looks to embrace the dimensions
of a two hundred and sixty-four pound squash,
opposite which was ninety-five pound beet /;
surrounding these were innumerable samples
of vegetables of every variety. Leaving these
mammoth productions, we strocd among the
works of our mechanics here, on every side,
were exhibited machines Of vast utility to the
community, from an apple-cutter to wagon
of capacity of fifteen tons Here was a
novel washing machine, which, after neatly
washing and wringing clothes, may be readily
converted into kitchen table. A patent wa
tcr.eevator, so contrived that the cattle, while
walking up a platform to trough, draw up
~, L,,t ba.r arI fb,tc Ja
to water themselves. A reaper and mower,
that with two horses, will cut from twenty
five to thirty acres per day. A volunteer cul-
tivator, for four horses, to be used in cultivat-
ing volunteer crops previous to the rains, and
will work ten acres per day. A churn, which,
after churning, let's off the buttermik from the
bottom, and by back-hand motion of the
dasher, in eight minutes frees the butter en-
tirey from buttermilk. A grain-sowcr and
spring-tooth harrow, capable of sowing twenty
acres per day, with the assistance of a man
and boy. A machine that plants seed while
| it ploughs. A patent seed-planter, that can be
worked with in the same manner as a walk
ing-cane, with which one man can perform
the work of four men by the old mode of plant
ing. A sef.acting farm-gate, so arranged that
the weight of an approaching vehicle opens it.
and which closes after the vehicle has passed
A model Of complete grain-harvester, invent
ed in Stockton, which cuts, thrashes and bags
likely to prove very unpopular among burg
lars, being burglar proof, with powder-proof
alarm combination lock, that gives an alarm
by ringing bell whenever the handle is
turned A model amalgamator for quartz min
ing, of which we give description in another
column. Beautiful paintings, works of art,
embroideries, needlework, in fact thousand
things, each commanding the admiration of
every visitor
Our entire paper could scarce contain n
description of the wonders of the exhibition; !;
all of which reflected credit on the inventors
and producers, of whom California may well
be proud
| Our hardy miners were represented by rich
quartz specimens, the first premium for which
Gaines lode, in this county, proving it to be
-as has been already acknowledged rich
est mining district in California.
At the track, where the stock were exhibit
ed, were many fine animals, showing great at
tention to business, and good judgment on the
part of our stock-raisers and the liberal pre-
miums awarded will certainly ncte them to
renewed efforts.
The trial of equcstrianism by the ladies', at
tracted much attention. and all admired the
graceful activity which characterized this fea-
ture Of the occasion Miss Annie Stevens, of
Sacramento, took the first prize $75 saddle ;
Mrs. DR.. Grattan, of Stockton, the second,
a $50 silver plate, and Miss Lucy Phelps, only
eight years old, the third prize, $40 riding
whip.
VIM. Garrard, President of the Society, de-
livered the opening address in an able man
ner On Wednesday evening, Judge Emo de-
livered an entertaining Grafton in the pavilion,
which was attentivey listened to by large
and apprecative audience.
We had the pleasure of meeting many old
friends of the press, among whom we passed
many pleasant hours and whose friendship
we shall ever remember with lively pleasure.
On Friday, there was a sound of revelry
by night" and thlther we proceeded. We
mingled in the mazes of the giddy dance" at
the grand ball, given by the Agricultural So
ciety, at which the beauty and fashion of
Stockton were present, and music and fair
ladies gave speed to time-after which, as rosy
morn began to hint of tolls to come, we took
our place in the stage, and sought our home
in the mountains.