Litchfield enquirer., 1858-10-21
SOLON ROBINSON ON OUR STATE
 FAIR

Solon Robinson writes to the Tribune in enthusi- astc terms of the Connecticut State Fair. He thinks it unsurpassed in many respects-especialy in the exhibition of cattle Here is what he says of the fruits, vegetables and grain:
 The man who has not attended a show of fruit in Connecticut, has yet to learn some- thing of the excellence of such show. I have not seen anything like it anywhere else Think, ye admirers of three apples in saucer, of the hundred bushel-baskets full of apples that counted inthe horticultural tent. Some of these apples are most beautiful, and seeing them in such quantities adds much to the ill., terest of the grand exhibition.
 There are also, beside the great apple show in baskets, several long tables covered, as usual, with plates of apples, pears, plums, grapes, peaches, and most beautiful qunces The latter are also exhibited in baskets by the bushel.
 The show Of grapes is also very large, and the varieties numerous, and samples excellent. do not find but one sample of the Delaware grape, it having ripened and gone before this time ; but hear every one who has tasted this new grape speak of it in the same high t;rms that have heretofore At Newburg, whenit was nperfection, had an opportunity to test it thoroughly in Charles Downngs gar den, with several other sorts, and 1 am fully convinced that it is.the best grape for general use into America, and will be accounted valuable wine grape whenever it is raised in {, sufficient quantity.
 This plan of showing apples by the bushel is one that cannot be too highly commended. Quantity as we'll as quality has great effect upon the visitor. It gives him an idea of abundance In truth, apples in the Connecti- cut valley must be abundant as we'll as good or the people could never make such show as this. It is wonderful that a State can raise such show as this. It is wonderful that State that can raise such apples does not do enough of it to supply the New York market.
 It is surprising to see, at this season, such fine peaches as are somewhat abundant ill the show, as well as on sale in the streets of Hart ford. r
 find the best seckle pears in this show that I ever saw anywhere.
 Potatoes are shown in the same way that apples are, bushel together, and I have never not even ill the ancient days of Connecticut potatoe growing--seen better show than the one now exhibited. The varieties are nuuer- ous, and hear of but few complaints of dis ease causing the rot. find the Prince AL bert" potatoes are becoming favorites among Connecticut farmers. It is said that, although a winter pot otatoe, they are now in fine condi- ton for eating the flesh is white and mealy. Some of this variety are the largest that I ever saw. The Carter potatoes also show we'll and there are some beautiful pink Mer- cers, said to be as good as they look. ,..sr Pumpkins are to be seen in all their glory, terial for Connecticut Thanksgiving, if we may judge from the extraordinary fine speci- mems in the vegetable hall of this show. There are some of the Mammoth Squash family, of enormous size, but very much prefer very much better varieties, such as the old yellow pumpkin, the cheese pumpkin, the crookneck lsquash in some of it's forms, and above all, the Boston manors 4g...
 Beets, turnips, and other vegetables, are,
 ensearlm9us enough to rival California produce
 tiens in the same line and in quality and vaEii-l I'ety fully prove that Connecticut need not rank
 away down the scale as food-produciDg Staio