The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-10-21
OUR DISTRICT FAIR,

| Az" "sSe'c) " So"S " press at an early
hour on Thursday will prevent US from doing
more thon giving a very brief account of the
Fair which hos been in progress during the
past two days. The Exhibition has been
decided success, and has fur surpassed the
most sanguire anticipations Of the friends OF
the Society. both with regard to the number Of
persons present on the occasion, and the num-
Der and variety of the articles upon exhibition.
The number present, we have heard varously
estimated ut from two t6 three thousand per
sons and in the variety and extent Of the arti.
cles exhibited, this Fair has been far ahead of
the usual District Fairs. and in many respects
would compare favorably will, the Annual
! State Fair in Columbia. In the display of fine
horses; this exhibition, in some respects. even
! surpassed that; whilst the SAMPLES of field
crops and specimens of tasteful handi work
were every way worthy Of comparison The
Fair has reflected the highest credit upon all
concerned, and is truly a matter of pride aud
congratulation to all who arc interested in the
general prosperity Of the District The success
OF the enterprise has been in great measure
owing to the zeal and energy Of the President,
Col. J. F. MARSHALL, who has devoted himself
with untiring effort during tho past few weeks,
t" effect all the necessary arrangements, and
impnrt his own enthusiasm to others. He has
personally surerintendei the arrangement of the
gr>'"nds, the erection Of the buildings, and the
reception and distribution of the various arti.
ees sent. and the success of the Fair is well.
deserved rccompense for his lnbors.
The Fair Grounds, MS is we'll known TO most
Of our renders, are situated about halfmile
from the Village, in South easterly direction,
forming part Of the premises of JolN H. VIII
son, who has made liberal donation of the
use of the land to the Society. Approaching
on the West, you enter an ample enclosure
skirted around with the Stalls provided for the
various stock, whilst in the rear is the spacious
aud substantial building which has been erec-
ted for the exhibition. IT is capable of hold
ing fifteen hundred persons, and during the
Fair was crowded to its utmost capacity. At
one end is the Speakers stand, and at the other
extremity gallery, which affords view of
the interior. whilst the spacious balcony in
front commands fine prospect of the adjacent
grounds. Here, within and without the build
ing, were assembled, on both days, n dense as.
sembly, crowding the entrance, throneinr the
passages, and alternately swnying backwards
an forwards 10 the points of attraction-now
looking Mt the spirited steeds, the fast trottors
and the gentle PAGERS, and then returning to
survey the rich store within, comprising the
varied products of the fields the dairy. the
loom, the needle and the pencil. Here were
the finest vegetables, pumpkins, turnps. pota
toes OF mammoth size, and then every variety
OF grain, and beyond, the fruits and the choice
wines and cordals, over which the Comm ittee
had ajubifec the livelong day. On the oppo-
cite side OF the house were arranged the tempt.
ing specimens of domestic skill in the house
hold and culinary departments; aud the snowy
bread, the luscious, golden butter, the fleecy
lard, the savory ham-the pickles, the Jams,
and preserves. Above and around were sus.
pended quilts and counterpanes, numerous rich
embroidcries, crochet and needle work: wax
flowers-and, adding 10 the richness and beau
ty of the collection, some fine paintings in Oil
Grecian, and Crayon. Our merchants were
we'll represented by choice specimens of their
wares. DR. D. McL.rcnLrN, Messra Branch,
ALLEN, d. EDWARDS Messrs. GRAY & RoBkRrsoS.
MOORE 4 -QuArE. 81. ISRAEL, B. Md S. A.
WISsTock, WlEH d LY7ueok Ii. W. LAWSON,
and others.
We have neither the time nor tho space at
present, to dwell upon the merits of the fine
blooded coursers that sported upon the turf be-
fore the door; or upon the horned cattle or
foathered fowl They were all worthy of the
occasion, and will no doubt bear off prizes on
other fields. In our next issue we will endenv.
or to do justice to the theme. More than eight
hundred life.membership certificates have been
Issued, and the Society is fixed institution,
In conclusion, we echo the sentiment of the
Marshal Of the Day, Mr.. A. c. HAwrnonx, az
given under the inspiration of the occasion.
''IlURRAH FOR ABBEvnLE"
The FATE OF SIR JOHN FRANKLIN.
The mystery which has SO long surrounded
the fate of Sir John Franklin's third and last
expedition to the Arctic regions has been clear.
ed up By the return of the screw-eteaner Fox