The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-09-23
Letter from ChicagO.-The u. s. Ayr =
cultural Fair.
of Pioneer and Democrat.

Correspondence of Pioneer and Democrat.
CHICAGO, Sept IL, 1859.
1 arrived here this evening, just in time to
tell you of it; and mention something about
the crops, the frost, and drouth of Illinois
and southern Wisconsin. The rains have
been withheld from the just and unjust alike
in these localities, Gf both kinds are to be
found there) and the great garden spot OF
the world, as it has been termed, presents
much the appearance of waste and with
cred desert. The frost CT last June cut
much of the corn to the sod, which set it
far back in its growth, and since that time
the rains have not visited here, and its pro-
gress, as a general rule, has been slow and
sickly. Next came the severe frost of Goth
August, sweeping whole fields, and leaving
the stalks as white and dry as you are &C.
customed to see them through the snow
drifts of December. This complete wither-
ing and whitening of the stalks is the al.
most uniform appearance of the corn fields;
there are few exceptional cases, however,
in which the corn presents very much the
same phase as in Minnesota, the leaves be-
ing about half scorched, and the balance
green, and promising moderate yield. l
should say from observation and consulta-
ton that the average yield OF the corn fields
c.4Lo,x Ill;,o;e mould NOT ayopad six
bushels to the acre. No rain of conse-
quence having fallen since the potatoes were
planted, they are perhaps the sorrlest
crop of all, and their sad Deficiencies most
deplored by the farmers. The potatoes will
average in size less than the English wal
nut. The scorched and feverish gardens
are anything but pleasing to the eye, and
the once greenest and most fruitful land on
earth, is now almost pastureless, dusty and
drear The wheat and Oat crops, though
we'll saved and sweet, are wanting In weight,
and the product less in quantity than last
season, but much better saved, and the
wheat will make much better bread.
This is an exciting week in Chicago.
Great preparations have been made for the
Seventh Great National Fair. The entries
in all departments are thus far said to be
very heavy, and it now promises to be the
greatest industrial exhibition of the kind
ever held in America. The city is rapidly
filling up, and the crowd will be immense.
The exhibition of stock will be great
feature, large droves being on the ground as
early as Saturday last. The Fair grounds
are situated four miles from the river, in
southeasterly direction, near the Lake, and
are said to be fitted up in a magnificent
style, but will tell you more about them
when see them. 1 notice large delega-
ton of St. Louis gentlemen, advertising in
pamphlet form and orally, the Great State
Fair at st. Louis, to transpire next week.
They are an enterprising go-ahead race
those business boys of st. Louis. | may
make that point next week, and tell you
more about them. 1 anticipate the appear
ance of some specimen products of Minne-
sofa on the grounds, and will mention them
in due course.
Great men from all parts of the Union
are now here, to attend the Fair, as well as
a great convocation of the Moguls of Ma
sonry, to be held this same week. More
when have mind for it. H.