New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-09-21
AGRICUL TURE.
COLUMBIA COUNTY, y. Y. AGRICULTURAL
FAIR


and the third day of the equinocal storm, which has
fallen like wet blanket to smother the hopes Of the peo-
PIE who have been looking forward TO this their holiday,
and to very much dampen the energies Of the active man
agers who have worked with viii to inaugurae new
order of things herc-tha is to make an agricultural eX
hbton IN leading object, rather than mere exhibition
of the speed of fast horses.
So far as the exhibition is concerned they have been
remarkably successful II is credabc in all its branches
and in some excellent 1t is true, might and should be
made still better in such rich farming country as ths
and it will be whenever all half the people awake
TO the importance of making these annual ialIs great
schools of instruction 10 the people $50
commodious two-stoy frame building mas Ot ecu
lower floor crowded with the fruits OF the nelu garden
and orchard particularly attracted toward the
tables containing apples pears and grapes OF the latter
there are some as handsome specimens Of Delaware
have ever SEEM and Concod and other sorts are so
excellent il leaves no room to doubt that grape culture
can be made profitable branch Of agriculture, even in
this billy country if those who plant vines WI! only hrst
learn how
The show Of pears also proves that the business Of
growing this fruit crop for market may be here made
profitable business.
was surprised to see so fine show Of apples because
had previously noticed the almost entire absence OF ap
pies upon the numerous orchards IN tho country although
the trees were covered with blossoms last Spring
am sory notice here, as have over an extensive
range country the unhealthy appearance OF apple trees
and the entire decay OF many old orchards have reason
10 fear that this invaluable fruit going the same road OF
the peaches which as common here and IN the
adjoining counties as apples. Now healthy beanDg
peach tree is a great rarity.
Along side of the fruit tables there is large attractive
flower show, and the attention 1t attracts from The ladies'
who are here in spite of the storm proves TO me that they
are being educated in direction that Will produce its good
fruits in the hearts Of the people.
There is also upon the floor better show Of field
and garden vegetables than have seen az State
Fairs The difficulty about this part Of the exhibition is
the want of The space allotted is not half large
enough for the simple reason that this part OF the exhibit
tiOa twice large and generally better IL quality than
ever seen before.
The show Of grains not large but the quality excel
lent Buckwheat is particularly fine, and the crop IS
large in breadth and of excellent quality both in yield and
grain and generally harvested at least cut and set
up TO cure, ready for the thrasher
Mr.. Clark exhibits some handsome yellow ears OF
corn, which he has improved in yield and quality, by
selecting year after year his seed from only such stalks as
produce two or ears. few years ago be could
scarcely find stalk TO with two ears. Now he
could easily gather twenty bushels IN his field by only
taking the best from stalk with three cars What
would be the grand result if every farmer should pursue
the course hope all who have seen this specimen
will ask themselves this question.
There is display Of butter creditable to this as dairy
county; though il is "a matter Of general observation
among butter makers here and elsewhere that they have
not for unexplained cause, been able this year TO
make as handsome and high-hayored butter as usual
The exhibition Of cheese is not large but there are
some handsome specimens, and altogether 1t is better
show than has reason 10 expect IL county not par
tclary devoted to that branch Of the dairy business
OF bread cakes and pies there is good display and are
highly creditabe 70 me thrifty hoasesiyS OF ms
industry, including large stock Of carpene by which
the wornout clothes Of the family turned 70 purpose
which makes home more comfortable.
Needework, both useful and ornamental is shown in
such abundance 10 give favorable impression OF
the industry Of both mothers and daughters OF Columbia
County farmers.
Ii is one of the cheerful sights here TO witness such
gathering of the people marked with so much neatness,
modesty general Intelligence and correct department
or the outdoor part of the exhibition can say but lit
tie for the rain fell all day wednesday, and IL is l0"yi
chilly foggy, and muddy this morning and IS appointed
that am address the people al IL oclock-poepoled
Yesterday on account OF the weather. can only say
hot cat
large number of handsome woroxen and not as large
display of sheep this county could aud should make.
swine and poultry sufficient number 20 teach those
thai need it how much these animals as well as all other
farm stock have been and may be improved By careful at
tenton and judicous breeding.
If the weather had been line the exhibition OF horses
would have been equal 70 that Of almost any county in
the State great attention paid 10 this class Of stock
and heretofore for several years the management OF this
society has fallen into the hands Of class Of who
could nothing else necessary agricultural society,"
beside giving encouragement 20 divers Of fast horses.
Hence hOrse-racng has been made leading feature Of all
the fairs. hold now in my hand the handful advertise
ment Of last year. headed by rotng sukies and fast
horses and hghralnng drives and the oDer oi SOO Tor
the fastest TOttng horses" mile heats best three IN
FIVE, in harness. The rules Of the Fashion Course 10
In short The whole business Of the Columbia County
Agricultural Society had resolved into horseacng fra
ernity and the exhibitions attracted Only the young and
thouccss and those who have greater love for the cX
element Of the race rather than the love Of i'm
pToyements Of stock or general farming Such exhibitions
were also sowing seed that could not bu produce dce
rioraton Of the human family however much it might
improve the equine race.
10 countera5 ills delcterious effect few earnest men
have undertaken 10 bring back the Society 10 its legu
mate object-hc improvement of the human family, and
general agriculture Of the county by making thc Fairs
really agricultural shows, instead OF horsocng cAhibi-
tons.
Foremost in this good work Of improvement J.Wescy
Jones, tho present President, and Geo. l. Powell, the
active and efficient General superintendent Nathan II.
Thomas Secretary; Homer Cundal, Treasurer, and the
Board OF Managers ably assisted by Of the best and
ruO
by their influence and money 70 make this the first cXh
bitiOu ulder the order Of things il Is, highly
creditabe agricultural show. II 20 be regretted that
the elements have been with al these good efforts
and intentions but what has been accomplished, in spite
Of an these adverse circumstances this year. shows fully
what may be accomplished under more favorable c.gcum-
As close this letter, the rain is sin falling. Yet in
spite Of it, the case yesterday there is consider
able aitendanceas many AZ can ma CONVENIENT sAeer
ANOTHER ACCOUNT.
''''" WI HUDSON " Y, Sept. 20 1896
Wet weather has entirely changed the programme Of
procedure, especially IN the matter Of speakers Inc
Hon. j. +. HogeboOm 10 have delivered lecture On
the opening day; Scion Robinson 10 have made an
address yesterday, and John B. Cough intended to delight
the honest folks about here today: but the elements have
crushed them all ont. Horcboom remained silent on
Tuesday; Scion Robinson failed speak Wednesday,
and Cough left for Wooster this morning. The attend
ance OF honest people has been very slim
but the thieves have infested the grounds In squads, plum
derng all they could Some of these gentry have in their
possession list of Agricultural Fairs which are 10 be held
throughout the state printed IN The AWcrlcqR Agrirp-
turlst in New-YoTl and fast they transpTe they
make their business % attend For their especial
ticc we would state 70 these ghtfnscrcd gentry that
committee on thieves has been appointed attend the
DutcAcss County Fair az Washington Hollow.
THE PAIR TO BIZ CONTINUED.
The Managers Of tie Columbia County Fair, in conse
1uence Of The uudvo5e state OF the weather have con-
cuded continue the Far FOR the remainder of the week
WESTCHEsTER COUNTY FAIR.