Middletown transcript., 1869-10-09
CARRoLL CO. AeR1cuLruRAL FAM.


We attended this exhibition, at West
minister, last week, the first ever held in
the county, and it was one of which its
substantial and thrifty farmers might well
have been proud. 1t was success in all
of its departments. The grounds are
conveniently located at the eastern limits
of the town, and well adapted to the pur-
poses of the Society. They consist of
thirty acres, and together with the build
ings and enclosures cost about $50, 900,
which sum was raised by stock subscrip-
tions, chiefly among the farmers. A
beautiful half-mile track for the trial of
speed; large two-story Hall, for the
exhibition of domestic manufactures,
fruits, vegetables, &c. pavilion large
enough to accommodate 5000 people
beautiful octagonal music stand, sur
mounted by handsome flagstaff from
which foated the stars and stripes; a
stand for the Judges; and sheds and en-
closures for the accommodation of stock of
all kinds, comprise the improvements
which have been laid cut and erected with
great taste and skill, by the intelligent
and public spirited gentlemen who COM
pose the board of officers of the Society
The display of machinery was extern
sive, much of it manufactured in the
county.
Among the stock there were some very
superior horses, and we noticed some fine
Devon, Durham. Alderney, Ayrshire,
Teeswater and native cattle. There were
also some very superior White Chester
and Berkshire hogs, and fair specimens Of
Cotswold and Southdown sheep; also
jacks and mules. A stallion of the st.
Lawrence stock, belonging to Mr.. Haines,
Of Westminster, is deserving Of special
mention. Although very fat, and hav-
ing just closed very successful season.
he trotted his mile in $50. If in pro.
per condition and well trained, it is be.
lieved he would be able to make it in the
20s. A horse of finer form and &c tion il
rarely seen. The best trotting over tn,
course was 2.33. In the vegetable de-
partment we noticed many prodigies-th,
largest egg-plants we ever saw; five
pumpkins grown upon one vine, the ag
gregate weight, of which was $50 lbs
tifty-six potatoes which weighed Sc lbs.
, and we heard mention of one Harrison
potato which weighed over two lbs. W.
! never saw finer apples, and the display o
pears, grapes, and other fruits, was highl,
} creditable. But, noticeable feature o
the exhibition was the handiwork of thu
ladies, Of whom, we were pleased to learn
there were over one hundred exhibitors
! There were many articles of vertu in thi
e department, highly creditable to thei
> taste and skill. A raccoon robe and
muskrat robe were much admired. Hand
E somer articles could hardly be found a
0 the furrier's. A quilt with over 5000
stitches and as pretty piece of yart
: wide home made Venitian carpet as W,
ever beheld. There was beautiful dis
v play of handsome paintings, rich en-
: broidery, elegant and ingeniously wrough
: hair-boquets, wax fruits and flowers, &c
e &c. which we have rarely seen surpassed
e The weather was fine, fully five thousan'
people were in attendance, and tn
d grounds presented an animated scene
= enlivened throughout by the music of n
s less than six brass bands, which gener
ously volunteered their services for tn
e occasion. Altogether, the exhibition wa
r. one which reflected high honor upon tn
k people of Carroll.