The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-10-24
AIJGUsTA COUNTY FAIR

AUGUSTA COUNTY FAlR
Tn our last we gave list o the entries the
Fair Grounds up to short time before the Gem
mencement of the exhibitions. As stated then,
tho attendance on the first day was rather mea-
ore hut knowing that many of the country peo-
Mo did not care to be worried with three days of
dust and jostle, we looked for large turn out
on Wednesday and Thursday! In this we were
not disappointed At noon on tbs I'd day the SUI
nerintendent. Mr.. W. A. Pratt, notified us that
he would have to have more tickets, even for that
day. and largely increased number over those
ordered for the day following. This gave a
cheering phase to the exhibition. We were anx-
;ous to see the people of Augusta and adjacent
counties meet face to face, exchange opinlols
and erioy a glow Of social feeling, which always
follows the free intercourse of the people we
noticed IA number of persons from Rockingham,
Highland, Bath, AlLemarle and Nelson, who II ad
come here to add the encouragement OF their
presence to the demonstration. Rockingham
was presented very we'll in the stock line, and
the regret was expressed by che of the cuterpris-
ing farmers and stock raisers Of that county, that
he had not contributed more largely of his Blood
ed cattle TO the candidates for premiums. Sever
al first premiums were awarded to those having
stock from that county. The beautiful bay stall
lion. Tam O'Shanter Of Ralstol Bros, was very
much admired, and took the first premium for
Quick hit draft Roller s. Ffank took several
premiums for fine blooded cow ahdSiieifers The
two year old heifer was the fnestFspecimen OF
blooded animal we have ever seen. These gem
.tlemen have turned their attentiontn raising I'M
proved stock, and propose to make it a speciality.
1t is only by this means that desirable stock can
be introduced.
The display in machinery was not as extensive
as we had expected. Our own mechanics were
partially represented, but the entries from dis
lance were not as numerous as in former days
There were 81 pens of sheep, all OF which
made creditable appearance. Messrs. Clinehill,
pilson, Harnsberger, Easton and S. II. Bell had
Mr. Eastons as magnificent specimen of blood
ed sheep. We stated, by mistake, last week, in
noticing the entries, that he WAS Southdewn =
This of course, was corrected by ill who knew
anything about the different kinds OF blooded
sheep.
In the swine line, Messrs S. A. Houshour, Il
II. Hamilton and A. Nj. Bowman, had the most
attractive lots.
The blowing match was between the teams OF
| W. II. Peyton and F. NJ. Bell Peyton' team car
rying the premium.
| The tournament was participated in by is
youny men After considerable confusion the
fitting commenced, under the direction of DR..
Hamilton, assisted by A. S. Mauzy and Il. D.
Sears Ed Parker was the first successful knight,
after warm contest. He represented the Cres.
cent City, and crowned Miss Helen Nugent, 81
New Orleans I'd Knight, Lone Star,J. Airhart
| 3rd knight, Persimmon, L. Turner and 18th
Knight, Fair View, "A. ". Hartman, Jr. Tns
mails of honor to the Queen, were Misses. Emf
line Bowman. Cora Turner, Rosa Chapman, Lima
Edison ard Lizzie Kinney.
The coronation b III was participated in by 4
large number of ladies and gentlemen, who whirl
ed through the mazos of the dance, until after
midnight.
The hurdle raca was quite an exciting scene
! seven riders and horses conn etiDg for the prize
which was won by Capt. John Optics bay horse
| question arose cut Of this result, as to tn,
comparative speed of opies horse and a grey
tho owner of which we did not learn, and culmi-
nat ed in a.wager for a half mile heat. The grey
came out victorious after NIP and tuck" effort
During the hurdle race, sorrel horse, which
bid fair to come out victor, flew the track, throw
lag his rider, but not seriously injuring him.
|
The clouds of dust which enveloped the main
iLoroughfures of the grounds. made it very I'M
pleasant and caused many to keep respectable
distance from the horsemen and pedestrians