Rapides gazette. (Alexandria, La.) 1869-187?, 1873-10-18
THE FAIR.

mopest and tritest expressions and proverbs
which nevertheless are certainly the very
quintessense of trrloh and appositeness,
and one of these, There is no telling what
you can do until you try" we have seen
exemplified and illustrated lately in the
most striking and convincing manner. At
no time since week or two after the an
nouncement of its inception, has the pros
poets of our First Agricultural Exhibition
and Industrial Fair been very encouraging,
and lately they have been going gradually
down to point considerably below zero.
A combination of untoward circumstances
brought about this result; first, reports of
an epidemic prevailing in Alexandria;
secondly, the low stage of water in Red
River, and the almost total suspension Of
navigation; and lastly and principally the
financial and commercial crises which we
are in the midst Of, and which has produc-
ed state of affairs never before Witnessed
in the South since King Cotton was an in
FAINT Prince. Expecting then but little
when we rode into the Fair Grounds about
~ o'clock NJ, Wednesday, we experienced
apleasureable disappointment on seeing the
throng of visitors already assembled. The
Grand Stand, was at least half filed and
at least as many more were scattered
about the grounds, or in or near the differ
ent stands. Entering the large exhibition
room, we found it crowded also, so much
so that it was rather difficult to pass freely
from one object of attraction to another,
with which the room was filed. Entering
the eastern door, the first thing which
caught your eye was pair of magnificent
owls, and though the expression may seem
extravagant, it is really appropriate, for
though an owl is often used as an emblem
of solemn stupidity, these were really
bright and intelligent looking creatures,
and with their glossy plumage, sparkling
eyes, and blue ribbons attracted a great
deal of attention. Next to their owlshps
was the most beautiful collection of har-
nesses, saddles and brides we have ever
seen exhibited, and II this opinion we are
backed by every one who saw it. The col
lection consisted of two sets of harness, six
saddles and number of brides, all made
by Mr.. George Pulford, of Opelousas, in q
style and of material and workmanship,
which could not be surpassed. Two of the
saddles, Scott trees. for elegance and light
Ness, are certainly the ne plus ultra in their
line. Opposite this display our townsmen,
Messrs. Miller & Fitzpatrick, had their de-
partment of cooking and heating stoves
and culinary articles Of every description,
making up an assortment which as to quail
ity if not quantity, could not have been far
surpassed hny where.
We would like to particularise if posi-
BILE, but our space will not admit of so do
ing, and we are only making partial and
preliminary recapitulation, as of course the
different articles on exhibition will be
mentioned in detail. A long table or coun-
ter through the middle of the room was
covered with beautiful specimens of the
taste and industry of the ladies of Rapides
and neigbboring parishes; elegantly work
ed quilts, embroideries, &c, &C., and most
particularly feather cape, made of the
breast plumage of field or meadow larks,
which presented most splendid specimen
of skill, patience and ingenuity. Colonel
Thorp, of Avoyellcs, exhibited splendid
assortment of poultry, including Game
Fowls, Bramahs, Black Bantams, "a most
beautiful specimen), and native or creoles.
Cake, bread and biscuits of all kinds, but
ter, pickles and other domestic articles of
use and consumption, were in abundance,
and in fact the whole space of the large
room was pretty well occupied, and afford
ed most interesting occupation for an
hour or two, in the examination of its
varied contents, interrupted at intervals
by visit to Levin's assortment of goodies
solid and liquid which occupie done corner.
FIRST DAY
The sports Of the day commenced with
Rife shooting, the prize for the best shot
being awarded to our old fellow-citizen,
~ n