Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1873-09-10
For the Freeman.
White River Agricultural Fair.

W0llc River A&flCUlluEaA Z aAA.
i Tho Third Annual Fair of White Rive
Agricultural Association held on their grount
in Bethel the I'd, Sd and 4th inst, must be
regarded as a successful experiment in thu
early introduction of tho fair season. Th'
weather on the first dayfwas propitious fol
the opening, and was busily improved b,
exhibitors from early morning till three
o'clock Pm, in entering and placing thei'
goods and stock. There was then very
fine show of cattle, horses, sheep, swine and
poultry. The hall was the principal point Of
attraction, judging from the crowd constant
ly passing into it, The ladies' department
perhaps was not as full as last year, get il
contained large number of very nice arti-
Giles. both useful and ornamental. All were
meritorious, making a beautiful display,
and showing cultivated taste and industry.
The exhibition of dairy products, field
crops, fruits and garden vegetables exceeded
the expectation of every body. Very seldom,
even in the most favorable season, is this
department better represented either in guam
tity, variety or quality.
In Mechanics Hall the show of agricul-
tural tools and machinery was very good, and
in other articles very fair, but not SO extern
sive as it ought to have been. Manufacturers
do not justly appreciate this opportunity for
advertising, but think they should be en-
couraged by larger premiums, which the So
ciety is not able to offer.
The second morning opened bright and
clear, with general advance upon the works
of the society from all directions. The peo
pie filed the grounds at noon, not to their
fullest extent, but nearly to the number Of
5000. The excellent show of twenty three
yoke of oxen, and of fine horses-especially
the celebrated horse {" Woodstock" and his
progeny-upon the track, escorted by the
band. the daring feats of Prof. Leslie upon
the tight rope, tie excitement of the in
satiable trot, the large assemblage-all
combined to make most beautiful and bril-
liant moving panorama, and altogether the
most interesting and enjoyable occasion since
the organization of the society. Everybody
went home feeling good, and resolved to
come the third day. But the dark rainy
morning prevented many from coming to
enjoy the sports of the last day. yet it did
not materially interfere with carrying out the
programme of exeicises for the day.
The display of matched and single driving
horses and colts upon the track was very good.
The trot for the $4,000 purse was won
by " Columbus entered by Mr.. Temple
ton, and driven by Mr. Gilman, all of Wash
ington county. 1t excited the most interest
of any OF the races. The favorite with the
crowd was Black JIM" entered and driven
by Mr.. Dinsmore of Chelsea, Orange county.
1t hardly seemed fair that this six year old,
with little experience. should be matched
against SO old " tracker," but he took
the second money easily, and many thought
he was entitled to the first.
The address of Mr.. Davenport had much of
the ring of Greeley stump speech but, be-
ing after the election, no one cared to object.
It contained some good I" hints, most of
which of course were given for the benefit
OF the Republican party, as presented, as the
speaker claimed, by Ex-Governor Smith and
General Butler. The most tangible points
made were advising the people to vote for
honest men, and suggesting the name of Hon.
c. w. Willard as an exceptionable instance
of honesty among statesmen.
The excellent order preserved by the thor
ough police regulations, and the enlivening
music furnished By the Bethel Cornet Band,
added much to the enjoyment of all the e1-
ercises, which passed without Eerious acct
dent, closing the third Annual Fair at night,
upon the third day, to the general satisfac-
ton of the people. CITIzsN.