Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1875-08-20
WEATHERsFIELD, VT,
Aug. 16, 1875.

Great mp-Meeting-Valley Fair.
Correspondence of the Bellows Falls Times.
WEATHERsFIELD, VT,
Aug. 16, 1875.
A word from the old agricultural
town may not come amiss just now, as
the busy harvest season is nearly over.
1t is an uncommon sight, of late years,
to see field of grass standing so late as
the middle. of August, but this year is
an exception. Indeed, but few only,
are all done haying at this date. Hay is
light and much is being of late got in
poor condition owing to the wet catch
ing" weather. Tons of hay the past
week have been rendered almost value
less in the field, or put in the barn in
condition that must about ruin it. On
the river large fields of oats are lying
cut, and many fear they will grow in the
field. Some have indeed sprouted, but
not to result in great damage yet. Not
much wheat is grown on the river, but
that back on the highlands looks finely,
and an abundant yield is expected. Rye,
of which good crop was grown, is Sc
cured in excellent order. Corn, though
quite backward, promises more than
average yield. Potatoes are just now
placed in the doubtful list, owing to the
late excessive warm, wet weather. Fields
that week ago were thrifty and green,
now are black and yellow, owing to
rust !" having struck the vines. All
now wanting, is for the rot to strike its
blow and the crop is ruined, let us hope
that such may not be the fate of crop
so useful to the people. Apples are
looking finely but are not in great album
dance, there being but few beyond those
needed for home consumption.
Stock probably never looked finer
than the present season, owing in part
to the excellent pasturage the wet wealth
er has given, but more, / am inclined to
think, to the increased care devoted to
its rearing. 1t will be hard to find a
town with so little Of the old native :"
cattle left as in this. The Durham takes
the lead, with goodly supply of the
Devons and Jerseys. Farmers have
learned that it costs no more to keep
good stock than poor and some go so far
as to say it costs less. / think they are
not far from right Certainly it pays
better
In sheep the past five years have seen
a marked change. For the little black,
wrinkly, feeble constitutional sheep of a
decade ago, we now have robust, strong
sheep, able to live on grass and good hay
the year around, and cutting more and
better wool. The cold storm just after
shearing, killed many of the old style of
sheep, and in the end will prove bless
ing to their owners. The Grange "
excitement is running low and some have
not made fortune in joining.
Little Eben's Capt. Haskell) base
ball club is prospecting hugely, having
just obtained their new uniform. Sever
al challenges have been received and will
doubtless be met by friendly contests
They have a most excellent ground a
mile south of the Bow Church. A
promising " club so they say.
The merits of the two great shows now
on their trip through our State takes a
large amount of attention and discussion.
The Paws however, is fully under
stood to be the best show ever before the
public. Having seen Barnum and Fore
paugh when exhibiting in Philadelphia
last spring, / found the latter by all odds
the most solid show, and such was the
general opinion, think.
The camp-meeting at Claremont june
ton comes next week, and great prepar-
ations are being made. A new and COM
modious boarding house is ready, and
several additional improvements made.
Soon the Valley Fair comes, which
promises to be little ahead of all its
predecessors. Everything is being put
in apple pie order" ON the Park
grounds, and good show and a lively
contest on the turf may be expected.
But let me save little for another
week, when we will have little camp
meeting news and gossip. Adieu,
MIRAMoNT.
A SAD CAsE.--A distressing case is
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