The Russellville Democrat., 1875-09-09
Letter from U. E. Erwin, Esq.

Letter from U. B. Erwin, Esq. RUssELr.yILLE, Aug. 31sJ, 1875 MR. EDITOR: Having been SC lected as one of committee to award premiums offered by the enterprising firm of T. B. Mills & Co.,, of Little Rock, for the best selection of grains, grasses, etc, on exhibition at the office of the above named firm, l repaired to the place designated and confess 1 was astonished to see such a display. Corn 19 feet high with twenty years to the "stalk" so Col. Fletcher said. Wheat, Rye, Oats, Millet, Timothy, &c., from five to seven feet high. Clover, Red-top and Orchard grass as tall as you would see anywhere. There were only four entries that could compete for the highest premium. There being as many as six varieties required. After close examination by Col. Fetch: CT, of Little Rock, Col. Cravens, of Clarksville, (heard him dubbed Lord Coke in Little Rock, and myself we felt in duty bound to give the Hon. Kerr, of Sebastion county, the first premium-$5o, and to Mir. Danly, of Pulaski county, the second-$25. In jus tice to Mir. Danly will state that his display equaled MT. Kerr's except Mir. Danly had no wheat. Mr. Kerr was also awarded the premium for the best wheat, which was ten dollars.
 The premium offered for the best millet was ten dollars; second best, five dollars. The committee not being able to decide between an entry from Pulaski county and one from Mr. J. B. Stafford, of Pope county, recommended that the premium of ten dollars be equally divided between the gen tleman of Pulaski sand Mr. Staf- ford; the second premium was awarded to the same gentleman of Pulaski. I am sorry l cannot give the names ofall the parties who were awarded premiums. There were a great many speci- mems worthy of mentien which will be specially noticed in the Spirit of Arkansas. 1 cannot close without making special mention of wheat exhibited by Mir. Falls and Dr, Harkey of Pope county. Also wheat and timothy exhibited by Mir. A. W. Mathews, near Gala Rock, Pope county. In fact it vas decided that Mir. Mathews had the best wheat (classing white, and the best timothy on exhibition, but there was not a sufficient quantity to entitle him to premium, accord ing to the requirements set forth in Mir. Mills circular. Col. Mills proposes to have some of the best varieties on exhibition at the coming fair at St. Louis, and Gen. Pomeroy says he expects to "knock the socks" off Kansas, Missouri and Illinois, by having the best timothy, oats, etc. The farmers of Arkansas have cause to be proud of their products, an inspection of which will convince the most sceptical that Arkansas is not only cotton growing state, but will produce almost all kinds of grain and grapes equal to any state.
 Great credit is due to Col. Mills and his associates for the lively interest manifested by them in the above enterprise. One thing more 1 must mention, that was samples of native wine made near Little Rock. l imagine, MT, Ed itor, ifyou had been there, you would have been heard to eXclaim with emphasis ''by grip this is fine. I expected report from Gen. Pomery ere this and did not expect to expose my ignorance in the columns of your paper, but if you think this worthy of a place you are welcome to it, il not, cull what items you think proper and throw the balance in your waste basket. Yours, &c.,
 J. B. ERWIN. --o scs =
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