The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-11-10
faral aud Garden.
For the Central Presbyterian.
virgiania State Fair.

Pennsylvania State Fair, it is suggested
by one of the editors of this paper that
should say something of our State Fair
Just concluded.
The impression was made on the minds
of some that the exhibition was an in
different one-probably from the fact
that the most important part of it, viz;
the stock department was impertectly
examined. or not examined at all The
exhibition of stock was an excellent one,
fully equal to those of previous years
the display Of implements and machinery
was good. the specimens of needle-work
were pronounced by judges to be very
fine, and the poultry department. was
said to be full, and to contain many fine
fowls. This latter we did not have time
TO examine, and indeed we have not
much taste for fowls, Except when
served up), and sometimes doubt whether
we have gained much by importation of
foreign breeds, for it may be that they
are more delicate than our native breeds,
and may have served tc introduce the
destructive diseases to which they are
subject of late years. Certain it is,
than formerly (within our recollection
cholera and roup were unknown among
cur fowls. We do not intend to express
a positive opinion on this subject, for
we have not the information which would
Justify our doing so, but only throw out
this suggestion.
The show of farm products was indif-
ferent, so was that of manufactures We
can bear our testimony to the general
excellence of this annual exhibition, with
~ of
no connection with the State society,
but as a life member. 1t is to be re-
GREETED that the numbers in attendance
was not as large as usual, by probably
nearly one half this is to be explained,
not by presuming that there is any gene
raj diminution in the popular interest,
but by the turmoil and worry into which
the whole State and the entire popula-
ton is thrown by the Presidential and
Congressional elections The people
were thinking of nothing but politics, not
only thinking and talking politics, but
acting and working for party success
night and day, to the exclusion of almost
every thing elsa condition of things
much to be deplored, and which our fore
fathers would probably have avoided
could they have foreseen the evil at
tendant on such frequent elections-the
great loss of time, entailing millions OF
loss on the productive capacity of the
country, the heart burnings and strife en-
gendered, the corruption of morals, with
other attending evils, not emitting the
want of stable policy in government adj
ministration, and the change of often
competent and tried and experienced Of
fcials for those inexperienced and un-
tried. 1t is matter of question whether
State societies should not omit their ex-
hibitions the years of Presidential cleo
tions.
The exhibition ofhorses was particular
ly good, though we did not have time to
examine them as Thoroughly as we wished
Mr.. Early of Bedford, exhibited four
year old stallion of the Red Eye" blood
(sire, Virginian, we think which pos
sesses great symmetery, muscle, style, and
ample size, without coarseness and with
fine action. Mr.. Early deservedly re-
ceived a premium, under the head Of
horses of General utility"
Col. Palmers imported Clydesdale stall.
lion "a bay is fine animal, of great
power and muscle, and as kind and gen
tie as lamb, working well anywhere.
Col. Ficklin's half Clydesdale (black) is q
horse of great excellence also, with rather
more show and style than Col. Palmer's
He received the premium for best heavy
draught horses.
We have not the space, or the infor.
nation to describe the many fine horses
exhibited.
The exhibition of cattle was large and
varied. The Short Horns" were not sc
numerous as in the past years, but they
were well represented by Col Palmer
Major Bowman, and Dr. Reid, with
fine animals. The Jerseys" were
numerous, the principal exhibitors being
Col. Palmer, Hon. Mr. Rowe, and Mr.
Pratt; among them were some fine i'm
ported animals. The Devons" were
well represented in the herds of Mr.. B
F. Graves of Spottsylvania, Mr. billiard
and Mr.. P. Graves of Louisa, and the
Ayrshires by Mr.. F. w. Chiles, with 6
fine herd; he also exhibited some De
vons. We saw no Hereford or Hol
TENS. While the Short Horns are re-
tanning their old and well-deserved re-
putatlon and popularity, the Jerseys
on this occasion, seemed most sought af
ter, many sales being made of them
Every one who loves good butter wants