The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1883-09-08
OUR HELENA LETTER.
Fourteenth Annual Exhibition Of
thu N. A. IA. and M. A.
Great Western, Gilt and Thadv
Winners.
Correspondence of the MINER.

Special Correspondence of the MINER.
HELENA, Sept. 5, 1883.
Thus far the attendance at the fai,
has been unusually large, the receipts
at the gate exceeding those received
for the corresponding days during
the past four years. The manage
ment acted wisely in selecting the
earlier days of the month for the ex-
hibition. The only objection here
tofore expressed against holding the
fair so eal]y in the month has hap
PLY been disPelled, for contrary to
expectations the
AGRICULTURAL DISPLAY -.
is larger and quite as line as ever be-
fore seen in the hall, although there
10 yet a month of growing weather.
One feature of the exhibit in this de-
partment, which excites general in
terest and remark, is the splendid
display of cereals and vegetables
grown near Benton without irriga-
ton. The straw of the grain is quite
short and the heads correspondingly
diminished in length, but the berry
is firm and very heavy. The exhibit
is so creditabie in appearance that
many will be encouraged to try the
experiment of raising grain and vege-
tables upon the higher bench lands
which have been considered unfit for
agriculture unless covered by a sure
supply of water. Altogether the ex-
hibition in Agricultural Hall is one
calculated to impress the visitor
favorably with the capacity and pro.
d~uctiveness of Montana soil. Mr..
Wizards guests, who are expected
here Friday, will find upon the fair
grounds a variety of farm peoducts
which cannot fail to excite their
wonder at the great productiveness
of this mountain land.
FLORAL HALL
is not as full as in former years, al
though the display is superior in
quality. Your correspondent is not
familiar enough with ladies' handi-
craft to criticise the several exhibits
in this department, and will leave
that task to the ladies themselves.
The preserve, jelly, pickle, pastry
and flower exhibits are remarkably |
tine and reflect great credit on the
skill of Montana housewives in gen.
vicinity in particular.
The poultry exhibit looks as though
it had been raided bya foragingparty
from a starved army, or had been
subject to the drafts Of a general con-
ference of ministers. A few lone
some looking fowls, remarkable only
in not being different from those
seen upon every well-regulated ranch
in the territory, doze away the hours
in their cribs, taking no notice of the
visitor, nor attracting any
from him. Unless poultrymen take
more interest in this department, the
suspicion that chickens are regarded
as sacred birds in Montana will de-
velop into q saying which will con-
tain quite al much truth as fiction.
The stock department is well repre-
sented. and will receive notice in an.
other letter. OF course it is well UNI
derstood that the great interest in
these animal gatherings center in the
RACES.
This interest cannot result other
wise than favorably to one of the
great industries pursued in this ceun-
Try. Already MOntaNa-raised horses
nave made their mark among some
If the best blOods in the east and
vest. The races thus far show that
The tarritcry is maintaining its repu-
alton for superior ~hsrseflesh, and
ire demonstrating the fact that its
and nutricious grasses are in
he highest degree favorable to the
phyical development Of that ami
nal.
The sport opened with q trotting
ace for horses beaten yesterday in
he three-minnte class race. Conso-
alton purse $500. mile heats, best
hree in five. For this race Mr..
1aughn, of Sun River, entered Great
Western. by General Knox; Mr..
George Breck, of Prickley Pear val !
ey, entered Conway ; Stonewall was I
ntered by and DR..
litcheIl's horse, Moslem, was entered t
Y his trainer.
Conway was a hot favorite at the |
Great Western selling for
econd choice At a fair price, while .
Ioslem sold for d song. The result
vas a surprise to all. Moslem showed 8
nlooked-fnr speed and bottom, and q
1as with the gang at
he finish every time. There