Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1885-09-18
A Others See Us.-Mr. Edwin


was present at the first days exhibition
of the Potomac Agricultural, Mechan-
ical and Live Stock Association at Shop
berdstown last week, and we republish
from the Mail his account Of the exhibi-
ton:
One of the richest and mos: beautiful
sections of our very rich neighboring
county of jefferson, across the Potomac,
has become alive to the Importance OF
concerted action among its farmers and
stock-raisers through the dissemination
of advanced practical and scientific
knowledge, and the impulse has taken
shape in the formation Of Live Stock,
Agricultural and Mechanical Associa-
ton, upon the model of our own success
full institution. A few weeks ago an
important exhibition, which was great
success, was held in the rich section be-
low Shepherdstown, of which the farm
of Capt. Lee Moler is the centre, at
which the organization was initiated,
and on Wednesday and yesterday of'this
week the first regular exhibition of the
young notwithstanding of long life
took place. The grounds selected
could not have been more admirably
chosen and are in a historic as well as
beautiful spot-Morgan's Grove-half
mile below ShepherdstOwn, overlooking
the railroad. Here is one of the finest
springs in the valley, at the base of the
hill upon which stands the venerable
and still stately mansion built by Gen.
Daniel Morgan, Of Revolutionary fame,
all ancestor of the gallan. Colonel of
that name who is now its owner, and 1t
was from this spring, in l775, that the
famous fighter headed company in
'.bee line" for Boston. A ram in this
spring pumped up water and sent it to
the opposite side of the hill for the sup
ply of the Exhibition, which covered its
slopes with striking effect. Booths and
pens and platforms had been hastily but
most conveniently constructed, and in
these was deposited a collection of live
stock, agricultural machinery and deli
cate work of female hands, such as
would have done honor to any Agricul-
tural Fair or Cattle Show in the land,
whilst an impromptu platform was
eagerly sought by youthful dancers, TO
whom the choicest music of the valley
was furnished. Conspicuous among the
promoters of the enterprise, headed by
Col. Morgan, upon whose grounds the
exposition was held, were DR.. Allan
Reynolds, whose splendid Percheron
horse headed the equine array, and Mr..
Henry Shepherd, whose herd of import
ed Jerseys were especial objects OF adj
miration among the lovers of horned
cattle. Particularly noteworthy were
the many beautiful colts and calves, the
result of improved breeding-a senti-
ment to which the establishment of the
Association is ascribed. Among the
hogs and sheep were noticed AS noble
specimens as ever graccd an exhibition.
In the mechanical department, well
filled as it was, the traction engine OF
the Greencastle Manufacturing Com
pany was particularly conspicuous.
Although no rain had fallen in Ha-
gerstown, the ten thirty train. which
took to the ground Governor Hamilton
and Col. A. II. Boteler, whose addresses
were to be the attraction of Wednesdays
proceedings, found the earth flooded in
the low places about the railroad by
recent shower and the temporary struc-
lures thoroughly drenched by the down
pour; but the sun coming out shortly
after, the remainder of the day was
charming. First in order was lunch,
served in picnic style in the grove,
with the profusion and grace character
istic of Virginia hospitality, after which
the speaking commenced from stand
erected for the purpose.
Col. A. X. Botcler was introduced to
the assemblage, which numbered many
ladies, by DR.. Allan Reynolds, and after
pleasantly referring to the speaker who
was to follow him, spoke briefly but
with grace peculiar to himself aud an
aptness that was perceptibly appreciated
by his audience. TO sketch his remarks
we do not propose, but to pass in silence
his pertinent allusion to the institution
of the Washington County Agricultural
! Society, at whose birth he had assisted,
and which he held up to those engaged
in giving life TO another such, as mod
ell to be followed, having attained pre-
eminence among Associations which it
should be their aim to emulate. Thirty
years before he had delivered his first
address at the first meeting of the WASH
ington County Association, which was
then an affair which he did not think
his friend, Governor Hamilton, would
regard disparaging were lie to say was
| not equal TO the exhibition before MIN,
and to which that gentleman nodded
an emphatic assent.
Thus concluding, Governor Hamilton
was introduced and was cordially greet
ed and spoke for upwards of one hour
in one of his plain, incisive, practical
talks, which appeared to go home to ev-
cry one and was listened to with such
| gratified attention that, could it be re-
duced to print, it would be read with
profit and pleasure by the people not
only of his own section, but of the coun-
try generally. He discussed from a
practical standpoint, generally and spe-
officially the advantages the farmers are
enjoying and the disadvantages they la
| Dor under but drew the most gratifying