Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1885-09-11
Exhibition ofthe Potomac Az.

| Stock Assocfatlon.-The first an
nual exhibition of the Potomac Agri-
cultural, Mechanical and Live Stock AS
ISOLATION was held on Wednesday and
Thursday Of this week, September 9TH
and 10th, at Col. VIM. A. Morgan's
Grove, near Shepherdstown. II the sue
cess of the first exhibition be taken as
an index of the future prosperity of the
Association, then the prospect is indeed
a bright one. The large number OF Wis
itors in attendance, the splendid exhib-
its of live stock-horses, cattle, sheep,
hogs, &c.-the varied display of agri-
cultural machinery and implements, the
beautiful and delicate work in the ladies'
department, the displays of the business
men of the town and neighborhood,
were all important factors in the perfect
success Of the enterprise.
| THE FIRST DAY.
Wednesday was the first day OF the
exhibition. Many exhibitors were on the
ground by the day before, getting ev-
cry thing in readiness, and the grove
was well filled on Tuesday night. We'd
nesday morning opened up bright and
fair, but about ten o'clock heavy show
er of rain poured down, making 1t very
disagreeable for few hours. The water
soon drained off, however, and although
many persons were deferred from attend
ing, it was only temporary inconve-
nience.
The splendid specimens of live stock
on exhibition were one of the centers OF
attraction, and were very thoroughly
examined and commented on. The ex-
hibitors of machinery were kept busy
in explaining the merits of their goods
to the farmers and others. The exhibit
in the ladies department proved of in
terest to many, and there were really
many exceedingly beautiful specimens
of work of the fair Sex which space de-
MES further description Of.
After dinner large crowd gathered
around the speakers stand, and DR.. A.
S. Reynolds, President Of the Associa-
ton, introduced Col. A. r. Boteler, of
| Washington, who made the address Of
welcome. Col. Boteler's address was in
his usual happy aud eloquent style. He
advocated in strong terms the benefits
of an advanced system of farming and
more intelligent and systematic work in
raising crops and stock. The address
contained many suggestions to farmers.
Ex-Gov. VIM. Il. Hamilton, of Mary
land, was the next speaker, and those
who listened to him enjoyed rare
treat. The Ex-Governor was introduced
as a model Maryland farmer, and his
practical, sensible speech showed that
| he was. Even in the face Of the present
dismal outlook for the farmer, the speak
er took an optimistic view of the situa-
| ton. He had to look ahead for year
or few years to do this, he said, but
better times were bound 10 soon come to
the farmers, and he gave good reasons
WHY advanced prices In wheat should
| be looked for. He advised the farmers
of this Valley not to depart from the
growing of wheat. Wheat is their only
salvation. The soil always has been, is
and always will be adapted for wheat
growing. When the vast virginia. plains
of the West no longer yield their in
| crease the Shenandoah and Cumber-
land Valleys will be feeding millions.
The farmers here can grow more grain
and better than anywhere else in the
world, and a few spasmOdie discourage
ments should not upset them. In
vest your money IN lands, and they will
never fail you. Your children will reap
the benefit, and children's children.
The Ex-Governor spoke Of grievances of
the farmers. naming among them the
unjust patent laws and railroad discrim-
nations. He gave valuable suggestions
to farmers from his own experience,
and showed that a thoughtful man was
required for a good farmer. His speech
was listened to with great interest.
When the speaking for the day was
over, parade of horses and colts was
held, and it was most interesting sight.
The procession was headed by the mar
shals and the combined bands, and the
excited, prancing, lively colts, and their
magnificent and fiery sires, as they
passed in review, made II handsome dis
play.
At night the grove was beautifully
illuminated with Chinese lanterns,
torches, lamps, &C., making scene Of
rare beauty. The balloon ascension was
brought to an untimely end by the
burning of the balloon about the time
it was ready to 60 up. The dancing
pavilion was occupied all the time, and
every body seemed to enjoy themselves.
Henry Shepherd, Esq, had pavilion
erected for his own use OH the grounds,
and handsomely entertained the speak
ers and friends. He had Capt. Dun
more's brass band stationed near by,
which furnished music throughout the
day.
Among the business men Of Shep-
herdstown and vicinity who had highly
creditable displays were j. L. Richard
& Son, millinery and carpets; Edward
Il. Licklider, j. w. Shaner, and II.
NJ. Loyns, harness; S. P. Humrick
house & Son, clothing; D. NJ. Schoppert
and II. C. Marten stoves &c; r. &. Hess,
fuTniture; Trussell & Hess, coal; G. T.
Hodges, hardware, &C.; Shepherdstown
Manufacturing Company, Beall Bros. &
Phillips, Shenandoah Machine Comps
nv and J. w Bane agricultural imple.