The Mineral argus. [volume] (Maiden, Mont.) 1883-1886, 1885-09-17

what late, will, l trust. satisfy your readers
and fulfill my promise to write up the I'M
pressions made on me while in attendance
at the territorial fair. l was able to note
the changes that have taken place from
year to year having attended nearly every
fair that has been held in Helena for the
last sixteen wears.
| Situated at the base of an extensive range
of mountains and overlooking beautiful
and productive valley, lies Helena. the
queen city of the mountains, which il
point of history and commercial sgnifi-
cance is the most important between st.
Pa,l and Portland. Thus all attendance at
the fair is of double Importance by first
being able to take la" the commercial and
financial centre of Montana. and second to
witness the speed of Montana flyers and
the display of the choicest Of her mineral,
agricultural and stock products.
The fair grounds are situated two miles
from the city, and the track is pronounced
as among the best in the west. ] will not
attempt to make mention of each race. but
the bare fact OF :a::..7 as u trot,ing record
speaks for ITSELF and l:444 for mile dash
record would suffice ON the Saratoga course.
This time, considering the high elevation
and consequent light atmosphere, is GER
tainly very good.
The agricultural display was not very ex-
tersive owing to the bad weather just pre-
vious to fair week, and being little too
early in the season for II full representation
from ne rural districts. However, what
there was could not have been exccl'ed.
MINERAL.
The mineral display was not As good as it
might have been, for il is well known
fact that no country can surpass Montana
in producing II mineral cabinet; still the
specimens exhibited were \ 4.
CATTLE.
In this respect the ''cOw boys" took the
cake. the cattle exhibit surprising all
Others. Ii was, by far. the most extensive
ever seen in Montana and would do credit
to any eastern stock show The long rows
of stalls were filled by full representation
of lle,l-Angus. Short Horns, Holstines,
Herfortls and Jerseys. The most interest
seemed to be in the POlled- Angus, and
in the opinions of the Cow boys" they are
destined to become the future range cattle
for Montana. The Holstines are fine APP
pearing breed and may yet take the lead.
If there is any merit in size they possess Il
large quantit..
HORSES.
The general display of these noble ami
mails is improving every ycrr, and from the
interes, manifested Montana will he one OF
the leading horse producing Iortions Of the
United States. The Nornlans and Clydes-
dale were simply immense. while the trot-
ting and running strains were by no means
second. The time made By Montana bred
horses will convince everyone that more
pruve,nent in that direction than in any
other class of live stock.
SHEEP.
The display was good for what there was
of il. About a dozen Merino rams and a
Jew ewes constituted the exhibit. ! am
sorry to see 80 little interest taken by the
sheep men of Montana. for at no place
can the attention of eastern men he 81
readily attained as at annual exhibits. The
Helena fair j. beginning To attract consid-
cradle attention outside Of our territory
and we ought to be- able Ia show sample
Of the sheep that produce the now much
wanted Montana wool.
Hosss.
A fine display OF the different breeds
were to toe seen.
POULTRY.
Chickens. Ducks, Geese and Turkeys
Of every variety We're represented, the ex-
hibit exceling any previous attempt.
Fi"RAI HAL,.
The ladies at Montana made the best
single handed exnibi; to be seen at the
fair The calie,,ion of needle work was
certainly immense: crazy quilts till you
couldn't rest AMI a thousand smaller articles
an shoxing >sili ard nea,ne>>. The bread