Morning journal and courier., 1889-09-19

day. The race tracks were covered by two or three inches of soft clay. Racing was i'm possible and the crowds gathered about the large grange building, the big exhibition. tent and the stands of the thousand or more fakirs who seem to have captured the fair grounds this year as they never have before. The great event of the day was the visit of Merwin and suite to the fair. The lieuten- ant governor arrived in Meriden on the 11:35 train, accompanied by Assistant Adjutant General George M. White of the Governors staff. They were met by Secretary T. s. Gold of the agricultural society. Hon. H. Wales Lines. The party took dinner at the Winthrop. At this hotel they were joined by Senator o. H. Platt, Paymaster General Wallace P. Fenn of the Governors Meriden. The party drove to the park. They were greeted at the grange building by President Bill and Weeds band of Hartford. "Hail to the Chief" was played and the party proceeded to the balcony, where Lieutenant Governor Merwin ad- dressed the crowds below.
 ADDRESS BY GOVERNOR NERw1N.
 "There is not in the long list of manly co. equations one more honorable, more deserv- ing of the approval of all mankind, than that of the farmer. It was the first occupation known to man. It has been, 1t is, and always will be, one of the most noble callings. As @ class, no more honest, hard working and honorable men can be fonnd." He then gave brief and comprehensive analysis of farming in Connecticut, and continued: If one loves the occupation there is more solid comfort and enjoyment in it than can be had in any other calling. Trials, no doubt, are for mans good ,sr,hS fhora above who guides our destinies. The farmers of our State have one advantage of ready home market. Our cities and villages, with their industrious population, are ready pur- chasers for every article produced and much more. If any who visit your fair go away with the idea that Connections has lost her interest in agriculture. he certainly could not be observing.
 "Many farms of Connecticut are historic; they are pointed out as the former homes of patriots, statesmen, soldiers and sailors, who have been renowned in history. Generations yet unborn will see the first light of day from these same homes, and many son and daughter will live to add luster and glory to the honored name of Con neotiout, for the world never saw braver fathers or truer Christian mothers than are found in the pleasant farmers homes of our much beloved State. In closing give you
 
 Connecticut, with each returning springtime, see their focks and herds increased. May the autumn be rich with the harvest, and when winters cold storms beat against the old homstead, may there be glow of peace and happiness upon all the faces within that tells that honest labor brings it's own re- ward"
 THE auNNER's TOURNAMENT.
 The gunner's tournament attracted much attention. The sharp crack of rifles followed each other in rapid succession all the after- noon. Shooting for the championship of the State between teams of six men each, from New Haven, Hartford, Meriden and New London was being held. Each man shot at 20 birds, and the highest possible total for a team was 120. The New Haven marksmen who were Messrs Gould, c. B. Bristol, F.. Sherman, N. s. Fulsom, l.. Widman and O.. E. Langdon, won by total of 1l2 birds. The New London shooters made 110, Hart ford 109 and Meriden 90
 THE GRANGE EXHIBITS.
 The grange exhibits were greatly admired by the spectators. Many of the granges have been fully described by the COURIER. The life size COW made of oats, and milkmaid, of Wallingford grange Is O fine piece of work. The maids costume is made of corn husks. Above the big field is inscribed "We stand by honest butter" in flaring letters.
 The Kensington grange exhibit, which Is presided over by Mrs. J. H. Francis, has for Its principal disylay a mammoth blow made of corn stalks. The big shaft is loaded with rosy apples and other fruits.
 Noticeable in North Haven grange's show is large spinning wheel and tall clock, both made of grains and seeds.
 c. H. Risley's elaborate and complete miniature farm scene in the display of Ber- lin grange is fine piece of work. Farmers are seen at work in the fields, crops are growing, sheep are grazing upon the noun tains, girl is throwing corn to flock of chickens, the farmer and his wife are sitting upon & broad pia xza and every thing is com plete and picturesque.
 The Westfeld grange, In charge of F. K. Borden, shows pretty farm house and sur roundings of moss and cedar. There is lit- tie lake, cattle, trees, barns, and everything about the place seems to be in full blast.
 Meriden grange is in charge of John F. Hall, Rollin Ives, John Hale, Mrs. Nathan Baldwin, Mrs. William Booth and Miss Jennie Pratt. The train of eleven small cars, all loaded with every kind of produce, is much admired. The engine was built by J. G. Schwink and J. H. Francis. The trimmings to the cars were by Mrs. Baldwin. The grange frontis- piece is the work of Philip Vibert.
 TOWN HALL ATTRACTIONS.
 The evening part of the fair programme is carried on exclusively in Town Hall. Last night 1t was filled by a large crowd and formed pretty scene. An orchestral con- cert was given during the evening. The ex- hibitions are unusually admired. Especially so are the articles of fancy work and paint ings in the galleries. The floral display of Frank s. Platt, which is in charge of J. N. Cham pion, is very tasteful. In the galleries screen upon which is painted two life-size girls in nearly nude costume. One repre- sents Spring and the other Autumn. It is tho work of Miss Lauette Miller, of Southington, and is valued at $150. A bed quilt of 13,607 patches is shown by Mrs. K. 0. Miller of Middle6eld. Mrs. John Matthews of Southington had a large display of drawn work. A hand painted garnet and olive plush table scarf by Mrs. also handsome screen painted by Burton H. Hubbard. Mrs. Helen Benedict of Meriden is the maker of handsome sky-blue scarf, drawn in silk.
 A great part of the Town hall exhibit is in charge of . number of young ladies. They say that this years display far surpasses that of preceding years.
 THE POULTRY SHOW.
 The poultry show is unusually fine. s. 8. Garter of Clinton was new exhibitor and he showed varied stock of good ones. He had Dominiques, Partridge Cochins, Brown Leg- horns, China, Emden, Toulouse and native geese. and Nuscovy ducks.
 John Kingsley of Meriden showed Lang- shans, E. Fl. Ray of Meriden Russian and Java fowls, John Thorrett, B. W. Williams and A. M. Hart of Meriden Plymouth Rocks. F. E. Fowler of Meriden had 6 big display of all kinds of Wyandottes and Leghorns. F.. E. Edwards of Westville showed White Leg horns.
 . c. P. Jordan of New Haven had the finest coops in the tent containing his Pekin ban tams. He also showed fine Seabrights and choice white Polish bantams. Finnegan & Go. showed their Chinese chicks, w. M. Loomis of Meriden had bantams in the show, and Thomas Mckinney of Meriden also showed bantams.
 0. Plerpont & Go. of this city exhibited hay cutters.
 FIOWERs-AwARDs YESTERDAY.
 For best collection of roses, A. W. Pierson of Cromwell was awarded 1st premium yes- terdsy and F. s. Platt of New Haven 2d premium; Alex Dallors of Waterbury 8d; A. J. Coe, Meriden, amateur, special diploma for largest number of varieties of roses.
 A NOTABLE AWARD.
 Tho Connecticut Jersey cattle breeders prize cup for the best Jersey bull with his progeny was yesterday awarded to Fred yx- ~ | r.