The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1890-10-02
The District Fair.
FIRST DAY.

FIRST DAY.
The Fair opened on Tuesday with a
slim attendance of people and dimln-
ished representation of the various lines
of articles usually placed on exhibition.
The morning was cloudy, damp and dis
agreeable, but by noon the atmosphere
became warmer and more pleasant, and
those on the grounds passed the time
pleasantly Machinery and stock came
in. in the evening, to add to the exhibits
on hand, but they were nothing APP
preaching in volume TO that heretofore
on exhibition.
In the Rotunda, the display of needle
work was fully up to former Fairs. A
meager variety of fruit, vegetables, pic
kles, preserves, and some minerals,
with pianos, organs, &c. in moderate
numbers. We noticed that Mr.. James
Woodward had neat case of goods rep
resenting the lines of his stock. and a
few other interests were represented, but
in no great number or amount in the ar
ticles exposed.
Buggies, thrashers, wagons, &C., were
not up to past exhibitions in quantity.
A Road Machine attracted a good deal OF
attention, and deservedly SO, for it is one
of the most useful and effective contri
vances we have ever seen for grading and
preparing roads and laying off ground.
1t is run ON four wheels and drawn by
four horses, and consists of huge scra-
per which does the work of pick and
sh ovel and does it rapidly and to perfec-
ton. The county ought to have half
dozen of them, and every improvement
scheme that contemplates street grading
would find it economy to own one.
A fine herd of Hereford cattle from
Greenbrier county, attracted attention.
NJ. Erskine Miller has a large herd of
beautiful Jerseys in better condition and
order than any we have ever noticed at
previous fairs. There is fair exhibit of
sheep and some few hogs, notably the
fine herds of H. A. s. Hamilton. Geo.
Ii. Chrisman, of Rockingham, has a fine
herd of short horn cattle, keeping up his
reputation in that line
A number of trotters and racers are
on hand and some fine specimens of draft
and saddle horses Several of the pref
test and most stylish colts, sired by Mas
lin and Gilkeson's Denmark, captivated
the crowd. A four weeks old colt gives
assurance of splendid saddle qualities,
and in form and style is perfection itself.
+. A. Stands has a pair of handsome
Jx,se
beautiful yearling colt of the same strain.
SECOND DAY.
The heavy rain of Tuesday night, and
the lowering clouds of Wednesday morn
ing, prevented as large attendance on the
Fair grounds as was expected. Yet there
was fair attendance, and the exhibit
was greatly improved over the first day.
The exploits of Prof. Boyton in his
aquatic demonstrations, attracted much
attention, as the Professor filled his bill
to the letter, and everybody was pleased
The polo games ON the lake, the canon
aiding, the naval warfare, the blowing
up of a ship, and various and numerous
gyrations and exploits on the water,
were novel and entertaining.
The races booked for the day were
narrowed down to two running contests
over a very heavy track. The entries
for the first race, mile heats, two best in
three, We're Kate c., Cleary, rider; Trift,
L. w. Hewitt, of Wineoak, Harry
Hook, rider; Page, A. d. Payne, Jones.
rider; Bendigo, AL. Daingerfield, Lynch
burg. The contest was between Kate
G. and Thrift, the former winning in
two straight heats. Purse, $3.50. Time,
first mile, 2:02; second, 2:03. 1t was
nice test Of metal and speed land the race
was won, after an exciting contest, by
Kate c., as above stated.
The second race was a mile stretch,
best two in three. Entries, Big Head,
Tate Sterrett, of Rockbridge, rider, Lee;
Count me-in, A. D. Payne, of Albemarle,
rider, Cleary; Prince Idle, AL. danger
field, Lynchburg, rider, Buckshot. The
race was won in two straight heats by
Prince Idle. Time, 2:O1-2:O5. A large
number of persons witnessed the evenly
balanced contest, and all seemed salts
fled with the result, except the losers.
THIRD DAY.
To-day there will be two running and
four trotting races. and a contest Of
speed between two mules
At 1 o'clock the Baby show will take
place in the Ladies' Room.
The Procession OF Prize Stock.
Farmers Day-Meeting of the ALI
ance, addressed by Col. L. L. Polk,
Grand Master of the National Alliance.
Procession will form on Main street
ut 10 q. M, and march to the grounds,
where Col. Polk will be introduced by
Hon. H. St. Geo. Tucker.
Capt. Paul Boyton In his aquatic car
nival, and Wallace Ross in the boat race
for $500.
The entertainment and attractions to.
lay will be the best that have ever been
offered ON the Fair grounds.
FOURTH DAY.
Friday the completion of the award
ment of premiums and the grand pro-
cession of stock.
Foot race by amateurs. Bicycle race
The contest of craftsmanship by the
ladies, and the awards of special pre-
miums offered by citizens, amounting to
$3.50, will be presented by Mr.. Richard
s. Ker.
A Steel Making Centre.
One of the most attractive and mari |