Year: 1859

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Esq, Secretary Of the State Agricultural
Society, design for diploma for the use of
the Society. 1t is the labor of Mr.. H. w.


Petit, of Waubeek, Linn county, Iowa. As
a work of art, it is equal to anything we ever
saw, and as a diploma it is far superior to
that of any of the other States Its ensemble
lis symmetrical and delicately beautiful
There are but two or three imperfections, and
they Of minor importance, perceptible to the
most critical eye. The following is a descrip
ton of the design as nearly as we can give it !:


At the top are the patriotic emblems of our
country's colors and the territorial seal. 10
the right of the latter is the cornucopia, 5rim-
ming with the luscious bounties of our State :;
the capstan and steamboat of Commerce the
artisan and anvil of Mechanics the railroad
train; sorgho and the rude sugar mill, repre-
senting the new interest recently brought
into notice; while on the left Of the seal is
the beehive, emblem of industry; the sheaf
of wheat, rural scene; maiden feeding fowls;
etc, etc. The plow, emblem of Agriculture
and Civilization, occupies the post of honor
in front Of the seal.


10 the left Of the medallion is group of
our aborigines. The female pounding corn,
IN the primitive manner, with stones, while
her lordly chief contcmplates with sad admi-
ration the inroads and improvements of the
white man, gazing upon a beautiful farm
scene, the broad Mississippi in the distance.
Upon the opposite side of the medallion is
the perfection Of advancement-a railroad
train, with the more modern method of
cracking corn-a Touring mill. Above these
two little gems are the sheep upon one side
and the swine upon the other. The sheep
are decided success, as they receive unusual
encomiums. There is also vigorous life in
the expression of the hogs that is pleasing,
even to the most fastidious Around these
side-pleces is an easy flowing border of grain !;
corn and wheat mostly.


Beneath all are the portraits of those two
inimitable animals, "Sir Archy" and "Ncw
Years Day" The reaper-scene is brought
in easily, being sufficiently prominent, and at
the same time natural. The distance dis
played upon this little bit of landscape is very
fine, and also characteristic Of our scenery.
The prairie chicken scene, trotting horse,
farrn buildings, water and far rolling prairie
are faithful and correct representations Of our
rural life


The grouping is all the result of the artists
most careful attention and study. He has
endeavored to combine chasteness and beauty
with truth and vigor of expression throughout
the whole. There is well-balanced consist
ency reigning throughout the entire design,
that redeems it from the charge Of stiffness
which is so often laid to pictures Of this class.
Nothing is too conspicuous, yet the prom-
nence Of every object is in proportion to its
comparative Importance.


Our readers will remember that previous
to the last State Fair, premium of $100 was
offered for the best design of a diploma for
the use of the Society. No award was made,
however, as no design was exhibited worthy
of premium, in the opinion of the Directors.
The design above described will, we doubt
not, be adopted by the Society, though there
is now no premium offered for one. They
can scarcely hope to get better one.