237 



were very fine. He is the most extensive cultivator of this 

 favorite esculent in this valley, and is the projector of a pa- 

 tented plan for preserving them through the winter. All 

 who wish a superior article are referred to him. 



The only Fruit exhibited, was a fine selection of fall and 

 winter apples, by John Catey, of the vicinity of Williams- 

 burg. Having been honored with the appointment of one of 

 the judges on that article, we performed the duty with a good 

 relish, and much pleasure, with the only exception that we 

 had not a sufficient quantity to embrace the whole immense 

 crowd in our committee. A premium of course was awarded 

 Mr. Catey. 



Q,uite a large number of Sheep were exhibited. The best, 

 was the fine wool buck of Hugh Maxwell, for which he paid 

 a few months since $100. Several other fine sheep were on 

 the ground, but we have not room to particularize. We 

 hope, however, to see this branch of the farming interest 

 increased, which with proper laws by the general government, 

 can be made of no secondary importance in this country. 



The show of Horses was very respectable, but not so good 

 as it should have been. An effort should be made to improve 

 the stock. Our town is one of the greatest horse markets 

 in the west, and a continual drain of good horses has made 

 them more scarce than formerly. 



Cattle. — The number of cattle at the exhibition was very 

 large; and for quality, pure blood, beauty of form, &c., have 

 not been excelled at any similar exhibition in the west. The 

 premium for the best bull was awarded to "Oregon," after 

 -close examination, accurate measuring, and frequent com- 

 parisons. The competition was close, and we infer from the 

 ^length of time occupied by the judges in coming to a conclu- 

 ~sion as to the respective merits of " Oregon," and *' Osceola," 

 that they doubted, hesitated, and doubted again, as to which 

 •^ne the superiority should be awarded. 



The competition in Threshing Machines was carried on 

 *with much interest and feeling. Messrs. Gaar «fe Co., of the 



