502 ANNUAL REPORT OF NEW-YORK 



mode by which extraordinary crops are produced, being published 

 by the society, the community have the benefit of it. 



Officers for 1857 — President, J. H. Sanborn. Plattsburgh; Sec- 

 retary, John L. Stetson, do.; Treasurer, Edwin Benedict, do.; and 

 11 Vice Presidents. 



JOHN W. BAILEY, President. 



Platfshurghj Dec. 24, 1856. 



COLUMBIA. 



The annual fair and cattle show of the Columbia County Agri- 

 cultural Society was held at Chatham four corners, on the 24th, 

 25th and 26th days of September, 1856. The attendance was very 

 large all through the fair. The exhibition was one of the best 

 in all respects, ever held in old Columbia. The first day was 

 devoted to the arrangement of the different kinds of stock and 

 fancy articles; the show of cattle was on the first day. The sec- 

 ond day we had a very spirited plowing match in the forenoon ; 

 and in the afternoon a very fine display of horses, both matched 

 and single; also, the trial of speed horses. The third day was 

 devoted to the display of fancy horses and female horsemanship. 

 The show of farm implements was very fair. The fancy articles 

 and home manufactures reflected great credit upon the fair con- 

 tributors; too much praise cannot be awarded them. 



That the farmers in the county feel a very great interest in this 

 pleasant anniversary, was manifest by the large numbers that 

 attended. The influence of such gatherings must be beneficial. 

 It stimulates competition in the various modes of husbandry and 

 production of crops, brings the people of different towns together 

 to relate their experience, compare their stock, and kindles a gen- 

 erous enthusiasm and kindly neighborhood feeling among them. 

 They gather new ideas and encouragements, and in turn impart 

 them to others. On the whole, I believe and know the operations 

 of the Society are diffusing a beneficial influence in the county. 



The Society has purchased fifteen acres of land, and fenced the 

 same with a durable fence, for the purpose of holding their 

 annual fairs. We have built a very durable building upon the 

 fair ground, one hundred feet long by forty wide, in which we 

 show our fancy articles and vegetables; and we have a very fine 



