652 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



implements of husbandry exhibited, we incline to the opinion that there 

 were none of them unworthy of being fairly tested. There were various 

 other articles displaying the development of Yankee genius to no small 

 degree, such as pumps, looms, washing machines, churns, etc., but so 

 numerous that it would require our entire paper to notice them all. 



We must here observe that the museum of Dr. J. M. Shaflfer attracted a 

 good share of attention. It was composed principally of snakes, lizards 

 etc., — there being upwards of one hundred — preserved in spirits. It was 

 commended by all, and we really think the doctor deserves credit for his 

 energy in collecting such a curious assortment of the snake tribe. 



There was also a fine collection of birds, prepared by Mr. Moore, of Ft. 

 Des Moines. At his home he has a collection of all the varieties which are 

 found in our State. He must have a peculiar way of preserving them, for 

 the birds all looked very lifelike. Why do not more persons turn their 

 attentions to the preservation of reptiles, birds and animals to be found in 

 our State? 



But one person displayed daguerreotypes, Mr. J. P. McKinney, from 

 Dubuque. He had some of the most splendid pictures we ever saw. He 

 showed us some mezzographs— daguerreotypes on paper, which were very 

 fine, and for which, we believe, he has the patent. Mezzographing will, in 

 a great degree, supersede mezzo-tint engraving, as it is cheaper and easier. 

 He will take a copy of one's countenance, and from this copy he will take 

 any number of pictures without the person having to sit for them. We also 

 saw some daguerreotypes with convex plate and glass, which threw out 

 everything in bold relief. If we should happen at Dubuque we are going to 

 have our countenance "tuk," We understand that there were several who 

 had their pictures entered, but would not put them up. They could not 

 compete with Mac. 



Our friend J. Reagin Shamp had a very fine painting of Daguerre, but 

 we believe there was no premium offered for oil paintings. 



The ladies' department gave evidence that many fair hands had been 

 busily engaged for months in the preparation of articles for exhibition; and 

 we are now prepared to place the ladies of Iowa in opposition to ' ' all the 

 world and the rest of mankind" for the manufacture of anything that the 

 hand of woman can manufacture, whether it be with the loom, the needle 

 or the pencil. 



The display of fruit was very fine, considering the season. It was much 

 better than we expected. The apples were fine and the variety extensive. 



By the way, the premium pumpkins were presented to us by our old 

 friend David Switzer, which are enough to keep us in pumpkin pies and 

 ' ' sass" for a long time to come. 



The dairy was well represented. Butter and cheese were plenty and of 

 the very best quality. The Western Reserve must look to its laurels, or Iowa 

 will soon wear them. One cheese, weighing three hundred and sixty 

 pounds, was presented to Governor Grimes by his Lee county friends. It 

 was a "smasher", enough to last him until he goes where ''old Father 

 Grimes, that good old soul," has gone. 



