New York State Eair 503 



receipts and $1,087.51 expenses. One of the features of the show was three 

 yoke of oxen, weighing 18,000 pounds, from Onondaga and Ontario counties, 

 Mr. Rust, who exhibited one yoke, slaughtered one of the oxen, weighing 

 2,750 pounds, and presented a quarter to tlie socioty. Another feature, as 

 of succeeding shows, was a plowing contest. 



The second fair was held September 27-29, 1842, at Albany. The society 

 this time devoted $2,000 to premiums, which was considered a large sum. Tlie 

 largest amount, $827, was allotted to live stock, but there was $200 for 

 essays and for artists for portraits of animals. Governor William H. Seward 

 was substituted for Daniel Webster, who was unable to speak as expected. 

 This fair was considered a huge success. More than 600 domestic animals 

 were entered. In tlie implements department there were more tluin 40 plows. 

 The receipts, after paying expenses, were $345.74. 



Tlie president was now James S. Wadsworth, of CJeneseo. As a result of 

 the 1843 fair, wliich was held in September at Rochester, the society was 

 able to invest $3,000' in seven per cent, stock. For the first time the grounds, 

 which now covered ten acres, were enclosed. The admission fee was 12^4 

 cents. It is stated of this fair that there was an unprecedented rush, canal 

 boats and trains pouring in thousands. The attendance was 20,000. Among 

 the many distinguished guests were Ex-President Van Buren, Governor 

 Bouck, Ex-Governor Seward and Daniel Webster. 



With John P. Beekman, of Rhinebeck, as president, a fair was held at 

 Poughkeepsie, September 18-19, 1844. At this fair, which was held in build- 

 ings, tliere were many novel features and, as a result, the society decided 

 to establish an agricultural museum. George Bancroft, the celebrated his- 

 torian, was the speaker. The 1845 fair was held in Utica, with B. P. .John- 

 son, of Oneida, as president of the society. Four exhibition buildings, 100 by 

 30 feet, housed the principal exhibits. The feature of the fair was tlie exliil)i- 

 tion of the magnetic telegraph and the famous Josiah Quincy, of Massa- 

 chusetts, was the orator. The exliibit included 683 animals. Forty thousand 

 persons attended this fair, which left the society with $5,000. 



In Auburn, September 21-22, 1846, the next fair was held, with excellent 

 success. Samuel Stevens, of Albany, was the speaker. As a result of the 

 society's efforts farmers' clubs had begun to be established, and the society was 

 also able to take a prominent position in movements for commercial legis- 

 lation. At the Saratoga fair, 1847, sixteen acres were occupied. Silas 

 Wright who had been invited to speak at this fair died just before it, but his 

 speech was read by United States Senator John A. Dix. Among the visitors 

 were Ex-Presidents Van Buren and Tyler, Governor Young and Ex-Governor 

 Hill, of New Hampshire. The society this year started an agricultural survey 

 of the state, employing Asa Fitch for the purpose. 



The Buflfalo exposition of the following year was said to be the greatest 

 fair ever held on the continent. Many notable people from this and other 

 states attended, including some of the Mexican War generals and a repre- 

 sentative of the Governor-General, Lord Elgin, of Canada. John C. Spencer 

 was the orator. This time sales of stock were inaugurated, amounting during 

 the fair to $20,000. The expenses, however, were greater than tlic receipts 

 and the society decided that tliereafter the local interests must insure a 

 financial profit. At Buffalo there were 1,452 live stock and nearly 5,000 

 implement exhibits. 



