week is all that is necessary and profitable for 
any State agricultural show. Visitors on no 
single day numbered over 5,000, and but very 
few fanners were among that number. While 
I do not assume to know the rules and regula¬ 
tions of this Society, I do assume to say that if 
tho officers expect farmers and agricultural 
implement men to attend their fair and be¬ 
come interested in its success, they must in 
future shut out all side-shows, “ fakirs,” gam¬ 
blers, wheels of fortune and chariot races. 
Farmers do not come to an agricultural fair 
for the purpose of getting fleeced out of their 
money by sharpers, who have been plying a 
very profitable business here during the entire 
fair, having been licensed to swindle the visi¬ 
tors by tho officers of tho society. 
POULTRY. —The poultry interest was unus¬ 
ually well represented, and the birds shown 
were very fine. The Messrs. Rowe, of Fred¬ 
ericksburg, Vr., had the largest and best ex¬ 
hibit in this department. They showed Light 
Brahmas, Black Cochins, Plymouth Rocks, 
Houdans, Silver, Golden and White Polish, 
White-crested Black Polish, Colored Muscovy, 
Pekin and Rouen ducks, Brown China goose, 
Pea Fowls and Bronze turkeys, upon which 
they received premiums for every coop, in¬ 
cluding all sweepstakes, premiums and collec¬ 
tion prizes. Coops wore also shown by Messrs. 
Holliugsworth, Briscoe, Gillman and Ellison. 
Sheep, —In this department were shown 
some of the finest specimens of pure-bred 
sheep in this country. The Cotswolds, Hamp¬ 
shire Downs, South Downs and Merinos, as 
well as some fine grades, were particularly 
noticeable and praiseworthy. The principal 
exhibitors were Green & Fairer, of Orange 
Court House; A. P. & M. B. Rowe, of Fred¬ 
ericksburg, J, A. Reid & Bro., Gordousville, 
Geo. Crisman, Harrisonburg; Carson & Hons, 
Riverton, and others, all of Virginia. 
Swine. —Mr. A. M. Bowman, of Waynes¬ 
boro, exhibited nine head of very fine Berk- 
shirea; A. I’. & M. B. Rowe, Fredericksburg, 
a fine lot of Jersey Reds, Essex and Berk- 
shires, and F. Lovelock, Gordonsvilie, Jersey 
Reds. In this class as in the sheep depart¬ 
ment the animals exhibited were all splendid 
specimens and attracted much attention. 
Cattle. —In point of number not so many 
entries were made as in some previous years; 
but in point of quality no finer show was 
ever seen upon the grounds of the society. 
Fine herds of Jerseys wore shown by M. B. 
Rowe, Roland, Buford, Green & Farrer, and 
G. Julian Pratt. The first premiums on two 
and three-year-old bulls went to M. B. Rowe 
and the second premium on three-year-old 
bulls to the same. The second premium on 
two-year-old bulls was won by J. 8. Atlee. 
There were also very fine exhibits of Ayr¬ 
shire's, Short-boms, Devons and ‘‘native” 
dairy cows. Much credit is flue Mr. Geo. 
Palmer, of Halts vi lie, Va., in this connection, 
a former resident of Syracuse, N. Y., who 
came into Virginia several years ago, and who 
has been engaged in improving the condition 
of stock in this State since his arrival here. His 
exhibit of Short-borns was the finest of its class, 
and particularly so was tho “Duke of Onon¬ 
daga,,’ and “Rosebud’sOxford,” each of which 
weighed upwards of 2,000 pounds. He also 
showed a yearling bull bought of A. Renuick, 
a famous breeder of Kentucky. 
Pomolooical. —The display of fruit was 
not large and showed unmistakable signs of 
the severe drought which has prevailed in this 
section. There Avere, however, a number of 
dishes of fine apples, and it was surprising so 
fine a quality could be grown in so droughty 
a season. 
The Agricultural Implement Display 
was equal to any in former years and com¬ 
prised exhibits from the principal manufac¬ 
turers South and North, Mr. Ashton Starke, 
H. M. Smith & Co., and McGmw & Co., local 
dealers in agricultural implements, made 
fine shows, and their exhibits were very prom¬ 
inent features of this department. Among 
the leading implements deserving of special 
mention, are the following; 
The Kemp & Burpee Manufacturing 
Company, Syracuse, N. Y., for the first time 
on these grounds, exhibited their combined 
manure spreader, pulverizer and cart. The 
machine was shown in full operation, and 
attracted large crowds. The farmers in this 
locality have been looking for some time for 
a machine that would mince up and distribute 
tobacco stalks. None, however, had hitherto 
been obtainable, and as a test of the merits 
of this one, it was loaded with sorghum 
stalks from which the juice had just been 
extracted. It was the severest test that 
could possibly be made, and all were much 
surprised at the thoroughly satisfactory way 
in which it minced and evenly distributed tins 
load of sorghum stalks. The test convinced all 
of the justice of the claims put forth in its 
behalf, and many availed themselves of the 
opportunity to secure one of these machines. 
It sows with equal ease marl, ashes, fer¬ 
tilizers, wet or dry manure of all kinds, dis¬ 
tributing the stuff with perfect uniformity, 
and thereby increasing the yield of grain or 
other crops to an extent that soon repays the 
cost of the machine. 
The Hoosier Drill Company, of Rich¬ 
mond, Ind., exhibited one of their eight-hoed 
grain drills, with grass-seed and fertilizer at¬ 
tachments. This company commenced the 
manufacture of grain drills in 1857, and have 
steadily increased in manufacture and im- 
provemeuts from year to year until their pat¬ 
ents and improvements number over eighty at 
the present time. Although they have a capac¬ 
ity of manufacturing over 10,000 drills, it has 
been found inadequate to moot the demands, 
and this year they are enlarging their works, 
and with increased facilities they hope to be 
able to meet all demands during tho coming 
season. The simplicity and case of operation 
of this drill are among its most noticeable 
points. The fertilizer distributor consists of 
a rotary plate which revolves under a square- 
edged casting Avhich renders it a perfect 
force feed. The device for changing the 
quantity of seed or fertilizer consists of a 
changeable lever, which can lie regulated 
while the team is in motion and does not 
necessitate the changing of wheels or cogs. 
This drill has received first, premiums at nearly 
every fair where exhibited, and meets with 
general favor from nil who examine its work¬ 
ings. The company also exhibited the Hoosier 
com drill which is meeting with such ivide 
approval. Readers of tho Rural will re¬ 
member that, this drill avas used last season in 
planting the corn on the Rural Experiment 
Farm from which 150 bushels of shelled coin 
to the acre were harvested, as was stated in tho 
Cora N luni >cr. The excellent work done by this 
drill contributed possibly not a littlo to tho 
production of this large yield. 
C. Watson, Yanceyville, N. C., exhibited 
a rotary harrow which is comparatively a 
recent invention. All farmers who have tried 
it are convinced of its merits and it bids fair 
to take a first rank among this class of imple¬ 
ments. Heretofore the constuction of liar- 
rows of this kiud has been too complicated; 
the liability to become deranged from use, and 
tho cost have prevented them from being 
generally employed. All these points have 
been overcome in the above harrow and we 
predict for it an extended sale. The har¬ 
row is not turned at .the end of the row, and 
it never chokes up. 
The Hoosier, Monach, Champion, Hngei's- 
toAvn, McShflrry and Bickford & Hoffman 
drills were shown, all standard and vvorthy 
machines, Thrashers made by tho Oeiser 
Manufacturing Company, 11. M. Smith & Co., 
B. Gill & Son, J. W. Cardwell & Co., were 
all shown in full operation. W. Deeriug & 
Co., 254 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, 
showed one of their string binders. 
Mowers, made by Walter A. Wood, the 
Champion and John P. Manny were among 
the exhibits. Among plows, the Oliver 
chilled, Roland chilled, Dixie, Leader, So. 
Bend Watt & Call, and the Oliver and Deere 
Plow Sulkies attracted much attention. 
Cora drills, manufactured by tho Hoosier 
Drill Company and the Farmers’ Manufactur¬ 
ing Company, both of which are familiar to 
Rural readers, Avere particularly noticeable. 
Cora shellers, tho Cornell, Young America, 
tho Favorite and Crescent, were each shown in 
operation, as also was the Whitman cob mill. 
Other Machines—cultivators, rakes, t he Cooley 
Creamer, Davis and Blanchard churns, and 
implements of merit—were on exhibition, 
which space will not permit me to mention. 
The fair virtually closed on Wednesday the 
20th, with. a grand parade, over four miles in 
length, of the tradesmen of Richmond. It was 
a “ gala ” day for all, and the parade was 
thought one of the largest of its kind ever held 
in the city, I would suggest to officers and 
stockholders that if they Avish to see success 
crown their efforts in the future, and are 
desirous of making the State Fair of Virginia 
what it should tie, they must exclude gam¬ 
blers and sharpers of all sorts who openly ply 
their callings; and rely more upon the patron¬ 
age of farmers and other decent citizens. And 
if the press and inhabitants of the city feel an 
interest in this matter, they must unite and 
give a hearty support to the efforts of the 
Society in this praiseworthy direction. 
G. B. B. 
NOTES. 
The Arkansas State Horticultural Society 
met Oct. 19th and elected officers for the en¬ 
suing year as follows:—Wm. H. Lipton, Little 
Rock, Pres’t.; Benj. Thomas, Little Rock, 1st 
Vico-Pres’t.; J. T. Mott, Hot Springs, 2d Vice- 
Pres’t.; Prof. W. S. Thomas, Alexandria, 3d 
Vice-Pres’t.; E. H. Chamberlain, Little Rock, 
Recording Sec’y; I. H. Nowlin, Little Ilock, 
Corresponding Sec’y.; J. B. Hoag, Judsonia, 
Treas.; and Wm. F. Patton, Little Rock, 
A1 fired RLson, Little Rock, C. C. Davidson, 
McAlmont, W. S. Thomas, Alexandria, Geo. 
W. Kennedy, Argenta, Executive Committee. 
TnE next meeting of the society will be 
held in January next, time and place to be se¬ 
lected by the executive committee. 
A number of prominent citizens of Arkan¬ 
sas met at Little Rock, Oct. 19 for the purpose 
of forming a State Agricultural Association, 
and elected tho folloiving officers:—Gilbert 
Knapp, Little Rock, Pres’t.; B. D. Williams, 
Little Rock, 1st Vice-Pres’t.; W. H. Hunter, 
2d Vice-Pres’t.; J. H. Joslyn, 3d Vice-Pres’t,; 
Peter Brigman, 4th Vice-Pres’t.; Mr. Van 
Winkle, 5th Vice-PreR't.; Benjamin Thomas, 
Secretary; Thomas Fletcher, Treasurer. The 
society avus organized on the plan of the New 
York State Agricultural Association and 
promises to be a flourishing body and to 
greatly promote the cause of agriculture in 
that State. 
pbullnj 1) avb. 
POULTRY NOTES. 
In the Rural of September 24, A. S. S. 
asks some questions which seem to me to de¬ 
mand a little more attention. Tho first I 
would refer to is, “ Are the Lmigshans hardy 
and profitable?’ This question should lie an¬ 
swered most emphatically in the affirmative. 
I have bred them two years, and have found 
them extremely hardy and the very best of 
Winter layers. Tho statement that, they are 
identical with the Black Cochins doas the 
breedem of them an injustice. The facts of 
the case are these: Eight or nine years ago 
Major GToad was on an exploring expedition 
in China in tho employ of tho British Govern¬ 
ment. While in the Langshau district, in the 
northern part of China, he came across the 
fowl, and scut sorno to his home in England, 
Avhero they created quite a sensation. The 
Langshau is distinct from the Cochin, the 
latter coming from the southern part of 
China. In shape the Langshans are more like 
tho Brahmas, but have much longer tails, and 
large single combs. Their legs are black, the 
webs between the toes being of a pinkish 
color. That they are closely related to the 
Cochin I do not deny; nor do I deny that the 
Brahma is also. But l do believe that they 
are a distinct breed just as truly as the Dark 
Brahmas are distinct from the Light Brahmas. 
The comb of the Langshau, as I have said, is 
single, like that of the Cochin, but much 
larger. 
The other question avrr, “Are the Ameri¬ 
can Seal)lights pure bred or only a cross?” 
The American Seal n ights (knmvn by a variety 
of names, such as Excelsiors, Eurokas, Silver 
Lacies, Ilaniblotouians, etc.) are CoavIs re¬ 
sembling the Plymouth Rocks. They have 
been bred a number of years, and can as truly 
be called a pure breed as the Plymouth Rocks. 
They are, however, a cross between the Silver 
Spangled Hamburg and the Dark Brahma. I 
once saw the Dark Brahma hen through 
which came one of the best yards of Hamble- 
tonians. They are very hard to raise, having 
been bred “in-and-in” to such an extreme 
degree. In most yards the birds lmvo the 
rose comb of the Hamburg, but some fanciers 
breed for the pen comb. Tho rose comb is the 
more popular and will lie one of the qualifica¬ 
tions in the new “Standard.” How they 
came by the name of American Seabrights is 
a mystery, but such they are called. There 
has been, however, a move lately among the 
breeders of them to agree on the name Ham- 
bletonian. Whether it will succeed or not 
remains to be seen. 
Both the Langshau and the Hambletonian 
are recognized by poultry fanciers ns being 
pure breeds, and it is generally understood 
that they are to lie admitted to the Standard 
at the coming session of the American Poultry 
Association. D. c. s. 
Providence, R. I. 
Our correspondent seems to refer to a variety 
of poultry different from that of which avo 
spoke under the name of Sebright Bantams. 
In tho American Standard of Excellence, re¬ 
vised by the American Poultry Association, 
and published in 1379, the “points” of the 
Golden Sebright Bantams are given on pages 
173, 179 and 180, and those of the Silver 
Sebright Bantams mi the three following 
pages. It is to these we referred. The Se¬ 
bright Bantam owed its origin and name to 
Sir John Sebright, avIio devoted much atten¬ 
tion to its development some 00 years ago. 
There is an offshoot from it sometimes known 
as the American Sebright, but last Spring 
these Avere characterized in the Rural as a 
poor sort not likely to be admitted to the 
Standard, by G. S. Jossolyn, Secretary and 
Treasurer of (lie American Poultry Associa¬ 
tion, who is certainly an authority on such 
matters. Evidently the American Seabrights 
spoken of by our friend is a different sort from 
these American Sebright Bantams and from 
the Golden and Silver Sebright Bantams to 
which we referred. 
-» 
A Hint to Shippers of Poultry. —As 
the season advances the demand for live poul¬ 
try diminishes. Chickens should noiv be well 
fattened and shipped so soon as the Aveather I 
becomes sufficiently cool, as much better 
prices are usually obtained than later in the 
season. Be very sure the animal heat is all 
out before packing. Pack in small boxes 
using plenty of clean and SAveet straw. Ship 
to reach our market about the middle of the 
Aveek. E. & o. w. 
glrboviaillunil 
TRANSPLANTING. 
T. T. LYON. 
On page 701 of the current volume of the 
Rural New-Yorker, an extract is published, 
from the catalogue of EUwonger & Barry, of 
Rochester, N. Y., replete with valuable in¬ 
formation upon this important subject, 
It may be considered an act of temerity to 
differ, in any important respect, from what 
must bo supposed to lie the deliberate conclu¬ 
sions of persons so justly esteemed as high au¬ 
thority on subjects of this character. Never¬ 
theless, I crave tho forbearance of the editor 
while I call in question the sufficiency of the 
following directions, occuring in paragraph 
3rd. 
Planting.— “ The trees, after the ground 
settles, should stand in this respect as they 
did in the nursery. Trees on dwarf stocks 
should stand so that all the stock be under 
the ground, and no more." 
That the first direction is intended to ap¬ 
ply to standard trees; that is, trees on their 
own roots, Avill, of course tie readily under¬ 
stood. That the direction is sound, when ap¬ 
plied to strong, dry or Avell drained soils I 
fully concede. It should not, however, lie 
forgotten that men do frequently plant or¬ 
chards upon moist and even Avet soils, and es¬ 
pecially on ground underlaid with retentive 
sub-soils. Trae, it may be said, very forci¬ 
bly, that this should never be done. Ad¬ 
mitted; and yet the fact remains that it is 
sometimes done. Besides, cases are not un- 
frequent. in which rices are planted Avhere 
the surface soil is but thin, Avith a “hard-pan” 
immediately below, so utterly impervious to 
the roots of trees that to plant them “as they 
stood in the nursery,” would be to insure their 
failure Avitli tiie first serious drought, es¬ 
pecially should it occur before they shall 
lie fully established. 
In either of the cases mentioned my advice 
to the planter would be to set the tree direct¬ 
ly upon the surface; or, in an extreme case, 
even upon a slight artificial mound ; and draiv 
good surface loam about it til) the roots are 
buried even a little deeper than in the nursery, 
making the hillock very broad both at the 
apex and base ns a security against drought. 
I accept the criticism, that this is not a proper 
way to prepare such ground for orchard 
planting; but the fact, remains that such 
ground, in tho condition described, is fre¬ 
quently planted to orchards, and, farther, 
thftti the practice is very sure to be continued. 
There is yet another case of very frequent oc¬ 
currence, and one likely to lx- continued, and 
which undoubtedly should be continued, to 
which the direction in question should only 
apply with some modification. I refer to 
planting in light, dry, porous sand, such as is 
not unfrequently employed for this purpose 
in the Michigan “ Reach Belt” if not elsewhere. 
In such soils trees are much surer if planted 
even two or three inches deeper than they 
stood in nursery, and this is often done with 
entire success. Indeed, I have very frequent- 
lyseen fruittreesof allkindsgrowingthriftily, 
year after year, with sand drifted about them 
by the wind, till the roots are buried in two, 
throe and oven four feeth of earth. 
Trees in soils of this character, with our 
trying lake breezes, especially in Spring and 
Autumn, need the aid of deeper planting and 
also of low branching to enable them to hold 
their position, while at the same time they are 
all tho better prepared to withstand the 
droughts of Summer. Moreover, it should 
not bo forgotten that, the influence of high 
Aviuds and of Summer drought increases as 
we go westward, and hence that tho rules 
that apply in the planting and management 
of trees at the East, require modifications to 
meet the varied circumstances farther west. 
Dismissing this part of tho subject, I invite 
attention to the latter part of the recommen¬ 
dation in question—that trees or dwarf stocks 
should stand so that all the stocks lie under 
ground, and no more, I recall to mind 
the circumstance that, many years since, the 
now venerable president of the .American 
Homological Society participated in a lengthy 
discussion of the question, how deep to plant 
dwarf pears ; he urged that they should be 
planted with the point of union well beneath 
the surface so that ultimately the pear Avould 
emit roots, and thus acquire the vigor and 
longevity of a standard, thus combining the 
early fruitfulness of the dwarf, with the per¬ 
manency of a tree upon its own roots. I also 
Avell recollect my impression at the time that 
