THE CULTIVATOR. 
175 
John W. Jenkins of Claverick, had a ball on the ground, 
a cross of Alderney and Durham, which was a good ani¬ 
mal, and attracted a good deal of attention from the 
circumstance of his appearing on the ground in harness 
and attatched to a single wagon ; he was perfectly do¬ 
cile, and was guided by reins as easily as a horse ; 
he lias carted out all the manure of the farm this year, 
and that is not a little. After dining at the Hudson 
House, (on cold water principles,) the Society adjourn¬ 
ed to the City Hall, where, after an address by Dr. 
Beekman, the first Vice-President, the premiums were 
awarded, and the festivities of the day were concluded, 
and the Society separated, highly gratified with the 
first Fair under the new organization, and fully resolved 
that the next one should he still better than this. 
Before I conclude, allow me to mention the wonder¬ 
ful efficacy of cream of tartar in preventing excessive 
sweating in horses. Riding in the mail one day last 
summer, when the air was very warm and sultry, I re¬ 
marked to the driver that his horses, although they had 
traveled about twelve miles, were quite dry ; he told 
me that on starting he had dissolved one table spoonful 
of cream of tartar in a pail full of water, and allowed 
each horse, half a pail full. After traveling five miles 
farther they began to perspire a little ; when he gave 
them another spoonfull ; the perspiration soon dried up, 
and although the horses that passed us on the road were in 
a dripping sweat, ours showed no signs of perspiration 
at the end of the journey. This being entirely new to 
me, I thought the information might be useful to some 
of your readers. Respectfully yours, N. N. D. 
Stockport, 10 tkmo. 14th, 1841. 
Tompkins Co. Ag. Fair. 
Messrs. Editors —In conformity with your request 
made at the “ glorious meeting” at Syracuse, I proceed 
to give you an imperfect and hasty accaunt of the doings 
of the Tompkins County Agricultural Society, at its 
Fair, in Ithaca, on the 8th and 9th inst. It was a 
rouser ! yes, gentlemen, that’s the word, it was a rouser 
in every sense of the term. The “ active few” had 
endeavored to arouse the great majority of the agri¬ 
culturists to the importance of this association: they 
had expended their eloquence in the highways and by¬ 
ways ; and very many has the humble individual who 
now addresses you almost persuaded to enrol their 
names as brothers in the good cause ; but the one thing 
was not at hand to clinch the bargain—the show. They 
were disposed to act only on the quid pro quo principle 
—they wanted to see first what we could do. This was 
the ground on which hundreds of our most thrifty far¬ 
mers rested,—and hence you can readily perceive how 
much depended on this exhibition, and all else connect¬ 
ed with it, in order to increase the numbers of the asso¬ 
ciation, and the promotion of the great objects for which 
it was formed. Well, the day came, “ big with our 
fate,” not “ heavily in clouds,” however, but sunny, 
and a temperature delightful, which continued till the 
end of the second day. At about 9 A. M., the hardy 
sons of the soil, with their stalwart sons and bright 
eyed daughters, were seen winding their way down the 
picturesque hills which gird the beautiful village of 
Ithaca. They came not singly, nor often in pairs, but 
by companies and batallions ; and by 11 o’clock, the 
place and grounds for the indoor exhibition and stock, 
were thronged by thousands. Of this mighty gather¬ 
ing the far greater proportion “ came there to see,” 
and to know finally whether they could hereafter afford 
to g.ive their 50 cents for the sight. And did we disap¬ 
point them? No, gentlemen, we nobly triumphed ; the 
war came up to the manifesto, and great is the cause 
for rejoicing, for you have little idea of the difficulties 
we have encountered in obtaining a sufficient sum from 
membership to pay our premiums. Scores came to me 
in the course of the two days, and assured me of their 
great satisfaction ; that their half dollar was ready for 
another year ; all doubts having been removed of the 
utility of the society. 
The exhibition of stock was large, with good speci¬ 
mens of each kind, especially swine and sheep ; of the 
former particularly, those to which premiums were 
awarded would have proved ugly customers to Mr. De¬ 
ment, at Syracuse, had they been there ; but it is but 
justice to say, that they originated from this distinguish¬ 
ed breeder’s stock. A very perfect animal was on the 
ground from Mr. A. B. Allen’s piggery, 5 months old, 
which it was the opinion of many would be hard to beat 
at the next fair. A fatted barrow was exhibited, 16 
months old, merely to prove the fallacy of the notion 
which generally prevails, that Berkshires cannot be 
made to weigh against a land-pike. The weight of this 
was nearly 600 pounds. He was literally a “ whole 
hog.” I understood he was from Mr. Lossing’s stock. 
The almost beardless Neapolitans, presented to Mr. E. 
Cornell, of Ithaca, by the State Society, were exhibit¬ 
ed and attracted much and favorable notice. But two 
full blood Durham bulls were on the ground, although 
I learned that two others were owned in the county, 
and their non-appearance created much regret, as report 
spoke highly of them. I shall not discourse further on 
the cattle, as we had a “ chiel amang us takin’ notes ” 
and will no doubt in due time “ prent them.” There 
were some capital South Downs, which originated from 
the superlative flock of Mr. Rotch, of Otsego, as well 
as Leicesters ; and methinks, a couple, at lfcast, of Sax¬ 
ons, which, if they had been at Syracuse, would have 
spiked the artillery of the “ fine wool committee,” as 
well as allayed some of the grumbling of the multitude. 
With regard to horses, although there were several 
good stallions, yet the geldings, matched spans, &c., 
were but little above mediocrity. The able chairman 
of the horse committee told me there was not one good 
horse now, where there were formerly ten. This is un¬ 
fortunately too true ; and will continue to be so, until 
the same enthusiasm, energy, and skill is manifested 
in their improvement, which now characterizes the 
breeders of the Durham and Berkshire. This period 
will and must soon arrive ; and let us one and all speed 
the time, for the great majority of horses which now 
overspread the land, “ fright the country from her pro¬ 
priety.” One word here in regard to the plan we 
adopted, connected with the exhibition of every ani¬ 
mal, or product. When an animal, for instance, was 
presented to the marshal, the owner’s name, with the 
animal, were registered, and a number attached ; the 
number only, was then transcribed upon a paste board 
ticket, which tvas tacked to the pen where the animal 
was consigned. This blindfolded the viewing commit¬ 
tees as to ownership, and served as a guard against sus¬ 
picion of partiality. This word partiality is the name 
of the rock on which many agricultural societies will 
split, unless every means are adopted to avoid it. The 
£< green-eyed monster,” suspicion of favor, must not be 
permitted to exist fora moment. But there is another 
begetting cause—the selecting of viewing committees 
in the same county where the society exists. On this 
occasion our stock viewing committees were chosen 
from the adjoining counties ; they left their prejudices 
and partialities behind them ; and this, together with 
their known ability, inspired confidence, and I need 
not say that their decisions gave undivided satisfaction. 
But enough, allons to the indoor exhibition, which 
was held in the spacious assembly room of the Ithaca 
Hotel. The exhibition consisted of articles from the 
shop of the mechanic, “ household productions,” vege¬ 
tables, and fruits—'all of which were neatly arranged. 
Had you been present, Messrs. Editors, to have re¬ 
marked the skill displayed by our ingenious mechanics 
in almost everything, from the silver spoon and butler 
knife, to the smooth hammered and well turned horse 
shoe, you would have said, “ we will put the Yankees 
against the world in all that appertains to art and skill 
in manufactures!” Why, sirs, on that occasion we 
could have served you with a saddle or a harness of 
which Victoria herself would be proud ; carpets and 
other furniture, which the greatest aristocrat in the 
land would not sneer at; hats and caps which would 
lend additional grace and comeliness to the brow of 
Prince Albert ; kerchiefs and collars for a dutchess, 
and embroidered baskets for her table ; flannels soft as 
down ; traveling trunks with a toilet apparatus ; and 
fruits, the very sight of which a Shenstone would have 
envied!! together with hundreds of other articles 
which redounded equally to the taste and enterprise of 
our mechanics, as well as the wives and daughters of 
our industrious farmers. 
I pass to the second day, which, to me and very ma¬ 
ny others, was as interesting as the first. At 9 A. M. 
the plowing match and trial of plows came off. Seven 
teams were entered, and several plows tested as to 
their relative merits. For level plowing, the Living¬ 
ston County Patent took the prize ; and for side-hill 
plowing, the premium was given to the same which re¬ 
ceived the first premium at the State Fair, invented by 
Messrs. Mooers Sc Slater, of Ithaca. At 1 P. M. a 
procession was formed, and accompanied with a band 
of music, marched to the Presbyterian church, the place 
appointed for hearing the address and the reports of the 
viewing committees. The address was delivered by 
the worthy and indefatigable Corresponding Secretary 
of the State Society, Col. PIenry S. Randall, of Cort- 
landville ; and to the readers of the Cultivator any en¬ 
comiums upon this address will be deemed almost su¬ 
perfluous. It was eloquent, argumentative, practical, 
caustic, and occasionally humorous ; indeed, it was 
just what an agricultural address should be, and a mo¬ 
del for State occasions. Of the many subjects which 
the talented gentleman treated with ability, want of 
space will prevent me from adverting to more than one, 
namely, that ‘‘ sheet anchor” of the farmer, manure. 
After dwelling on its importance at considerable length, 
he proposed that he who spread on his farm only 50 
loads of manure, should be called plain John Doe; 
if he doubled that quantity, Mr. John Doe ; that 200 
loads should confer the title of Squire Doe ; and 400 
that of Honorable John Doe! In spite of the soundness 
of the plan, this drew down thunders of applause, 
which signified something more, I sincerely hope, than 
nvre compliment to the speaker, viz: a determination 
to secure the title Honorable , standing as it would on 
so profitable a foundation. Yes, this would not be the 
empty bubble which deludes the world, but that truly 
enviable distinction, gained by furnishing the means 
which would cause four blades to grow where grew 
only one before. Suffice it in conclusion to say, that a 
resolution was promptly and enthusiastically passed, 
tendering the thanks of the Society to Col. Randall, 
and the appointment of a committee to solicit a copy 
of his address for publication ; and then, Messrs. Edi¬ 
tors, you and the public will judge that I have not, with 
the hundreds who heard it, overpraised. 
The reports of the viewing committees were then 
read, and after some further business was transacted, 
the society returned in order to the hotel, where a 
splendid dinner awaited them ; after which the mem¬ 
bers expressed to each other their great gratification at 
the result of the present Fair, and pledging their efforts 
to go beyond it at the next. Much, praise is due to Mr. 
E. Cornell, the marshal of the day,for the order and good 
appointment of everything connected with the stock ex¬ 
hibition ; and to Mr. Julius Ackly, the distinguished 
horticulturist of Ithaca, for the tasteful arrangement of 
the indoor Fair. Your friend, L. A. M. 
Lansing, Tompkins Co. N. Y. 
Lee Town Society Fair. 
Messrs. Editors— I propose in this communication 
to say a few words in relation to the Lee Agricultuial 
Association, and to offer some suggestions relative to 
the organization of similar associations in other places. 
Much as I am in favor of State and County Societies 
for agricultural improvement, I am fully convinced that 
it is to town associations, that we are yet to look lor 
that encouragement to the great mass of farmers, which 
is needed in order to effect that general and permanent 
improvement which every friend of agriculture so much 
desires. A few reflecting farmers in this town (Lee, 
Oneida Co.) convinced that much good might result 
from associated effort, organized the Lee Agricultural 
Association, and the result has far exceeded the expecta¬ 
tion of any of its friends. 
Meetings have been held monthly ever since the 
organization of the society in December last, at which 
addresses have been delivered by members of the soci¬ 
ety, or reports from committees on different branches 
of farming, read ; giving great interest to the meetings 
and an impulse to agricultural improvement, such as 
has never before been witnessed in this vicinity. The 
society yesterday held a Fair and Cattle Show, which 
has perhaps contributed more than all other causes, to 
awaken a spirit of improvement among our farmers, 
which is destined to accomplish more in three years, 
than has been accomplished in the last ten years. The 
exhibition of stock was far greater than was expected, 
the different kinds occupying about forty pens, and ex¬ 
hibiting in a striking manner the difference between 
careful breeding with good feeding, and the careless in¬ 
attentive manner in which much of the stock in this 
country has been raised. The show of Berkshire pigs 
was very fair, exhibiting much care and attention in 
breeding, and showing a wonderful contrast between 
the Berkshires and the common hogs in this vicinity. 
Premiums were awarded to the amount of between 
$50 and $60, the society appealing rather to the public 
spirit of farmers than to selfish purposes. Proud as we 
are of yesterday’s exhibition, we regard it as but the 
commencement of a system of improvement, which is 
to place the town of Lee in the front rank in every¬ 
thing relating to the welfare of the agricultural commu¬ 
nity. 
I want to make one suggestion to farmers every- 
where. It is this : that they meet in their respective 
towns, and organize town agricultural associations. Of 
their utility no one who has witnessed their effects can 
doubt. They are within thereach of everyfarmer, and the 
subject is thus brought home to those who would never 
be reached by county or state societies, and an impe¬ 
tus may be given to the cause, which will be felt as 
long as agriculture is the great business of the citizens 
of this country. Respectfully yours, 
ELON COMSTOCK. 
Stokes, October 14, 1841. 
Erie County Fair. 
The Buffalo Republican furnishes us the following 
notice of the Erie Co. Cattle Show : 
We yesterday attended the meeting of our County Society, 
and were gratified at the exhibition of the neat cattle, of the 
swine, and of the vegetables. The horses were few however; 
and we did not see as many household manufactures as we ex¬ 
pected. We observed one trunk, and one box full of the co¬ 
coons of the silk worm, that were very beautiful. Mr. Allen 
produced a tremendous boar, and there was one other, only one 
year and twelve days old, that was very large. Two very re¬ 
markably fine Durham bulls were also on the ground, with a 
fine show of cows, calves, &c. Among the manufactures, there 
was an excellent lock, of Mr. Davock’s, the lard lamps, and ma¬ 
ny other things that we cannot enumerate. Squashes of all 
lengths and weights, pumpkins, cucumbers, &c., and last not 
least, Mr. Grider, a mammoth specimen of the genus homo. 
The exhibition was a good one, and we believe that a spirit is 
aroused, that will make it still better next year 
Monroe County Fair. 
We are indebted to the Rochester Daily Advertiser, 
for a notice of the Cattle Show of this county, which 
was held in that city on the 15th and 16th Oct.: 
“ There were a large number of persons at Franklin Square to 
witness the exhibition of stock from various sections of the 
county—probably not less, at any time, from 11 in the forenoon 
to 3 in the afternoon, than five thousand. The exhibition was 
quite rich, exceedingin some points, particularly in working ox¬ 
en, the State Cattle Show at Syracuse. The show of cattle indeed 
was quite full and rich,as was also that of swine—the prevailing 
variety being Berkshire. There were a goodly number of sheep, 
Merinoes, South Downs, &c. The Merino stock being the more 
prevalent. The turn out of horses was not large, though there 
were several passable stallions, several excellent mares and 
foals—one particularly fine, for her age, having much the form 
and build of the English Dray Horse. There were several quite 
fine hackneys, but the main excellence of the show was in the 
cattle, sheep and swine line. About half past one, we passed 
round the Square for the purpose of noting the number of ani¬ 
mals on. the ground, and, as near as we could count, there were 
of Bulls 22; Cows 19; Calves 12; Oxen and Steers72; Horses 
and Colts 40; Sheep 9G; Swine, young and old, G6. On the 
whole, the cattle show was a spirited affair, terminated by a 
plowing match, the result of which we may notice hereafter. 
From the spirit evinced by the farmers of Monroe—the samples 
of production presented on this, as on former occasions, it may 
safely be asserted that agriculturists are forsaking the beaten 
track of their fathers—reducing their business to a system, and 
