To Mr. Mott of New-York,for the best cast Iron Vase, $5. All 
of which is respectfully submitted. 
SAM’L S. FOWLER, 
E. HOLBROOK, 
Sept. 29, 1842. CHAS. DOWNING. 
Report of Judges on, Mi <cellaneous Articles. 
The committee to whom was referred such specimens of the 
products of farms, gardens, and shops, as they may think wor¬ 
thy of notice, and deem objects of encouragement, beg leave to 
report,— 
That from the general division and distribution of the objects 
that would be presented to the Society for their approbation, 
among the numerous general committees, your committee were 
green enough to believe that their appointment would prove al¬ 
most a sinecure ; but when they arrived upon the field of obser¬ 
vation, from the multitude of objects, scattered in rich profu¬ 
sion, of the production of nature and art, they found hardly 
time and space in the limited period allowed them, to do ample 
justice to the duties assigned them. They therefore, to carry 
out the views of the Society confined themselves to such efforts 
of ait as more immediately fixed their attention, evincing such 
skill, superior workmanship, and elegant finish, as successful¬ 
ly to make our artizans compete with those of foreign countries 
—to such productions of nature as they deemed useful to be 
grown for the benefit of the people of our common country— 
and to such useful inventions as would contribute to the com¬ 
mon benefit and happiness of all. 
1. The first object that came under the observation of your 
committee, was a beautiful specimen of Window Glass, manu¬ 
factured by A. R. & S. H. Fox, Sandlake, with so few curls or 
waves in it, as to make it almost equal to crown glass. With 
such improvements in the art of making common glass, the 
community, by patronizing the establishment, need no longer 
be apprehensive, when they want liM, of seeing through a glass 
darkly. Your committee award a diploma. 
2. The next article that fixed the attention of your committee, 
were some beautifully polished Screw Augurs, from the firm of 
Pruyn, Wilson AVosburgh, Albany, so superbly polished, that 
the committee, on close refection, eatrie to the conclusion, that 
it would at least be a bore if they could not make their way in 
the world upon their own merits, without any other recommen¬ 
dation. 
3. Contiguous to this last article, were some handsome silver 
plated Door locks, which seemed to combine beauty with utility, 
manufactured by O. B. Oakley, Albany. A diploma.. 
4. They were next invited to pass through a building erected 
especially for the display of mechanical objects. The coup d’txil 
at once presented a spectacle exceedingly gratifying to the eye 
of the observer. The first specimens that fell under their con¬ 
sideration, were those of Saddlery and Harness. The saddles 
were made of black leather, which the committee consider a desi¬ 
deratum, as they would not admit of stain; the material was 
new, ofbeautiful enameled leather, remaining perfectly pliable, 
and without the stiffness of the japanned patent leather ; the 
harness of the same material, combining some improvements in 
the make, adding strength as well as lightness. They award a 
diploma to Lyman J. Lloyd, the manufacturer, Albany. 
5. Adjoining this, they observed Allen’s Self cocking and Self- 
revolving Pistols, which seem to he an improvement upon Colt’s, 
as a weapon of defence; when a man’s pistoles are demanded, 
and it becomes necessary to present the pistol, by the simple ac¬ 
tion of drawing the trigger, its self-cocking and self-revolving 
barrel power will enable any man effectually to answer the de¬ 
mand at sight. The committee are willing to fire a shot for the 
proprietor, by simply recommending the article, as they are 
confined to awarding premiums to artizans of this state. 
6. Some Cast Steel Hammers, manufactured by G. Burley, 
Troy, and polished like a mirror, deserve a passing notice. For 
the perfection of finish, the committee award a diploma. 
7. Mr. McKeever, of Albany, showed some neatly made Horse 
Shoes. The committee would recommend to the manufacturer 
to reduce the bevel, which is so great as to endanger the foot 
of the horse, by the gravel getting between the sole and plate of 
the shoe. 
8. P. Conrad, of Albany, offered a fine assortment of files and 
rasp cutters. The committee award a diploma. 
10. One of the greatest objects of attraction presented, was a 
fine display of highly polished Cutlery, from the shop of Edward 
Owens, Albany, consisting of surgical instruments, Ac. Mr. 
Owens has been long celebrated for the beauty, perfection, and 
finish of edge instruments, and if he continues to sustain his 
well-earned reputation, he will he in the envied condition, these 
hard times, of “ owing no man any thing.” They award a 
medal. 
11. A fine specimen of Coach Lace, was offered by Alfred 
Pierce, of Albany, equal, in the opinion of the committee, to any 
imported. The manufacture of this article has been recently 
introduced into this country, and they award a diploma. 
12. Some Coffee Urns, of block tin, were presented by John 
Iggett, of Albany. From the finish of the article, and the judi¬ 
cious arrangement of the heaters, they suggested to the com¬ 
mittee in the first place, the comfortable thought of the hot cof¬ 
fee to be derived from them, and repelled the idea from a man 
owning one of them, the belief that he ever would be reduced to 
cold coffee himself. They award a diploma. 
13. Beautiful Leveling and Surveying instruments, exhibited 
by Mr. Andrew Meneely, of West Troy. From a survey of these 
articles, the committee believe that they would level 'all objec¬ 
tions to the use of them in preference to those of foreign compe¬ 
tition. They award a diploma. 
14. Cane Bottomed Chairs, very handsomely carved, of* the 
curled maple, from the manufactory of W. A R. Tucker, Albany, 
were exhibited. The committee would recommend them to the 
notice of the public, and hope this opinion of the Chair will be 
sustained. 
15. Some splendid specimens of Complicated Door Locks were 
exhibited from the shop of John Woolensack, Albany. It is said 
poetically, that love laughs at locksmiths, hut the committee 
are of opinion, that these locks would defy all the arts of Cupid, 
as well as those of cupidity. They award a medal. 
16. Some well manufactured Leather Trunks, perfect in their 
kind, combining the advantages of writing desks and portfolios, 
with ease in stowing and packing, deserved a diploma for Mr. 
F. A. Keeler, Albany, and a recommendation to the traveling 
public. 
17. Mr. Jacob Hochstrasser, Albany, presented specimens of 
■beautiful Japanned patent Leather—a truly fine mirror for the 
sable gentry of our country, casting no unjust reflections. A 
diploma. , 
18. Screw Plates, that seemed from their color, to he well 
tempered, were offered by Daniel B. King, Waterford. 
19. Alum-dressed Lamb Skins, exceedingly white and soft, 
were shown by Thomas Guest, of Albany. Under shirts of this 
.material, in winter, would make our Guest a bosom friend. 
20. Mr. Geo. Simms, of Troy, offered some Black goat skin 
Morocco, to the inspection of your committee, apparently so 
well manufactured, that they award a diploma. 
21. To all those who would preserve a relic of the olden days 
of this city, the committee would recommend to procure one of 
the Canes, made from the oak of the old Dutch Church of this 
city, by John Pierce, Albany. 
22. Jesse Vail, Albany, exhibited some Cast Iron Grates, and 
fire screens, splendid specimens of casting. A. diploma is award¬ 
ed for thisgrdfe improvement in the art. 
23. A very ingenious Card making Machine, was offered by P. 
Mather A Co. of Troy. It seemed to woik like magic. A diploma. 
THE CULTIVATOR. 
24. Window Shades, manufactured by De Mauney, New-York, 
likely to throw all other competitors in the shade. 
25. Fine specimen of Type, from the Foundry of C. Van Ben- 
thuysen, Albany, entitled him to a medal from the hands of the 
committee, which they hope may prove a type of even better 
things 
26. Sleighs from the manufactory of J. D. Wemple, and J. 
Goold, Albany, well sustain the character of Albany mecha¬ 
nics for these articles, which are sent to remote parts of our 
country. 
27. Mr. I. Cunningham, Albany, presented a very ingenious 
Mortising Machine, which appeared to do its work with de¬ 
spatch, and would seem to dispense with the necessity of a great 
deal of manual labor usually employed in the business. A di¬ 
ploma. 
28. Benson A McCall, of Albany, had a fine display of every 
variety of Planes. The purchasers of this article, by industry, 
plain, living and plain dealing, need never fear of always being 
above hoard. A diploma. 
31. Some magnificent Sleigh Robes, owner not known. 
32. Fine Hats were offered for exhibition, by E. Hills and L. 
G. Smith. Albany. 
33. Bryan A Son, exhibited their Fur Caps, Ac. They are too 
well known to need any encouragement from your committee. 
34. John Gibson, Albany, Plane Maker, came in for a just 
share of the praise which the committee have awarded to Ben¬ 
son A McCall. 
35. Thos. B. Ridder, of Albany, exhibited a great display of 
Tobacco and Segars, manufactured by him. [The minority of 
the committee being a little ultra in these notions, refused to 
encourage the consumption of the noxious weed. The majority 
were willing to compromise the matter, by going so far as to 
wish that the prospects of the manufacturer might end in smoke, 
yet for the present were willing to give him a puff.] 
36. Mr. Andrew Meneely, of West Troy, exhibited some of his 
large Church Bells, of a peculiarly fine tone. A diploma. 
37. A Domestic Cooking and Washing Steamer, was put in 
operation on the ground contiguous to the building. The capa¬ 
city of the fire place seemed to he little more than a gallon, and 
placed in front of the boiler. Boilers were ranged round, of all 
sizes, and it. seemed to the committee to do its work to a charm. 
It no doubt is a valuable improvement, and for which the com¬ 
mittee award a medal to Mr. Battel, of Albany. 
38. Among the variety of articles offered, were some immense 
Dorking Fowls, by Mr. Chapman, of Brooklyn. Without doing 
foul injustice to others, the committee think that Chapmanmay 
now crow. 
39. In connection with these, Mr. E. Chesebro, of Albany co. 
exhibited some fine white Ducks, with immense topknots, rival¬ 
ing the Ducal, feathers of England’s proudest nobility. 
40. Robinson A Vanderbclt, of Albany, had on the ground a 
a splendid coach, price §800, of exquisite color and finish. 
41. Also exhibited a fine finished trotting wagon, weight 264 
lbs , with a new improvement in the reach, being double, and 
giving additional strength; it supersedes some of heavy ironing 
—made by two young mechanics of this city, to whom are award¬ 
ed a diploma each. 
42. Mr. R. Harman, of Wheatland, Monroe co.,offered 21 sam- 
ples of beautiful wheat, neatly done up in bottles, all produced 
on his own farm, and some millet and potatoe oats, producing, 
from his statement, 76 bushels per acre. 
43. A. T. Van Slyke, of Coxsackie, Greene co., presented some 
boxes of white honey. It looked very enticing, and we doubt 
whether the bees ofLIybia could do better. 
44. The committee can haidly do justice to the many beauti¬ 
ful articles of Embroidery, produced on the occasion, from va 
rious parts of the state, by the handiwork of those from whom 
our sex derive so many of the comforts, luxuries and elegancies 
ot'life. They do not want the inclination, but they want the 
time, to describe them as they deserve. Suffice to say, they 
award diplomas to Miss Mary E. Fountain, of Feekskill, for 
beautiful embroidered table covers. Also to Miss Waterman, 
of Albany, for various specimens of her exquisite work of lamp 
mats, and otherembroidery. Mrs. M. Haines, for embroidery, 
gorgeous wreath; and to Miss Margaret Hudson, of New-York, 
for a pair of Lisle net gloves, more beaut iful than any member 
of the committee have known to be imported. To Miss Helen 
M. Whipple, of Albany, for her splendid embroidered lampmats, 
of flowers, Ac. To Miss C. Southworth, of Avon, N. Y. for two 
beautiful hearth rugs, worked with the needle, and which must 
have been the result of great industry and perseverance. To 
Mrs. Prentice, of Albany, for two quilts of piece work, made of 
silk. And to the Principal of St. Joseph’s Orphan Asylum, for 
numerous pieces of exquisite embroidery. Arachemn, who con¬ 
tended with Minerva, for skill in embroidery, would not have 
met with her fate in being turned into a spider by the goddess, 
if she had possessed half the skill of our interesting country¬ 
women. The committee again aver, that time is wanting to do 
justice to the infinite variety of the beautiful articles. 
45. A very handsome Pipe Clay Vase, for ornamental pleasure 
grounds, exhibited by Thorhurn, of this city. 
46. Mr. A. Walsh, a most indefatigable member of this Soci¬ 
ety, from its commencement, exhibited a number of specimens 
of products from his garden, consisting of Madder, Teazel Wood, 
and Senna; and in addition, presented one of the crow ning or¬ 
naments of the fair, a beautiful Miniature Plow, ornamented 
with the most rare and beautiful flowers of the season, suspend¬ 
ed in vials full of odors sweet, as an humble tribute from Flora 
to Ceres, indicating Horticulture to be the handmaid to Agri¬ 
culture. The committee in considering these offerings, and his 
many services, award a medal. 
47. Mr. Andrew Meneely exhibited a new and improved Town 
Clock, describing the improvement to consist in the dead beat, 
rendering it less liable to get out of order than those in use. The 
committee do not possess knowledge enough to pass upon the 
improvement. 
48. Some very white specimens of Coarse and Fine Salt, from 
Syracuse, exhibited by John Townsend, of Albany, made by so¬ 
lar evaporation. 
49. Mr. MelanctonW. Mason, of Auburn, exhibited at the Ca¬ 
pitol Park last evening, one of the most brilliant lamps for rail 
roads, canal boats, Ac., that can be conceived. Its light was so 
intense, that at the distance of the capitol steps from the gate, 
your committee could see to read perfectly well the print of a 
newspaper. The improvement consists in the material and pe¬ 
culiar shape of the reflector. It is used with common oil. From 
the safety this lamp may give to human life in this railroad age, 
the inventor is richly entitled to a medal. 
50. To Maurice Cunningham, gardener toRob’tF. Pell, Ulster 
co. is awarded a.diploma, forthe introduction into this county, 
of the Tomato Fig and Patagonian Squash, 4 feet in length. 
In conclusion, Hie committee have been unable to do justice to 
the ample materials offered for exhibition to your society, and 
make any thing like a perfect report, having been obliged’to do 
it in the short space of time allowed this day. All of which is 
respectfully submitted. 
J. B DUANE, Duanesburgh, 
J. J. VIELF, Hoosick. 
WM. PARTRIDGE, N. York. 
H. T. CHAPMAN, Brooklyn. 
H. C. MERRIAM, Boston. 
Albany, Sept. 29, 1842. W. A. McCULLOCH, Greenbush. 
COCOONS. 
1. By Elijah Chesehro, Guilderland Centre. 
2. J. IP. Cole, Claverack. 
3. Elmer Knowlton, Ballston. 
175 
4, 5 and 6, David Palmer, White Plains— Second Premium and 
Diploma. 
7. G. M. Stevens, Albany. 
8. A. P. Heartt, Troy— Third Premium. 
9. Louisa Steele, Troy— First Premium. 
REELED SILK. 
1, 2, 3 and 4. By David Palmer, White Plains— First and Third 
Premiums. 
6. J. Slater, Ithaca. 
6. Mrs. Shove, Navarino— Diploma. 
7. A. P. Heartt, Troy— Second Premium. 
MANUFACTURED SILK. 
1. By Mrs. T. Backus, Rochester— Diploma. 
2. H. Polhemus, Auburn. 
3. Prince A Vibber, Richfield— Second Premium. 
4. David Palmer, White Plains— Third Premium. 
SEWING SILK. 
1. By David Palmer. White Plains. 
2. H. Polhemus, Auburn. 
3. Prince & Vibber, Richfield. 
SILK REELS. 
1. By A. B. Jones; Buckland’s Corners, Ct.— First Premium. 
Report of Judges on Cocoons, Silk, fyc. 
The Committee on Silk, would respectfully report 
That they have examined several lots of very superior Co¬ 
coons, and as between the three first samples, have found it 
nearly impossible to arrive at any accurate decision. 
1st premium, §15, to Miss L. Steele, of Troy. 
2d premium, §10, to David Palmer, of White Plains 
3d premium, §5, to A. P. Heartt, of Troy. 
4th premium, diploma, to David Palmer, 
The specimens of Reeled Silk, were not as numerous as could 
have been wished. Several, however, were of beautiful quality. 
1st premium, §15, to Doct. David Palmer. 
2d premium, §10, to A. P. Heartt. 
3d premium, §5, to Doct. D. Palmer. 
4th premium, Diploma, to Mrs. Shove. 
The specimens of manufactured Silk were numerous, and of a 
highly gratifying character. 
1st premium, §15, to Henry Polhemus of Auburn, for a quantity 
of wove Silk; also about 40 lbs. of sewing Silk, and a 
quantity of Twist. 
2d premium, §10, to Prince A Vibber of Richfield. 
3d premium, §5, to David Palmer. 
4th premium, Diploma, to Mrs. T. Backus of Rochester. 
The committee would remark that the specimens to which 
the first premium was awarded, were presented by Mr. Polhe¬ 
mus, the agent of the State in the Auburn Prison, and were tiie 
labor of convicts. They were presented by Mr. Polhemus, for 
the purpose of showing to the citizens of our state, the feasn 
bility ol rendering this a successful branch of industry in our 
penitentiaries, and demonstrating beyond the possibility of 
doubt, that silk can he manufactured in the U. States, equalling 
the best class of imported articles. In sewing Silk, your com¬ 
mittee made as accurate a comparison as the case would admit 
of, between that presented by the State Agent and the best spe¬ 
cimens of M. Finessio, (red letter,) and other Italian manufac¬ 
turers. The Auburn silk was thought to excel all hut that of 
M. Finessio, and could not he distinguished from that, only on 
the closest inspection. The wove Silk, Handkerchiefs, Ac. were 
also very superior. 
Mr. Polhemus begged leave to return any premium which 
should he awarded to him, to the Society. 
The first premium of $10, was awarded to - Jones, for a 
highly ingenious silk reel, of a new construction. 
HENRY S. RANDALL. 
ORVILLE HUNGERFORD, 
PETER RELYEA, Jr. 
BUTTER. 
1. By J. W. Canfield, Sehodack. 
2. Harvey Lyon 2d, Ogdensburgh. 
3. Israel F. Goodwin, Westmoreland. Second Premium. 
4. and 5. John S. Bull, Washingtonville, Orange. Diploma. 
6. Thomas Satterlee, do. 
7. John S. Bull, do. 
5. George Cowles, Blooming Grove. First Premium. 
9. John S. Bull, Washingtonville. 
10. B. A. Hall, New-Lebanon. Fourth Premium. 
11. Hamilton Morrison, Montgomery. Third Premium. 
12. E. Chesebro, Guilderland Centre. 
Report of Judges on Butter. 
The Committee to whom was assigned the examination of but¬ 
ter submitted for Premium, at the Fair of the New-York S’ate 
Agricultural Society, most respectfully report:— 
That in pursuance of their appointment, they have examined 
the various samples exhibited by eleven competitors, and it is 
to the committee, as it doubtless will be to the Society, a mat¬ 
ter of great regret, that in a state famed as is ours for the pro¬ 
ducts of the dairy, only this small number of competitors should 
have presented themselves with the products of the dairy. 
From the superior quality of much of the butter exhibited, 
the committee have no reason to doubt that had our dairymen 
generally exhibited their butter, an exhibition in point of quan¬ 
tity as well as quality would have been seen, excelling any thing 
of the kind ever before exhibited in this country. 
Several of the samples presented were so nearly equal in qua¬ 
lity as to render decision difficult, though the committee finally 
unanimously united in awarding the premiums to the owners 
of the samples lieieafter noticed. 
Before giving their decision, the committee are of the opinion 
that the manufacture of butter is of sufficient importance to 
justify some general remarks on the subject. 
The dairy business in this state is extensive, employing a very 
large capital and yielding a handsome revenue to the farmers, 
and is constantly on the increase; and upon the perfection of 
the article depends whether it shall secure a market as exten¬ 
sive as may be demanded, and prices such as to remunerate the 
farmer, and add to the. rapidly increasing wealth of our state. 
_ Without dwelling at length on the subject, the committee be¬ 
lieve that there are some things which are indispensable to the 
production of a very choice article, and without which, what¬ 
ever else may exist, butter of the best quality cannot he made. 
We are more impressed with the importance of these conside¬ 
rations, from an examination of the statements accompanying 
the butter exhibited, which were furnished us after the decision 
was made. 
We notice as absolutely necessary, neatness in every thing 
connected with the dairy. The quality of the butter, its purity 
as well as its flavor and character in market, depends upon this. 
The milk must be kept at proper temperature while the cream 
is separating, and the cream should he taken off and churned 
before its quality is in any manner impaired. Salt of the very 
best quality should be used, and the milk must he entirely se¬ 
parated from the butter, and no more salt used than can be dis¬ 
solved ; and when this is accomplished suitable packages should 
be prepared, and the butter solidly put down, entirely exclud¬ 
ing-the air. 
Much depends upon the manner of packing for market, and 
the committee regret that more attention was not paid to it with 
some of the samples exhibited. Firkins and tubs are most gene- 
rally used, and either of them, with proper care and attention, 
