182 
THE CULTIVATOR. 
Near her stood a heifer which was calved by her on the 
3d of 2d month, 1841; and on the 17th of 5th month, 
1842, she, (the heifer,) had a fine calf, which was taken 
from her at the end of four weeks, when she gave an 
ordinary pail full at each milking. She is now as large 
as the ordinary native cows, and is in good condition. 
This speaks volumes in favor of the milking properties 
and early maturity of this cross. J. W. Jenkins of Cla- 
verack, showed a very fine, calf five months and nine 
daj r s old, weighing 500 lbs., having had no other feed 
than the run of the pasture and sour milk. I was not 
informed of its pedigree, but I suppose it was a cross of 
the Durham and Holderness. 
“ One of the most instructive groups in the exhibition, 
were the cattle of Justus McKinstry, Esq., consisting of 
two cows, two heifers, and a fine bull. They show the 
result of an experiment which has been for some years 
in progress, having for its object to engraft on the De¬ 
vons those additional qualities which are desirable to 
adapt them to our soil, climate, and course of husbandry. 
To effect this purpose, crosses have been taken from the 
Durhams, Alderneys, and Holdernesses. I presume the 
Alderneys have been made use of to increase the richness 
of the milk; but I suspect they have lost more in form 
than they have gained in this respect. My limited 
knowledge on this subject .does not enable me to pro¬ 
nounce on the success or ill success of this spirited and 
patriotic attempt to improve our cattle. Youatt saj^s 
emphatically, that “ to adapt the breed to the soil and 
climate, is the grand secret of breeding;” and if it be so, 
all who make the attempt richly deserve the gratitude 
and sympathy of farmers, either in case of failure or suc¬ 
cess. Some of the sheep were good, but none so good 
as to require especial notice. The working oxen were 
truly noble; this part of the show far surpassed the one 
in Albany. The hogs, with one Chinese exception, 
were Berkshires; and beautiful ones they were. My 
duties as one of a committee, did not allow me to bestow 
more than a passing glance at the horses. I was told by 
a good judge, that the animals exhibited were much bet¬ 
ter than those of last year. The best animals were of 
the Highlander and Messenger breeds. Among the ag¬ 
ricultural implements was a corn planter, the invention 
of one of our mechanics, which is a very good imple¬ 
ment, and can be afforded at a less price, ($8.00,) than 
any that I have seen before. It is difficult to draw, or to 
describe, its peculiarities being in the inside; but I hope 
the inventor will place one in the office of the Cultivator 
for public inspection. The specimens of female taste 
and skill were numerous, and very creditable to them. 
I cannot close without mentioning one beautiful toilet 
cover, presented by Justus Niles of Austerlitz, and work¬ 
ed by one of his daughters; it was of pure white, anil 
fruit, flowers, and birds were worked upon it with very 
great taste and neatness. N. N. D.” 
Stockport , 10 th Month llth, 1842. 
CAYUGA COUNTY FAIR. 
The Cayuga Co. Ag. Society held their second Cattle 
Show and Fair at Auburn, on the 12th and 13th of Oct. 
The weather was favorable for the exhibition, and the 
number in attendance was very large; much larger than 
last year. The show of cattle was very large; of horses, 
sheep, and swine there was a good exhibit; and a good 
show of agricultural machines and implements of the 
different varieties; also a grand exhibition of household 
productions, such as domestic cloth of the different vari¬ 
eties. The specimens of needlework were very superi¬ 
or, and I think can nut be beaten in any county in the 
state. In butter and cheese there was an exhibition 
worthy of all praise. The mechanics came in for a full 
share of praise, for their laudable zeal in presenting 
their specimens of workmanship for the inspection of the 
public. The exhibition of this day clearly proves that 
our agriculturists are awake to their best interests; and 
that Cayuga will stand one of the first in the state in re¬ 
spect to her quality of stock, and the enterprise and the 
success of her yeomanry, J. B. D. 
Auburn, Oct. 1842. 
CATTLE SHOW AND FAIR AT AVORCESTER. 
We had the great pleasure of attending this long es¬ 
tablished, and justly celebrated Fair, at its late annual 
meeting, and have rarely been more gratified, than 
while witnessing the manner and spirit of this favorite 
exhibition of the Old Bay State. We arrived at Wor¬ 
cester at 9 o'clock on Wednesday, in company with Col. 
Lincoln, whom we had the good fortune to meet in the 
ears, and immediately proceeded to witness the Plowing 
Match. The prize was contested by thirty teams, all 
oxen. Part of the plows had two yoke of oxen and a 
driver, the other part one yoke each without a driver. 
These teams were a splendid sight, well matched and 
trained. The plowing was of course done in the best 
manner, though the nature of the ground, full of small 
stones, fully tried the skill of the plowmen. One of the 
plows was held by a boy of 12 years of age, and boys 
have several times, we were told, received the premiums 
of the Society at this annual match. 
From the plowing match we proceeded to the show 
yards, which were admirably arranged on ground be¬ 
longing to the Society. Here the show of cattle, sheep, 
and swine, was truly splendid, the whole numbering 
between 400 and 500. At the Worcester Fair, may be 
seen in all their glory the beautiful native cattle of New- 
England—oxen, cows, and steers, so justly prized and 
lauded. We could not divest ourselves of the impression, 
however, that the native cattle of Worcester Co. owe 
much of their celebrity to the imported bulls which have 
occasionally, for many years past, been introduced into 
that state. In addition to this, the Fairs at Worcester 
and Brighton, for so many years past (some 30,) have 
had the effect of inducing farmers to select their best ani¬ 
mals to breed from, and in this way a decided improve¬ 
ment has doubtless been made in the pure native stock. 
We saw a beautiful Ayrshire bull presented to the Socie¬ 
ty by J. P. Cushing, Esq. of Watertown, but smaller 
than most of our farmers w'ould prefer. Some of his 
calves were also exhibited, a cross on the native stock, 
and as we thought a marked improvement. There were 
a great number of grade animals, crosses of the Dur¬ 
ham, Holderness, Ayrshires, &c. with each other, or 
with the native stock. The show of native cows great¬ 
ly exceeded our expectations high as they were. There 
were a number of cows with a dash of foreign blood, 
that were beautiful animals. 
To test the power of draft in the oxen, in a trial for 
which 22 yokes were entered, a cart was loaded with 
two tons weight of stone, which they successively drew 
up a small elevation. In doing this, and in backing and 
turning, the teams had a fine opportunity of exhibiting 
their admirable training to the best advantage. 
Of sheep there was a good representation, embracing 
some fine Dishleys, Leicesters, South Downs, Merinos, 
Saxony, and natives. 
Of Swine there was a show worthy of the admiration 
of our friend W. Lincoln, Esq. whom we found in the 
midst of them, and who will doubtless commemorate 
their good qualities in his usual happy manner. In ad¬ 
dition to some beautiful Berkshires, there was a variety 
called the “ Hospital Breed,” with which we were much 
pleased. They are a large white hog, much resembling 
the Berkshires in shape, and we think showing occa¬ 
sionally evidences of that blood. They are, we believe, 
a cross of several of the favorite breeds of Mackay, Lei¬ 
cester, and Berkshire. 
Never have we seen so fine a display of butter and 
cheese as at this Fair. Many of our farmers might well 
afford to make a journey to Worcester, to learn to make 
and put up these articles for market. The butter was 
mostly in pound and two pound cakes, and when laid 
out for exhibition made a fine appearance. 
The exhibition of Fruit and Flowers in the Horticul¬ 
tural department, was of the most gratifying kind. The 
show of apples could scarcely be exceeded; of pears, 
some sixty kinds were shown, all excellent; and one 
presented by Noah Allen, Esq. weighed 43 ounces. 
The sketch of the history of the Society, presented by 
the President, the Hon. Levi Lincoln, was most interest¬ 
ing. When the Society was organized, six individuals 
gave their note for $3,000, that the association might re¬ 
ceive from the state the grant of $600. This sum has 
not only been repaid by contributions, and the addition 
of members, but there is a balance on hand of $7,000. 
Gov. Lincoln has been president 22 years, and we think 
it no disparagement to him to say, that valuable as his 
civil services have been, the memory of the aid he has 
rendered agriculture, will remain long after the former 
shall have passed away. The address by J. Mason, Esq. of 
Templeton, was an able production and well received. 
It may be mentioned as a coincidence, that during the 
dinner of the Society three years since, the death of 
•Judge Buel was received, and announced. At the din¬ 
ner of this year, the news of the death of Robert Man¬ 
ning, the distinguished Pomologist of Salem, was re¬ 
ceived, and announced by Gen. Dearborn. As a Pomo¬ 
logist, Mr. Manning was without a rival in this country, 
and probably equal to any man living. 
Speeches at the table were made by Gen. Dearborn, 
Hon. J. Quincy Jr., Hon. J. T. Austin, Hon. L. Salston- 
stall, and others, which were interesting and received 
with applause. 
In one respect at least, the Worcester Society has an 
advantage over most associations in the country. The 
present was its 30ih anniversary, and all the value of ex¬ 
perience is added to the public spirit of the men who 
manage it. The Society owns the ground on which the 
fair is held. The pens are substantial, built at an ex¬ 
pense of $1,500. These, after the show, are taken 
down, and carefully packed in buildings erected for this 
purpose. 
No one in the vicinity doubts the beneficent influence 
of this Society, not only on the Agriculture of the dis¬ 
trict, but also on the men of the county. Certain it is, 
we have never seen a finer looking body of men and wo¬ 
men than we had the pleasure of meeting at Worcester. 
There w r ere from 10 to 15 thousand present, and the 
Bay State may well be proud of her children. 
After the fair, we paid a flying visit to Boston, and in 
company with Mr. Hovey, of the Magazine of Horti¬ 
culture, visited some of the fine farms and residences in 
the vicinity of that city. Of these, none interested us 
more than Mr. Cushing’s celebrated place at Watertown, 
over which we were shown by Mr. Ilaggerston, the gen¬ 
tlemanly and intelligent manager. The green houses, 
graperies, gardens, parks, orchards, meadows, &c. were 
all in a slyle of excellence and neatness not to be sur¬ 
passed. He also showed us some superior Ayrshire cows. 
In the piggery, kept so neat there was scarcely a smell 
of swine about it, we saw some of the pure Mackay pigs, 
a beautiful white hog, also some pure China, with a 
variety of crosses. The splendor of the mansion and 
furniture when completed, judging from what we saw, 
will not be exceeded by any thing in this country. The 
example of Mr. C. in so highly improving his farm, will 
have a beneficial effect, in rendering the environs of 
that fine city still more inviting, as it can scarcely fail to 
be imitated to a greater or less degree. 
Mt. Auburn is a delightful place. To the good taste, 
public spirit, and perseverance of Gen. Dearborn, the 
Bostonians are indebted for this beautiful spot; a place, 
where, after life’s ‘ fitful fever,’ it must be a pleasure to 
sleep, and to the memory of the General, should its 
proudest mausoleum be dedicated. 
In our visit to Cambridge, we unhappily found our 
friend Buckingham absent, but we had the pleasure of 
examining the extensive green houses and nurseries of Mr. 
Hovey, also in this place. Mr. Hovey has lately pur¬ 
chased some 30 acres, and is now planting an extensive 
nursery. It was a matter of regret, that we had no more 
time to spend in examining the agricultural and horti¬ 
cultural improvements, so manifest in every direction 
around this city. 
In a word, we have been much gratified with our 
brief excursion, from the “ Anglo Dutch” city of Al¬ 
bany, to AVorcester, and the Metropolis of New-Eng- 
land. There is a public spirit, intelligence, an ac¬ 
tivity every where, which marks the New-England cha¬ 
racter, and makes one cease to wonder at the improve¬ 
ments every where visible. In this, industry is the great 
element of wealth, and nowhere is it more conspicuous, 
or seen to better advantage, than in this honored land of 
the Pilgrims. 
BERKSHIRE CATTLE SHOW AND FAIR. 
Much to our regret, we were unable to be present at 
the thirty-second Cattle Show of the Berkshire Ag. Soci¬ 
ety, which was held at Pittsfield, Mass., Oct. 5th and 6th. 
To our friend of the “ Three Hills Farm,” we are in¬ 
debted for a description of it, which, however, we have 
been compelled to curtail in some measure, to enable us 
to give it a place this month. He says: 
“The show of animals, particularly working-oxen 
and steers, exceeded any former exhibition which I have 
ever attended; there being 110 yokes on the ground, of 
well matched cattle, mostly red, and in high working 
condition: yes, some of them more fit for the shambles 
than some I have seen slaughtered for beef in Albany. 
It was a most gratifying display. 
“ The exhibition of cows, heifers, and calves, sur¬ 
passed any former exhibition. They were in fine con¬ 
dition, and showed evident improvement both in size 
and form. 
The show of bulls was not only deficient in numbers, 
but in quality; only one worthy of notice, and to him 
the first premium was very justly awarded. If a little 
more attention was paid to the quality, symmetry and 
style of the bulls, a very great improvement would soon 
be manifest. 
The swine, though not numerous, were generally very 
good; and two of them would answerr well to the por¬ 
traits, in a late London Farmer’s Magazine, of the “Im¬ 
proved Essex” hogs, which took the first premium at 
the Fair of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. 
The sheep I did not examine, but I understand they 
were very fair specimens. 
The specimens exhibited in the Town-Hall, arranged 
as usual, with good taste, by Messrs. Beebe and Colt, of 
the handiwork of the industrious daughters of Berkshire 
bore evident marks of improvement. A pair of white 
woolen blankets, made and exhibited by Mrs. Chapman 
of Pittsfield, exceeded any thing of the kind I ever be¬ 
held. A piece of flannel made and exhibited by Mrs. 
AVorden of Richmond, was much admired by all who 
examined it,; so was also a beautiful piece of linen dia¬ 
per, made by Mrs. Churchell of Pittsfield. The speci¬ 
mens of embroidery, presented by Mrs. Root, could 
hardly be excelled; and added much to the display, and 
furnished evidence that the females whose home is 
among the hills and rallies, know what constitutes the 
elegancies as well as the substantial of life. In short, 
take it altogether, this exhibition of domestic manufac¬ 
tures would satisfy the most skeptical, that we have the 
ability of rendering ouselves independent of foreign in¬ 
dustry. 
The number of competitors for the premiums on butter 
was greater than at any former exhibition; which was 
accounted for by reducing the quantity required from 100 
to 50 lbs. There were 13 lots offered, all of which were 
of good quality and put up in superior order, and reflect 
great credit on the makers. There were only three lots 
of 100 lbs. each of cheese offered, but they were of rare 
quality. 
The morning of the second day opened with a brilliant 
sun, a clear blue sky, with scarcely a cloud to be seen; 
and at an early hour the sacred stillnes which pervaded 
nature was broken by the busy hum of preparation for 
the most exciting and interesting part of the exercises— 
the plowing match, which was to take place at 8 o’clock. 
The field selected for the contest of the plowmen, was 
in the beautiful valley of the silent Housatonic, whose 
surrounding scenery of hills and dales were decked in 
Autumn’s beautiful and varied foliage. 
AVhen I arrived on the ground, I found it surrounded 
on all sides by multitudes of both sexes, in anxious ex¬ 
pectation for the coming contest. The field was laid of! 
in lands of one-fourth of an acre each, and the time al¬ 
lotted for plowing that portion was one hour, with a rest 
of five minutes. There were 21 teams entered for com¬ 
petition—13 of horses and 8 of oxen. The longest time 
consumed by any plowman was 59 minutes; the shortest 
45 minutes. Each plowman performed his work in a 
manner which reflects great credit on our improved hus- 
