TRANSACTIONS OF THE MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY: WITHI REPORTS OF' ount gl'gr:ulturtl ioriteits, FOR 1856. PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE LEGISLATURE. VOL. VIII. J. C. HOLMES, SECRETARY OF THE MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. OFFICE AT THE STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, LANSING. LANSIN G: HOSMER & KERR, PRINTERS TO THE STATE. 1857. OFFICERS FOR 1857. PRESIDENT, JAMES BAYLEY, Big Beaver. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE —FOR ONE TEAR. F. W. BACKUS, Detroit. HORACE WELCH, Ypsilanti. A. N. HART, Lapeer. EDWARD G. MORTON, Monroe. J. B. CRIPPEN, Coldwater. W. S. H. WELTON, Grand Rapids. FOR TWO YEARS. J. S. TIBBITTS, Plymouth. J. J. NEWELL, Adrian. CHARLES DICKEY, Marshall. C. W. GREEN, Farmington. WM. CANFIELD, Mt. Clemens. ARCHIBALD JEWELL, Dowagiac. TREASURER. B. FOLLETT, Ypsilanti. SECRETARY. J. C. HOLMES, Lansing. The Society's Rooms are at the State Agricultural College, Lansing. CONTENTS. Page. Officers for 1857,- -,,.. Preface. Annual Report,__,,,, 1 Legislative Enactments, -... — - 3 Officers for 1856,.,.-.. — - - - 13 Executive Meeting, January 12, 1857,- 17 Executive Meeting, September 19, 1856, - - - 35'The Eighth Annual Fair, - - - - 37 List of Entries,,,, 45 Reports of Viewing Committees,,. 97 Cattle,,... —,,, —.... -. 97 Horses,..-.,..,107 Sheep, -.. - -------------- 114 Swine, * -- -... -120 Poultry,..-...- -. 121 Farm Implements, -.,.,, 122 Butter, Cheese, Sugar and Honey, --- - - - - 125 Domestic Manufactures, --.. ------ ----—......... 128 Paintings, Drawings, &c.,. — - 131 Needle, Shell, and Wax Work, - -----— 134 Flowers, - - 136 Apples,, 138 Pears, - -------- -----— 140 Miscellaneous Fruits,, -141 Vegetables,, -.,, -..............,... 142 Grain, Flour and Seeds,. 143 Miscellaneous Articles,,,144 Essay on the Cultivation of the Potato,..,147 viii Page. Essay on the Breeding and Management of Sheep, 155 Communications,.....................-.....197 Fruit, -—. -199 Fruit Trees, —. -209 Cultivation of Clover,..253 Thorough Draining,-. 261 Meteorological Observations — 1856,... 275 Agricultural College of the State of Michigan, ---- -. 279 Report,-..............281 Students, 2 —83 Constitutional Provision,.285 Act of Organization,.287 Legislation in 1857,.293 Location of Buildings,. - 295 Dedication, 297 General Information, -.-....'U25 Reports of County Agricultural Societies for the year 1856, ---— 329 Report of Berrien County Agricultural Society,.. 331 Report of Calhoun County Agricultural Society, - -.,, 355 Report of Cass County Agricultural Society, 177 Report of Clinton County Agricultural Society, 393 Report of Genesee County Agricultural Society,., 423 Report of Hillsdale County Agricultural Society,.465 Report of Ingham County Agricultural Society,. 507 Report of Jackson County Agricultural Society,.515 Report of Kent County Agricultural Society,.. 569 Report of Livingston County Agricultural Society, - -589 Report of Macomb County Agricultural Society,.621 Report of Montcalm County Agricultural Society,..637 Report of Monroe County Agricultural Society,- 647 Report of Oakland County Agricultural Society,. —- - ------- 659 Report of Ottawa County Agricultural Society, - -713 Report of Shiawassee County Agricultural Society,.... —-.. 733 Report of St. Joseph County A gricultkural Seifyty,........., 768 Report of Van Buren County Agricultural Society, 7.81 Report of Washtenaw County Agricultural Society,........... 791 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, FOR 1856. OFFICE OF THE MICH. STATB AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, 7 Lansing, Miay, 1857. To the Secretary of State: SIR —I have the honor herewith to transmit to you the Eighth Annual Report of the Michigan State Agricultural Society. Very respectfully, J. C. HOLMES, Sec'y.Mich. State Agricultural Society. LEGISLATIVE ENACTMENTS. [No. 95. ] AN ACT to authorize the president, secretary and treasurer of the Washtenaw County Agricultural and Horticultural Society, to take and hold real and personal property. SECTION 1. The People of the State of AMichigan enact, That the president, secretary and treasurer of the Washtenaw County Agricultural and Horticultural Society, and their successors in office, shall in law be capable of taking and receiving, purchasing and holding real estate, for the purpose of holding upon the same the exhibitions of said society, but for no other purpose, to an amount not exceeding twenty thousand dollars in value, and of personal estatejfor the purpose of aiding. in said exhibitions, not exceeding five thousand dollars. Sec. 2. The Ieal and personal estate of said'society shall be under the management and control of the board of managers of said society, and their successors in office, who may from time to time be elected, according to the constitution of said society. Sec. 3. The real and personal estate so held for the purposes herein, expressed, shall be exempt from assessments or taxation. Sec. 4. This act shall take immediate effect. Approved February 11, 1857. [ No. 142. ] AN ACT making an appropriation for the State Agricultural School, and to amend the act entitled an act for the establishment of a State Agricultural School, approved February twelfth, eighteen hundred and fifty-five. SECTION 1. The People of the State of Michigan enact, That there 4 be and there is hereby appropriated out of the treasury of this State, the sum of forty thousand dollars, for the erection of buildings, purchase of furniture, apparatus, implements and library, payment of professors and teachers, and to improve and carry on the farm, and such other necessary expenses tobe incurred in the successful operation of said school during the years eighteen hundred and fifty-seven and eighteen hundred and fifty-eight; which sum shall be drawn from the treasury on the presentation of the proper certificates of the board of education to the Auditor General, and on his warrant to the State Treasurer. Sec. 2. Section second of the act entitled an act for the establishment of a State Agricultural School, approved February twelfth, eighteen hundred and fifty-five, is hereby amended so as to read as follows,'to wit: That there is hereby appropriated twenty-two secti6ns of salt spring lands, br the money arising from the sale thereof, referred to in article thirteen, section eleven, of the constitution of the State of Michigan, for the purchase of land for such site and location, and the prepaTration thereof, the erection of buildings, the purchase of furniture, ap-,paratus, library and implements, payment of professors and teachers, -and other necessary expenses to be incurred in the establishment and successful operation of said school; which sum shall be drawn from the State treasury on the presentation of the proper certificates of the board of education to the Auditor General, and on his warrant to the State Treasurer; but not to exceed in the whole amount the sum of fifty-six thousand, three hundred and twenty dollars, the minimum price of said twenty-two sections, unless the whole proceeds of the sales of said sections shall exceed that sum, and then not to exceed the amount of such proceeds. Approved February 16, 1857. [ No. 149. ] AN ACT to amend section five of an act entitled " an act to authorize the formation of county and town agricultural societies," approved February twelfth, eighteen hundred and fifty-five. SECTION 1. The People of the State of.Michigan enact, That sec-,tion five of an act entitled. " an act to authorize the formation of county 5 and town agricultural societies," approved February twelfth, eighteen hundred and fifty-five, shall be and the same is so amended that the same shall read as follows: There shall be but one county society in any one county of this State, nor shall there be more than one town society in any one town, village or city, but two or more towns may join and organize a town society for such towns. Approved February 16, 1857. [ No. 155. ] AN ACT to make an appropriation to aid the Michigan State Agricultural Society. SECTION 1. The People of the State of.Michigan enact, That there be and is hereby appropriated out of the treasury of this State, the sum of two thousand dollars each year, for the years eighteen hundred and fifty-seven and eighteen hundred and fifty-eight, to the Michigan State Agricultural Society, for the payment of premiums, to be paid by the State Treasurer to the treasurer of said society, on the warrant of the Auditor General: Provided, That the treasurer of said society shall, on or before the fifteenth dav of October in each year, make, subscribe and deposit with the Auditor General, his affidavit that said society has raised for the year a like sum of two thousand dollars by voluntary subscriptions and fees of membership. Approved February 17, 1857. [ No. 169. ] AN ACT to provide for the draining of swamps, marshes, and other low lands. SECTION 1. The People of the State of RMichigan enact, That the board of supervisors in any organized county ot this State shall have power to appoint three commissioners to superintend the drainage of swamps, marshes, and other low lands, in their respective counties, according to the provisions of this act, as do, in their judgment, affect injuriously the health of the inhabitants. Sec. 2. Before entering upon their duties as commissioners, they shall .severally make oath before some person duly authorized to administer oaths, that they will justly and impartially discharge the duties assigned them by this act, which oath shall be by them filed in the county clerk's office. Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of said commissioners to examine personally the marshes and other low lands in their respective counties; to make such observations and surveys as they may deem necessary to determine the route, line and dimensions of the several ditches required'to be cut in or from the same, together with their length, breadth and depth. Sec. 4. Said commissioners shall also make an estimate of the sum necessary to be raised to pay the expenses of making such ditches or drains, including all incidental expenses. They shall also make an estimate of the sum that ought to be levied on each section or part of a section of land in such marshes or other low lands, in such proportion as they shall deem just, according to the benefit that will accrue to each by making such ditches or drains; and they shall cause maps of said lands to be made, designating thereon the length, depth, width, position and direction of every ditch or drain by them laid out or contemplated; said map shall also contain a description of every section or part of a section upon which estimates have been made, with the amount of such estimate; also, the aggregate amount to be collected in each township. Sec. 5. Said commissioners shall contract for the performance of the work and materials required to complete such ditches and drains; but contracts shall be upon reasonable public notice, published not less than three weeks in some newspaper printed in the county, or if no paper be printed in the county, in a newspaper printed in some county nearest thereto, and such other notice as to them shall seem proper, and shall be subject to the action and judgment of the circuit court, as hereinafter specified. Sec. 6. Said commissioners shall make a full report to the circuit court of all their doings in the premises, accompanied by maps, estimates, statement of contracts, and all other matters necessary to a full exhibition and understanding of their action. Such report shall be filed in the office of the county clerk of said county, at least three weeks be-fore it be acted upon by said court; and the commissioners shall give notice at least three weeks, by publication in a newspaper printed in the county, or if no newspaper be printed therein, by posting notices upon the outer door of the court house in said county, and five or more other notices in the township er townships in which such ditch or ditches or drains are to be made, that they will, on some day to be by them spec. ified, present said report to the circuit court for confirmation; and on such day, or some other day thereafter, as may be appointed by said court, any person interested may appear and object to the confirmation of said report; and the court may, for good cause shown, amend or set aside said report, direct new examinations or surveys, when, in the opinion of the court, justice or equity requires it; but if no good cause be shown against it, the court shall confirm the report; but if the aggregate estimate for the construction of any ditch or drain shall not exceed the sum of five hundred dollars, it shall not be necessary for said commissioners to apply to the court for confirmation of their report, but they may proceed at once in the construction of such ditch or drain, conforming in all other respects to the provisions of this act. Sec. 7. The commissioners shall cause a copy of the report confirmed by the circuit court, to be filed in the office of the Auditor General of the State, and in the office of the treasurer of the county; they shall also cause a copy of the same to be laid before the board of supervisors in said county, at their annual session on the second Monday in October following; and the said board shall charge the aggregate sums, as they are apportioned against the proper townships, and shall direct the supervisor of each township in which any portion of such ditch or drain may be constructed, or tax levied, to levy the same upon the several sections or-parts of sections described as being in his township, and collect and pay said sums to the county treasurer, in like manner and at the same time with other county taxes; but the Auditor General shall not be required to credit or pay to either of the counties any such tax returned to his office until the same shall have been actually paid into the office of the State Treasurer for such taxes, or for the sale of lands to individuals. Sec. 8. All lands upon which a tax shall be levied by virtue of this act, which may be returned to the office of the Auditor General delinquent for such tax, shall be advertised and sold for such taxes at the same time and in the same manner as lands delinquent for other taxes, except that no such lands shall be bid in for the State for any such tax, and excepting that the amount of such tax on each description of the lands so returned shall be stated and advertised in a line separate and distinct from all other taxes, and all such lands shall first be sold for the State, county, town, school and highway taxes, if any; and in case any such lands are bid in for the State, for State, county, township, school or highway taxes, they shall be sold for the taxes assessed under the provisions of this act, subject to the payment of such State, county, town, school or highway taxes; and no deed of such lands shall be executed by the Auditor General for such ditch tax until such bid of the State, and the lien thereon, shall have been fully satisfied. Any person who may bid in any land for such Aditch tax, which may have been sold to any other person or persons, or, to the State, for any other taxes as above mentioned, shall have the right to redeem the same within the time allowed by law; and unless some other person having a right to redeem, shall, before the time of redemption would have expired, tender to the holder or owner of a certificate of sale for such ditch tax, the amount which he may have paid on the redemption for other taxes as aforesaid, with the same interest as would have been payable to the Auditor General or State Treasurer up to the same date, then the person having so redeemed such lands from sale for such other taxes, his heirs or assigns, shall have and possess all the rights under and by virtue of such redemption, as if the same had been originally purchased by him for such other taxes; and a deed thereof, duly executed by the Auditor General, and all deeds duly executed by the Auditor General for lands sold for any such delinquent ditch taxes, shall be as valid and effectual, to all intents and purposes, as deeds on sale of lands for- other taxes returned to the office of the Auditor General. Sec. 9. Said commissioners shall have power.to locate or re-locate ditches or drains, or to alter or vary the size thereof: Provided, That no such alteration or variation shall be made without the consent of the contractor; but if, at any time, said commissioners shall extend, alter, locate or re-locate any drain, thereby increasing the expense of such drain, then and in such case they shall make report of their designs, from time to time, according to the facts, to the circuit court of the proper county, who shall, in all cases, act in accordance with the provisions of this act. 9 Sec. 10. The power herein conferred upon said commissioners for digging and draining, shall also extend to and include deepening, widening and clearing out any ditches that have heretofore, or may be hereafter constructed. Sec. 11. If any person shall willfully or maliciously obstruct or injure: any drain laid out by and under the provisions of this act, he shall be subject to a fine not exceeding ten dollars, together with such sum as will be required to repair such damage and costs of suit, which fine may be recovered in an action of debt at the suit of any one of said commissioners, before any justice of the peace of the proper county, and when any recovery shall be made, and the same collected, it shall be paid to the complainant, and be by him deposited with the township treasurer in the township where such damages occurred, for the benefit of highways in such township. Sec. 12. No money shall be paid by any county treasurer of any county in which a tax is assessed for the purpose of drainage under this act, on any warrant drawn by the said commissioners, out of any other fund than that derived from such taxes; and no county treasurer shall be authorized or allowed to bid in for the State any lands sold or offered for sale for such taxes; but in case any such land shall be and remain unsold when first offered as aforesaid, and such tax shall remain unpaid,, the county treasurer shall certify the same to the Auditor General, and the said treasurer shall, at any time thereafter, sell such land, subject as aforesaid, to any person who will pay the taxes assessed thereon, and the office charges, in the way and manner hereinbefore mentioned; and. said treasurer shall issue his certificate of sale to such purchaser, and such certificate shall entitle the purchaser to a deed from the Auditor General for the lands so sold, from and after one year from the time they Were first offered for sale by such county treasurer, unless sooner redeemed.:S&. 13. The commissioners shall each be entitled to receive one dollar and fifty cents per day for the time actually spent by them in perfrming their duties under this act; but before they shall receive any pay,:their respective accounts shall be sworn to by them and taxed by th! judge of the circuit court of the county, and the bills filed in the office of the treasurer of said county, who shall, pay them out of the moneys collected by virtue of this act, and not otherwise. 2 Sec. 14. Whenever any order drawn by the commissioners shall be presented to the county treasurer, and there shall be no funds in his hands applicable to the payment thereof, the county treasurer shall endorse thereon the date of such presentation, with his signature thereto. Such orders shall draw interest from and after such presentation and endorsement. Sec. 15. Whenever any drain shall be laid upon any public road, or where drains have been laid and roads shall hereafter be laid out beside said drain, it shall be the duty of commissioners of highways and overseers of their respective districts to keep said drains opened and free of all obstructions. Sec. 16. All claims arising under the preceding sections of this act, whether on contract, Jabor performed, or any other services, shall be audited by the commissioners, (except for their services as commissioners,) and paid on their order by the county treasurer of the county, out of any funds in his hands created by this act, and not otherwise. Sec. 17. All bids made for any of the lands which may be sold for taxes assessed under the provisions of this act, may be paid in warrants drawn under the provisions of this act, by the commissioners, on the treasurer of said county in which the lands sold are situated, if drawn for the construction of the said ditch, or commissioners' service, for which said lands are to be sold, and such warrants shall, if tendered,'be received by the Auditor General, or treasurer of the county in which they were drawn, in payment for any such tax that may be returned delinquent. Sec. 18. For the information of all persons concerned, the said commissioners shall make a full report in writing to the board of supervisors of the proper county, at the next and each annual session thereafter, setting forth as near as practicable:. 1. What proportion of the ditches or drains for the construction of which a tax has been levied, are completed, and the amount paid therefor; 2. What proportion is under contract and not completed, and the amount to be paid therefor, and whether such contract or contracts are likely to be performed; also, the proportion not yet under contract, and the estimated cost of their construction, and whether there is a sufficient,amount of unexpended funds created by such tax to complete the work; 11 3. What amount of such funds has been expended, and for what purpose, exhibiting the items of such expenditure as fully as may be practicable; and also, what amount of warrants has been drawn by them against such fund, and shall also report all such other matters in relation to the subject as they may deem necessary, or said board of supervisors may require. Sec. 19. The board of supervisors of the sevetal counties in which such commissioners shall be appointed, shall have full power and authority to control the action of said commissioners, and may make any order in relation to such ditches or drains, or other matters relating thereto, not inconsistent with the public interest or the rights of individuals, which order shall be binding on such commissioners. The board of supervisors shall also have power and authority, for any cause by them deemed sufficient, to remove any or all of such commissioners and appoint others in their stead, with like powers and subject to the same liabilities: Provided, That nothing contained in this act shall be construed as to effect any contract, vested right, or interest existing, made or created at any time previous to the passage of this act. All acts or parts of acts contravening the provisions of this act, are hereby repealed. This act is ordered to take immediate effect. Approved February 17, 1857. 2NAMES OF THE OFFICERS OF THE EICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY FOR 1856. President —M. SHOEMAKER, Jackson. Treasurer-B. FOLLETT, Ypsilanti. Secretary-.J. C. HOLMES, Detroit. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. Names. Post Office. County. F. W. Backus, Detroit, Wayne. Horace Welch, Ypsilanti, Washtenaw. A. N. Hart, Lapeer, Lapeer. Edward G. Morton, Monroe, Monroe. C. A. Green, Troy, Oakland. John Miller, Tecumseh, Lenawee. -J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, Branch. Justus Gage, Dowagiac, Cass. J. K. Kinman, Jonesville, Hillsdale. Wm. L. P. Little, Saginaw, Saginaw. A. Y. Moore, Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo. W. S. H. Welton, Grand Rapids, Kent. VICE PRESIDENTS. -Yame. Post Office. County..J. R. Kellogg, Allegan, Allegan. ~John Bowne, Barry Centre, Barry. Winm. H. Macomber, Niles, Berrien. 14 James Clisby, Quincy, Branch. Chas. Dickey, Marshall, Calhoun. George Beckwith, Cassopolis, Cass. Samuel Ashman, Sault St. Mary, Chippewa. J. B. Coats, Essex, Clinton. Reuben Fitzgerald, Bellevue, Eaton. James J. Strang, St. James, Emmet. James Seymour, Flushing, Genesee. Moulton Craw, Grand Traverse, Grand Traverse. J. W. Dickinson, Hilale, Hillsdale. David Cush, Ontonagon, Houghton. Huron. D. Felt, Felt, Ingham. Frederick Hall, Ionia, Ionia. A. P. Cook, Brooklyn, Jackson. C. A. Jeffries, Isabella Centre, Isabella. Chas. E. Stuart, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo. Henry Hall, Grand Rapids, Kent. Thos. Clark, Lapeer, Lapeer. George E. Pomeroy, Clinton, Lenawee. George W. Lee, Howell, Livingston. John P. King, Mackinac, Mackinac. P. K. Leach, Utica, Macomb. G. H. Shearman, Monroe, Monroe. John L. Moss, Montcalm. Henry Ashmun, Saginaw City, Midland. John A. Brooks, Newaygo. C. W. Green, Farmington, Oakland. Abner Sherman, Ontonagon, Ontonagon. Henry Pennoyer, Grand Haven, Ottawa. Hiram L. Miller, Saginaw City, Saginaw. John Divine, Lexington, Sanilac. Luke H. Parsons, Corunna, Shiawassee. J. E. Kitton, St. Clair, St. Clair. Mark H. Wakeman, Nottawa, St. Joseph. P. Richardson, Tuscola, Tuscola. Morgan L. Fitch, Paw Paw, Van Buren. 15 D. M. Uhl, Ypsilanti, Washtenaw, S. M. Holmes, Detroit, Wayne. CORRESPONDING SECRETARIES. Name. Post Office. County. Elisha B. Bassett, Allegan, Allegan. Barry. Berrien. Homer Wright, Coldwater, Branch. Isaac W. Wilder, Marshall, Calhoun. Daniel Blackman, Cassapolis, Cass. Chippewa. Clinton. L. H. Ion, Charlotte, Eaton. Emmett. F. H. Rankin, Flint, Genesee........ -— Grand Traverse. F. M. Holloway, Fayette, Hillsdale. -- -- -. Houghton. Huron. O. M. Barnes, Mason, Inghau. Ionia. -......... Isabella. E. J. Connable, Jackson, Jackson. James Henry, Jr, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo. T. E. Wetmore, North Cannon, Kent. Lapeer. A. G. Eastman, Adrian, Lenawee. E. F. Burt, Howell, Livingston. Mackinac. C. F. Mallory, Romeo, Macomb. E. G. Morton, Monroe, Monroe. Josiah Bradisb, Fair Plain, Montcalm. Midland. Newaygo. Joseph R. Bowman, Pontiac, Oakland. Ontonagon. 16 Timothy Eastman, Eastmanville, Ottawa. Saginaw.........r.........wr. Sanilac. P. S. Lyman, Corunna, Shiawassee. St. Clair. Cyrus Foreman, Parkville, St. Joseph. Tuscola. 0O. H. P. Sheldon, Paw Paw, Van Buren. -L. Davie, Ann Arbor, Washtenaw. --—................ Wayne. EXECUTIVE MEETING. The Annual Meeting of the Executive Committee was held at kLan — sing, January 12th, 1857. The committee convened at the State House, at 10 o'clock A. M. There not being a quorum, the committee adjourned till 2 o'clock P. M. Pursuant to adjournment, the committee met at 2 o'clock P. M., and was called to order by the President, present, The President, James Bayley, of Troy; Ex-President, A. Y. Moore, of Schoolcraft; Executive Committee —Horace Welch, Ypsilanti; A. N. Hart, Lapeer; J. B. Crippen, Coldwater; J. J. Newell, Adrian; Charles Dickey, Marshall; C. W. Green, Farmington; Winm. Canfield, Mt. Clemens; E. G. Morton, Monroe; J. C. Holmes, Detroit. Delegates from County Agricultural Societies-Doct. Marvin and Mr. Hammond, Clinton county; Mr. Barnum, Van Buren county; Mr. Fowle, Hillsdale county; Mr. Divine, Mr. Warren and Mr. Fargo, Montcalm county. The Secretary presented the following report: To the Executive Committee of the Mich. State Ag'l Society: GENTLEMEN —The object of this meeting is to receive reports and review the proceedings of the Society for the year now just closed, and to take such action thereon as you may think proper; also, to project business to be transacted the present year, and take action upon such other matters as may come before you. With your permission, I will, in addition to my report of the proceedings of the past year, make a few suggestions relative to our futureaction, based upon the experience of the past. The Society has now been in active operation eight years. The first3 18 Annual Fair was held at Detroit, on the 25th, 26th and 27th days of September, 1849. At that Fair, the number of entries were as follows: Cattle,.-.-. 79 Horses, - - - -..- 79 Sheep,. 38 Swine,.- 4 Fowls,. 8 Farm Implements, -------- 49 Bee Hives, -------------- 4 For Plowing, -. --------. 6 Butter,. -............ 14 Cheese, - 4 Bread, -----.... —. - 3 Honey,.. 6 Sugar, 1 Domestic Manufactures, — 28 Needle, Shell and Wax Work, -.. 86 Paintings, &c.,.. 7 Fruits, 74 Vegetables, 35 Field Crops,..33 Miscellaneous Articles, 82 The total number of entries in 1849, was - 640 The amount paid for premiums was $808 50. From that time until the Fair of 1855, which was the 7th, there was an annual increase in the amount paid for premiums awarded, so that at the 7th annual Fair the amount awarded and paid, including medals, books, diplomas, &c., did not fall far short of $4,000 00. The annual expenses of the Society have also increased, for at the first exhibition many persons volunteered their services to assist in fitting up the grounds, and transacting the business; but volunteers have become scarce, and men want to be well paid for services rendered upon the Fair ground, and it is right that they should be paid, for men cannot afford, neither can it be expected that they will give their time, talents and strength, year after year, to the public without some remuneration. And this is not all: the Fairs have increased in magnitude, 19 so that the number of entries of horses and cattle, alone, at the last exhibition, ran nearly or quite as high as the aggregate of entries at the first exhibition. It will at once be perceived that more room than formerly, more and better fixtures, more superintendents and assistants in the different departments, are required for the convenience of the show, and the effective working of the machinery. It now takes four days instead of three to transact the business of the Fair, thus increasing the expenses very materially. The premiums and expenses were gradually increased, without a corresponding increase of income, until at the annual meeting of the Executive Committee, held at Detroit in Dec., 1855, it was found that a debt had been accumulating until it then amounted to about three thousand dollars, and the greater portion of it was for premiums that had been awarded and remained unpaid. Through the efforts of the committee, funds were raised and the floating debts were paid; but this did not relieve the Society wholly from debt. A portion was liquidated, the balance funded. Under these circumstances, although the call, desire, and seeming necessity for a more extended premium list, and increase in the amount of each award were very great, the committee were obliged to reduce the list of premiums for 1856 somewhat below the list for 1855. It has always been a source of regret to the committee having in charge the fitting up of the Fair grounds, that the funds at their disposal would not admit of incurring the expense requisite for enclosing grounds sufficiently extensive to admit of preparing within the enclosure a suitable track for the show and trial of action, strength and speed of horses. The increasing interest, not to breeders alone, but to the State, in the horse department, appeared to demand of the committee a more convenient and suitable preparation for the exhibition of horses. In order to enclose grounds of sufficient dimensions for the Fair, and fit up for the show of horses a suitable track, would cause an increased expenditure; the committee could not see their way clear to do it. While considering this subject, the enclosure known as "The Detroit Course," was offered to the committee, and a request was received from some of the citizens of Detroit, that the 8th annual Fair should oe held upon that ground. 20 There were many considerations that influenced the committee to accept the proposition, and accede to the request. Among the most prominent considerations, were: 1st. The grounds were extensive and beautifully located, they were already enclosed, and a track was prepared, and a contract could be made with the owner of the ground to put up the buildings and other fixtures for a less sum than the cost of fittipg up the grounds for the previous exhibitions. 2d. The Society would have full control of the grounds, so that the annual fancy races that have been held there during the days of the Fairs, very much to the annoyance of the Agricultural Society, would not take place. The result of this arrangement was an increase of receipts and a decrease of expenses, thereby enabling the Society to pay off nearly all its old liabilities. The amount awarded as premiums at the 8th annual Fair —1856was, in cash, $2,111 50 —silver medals, silver cups, books and diplomas, about $180 00-or a total in round numbers of $2,300 00. It is hoped that some means may be devised by which the beneficial influence of the Society may be greatly extended, instead of being crippled for want of resources. In justice to the one great and leading interest of our State-Agriculture-this Society should, by some means, be placed out of the reach of poverty. In some of the States it is not unusual to expend from six to seven thousand dollars in fitting up the Fair ground, while in Michigan the aggregate receipts for any one year have never exceeded $8,000 00, and with this amount of funds the Society is expected to fit up the grounds in as good and substantial a manner, and award as many and as large premiums as those societies that have two or three times the amount of funds to work with. I notice by the report of the Treasurer of the Ohio State Agricultural Society, that the expenses of their Fair at Cleveland, amounted to more than $13,000. Could the place for holding our Fairs be permanently located, the heavy annual expenses now necessarily incurred in putting up, arranging, and then pulling down the fixtures, would in a great measure be saved. There may be serious objections to locating permanently. 21 In some of the older States, where there are many large and wealthy places that can accommodate the Fair, the rotary system is, perhaps, the best, as it not only relieves one place from making an annual contribution for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the Fair, but by moving around to different localities the tendency is to call out many exhibitors and visitors residing in the vicinity, and who otherwise would never attend the Fairs, but having once been called out, they cannot, for the future, be kept from taking part in the pleasures and benefits to be derived from an attendance upon these annual gatherings. But here, in Michigan, Detroit has thus far been thought to be the only place that could accommodate, satisfactorily, all the people who wish to attend the State Fair. Detroit not only has the facilities for accommodating visitors, but it is easy of access from all parts of the State. In addition to the Southern and Central railroads, the Detroit and Milwaukee is rapidly progressing on its way across the State at the north, while the Detroit and Toledo is opening the way from the south. With these and the Great Western road, the many plank roads and steamboat routes, all centering at Detroit, can bring down upon that point an immense avalanche of people, and when they arrive there Detroit can accommodate them. There is no other place in Michigan where so many roads center, and no other place where the thousands of visitors can be so well housed and fed as at Detroit. This being the case, Detroit is undoubtedly the best place for the Fairs to be held for the present; but many of the citizens of Detroit object strongly to being called upon every year to subscribe a small sum towards defraying the expenses of fitting up the grounds. While some object, there are others who are ever ready to subscribe liberally and pay promptly. In view of all this, would it not be well to make some move towards a permanent location for our Fairs? But to accomplish this it will require an amendment to the constitution, and it is not in the power of this committee to make that amendment. It has been suggested that at some future time the State Agricultural College Farm will be the most suitable place to hold the Fairs, but it must necessarily be some length of time ere Lansing will be so easy of access, and the public houses be sufficiently commodious for the accommodation of visitors as to warrant the undertaking. However, we hope 22 to see the time when the Fairs of the Michigan State Agricultural Society will be held upon the grounds belonging to the State Agricultural College. A portion of the business that will come before you will be the preparation of a list of premiums to be awarded at the next annual Fair. The character of the premium list for 1856 was changed very materially from the lists of previous years, not only by leaving out books and medals, and reducing the cash premiums, but in the stock department there was a radical change made in the system of awards. I refer more particularly to Division A, classes 5, 6 and 7, cross of blood cattle, cross of blood and native, and native cattle. By turning to the list for 1856, you will perceive that in classes 5 and 7 there were no premiums offered for male animals, while in class 6 premiums are offered for both males and females. The premium list itself, if properly made out, is a study for agriculturists. This change that I now speak of has caused much discussion among breeders of animals, and although many have found fault with it, all seek for the principle upon which the change has been made. Improvement being the motto of the Society, it is the duty of this committee to prepare a premium list that shall be based upon principles that have been found to be true in practice as well as in theory and science; to guard the list in such a manner that its tendency shall not be to mislead and cause breeders, producers and others, to retrograde instead of progress in improvements. The question of improvement in breeding admits of much discussion. If it be true that there are no new species of animals, that species are now and always will be as distinct as when they left the ark, that the tendency of new varieties is to sport, or to return to their aboriginal state, then it is necessary, when by the influences of climate, breeding, feeding, or by an accidental sport, a valuable, permanent variety is obtained, the utmost precaution should be used to continue that variety as pure as possible. By crossing two highly bred and widely different varieties of animals, you may possibly gain a distinct and better, but probably not a permanent variety; the progeny will be liable to sport, some specimens showing the greater tendency towards the peculiarities of the sire, and others of the dam, while all inherit, in a greater or less degree, the defects of both parents. 23 By judicious breeding, an improvement may be made in the form,, color, size, fattening and milking qualities of cattle, but the great tendency to degenerate, or to return to the original state, should be guarded, against. I presume the committee, in discountenancing the use of bulls of cross blood, based their action upon these principles. I hope to hear this subject discussed, in order that the premium list will be prepared understandingly. While the Society seeks to encourage improvements, it should not, by its acts, discourage the testing of experiments. It4is a well known fact that if cattle are wanted for their milking qualities, by a J'udicious selection of cows that are good milkers, and putting them to a bull whose get is known to be superior in this regard, we may raise a herd of cows that will be valuable for their milking qualities; the same with animals for the shambles; but if you breed wholly with a view to the production of extraordinary milkers, it will be to the detriment of their fattening qualities, and so vice versa. But this is not the time for me to give a dissertation upon the breeding of animals, neither do I design to do so. But you know that your Secretary is often called upon for information respecting any radical change that is made from time to time in the premium list. I therefore throw out these hints more for the purpose of exciting or eliciting discussion upon these points, than for the purpose of enlightening you, at whose feet I may sit and learn. Other features of the premium list, and consequently of the exhibition, have been the subject of remark, viz.: lady equestrianism, and, trial of the speed of horses. The art of riding and driving horses, by ladies, is an accomplishment, the utility of which I presume cannot be doubted by any one present, but it may be questioned whether the Fair ground of the Agricultural Society is a suitable place for the exhibition of their attainments in this art. We often see ladies riding and driving through the crowded thoroughfares of our cities, and no exceptions are taken to the practice, because it is of frequent occurrence, and we are accustomed to see it. But the offering of premiums for this accomplishment, and tte exhibition of lady equestrianism upon the Fair ground, is a new feature in our proceedings, therefore its utility and propriety are called in question. But if a lady is expected to ride or drive through the crowded streets of 24 cities, they must become adepts in the art, or they become liable to many accidents. With regard to the utility of the trial of the speed of horses, this question admits of much discussion, and I hope to hear it fully discussed,by this committee, at the proper time, during this session. The improvement of the breed of horses is of great importance to the people of Michigan, for there is a great demand for good horses, and the more perfect they are the better prices they bring. The breeding of horses is fast becoming a very important part of the business of farmers, and if they wish for success in this branch, they must have suitat le animals to breed from, and in what way can they so readily judge of the symmetry, action, strength, speed and endurance of horses as by the trials upon the Fair ground? Here we have an opportunity to compare horses, and perhaps in that comparison defects are made visible and prominent that would otherwise be overlooked. I would not advise or even sanction a trial of speed of horses for betting or gambling purposes, for I think it a foolish, dangerous, cruel, wicked operation. Neither would I recommend a trial for the purpose of merely testing the speed of a horse, for I think it of but little moment whether a horse can trot his mile in 2.40 or 3 minutes, but this test, in connection with endurance and symmetry, give evidence of a strain of blood that breeders of horses should seek for, whether they -are breeding for draft horses, farm horses or roadsters, for in each of these you want beauty, strength, action, endurance. The exhibitors of horses are entitled to as much attention and consideration as the exhibitors of cattle, yet care must be taken that they do not receive more than their share. The exhibition of the many beautiful horses that the occasion calls out, is so very attractive, fascina-,ting and so grand, that during its continuance all classes of people become so enthusiastic, so charmed with the show of noble animals, that all else is neglected. Judges, exhibitors, spectators, all make a rush for the track, and during an exciting trial of speed all else is forgotten; therefore, if you have trials of speed, the programme should be so arranged that every other department may receive its full share of attention, and each class a thorough examination by the viewing committees. I would call your attention to the sheep department. It has always appeared to be a difficult matter to get this list just right. The list, as 25 arranged last year, did not prove wholly satisfactory; many thought grade sheep shoulI be exhibited in a class by themselves, instead of competing with full bloods. With regard to poultry, I would here state that a short time since, as I was looking at a large pile of very fine poultry, the owner remarked that the influence of the State Agricultural Society towards the introduction into the State and the breeding of improved varieties of poultry, had been very great, and was in a great measure the cause of there now being an abundance of good poultry in the market. The other departments will require a revision, and perhaps some amendments. Until the last year, the Society gave out books in addition to cash premiums. In consequence of a scarcity of funds, books were stricken from the list. I would suggest the propriety of adding books to the cash awards, or to give books as part of the premiums, whenever it is practicable. It is gratifying to me to be able to state, and I doubt not it will be to all of you to hear, that the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan has become a fixed fact, so far as location and buildings are concerned. At the last session of the Legislature, an act was passed for the establishment of this College. Since that time a site has been selected, about 3 miles east of Lansing, and a farm of nearly 700 acres has been purchased. Upon the farm has been erected the west wing of the College, and a boarding house. The following circular has been issued: MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. The Agricultural College of the State of Michigan is located three miles east of the village of Lansing, upon a farm of nearly seven hundred acres. The West Wing of the College Buildings, and a Boarding House, have been erected, and arrangements will be made for opening the Institution the first Wednesday of April next. As but a limited number of students can be accommodated, owing to the want of the necessary buildings, and as ar plications from the various counties of the State are entitled to preference in the order of time in which they are made, it becomes important that persons, desirous of 4 26 securing situations, make their applications for admission at an early day. These may be made to the Secretary of the State Board of Education, by letter, at Lansing, any time before the fifteenth day of January. AGE AND SCHOLARSHIP OF APPLICANTS. Applicants for admission as pupils must have attained the age of fourteen years, and must have acquired a good primary school education. TUITION AND BOARD. Tuition will be free to pupils from this State. Arrangements will be made to accommodate students with board, at reasonable rates, in the boarding house on the premises. MANUAL LABOR. Every student will be required to devote a portion of each day to manual labor, for which he will be entitled to receive an equitable remuneration. COURSE OF STUDY. The course of study has been arranged with direct reference to the wants and interests of the agricultural class in our State. It will embrace a wide range of instruction in English Literature, in Mathematics, and in Natural Science. Special attention will be given to the Theory and Practice of Agriculture in all its departments and minutiae. TERM-TIME AND ATTENDANCE. The First Term of the Institution will commence the first Wednesday in April, and will end on the last Wednesday of October. The Second Term will commence the first Wednesday in December, and end on the last Wednesday of February. Students will not be received for less time than one term, unless for special reasons satisfactory to the Board of Instruction. Persons desirous of admission, should present themselves for examination at the College the Monday previous to its opening. By order of the State Board of Education. IRA MAYHEW, Secretary. LANSING, Dec. 10, 1856. 27 The Society has a library containing nearly two hundred volumes, consisting principally of Patent Office Reports, reports of Agricultural Societies, and other works relating to agriculture. This collection has been made up mostly by exchanging, and with but little expense to the Society, and almost wholly by my own exertions. Thinking this collection of books would be of more value to the Agricultural School than to the Society, I respectfully ask you to present it to that institution. The State Board of Education will meet here on the 14th inst., for the purpose of making further arrangements towards organizing and opening the Agricultural College. For the prompt dispatch of business it has been the custom of this board to proceed as follows, viz.: To appoint a committee on Essays; " it Field Crops; " " County Agricultural Societies; "a " c Finance; " " Rules and Regulations for the next Fair; " "6 Prernium List for the next Fair; " a Business Committee for the ensuing year. Perhaps it would be well, after these committees are appointed, and before they proceed to their respective duties, for the board to determine the following questions, viz.: The time and place of holding the 9th annual Fair; the amount of money you will appropriate for the payment of premiums. These questions must be discussed, if not decided, before the committee on Rules and Regulations, and Premium List, can work understandingly, advantageously and promptly. All of which is respectfully submitted. J. C. HOLMES, Secretary. On motion of Col. Dickey, The report of the Secretary was accepted and adopted. The following report was received from the Treasurer: To the President and Ex. Committee of the Mfich. State Ag'l Society: The undersigned submits herewith his account of receipts and disbursements for the year 1856. The receipts into the treasury have been as follows, viz:,From the State of Michigan, --------. $2,000 00 " Detroit subscriptions for 1855, 20 00 " Detroit subscriptions for 1856,. 1,518 96 I the Annual Fair,- 5,420 23 Total,. -------------- -------------- $8,959 19 The payments have been as follows, viz: For premiums awarded Oct. 1855, - $1,077 87 re" " Oct. 1856, 1,620 00 " orders drawn for accounts against the Society for 1855 and 1856,. 6,415 31 9,713 18 Excess of payments over ieceipts,. - $153 99 The accounts and vouchers are herewith submitted in detail. It will be noticed that the Detroit subscriptions amount to but $1,518 96, out of a pledge of $2,500 00. There has, however, been about seventy-five dollars, in addition to the above, collected by the Business Committee, in settlement of accounts against the Society, so that the actual receipts have been about $1,600 00. If the amount promised to the Society had been realized in full, as was anticipated, it would have been free from debt, or nearly so. There yet remains unpaid, orders drawn for premiums awarded at the last Fair, $271 50 And for premiums, for which orders have not been drawn, say 523 00 The Society is in debt to the late Treasurer, H. H. Brown, Esq., for advances, about.300 00 And to your present Treasurer, 153 99 The other liabilities of the Society for accounts unsettled, and for current expenses to this date, are estimated at ------- 340 35 $1,588 84 The list of unpaid Detroit subscriptions has been placed in the hands of a collector, and it is estimated that about $400 00 will be realized from them towards cancelling the above indebtedness, and for the remainder it will be necessary for you to make provision. I trust that the present year will prove as prosperous as the last, and 29 at the close of it I may be able to present to you a more favorable balance sheet. All of which is respectfully submitted. BENJ. FOLLETT, Treasurer.YPSILANTI, January, 1857. The report of the Treasurer was accepted and referred to the committee on Finance. The following committees were appointed by the President: On Essays —J. J. Newell, Wm. Canfield, A. N. Hart. Field Crops —H. Welch, C. W. Green. Finance —J. B. Crippen, H. Welch, A. N. Hart. County Agricultural Societies-J. B. Crippen, Charles Dickey. Rules and Regulations —A. Y. Moore, E. G. Morton. Premium List-Charles Dickey, C. W. Green, J. J. Newell, J. B.o Crippen. After some discussion upon various subjects the committee adjourned till to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock. January 14.-The committee met and was called to order at 9 A. M. The committee on Premium List presented their report, which was read and accepted. On motion of Mr. Hart, The report was taken up by sections, discussed, and after sundry amendments, adopted. On motion of Mr. Crippen, Resolved That this Executive Committee do not believe it to be the true interest of any breeder of cattle to encourage the breeding of cross of blood animals-the direct tendency of such breeding being to de — preciate rather than to advance the character of the animals so bred. The committee adjourned to 2 P. M. At 2 o'clock P. M. the committee met, and was called to order by the President. On motion of Mr. Newell, Resolved, That the Committee will visit the State Agricultural College to-morrow afternoon —15th-at 2 o'clock. On motion of Mr. Morton, Resolved, That persons owning farms lying partly in this State and 30 partly in an adjoining State, be and they are hereby allowed to compete for premiums in Michigan. Resolved, That during the Annual Fair for 1857, the time devoted to the exhibition of horses shall not be allowed to trespass upon the time due to the other'branches and interests represented, but shall receive such attention only as is allotted to the other departments, with a view of doing ample justice to all. Resolved,further, That all horses, in trials of speed, except matched horses, shall be exhibited singly, by themselves, and timed. The committee on Field Crops reported the following awards: CORN. To Almond Harrison, of Blissfield, Lenawee county, for crop of corn, 1st premium,._-......*.. $*8 00 Luther Proctor, of Washington, Macomb county, 2d premium,.. 6 00 R. R. Briggs, of Washington, 3d premium, -.-.. 4 00 OATS. Aldin Chamberlain, of Armada, Macomb county, crop of oats, 1st premium,-*.... $4 00 BUCKWHEAT. R. R. Briggs, of Romeo, Macomb county, for crop of buckwheat, Ist premium, -* -.. — $4 00 BEANS. Charles Inman, of Ray, Macomb county, for crop of beans, 1st premium,. $4 00 CARROTS. R. R. Briggs, Romeo, for crop of carrots, 1st premium, -- $4 00 BROOM CORN. Albert Edgett, Bruce, Macomb county, for crop of broom corn, 1st premium, $-.4 00 HORACE WELCH, Chairman. Adjourned till 9 A. M. of 15th. Thursday, January 15.-The Finance Committee presented the following report, which was adopted: 31 The committee on Finance, having examined the accounts of the Treasurer and the Business Committee, would respectfully report that they find the same correct. We herewith return to you the report of the Treasurer, with estimates of the present condition of the treasury, and recommend its adoption. The present indebtedness of the Society is... $1,588 84 We estimate the expenses of the Society for the ensuing year as follows: For Secretary's office, -. — - ------------ 850 00 " Treasurer's office,- 100 00 " Executive Committee, -150 00 " 9th Annual Fair, assistants, &c., 500 00 Expenses of Fair ground, - ---- ---- 2,500 00 t' Feed,-.. s 400 00 Premiums, estimated at,- 3,000 00 $9,088 84 ESTIMATED RECEIPTS. To be collected on old subscriptions in Detroit, -- $ 400 00 Estimated receipts at the Fair, 5 000 00 To be received from the State, - -...................... 2,000 00 Subscriptions at Detroit,.1,500 00 $8,900 00 RECAPITULATION. Estimated disbursements, -. - $9,088 84 Estimated receipts, -.. 8,900 00 $188 84 Leaving an estimated balance against the Society to be provided for, of one hundred and eighty-eight dollars and eighty-four cents. J. B. CRIPPEN, Chairman. On motion of Mr. Green, it was Resolsed, That the Library belonging to the State Agricultural Society be and is hereby presented to the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan. On motion of Mr. Morton, it was Resolved, That Messrs. Moore, Crippen and Green, be a committee to procure a testimonial to be presented to the Secretary, J. C. Holmes, in accordance with a resolution adopted by the Society at its 8th Annual Fair. The committee on Awards to Counties, report as follows: Your committee appointed to make the award of the prize offered to the county that should receive the greatest amount of premiums, population and distance from the place of holding the Fair being considered, respectfully report that they have examined the last census, (1854,) and find the following counties, the principal contestants, to have had a population as enumerated: Branch,.. 15,724 Washtenaw, 28,836 Oakland, -31,884 Wayne, -. —------------ —. 65,778 The premiums awarded in 1856 to persons in the respective counties, were as follows, viz: Branch, $-*232 00 Washtenaw,... 456 00 Oakland, 370 00 Wayne, -.836 00 We find the premiums "per capita" received by the counties to be as follows: Branch,.. $1 42 Washtenaw,.- I 58 Oakland, 1 15 Wayne, 1 27 Or equal to eleven per cent. in favor of Washtenaw over Branch, but we find Washtenaw to be but about one-third as far from the place of holding the Fair (Detroit) as Branch, and having greater convenience of communication, have awarded the prize to Branch county. J. B. CRIPPEN, Chairman. At 2 P. M., the committee, in company with the Legislature, the 33 State Board of Education, the Trustees of the Asylums, the Board of Control of the House of Correction, and the State Officers, visited the Agricultural College. At 7 P. M. the committee met. The committee on Rules and Regulations presented their report, which was accepted, and after some discussion and amendments, was adopted. Adjourned to 9 A. M. Friday, 16. —The committee met at 9 o'clock, A. M. On motion of Mr. Morton, Resolved. That the 9th Annual Fair be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the 29th and 30th days of September, and the 1st and 2d days of October, 1857. On motion of Mr. Moore, Resolved, That Horace Welch, E. G. Morton and J. B. Crippen, be the Business Committee for the present year. On motion of Mr. Morton, Resolved, That the 9th Annual Fair be held in or near the city of Detroit: Provided, The city of Detroit shall pay, or secure to be paid, to the satisfaction of the Treasurer of the Society, the sum of two thousand dollars, by the first day of May next, to be paid into the treasury by the first day of September next; otherwise, it shall be located in any other town or city on the line of either of the railroads in the State that shall offer the greatest inducements to the Society, as determined by the Business Committee, by the first day of July next. Resolved, That, provided the citizens of Detroit do not comply with the above resolution, the Treasurer shall notify the Secretary of the fact, when it shall become the duty of the Secretary to notify the people of the State, through the daily papers of the city of Detroit, that they may compete for the location. The committee on Farm Accounts presented the following report, viz: The committee to whom was referred " Farm Accounts," respectfully report, that a farm book was presented by James Clizbe, of the town of Quincy, Branch county, which we examined carefully. We find therein a portion of a system which, if carried out, or made -sufficiently explicit, and accurate, would be of much benefit and satisfaction to the farmer. There is no daily routine explained by which inexperienced farmers 5 34 could get such a correct idea of the system as to enable them to teach it to others. The accounts themselves appear to be too much in round numbers to show a close detail of accuracy, and therefore we cannot award to Mr. Clizbe the Society's premium, although there is no competition. We would further report, that we highly appreciate the effort made by Mr. Clizbe in his efforts as a Superior farmer, which is very plainly indicated by his draft and accuracy of his arrangement of fields, improvements, &c., and hope that he may still make further advances by showing a regular rotation of crops, and a daily register of all his business operations, which, if reported, would be of great benefit to others as well as a pleasure to himself. All of which is respectfully reported. A. Y. MOORE, A. N. HART, HORACE WELCH, Committee. The committee on Essays reported that several essays had been presented to them, and they had not time during this session to examine them so thoroughly as they could wish, and therefore asked further time toexamine them and make up their report, which was granted. Committee adjourned. J. C. HOLMES, Secretary. EXECUTIVE MEETING. The Committee met at the Society's Rooms, September 29tb, 1856, at 8 o'clock P. M. Present, Messrs. Backus, Welch, Hart, Morton, Green, Miller, Crippen, Moore, Welton; also, Mr. Follett, the Treasurer, and the Secretary. The President being alsent, Mr. Backus was called to the chair. On motion, Resolved, That the rules relating to the exhibition of horses shall be enforced, and that Messrs. Moore, Backus and Crippen be a committee to attend to the enforcing of said rules. The following duties were assigned to the members of the Executive Committee during the Fair: Horace Welch, General Superintendent. A. Y. Moore, F. W. Backus, Superintendents of Horse Department. J. B. Crippen, W. S. H. Welton, " Cattle " C. A. Green, Superintendent of Sheep and Swine Department. E. G. Morton, it Domestic Manufactures. John Miller, " Mechanics' Hall. J. K. Kinman, " Floral Hall. A. N. Hart, W. L. P. Little, Superintendents of Agricultural Im. plements On motion, it was Resolved, That the price of admission for carriages entering the enclosure, shall be for one-horse vehicles 25 cents each, and for two-horse vehicles 50 cents each. The committee adjourned. THE EIGHTH ANNUAL FAIR. The Eighth Annual Fair of the Michigan State Agricultural Society was held on the "' Detroit Course," in Hamtramck, about three miles east of Woodward Avenue, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the 30th day of September, and the 1st, 2d, 3d and 4th days of October. The enclosure contained forty acres. Tuesday, the 30th, was cold, damp and unpleasant; Wednesday was cold and cloudy; Thursday and Friday were much more pleasant, clear and warm. September 30th, at 3 o'clock P. M., a meeting of the Executive Committee was called, but there not being a quorum present, the meeting was adjourned to 10 o'clock A. M. of the 1st October, at the business stand. October 1st, at 10 o'clock A. M.,the committee met and proceeded to fill the vacancies that occurred in the viewing committees. The committee then adjourned, and the business of the Society proceeded in the following order: PRO,GRAMME. Tuesday, September 30.-First day. Entries made at the entry office, on the Fair ground, during the day. Wednesday, October 1.-Second day. At 10 o'clock A. M., grand cavalcade of all the horses on exhibition. HORSES. At 11 o'clock A. M., exhibition of horses for all work, on the track. At 1 P. M., exhibition of blood horses on the track, with trial of speed. At 3 P. M., exhibition of matched trotters, with trial of speed. At 4 P. M., exhibition of single trotters, with trial of speed. 38 CATTLE. At 11 o'clock A. M., exhibition of Short Horn cattle in the cattle ring. At 2 o'clock P. M, exhibition of class 2, Devon, class 3, Herefordshire, and class 4, Ayrshire cattle, in the cattle ring. At 4 o'clock, exhibition of class 5, cross of Blood, and class 6, cross of Blood and Native cattle, in the cattle ring. Thursday, October 2.-Third day. HORSES. At 9 o'clock A. M., grand cavalcade of all the horses on exhibition. At 9j o'clock, exhibition of class 18, matched and single horses, on the course. At 10 o'clock, exhibition of draught horses, with trial of strength. At 12 o'clock M., exhibition of foreign horses on the course. At 1f o'clock, female equestrianism, with horses in harness. At 2f o'clock, exhibition of class 17, trotting stallions, with trial of speed. ADDRESS. At 11 o'clock A. M., Address, by Hon Charles E. Stuart, of Kala-'mazoo. CATTLE. At 9 A. M., exhibition of class 7, Native cattle; also, class 10 and 11, fat cattle, and class 12, milch cows. At 11 o'clock, exhibition of working oxen and steers,'in the ring. At 2 P. M., exhibition of class 13, foreign cattle, in the ring. Friday, October 3.-Fourth day. At 9 o'clock A. M., grand cavalcade of all the horses on exhibition. At 10 o'clock, grand parade of all the prize horses and cattle, wearing badges to designate the prizes awarded them, viz.: A first premium, a blue ribbon; a second premium, a red ribbon; a third premium, a white ribbon. At 2 o'clock, female equestrianism with horses under the saddle. The reading of reports of committees was dispensed with. At 12 o'clock M., of the 1st of October, the viewing committees in 39 the several divisions not mentioned above, commenced their examinations. At 3 o'clock P. M. of the 3d, the meeting at the business stand for the election of officers was held, when the following gentlemeh were elected: President-JAMES BAYLEY, of Troy, Oakland county. Treasurer-BENJ. FOLLETT, of Ypsilanti, Washtenaw county. Secretary-J. C. HOLMES, of Detroit, Wayne county. Executive Committee-There being six members of the Committee to be elected for the term of two years, it was, On motion of A. Y. Moore, Resolved, That one member be elected from each Congressional District, and two at large. Whereupon, the following gentlemen were elected, viz.: J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, Wayne county, for Ist district. 3. J. Newell, Adrian, Lenawee county, for 2d district. Charles Dickey, Marshall, Calhoun county, for 3d district. C. W. Green, Farmington, Oakland county, for 4tb district. Wm. Canfield, Mt. Clemens, Macomb county, at large. Archibald Jewell, Dowagiac, Cass county, at large. Six of the members elected at the annual meeting in 1855, continue in office for two years from the date of their election. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. Name. Post Office. County. TO CONTINUE FOR ONE YEAR. F. W. Backus, Detroit, Wayne. Horace Welch, Ypsilanti, Washtenaw. A. N. Hart, Lapeer, Lrapeer. Edward G. Morton, Monroe, Monroe. J. B. Crippen, Cold water, Branch. W. S. H. Welton, Grand Rapids, Kent. TO CONTINUE FOR TWO YEARS. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, Wayne. J. J. Newell, Adrian, Lenawee. Charles Dickey, Marshall, Calhoun. 40 C. W. Green, Farmington, Oakland. Wm. Canfield, Mt. Clemens, Macomb. Archibald Jewell, Dowagiac, Cass. VICE PRESIDENTS. Vtmrnme. Post Office. County. J. R. Kellogg, Allegani, Allegan. John Bowne, Barry Centre, Barry. T. O. Woodruff, Niles, Berrien. Elisha Leland, Quincy, Branch. Chas. D. Gorham, Marshall, Calhoun. Justus Gage, Dowagiac, Cass. Samuel Ashman, Sault St. Mary, Chippewav John Swegles, St. Johns, Clinton. Reuben Fitzgerald, Bellevue, Eaton. ------- -- Emmet. James Seymour, Flushing, Genesee. Moulton Craw, Grand Traverse, Grand Traveri H. H. Sherman, Jonesville, Hillsdale. David Cush, Ontonagon, Houghton. -....... Huron. D. Felt, Felt, Ingham. dyrus Lovell, Ionia, Ionia. C. A. Jeffries, Isabella Centre, P. 0. Dexter, Isabella. Austin Blair, Jackson, Jackson. 0. C. Tyrell, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo. Truman H. Lyon, Grand Rapids, Kent. Phineas White, Lapeer, Lapeer. B. J. Bidwell, Tecumseh, Lenawee. H. H. H. Norton, Howell, Livingston. John P. IKing, Mackinac, Mackinac. R. P. Stone, Roseville, Macomb. G. H. Sherman, Monroe, Monroe. John L. NMoss, AMontcalm. Henry Ashmun, Saginaw City, Midland. Newaygo. 41 Chas. Baldwin, Rochester, Oakland. Abner Sherman, Ontonagon, Ontonagon. Henry Pennoyer, Grand Haven, Ottawa. W. L. P. Little, Saginaw, Saginaw. John Divine, Lexington, Sanilac. Luke H. Parsons, Corunna, Shiawassee& J. E. Kitton, St. Clair, St. Clair. Chas. L. Miller, Colon, St. Joseph. Richard Beach, Tuscola, Tuscola. Philotus P. Hayden, Paw Paw, Van Buren. F. S. Finley, Ypsilanti, Washtenaw.. Silas Sly, Plymouth, Wavne. CORRESPONDING SECRETARIES..Vame. Post qOce. County.. -----—.- - Allegan. --—. ---- -Barry. R. W. Landon, Niles, Berrien. H. R. Alden, Coldwater, Branch. Isaac W. Wilder, Marshal], Calhoun. Daniel Blackman, Cassapolis, Cass. Chippewa. N. S. Hammond, Essex, Clinton. Eaton. Emmett. F. H. Rankin, Flint, Genesee. -......... Grand Traverse. F. M. Holloway, Hillsdale, Hillsdale. Houghton. -- ->,,,.. Huron. I nghati. * -—.*- Ionia. -...... Isabella. E. J. Connable, Jackson, Jackson. Kalamazoo. Kent. Lapeer. 42 Lenawee. -E. F. Burt) Howell, Livingston. Mackinac. C. F. Mallory, Romeo, Macomb. E. G. Morton, Monroe, Monroe. H. E. Light, Greenville, Montcalm. Midland. Newaygo. Joseph R. Bowman, Pontiac, Oakland. Ontonagon. Timothy Eastman, Eastmanville, Ottawa. Saginaw. Sanilac. P. S. Lyman, Corunna, Shiawassee. St. Clair. Cyrus Foreman, Centreville, St. Joseph............ Tuscola. Van Buren. L. Davis, Ann Arbor, Washtenaw. Wayne. The Corresponding Secretaries of County Agricultural Societies are the Corresponding Secretaries of the State Society. On motion of Sylvester Larned, Resolved, That the President and Executive Committee be a committee to provide a suitable testimonial to be presented to J. C. Holmes, as a token of the appreciation by the Society of the manner in which he has discharged the duties of Secretary. On motion of T. T. Lyon, of Plymouth, Resolved, That three delegates be appointed to attend the next meeting of the'American Pomological Society. Messrs. T. T. Lyon, of Plymouth, S. O. Knapp, of Jackson, and J. C. Holmes, of Detroit, were appointed as said delegates. On motion, A vote of thanks was tendered to Michael Shoemaker, retiring President; to Benj. Follett, Treasurer; and to Horace Welch, member of the Executive Committee, for his services in preparing the grounds. The exhibition then closed, and the Society adjourned. 43 The Executive Committee elect then held a meeting, and resolved to hold their annual meeting at Lansing, on the second Tuesday of January, 1857. Meeting of Executive Committee, Friday evening, October 3d, 1856, at the Society's Rooms in Detroit. The Committee convened at half.past 7 P. Me, the President, M. Shoemaker, in the chair. The Committee took up the reports of the viewing committees for the purpose of acting relative to discretionary premiums recommended by the several committees. The report of the committee on blood horses was referred to the business committee. The recommendations of committee on cross of blood cattle, and of the committee on trained oxen, were not allowed. The report of committee on foreign cattle was referred to the business committee for the purpose of ascertaining if there were foreign cattle on the ground, in competition with cattle of our own State. On motion, Resolved, That the discretionary premium to the horse "Billy Boaton," be a diploma, as being a superior blood stallion. A communication from J. W. Hamlin, of Erie county, N. Y., relative to the death of a cow upon the Fair ground, was read by Mr. J. B. Crippen, asking remuneration for the loss of said cow. On motion of Mr. Hart, Resolved, That the Society is not responsible for the death of the animal, and that the subject be indefinitely postponed. At 10 o'clock P. M. the Committee adjourned. LIST OF ENTRIES AT THE EIGHTH ANNUAL FAIR OF THE MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, HELD AT DETROIT, SEPTEMBER 30TH, AND OCTOBER 1sT, 2D AND 3D, 1856. CATTLE. SHORT HORNS.-BULLS. J. L. Kelsey, Washington, bull 2 years old, "Uncle Tom." A. Y. Moore & Son, Schoolcraft, " 5' "Socrates." 3. Starkweather, Ypsilanti, " 3 " " Americus." cc' " 1 " "Young America." W. T. Lyon, Moscow, C" 6 " J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, " 2 " "Haymaker." "6 4 " " 1 I" "Bamee Boy." F. S. Finley, Ypsilanti, " 4 " "Ben." E. VanVolkenburgh, Hillsdale, " 2 " "Osceola." " 1 "A Harold." (' " 1 "I " " Napoleon." Silas Sly, Plymouth, " I " "Young Splendor." H. H. Van Luven, Farmington, " 6 " " California." H. T. Bancroft, Romeo, " 2 " "Victor." Thomas Johnston, Marshall, " 8 " "Champion." E. L. Boyden, Ann Arbor, " 4 " "White Rover." A. Jard, Dowagiac, " 3 " "Enterprise." A. B. Bloome, Farmington, " 5 " "Empire." Wm. Coates, Grosse Point, " 2 Sly, Fuller & Co., Plymouth, " 6 " "Lord Byron." COWS. J. L. Kelsey, Washington, cow 3 years old, " Rosanna." Wm. CongdoD, Plymouth, " 6 " "Rosamond." J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, " 8 " "Shaker Lady." " " "' 9 &" "Speck." "4 " 4;" 4 " " Sarah." 2 " " Viola." " " i" 1' "Branch Co. Belle." H. E. DeGarmo, Ypsilanti, " 8 " "Bright Eye." Silas Sly, Plymouth, " 8 " "Jane Gray." 4" I t " " i 6 " "V White Jacket." J. M. Huff, Canton, " 5 "' "Victoria." "44 " t 4" 2 " "Victoria, 2d." D. M. Uhl, Ypsilanti, " 2 " "Ruby." 44 Li 1 " "Bellflower." Leonard Lee, Ray, " 4 " "Sylph." " 2 " "Root." Warren Frink, Battle Creek, " 5 " "Beauty." J. L. Kelsey, Washington, heifer 1 " "Muta." Moore & Son, Schoolcraft, " 3 " "Evaline." 41 " " 1 " "Ruth Hall." Mark Flanagan, Detroit, " 4 " "Flora" Silas Sly, Plymouth, " 2 " "Bellflower." " 2 " "Beauty." " " " 1 " Jane Gray, 3d." "Z " 1 " "Red Jacket" Thomas Blackett, Warren, " 2' "Lucy." A. B. Bloome, Farmington, " 2 " Cyrus Fuller, Plymouth, " 3 " "White Jacket, 3d.' A. Y. Moore & Son, Schooleraft, cow 13" "Bet Taylor." BULL CALVES. J. B. Orippen, Coldwater, bull calf 5 months old. " " " 9 " "Orpheus." E. VanVolkenburgh, Hillsdale, " 5 " "Telegraph." J. M. Huff; Canton, " 7 " "Lord Byron." Leonard Lee, Ray, 4" 7 " "Snow Ball." Warren Frink, Battle Creek, " 6'" "H. Clay." 47 HEIFER CALVES. A. Y. Moore & Son, Schoolcraft, heifer calf 6 months old, "Ophelia." As" " " 3 weeks old, "'Parodi." J. Starkweather, Ypsilanti, heifer calf 5~ months old. J. B. Crippen, Coldwater,'" 5 "' Gipsey." " " 4" 6 weeks old, "Minne-ha-ha." u6 "' Wenonah." H. E. DeGarmo, Ypsilanti. " 5 months old, " Lucy Stone." " " 5 " " Cherry." " 3 " " Buena Vista." Silas Sly, Plymouth, " 5 " "White Jacket, 2d."' A. B. Bloome, Farmington, " 5 " DEVONS. —BULLS. M. Shoemaker, Jackson, bull 4 years old, "George." " 1 Warren Frink, Battle Creek, " 6 " J. W. Childs, " 2 " "Hero." C. H. Williams, Coldwater, " 2 " "Duke Devon, 2d." J. Pridgen, California, " 4 " "George." E. VanVolkenburgb, Hillsdale, bull 1 year old, "Wyoming." Gideon Stoddard, Litchfield, " 2 " F. Pistorius, Saginaw City, " 3 " "Salatine."' COWS. M. Shoemaker, Jackson, cow 8 years old. t it 3" 3 " C. H. Williams, Coldwater, " 7 " "Rose." it" S" t 5 " "Beauty." E. VanVolkenburgh, Hillsdale, " 3 " "Cleopatra" " u " 3 " "Phoebe." O. H. Williams, Coldwater, heifer 2 " "Cherry." U " 2 " "Dew Drop."' " "4 "1 4" S" Altha." fBULL CALVES. O. H. Williams, Coldwater, bull calf 5 months old, "Fremont."' AS It, 6 4'" "Dayton." 48 iE. VanVolkenburgh, Hillsdale, bull calf 6 months old,' Ensign." "d " t " 6 5 it " Dale." C.H. Williams, Coldwater, heifer 4 " "Jessie." HEREFORDS. H. C. Judd, Birmingham, calf 6 months old, " Orphan Boy." CROSS OF B3LOOD. —BULLS. A. M. Bartholemew, Southfield, bull 3 years old. B. D. Rogers, Vienna, bull 3 years old, "Ohio Chieftain." Wm. Congdon, Plymouth, bull 6 " "Rover." cows. Wm. Congdon, Plymouth, cow 4 years old. B. D. Rogers, Vienna, " 4 " "Lady of the Forest." cc " " 4 " " Lucy." 4 " " " "Queen of the West." J. C. Williams, Greenfield, " 9 " "Spot." Peter Desnoyer, Detroit, " 7 WWm. Congdon, Plymouth, heifer 1 year old. BULL CALVES. B. D. Rogers, Vienna, bull calf 5 months old, "Thos. Jefferson." J. C. Williams, Greenfield, " 2- " "Superior." HEIFER CALVES. J. Starkweather, Ypsilanti, heifer calf 3~ months old, " GazelIe." B. D. Rogers, Vienna, heifer calf 5 months old, " Beauty of the Forest." it" " " 6 weeks old, "Jane."CROSS OF BLOOD AND NATIVE. —-BULLS. Norton Lapham, Farmington, bull 4 years old, "Billy." M. Fisher, Grosse Point, " 2 " "Billy." T. E. Eldred, Detroit, " I " "Millard Fillmore." George Blumberg, Royal Oak, " 5'5 "Splendor." Daniel Bray, Northville, " 4 " "Splendor." John Common, Roseville, " 2 " "Dick." S. B. Chamberlain, Romeo, " 2 " "Rover." Leonard Lee, Ray, " 5 " "Rover." C. A. Green, Troy, " 3 49 0. A. Green, Troy, bull 3 years old. Henry Howk, Plymouth, " 5 " "Saline." Ansel Nicbols, Quincy, " 4 " "Mich" O. L. M. Easterly, Marshall, 1 " James Forsyth, Dearbornville, " 2 " "BDi." COws. M. Fisher, Grosse Point, cow 9 years old. George Blumberg, Royal Oak, " 4 " "Fanny." Wm. Congdon, Plymouth, " 4 " " 5 " H. E. DeGarmo, Ypsilanti, " 3 " "Victoria." "1 " " 1 " " Daisy." B. G. Stout, Troy, " 4 " "Gazelle.' D. M. Uhl, Ypsilanti, " 6 " "Gilliflower." ~-~ " " 4 " "Daisy."', " " 3 " "Lady of the Lake." J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, " 5 " t 6( it" 4 i " John Moorhouse, Roseville, " 4 " "Lady Suffolk." Gideon Stoddard, Litchfield, " 5 " C. NV. Green, Farmington, " 5 A. Fisher, Redford, " 4 HEIFERS. James Connelly, Marshall, heifer 1 year old. Silas Sly, Plymouth, " 2 " It s" 2 B. G. Stout, Troy, " 2 " "Princles"' James Smitb, Greenfield, " 1 " "Polly." J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, " 1 J. C. Williams, Greenfield, " 1 " "Daisy." Peter Desnoyer, Detroit, " 1 G. C. Draper, Jackson, "2 C. W. Green, Farmington, " 1 DULL CALVES. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, bull calf 7 months old. John Howk, Redford, 5 " 7 50 HEIFER CALVES. J. Starkweather, Ypsilanti, heifer calf 5 months old, "Flora, 2d." George Blumberg, Royal Oak, " 7 weeks old. John Moorhouse, Roseville, " 5 months old, "Jenny Lind." Gideon Stoddard, Litchfield, " 3 C. W. Green, Farmington, " 8 M. Fisher, Grosse Point, " 2 " B. G. Stout, Troy, " 6 " "Nelly Bly." NATIVE. —COWS. John Molony, Detroit, cow 9 years old. Anthony Frink, " " 2 ",4 it 5's Gideon Stoddard, Litchfield, cow 8 years old. D. Thompson, Detroit, heifer2 " James Smith, Greenfield, " I " UPink." 1 " "Cherry." D. Thompson, Detroit, heifer calf 10 months old. Anthony Frink, " " 3 " WORKING OXEN. William A. Nelson, Pontiac, 1 pair working oxen. George Blumberg, Royal Oak, " 6 years old. Warren Frink, Battle Creek, " 6 " James Hutchinson, Canton, " 6 B. P. Wixom, Farmington, trained oxen 6 64. tt 9 e. a " a ~5 yoke from one county. J. S. Tibbitte, Plymouth, 5 " yoke oxen 7 years old. STEERS AND TRAINED CATTLE. J. Starkweather, Ypsilanti, pair steers 3 years old. 44 44 " 3 "9 H. E. DeGarmo, " " 2 Joseph Tireman, Detroit, 3 " Brayton Flint, Novi, " 4 51 J. S. Tibbitts, Plymoutb, trained oxen 4 years old. C. A. Green, Troy, " 3 " R. J. Rome, Ann Arbor, " 5' FAT CATTLE. Silas Sly, Plymouth, yoke steers 5 years old. it" " I steer 3 Wm. Smith, Detroit, 1 heifer 4t J. Starkweather, Ypsilanti, 1 steer 3 " grass fed. MILCH COW3. James Smith, Greenfield, cow 11 years old. I.t. dea iti," 8 Ad. it "9 6 u H. E. DeGarmo, Ypsilanti, " 8 " Cream Pot." FOREIGN CATTLE. Brooks & Sackett, Avon, N. Y., Short Horn bull 4 y's old, "Powhatr," J. W. Hamlin, Willink, N. Y., Devon bull I year old, " Dr. Slop." u" I " 49 "Uncle Toby." i" 1 " " a1 " Obadiah." R C. Ellis, Homer, N. Y., Devon bull 5 years old, "Prince Albert." P. J. Latsbam, Toledo, O., Short Horn bull 4 years old, "Duke York." R C. Ellis, Homer, N. Y., 1 bull, cross of blood and native, 2 y'rs old.:c'' 1 " " 2 " cc u 1 " " 1 N ", " 1 " " I " " 1! u 1 " N " 1 " " 1 " Brooks & Saeckett, Avon, N. Y., 1 cow, Short Horn, 3 years old. N u" 1 " " 8 44 " 1, " 6 4 1 4' 9 4 " " 1 " A" 3 " 1 heifer, " 2 " ~" " 1i I " " 2 u 52 Barber & Sacket, Avon, N. Y., 1 heifer, Short Horn, 2 years oid. A. Eddy, Toledo, Ohio, I "' " 2 Isaac ABkew, W ndsor, C. W., 1 " 2" " RL C. Ellis, Homer, N. Y., Devon cow 6 years old. 49 " cow, cross of blood and native, 7 years old. J. W. IIam'in, Willink, N. Y., Devon heifer 3 years old. R. Wingfield, Amherstburgh, 0. W., cross of blood and native heifer 3 years old. Barber & Sackett, Avon, N. Y., bull calf, 6 months old. cc cc 8.( Brooks & Sackett, " " 3 " B. C. Ellis, Homer, N. Y., " 4 " 3 4 Is Askew, Windsor, C. W., bull calf, Ayrshire, 7 months old. Brooks & Sackett, Avon, N. Y., heifer calf 5 months old. Ss s; " 3 " Barber & Sackett, " Short Horn cow 3 years old. cc ~G d 3 "5 HORSES. STALLIONS FOR ALL WORK. B. M. Cr;ppen, Coldwater, stallion 4 years old, "Sherman Bl'k Hawk." E. Schoolcraft, Greenfield, " 2 " Prince John." L, G. Merriman, Jackson, " 6 " "Billy Morgan." T. E. Eldred, Ddtroit, " 2 " "Wild.?' I" 10 4" "1 Hamrletonian." Philo B. Richardson, Worth, Morgan stallion 5 years old, "Green Mountain, Jr." B. Y. Wilcox, Detroit, Messenger stallion 1 year old, "Abdallah Roebuck." I. W. Wilcox, Detroit, Vermont Morgan stallion 2 years old,'" Cloud." 53 J. F. Turner, (Greenfield, Wellington stallion 9 years old, "Sampson." Jas. M. Webster, Portland, Duloc stallion 5 years old, "Black Dan."' J. M. Barber, Parma, Norman stallion 2 years old, "Tom." Wm. Congdon, Plymouth, Morgan stallion 5 " "Emperor." John Hill, Richfield, cross blood stallion 3 years old, "Bay Victor." A. Ransford, Jonesville, " "Alfred." J. Predgen, California, cross blood stallion 4 years old, "Lyon." Andrew Cot k, Richfield, " 3 " "Victor." A. Fisher, Redford, stallion 3 years old. I. H. Carpenter, Detroit, stallion 8 years old, "Indian Chief." A. C. Fisk, Coldwater, Black Hawk stallion 6 years old, " Othello Black Hawk Prince." Brayton Fiint, Novi, stallion 1 year old, "Bob Letcher." it it" " 1 " " Printer." Jno. C. Williams, Greenfield, stallion 2 years old. Thos. F. Gerls, Troy, Telegraph " 6 " "Young Republican." E. Turner, Grosse Point, Messenger stallion 6 years old, "Col. Aray." W. White, Southfield, stallion 2 years old, "Consternation." S. D. Brown, Farmington," 2 " "Morgan and Duroc." T. D. Riley, Erin, Lyon & Messenger stallion 5 years old, "Doctor." At it s 4t" 2 " Thos. Bennett, Livonia, stallion 4 years old, " Prince Albert." C. W. Green, Farmington, stallion 3 " L. Palmer, All ion, King Alfred stallion 3 yeayrs old. John Miller, Brownstown, stallion 8 years old, "Whip Tiger." W. S. H. Welton, Grand Rapids, stallion 8 years old, "Messenger." Jas. Montrop, Port Huron, stallion 5 years old, "Glencoe." J. Parrish, Detroit, Black Hawk stallion 1 year old, "'Frank." J. Goodsell, Greenfield, stallion 3 years old, "Bulger." MARE8 FOR ALL WORK. John R. Tibbitts, Southfield, Messenger mare 8 years'old, "Dol." Charles Groh, Grosse Isle, 1 mare..4 " gc F. E. Eldred, Detroit, mare 7 years old, "Lady Sergeant." " Glencoe mare 7 years old, "Ada Waterman." " mare (with colt) 1 1 " "Lizzy." 54 F. E. Eldred, Detroit, Eclipse mare 6 years old, " Nelly Vaughn."!' L. B. Mizner, " mare 7 years old.' T. H. Terwillager, Austin, mare 8 " " Gray Mary." Austin Wales, Erin, " 2 " "Fanny." " 10" " Dolly." " 5" "Kanuck." E. W. Wilcox, Detroit, mare 10 years old, "Mason's Madam." " 11. " "Lady Washington." 18 " "Dolly Kibbee."' " Bel " i " " 8 "s "Belle Backup" John Starkweather, Ypsilanti, mare 10 years old, "Michigan Rose." 1I. Farmer, West Bloomfield, " 9 " E. Perkins, Birmingham, " 13 " "Nell." F. W. Backus, Detroit, " 8 " "Nora." Henry Weaver, Burr Oak, Morgan mare 1 year old. J.P. Sexton, Detroit, Black Hawk " 9 J. McFarlin, Greenfield, " 8 T. Perry, Algonac, " 4 A. Fisher, Redford, 6 9 A. D. Power, Farmington, " 2 D. Flint, Novi, " 3 " "Jane." D. M. Uhl, Ypsilanti, mare, 6 years old, " Bragg." " " " 3 " "Lady Messenger." "t" " 2 "' "Nelly." at' "2 s' "Clara." " " 1 " "Gazelle." Brayton Flint, Novi, " 6 " "Doll." Jno. C. Williams, Greenfield, mare 5 years old. Orange Butler, Nankin, " 8 " " Flora." C. A. Green, Troy, 2" 2 D. Chase, Detroit, " 6 " H. B. Reeves, Detroit, " 6 "' Kate." H. C. Kibbee, " " 5 " "Jenny Lind." C. IT. Coysell, New Iudson, " 3 " "Nellie." S. D. Brown, Farmington, " 7 " (Jane." 55 A. Pearsol, Troy, mare 6 years old. Sam'l Andrews, West Bloomfield, mare 7 years old. A. A. Gardner, Northville,' 9 " 0. H. Caniff, Hamtramck, " 4 HORSE COLTS. E. N. Wilcox, Detroit, colt, "Abdallah Capax." H. Farmer, West Bloomfield, colt 6 months old, " Peacock." F. W. Backus, Detroit, " 4 " "S. P. Brady." Brayton Flint, Novi, " 4 " 4John." MARE COLTS. Charles Groh, Grosse Isle, colt 4 months old. is 44 4 " 3 " F. H. Terwillager, Austin, " 3 " "Fanny Fern." Austin Wales, Erin, "$ 3 "Dallas." John Starkweather, Ypsilanti, colt 4 " "Molly Stark." E. Perkins, Birmingham, " 3 " "Jessie." J. McFallin, Greenfield, " 4 D. M. Uhl, Ypsilanti, " 5 " "C4 cc " 4 " Brunette." O. Butler, Nankin, " 4 " "Nellie." S. D. Brown, Farmington, " 3 A. Pearsol, Troy, " 3 M. Northrop, Northville, mare 5 years old, "Jenny Lind." BLOOD HORSES. —STALLIONS. E. M. Crippen, Coldwater, stallion 2 years old, "Trustee." H. Chaffee, Detroit, " 6 " "Col. Grayson." John Hamilton, Flint, " 6 " "Gray Eagle." E. WV. Risney, Richfield, " 5 " "Duke of York." MARES. E. M. Crippen, Coldwater, mare 3 years old, "Higbflyer." F. E. Eldred, Detroit, mare (with colt) 10 years old, " Lady Jane." John Wooding, Thetford, nare 3 years old, "Lady Maxon." F. W. Backus, Detroit, " 6 " "Mary Dee." H. " Chappe I " 7 " H. Chappel, " " 7 " "Ida." 56 C. A. Jeffries, Dexter, mare 7 years old, "' Madeline." " 6 "' Dora." " colt 3 months old, "' Magnolia." "C f mare colt 3 " "Moonlight." H. Chappe), Detroit, i" 3 DRAUGHT HORSES. Andrew Cock, Richfield, stallion 3 years old, "Young Victor." John Hill, " " 3 " "Young Alfred." Geo. Pillard, Greenfield, mare 2 " "Jane." TROTTING STALLIONS. W. E. Steams, Detroit, stallion 5 years old, " Black Itawk." John Starkweather, Ypsilanti, stallion 4 years old, "Sebastopol." gelding 10 " " White Cloud." A. L. Burwell, Parma, stallion 5 years old, "Black Hawk Charley." J. Wixom, Argentine, " 4 " Smith & Crippen, Coldwater, stallion 6 years old, " Green Mountain Black Hawk." S. T. Turner, Ypsilanti, stallion 8 years old, "Washtenaw Chief." A. C. Fisk, Coldwater, " 7 " "Vermont Hero." S. McGregory, Detroit, " 8 U "N. Y. black Hawk." George McStay, " " 6 " "Rob Roy." S. Wesley, " " 7 " "Napoleon." Mark Flanagan, " " 6 " "Sir Htenry." H. C. Kibbee, " " 3 " "Jackson Black Hawk." G. Dexter, Romeo, " 3 " "Tom Snag." J. Parrish, Detroit, " 4 " "Cossack." H. Lapham, Hamtramck, " 4 "' Frank Moscow." MATCHED HORSES. Wm. A Nelson, Pontiac, pair matched horses. Melvin Rose, South Lyon, " geldings, carriage. II. S. Ismon, Jackson, " " 6 years old. H. N. Strong, Detroit, " mares, 8 & 9 " D. Thompson, " " geldings 6 T. H. Ilinchman, Detroit, " mares 6 & 7 L. B..;Mzaer, " " horses 7 57 E. T. Pettis, Flint, pair matched mares 3 years old. J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, "t mares 8 & 9," David Lewis, IIowell, " geldings 4 & 5" H. E. DeGarmo, Ypsilanti, " " 8 Alva Worden, U" " 6 " A. S. Simon., Macon, " horses 8 " S. Barrett, Hamtramck, " mares 6 " Charles Birdsley, Detroit, " horses. Joseph Tireman, " " mares 6 " J. S. Newberry, " " horses 7' carriage.. John Morehouse, Roseville, " " 3 & 6 " draught W. H. Hawkins, Ypsilanti, " " 5 " S. P. Brady, Detroit, " " 7 " carriage. Chas. Dusenberry, Troy, " " 4 O. Blunt, " 6 A. E. Pardee, Plymouth, " " 5 " S. Sago, Ypsilanti, " 5 " MIyrcn Gates, Plymouth, " " 5 & 6 " Samuel Pitts, Detroit, " 7 & 8 " E. Belden, " " " 8 " L. F. Macquivy, " 6 & 7 Thos. Walker, Lapeer, " " 9 " Geo. R. Walker,,', " 3 T. 11. Eaton, Detroit, t " 9 " Winm. N. Burnett, Troy, " 4" 4 " Wm. Dingman, Farmington, " " 3 J. Crampton, Hadley, " mares 4 H. Bogart, Novi, " horses 4 A. Pearsol, Troy, " " 5 " G. A. Mhesser, Albion, i " 6 " Iliram Walker, Detroit, " " 8 & 10 " S. J. Freeman, Salem, " " 4 " H. Welsh, Ypsilanti, " 7 H. H. Norton, Howell, " " 7 " S. G. Watson, Detroit, " 7 " W. White, Southfield, * U 4 " 8 58 J. H. Mosier, Ann Arbor, pair matched mares 8 years old. S. Jennings, Troy, " horses 5 " Wm. A. Davison, Troy, " " 8 " draught. E. W. Hudson, Detroit, " mares 9 A. J. Keeney, Erie, " horses 6 " R. E. Walker, Hamtramck, " " 2 " all work. Samuel Aplin, Flint, " " 5 & 6 " 7&8 " "s "; " " 7 & 8 " G. W. Collins, Farmington, " " 7 SINGLE HONRES. J, M. Morton, Troy, 1 pair geldings 5 years old. Jerry Davison, Hamtramck, gelding 5 J. Gates, Detroit, mare 6 " "Nelly." F. E. Eldred, Detroit, gelding 1 " " " " 7 " " Billy.",. Ah " 8 " L. B. M-izner, " mare 7 " A. Van Slyke, Flint, gelding 7 " "Peacock." H. H. Lee, Detroit, mare 4 " "Jenny Lind." Austin Wales, Erin, " 6 " J. H. LeRoy, Detroit, gelding 8 " "Frank." B. B. Morris, " horse 8 " "Robbin" B. Follett, Ypsilanti, gelding 16 E. Perkins, Birmingham, " 5 " "Jim." J. Cranson, Pleasant Valley, " 4 " M. E. Crofoot, Pontiac, "' 8 J. Henderson, " " 5 J. Morris, " " 6 " D. V. Dean, Paw Paw, " 4 " " Frolick." E. W. Rising, Richfield, " 8 " J. P. Sexton, Detroit, "'7 " "Morgan." A. J. Baldwin, " " 8 " J. II. Caniff, " mare 4 " "Kate Lawrence." P. Wright, " gelding 7 " "Charlie." O. M. Converss, Corunna, " 4 J. Hendrickson, Detroit, " 4 R. B. Morrison, Pontiac, pair horses 6 59 R. P. Wixom, Farmington, gelding 4 years old. A. H. Stowell, Detroit, " 6 " " Bill." D. Carver, Belone, mare 3 " "Humming Bird." Silas Sly, Plymouth, gelding 7 " S. Greggs, Detroit, " 7 " 49" " " 6 " " Sam." John W. Strong, Detroit, " 6 " Joseph Tireman, U " 5 " "Rob." R. D. Whitehead, Coldwater, " 6 " "Frank." E. D. Robinson, Detroit, " 7 " G. W. Bissell, " " 4 " " Buckeye Boy." Jackson Freeman, Romeo, " 6 " Charles Dickey, Marshall, " 7 " "Ben." H. Chappell, Detroit, " 7 " "Dutchman." Wm. H. Stone, Marshall, " 6 L. G. Robinson, Detroit, " 4 " "Frank." Geo. W. Woodworth, Jackson," 6 "i 4 " C. H. Bennett, Plymouth, " 7 " J. H. Farnsworth, Detroit, mare 7 F. W. Backus, " gelding 9 II. Chappell, " mare 5 " Chas. Lee, Hamtramck, " 7 C. A. Green, Troy, gelding 8 te 5 " Sylvester Larned, Detroit, 9 S G. Wright, " " 8 C. G. Blindbury, ". 7 " E. Ferguson, " mare 6 " A. Ladue, " " 12 " "Kate." s " horse 7 " J. W. Tillman, " mare 7 " "Fannie." " gelding 10 " "Charlie." A. Ladue, " " 7 " "Major." D. Watson, Albion, " 2 " "Colonel." J. W. Ielsey, Detroit, mare 5 " "Doll." 60 Adam Alter, Grosse Point, stallion 3 years old, "Confidence." E. A. Lansing, Detroit, gelding 7 " "Bloomer." H. N. Moore, Coldwater, " 6 " "Billy." Win. Salesbury, Detroit, mare 8 N" "Nellie." Geo. R. Ilurd, Monroe, gelding 8 " "John." R. E. Trowbridge, Birmingham, are 3 " J. D. Peck, Livonis, gelding 7 " "Majesty." C. H. Rawson, Chelsea, " 5 i" "Sir HIenry." Wm. Long, Detroit, " 8 " "Billy Barlow." Robert Dermont, Detroit, " 6 " "Sam." E. B. Choke, " " 9 " "Ned." George McStey, " mare 7 " "Rosa3Belle." J. Starkweather, Ypsilant;, gelding 6 " Country Boy.'7 E. Belden, Detroit, " 6 " "Frank." H. C. Kibbee, Detroit, " 6 4' "Jim." B. C. Howard, " mare 7 " "Bell." L. T. Macquivy, " gelding 6 " "Ben Cout." S. Chamberlain, Pontiac, " 9' O. F. Coryall, Detroit, " 6 " J. R. Eldredge, Ray, " 8 " "Jim."' S. P. Brady, Detroit, " 7 " "Winm. Hurd." Jos. Calhoun, Port Huron, mare 7 *i L. Washburn, West Bloomfield, gelding 5 years old. D. Blackman, Plymouth, gelding 7 years old, "Brag Trotter." cc " 44 mare 8 " G. P. Newberry, Romeo, gelding 5 J. J. Joyce, Plymouth, gelding 5 A. Pearsol, Troy, " 4 " " John." H. Welsh, Ypsilanti, " 6 " IC is cc 6 " G. VW. Alexander," " 4' H. Walker, Detroit, " 9 " J. M. Sterling, Monroe, " 7 " W. Scott, Plymouth, u 7 U W. Cole, Detroit, " 9 " "Sailor Boy." L. F. Macquivy, Detroit, " 6 "'Dick Neal." 61 W. P. Moore, Detroit, gelding 6 years old. J. Durkee, West Bloomfield, mare 5 " J. J. Campau, Detroit, " 7 " M. Shoemaker, Jackson, gelding 5 " " Dick." J. Riley, Detroit, " 6 " "White Fish Bill." FOREIGN HORSES.-STALL'ONS. Peter McTavish, Perth, C. W., stallion 6 years old, "Young Sovereign." A. Wales, Erin, Michigan, stallion 8 years old, "' Columbus." P. Van Dusen, Chatham, C. W., stallion 8 years old, "' Canadian Lion." Smith & Crippen, Coldwater, Mich., stallion 6 years old. J. R. Berthelet, Amherstburgh, C. W., " 8 " "Pascoraugh'. Thomas Horamap, " " 5 " "Whitelock." L. Sharp, Lockport, N. Y., " 7 " "Black Hawk MesseDger." S. Wesley, Detroit, stallion 5 years old, "Rainbow." P. Van Dusen, Chatham, C. W., horse colt 4 months old, "Young Canadian." D. B. Hibbard, Jackson, stallion 6 years old, " Don Juan." MATCHED AND SINGLE HORSES. P. Van Dusen, Chatham, C. W., mare 10 years old, "Jenny Lind." F. Housinger, Milan, Ohio, mare 5 years old, " Sleepy Jane." Robert Haley, Matestown, C. W., pair horses 7 years old. J. R. Berthlet, Amherstburg, C. W., mare 7 years old. E. Wall, Cleveland, Ohio, gelding 4 years old. John Campbell, Detroit, gelding 11 years old. J. Parrish, Detroit, 1 Jack 10 years old. " 1 Jennet 10 years old. LADY EQUESTRIANISM. Mrs. Betsey Jane Peck, Livonia, Driving. Mrs. Hinman, Lapeer, " Miss Green, Troy, " Miss Julia Shaw, Detroit, Riding. Miss Laura Jane Millis, Detroit, Mrs. Holiday, " " 62 SHEEP. SPANISH MERINO. 1. H. Butterfield, Utica, buck 2 years old..t s" " 2 * "S " 5 buck lambs. B. Peckham, Parma, buck 3 years old, " Black HIawk." " 5 buck lambs 41 to 5 months old. James H. Fellows, Manchester, buck 3 years old. 2 2 " 1 " lambs 4 months old. G. W. Gale, Ypsilanti, buck 3 years old. 3 " Ad It 3 2 it" 5 buck lambs 41 months old. I H. Butterfield, Utica, pen ewes 1 year old. " 5 ewe lambs. A. Henry, Canton, 5 ewes 3 years old. B. Peckham, Parma, 5" 3 " 5 " 2 " U u 5U 1 " " 5 ewe lambs 4j to / months old. James H. Fellows, Manchester, 5 ewes 3 years old. " 5 " 2 " r" "5 " 1 "I U 5 ewe lambs 4 months old. " " 5 ewes 3 years old, grade. 5 ewes 2 " " " " 4 5 ewes 1 5 lambs 4 months old, grade, J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, 5 lambs 5 03 G. W. Gale, Ypsilanti, 5 ewes 3 years old. I" 5 " 2 " " " " 5 lambs 4j months old. White & Gunnings, Gaines, ewe 1 year old. FRENCH MERINO. L H. Butterfield, Utica, pen buck lambs. A. Henry, Canton, buck 2 years old. L. J. Thompson, Hillsdale, buck 1 year old. " ". lot of lambs. Wm. S. Beach, Farmington, buck 3 years old. " " - 6 11 months old. s "i 5 " lambs 4 " G. W. Gale, Ypsilanti, buck 3 years old. SI 66,4 3 66 It 66 I6 3 66 66 66 66 2 ". 6; 44 2 " 66 66 6 1 " "' " " 3 "' French and Spanish. Byron Otis, Greenfield, " 1 " s 6i t6 1 Jonathan Crampton, Hazard, tuck 4 years old. c 6 " 6 1 "' French and Natives. 6" 66 " lamb 5 mos. old, ",6 66 is ~6 5 "6 White & Gunnings, Gaines, 2 bucks 3 years old. i" " 2 " 2 i" I. H. Butterfield, Utica, pen ewes 3 years old. 66 66 "6 2 "6 66 66 66 2 66 6, 66 66 1 66,, 66 66 1 66 66 66 6 lambs. U 66 It 6I 61 A. HIenry, Canton, 5 ewes 3 years old. 94" " 5 " 1 " G. W. Gale, Ypsilanti, 5 ewes 3 years old. Jonathan CramptoD, Hazard, 1 ewe 1 year cld. " t" 3 ewes 2 years old. c" " 2 ewe lambs 4 mcnths old. White & Gunnings, Gaines, 1 ewe 4 years old. "c " c 1 ewe 3 " SAXON & SILESIAN. N. S. Schuyler, Birmingham, buck 3 years old, Silesian. Jesse P. Gillett, Manchester, " 3 " " i' " " 3 " Saxon. 1; cc ". sc 5 buck lambs,. "; a 5 " Saxon and Silesian. ('" 5 ewes 3 years old, Saxon. "6 " u 5 "' 2 " " " 5 " 1 " " u " 5 " lambs, Saxon and Silesian. SOUTHDOWNS. Win. Maiden, Redford, buck 2 years old. It" 5 ewes 3 " Daniel Whitfield, Pontiac, 2 bucks 4 years old.' I" 5 " "' " 1 " 5 " 1 " 2 " ca Sewes c2 a " 5 " 3 " 5 " 5 " and over. ": " 5 " I " V= " 5tl o S " 1 u gc 5' 1 ",Wm. WhitfieM, Waterford, buck 4 years old. as L u 3 ca ~a a~ c2 65 Wim. Whitfield, Waterford, 5 buck lambs. " 5 ewes 1 year old. " 5 ewe lambs. 5 "5 J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, buck 1 year old. t cc" 5 ewes 1 " Dayton Andrews, Sterling, buck 3 years old. 4g g~ "cc 2 "'4 " 5 buck lambs 5 months old. " 5 ewes 2 years old. LONG WOOLED. T. Edwards, Ann Arbor, buck 4 years old. 41 iv 9",3 "C ~6 " 5 ewes 2 C 9s it" 5 " 2 " Grade. es it 5 ewe lambs. Joseph Tireman, Detroit, 5 ewes 2 years old. cc" " 5 " 1 " " 5 ewe lambs 3 months old.' " 5 buck lambs 3 Byron Otis, Greenfield, 5 ewes 1 year old, cross of Blood & Native. T. Edwards, Ann Arbor, 2 fat ewes. FOREIGN SHEEP. Robert S. Fisher, Chatham, C. W., 2 bucks 2 years old, Leicester. F. Fowler, jr., Harperhay, " 1 " 3 " C" 1'' I " 1 buck lamb, " C; 4;" 3 ewe lambs, " 1 ewe 3 years old, " F. W. Backus, Detroit, Mich., 3 bucks, Leicester. 9 66 SWINE. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, boar 2 years old, Essex. E. N. Wilcox, Detroit, " 2 " Berkshire. S. Boalt, Norwalk, Ohio, " 1 " Suffolk. Wm. Sutton, Pennfield, sow 5 months old, Leicestershire. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, sow 2 years old, Essex. 44" " 2 sows 1 4 " 3 pigs 4 months old, Essex. 4 44" 1 sow 1 year old, Suffolk. 49" " 8 pigs 5 months old, 6, E. N. Wilcox, Detroit, 5 pigs 5 " Berkshire. S. Boalt, Norwalk, Ohio, 4 pigs under 10 months old, Suffolk. Mark Flanagan, Detroit, sow 2 years old, Grade. 46 II" " 1 " J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, sow pig 6 months old. Byron Otis, Greenfield, sow and 10 pigs, Grass & Suffolk. fat hog 1 year old. E. H. Cressy, Royal Oak, fat hog 4 years old. POULTRY. J. P. Hodges, Hamtramck, coop fowls, Dorking. " " " 4 months old, Dorking. "" 1 year old, Black Spanish. " 4 months old, " " " Brahma Pootra. " 5 months old, Brahma Pootra. A. W. Green, Ann Aibor, " 2 years old, Malacca fowls. S" 3 " Sumatra Pheasant. 4s 3 "' Poland. " 2 " White Poland. " 2 " Brahma Pootra. " " " 1 " Pearly Shanghai. " 3 months old, English Game. 67 Winm. Maiden, Redford, coop of 12 White Brahmas. F. F. Parker, Detroit, coop fowls, Shanghai. Brahma Pootra. 49 " " " Black Spanish. E. H. Cressy, Royal Oak, coop fowls, White Surrey Dorkings. 4" " " " Shanghai. 9 " Red " " " " Black " " " " Cochin China. Imperial'' " Brahma Pootra, dark. light. pea-comb. Black Spanish. " " Malacca Game.' " " Light Sumatra Pheasant. a " " Black " A. B. Chapman, Scipio, coop fowls, Sumatra Pheasant Game. L. J. Thompson, Hillsdale, coop fowls, Buff Shanghai. " coop of 10 " " " " Brahma Pootras. H. A. Tillotson, Marshall, coop fowls, Buff Shanghai. Brahmas. 4"4 "" Seabright Bantam. Louis Beaufait, Grosse Point, coop of 5 white turkeys. Francis Leslie, Dearborn, coop of 3 black turkeys. (4 cc t4" geese. S. Pompard, Hamtramck, coop of geese, Black English. H. M. Albertson, Detroit, 2 coops muscovy ducks. E. H. Cressy, Royal Oak, 1 coop Aylesburg ducks. Mrs. Rose Campau, Hamtramck, coop fowls, Mexican cross. L. J. Thompson, Hillsdale, 2 pair muscovy ducks. 68 FARM IMPLEMENTS. A. & S. B. Shafer, Plymouth, 4 portable cider mills. H. C. Dannell, Columbus, Ohio, 1 hay and straw cutter. I improved harness buckle. ct " " 1 corn stalk cutter. Union Fire Company, Detroit, file cutting. R. W. & D. Davis, Yellow Springs, Ohio, 6 iron patent parallel vices. "' "' " 2 wood " G. Westinghorse, Schenectady, N. Y., 1 horse power. " "cc 1 thresher and winnower. S. M. Roley, Peoria, Ill., 1 corn planter. fD. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, 1 Keech & Stillwell's fan mill and separator. D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, 1 Ruggles' raw hide straw cutter. it"' " 1 straw and stalk cutter.' 4" " 1 Penfield's ox yoke.'; " " 1 Grant's fanning mill. "I " " 1 iron root puller. 8 " " " 1 thermometer churn. "X " " 1 self-acting cheese press. 44 " " 1 Morgan grain cradle. " " " 6 hand rakes. i; "; " 6 hay forks. is " " 6 manure forks. i; " 1" Pease's 2 horse railroad horse power. r" "I " 1 Emery's 94 it i " " " 1 Ketchum's iron mowing machine. 4 It" " 1 " reaping " a "4 9" 1 Ketchum's combined reaping and mowing machine. D. 0. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, 1 Emery's thresher, cleaner & separator. 49 " " 4 " 1 Pease's thresher and separator. " " " " 1 Emery's seed planter, hand or horse. "I "' " 1 Seymour's grain drill. "' "l I" 1 seed sower, broad cast.': "; "' 1 Emery & Son's circular saw.' "'; " 1 hand corn sheller. 69 D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, 1 iron chain pump. "r I " 1 wood chain pump. "I "4 1 Hickok's portable cider mill. t " it " 1 Pease's clover huller. it i" " 1 galvanized chain pump, tube sample.,' t" " 1 Emery's 1 horse power. "I " 4 " c 4 Starbuck's plows. IC I" " C1 " No. 6, full rigged. " " 1No. "5 ",," " 1 " No. 4. cc " "c c 1'" No. 3. " " "L rr 1 "$ No. 3, U. G. steel. " " I "1 " No. 3. " "! " C No. 4. it " 1 " No. 5. it it " 1 Mapes' subsoil steel plow.,,,, " 1 Peckham's corn cultivator. it c " " " 1 Geddies' harrow. I" t( " " 1 square harrow. C" c " 1 card of tools. it cc'" 1 screw wrench. it "r cc 1 spring wrench. IC " " " 1 pruning saw. " 1 floral rake. i' " I grafting axe. " 2 scuffle hoes.', "L " 1 pruning saw and chisel. " 1 steel bull ring. "U cc " " 2 iron " "t "i it 2 pair ox bow keys.,, 96" " 1 floral fork. "('I 1 floral spade. " " "' 1 transplanting trowel. ("( " " 1 pair sheep shears. "r (( " 1 pair budding shears. " " " 1 Crawford & Moffit's clover thresher and cleaner. 70 D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, 1 pair pruning shears. re" " "4 1 grafting chisel. tr" " l" 1 case horticultural tools. "i In L" 1 tree scraper. "' " " 1 fruit gatherer. rL " " " 1 Ames' spade. "r "s " 1 Ames' shovel. " " 6 axe helves. (I" " " 1 hand drag rake. " " " 1 bush hook. 1 post auger, wrought iron. "L " " 1 " cast iron. s" ": " 1 Dana's corn planter. "r'i 4 " 1 ladies' spade. i' 4' " 1 hay knife. s 1 straw knife. " 1 sausage stuffer. " "''L" 1 sausage meat cutter.' "L" 1 dozen Brown's apple parers. r' Us " 1 dozen Max & Smith's apple parers. ( "b CC" 6 cattle ties.;' " " 6 grass sickles. i' tr" " 6 grain sickles. Cc " " c" 6 corn knives. 1 potato hoe. ii " " " I1 potato spade. " " " 1 road scraper. 5" 44 " 4 butter moulds. " 1 fancy plow. ((" " " 1 model hay press. "6 " ( "i 4 self-sealing pressure cans. " " " 1 hominy mill. (( " " " 1 Little Giant corn and cob mill. " " " 1 Hyde's 2 horse cultivator. "r " " 2 set Peckham's cultivator teeth. " " " 1 set Cramer's " steel,' (L " "i 1 set barn door rollers. 71 D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, 1 garden syringe.'~ " " 1 pair hedge shears. s- " 4 " 1 sample wire fence. t., " " 1 set Westfield cultivator teeth. sc' " "( 1 well wheel. " 1 well bucket. " 3 new ground hoes. S' " " 1 Peckham's agricultural furnace. - 1 Excelsior farm mill. a' " " 6 milk pans.'~' c " " 1 hand seed drill. a ( " " 3 wheel heads. is " " 1 Emery's thresher and separator. A. E. Massy, Cleveland, Ohio, Town's detached and spring heel horse shoes. Joseph Northrup, Detroit, 6 butcher's cleavers. 1 44" 6 stall knives. Wm. H. Collins, Philadelphia, 1 hand corn sheller and separator. W. H. Trowbridge, Hinsdale, N. Y., 1 rotary excavator. John Patten, Detroit, I horse carriage. John Patten, i 1 two-ors carriage. " 1 " cc "c 1 " " 1 " sleigh, foreign. " 1 one-horse A. Y. Moore & Son, Schoolcraft, 1 subsoil plow. John Patten, Detroit, I two-horse carriage. tr " 1 " sleigh, foreign.'4 " 1 one-horse " Lewis C. Rodier, Detroit, 1 washing machine. William Fisher, Ypsilanti, 1 self-raking reaper. " 1 combined reaping and mowing machine. 72 William Fisher, Ypsilanti, 1 Brinkerhoff plow, with self-holder attached. Holmes & Brown, Adrian, 1 corn sheller. " " set jack planes. Winm. Nixon, Adrian, 1 pair spoke dressing machines. " 2 bundles dressed spokes. J. S. Edwards, Albany, N. Y., 1 shingle machine. John Andrews, Manchester, Mass., 1 broadcast grain sower. "4 " " 1 Artesian drill. M. Bemis, Lyme, Ohio, 1 corn drill, two-horse. W. R. Mulferd, Cincinnati, 1 corn and cob mill. " 1 agricultural boiler. John G. Hostin, Seneca Falls, N. Y., 1 double acting force pump. I. S. & J. M. Jackson, Scott, N. Y., 1 machine for drawing water. Robt. George, Cedarville, Ohio, 1 cob and corn grinder. H. S. Palmer, Troy, N. Y., 1 farmer's mill, Great Western. P. B. Green, Chicago, Ill., 1 double seed planter. 1 single seed planter. Gorden Vibber, Detroit, 1 atmospheric air churn N. S. Prentiss, Rockton, Ill., 1 corn planter. Cutting & Ely, Detroit, 1 clothes wringing machine. P. Hamilton, " 1 pat. shingle machine.' C" 1 pat. oil socket or grease plug. 1 washing machine.,Joseph Fay, Battle Creek, 1 stalk and straw cutter, 46 " " 1 hand-screw agitator grass sower. Fravell Lincoln, Laporte, Ind., 1 reversed tooth grain drill. George Atkins, Wyandotte, 1 improved corn planter; J. B. Wayne & Co., Detroit, 1 high pressure engine, 100 horse power. Austin & Tomlinson, Jackson, 1 farm wagon. 4s " 3 " E. H. Wheeler, Wayne, 1 stump puller. John Daines, Birmingham, 1 drain tile machine. "' 4 6" 10 ft. drain tile. A. M. Bodwell, Ann Arbor, 1 Gilmore's bee house. "C cc 3 " hives. John Cullin, Detroit, 1 Buffalo wagon. C. H. Bennett, Plymouth, 1 portable cider mill. 73 F. F. Parker, Detroit, 1 Manny's reaper. 19 " " 1 mower. i" " 1 mower and reaper combined. it" " 12 plows, variety. it 9" 1 corn and cob crusher. " " I cheese press. " 4 corn shellers. 4" " 4 hay and corn stalk cutters. H. S. Wentworth, Norwalk, 1 wind mill. Penfield & Harris, Detroit, 1 siding and flooring mill. C. F. Messenger, Allegan, 1 fanning mill. L. B. Corbin, Constantine, 1 water wheel. G. H. Felt, Brooklyn, 1 straw cutter. T. J. Noyes, Detroit, 12 Ames' shovels and spades. M. Everett, Kalamazoo, 1 suction and force pumip. 49i" " 1 cheese press. J. Bower, Detroit, 1 portable grist mill. A. L. Bort, Grand Blanc, 1 fanning mill. T. Miles, Hopkinsville, Ohio, 2 force pumps. F. A. Harroun, Albion, 1 Webster's patent churn. A. Smith & Son, Birmingham, 1 horse power for 2 or 4 horses. " "1 cider mill and corn sheller, combined. "' " 1 cross cut sawing machine. H. Lawrence, Washington, 1 farm wagon. Ritten, Blake & Co., St. Clair, 1 lath machine. i" " 1 improved bolter. 44" " 1 saw pitman. Augustus Day, Det., machine for riving, jointing, and planing shingles. John Strong, jr., Greenfield, 1 farm wagon and hay rack. Benj. Wright, Hudson, 1 fanning mill. J. V. Jenkins, Jackson, 1 sheep shearing machine. Wm. L. Coffinubury, Grand Rapids, 1 machine for striking an ellipse. G. Dodge, Kalamazoo, 1 heavy sod plow. it" " 1 light sod plow. 44 " " 1 fallow or old ground plow. 4 it" 1 double plow. ai " 1 corn sheller. 10 74 G. Dodge, Kalamazoo, 1 gang of plows. Is" " 1 lot of plows. Williard Fisher, Buffalo, N. Y., 1 pat. mowing machine. L. H. Hubbard, Mt. Clemens, 1 dynamometer. BUTTER, CHEESE, SUGAR AND HONEY. BUTTER. Norton Lapham, Farmington, 15 lbs. butter made at any time. Mrs. M. Flanagan, Detroit, 15 " " F. S. Finley, Ann Arbor, 15 4' new made. W. & R. Miller, Detroit, 1 crock butter. R. S. Compton, Dearborn, 1 " table. Mrs. G. W. Collins, Farmington, 20 lbs. butter made in June. 44" " 20 " " September. cc is 20 " James Smith, Greenfield, 114 lbs. butter in tub. 4" "I 101 " "'~t " 15 " made at any time, c "! 15 " made in June. "I " 15 44 15 H. E. DeGarmo, Ypsilanti, 15 " " " 30 " t a l" 15 " 0. Hampton, Albion, 20 " "a " 18 " new made. Mrs. D. I. Scott, Novi, 15 lbs. butter made at any time. Wm. H. Widner, Brownstown, 15 lbs. butter made in June. "4 IC 15 " F. W. Fairman, Plymouth, 2 crocks butter, new made. Mrs. J. Bailey, Troy, 15 lbs. butter. George Clark, Lapeer, 29 " made in June. 99" " 24 " made at any time. Mrs. Dort, Dearborn, 15 " made in June. cc" " 15 " made at any time. E. Cross, Redford, 15 " " " it " " 36 " made in June. CHEESB. Norton Lapham, Farmington, 2 old cheese. it" " 1 sage cheese. it" " 4 new cheese. R. R. Briggs, Romeo, 1 cheese of 1856. " " I " IC " " 1 cheese of 1855. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, 1 old cheese C" 1 old sage cheese. " " 3 new " it'd 3 new sage " J. M. Bower, Lima, 1 old cheese. " 1 sage cheese. if " " 1 new cheese. Luther Lapham, Farmington, 3 new cheese. 1 old " F. W. Fairman, Plymouth, 1 new cheese. SUGAR AND HONEY. R. S. Compton, Dearborn, 1 pail of honey. Mrs. G. W. Collins, Farmington, 10 lbs. of maple sugar. A. M. Bodwell, Ann Arbor, 1 jar of honey. " 2 boxes of honey. J. B. Bramfield, Plymouth, 1 box of honey, J. L. Reed, Kalamazoo, 8 boxes of honey. 4 " 1 jar of honey. DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. L. Beecher & Co., Detroit, 2 pieces English velvet carpet. CC" " 1 piece " stair carpet. " 3 pieces cocoa matting. " 4 mosaics. " 2 mosaic rugs. " 2 pieces Bigelow Brussels carpeting. 76 L. Beecher & Co., Detroit, I piece super three-ply carpeting. "''" " 1 piece ingrain tapestry carpeting. 1 piece superfine ingrain carpeting.'~: "',5 oil cloths. L"'" 4 door mats. I 1 case stair rods. s ((" 1 set French brocatelle curtains. " " 2 set tamboured lace v 2 German cornices. "' " 1 mosquito canopy.:6 4" 2 shades. " 1 curled hair mattrass, (I" " 1 bale carpet lining. M. Fisher, Grosse Point, 1 lb. woolen yarn. Mrs. John Middleworth, Detroit, 1 Odd Fellow's quilt patch work. " Mark Flanagan, Detroit, 1 woolen coverlet. "( r" " 1 pr. woolen socks, "J. Starkweather, Ypsilanti, 1 pr. knit cotton half hose. "( " "; 1 pair silk knit hose. "t i " "1 double coverlet. " "i " 1 lb. woolen yarn. (" " " 1 pr. woolen socks. Mrs. John Miller, Tecumseh, 1 pair woolen blankets. 44 4" 1 " socks. F. Kirklin, Detroit, 1 case hair work. Rose Campau, Hamtramck, 1 patch work quilt. WWm. Wagmire, Detroit, 1 " M. Fisher, Grosse Point, 1 pair woolen stockings. H. M. Albertson, Detroit, 1 patch work quilt..A. Henry, Canton, 1 pair woolen stockings. M. Kimball, Bingham, 1 patch work quilt. O. Butler, Nankin, 1 double carpet coverlet. " " 1 patch work quilt. "t "( 1 embroidered spread. (i" " 1 white quilt. G. Liddle, Colon, 1 patch work quilt. 77 0. Ranger, Livonia, 13 yards flannel. t" " 1 lb. stocking yarn. H. Armstrong, Livonia, 1 coverlet. it" " 10 yards tow cloth. " " 10 yards linen diaper. "s " L 10 " toweling. "( " 1 oak leaf coverlet. " 1 patch work quilt. "t' 1 pair linen stockings. " " 1 " " " 1 pair shell work cotton stockings. Mrs. F. Leslie, Dearborn, 1 pair woolen blankets. it 6" 1 knit shirt. Mrs. M. Flanagan, Detroit, 1 patch work quilt. L. S. Watkins, Manchester, 1 coverlet. " " 1 embroidered skirt. " " 1 tidy. Mrs. F. Gaines, Dearborn, 10 yards woolen cloth. " V " 1 lb. woolen yarn. Mrs. Wm. Arnold, Dexter, 10 yards flannel. It " 1 coverlet. " 1 pair woolen blankets. "' r" 1 white quilt. 1 pair woolen socks. cc " " 1 " mittens. L. Beecher & Co., Detroit, decorated paper hangings. Mrs. K. C. Barker, " 1 worked quilt. Mrs. W. A. Denison, Troy, 1 lb. wool yarn.';" "4 1 pair wool stockings. Mrs. J. Bailey, Troy, 1 pair wool stockings, 3-threaded: " 1 " socks, 3-threaded. ((" " 10 yards plaid flannel. Mrs. H. Smith, Troy, 1 pair lamp mats. it" " 1 patch work quilt. 78 dMrs. S. Casey, Ypsilanti, 1 patch work quilt. Mrs. R. F. Granger, Manchester, 10 yards rag carpet. 1 lamp mat. John Allen, Plymoutb, 1 coverlet. itc s 1 " Mrs. L. Andrews, Washington, 1 quilt. Mrs. H. Welsh, Ypsilanti, 1 patch work quilt. E. S. Drake, Milford, 1 white coverlet. Mrs. J. Thomas, Oxford, 11 yards flannel. Miss Hatty Farrar, Detroit, 1 pr. wool stockings. Mrs. J. B. Staring, " 1 " socks. Flattery & Bro's. " 1 set fancy stands. L. Beecher & Co., " 1 French medallion carpet. S. Boyer, Ohio, 1 boot crimping machine. Mrs. J. B. Bloss, Detroit, 1 pr. ladies' leather gaiters. J. Colby, Detroit, 1 overcoat. Stevens & Roberts, Detroit, 1 lot of V enetian blinds. M. M. Gisler, Detroit, 1 one-horse carriage. P. lus, " 1 circular saw 66 inch diameter. C. P. Mellus, " 1 circular saw 66 inch. diameter. (C c 1 60 " " I 1 " 32 " 1 " 26 44" " 1 " 20 " "" 1 cast steel muley saw 8 feet long. " 1 cast steel muley saw 7 feet long. " 4 cross cut saws. " 1 machine cross cut saw, " 3 wood saws framed. lHenry Weber, " 1 rosewood etagere. " I rosewood music stand. " 1 " centre table. " " 1 " large sofa. " " 1 tete-a-tete. " 1 oak garden sofa. 79 Henry Weber, Detroit, 1 rosewood piano stool. 9" i I" 1 " easy chair embroidered. " " 1 " chair gallic embroidered t 44" 1 " chair medallion embroidered. "4 " 1 " French chair. t4 " " 1 i' French parlor chair. G. Liddle, Colon, 1 patch work quilt. C. W. Hobart, Onondaga, N. Y., 1 clock alarm bedstead. C. Wellington, Detroit, 1 miniature ship of line. Shafer & Birger " 1 papier mache table. Chas. Worden, Ypsilanti, 4 joints stove pipe. " 1 swedge for stove pipe. Wm. Shultheis, Detroit, 1 carved parlor mantle. " 1 paneled " Cutting & Ely, " 1 expanding window sash. Austin & Tomlinson, Jackson, 1 two seat buggy. " " 2 cutters. " 1 pony sleigh. J. L. Pitts, Detroit, patent ground circular saws. G. B. Noble, " arm chair seat. Wm. B. Sutherland, Detroit, 1 stove and furniture. J. B. Brumfield, Plymouth, 2 horse shoes. G. Hickey, Detroit, 2 horse shoes. Thos. Auclay, " 1 set horse shoes. E. J. Wooley, " 2 bank safes. " I bank lock. G. L. Bradley, 5 carriages and buggies. Holmes & Brown, Adrian, 1 concave saw, (framed.) " " 1 " arbor. L. D. Lozee, Troy, I set horse shoes, 1 lb. horse nails. J. Priest, Detroit, 1 trotting sulky. 80 PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS, DAGUERREOTYPES, AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. C. E. St. Alary, Detroit, 1 portrait in oil. is c I it 1 " " 1 fancy piece. it"." 1 portrait pastel. Charles Lane, Detroit, 1 oil painting of a bull. Miss Hattie W. Farver, Detroit, 1 oil painting. 6' " I crayon drawing. Mrs. J. B. Starring, " 1 " ft " 1 " " 1 oil painting. 1 it Miss F. J. Cressy, Hillsdale, 1 " C. Highwood, Detroit, 1 " " " 1 " by Michigan artist. " 1 miniature.:" "1 water colored painting. M. Sutton, Detroit, 1 oil painting. 1" collection oil paintings. " 1 collection water colored paintings. Uriah Gregory, Detroit, 1 specimen penmanship and drawing. Mrs. John Middlewood, Detroit, 1 painting on satin. c" " 1 " on paper. E. B. Chope, Detroit, 2 water colored paintings. Mrs. A. C. Baldwin, Pontiac, 1 water colored painting. s" 1 t C{ I ~s Miss W. B. Ellingwood, Detroit, 5 pieces flower painting. 81 Miss J. Ellingwood, Detroit, 2 landscapes, penciled. L. Lawrence, Detroit, 1 architectural drawing. R. D. Palmer, Brooklyn, 1 cattle drawing. ~& " 1 " " 1 house drawing. 1 sheep drawing. M. E. Barrett, Commercial College, 1 specimen penmanship.. "c 1 " d y 1 C. E.C., 1 " day book. it,1!" journal. Henry Conelly, Detroit, 1 crayon drawing. "4 " I1 pencil drawing. "" 1 M. Sutton, Detroit, 1 collection daguerreotypes. " 1 " ambrotypes.'" 1 " miniatures. it" " 1 mezzograph and photograph. T. & E. Sawyer, Detroit, 1 seraphim, 6 octaves. " 1 " 2 set reeds, 5 octaves. " 1 melodeon, 5 octaves. A. A. Simmons, Detroit, 1 melodeon, 1 double reed. Mrs. H. Bibb, Detroit, 1 oriental painting table. it " " I Grecian painting. O. W. Horton, Grand Rapids, 1 ambrotype. Amsden & Cargill, Detroit, 1 melopean. " 1 scroll leg melodeon. " 1 case musical instruments. W. E. Peters. Detroit, 2 specimens daguerrean cases. Simmons & Blakeman, Detroit, 1 piano case melodeon. 44 " 1 5 octave piano case melodeon. 44 " 1 5 octave portable piano case melodeon. 44 " 1 7 " piano. Mrs. H. Weber, Detroit, 1 case wax flowers. 11 82 Mrs. Geo. R. Griswold, Detroit, 1 boy's suit embroidered. " " " 1 morning robe embroidered. Sarah Linde, Fentonville, 1 embroidered crape shawl. Miss Hatty Farrar, Detroit, 1 case of embroidery. Mrs. J. B. Starring, " 1 " " " 1 leather work frame. P. S. Grimes, Kalamazoo, 1 Mrs. J. B. Starring, Detroit, 1 "4 it " 1 Mrs. S. W. Taylor " 1 show case embroidery. D. T. Bassett, Detroit, 1 embroidered shirt. " 1 ruffle shirt. "'g " 1 linen shirt. t"' 1 frilled shirt. Mrs. Doct. Cobb, Detroit, 1 thread net shawl. 1 pr. embr'd undersleeves. 1 embr'd hdkf. Mrs. R. W. Brown, Detroit, 1 specimen worsted embroidery. " Geo. R. Griswold, Detroit, 1 rose color'd embr'd robe. " John Miller, Tecumseb, 1 embr'd lace collar. Miss Eliza Horan, Ann Arbor, 1 leather work frame. ccit" 1 case worked fruit and flowers.'t' " 1 round tissue flower boquet. "4 " 1 flat " 1 " cc 4 1 " 1 " i" I leather work case. i' " 1 patch work quilt. Mrs. J. Starkweather, Ypsilanti, 1 worked collar. Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, 1 rustic picture frame. J. E. Pierson, " 1 table spread, worsted work. "" 1 chair back " " 1 ottoman cover " " 1 fancy piece " " 1 " Farrot. 83 Miss Julia McNair, Kalamazoo, 1 embr'd wreath. E. Perkins, Birmingham, 1 piece shell work. Miss Lizzie Hanford, Detroit, 1 specimen wax work. Mrs. Spring, Detroit, 1 fruit basket wax work. Mrs. Dr. Klein, Detroit, 1 specimen hair ornaments. Miss W. B. Ellingwood, Hillsdale, 1 vase wax flowers (by pupils.) " 1 white merino cape. " " " 9 3 pcs. worsted work. ""c 1 pr. embroidered slippers. Mrs. John McCurdy, " 1 vase wax flowers. 4C c" 1 it" 1 etagere ornamental leather work. 44 1 Eliza Manning, Hillsdale, 1 case wax fruit. 9" " 1 pair embroidered slippers. Mrs. J. B. Starring, Detroit, 1 leather frame. " 1 wrought collar and bands. Miss Hattie Farrar, Detroit, 1 embroidered collar and handkerchief. Clara Schonecker, " 1 specimen needle work. Mary Schonecker, " 1 O. Butler, Nankin, 1 hair flower. Mis A. B. Ladd, Ann Arbor, 1 worked collar. Miss J. Lowe, Detroit, 1 crochet anti-macassar. Mrs. W. W. Robbins, Detroit, 4 worsted work chair patterns. A. Green, " 1 leather work frame. Mrs. W. R. Searing, Ann Arbor, 1 piece embroidered worsted work. " 1 " 66 " " 1 " merino blanket. Mrs. W. W. Robbins, " 1 " worsted work. Miss W. Arnold, Dexter, 1 pair lamp mats. 94 " " 1 needlework collar. 84 Miss L. Whiting, Ann Arbor, 1 pair ottoman covers. Miss C. Lannagar, Detroit, 1 specimen embroidered pictures. Miss Mary Doyley, " 1 pair embroidered suspenders. Miss H. Bibb, " 1 specimen hair work. Miss Hattie Farring," 1 crochet collar. 9"41 " crochet lamp mat. Miss A. Gardner, " 1 frame crape work. Miss Eliza Blodgett, Detroit, 1 specimen worsted work. Miss A. W. Davis, Grand Blanc, 1 embroidered skirt. Amsden & Cargill, Detroit, 1 case pearl fans. FRUITS, FLOWERS AND VEGETABLES. N. Longworth, Cincinnati, Ohio, sparkling Catawba, dry Catawba, and Isabella wines. Moses Hunter, Grosse Isle, 1 peck California potatoes. " " 1 peck meshanock " " t 1 peck white potatoes, unknown. 1 large beet, Landreth's extra early. " 1 dozen turnip rooted beets.' " peck Dutch strap leaved turnips, blue skin. " peck red onions. " i peck silver skin onions. " peck yellow onions. Hammond Hunter, " 1 collection wild flowers. James Vernor, Detroit, 12 ears pop corn. 1 plate M. Fisher, Grosse Point, I peck tomatoes. It " 1 peck table potatoes. It " 12 beets. "4's 12 turnips. 2 pumpkins. Mrs. Wm. Ball, Detroit, floral ornament, star of dahlias. 4 " vaiet y " fan " variety of cut flowers. 85 Wm. BalJ, Detroit, 1 peck of table potatoes, meshanocks. variety of culinary vegetables. 12 long blood beets. 12 turnip rooted beets. " 6 heads of cabbage. 12 altringham carrots. " 12 parsneps. " 12 stalks of Seymour's solid white celery. 6 vegetable eggs. " 3 crook neck squashes. 3 vegetable marrows. J peck round tomatoes. variety of dahlias. 12 dissimilar blooms, dahlias. 1 single dahlia. Joseph Genin, West Dresden, N. Y., 1 bottle native wine. Frederick Leetz, Detroit, 1 squash. Horace Hallock, Detroit, 2 bunches black prince grapes. cc" " 1 lot Isabella grapes. Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, 12 blood beets. " 12 parsneps. " 12 radishes. " 12 stalks celery. 6 vegetable eggs. peck white onions. 1 peck stone hill potatoes. 1 peck black kidney potatoes. " 1 peck Carter potatoes. " 1 peck early English potatoes. " " 3 autumnal marrow squashes.'((" " 3 vegetable " " peck tomatoes. " 6 stalks rhubarb. " 4 nutmeg melons. " 4 water melons, 2 varieties. " 1 collection cut flowers. 80 Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, 1 collection dahlias. (e " 12 dissimilar blooms, dahlias. "' 1 collection verbenas. "' " * 1 collection seedling verbenas. "' i" 1 collection German asters. "' " collection indigenous flowers. II " " hand boquet, round. tr" " " t Aflat. " 1 basket flowers, with handle. i "r ~1 It i:' - " 1 floral design, ornamental vase. (" " 1 floral ornament. John Ford, Detroit, variety cut flowers, professional. a" " " dahlias, " 5" "r 12 dissimilar blooms, dahlias, professional. "o "r single variety dahlias, " variety phloxes, " 6( <" variety verbenas, b u" collection green house plants, " (' "' collection German asters, " hand bouquet, round, " e " " flat,f " floral ornament, " "' " two specimens water melons, " ((" " 4 " nutmeg melons, " "r'" variety culinary vegetables, " r (I" 12 blood beets. "e " 6 heads cauliflower. As " 12 stalks celery.' cc" 6 heads cabbage. ((" " 6 vegetable eggs. "' " 3 autumnal marrow squashes. c " i peck tomatoes. 1 peck white turnips. A' " ~ peck Lima beans. " 6 stalks rhubarb. ( i' 1 basket flowers, with handle. 87 P. Hathaway, Little Prairie Ronde, 6 stalks rhubarb. N. Uhl, Clinton, 12 pears, Washington. " 6 bunches grapes, Isabella. "r'" 6 " Catawba. R. R. Briggs, Romeo, variety of roots for cattle. 4 " " culinary vegetables. "i "I 1 peck table potatoes, Carter's. " 1 peck seedling potatoes. " "L 1 peck red onions. John Puigh, Hamtramck, 1 hand bouquet, round, professional. it "4 1 vase bouquet, " it" " variety verbenas, " " " 12 dissimilar blooms, dahlias," Mrs. Thomas Palmer, Hamtramck, I plate Isabella grapes, amateur. Thos. Palmer, Hamtramck, 1 plate Muscatine and Isabella grapes, " A. D. Power, Farmington, 12 winter apples, professional, Spitzenburg. is " 12 " " Steel's red. B. McCreery, Detroit, variety grapes, " 44 ", 4 specimens autumn pears, professional. Prince Bennett, Ypsilanti, 38 varieties table apples, amateurs. it " " 24 " winter apples, " 4 64" 8 " summer apples, " 44" " 6 " autumn apples, ",, " 12 specimens summer " "' "! 12 i" " " i ((" " 12 " winter " " " 12 " autumn " " " 2 water melons. Thos. Blackett, Roseville, 12 specimens autumn apples, Fall Pippin. (( ((c" " 12 " " Gravenstein. 44 " 12 " " Maiden Blush. ( " 12 " winter apples, Baldwin's. t" " 12 " " Wine. 1" "' 12 " " R. I. Greening. "' " 12 " " Red Gilliflower. 4 " I1 peck table potatoes, Mercer. "i " 1 peck seedling " 88 Phillip L. Pitts, Southfield, 1 peck seed potatoes, English whites. Thos. Edwards, Ann Arbor, 12 stalks celery. Geo. Moran, Grosse Point, 2 California cucumbers. R. Miller, Detroit, 2 winter squashes. " 12 carrots. T. T. Lyon, Plymouth, variety of table apples. W. B. Vanhorn, Jonesville, 1 bushel table potatoes. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, 1 peck wild Mexican potatoes. B. G. Stout, Troy, 12 quinces, amateur. 4" a 1 peck white turnips, amateur. 9 It:" 7 varieties roots for cattle. Thomas Hopson, Hamtramck, 6 English coxcombs. 0. Butler, Nankin, 1 bushel early white Queen potatoes. Wm. H. Stout, Troy, 12 quinces. J. G. Krumbolz, Detroit, 12 crook neck squashes. "AtIt' 12 early bush " t it" 12 vegetable oysters, salsify, " 12 blood beets. Ai " " 12 turnip rooted beets. Winm. Adair, Detroit, variety dahlias. A t" 12 specimens dahlies. rii1 " variety roses. 1 flat bouquet. " 1 round bouquet.,' " 1 floral ornament. ~4 " variety verbenas. S: Bowerman, Detroit, 80 varieties from Gov. Woodbridge's orchard, profesional. L. Lapham, Farmington, J peck onions. Prince Bennett, Ypsilanti, 1 variety seedling winter apples. T. T. Lyon, Plymouth, 12 specimens seedling winter apples.,, " 10 varieties pears. M. Fisher, Grosse Point, varieties of roots for cattle. Thomas Smith, Detroit, 6 vegetable marrow squashes. " peck yellow onions. Louis Beaufait, Grosse Point, 4 winter squashes, crook neck. 89 C. Peltier, Detroit, 4 bunches Isabella grapes, amateurs. it" " 4," Catawba " it" " 3 " black cluster " Mark Flanagan, Detroit, variety roots for cattle. " 1 peck table potatoes, meshanocks. 44" " 1 peck " pink eyes. Daniel Osgood, Detroit, 6 heads cabbage, Savoy. " 4 water melons, professional. " Ibushel tomatoes. " " heads cauliflowers. Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, 1 specimen dahlia. Horace Bradley, Northville, 21 varieties winter apples, amateur. (" 5 " autumn " " " 1 " winter seedling apples, amateur. 6" 4" 2 " autumn " ";~ " 20 " table apples, D. Clarkson, " 21 " winter " " 7 " autumn " " "L it 12 specimens winter apples, single variety.," 12 "4 autumn " variety table apples. Louis Allard, Grosse Point, 1 blood beet, amateur.. J. M. Norton, Troy, 1 peck table potatoes. " 1 peck seedling " 1" 2 quinces, amateurs. P. Parsons, Detroit, 4 Fulton winter squashes. Mrs. E. H. Haskell, Monroe, 1 peck tomatoes. Hiram Walker, Detroit, variety culinary vegetables. " 12 turnip rooted beets. " 12 blood beets. " 12 early short horn carrots. " 12 early I short horn carrots. 12 long orange carrots. " 12 long white carrots. " 12 parsneps. " 12 roots salsify. " 1 peck sweet potatoes. 12 90 Hiram Walker, Detroit, 6 drum head cabbage. i" " peck red onions. " " i peck white Portugal onions. " - peck yellow onions. " 3 winter crook neck squashes. " 3 vegetable marrow " i peck Lima beans. " peck white marrow beans. " peck early valentine beans. " " 12 garlics. " 1 peck white turnips. " 1 peck white meshanock potatoes. " " 2 squashes, Piper's. H. G. Vorce, Springwells, 2 heads cauliflowers. " 5 drum head cabbage. it" " 6 roots salsify. Geo. S. Horne], Detroit, 4 sugar beets. " 1 potatoe. C. A. Green, Avon, 1 peck table potatoes, pink eyes. " " peck " Lee. 1 peck " Mercer. " " 1 peck " peach blows. " 1 peck white mountain beans. it" " 1 peck royal white beans. H. Walker, Detroit, variety pears, amateur. " I plate Beurre d'Ormberg, amateur. 1 plate secke, " 1 plate passecolmar, " 1" plate Napoleon, " " 1 plate buffom, 4 " 1 peck quinces, " variety of grapes, native, "2 plates " Isabella, 1 plate " Catawba, " " 1 plate " Clinton, " Chas. Boez, Detroit, 6 heads cauliflowers. it " " 1 winter squash. 91 J. Miller, Plymouth, 1 peck table potatoes. H. Walker, Detroit, 2 orange water melons. (C" " 1 peck tomatoes. variety cut flowers. a " 4 round bouquets. c " "2 baskets cut flowers. " " 1 plate " " " 1 saucer " " 4 round bouquets, dahlias. ('~" 1 round bouquet, double balsams. Simeon Pompard, Hamtramck, 1 peck blue meshanock potatoes.. " " 5 citrons. ((" " 1 squash, ox heart. Manly Mason, Buffalo, N. Y., collection green house plants. C. A. Green, Avon, 24 autumn apples. J. M. Norton, Troy, 12 autumn apples. A. E. Pardee, Plymouth, 1 peck winter apples. 44" " 2 pumpkins. M. Northrup, " 2 varieties winter apples, amateur. I. Bently, Monroe, 40 varieties table apples, professional. Geo. Crabb, Detroit, i peck yellow onions. it " i peck red onions. cc c" 6 heads cabbage. GRAIN, FLOUR, SEEDS AND BREAD. Harvey Haynes, Coldwater, 2 bushels white oats, 48 lbs. per bushel.. H. Fisher, Gross Point, 2 bushels spring wheat. " t 1 I " timothy seed. 49 " " 12 ears Dutton corn. 4S " " 12 ears 8 rowed yellow corn.'~' " 12 " " King Philip. 2 bushels yellow corn. Mrs. S. W. Taylor, Gross Point, 2 loaves bread, milk rising. it" " 2 " yeast rising. " " it 2 " soda rising. 92'Mrs. S. W. Taylor, Grosse Point, 2 loaves coarse bread. Mark Flanagan, Detroit, 12 ears pop corn. " " 12 ears yellow corn. " " 12 ears sweet corn. R.- R. Briggs, Romeo, 5 acres corn. " 1 acre buck wheat. 4" acre sugar beets. " " i acre carrots. Philip C. Pitt, Southfield, 1 specimen white oats, Poland. M. Fisher, Grosse Point, 12 ears seed corn, white. Sam'J L. Millis, Detroit, 1 bushel Soules' wheat.,, " ~i bush'l flint wheat. John Kirk, " 2 bushels black oats. " 2 loaves yeast rising bread. B. G. Stout, Troy, 1 bush'l Timothy seed. P. Bennett, Ypsilanti, 2 bushels beans. it" " 2 " white marrowfat peas. F. F. Parker, Detroit, 1 bush'l timothy seed. Thos. Blacket, Roseville, 2 bushels white oats. H. E. DeGarmo, Ypsilanti, 2 bushel beans. " 12 ears seed corn. B. G. Stout, Troy, 2 bushels white oats. " 1 bushel timothy seed. " 2 bushels white wheat, (winter.) " 2 ears yellow seed corn.'Wri. H. Stout, Troy, 2 bushels white oats. (' t" 1 bushel timothy seed. B. G. Stout, " 2 white dent corn. J. G. Krumbolz, Detroit, 8 stalks of evergreen sweet corn. P. Desnoyers, Hamtramck, 2 bushels yellow corn.,' " i 12 ears yellow seed corn. H. H. Herrington, Jackson, I bushel black oats. Mrs. D. D. Scott, Novi, 2 loaves yeast rising bread. " Francis Leslie, Dearborn, 1 cake corn bread. A. E. Pardee, Plymouth, 2 bushel white winter wheat. -Mrs. F. Gaines, Dearborn, 2 loaves salt rising bread. 44 " " 1 pan of biscuit, salt rising. 93 B. G. Stout, Troy, 2 bushels yellow corn. Wm. H. Stout, Troy, 2 bushels yellow corn. Thos. Cogger, Detroit, 12 ears pop corn. J. M. Norton, Troy, 12 ears white seed corn. George Hopkinson, Pontiac, 1 bushel timothy seed. H. Walker, Detroit, 12 ears' mammoth white seed corn. Edward Whitaker, Northfield, 2 loaves bread, milk rising. " 2 bushels white oats. ti" " 2 bushels wheat, blue stem. S. Jennings, Troy, 1J bushels Poland oats. J. Starkweather, Ypsilanti, 12 ears yellow dent corn for seed, Joseph Hatch, Detroit, 1 case Boston crackers, soda biscuit and bread. MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES. S. D. Elwood & Co., Detroit, 3 blank books.' specimens of lithography. Butler & Parr, Cincinnati, Ohio, specimens writing ink. A. Stone & Co., Philadelphia, Pa., glass jars for preserving fruit, &c. Raymond & Selleck, Detroit, 1 blank book and eight bound volumes for the binding. Henry Fowler, Detroit, 2 cases Fowler's matches. J. A. Thompson, Cayuga, N. Y., 1 bbl. ground plaster, (Cayuga Plas.)y Higby & Stearns, Detroit, collection of drugs, perfumery, &c., as percatalogue. Higby & Stearns, Detroit, philosophical and surgical instruments. " Palmer's patent artificial limb. " specimen of Wright's pure carmine ink. John Garrigin, " lot of sea shells. " African parrots. " marble vases, &c. papier mache tables, &c. Eldred & Marvin, " specimens of leather belting.> John Bloom, Jr., " miniature brig. Richmonds & Backus, Detroit, 1 medium ledger and journal bound in. full Russia. 94 kRichmonds & Backus, Detroit, 1 quarto bible, Turkey morocco. 44 " " 1 copy of Moore's Works for the binding, "antique." D. C. Whitwood, Detroit, 1 coal dealers' and farmers' scale. 1 depot scale. 1 rolling mill scale, spring platform. 1 No. 7, platform scale on wheels. " 1 " 11, " " "1 union " " 1 grocers' " " 1 counter scale. " 1 druggists' scale. " 1 Ewen balance. 1 spring balance. " 1 coinometer balance. 1 gold coin-detector. D. C. Whitwood, Detroit, 1 church bell, " Meneely's." " " 1 portable hay press, "Ingersolls patent." " "1 set patent executive shears. " 1 patent case for car springs. 46 " " 1 sample of Knapp & Carter's patent hot pressed nuts. J. W. Hibbard & Co., Detroit, 1 case percussion matches. Ambrose Foster, N. Y. City, specimens of building blocks of lime and sand. J. D. Johnston, Detroit, 1 copy "Johnston's Detroit City Directory 1856-7." 0O. Bellows & Co., Detroit, 1 case containing 30 pair overshoes, 6 ladies' boots, 1 rubber horse cover, 2 piano covers, 2 table covers, 1 air cushion, 1 bed pan, 1 silk coat, 1 white coat, 1 office coat, 1 gun case, 2 caps with cape, 2 pairs of leggins, 1 rubber hat, 1 roll leather belting, 1 roll rubber belting, 1 roll hose, 12 cam springs, rubber goods. John Riley, Detroit, 1 case brass cocks, &c. George Brown, Detroit, 1 show case.,P. S. Grimes, Kalamazoo, 1 set artificial teeth on gold. 49 " " 1 set " on gutta percha. 95 S. W. Taylor, Detroit, 1 No. 3 portable galvanized iron oven. " 1 " 6 " " S. F. Hodge, " 1 set double iron pulley blocks. 1 I set single iron pulley blocks. J. H. Leroy,! " 1 Nimms' patent sash suspender. W. W. Wheeler, Detroit, 4 patent curve zinc wash boards. " 4 zinc wash boards. Palmer & Fisher, Detroit, 2 specimens blank book binding. it " 2 " morocco binding. Champion Brace, " 1 show case fire kindling. E. D. Miller, Niles, 1 rosewood metallic jointed show case. G. Marlett, Syracuse, N. Y., Chinese diamond cement. artificial honey. 4C " " tooth soap. Charles Piquette, Detroit, 1 case gold pens. C. R. Milks, 1 specimen cement roofing. J. H. Cuttin, " 1 patent life preserver. A. Valentine, Detroit, 1 clock and stand of Lake Superior ore. Wyandotte Rolling Mill, Detroit, 1 specimen manufactured iron, Lake Superior ore. Mrs. G. R. Griswold, Detroit, 1 Brazilian cage and pair wax beaks. John Stinson, N. Y. City, 1 carving knife sharpener. S. M. Flagg, " inflammatory extirpator. Carpenter, Russell & Co., Detroit, 1 30-inch car wheel. Mrs. F. Gaines, Dearborn, 1 jar pickles. Mrs. Haskell, Monroe, 1 bottle currant wine, 1856. " 1 bottle " 1855. ". 1 bottle strawberry wine, 1856. " 1 bottle raspberry " 1 assortment bottled pickles. " 1 " can fruit for table. "I " " i for pies. " 1 " preserves. it" " I " jellies. " Iss " ss syrups. " 1 bottle horse radish. A. J. Folger, Thompson's life preserver. 96 Mrs. John McCurdy, Detroit, 1 jar raspberry jam. " 1 glass raspberry jelly. Hiram Walker, Detroit, 1 bottle colored cider vinegar. E. A. Palmer, Clayville, Oneida Co., N. Y., 1 clevis. it" " " 1 measuring faucet. I. R. Cunningham, Detroit, 1 model of a.steam boat. James Turner, Monroeville, Ohio, chemical erasive soap. " " I olive palm soap. C. Worden, Ypsilanti, 4 joints stove pipe. " " swedge for stove pipe. Mrs. Haskell, Monroe, 2 varieties catsup. REPORTS OF THE VIEWING COMMITTEES AT THE SOCIETY'S EIGHTH ANNUAL FAIR, HELD ON THE DETROIT COURSE, NEAR DETROT, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, SEPT. THIRTIETH, AND OCT. FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD, 1856. DIVISION A —CATTLE. CLASS I.-SHORT HORNS. Your committee have endeavored to discharge the duties assigned them without partiality to exhibitors, and in accordance with their instructions. The very large number of animals exhibited in this class shows the high estimate in which the short horn cattle are held with many of our enterprising cattle growers. The competition in each department was very close and in many instances would have baffled the most competent judges in readily deciding the merits of each animal. In accordance with our judgment we make the following awards: Bulls five years old and over. No. 239. Sly, Fuller & Co., Plymouth, bull 6 years old, 1st premium,,$12 00& Ne. 10. A. Y. Moore, Schoolcraft, bull five years old, 2d premium. 10 00 No. 60. W. T. Lyons, Moscow, bull 6 years old, 3d premium,.. 8 00 Bulls three years old and under five. No. 229. A. Jewell, Dowagiac, bull 3 years old, 1st premium,.$10 00 13 98 No. 23. J. Starkweather, Ypsilanti, bull 3 years old, 2d pre. mium,. e $8 00 No. 98. F. S. Finley, Ann Arbor, bull 4 years old, 3d prem.,. 6 00 Bulls 2 years old. No. 76. J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, bull 2 years old, 1st prem., $8 00 No. 220. H. T. Bancroft, Romeo, bull 2 years old, 2d prem.,. 6 00 No. 239. Wm. Coates, Grosse Point, bull 2 years old, 3d prem., 4 00 Bulls one year old. No. 77. J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, bull 1 year old, 1st prem... $7 00 No. 130. Silas Sly, Plymouth, bull 1 year old, 2d premium,. - 5 00 No. 24. J. Starkweather, Ypsilanti, bull 1 year old, 3d prem.,. 3 00 Bull calves. No. 184. Leonard Lee, Ray, bull calf 7 months old, 1st prem., $5 00 No. 217. W. Frink, Battle Creek, bull calf 6 months old, 2d premium,-. --- 4 00 No 79. J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, bull calf 9 months old, 3d premium, -. ". 3 00 Cows five years old and over. No. 216. W. Frink, Battle Creek, cow 5 years old, 1st prem.,$10 00 No. 69. J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, cow 9 years old, 2d premium, 8 00 No. 129. Silas Sly, Plymouth, cow 6 years old, 3d premium, 6 00 Cows three years old and under five. No. 70. J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, cow 4 years old, 1st prem.,$10 00 No. 241. Fuller & Co., Plymouth, cow 3 years old, 2d prem., 8 00 No. 3. J. L. Kelsey, Washington, cow 3 years old, 3d premium, 6 00 Heifers two years old. No. 132. Silas Sly, Plymouth, heifer 1 year old, 1st premium, $8 00 No. 71. J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, heifer 1 year old, 2d prem., 6 00 No. 131. Silas Sly, Plymouth, heifer 1 year old, 3d premium, 4 00 Heifer Calves. No. 90. H. E. Degarmo, Ypsilanti, heifer calf 5 months old, 1st premium,.-..... $5 00 No. 26. J. Starkweather, Ypsilanti, heifer calf 3~ months old, 2d premium,.. — 4 00 99 No. 75. J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, heifer calf 5 months old, 3d premium,.................................... $3 00 CLASS III.-HEREFORDS.-None offered. JAMES V. DE PUY, DAVID INGALLS, JOHN STARKWEATHER Committee. CLASS IL-DEVON. The exhibition of this class of stock was not large, but it comprised some of the best animals ever exhibited in this State. The two year old bulls receiving the first and second premiums were of so nearly equal merit, the committee were at quite a loss to which to give the preference. The same is also true of the two year old heifers. We found the pedigree of but very few of the animals, and to exclude those not having it would be to exclude a large portion of the best stock on exhibition. We submit the following awards: Devon Bullsfive years old or over. No. 59. W. Frink, Battle Creek, bull 6 years old, 1st prem.,.$12 00 No competition. Bulls three years old and under five. No. 118. J. Pridgen, California, bull 4 years old, 1st premium,$10 00 No. 226. F. Pastorious, Saginaw City, bull three years old, 2d premium.. - - --. 8 00 No. 53. M. Shoemaker, Jackson, bull 4 years old, 3d premium, 6 00 Bulls two years old. No. 109. C. H. Williams, Coldwater, bull two years old, 1st premium. - a. -.. w.. $8 00 No. 97. J. W. Childs, Paint Creek, bull 2 years old, 2d prem., 6 00 No. 208. Gideon Stoddard, Litchfield, bull 2 years old, 3d prem., 4 00 100 Bulls one year old. No. 125. C. VAnvalkenburg, Hillsdale, bull 1 year old, 2d premium, -..5.. 00 No. 54. M. Shoemaker, Jackson, bull 1 year old, 3d premium, 3 00 Bull Calves. No. 115. C. H. Williams, Coldwater, bull calf, f5 months old, 1st premium,.. 85 00 No. 116. C. H. Williams, Coldwater, bull calf 4 months old, 2d premium, -4 00 No. 126. C. Vanvalkenburg, Hillsdale, bull calf 6 months old, 3d premium,..... 3 00 Cows five years old or over. No. 55. M. Shoemaker, Jackson, cow 8 years old, 1st prem..$10 00 No. 110. C. H. Williams, Coldwater, cow 7 years old, 2d premium, - -,,....... 8 00 No. 111. C. H. Williams, Coldwater, cow 5 years old, 3d premium,-. 6 00 Cows three years old and under five. No. 56. M. Shoemaker, Jackson, cow 3 years old, 1st premium,$10 00 No. 123. C. Vanvalkenburg, Hillsdale, cow 3 years old, 2d premium,-. -...............8 00 No. 124. C. Vanvalkenburg, Hillsdale, cow 3 years old, 3d premium,-... -.-..... 6 00 Heifers two years old. No. 157. Thos. Blackett, Warren, heifer 2 years old, 1st prem., $8 00 No. 112. C. H. Williams, Coldwater, heifer 2 " 2d prem., 6 00 No. 113. " " " 2' 3d prem., 4 00 Heifers one year old. No. 114. C. H. Williams, Coldwater, heifer 1 year old, 1st premium,- -. -..... $7 00 101 Heifer Calves. No. 117. C. H. Williams, Coldwater, heifer calf 4 months old, 1st premium,-.-....5........ $A 00 CLASS Iv.-AYRsHIREs.-None offered. S. 0. KNAPP, LYMAN FULLER, Committee. The committee on class 5, cross of Blood Cattle, and class 7, Native Cattle, beg to make the following report: CLASS V.-CROSS OF BLOOD CATTLE. Cows five years old and over. No. 185. J. C. Williams, Greenfield, cow 9 years old, lst premium,..$10 00 No. 189. Peter Desnoyers, Detroit, cow 7 years old, 2d prem.,. 8 00 Cows three years old and under five. No. 174. B. D. Rogers, Vienna, cow 4 years old, 1st prem.,. $10 00 No. 63. Wm. Congdon, Plymouth, cow 3 " 2d "... 6 00 No. 17-6. B. D. Rogers, Vienna, cow 4 " 3d "... 4 00 Heifers one year old. No. 67. Wm. Congdon, Plymouth, heifer 1 year old, 1st prem., $5 00 Hfefer Calves. No. 27. John Starkweather, Ypsilanti, heifer calf 3S months old, 1st premium,.................. 14 00 No. 179. B. D. Rogers, Vienna, heifer calf 6 months old, 2d premium,................ 4 00 CLASS VII.-NATIVE CATTLE. Cowsfive years old or over. No. 209. Gideon Stoddard, Litchfield, cow 7 years old, 1st premium,....,,,,10 00 No. 6. James Smith, Greenfield, cow 8 years old, 2d premium, 8 00 No. 7. " " " 8 " 3d " 6 00 Heifer two years old. No. 19. David Thompson, Detroit, heifer 2 years old, 1st prem., $7 00 Heifers one year old. No. 149. James Smith, Greenfield, heifer 1 year old, 1st prem., $5 00 No. 148. " " " 1 " 2d " 4 00 Heifer Calves. No. 20. David Thompson, Detroit, heifer calf 10 months old, Ist premium,.... $4 00 B. PIERSON, R. A. CARMAN, C. O. TYRRELL, Committee. CLASS VI. —CROSS OF BLOOD AND NATIVE CATTLE. The committee on class 6, cross of Blood and Native Cattle, report the following awards: No. 49. George Blumburgh, Royal Oak, bull 5 years old, let premium,- - $12 00 No. 181. Leonard Lee, Ray, bull 5 years old, 2d premium,.. - 10 00 No. 219. H. Houk, Plymouth, bull 5 " 3d " -.. 8 00 Bulls three years old and under five. No. 99. Daniel Bray, Northville, bull 4 years old, 1set premium, $10 00 No. 221. A. Nichols, Quincy, bull 4 " 2d " 8 00 No. 9. Norton Lapham, Farmington, bull 4" 3d " 6 00 Bulls two years old. No. 170. John Common, Roseville, bull 2 years old, 1st prem., $8 00 No. 18. M. Fisher, Grosse Point, bull 2 " 2d "- 6 00 No. 180. S. B. Chamberlain, Romeo, bull 2 " 3d " 4 0O Bulls one year old. No. 224. O. L. M. Easterly, Marshall, bull 1 year old, 1st premium, $7 00 103 Bull Calves. No. 235. C. W. Green, Farmington, bull calf 8 months old, 1st premium, o-. $5 00 No. 165. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, bull calf 7 months old, 2d premium,- 4 00 Cowsfive years old. No. 150. D. M. Uh], Ypsilanti, cow 6 years old, 1st prem.,...$10 00 No. 162. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, cow 5 " 2d " ---- 8 00 No. 210. Gideon Stoddard, Litchfield, cow 5 years old, 3d premium, — 6 00 Cows three years old and under five. No. 152. D. M. Uhl, Ypsilanti, cow 3 years old, let prem.,. -.$10 00 No. 151. "' cow 4 " 2d ". 8 00 No. 93. H. E. Degarmo," cow 3 "* 3d ". 6 00 Heifers two years old. No. 140. Silas Sly, Plymouth, heifer 2 years old, 1st prem.,-. $8 00 No. 143. B. G. Stout, Troy, " 2 " 2d ".. 6 00 No. 139. Silas Sly, Plymouth, " 2 " 3d " -. 4 00 Heifers one year old. No. 94. H. E. DeGarmo, Ypsilanti, heifer 1 year old, 1st prem., $7 00 No. 62. James Connelly, Marshall, " 1 " 2d " 5 00 No. 186. J. C. Williams, Greenfield, " 1 " 3d " 3 00 Heifer Calves. No. 28. John Starkweather, Ypsilanti, heifer calf 5i months old, 1st premium, $5 00 No. 52. George Blumburgh, Royal Oak, heifer calf 7 weeks old, 2d premium, 4 00 No. 145. B. G. Stout, Troy, heifer calf 6 months old, 3d premium, 3 00 Your committee would respectfully say, that the two cows numbered 64 and 65, respectively, were noticed and would have been awarded a premium, as they were fine animals, but the committee learned that they did not belong to the exhibitor, and according to the rules and regulations of the Society, a premium could not be awarded them. 104 Among the animals presented for competition in this class, there were many worthy specimens, but the list being full no further awards could be made. D. W. TAYLOR, D. M. UHL, Committee. The committee on class 8, Working Oxen, and class 9, Steers, make the following report: Working Oxen. No. 58. W. Frink, Battle Creek, 1 pr. working oxen, let prem., $10 00 No. 160. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, 1 pair " 2d " 8 00 No. 101. R. P. Wixom, Farmington, 1 pair " 3d " 6 00 No. 158. J. S. Tibbitts Plymouth, Wayne county, for the best five yoke of working oxen from one county,. 15 00 Steers. No. 188. Brayton Flint, Novi, 1 pair steers 4 years old, slet premium,.....-...-..$10 00 No. 161. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, 1 pair steers 4 years old, 2d premium,.-.. 8 00 No. 30. J. Starkweather, Ypsilanti, 1 pair steers 3 years old, 1st premium,............. 9 00 No. 29. J. Starkweather, Ypsilanti, 1 pair steers 3 years old, 2d premium, 7 00 No. 96. H. E. DeGarmo, Ypsilanti, I pair steers 2 years old, 1st premium,. 6 00 All of which is respectfully submitted. WM. A. HALL, GEORGE CLARK, JR., Committee. -OLASSES X. &- XI.-FAT CATTLE. CLASS XII.-MILCH COWS. Your committee on Fat Cattle and Milch Cows award the following,premiums: 105 No. 142. Silas Sly, Plymouth, 1 pair fat steers 5 years old, 1st premium,.- $10 00 No. 31. John Starkweather, Ypsilanti, 1 fat steer 3 years old, 1st premium,.-............................ 5 00 No. 141. Silas Sly, Plymouth, 1 fat steer 3 years old, 2d prem., 4 00 No. 167. Wm. Smith, Detroit, 1 fat cow 4 " 1st " 5 00 Milch Cows. No. 5. James Smith, Greenfield, native milch cow, 11 years old, lst premium,.-.-.* *........$10 00 No. 6. James Smith, Greenfield, native milch cow, 8 years old, 2d premium,... 8 00 No. 95. H. E. DeGarmo, Ypsilanti, grade milch cow, 8 years old, 3d premium,. 6 00 ROBERT ROME, B. B. CHURCH, Committee. CLASS XIII. —-FOREIGN CATTLE. The committee to whom was assigned the duty of examining Foreign Cattle, have performed that duty as well as the limited time allotted to them would allow, and they respectfully submit the following awards: Short Horn Bulls. No. 239. P. J. Latshaw, Toledo, Ohio, bull 4 years old, lat premium,-* $10 00 Nos. 192 and 193. R. C. Ellis, Homer, N. Y., bull 5 years old, and grade calf 4 months old,.-.-. -. Diploma. No. 80. J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, Mich., bull 2 years old, 1st premium, 7 00 No. 134. Silas Sly, Plymouth, Mich., bull 1 year old, 1st premium,.5 00 No. 136. J. M. Hough, Canton, Mich., bull calf 7 months old, Ist premium,.... 5 00 106 Shirt Horn Cows. Silas Sly, Plymouth, Mich., cow 3 years old or over, 1st prem., $10 00 No. 86. J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, Mich., heifer 2 years old, 1st premium, 7 00 No. 87. J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, Mich,, heifer 1 year old, 1st premium,- -. -.-* 5 00 No. 134. Silas Sly, Plymouth, Mich., calf 5 months old, 1st premium, -........ —---—.5 00 No. 69. J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, Mich., cow 8 years old, recommend.Diploma. Devon Bulls. John Saul, London, C. W., bull 3 years old or over, 1st prem., $10 00 No. 113. C. H. Williams, Coldwater, Mich., bull 2 years old or over, 1st premium, -.7 00 No. 106. J. W. Hamlin, Willink, N. Y., bull 1 year old, 1st premium,...... 5 00 No. 116. C. H. Williams, Coldwater, Mich., bull calf 4 months old, 1st premium,-.. X5 00 Devon Cows. No. 110. 0. H. Williams, Coldwater, Mich., cow 7 years old, 1st premium,. -$10 00 No. 113. C. H. Williams, Coldwater, Mich., heifer 2 years old, 1st premium,- 7 00 No. 114. C. H. Williams, Coldwater, Mich., heifer 1 year old, 1st premium,- 5 00 No. 117. C. H. Williams, Coldwater, Mich., calf 4 months old, 5 00 There was a very fine grade heifer, 2 years old, exhibited by Wmin. Wingfield, of C. W. She is a very superior animal, and we recommend a Diploma. All which is respectfully submitted. J. S. TIBBITTS, Chairman. 107 DIVISION A-HORSES. CLASS XIV. —HORSES FOR ALL WORK. The committee on class 14, Horses for all work, report the following awards: Stallions, four years old or over. No. 47. A. C. Fisk, Coldwater, Black Hawk Morgan, " Othello," 1st premium,-.-. $12 00No. 36. P. B. Richardson, Worth, Morgan, "Green Mountain, Jr.," 2d premium, — - - 10 00 No. 300. W. S. H. Welton, Grand Rapids, Messenger, "Messenger," 3d premium,. 8 00 Stallions, three years old. No. 120. Andrew Cook, Richfield, cross blood, "Black Victor," lst premium,..-10 00 No. 125. A. Fisher, Redford, 2d premium, - 8 00 No. 281. C. W. Green, Farmington, " Sam," 3d premium,.. 5 00 Stallions, two years old. No. 87. J. M. Barber, Parma, Norman, "Tom," 1st premium,. 9 00 No. 268. W. White, Southfield, "Consternation," 2d premium, 7 00 No. 27. F. E. Eldred, Detroit, Jackson, " Wild Dayrell," 3d premium, - -- ---------- 5 00 Stallions, one year old. No. 157. Brayton Flint, Novi, Bob Letcher, " Bob," 1st premium, 8 00 No. 53. E. N. Wilcox, Detroit, Messenger, "Abdallah Roebuck," 2d premium, 6 00 Sucking Stallion Colts. No. 84. F. W. Backus, Detroit, Jackson, "S. P. Brady," 1st premiun,. 5 00 No. 156. Brayton Flint, Novi, Eclipse, "John," 2d premium,.. 3 00 Brood Mares, four years old or over, with Colt, or Colts by her side. No. 136. D. M. Uhl, Ypsilanti, Messenger and Prince mare, 6 years old, "Bragg," 1st premium,.. 12 00 108'No. 124. A. Fisher, Redford, mare, 9 years old, 2d premium,.$10 00 No. 271. S. D. Brown, Farmington, Morgan and Duroc mare, 7 years old, 3d premium,.......... 8 00 Mares, three years old. No. 138. D. M. Uhl, Ypsilanti, Messenger mare, 3 years old, 1st premium,.... 9 00 No. 132. D. Flint, Novi, Roman mare, 3 years old, 2d premium,-7?....... 7 00 Mares, two years old. No. 141. D. M. Uhl, Ypsilanti, mare, 2 years old, " Clara," 1st premium,. 8 00 -No. 140. D. M. Uhl, Ypsilanti, mare 2 years old, "Nellie," 2d premium,.......-... 6 00 No. 192. C. A. Green, Troy, mare, 2 years old, 3d premium,. 4 00 M'ares, one year old. No. 56. E. N. Wilcox, Detroit, Boston and Messenger mare, 1 year old, "Winona," 1st premium,. 6 00 No. 142. D. M. Uhl, Ypsilanti, Toronto mare, 1 year old, " Gazelle," 2d premium, -.5 00 Sucking Mare Colts. No. 139. D. M. Uhl, Ypsilanti, Henry Clay mare, 4 months old, "Brunette," 1st premium,................. 5 00 No. 73. E. Perkins, Birmingham, mare, 3 months old, " Jessie," 2d premium,...........-...... 3 00 There was a very large show of Horses and Colts in this class, and the committee were, in many cases, at a loss in awarding the 3d premium. All of which is respectfully submitted. S. M. SEELY, J. H. RICHARDSON, GEORGE C. MUNRO, Committee. 109 CLASS XV. —-BLOOD HORSES. The committee on class 15, Blood Horses, report the following awards: No. 297. John Hamilton, Flint, blood stallion 5 years old, "Grey Eagle," 1st premium, Silver Cup worth.-. $10 00 No. 183. C. A. Jefferies, Dexter, blood mare 7 years old, "Madeline," 1st premium, Silver Cup worth. 10 00 - No. 164. H. Chappel, Detroit, blood mare 7 years old, "Ida," 2d premium,........10 00' No. 184. C. A. Jefferies, Dexter, blood mare 6 years old, "Dora," 3d premium,... 8 00No. 21. F. E. Eldred, Detroit, blood mare 10 years old, "Lady Jane,"...-.... Discretionary premium.. H. F. W. PUTNAM, Chairman. CLASS XVI.-DRAUGHT HORSES. CLASS XX.-JACKS AND MULES. The committee on Draught Horses would report that the show of,that class of horses was very meagre, consequently but little competition. The premiums were awarded as follows, to wit: No. 89. E. W. Rising, Richfield, English stallion 6 years old, "Duke of York," 1st premium,- $10 00 No. 1 6. John Hill, Richfield, Alfred stallion 3 y'rs old, "Young Alfred," 1st premium,., 9 00 No. 171. J. Goodsell, Greenfield, Sampson stallion 3 years old, "Bulger," 2d premium, 7 00 One 3 year old mare was shown, no competition, and not considered worthy of a premium. One Jack and one Jennet exhibited, but not considered worthy of a, premium, not being of a suitable size for breeding purposes. THOMAS ELLIS, JUSTUS GAGE, A. Y. MOORE, Committee. 110 CLASS XVII.-TROTTING STALLIONS. The committee to whom was assigned the duty of examining class No. 17, Trotting Stallions, respectfully report: That they have performed that duty, and have been especially pleased with the animals exhibited. All were good, most of them superior, and the award of premiums, though indicating in the opinion of the committee, correct preference in all cases, must not be understood as disparaging in any sense to the other competitors. Mr. McGregor's horse, "New York Black Hawk," and Mr. Burwell's horse, "Black Hawk Charley," are both very fine horses, and will rank deservedly high as trotting stallions anywhere. Rarely has the committee seen a more perfectly formed animal than " New York Black Hawk," or one of equal action. Considering, however, all the elements which constitute the most desirable horse from which to breed trotting stock, the committee have awarded the premiums as follows: Trotting Stallions, five years old or over. No. 129. S. T. Turner, Ypsilanti, Black Hawk stallion, "Washtenaw Chief," 8 years old, 1st premium, silver cup, worth. 12 00 No. 146. A. C. Fisk, Coldwater, Black Hawk stallion, " Vermont Hero," 7 years old, 2d premium,..................... 10 00 No. 115. Smith & Crippen, Coldwater, Black Hawk stallion, "Green Mountain Black Hawk," 6 years old, 3d premium, 8 00 Stallions, four years old. No. 7. E. M. Crippen, Coldwater, Black Hawk stallion, "Sherman Black Hawk, Jr.," 4 years old, 1st premium,-. 10 00 No. 306. J. Parish, Hamtramck, Sir Henry stallion, "Cossack," 2d premium, 8 00 Both of these are fine Colts. They went in good time, and in fine style, and the committee would cheerfully add that Mr. A. Lapham's "' Frank Moscow,;" entered in this class, is, in their opinion, a most excellent horse, combining great strength with unusual speed. There being but one animal exhibited as a three years old, the committee, under their instructions, could make no award to that one. In closing this report, the committee cannot withhold an expression of their gratification at this exhibition, and they congratulate the Soci 111 ety, thne farmers of the State, and especially the owners of the several horses exhibited, on their success in this particular. "Washtenaw Chief" is a model trotting horse; and though' "Vermont Hero" and "Green Mountain Black Hawk" are somewhat inferior to him in speed, they may well defy other competition. CHA'S E. STUART, A. L. HAYS, S. P. BRADY, Committee. Single Trotting Geldings and Mares. No. 329. M. Shoemaker, Jackson, gelding, 5 years old, "Dick," slt premium,.. — Diploma. No. 233. H. C. Kibbee, Detroit, stallion, 2 years old, "Jackson Black Hawk," Discretionary. No. 101. J. H. Caniff, Detroit, mare, 4 years old, "Kate Lawrence," - Diploma, as a superior trotting mare. No.'76. M. E. Crofoot, Pontiac, grey gelding, "Pontiac," 8 years old,..-. Diploma, as a superior trained trotting horse.'No. 166. Charles Dickey, Marshall, bay gelding, 7 years old, " Ben," Diploma, as a superior trained trotting horse. D. Carver, Bellevue, Huron co., Ohio, Diploma, for a superior trotting mare. The Horses numbered 76 and 166 were, by the rules, excluded from competition, but the committee think that the premiums recommended should be awarded to them. S. P. BRADY, W. L. P. LITTLE, Committee. CLASS XVIII. —MATCHED AND SINGLE HORSES. The commtitee on Matched and Single Horses, make the following treport: 112 Matched Carriage Horses four years old or over. No. 19. H. S. Ismon, Jackson, pair matched horses 6 years old, 1st premium,-. _.....*$12 00 No. 319. E. W. Hudson, Detroit, pair matched mares 9 years old, 2d premium,. 10 00 Matched Horses for all work. No. 102. David Lewis, Howell, pair horses 4 and 5 years old, 1st premium,. -12 00 No. 282. H. Bogart, Novi, pair horses 4 years old, 2d prem.,.. 10 00 No. 274. Wm. Dingman, Farmington, pair horses 3 years old, ist premium,... 10 00 No. 38. A. T. Pettis, Flint, 1 pair horses 3 years old, 2d prem., 5 00 BMatched.Draught Horses. No. 221. Myron Gates, Plymouth, pair horses 5 and 6 years old, 1st premium,.. $12 00 No. 69. Samuel Aplin, Flint, pair horses 5 and 6 years old, 2d premium, ------------------—. 10 00 Single Horses. No. 37. A. VanSlyke, Flint, gelding 7 years old, 1st premium, $8 00 No. 166. Chas. Dickey, Marshall, gelding 7" 2d " 6 00 No. 191. C. A. Green, Troy, " 3" 1st " 6 00 No. 85. D. V. Dean, Paw Paw, best trained saddle horse,..Diploma. No. 237. Chas. B. C. Howard, Detroit, Shetland pony mare 7 years old, discretionary,.-. *.. 3 00 E. N. WILCOX, Chairman. FEMALE EQUESTRIANISM. The committee on Female Equestrianism report the following awards: Equestrianism on the Saddle. No. 331. Miss Laura Jane Millis, Detroit, 1st premium, Silver Cup worth- $10 00 No. 333. Miss Julia Shaw, Detroit, discretionary premium,... 5 00I No. 326. Mrs. Betsey Jane Peck, Livonia, ".... 5 00 No. 334. Mrs. H. M. Holliday, Detroit, "': 5 00 113 Equestrianism with Horse in Harness. No. 327. Mrs. J. T. Hinman, Lapeer, lst premium, Silver Cup worth -....$10 00 No. 328. Miss Green, Troy, discretionary premium, 5 00 W. L. P. LITTLE, F. W. BACKUS, L. B. MIZNER, H. C. KIBBEE, H. H. EMMONS, Committee. CLASS XIX.-FOREIGN HORSES. The committee on class 19, Foreign Horses, beg leave to report that although the number of entries in this class was quite large, the horses actually brought forward for inspection were not as numerous as was expected. In the division of Stallions for all Work, the committee are of the opinion that No. 214, "Black Hawk Messenger," entered by L. Sharp, of Lockport, N. Y., is entitled to the premium for the best, as against all other foreign horses:that were exhibited, but in competition with horses owned in this~State, and which were actually exhibited, the committee think that No. 115, chestnut stallion, entered by Smith & Crippen, of Coldwater, Mich., is entitled to their award as a successful competitor; combining, in their judgment, more elegance of carriage and freedom of motion. They, therefore award him the premium of a Diploma. We recommend to No. 214 a discretionary premium. The candidates in the division of Blood Stallions, while showing various proofs of true lineage, sufficient to challenge the admiration of the committee, were deficient in that real documentary evidence which is requisite to entitle them toirank as thorough bred horses. Of the two that deserve paramount attention, one produced a pedigree, but it was defective in some particulars; and the other had unfortunately left his papers at home. The committee award to No. 325, "Don Juan," entered by D. B. 15 114 Hibbard, of Jackson, Mich., a Diploma, as the best blood stallion exhibited; and recommend No. 135, " White Lock," entered by Thomas Horsman, of Amherstburgh, C. W., for a discretionary premium. Of the Draught Stallions, No. 18, "Sovereign," entered by Peter McTavish, of Perth, C. W., is awarded the first premium, a Diploma. The only Mares exhibited were in the class of All Work, and a Diploma is awarded to No. 124, entefed by A. Fisher, of Redford, Mich., as a successful competitor against foreign mares exhibited. Stallions for All Work. No. 115. Smith & Crippen, Coldwater, stallion, 6 years old, " Green Mountain Black Hawk,"- -Diploma. No. 214. L. Sharp, Lockport, N. Y., " Black Hawk Messenger," Discretionary. Blood Stallions. No. 325. D. B. Hibbard, Jackson, Mich., stallion, "Don Juan," 6 years old,. Diploma. No. 135. Thomas Horsman, Amherstburgh, C. W., stallion, "' White Lock," 5 years old, Discretionary..Draught Stallions. No. 18. Peter McTavisb, Perth, C. W., stallion, "Sovereign," 6 years old, 1st premium, -Diploma. No. 124. A. Fisher, Redford, Mich., mare, 9 years old, for all ium, —.. -- Diploma. E. N. WILLARD, R. ROOT, JOHN C. WILLIAMS, IRA B. GROS-qENOR, Committee. DIVISION B-SHEEP. CLASS I.-SPANISH MERINO SHEEP AND THEIR GRADES. The committee on class 1, Spanish Merino Sheep and their Grades, make the following awards: 115 No. 100. B. Peckham, Parma, buck 3 years old or over, 1st premium, Diploma and. $5 00 No. 127. J. A. Fellows, Manchester, buck 3 years old or over, 2d premium,......................5 00 No. 156. G. W. Gale, Ypsilanti, buck 2 years old, 1st premium, Diploma and.- 5 00 No. 128. J. H. Fellows, Manchester, buck 2 years old, 2d prem., 5 00 No. 129. *" " "1 " 1st " Diploma and..- 5 00 No. 101. B. Peckham, Parma, 5 buck lambs, 1st premium, Diploma and.- 4 00 No. 157. G. W. Gale, Ypsilanti, 5 buck lambs, 2d premium,-. 4 00 No. 102. B. Peckham, Parma, 5 ewes 3 years old or over, 1st premium,- 8 00 No. 158. G. W. Gale, Ypsilanti, 5 ewes 3 years old or over, 2d premium,.6 00 No. 130. J. H. Fellows, Manchester, 5 ewes 3 years old or over, 3d premium, —--- 4 00 No. 103. B. Peckham, Parma, 5 ewes 2 years old, 1st prem.,. 6 00 No. 159. G. W. Gale, Ypsilanti, 5 ewes 2 " 2d " 5 00 No. 131. J. H. Fellows, Manchester, 5 owes 2" 3d " 4 00 No. 104. B. Peckham, Parma, 5 ewes 1 " 1st " 6 00 No. 132. J. H. Fellows, Manchester, 5 ewes 1 " 2d " 5 00 No. 138. " " 5 ewes 1 " grade, 3d premium,. 4 00 No. 160. G. W. Gale, Ypsilanti, 5 ewe lambs, 1st premium,.. 6 00 No. 105. B. Peckham, Parma, 5 " 2d " i. 5 00 No. 133. J. H. Fellows, Manchester, 5 " 3d " Li 4 00 No. 193, a Spanish merino ewe 1 year old, also 194, a Spanish merino ewe two years old, exhibited by White & Gunnings, of Gaines, Orleans county, N. Y., are deserving of notice, but the number not being sufficient, no premium is awarded them. B. G. STOUT, WM. BEACH, J. P. GILLETT, C. H. ROCKWOOD, Committee. CLASS II.-FRENCH MERINO SHEEP AND THEIR GRADES. The committee on class 2, French Merino Sheep and their Grades, beg to make the following report: No. 161. G. W. Gale, Ypsilanti, buck, 3 years old or over, 1st premium, Diploma and —. $5 00 No. 108. W. S. Beach, Farmington, buck, 3 years old or over, 2d premium,......... 5 00 No. 80. A. Henry, Borodino, buck, 2 years old, 1st premium, Diploma and 5 00 No. 165. G. W. Gale, Ypsilanti, buck, 2 years old, 2d premium, 5 00 No. 92. L. I. Thompson, Hillsdale, buck one year old, 1st premium, Diploma and. -.. 4 00 No. 166. G. W. Gale, Ypsilanti, buck 1 year old, 2d premium, 4 00 No. 167. G. W. Gale, Ypsilanti, 5 ewes 3 years old or over, 1st premium,.... 8 00 No. 81. A. Henry, Borodino, 5 ewes 3 years old or over, 2d premium,.-. 6 00 Ewes, two years old-none offered. No. 82. A. Henry, Borodino, 5 ewes 1 year old, 1st premium, 6 00 None worthy of 2d or 3d premium. No. 109. W. S. Beach, Farmington, 5 buck lambs, 1st premium, Diploma and 4 00 Ewe lambs-none offered. N. M. THOMAS, W. L. COONLEY, STEPHEN BROWN, Committee. CLASS III.-SAXON AND SILESIAN SHEEP AND THEIR GRADES. No. 119. J. P. Gillett, Manchester, Saxon buck 3 years old, 2d premium, $5 00 No. 120. J. P. Gillett,,Manchester, Saxon buck, 2 years old, 1st premium, Diploma and 5 00 No. 122. J. P. Gillett, Manchester, Saxon buck, 2 years old, 2d premium, 5 00 117 No. 201. J. P. Gillett, Manchester, Saxon buck, 1 year old, 2d premium, $4 00 No. 121. J. P. Gillett, Manchester, 5 Saxon buck lambs, 1st premium, Diploma and......... —- 5 00 No. 123. J. P. Gillett, Manchester, 5 Saxon ewes 3 years old or over, 1st premium,. -. 8 00 No. 124. J. P. Gillett, Manchester, 5 Saxon ewes 2 years old, Ist premium,.- -.. 6 00 No. 125. J. P. Gillett, Manchester, 5 Saxon ewes 1 year old, 1st premium, ----------- -------. —----- 6 00 No, 126. J. P. Gillett, Manchester, 5 Saxon ewe lambs, 1st premium, -. 6 00 No. 106. N. S. Schuyler, Birmingham, Silesian buck 3 years old, lst premium, Diploma and- 5 00 This is a very fine animal, good shape, good heft of carcass, and superior quality of wool. We do not doubt his being a thorough bred sheep, and well worthy the first premium. No. 118. J. P. Gillett, Manchester, Silesian buck, Diploma. There was but little choice between No. 106 and No. 118, and Mr. Gillett's sheep having received the first premium in the same class last year, would not be entitled to the first premium this year. We therefore recommend the award of a Diploma. LANSING K. JENNE, BIRDSEYE DEWEY, ALONZO SESSIONS, Committee. CLASS IV.-SOUTEDOWN SHEEP AND THEIR GRADES. The committee to whom was referred the above class of sheep, are much gratified to be able to say that the sheep comprising this list, are all of a superior quality, particularly the yearlings and lambs. The following awards have been made: No. 48. Wm. Whitfield, Waterford, back 3 years old or over, 1st premium, Diploma and $5 00 No. 49. Wm. Whitfield, Waterford, buck 3 years old or over, 2d premium,. 5 00 118 No. 50. Wm. Whitfield, Waterford, buck 2 years old, 1st premium, Diploma and $5 00 No. 30. Daniel Whitfield, Pontiac, buck 2 years old, 2d prem., 5 00 -No. 74. J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, buck 1 year old, 1st " Diploma and ---- -------- 4 00'No. 23. Dariel Whitfield, Pontiac, buck 1 year old, 2d prem.,. 4 00'No. 51. Wm. Whitfield, Waterford, 5 buck lambs, 1st prem., Diploma and.. -4 00'No. 151. Dayton Andrus, Sterling, 5 buck lambs, 2d premium, 4 00 Ne. 24. Daniel Whitfield, Pontiac, 5 ewes 3 years old or over, 1st premium,- 8 00 No. 25. Daniel Whitfield, Pontiac, 5 ewes 3 years old or over, 2d premium,- -.6 00 No. 2. Wmin. Maiden, Redford, 5 grade ewes 3 years old or over, 3d premium,-....... 4 00 No. 27. Daniel Whitfield, Pontiac, 5 ewes 2 years old, Ist premium,.6 00 No. 26. Daniel Whitfield, Pontiac, 5 ewes 2 years old, 2d premium, -------------------------------- -- 5 00 No. 152. Dayton Andrus, Sterling, 5 ewes 2 years old, 3d premium, 4 00 No. 29. Daniel Whitfield, Pontiac, 5 ewes 1 year old, 1st prem., 6 00.No. 73. J. B. Crippen, Coldwater, 5 ewes 1 " 2d " 5 00'No. 52. Wmin. Whitfield, Waterford, 5 ewes 1 " 3d " 4 00'No. 55. " " 5 ewe lambs, 1st premium, 6 00 No. 54. " " 5 " 2d " 5 00 No. 53. " " 5 " 3d " 4 00 TITUS DORT, THOS. BROWN, E. BUTTERWORTH, Committee.'CLASS'V.-LONG WOOLED SHEEP AND THEIR GRADES. The committee on Long Wooled Sheep and their Grades have awarded premiums as follows: 119 No. 85. Thomas Edwards, Ann Arbor, buck 3 years old or over, 1st premium, Diploma and $5 00 No. 86. Thomas Edwards, Ann Arbor, buck 3 years old or over, 2d premium,......-......... 5 00 No. 112. Joseph Tireman, Detroit, 5 buck lambs, 1st premium, Diploma and — _ 4 00 No. 87. Thomas Edwards, Ann Arbor, 5 ewes 2 years old, 1st premium,-................... 6 00 No. 89. Thomas Edwards, Ann Arbor, 5 grade ewes, 1st prem., 6 00 No. 111. Joseph Tireman, Detroit, 5 ewes 3 years old, 2d prem., 5 00 No. 113. " " 5 " 2 " " 2d " 5 00 No. 114. " " 5 grade ewes 1 year old, 1st premium,............ 6 00 No. 88. Thomas Edwards, Ann Arbor, 5 ewe lambs, 1st prem., 6 00 W. WINSLOW, F. F. GERLS, B. DEWEY, Committee. CLASS VI.-CROSS OF BLOOD AND NATIVE SIIEEP. The committee on Cross of Blood and Native Sheep would respectfully report that they found but one entry in this class, viz.: No. 175, five ewes, exhibited by Byron Otis, of Greenfield. They are of good size, healthy, and fine wooled of their kind. We consider them worthy of a premium. No. 175. Byron Otis, Greenfield, 5 ewes 1 year old, 1st prem., $5 00 GEORGE A. COE, NELSON DUNHAM, Committee. CLASS VII.-FAT SHEEP, AND CLASS VIII. —-FOREIGN SHEEP. No awards for Fat Sheep. No. 3. Robert S. Fisher, Willow Bank, Chatham, C. W., Leicester buck, 2 years old,-..._ Diploma. 120 No. 76. F. Fowler, Harpurhay, C. W., Leicester buck, 1 year old, Diploma. JOHN BREWER, LORIN ANDRUS, AMBROSE TERRY, Committee. CLASS IX.-SWINE. The committee on Swine report the following awards: No. 142. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, Essex sow 2 years old, 1st premium, $5 00 No. 143. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, Essex sow 1 year old, 1st premium,- 5 00 No. 144. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, Essex sow, 1 year old, 2d premium,-.. 3 00 No. 144. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, Essex boar 1 year old, 1st premium,. - -5 00 No. 145. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymoutb, 3 Essex pigs 4 months old, 1st premium,- -. 5 00 No. 146. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, 1 Suffolk sow 1 year old, 1st premium,........... 5 00 No. 147. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, 8 Suffolk pigs 5 months old, ist premium, 5 00 ~o. 148. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, I grade sow pig 6 months old, lst premium,.. 3 00 No. 141. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, 1 Essex boar 2 years old, Diploma. No. 91. Wm. Sutton, Penfield, Leicester sow 5 months old, 1st premium, 3 00 No. 195. E. H. Cressy, Royal Oak, fat hog 4 years old, grade, 2d premium, - i3 00 No. 170. Byron Otis, Greenfield, fat hog, 1st premium, 5 00 Nos. 198, 199. S. Boalt, Norwalk, Huron co., Ohio, Suffolk boar 1 year old, and 4 Suffolk pigs, -. —-.Diploma. WM. PRICE, C. S. CROUSE, OLIVER BURDICK, JR., Committee. 121 CLASS X.-POULTRY. The committee on Poultry are of opinion that there is not that interest taken in this department that there ought to be, and we would advise poultry raisers to'renew their exertions, as it is becoming a great item in agricultural trade. They further report a good exhibition in quality, but small in number, and hope for a greater interest in this department next year. We report the following awards: No. 56. E. H. Cressy, Royal Oak, White Dorking fowls, 1st premium, $5 00 No. 4. J. P. Hodges, Hamtramck, White Dorking fowls, 2d premium,... 3 00 No. 95. L. I. Thompson, Hillsdale, best Asiatic variety fowls, 1st premium,.5 00. No. 61. E. TI. Cressy, Royal Oak, Imperial China fowls, 1st premium,. 5 00 No. 72. E. H. Cressy, Royal Oak, best variety of fowls, 1st premium,.. — -- -- 5 00 No. 95. L. I. Thompson, Hillsdale, best variety of fowls, Ed premium, -- 3 00 No. 84. H. B. Chapman, Jonesville, Summatra Pheasant game, 2d premium,... 3 00 No. 69. E. H. Cressy, Royal Oak, Aylsbury ducks, 1st prem., 3 00 No. 99. L. I. Thompson, Hillsdale, Muscovy ducks, 2d prem., 2 00 No. 174. Louis Beaufait, Grosse Point, White turkeys, 1st prem., 3 00 No. 176. Francis Leslie, Dearborn, Black turkeys, 2d premium, 2 00 No. 177. " " geese, 1st premium, -.... 3 00 No. 188. Simon Pompard, Hamtramck, geese, 2d premium, - 2 00 OLIVER C. POPE, M. FREEMAN, Committee. 16 122 DIVISION C. CLASS I.-FARM IMPLEMENTS. The committee on Farm Implements, class No. 1, report the following awards: No. 201. J. C. Lawrence, Washington, Macomb co., farm wagon, 1st premium, Diploma and --- $6 00 (Error in report of number.) Farm wagon, 2d premium,.... 6 00 No. 190. G. H. Felt, Brooklyn, straw cutter, 1st premium,.. 3 00 No. 4. H. C. Darnell, Columbus, Ohio, straw and corn-stalk cutter, 1st premium, Diploma and -.-.-.-.-.3 00 No. 14. D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, ox yoke, 1st premium, 2 00 No. 171. E. H. Wheeler, Wayne, stump puller, 1st premium, Diploma and. 3 00 No. 188. C. T. Messenger, Allegan, fan mill, 1st premium, Diploma and- - 3 00 Your committee are of the opinion that fan mill No. 195 will clean faster than No. 188, but the one to which we have awarded the premium will separate wheat, grass seed and foul stuff. THOMAS BALDWIN, D. S. PRATT, C. G. ABBOTT, Committee. CLASS II. —FARM IMPLEMENTS. No. 17. D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, thermometer churn, Discretionary premium. No. 18. D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, self-acting cheese press,..*.... $2 00 No. 19. D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, Morgan's grain cradle, 2 00 No. 20. " 6 hand rakes, ----- 2 00:No, 21. " 6 hay forks,........ 2 00 No. 22. " " 6 manure forks,. -.. 2 00'Nos. 182, 183. A. M. Bodwell, Ann Arbor, Gilman's bee house and hive,...-.........-...-.... 3 00 123 No. 211. D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, 6 milk pans,-.... $2 00 R. P. WIXON, H. SHERMAN, A. KNAPP, Committee. CLASS III. —-FARM IMPLEMENTS. The committee on class 3, Farm Implements, beg leave to report that -they have given the subject as much attention as their time would permit. Many articles entered for competition they were unable to find on the ground, which will account for any lack of notice of articles that may have been overlooked. They award premiums as follows: No. 198. Smith & Son, Birmingham, horse power on lever principle, 1st premium, Diploma and —...... $3 00 No. 24. D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, horse power on railroad principle, Emery's, Diploma and 3 00 No. 8. G. Westinghouse, Troy, N. Y., horse power,- -- 3 00 No. 224. Willard Fisher, Ypsilanti, Ketchum's mowing machine, 1st premium, Diploma and..... —................. 8 00 No. 25. D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, mowing machine, 2d premium,. --- 3 00 No. 139. Willard Fisher, Ypsilanti, Morgan's self-raking reaper, 1st premium, Diploma and.8 00 No. 26. D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, Ketchum's reaper, 2d premium, 3 00 No. 9. G. Westinghouse, Troy, N. Y., thresher, 1st premium, Diploma and..... 8 00 No. 28. D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, Emery's thresher, cleaner and separator, 2d premium, -.- 3 00 No. 30. D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, Emery's seed planter, for hand or horse power, 1st premium, Diploma and - 3 00 No. 166. Fravel Simon, Laporte, Ind., reversed-tooth grain drill, 3 00 No. 147. John Andrews, Winchester, Mass., broad-cast grain sower,. —...........-...... 2 00 No. 200. A. Smith & Son, Birmingham, Mich., cross-cut sawing machine, 1st premium,...... 3 00 124 No. 120. W. H. Collins, Philadelphia, Pa., Eagle corn sheller and separator,.. Silver Medal. No. 196. F. Miles, Hopkinsonville, Ohio, force pumps, - - - - - $2 00 No. 172. John Daines, Birmingham, drain tile machine, 1st premium, Diploma and- 3 00 No. 173. John Daines, Birmingham, 10 feet drain tile, 1st prem., 3 00 No. 36. D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, Hickock's portable cider mill, 1st premium, Diploma and -3 00 D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, best and most numerous collection of agricultural implements, Diploma and.. —----- 3 00 No. 5. Wm. H. Ward, Detroit, file cutting machine,. -.Slver Medal. No. 10. S. M. Roley, Peoria, Ill., corn planter, - Medal. No. 6. R. W. & D. Davis, Yellow Springs, Ohio, iron parallel vices, -.........-....... Diploma. No. 117. A. E. Massey, Cleveland, Ohio, Powers' detached and spring-heel horse shoes, Medal. No. 121. W. H. Trowbridge, Hisndale, N. Y., rotary excavator, Discretionary. No. 144. Win. Nixon, Adrian, spoke machine, Diploma. No. 154. R. George, Cedarville, Green county, Ohio, Young America corn and cob grinder, -.................. Medal. No. 205. Augustus Day, Detroit, machine for riving, jointing, and planing shingles, -. -- -- Medal. No. 225. L. H. Hubbard, Mt. Clemens, dynanometer for testing the draft of plows,-,.... Diploma. J. M. STERLING, F. P. CURRIER, OLIVER NICHOLS, Committee. CLASS IV.-FARM IMPLEMENTS. The committee on Farm Implements, class 4, Plows and Cultivators, have made an examination, and awarded the following premiums: No. 218. G. Dodge, Kalamazoo, sod plow for light soils, 1st premium, Diploma and $3 00 125 No. 219. G. Dodge, Kalamazoo, plows for fallows or old land, 1st premium, Diploma and.-.*-.- $3 00 No. 220. G. Dodge, Kalamazoo, double plow, 1st premium, Diploma and -.. ——... — 3 00 No. 222. G. Dodge, Kalamazoo, gang of plows,.., -. -Discretionary. No. 223. " " lot of plows, discretionary,.. 3 00 We have examined plows 42 to 54, inclusive, exhibited by Messrs. D. O. & W. S. Penfield, Detroit, and think them good plows, and recommend them to favor. Your committee cheerfully recommend to your notice and favor the entire collection of plows exhibited by G. Dodge, and would say that we think them superior to any others that were exhibited. L. H. HUBBARD, CMhairman. DIVISION D.-BUTTER, CHEESE, SUGAR AND HONEY. The committee appointed to examine specimens of Cheese, Butter, Sugar and Honey offered for premiums respectfully report that they have attended to that duty, and submit the following: The manufactures of butter and cheese are a rich source of profit to our farmers; and, by many, the processes of making butter and cheese are carried to great perfection. However great the diversity of opinion may be as to the breeds for milch cows, all will agree that whatever breed, for the purposes of milk, they must be well fed and well kept; and to excel in the manufacture of butter and cheese the utmost care is necessary to prevent all uncleanliness; much also depends on the requisite management of the milk previous to its being placed in the churn, and after it comes out, in freeing it from all buttermilk. All that is favorable to the production of good milk should be carefully looked after; such as feeding the best kinds of grass and herbs, and drinking the best water. The time, labor and money expended In selecting the choicest breed of cows, and supporting them with the best food and water, and plenty of it, and the best possible care, would, beyond all question, be abundantly repaid by the increased excellence of the butter and cheese which would be produced. 126 The design of churning is to bring the oily or buttery particles together; and the more perfectly this is done the more excellent will be the butter produced. The more compactly these particles of butter are with each other the less buttermilk will be found with it,, and the better will it keep. If our cheese could be rid of acid sharp taste, freed from the liability to crack, and be colored so as to resemble the English cheese, there is, no reason why it would not be acceptable in the English market, and compete with the best English cheese. There has been a large increase throughout the State this year in butter and cheese, and a steady improvement is making in the quality of both, and with the increasing progress of our dairymen in this respect, it can be but a short time before the sales of their dairies will not be confined to one locality, but extend to all the States, and the continent of Europe. Where so many samples so nearly alike, all excellent, are offered, the committee have found it extremely difficult to discriminate, but they recommend premiums in butter and cheese as follows, to wit: No. 59. Mrs. G. W. Collins, Farmington, 15 lbs. butter made in June, 1st premium, Diploma and $7 00, No. 102. Mrs. Titus Dort, Dearborn, 15 lbs. butter made in June, 2d premium,.... 5 00, No. 72. H. E. DeGarmo, Ypsilanti, 15 lbs. butter made in June, 3d premium, ------------------ -. 3 00o No. 54. F. S. Finley, Ann Arbor, 15 lbs. butter made at any time, 1st premium, Diploma and..- 7 00No. 74. H. E. DeGarmo, Ypsilanti, 15 lbs. butter made at any time, 2d premium,-..5 00 No. 65. James Smith, Greenfield, 15 lbs. butter made at any time, 3d premium, -.. - 3 00, No. 53. R. R. Briggs, Romeo, cheese 1 year old or over, 1st premium, Diploma and..... 7 00 No. 68. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, cheese one year old or over, 2d premiurm,, 5 00 No. 76. J. M. Bowen, Lima, cheese one year old or over, 3d premium, 3 00 127 No. 52. R. R. Briggs, Romeo, new cheese, 1st premium, Diploma and $5 00~ No. 70. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymouth, new cheese, 2d premium,.. 4 00~ No. 81. N. Lapham, Farmington, " 3d " -.. 2 00 No. 69. J. S. Tibbitts, Plymonth, sage cheese, 1st " --- 5 00, No. 2. N. Lapham, Farmington, "' 2d " --- 3 00 Handsome specimens of maple sugar were presented for examination, and some which the committee recommend for premium they consider equal to the best refined sugar by Stewart. The improvement in the manufacture of maple sugar in our State is very great, and a source to many of our farmers of considerable profit, and the committee are glad to observe the increasing interest taken in the manufacture of the article; it savors much of economy, independence and thrift. We award, the following premiums: No. 109. 0. Ingalls, Almont, 10 lbs. maple sugar, 1st prem., $3 00 No. 62. G. W. Collins, Farmington, 10 lbs." 2d " -. 2 00 There were also some beautiful specimens of honey presented. The advance in this respect is above all praise. We recommend discretionary premiums on honey as follows: No. 106. J. E. Reed, Kalamazoo, 8 boxes and 1 jar honey, 1st premium,. $3 00, No. 75. A. M. Bodwell, Ann Arbor, 2 boxes and 1 jar honey, 2d premium,.2 00 No. 89. J. B. Brumfield, Plymouth, 1 box honey, 3d premium, 1 00, All of which is respectfully submitted. CHARLES NOBLE, J. WEBSTER CHILDS, G. W. BULLOCK, MRs. A. A. GARDNER, MRS. J. D. YERKES, Committee. 128 DIVISION E.-DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. CLASS I.-HOME MADE. The committee on Domestic Manufactures, class 1, report the following awards: No. 54. Mrs. John Miller, Tecumseh, 1 pair woolen blankets, 1st premium,.a --- $5 00 No. 58. Mrs. John Miller, Tecumseh, 1 pair woolen blankets, 2d premium, 4 00 No. 55. Mrs. John Miller, Tecumseh, woolen coverlet, 2d prem., 2 00 No. 103. L. S. Watkins, Manchester, " " 1st " 4 00 No. 92. H. Armstrong, Livonia, " " 3d " 1 00 No. 36. Mrs. M. Fisher, Grosse Point, 1 lb. woolen yarn, 2d premium,... 1 00 No. 125. Mrs. W. A. Dennison, Troy, 1 lb. woolen yarn, 1st premium,-, 3 00 No. 141. Mrs. H. Welch, Ypsilanti, patch-work quilt, 1st prem., 4 00 No. 75. Mrs. H. M..Albertson, Detroit, patch-work quilt, 2d premium, 3 00 No. 74. Mrs. H. M. Albertson, Detroit, patch-work quilt, 3d premium,..-.. 2 00 No. 123. Mrs. K. C. Barker, Detroit, worked quilt, 1st prem., 4 00 No. 8'7. 0. Butler, Nankin, white quilt, 2d premium,. 3 00 No. 142. Miss E. L. Drake, Milford, knit cotton coverlet, Discretionary. No. 77. A. Henry, Ypsilanti P. O., 1 pair woolen stockings, 1st premium,.. 2 00 No. 145. Mrs. J. B. Starring, Detroit, 1 pair woolen socks, 1st premium,-.-.. 2 00 No. 98. Mrs. H. Armstrong, Livonia, 1 pair linen stockings, 1st premium, --- 00 No. 53. Mrs. J. Starkweather, Ypsilanti, 1 pair silk stockings,?1st premium,- 2 00 No. 90. 0. Ranger, Livonia, 10 yards flannel, 3d premium,... 2 00 No. 143. Mrs. J. Thomas, Oxford, 10 yards flannel, 1st prem., 5 00 No. 129. Mrs. James Bayley, Troy, 10 yards flannel, 2d " 4 00 No. 93. H. Armstrong, Livonia, 10 yards tow cloth, 1st " 5 00 No. 94. " " 10 " linen diaper, 1st pre~ mium,. 5 00 129 No. 95. H. Armstrong, Livonia, 10 yds. linen diaper, 2d prem., $3 00 No. 107. Mrs. F. Gaines, Dearborn, 10 yards woolen cloth, 1st premium,... 5 00 No. 132. Mrs. B. F. Granger, Manchester, 10 yards rag carpet Ist premium,-...- -..- 3 00 No. 137. John Allen, Plymouth, woolen coverlet, discretionary, 1 00 WM. MOORE, Chairman. CLASS II.-FACTORY MADE. No. 2. L. Beecher & Co., Detroit, French aubosson medallion carpet. No. 3. " " " 2 pieces English velvet carpet. No. 5.. " " " 3 pieces cocoa matting. No. 6. As" " "4 2 mosaic rugs. No. 8. " " " 2 pieces Bigelow Brussels carpet. No. 9. " d" " 1 piece superior three-ply carpet. No. 10. " "' 1 piece tapestry ingrain carpet. No. 11. " " 1 piece cuperfine " No. 12. " " 5 pieces oil cloth. No. 13.' " 4 door mats. No. 15. " " 1 set French brocatelle curtains. No. 16. " " " 2 set tamboured lace curtains. No. 17. " " 2 German cornices. No. 18. " " 1 mosquito canopy. No. 20. " " 1 curled hair mattrass. All the above are superior articles; there being no competition, we would recommend discretionary premiums. W. CORBIN. G. W. BULLOCK, TOM LEWIS, Committee. CLASS III. The committee on Domestic Manufactures, class 3, make the following awards: 17 130 No. 65. S. Boyer, Detroit, boot crimping machine, -Diploma. No. 134. J. Colby, Detroit, surtout overcoat, 1st premium,.- -. $4 00 No. 135. George Winter, Detroit, 1 case silk hats, 1 case fur hats,.-.. Diploma. W. CORBIN, Chairman. CLASS IV. The committee on class 4, Domestic Manufactures, beg leave to make the following report: No. 133. John Patton, Detroit, 2 horse carriage, 1st premium, Diploma and. $8 00 No. 129. John Patton, Detroit, 1 one-horse top buggy, 1st premium, Diploma and.................... 6 00 No. 128. John Patton, Detroit, 1 one-horse carriage, 2d prem., 5 00 No. 145. Joram Priest, " 1 trotting sulky, Diploma. No. 78. Austin & Tomlinson, Jackson, two-horse open carriage, 2d premium, 6 00 No. 24. M. M. Gisler, Detroit, one-horse open carriage,.-. Diploma. No. 149. G. L. Bradley, Detroit, 2 carriages manufactured in Rochester, N. Y., -Diploma. No. 79. Austin & Tomlinson, Jackson, cutters, " -- No. 111. W. B. Sutherland, Detroit, stove furniture,........ Nos. 71, 72. M. Shulthies, " 2 marble mantles, - - - No. 43. H. Webber, " 1 sofa, 1st premium,. - 5 00 Nos. 51, 40, 45. H. Webber, " parlor chairs, rose-wood etagere, 1 garden sofa, Diploma. No. 47. H. Webber, Detroit, 1 rocking chair, 2 00 No. 42. " " 1 rosewood table, 1st premium, 5 00 No. 146. Flattery & Bro., Detroit, 1 set of stands,... Diploma. No. 76. J. H. Cutting, Detroit, expanding window sash,... " No. 83. L. D. Losee, Troy, 1 lb. horse shoe nails, 1st premium, 2 00 No. 60. Holmes & Brown, Adrian, concave saw, (framed,). Diploma. No. 35. C. & P. Mellus, Detroit, lot of saws,.. No. 82. L. D. Losee, Troy, 1 set horse shoes, 2d premium,. 2 00 131 No. 136. Ganitt Hickey, Detroit, I set horse shoes, 1st premium, Diploma and. $2 00 No. 1'79. E. J. Wooley, Detroit, safes, Lillie's patent, Diploma. L. C. MARSH, JORAM PRIEST, Committee. DIVISION F. CLASS I.- PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS, &C. Your committee on Paintings, Drawings, Daguerreotypes, &c., regret that they have neither time nor space to say all that they would desire to express on this important branch of our annual exhibition. The exhibition was far smaller than what your committee expected or desired to see. Most of the paintings and drawings were presented by professional artists, and all of these are of a high order. Your committee are persuaded that there others, who are amateurs of the fine arts, who have handled successfully the rencil and the brush during the past year, whose works are not embraced in this exhibition. Our State Fairs ought to call out specimens from all poltions of the State, and from all lovers of the fine arts. Your committee would urge all to study more assiduously the fine arts; they have an elevating influence on the heart and mind, a tendency to render man less sensual, more benevolent, more sensitive to the beauties of nature and truth. The cultivation of the fine arts would have a tendency to check the money making spirit of the age. The great question that men ask as they hurry along the highways of life, is how much money will an enterprise or a profession afford? The multitude, as they look on the majestic mountain, with its cloud-capped summit, feel no emotions of the beautiful, no sense of gratitude to him who piled up those monuments of his power and wisdom. To them the water-fall and the cataract has neither beauty or sublimity, unless it can be harnessed to machinery, and made to propel the spindle or the loom. 132 The smiling vales and plains were made solely to grow our grain and feed our cattle. What shall stay this utilitarian spirit *of the age, more than the cultivation of the fine arts? What shall raise man's emotions to higher objects so much as looking on nature as beautiful, and as faintly mirroring forth the mind of him that made it. He that paints the smiling landscape, and sketches the rougter and wilder scenery of nature, must have a keen sense of whatever is beautiful and true in nature, not yet dreamed of by him who only looks on the world as one vast work-shop, in which gold only is to be coined. The beneficent Creator has garnished all nature with beauty, the sky with stars and the everchanging loveliness of the clouds; the earth with the agreeable variety of hill and valley, rocks and forests, rapid stream and quiet lake, and mingled with these are ten thousand other forms of beauty. Unless man cultivates that sense of the beautiful, maintains the same emotions with which he looked in his childhood out on nature, the idea of the beautiful will soon be swallowed up in the so-called pleasures and cares of life. Man is endowed with an imagination which was designed not to be dormant, nor its out-gushings to be repressed; but it should be called into action. The cultivation of the fine arts does this, and they are a source of innocent pleasure. The cultivation of the taste with a proper degree of attention to literature and the fine arts, elevate the mind above trivial cares and conventional jealousies; giving it a vigorous independence, and a fund of inexhaustable resources in itself. Addison says that " delightful scenes in nature or painting have a kindly influence on the I ody as well as the mind. They serve to clear and brighten the imagination; are able to dispel grief and melancholy, and set the animal spirits in pleasing emotions." The daily walks of life do not fill the soul; the mind has no true resting place this side a bright world in the sky, where is perfect beauty -the emblem of holiness. The cultivation of the fine arts has a tendency to make the mind disgusted with vice, though they may not create moral principles where they do not before exist; but as there is an affinity between the refined taste and the virtues of the soul, between the beautiful and, the good, 133 music and painting have a tendency to bring out these virtues. Heaven, the abode of the holy, is represented as a place of transcendent beauty and love; we therefore mention that the cultivation of the fine arts tend to expand the mind, and to foster in the soul a love of all that is good and beautiful. In view of these facts, your committee would urge on the attention of all the lovers of nature a fuller exhibition in this department the coming year; commending the following ones as worthy of prizes and commendation: No. 112. C. Highwood, Detroit, best painting in oil colors, 1st premium, Diploma and - $5 00 This is a very elegant historical painting of Christ's Sermon on the Mount, in which, not only does the artist show the faculty of animating in a wonderful degree his canvas with more general life, but with peculiar distinctive life. He dives into the thoughts of men, and they are made to rise and speak on the surface. No. 12. E. C. St. Alary, Detroit, oil painting, 2d premium,... $4 00 No. 14. " " pastel painting, 1st premium, 4 00 No. 122. C. Highwood,' paintings in water colors, 1st premium,- 4 U0 No. 87. Miss N. B. Ellingwood, Detroit, paintings of flowers in water colors, 1st premium, 3 00 No. 78. Mrs. A. C. Baldwin, Pontiac, paintings of flowers in water colors, 2d premium, -......... — -- -- - 2 00 No. 64. E. B. Chope, Detroit, landscape paintings in water colors, 1st premium, - -- - - -4 00 No. 129. R. D. Palmer, Brooklyn, cattle drawing, 1st premium, Diploma and 5 00 No. 68. M. E. Barrett, Detroit, penmanship, 1st premium, -Diploma. No. 4. Uriah Gregory, " " 2d " No. 72. Henry Connelly," crayon drawing, 1st ". 3 00 No. 147. C. W. Horton, Grand Rapids, crayon drawing, 2d premium, 2 00 No. 117. M. Sutton, Detroit, daguerreotypes and photographs, 1st premium, Diploma and. -. 5 00 No. 146. C. W. Horton, Grand Rapids, daguerreotypes and photographs, 2d premium,.. 3 00 134 No. 118. M. Sutton, Detroit, ambrotypes, 1st premium, Diploma and - -. $5 00 No. 113. C. Highwood, Detroit, miniature, 1st premium,. Diploma. Miller, Detroit, drawing with pen, 1st premium, -— Diploma. No. 82. Miss F. J. Cressy, Hillsdale, landscape painting in oil, 1st premium, -Diploma. No. 154. Simmons & Blakeman, Detroii, melodeon, 54 octave, 1st premium, Diploma and... 3 00 No. 3. T. & E. Sawyer, Detroit, melodeon, 5 octaves, 2d prem., 3 00 No. 137. Amsden & Cargill, Detroit, melopean, 1st premium, Diploma and-.. 3 00 PROF. E. J. BOYD, Monroe, REV. S. M. McELLROY, Detroit, REV. A. K. STRONG, Monroe, Committee. CLASS II.-NEEDLE, SHELL, AND WAX WORK. The committee on class 2, Needle, Shell, and Wax Work, report the following awards: No. 8. Miss Sarah Lynde, Fentonville, crape shawl, embroidered, 1st premium, - $3 00 No. 52. Mrs. George Griswold, Detroit, rose colored robe, embroidered, 2d premium,- 2 00 No. 84. Miss N. B. Ellingwood, Detroit, white merino cape, embroidered, 3d premium,-. 00 No. 85. Miss N. B. Ellingwood, Detroit, 3 pieces worsted work, 1st premium, - 3 00 No. 60. Mrs. I. E. Pierson, Detroit, 1 piece worsted work, 2d premium, 2 00 No. 131. Miss L. Whiting, Detroit, 1 pair ottoman covers, 3d premium,............... 1 00 No. 57. Mrs. I. E. Pierson, Detroit, table spread, raised worsted work,.-.................. 2 00 No. 50. Miss Julia McNair, Kalamazoo, embroidered wreath, group of flowers, 1st premium,.... 3 00 135 No. 153. Miss Eliza Blodgett, Detroit, worsted work, group of flowers, 2d premium,... $2 00 No. 151. Miss A. Gardner, Detroit, frame of crape work, 3d premium,.. 1 00( No. 100. Mary Sckonacker, Detroit, fancy chair work on cloth, 1st premium, - 3 00 No. 105. Mrs. W. W. Robbins, Detroit, 4 pieces fancy chair work on cloth, 2d premium,.- 2 00 No. 58. Mrs. I. E. Pierson, Detroit, 1 piece fancy chair work on cloth, 3d premium, 1 00 No. 134. Miss C. Lanagan, Detroit, embroidered pictures, worsted work, 1st premium, 3 00O No. 98. Miss Clara Schonacker, Detroit, worsted work on canvas, 2d premium, 2 00 No. 108. Mrs. W. R. Searing, Ann Arbor, embroidery, worsted work, 3d premium, 1 00 No. 53. Mrs. J. Starkweather, Ypsilanti, worked collar, 1st prem., 3 00 No. 97. Miss Hattie Farrar, Detroit, embroidered collar and handkerchief, 2d premium, 2 00 No. 96. Mrs. J. B. Starring, Detroit; wrought collar and bands, 3d premium,- 1 —-. I 00 No. 38. Mrs. Dr. Cobb, Detroit, net thread shawl, 1st premium, 3 00 No. 24. Mrs. J. B. Starring, Detroit, 1 show-case of embroidery, premium,.- - 2 00 No. 18. Miss Hattie Farrar, Detroit, 1 show case of embroidery, premium,- 1 00 No. 62. Mrs. E. Perkins, Birmingham, shell work, 1st premium, 3 00 No. 55. Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, rustic picture frame, 2d premium,. 2 00 No. 90. Mrs. J. McCurdy, Detroit, 1 vase wax flowers, 1st premium, 3 00 No. 83. Miss N. B. Ellingwood, Detroit, 1 vase wax flowers, 2d premium,. 2 00 No. 43. Miss Eliza Horan, Ann Arbor, bouquet of artificial flowers, 2 00No. 148. Miss H. Farrar, Detroit, crochet collar, 1st premium, 3 00 No. 133. Mrs. H. Arnold, Dexter, crochet collar, 2d premium, 2 00( 136 No. 103. Miss J. Lowe, Detroit, crochet tidy, 3d premium,.... $1 00 No. 17. P. S. Grymes, Kalamazoo, 1 leather-work frame,...Diploma. No. 91. Mrs. J. McCurdy, Detroit, 1 leather-work etagere, 2d premium,.... 100 No. 34. D. S. Barrett, Detroit, embroidered shirts, -. —-.Diploma. No. 76. Mrs. Dr. Klein, Detroit, 1 specimen hair ornaments, - " No. 144. Mrs. H. Bibb, " 1 " " it " _ 1 00 No. 93. Lizzie M. Manning, Detroit, case wax fruit, discretionary, 3 00 Miss J. A. Simmons, Detroit, collar, under-sleeves and skirts,. Diploma. No. 141. Mrs. Alex'r Davis, Grand Blanc, embroidered skirt, " GEORGE H. PRENTIS, LEANDER SMITH, MRS. L. SMITH, MRS. J. STARKWEATHER, Committee. DIVISION G. CLAS8 I. —FLOWERS. No. 22. Mrs. Wmin. Balls, Detroit, best and greatest variety cut flowers, amateurs, 1st premium,.-. $3 00 iNo. 252. H. Walker, Detroit, best and greatest variety cut flowers, 2d premium,- 2 00 No. 59. Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, best and greatest variety cut flowers, professional, 1st premium, -3 00 No. 75. John Ford, Detroit, best and greatest variety cut flow. ors, professional, 2d premium, --- 2 00 No. 20. Mrs. Winm. Balls, Detroit, floral design, 1 00 No. 62. Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, collection of roses, professsional, 1st premium,. - - -..-.. - 3 00 No. 63. Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, 12 dissimilar blooms, roses, professional, 1st premium, 2 00 No. 65. Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, seedling verbenas, 1st prem., 2 00 No. 66. 4 " German asters, 2d premium, 1 00 137 No. 67. Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, collection indigenous flowers, 1st premium, $3 00 No. 68. Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, hand bouquet, round, 1st premium,.-... 2 00 No. 69. Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, hand bouquet, flat, 1st premium, 2 00 No. 70. Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, basket of flowers, with handle, 2d premium, --------------—. -1 00 No. 72. Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, floral design, ornamental vases, 1st premium,. ---- 2 00 No. 73. Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, floral design, ornamental vases, 2d premium, ------------------- 1 00 No. 99. Miss Mary Ford, Detroit, basket of flowers, with handle, 1st premium,.. -..-. 2 00 No. 110. John Puigh, Hamtramck, verbenas, 1st premiun,... 2 00 No. 156. Win. Adair, Detroit, best and greatest variety dahlias, 1st premium,.... 3 00 No. 157. Winm. Adair, Detroit, dissimilar blooms, da'1ias, 2d premium,.2 00 No. 158. Wm. Adair, Detroit, best dahlia, 1st premium, 2 00 No. 159.' " collection of roses, 2d premium, 2 00 No. 159. " " 12 dissimilar blooms, roses, 2d premium,... 1 00 No. 161. Winm. Adair, Detroit, round bouquet, 2d premium,... 1 00 No. 162. " " floral ornament, 1st ".. 2 00 No. 163. "' collection of verbenas, 2d prem., 1 00 No. 253. H. Walker, Detroit, basket of flowers,.. 2 00:N'o. 262. Win. Adair, Detroit, China asters,. -1 00 No. 81. John Ford, Detroit, best collection green house plants, 1st premium,. 5 00:No. 264. Wm. Adair, Detroit, best collection green house plants, 2d premium,..- 3 00 No. 261. Manly Mason, Buffalo, N. Y., collection green house plants,.-. Discretionary. No. 78. John Ford, Detroit, single specimen of dahlia, 2d prem., 1 00 No. 76. " " 12 dissimilar blooms, " 1st " 2 00 No. 79. " " collection of phloxes,'d " 2 00 18 138 No. 82. John Ford, Detroit, collection German asters, 1st prem., $2 00 No. 84. 4" 4 flat bouquet, 2d premium, -...... 1 00 S. B. NOBLE, MRS. G. W. COLLINS, MRS. DUNLAP, MRS. J. MILLER, MRS. N. H. HART, Committee. CLASS II.-APPLES. The undersigned committee on class 2, division G, Apples, and also on class 6, Wines, and Preserved and Pickled Fruits, would respectfully report the following award of premiums: Amateur List. No. 189. D. Clarkson, Northville, best and greatest variety of winter apples, 1st premium, $4 00 No. 184. Horace Bradley, Northville, best and greatest variety of winter apples, 2d premium, -. — 2 00 No. 125. Prince Bennett, Ypsilanti, best and greatest variety of winter apples, 3d premium, - 1 00 No. 164. S. Bowerman, Detroit, best and greatest variety autumn apples, 1st premium,.4 00 No. 128. Prince Bennett, Ypsilanti, best and greatest variety autumn apples, 2d premium, 2 00 No. 185. Horace Bradley, Northville, best and greatest variety autum apples, 3d premium, -. X 1 00 No. 121. Prince Bennett, Ypsilanti, best and greatest variety summer apples, 1st premium,.-. 4 00 No. 137. Tho's Blackett, Roseville, best 12 specimens winter apples, 1st premium, 3 00 No. 191. D. Clarkson, Northville, best 12 specimens winter apples, 2d premium, 2 00 No. 131. Prince Bennett, Ypsilanti, best 12 specimens winter apples, 3d premium, -.... 1 00 No. 129. Prince Bennett, Ypsilanti, best 12 specimens summer apples, discretionary,. 2 00 139 No. 186. Horace Bradley, Northville, best seedling winter apples, Complete Farmer and Gardner and.-.. $2 00 No. 187. Horace Bradley, Northville, best seedling autumn apples, Thomas' Fruit Book and. 2 00 Best and greatest variety good Table Apples, grown by exhibitor. No. 164. S. Bowerman, Detroit, 1st premium,. -. 5 00 No. 124. Prince Bennett, Ypsilanti, 2d premium, Thomas' Fruit Garden and 3 00 No. 188. D. C. Clarkson, Northville, 3d premium, Fruit, Flower and Kitchen Garden and. 1 00 No. 263. J. M. Norton, Troy, best 12 specimens autumn apples, 1st premium,. 3 00 No. 262. C. A. Green, Troy, best 12 specimens autumn apples, 2d premium, 2 00 No. 192. D. C. Clarkson, Northville, best 12 specimens autumn apples, 3d premium, - 1 00 Professional List. No. 267. Ingalfritz & Bently, Monroe, best and greatest variety good table apples, grown by exhibitor, 1st premium, Diploma and ----------------- $3 00 No. 120. A. D. Power, Farmington, best 12 specimens winter apples, single variety, Diploma and 2 00 No. 267. Ingalfritz & Bentley, Monroe, best 12 specimens winter apples, single variety, 2d premium,.................. 2 00 No. 267. Ingalfritz & Bently, Monroe, best 12 specimens winter apples, single variety, 3d premium, 1 00 The best collection of fruit exhibited was by T. T. Lyon, of Plymouth, Wayne Co.; the growths of various orchards of that town, embracing about sixty-one varieties, embracing nearly all the standard varieties of that region; with one fall and one winter seedling, of the finest quality; the winter seedling a very long keeper. Also five varieties of standard pears. As the collection was gathered by the exhibitor at considerable expense of time and labor, and as it is a valuable accession to the exhibition, we recommend that the exhibitor be awarded a premium, viz.: 140 No. 119. T. T. Lyon, Plymouth, " Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Garden," Buchanan on the Grape, and —.-.-.. —5 00 Wines, Preserved and Pickled Fruits.'No. 1. N. Longworth, Cincinnati, Ohio, Catawba and Isabella Wines, - -. - -..........-.... - Medal. No. 38. Joseph Risnier, West Dresden, Yates county, N. Y., native wine, --- --- - Discretionary..No. 74. Mrs. C. F. Haskell, Monroe, 1 bottle currant wine, 1856. No. 75. "' " 1 " 1855.,No. 76. " " 1 bottle strawberry wine, 1856. No. 77. " " 1 bottle raspberry wine, 1856. No. 78. " " assortment bottled pickles. No. 79. " " assortment can fruits for the table..No. 81.." " assortment preserves. No. 80. " " assortment can fruit for pies. No. 82. " " assortment jellies. No. 83. " " assortment syrups. No. 84. " " 1 bottle horse radish. No. 86. " " 1 bottle colored vinegar. The articles presented by Mrs. Haskell were very superior, and are,highly worthy of a premium, and tile committee recommend a Diploma. Mrs. Sarah Millis, Detroit, 1 jar sweet apple pickles, I bottle wild grape wine, Diploma. J. D. YERKES, G. SCOTT, JOHN ALLEN, Committee. CLASS III.-PEARS. The committee on class 3, Pears, report that the exhibition of pears was exceedingly meagre. They report the following awards: No. 166. T. T. Lyon, Plymouth, best and greatest variety pears, slet premium, Text Book and.. $4 00 No. 123. B. McCreary, Detroit, 2d best and greatest variety pears, 2d premium,.................... 3 00 141 No. 234. H. Walker, Detroit, 3d best and greatest variety pears, 3d premium,-.... $X 00 No. 100. N. Uhl, Detroit, 6 specimens autumn pears, 1st prem., 2 009 HARVEY HAINES, E. D. LAY, W. J. BLACKLEY, Committee. CLASS IV.-MISCELLANEOUS FRUITS. The undersigned, under the direction of the committee for division G., class 4, Miscellaneous Fruits, would submit the following: Peaches.-None shown. Plums.-Too few to entitle them to a premium. Quinces. No. 240. H. Walker, Detroit, best 12 quinces, 1st premium, $:3 00' No. 197. J. M. Norton Troy, d best 12 quinces, 2d premium, 2 00 No. 145. BJ.. G. Stout, Troy, 3d best 12 quinces, 3d premium, 2 00~ Grapes. Nos. 101, 102. N. Uhl, Detroit, collection of native grapes, 1st premium,..-................ — 3 00Nos. 173 to 175. Charles Peltier, Detroit, collection of native grapes, 2d premium,._.. 2 00 No. 41. Horace Hallock, Detroit, collection of foreign grapes, grown in open air, 1st premium, - 3 00 No. 122, B. McCreary, Detroit, collection of foreign grapes, grown under glass, 3 00 Watermelons. No. 180. Daniel Osgood, Detroit, best 2 watermelons, 1st prem., 2 00 No. 86. John Ford, Detroit, 2d best 2 watermelons, 2d prem., 1 00 No. 57. Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, best 4 nutmeg-melons, 1st premium, 2 00 No. 87. John Ford, Detroit, 2d best 4 nutmeg-melons, 2d prem., 1 00 The show of quinces is meagre, and the judges have felt compelled 142 to take into consideration the unfavorable influences of the past winter, and in consequence premiums were awarded where in ordinary seasons they would have been refused. All which is submitted. T. T. LYON, Chairman. CLASS V.-VEGETABLES. The committee on class 5, Vegetables, beg leave to report the following awards: No. 6. M. H. Hunter, Grosse Isle, 12 turnip-rooted beets, 1st premium,- $1 00 No. 14. M. Fisher, Grosse Point, 1 peck tomatoes, 1st prem., 1 00 No. 202. Hiram Walker, Detroit, 12 blood beets, 1st premium, 2 00 No. 205. " " 12 carrots, " 2 00 No. 33. Wm. Balls, " 3 vegetable marrow squashes, 1st premium, 1 00 No. 29. Wm. Balls, Detroit, 12 parsnips, 1st premium,. 2 00 No. 39. Fred'k Seitz, Detroit, 1 winter squash, 1st premium,.. 1 00 No. 48. Hubbard & Davis, Detroit, i peck white onions, 1st premium, 2 00 No. 74. P. Hathaway, Little Praire Ronde, 6 stalks rhubarb, 1st premium,.......... 1 00 No. 182. Daniel Osgood, Detroit, 6 heads cauliflower, 1st prem., 2 00 No. 90. John Ford, " 6 " " 2d " 1 00 No. 92. " " 6 " cabbage, 1st " 2 00 No. 179. Daniel Osgood, " 6 " " 2d " 1 00 No. 93. John Ford, Detroit, 6 vegetable eggs, 1st premium,... 2 00 No. 97.' " " ~ peck Lima beans, 1st " 1 00 No. 141. Thomas Blackett, Roseville, 1 peck seedling potatoes, 1st premium, 2 00 No. 106. R. R. Briggs, Romeo, 1 peck seedling potatoes, 2d premium,- 1 00 No. 118. Thos. Edwards, Ann Arbor, 12 stalks celery, 1st premium,.- 4..-.. u....3 00 143 No. 143. W. B. Vanhorn, Jonesville, 1 bushel table potatoes, 2d premium,. 1 00 No. 146. B. G. Stout, Troy, 1 peck white turnips, 1st premium, 1 00 No. 153. J. G. Krumbolz, Detroit, 12 roots salsify, 1 00 No. 168. L. Lapham, Farmington, ~ peck onions, - 2 00 No. 169. M. Fisher, Grosse Point, variety roots for cattle, 1st premium, 4 00 No. 176. Mark Flannegan, Detroit, variety roots for cattle, 2d premium,.- 2 00 No. 170. Thomas Smith, Detroit, 6 squashes, - 1 00 No. 172. Louis Beaufait, Grosse Point, 4 crook neck squashes,. 1 00 No. 88. John Ford, Detroit, best and greatest variety culinary vegetables, 4 00 No. 206. Hiram Walker, Detroit, 2d best and greatest variety culinary vegetables, ---- 2 00 No. 200. Hiram Walker, Detroit, 1 peck sweet potatoes, -. 1. I 00 No. 210. " " J peck yellow onions, - 2 00 No. 281. Daniel Osgood, Detroit, i bushel tomatoes, 2d prem., 50'h H. SHERMAN, JUSTUS GAGE, Committee. DIVISION H.-GRAIN, FLOUR AND SEEDS. The committee offer the following awards: No. 45. A. E. Pardee, Plymouth, best sample winter wheat, 1st premium, — $5 00 No. 34. B. G. Stout, Troy, 2d best sample winter wheat, 2d premium,.- - - 3 00 No. 2. M. Fisher, Grosse Point, best sample spring wheat, 1st premium,., 2 00 No. 7. M. Fisher, Grosse Point, 2 bushels yellow corn, 1st prem., 5 00 No. 49. W. H. Stout, Troy, 2 bushels yellow corn, 2d prem., - - 3 00 No. 48. B. G. Stout, Troy, 2 bushels yellow corn, 3d premium, 2 00 No. 38. " " 2 bushels dent corn, 2d " 3 00 No. 1. Henry Haines, Coldwater, 2 bushels white oats, 1st" 3 00 144 No. 29. Thos. Blackett, Roseville, 2 bush. white oats, 2d prem., $2 00 No. 52. J. M. Norton, Troy, 1'2 ears white seed corn, 1st " 1 00 No. 35. B. G. Stout, " 12 ears yellow " 2d " 1 00 No. 31. H. E. DeGarmo, Ypsilanti, 12 ears dent seed corn, 1st premium,.. 1 00 No. 30. H. E. DeGarmo, Ypsilanti, 2 bushels beans, 1st prem., 5 00 No. 26. Prince Bennett, " 2'" 2d " 3 00 No. 27. " " 2 bushels peas, 1st " 5 00 No. 53. George Hopkinson, Pontiac, 1 bushel timothy seed, 1st premium,... —-- 5 00 No. 25. B. G. Stout, Troy, 1 busbel timothy seed, 2d premium, 4 00 No. 37. W. H. Stout, " 1 " " 31 " 3 00 Bread. No. 60. Joseph Hatch, Detroit, 2 loaves baker's bread, 1st prem., 2 00 No. 46. Mrs. F. Gaines, Dearborn, 2 loaves bread, salt rising, 1st premium,.-. 2 00 No. 8.. S. W. Taylor, Detroit, 2 loaves bread, salt rising, 2d premium, -—..-..I. 1 00 No. 24. John Kirk, Detroit, 2 loaves bread, yeast rising, 1st premium, - -... —-. —- 2 00 No. 9. S. W. Taylor, Detroit, 2 loaves bread, yeast rising, 2d premium,. 1 00 No. 11. Mrs. S. W. Taylor, Detroit, best specimen bread, 1st premium, - 2 00 No. 44. Mrs. F. Leslie, Dearborn, 2d best specimen bread, 2d premium, -—. 1 00 R. G. CREGO, Chairman. DIVISION K.-MIOCELLANEOUS ARTICLES. Your committee respectfully report that they find but few articles entered for premium that were enumerated in the list of Miscellaneous Articles. But one barrel of plaster was presented, and that was from a foreign State. This we regret, knowing that our own State abounds 145 with rich beds of plaster. No specimens of coal or iron oar were exhibited, and but one of copper. No. 7. J. A. Thompson, Cayuga, N. Y., 1 bbl. ground plaster,, Diploma. Nos. 18, 19, 20. Richmonds & Backus, Detroit, specimens of book binding, very superior,... Medal. No. 1. S. D. Ellwood & Co., Detroit, specimens book binding, Diploma. No. 5. Raymond & Selleck, " "',,' " Nos. 54, 55. Palmer & Fisher, " " " " No. 2. S. D. Ellwood & Co., " " lithography, No. 9. Higby & Stearns, Detroit, pharmaceutical preparations and perfumery, Medal. No. 10. Higby & Stearns, Detroit, Palmer's patent artificial limb, " No. 14. John Garrigan, " marble vases, &c.,- -- - Diploma. Nos. 21 to 31. D. C. Whitwood, Detroit, scales of all sizes, Fairbanks',... Medal. No. 32. D. C. Whitwood, Detroit, coinometer,. —.Diploma. No. 34. " " Meneely's church bells,... No. 35. " " Ingersoll's portable hay press,.-. Diploma. No. 42. 0. Bellows & Co., Detroit, a splendid lot of India rubber goods, Diploma. Nos. 45, 46. P. S. Grimes, Kalamazoo, artificial teeth, on gold and on gutta percha,.Medal. Nos. 49, 50. S. F. Hodge, Detroit, beautiful specimens of iron pully blocks,.. Diploma. No. 51. H. H. Leroy, Detroit, Nimm's patent sash suspender, - Medal. No. 57. E. D. Miller, Niles, rosewood, metalic jointed show case,.. -..Diploma. No. 71. Carpenter, Russell & Co., Detroit, 30 inch car wheel, No. 91. E. A. Palmer, Clayville, Oneida, Co., N. Y., measuring faucet,.-. —--- Diploma. No. 96. Charles Worden, Ypsilanti, 4 joints stove pipe,-_._ " -No. 17. John Bloom, Jr., Detroit, miniature brig, -Medal. No. 61. Charles Piquette, " 1 case gold pens, &c.,..-.. No. 65. Wyandotte Rolling Millsi Detroit, specimens of manufactured Lake Superior ore,.. — - —.. Medal. No. 99. L. Woodruff, Ann Arbor, a very beautiful barometer,. (, 19 146 No. 3. Butler & Parr, Cincinnati, Ohio, specimens of writing fluid,.- Diploma,. No. 4. A. Stone & Co., Philadelphia, Pa., glass preserving jars for fruit,_. Diploma.. No. 16. Eldred & Marvin, Detroit, specimens of leather belting, No. 44. George Brown, " show case, " No. 62. R. Milks, " specimen cement roofing, - - Medal.. No. 89. E. A. Palmer, Clayville, Oneida Co., N. Y., 1 clevis, -. Diploma. WM. H. WELLS, M. FISHER, WM. TENEYCK, Committee. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ESSAYS. To the Executive Committee of the State Agricultural Society. Your committee to whom was referred the several essays offered tow compete for the society's premiums respectfully report the following awards and recommendations: To S. B. Noble, of Port HuroD, for essay on the cultivation of the potato,-., $15 00 To Edward Mason, of Detroit, for essay on the breeding and management of sheep,... —--—.. — -- 15 00 We recommend that the following essays be published in the Transactions: Essay on the Cultivation of Clover, by S. B. Noble of Port Huron. Essay on Draining, by S. B. Noble. Essay on Fruit Trees, by Edward Mason, of Detroit. All of which is respectfully submitted. J. J. NEWELL, Chairman of Committee; PRIZE ESSAY ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE POTATO. POTATO-SOLANUM TUBEROSUM. BY S. B. NOBLE, OF PORT HURON. History and Nature. —The potato is a tuberous rooted perenniel plant, a native of North and South America. In its native state it.is a small bitter tuber, apparently worthless; but by careful cultivation, like many other esculents, it has improved in size, flavor and productiveness, affording a highly nourishing and palatable food for many millions of human beings, and is one of the greatest blessings the soil produces, furnishing flour without a mill, bread without an oven, at all times wholesome and not expensive. Its stalk furnisher flax, the tuber material for tapioca, wine, vinegar, alcohol, soap and potash. It is supposed to have been introduced as early as 1587, into Ireland and England, by Sir Walter Raleigh. The potato ranks next to wheat and corn as an article of diet. An acre of land planted to potatoes will produce more nutricious food than an acre sown to wheat, as the following statements will show as reported by Win. Rogers, to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland: Starch & Sugar. Gluten. Oil. One acre of wheat produces 825 185 45 t" potatoes produces 3427 604 45 The analysis generally relied upon going to show that the potatopossesses very little nutricious matter cannot present the whole truth.. If this were so, why is it, that so many millions of persons, whose food is nearly confined to potatoes, are strong and robust, capable of enduring greater hardships than others whose food is different? 148 We believe the discrepancy arises from the fact that the one judges from the farina or starch alone, while the other includes all the elements of the potato, most of which are thrown away in the manufacture of starch. The above facts are corroborated by Prof. Emmons, of N. Y., who says: " Albumen and casein exist in this vegetable to which along with starch its value must depend. Hence, to determine its value as food, it is quite essential that its albumen, casein, and other elements should be determined." The same author says, " in addition then, to starch, the potato contains several other important materials, which are capable of supplying the wastes which a living being is continually undergoing." The analysis below of the Mercer potato, as given by Mr. I. Salisbury, shows it to possess: Starch,. 9.710 Fibre,.... - 5.779 Gluten,-. 0.205 Fatty matter, 0.084 Albumen, 0.249 Casein,. —-- - - - 0.506 Dextrin, ---------- - - -. 0.074 Sugar & extract, -..-..-.-3.931 Water, -- - — 79.508 100.046 An analysis of the Scotch Gray potato, by L. C. Ball, gave the following result: Water,.71.63 Starchb, 9.28 Albumen, —...-. 0.92 Dextrin, 0.40 Casein, 0.20 Sugar, 3.44 Gluten, - - 0.40 Fibre,...-. -... 11,89 Ash, —. 1.12 99.28 It will be perceived that the above calculations are not based upon 149 the idea that the potato yields as much nutriment per bushel as does wheat; but that the number of bushels more per acre of potatoes than of wheat, makes the difference. Estimating an acre of wheat to yield fifteen bushels and an acre of potatoes to produce one hundred and fifty bushels, the following result is obtained, estimating the elements most nutritious: One acre of potatoes, 150 bushels 21 7 lbs., nearly. " wheat, 15 ". 124 " What has been said above is sufficient to show that the potato is ai article of very great importance, and its cultivation and preservation should be well understood. Varieties.-The number of varieties have been increasing and can only be produced from the seed of the ball. Amongst those now cultivated, the following may be regarded as the best: Yellow, white and blue kidneys, Scotch grays, fliesh colored mercer, white pinkeye,.peach blow, English white, Sardinia, red and white merino, and the Mexican varieties, and early Junes. In addition to the above, some late seedlings promise well and may prove superior to some of the old much esteemed varieties. The idea that has obtained to some extent that different varieties planted in close proximity will mix and produce a hybrid, is contrary to scientific facts, and can only exist in imagination. As well might it be said that the new formed bulbs of a white peony and a red one growing side by side will mix and a new variety be pro. duced from the bulbs, which can only be done by the seed. The bulbs or tubers of potato are not the seed and will only produce like the one planted. Propagation.-The potato may be propagated by seed for new varieties, by cutlings to multiply a new variety rapidly, by tubers to perpetuate a well known sort. And to save for food, the tubers are sometimes cut and planted in pieces. The last mode is the one usually adopted. Soil.-The soil best calculated to raise good potatoes is a strong, heavy loam. But they may be grown to advantage on almost any soil, unless a very dry one and light. We are of opinion that climate has much to do with growing potatoes. It is nowhere grown to so great perfection as in Ireland. Not even in the south of England. The best climate is a humid one, temperate 150 and cool, and not dry and hot. The soil should be retentive of mois. ture. Cultivation by Tubers. —The different modes of planting the potato has called out much discussion, and like other subjects, no particular plan has been proposed that has had the approbation of cultivators generally; -each individual has pursued the plan which to him has been most con-venient and economical, and all with equal success, resulting more from gsome unknown cause or law of nature than from any particular mode. Potatoes planted whole, large or small ones, or cut in pieces, have produced as good ones, as large and as many from a given quantity of land, tthe difference arising from the difference of soil, climate or'local circumstance. If the soil is naturally dry or likely to be so, we would prefer to plant larger pieces than we would if the reverse were true, for the reason that the larger the set, the more nourishment it will afford the sprouts to put out roots of their own, which when grown a few inches long will not require the sustenance of the old set. We would not plant a very large potato or the end of one full of eyes, in one hill, for the same reason that we would not put twenty kernels of corn in a hill, in such a.case there would be too many stalks. The idea that a small potato must of necessity produce small ones again, we think cannot be substantiated by facts. Every cultivator of tuberous rooted flowering plants knows ~that the small tubers of the dahlia, paeony, and other tubers are just as,likely to produce large, well developed plants and flowers, as large tubers are, cutting or dividing the roots is the only mode of increasing. We have been a cultivator of flowers for a score of years, and have in-,variably found it so. We have also cultivated potatoes for forty years, and always found that small potatoes or pieces were just as likely to produce large ones, as a large potato was, with the exception as above in reference to dry soils and dry weather. Miethod of Planting.-Of the various modes adopted fpr field culture, that of drills seems the best calculated to produce the greatest quantity from a given piece of land, with the least outlay. Drills should be made by a plow not over four inches deep and three and a half feet apart. The sets placed with the buds up, in the drill about fourteen inches apart, two sets or one piece containing not over five nor less than three eyes to each hill; the potatoes may be covered with a plow or 151 hoe as the operator may select, and not over two inches deep. The earth over the sets ought to be generally pressed down with the hoe, or if covered with the plow, a roller passed over the field will be beneficial. If weeds are likely to start before the potatoes are up go through with the cultivator; when they are fully up go through with the cultivator again, and dress clean with the hoe; the after cultivation may be with a small plow, shovel plow, or what is better a horse hoe. Potatoes ought not to be hilled much unless on very dry ground and the hills made broad and flat..Marnuring.-If the soil is already rich enough no manure is necessary, but if manure is wanted, good unfermented stable manure is best, scattered broadcast and plowed in, or if manure be scarce let it be dropped in the furrow over the potato, a fork full to the hill and covered with about one inch of soil. We have adopted this method for years with the best success, always having good potatoes. In soil not rich in calcarious earth, a compost of one part quick lime, one part unleached ashes, and one part plaster applied to the hills after the potatoes are up and hoed once, will be beneficial, or scattered broadcast over the field, or along the rows. Time of Planting.-Potatoes ought always to be planted early, and before corn planting. We think an error exists among farmers generally on this point. Potatoes want a long reason to mature in; they are perfecting after the tops are dry, and should always have ample time. Planting early is nearer the natural mode of growing. Time of Gathering.-The too common practice of gathering potatoes as soon as the tops are dead, we consider injudicious, and contrary to the laws which govern the vegetable kingdom. Take as a specimen a late keeping apple; pluck it from the tree as soon as the frosts have killed the leaves, and it is unfit for use, although it may be ripe. But keep the same till about the first of February, and if a swaar, it will have changed color, and become mellow and palatable; just so with the potato, let them remain in the ground as long as it can safely be done on account of frosts, and the potato will be improved in quality. In proof of our position, we give below the result of an experiment by N. C. Bement, of Rochester, N. Y. Two hundred and forty pounds of potatoes produce of farina or potato flour, if dug in 152 August, from............................. 23 to 25 lbs. September, from 32 to 38" October, from-........... 32 to 40" November, from 38 to 45" March, from --— 38 to 45 April, from- 28 to 38 " May, from-.. 20 to 28" From the above it will be seen that the potato continued to increase in quality from August to November, remained stationary from November to March, from which time they began to deteriorate, owing to the process of germination having begun. It is said the red potato produces the least quantity of farina, and those of a yellow tint the most. Securing the Crop. —The usual method of securing the crop by the hoe, or what is better the potato hoe, is the most economical, all things considered, especially when they are worth their usual price. The plan of plowing them out is not justifiable unless at a time when potatoes are unusually plenty and labor scarce. The custom too prevalent of digging the potatoes and leaving them exposed to the rays of the sun, or to dry in the air, is just as erroneous as it would be to cover wheat or other grain a short time with earth before putting it into the granary; to practice either is contrary to the laws of their production. Another practice too common should be discarded, that is of having them freed from the dirt that naturally adheres to them when dug. Potatoes are better dug in wet weather and leave as much dirt adhering to them as possible, and when placed away for winter and spring use, we should always have dirt enough mixed with them to fill all the interstices, to exclude the air; the temperature always kept as little above the freezing point as possible. We think a little reflection will convince any one that our position is a correct one. Those who are in the practice of putting their potatoes in a cellar, cannot but observe that those at the bottom of the bin which have been covered with the dirt sifted from above, are always the most sound, mealy and palatable, cud such only should be used for planting, they having been kept nearest the manner in which we suppose them to be in their natural state. The Potato"Rot.-Much has been said and written upon this mysterious subject, and much to little purpose, either to enlighten the mind 153 or to confirm the wavering in opinion. We have no sympathy with any of the theories we have examined, and believe all to come short of the true cause of the disease; and like the Asiatic Cholera, the cause is yet unknown, although some cures have been effected; and we ven — ture the prediction that the time is far distant when man will be permitted to know the cause or even the cure. We venture the assertion that all animals and vegetables have diseases peculiar to their nature, which are epidemic, the most of which we are unable to assign the cause for or provide a cure. Among this class of diseases we rank the potato rot. It may be ameliorated, and perhaps in some ceses we may blunder upon a cure, at the same time cannot tell why it is done with the means applied. Various experiments have been tried, some of which have, in certain localities, or under certain circumstances, apparently prevented the disease, the same experiments in other localities have proved unavailing. With us, our potatoes have invariably escaped the rot, when on planting them we put a fork full of fresh stable manure over each hill over the potatoes before covering; other rows of the same varieties in close proximity not treated with manure, have produced rotten potatoes, while those having manure placed over them were not affected with the rot. Some writers discountenance the manure ana assert that it causes the rot; whether they judge from theory or practice we cannot tell. The various experiments that have been tried to prevent the rot, have called forth much scientific and practical knowledge which has already been and will continue to be of much benefit to potato growers. 20 PRIZE ESSAY ON THE BREEDING AND MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP. BY EDWARD MASON. THE earliest account that we have of sheep is in the Holy Scriptures. There we are told that Abel was "a keeper of sheep," and that he made an acceptable offering to the Lord of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. Naturalists have failed to discover the sheep in a truly wild state in any part of the world, although several animals have been found which bear a strong resemblance to this animal; such as the moufflon -the ovis montana, or big horn, &c. The most reasonable method of accounting for this singular circumstance is to suppose that the first pair of sheep were domesticated, and that their progeny have ever since remained dependent on man for protection and sustenance. The milk of the sheep was used by the ancients as food long before the flesh was brought into requisition. In the anti-diluvian world fruit and herbs were the food of man. Commentators "'re (f opinion that the Hebrew word which the translators of the bible have termed "fat" should have been rendered "milk," and it is very likely that this is the proper meaning of the word, as we learn from the writings of Virgil, and other sources, that in ancient times the pagans offered milk to their divinities. Returning to the Sacred Scriptures we find that the next place where sheep are mentioned is that in which Jubah, the son of Adah, and Lamech, one of the posterity of Cain, is said:o be the first nomadic shepherd; or, according to the language of Holy Writ, "the father of such as dwell in tents and have cattle." This was about 500 years before the deluge. 150 Two thousand years before the birth of Christ, we are told that the flocks of Abram and Lot were so great that Palestine could not furnish them with pasture; and, although nearly 4000 years have since elapsed, the shepherds of Arabia and Tartary, in the magnitude of their flocks and their system of managing them, bear a close resemblance to the nomades of the Scriptures. Not many years ago, Sir James Chapman, when travelling near Aleppo, met a clan of Turcoman shepherds, who had more than 300,000 sheep and goats; and Dr. Shaw, another celebrated traveller, mentions with astonishment the immense flocks of the Arabs. The scarcity of water in Judea and Arabia has sometimes proved fatal to the sheep of those countries, and the great flocks of New Holland and Van Dieman's Land are sometimes almost annihilated by the same privation. In Canada and the Uuited States sheep sometimes suffer very much from protracted drought, as in dry seasons the pastures become so scorched that they are totally unable to sustain the flocks, and many of the diseases sf sheep arise from want of nutritious food during the excessive heat of summer, or in dry autumns, when there is not a green thing to be seen. Every sheep breeder should endeavor to have nutritious food for his flock in time of need. In ancient times sheep were watered regularly during the heat of summer; and that is a remarkable scene in illustration of the manners and customs of the ancients, where Jacob visits his uncle Laban and finds the sheep collected at the well, and Rachel preparing to water her father's flocks. " And it came to pass that when Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of Laban, his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban, his mother's brother, that Jacob went near and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock. And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice and wept." To some persons it may seem odd that Jacob should be introduced into an essay on the " Breediag and Management of Sheep;" but a little reflection will enable the reader to perceive that Jacob holds a very conspicuous place among sheep breeders, as to him we are indebted for the very important improvement which has taken place in the color of wool. It is generally admitted that sheep were originally black, or brownish black, until Jacob by his celebrated stratagem succeeded in producing a 157 different color. In fact, Jacob was the first improver of sheep; for when he left Laban he no doubt selected the whitest and best, and put them together; and there is every reason to suppose that he cultivated the improvement which he had so fortunately originated; for in the time of David the flocks were as white as snow; and Solomon in his canticles compares his mistress's teeth to " a flock of sheep, newly washed." Sucock, in his essay on wool, asserts that this improvement in color soon progressed as far as Arabia, thence to Persia, Syria and Egypt. The Jews gave names to their sheep, and called them, as we can learn from the Scriptures, which contain many beautiful allusions to the tender care of a shepherd for his flock. The prophet, speaking of the Messiah, said "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs in his arms, he shall carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those which are with young." David, the renowned king of Israel, was originally a shepherd, and his first feat of bravery was performed in defense of his flock; and he, like many of the ancient shepherds, was skilled in music, and performed 80 skillfully on the harp that the evil spirit was charmed away from Saul by his music. The book of Psalms contains many allusions to pastoral life; such as, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters." When the prophet Nathan wised to reprove David for compassing the death of Uriah he wisely introduced an illustration which the king understood very well-the affection of the poor man for his lamb, which ate of his meat, drank of his cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. Nearly all the historical accounts concerning sheep which have been handed down to us prove that in the earliest ages of the world, and even in the most congenial climates, sheep were regarded with affection, and watched over with tender care and vigilance. And when such attention to the wants of these animals was necessary for their preservation in the most salubrious climates, where nature provided an ample supply of food for their sustenance, it is plain that the exertions of the sheep breeder should be greatly increased in a cold country, such as North America, where the winds are very severe, and snow sometimes covers the ground for four months of the year. 158 The "shearing," or rather "plucking," of sheep was practiced among the Jews in very early ages. Eighteen hundred years before the Christian era Laban went to shear his sheep; but, as we have just mentioned,. it is very likely that the operation was performed according to "vellendi," or "the plucking system," which is now one of the " lost arts," and should be handed over to Wendell Phillips, to be enrolled by him on that interesting list with which he labors to build up his own fame at the expense of the moderns. Sheep had been raised in England long before Julius Caesar invaded that country. In the time of Agricold the Romans founded a woolen manufactory at Winchester, and from that time to the present the man — ufacture of woolen cloth has been fostered and encouraged in England. It was her woolen manufactures that first raised her in wealth and power, and enabled her flag "To brave, a thousand years, The battle and the breeze." The growth of cotton has been imperious to the agriculture of the tnited States; its tendency has been to impoverish the soil, and unfit it for the production of other crops; whilst the manufacture of cotton has been prejudicial to the interests of agriculture in England, by attracting the agricultural laborers away from their legitimate employment and bringing them within the baneful influence of the factories. The legislature of Michigan should, by every means in its power, encourage the woolen manufactures of this State. It is a highly important branch of trade, which a little patronage might establish and develop here. Michigan is about to "go ahead" in the iron manufacture, and it is very likely that Wyandotte will prove the germ from which will spring up a mighty trade. In the breeding of sheep, and all other domestic animals, symmetry of form, large size and vigor of constitution are important objects of' consideration. By excellence in these points sheep become doubly valuable, as the growth of flesh and wool are greatly increased. The size of sheep and the quality of the wool are materially affected by the peculiarities of the soil and climate in which the animals are raised. Hence the adaptation of the various breeds to the nature of the localities in which they are to be raised is a matter of the greatest importance. 159 In Europe those sheep which are bred on hilly downs, or heathy, mountain pastures, are remarkable for their light carcasses and finer light fleeces. They are known as the short wooled, whilst those fed on rich, lowland pastures are denominated long wooled. The comparative value of the different breeds of fine wooled and& coarse wooled sheep has been for a considerable time a subject of discussion among farmers. Many have decided in favor of the long wooled sheep; and acting accordingly, have, at a considerable expense, imported Spanish, French and Saxon Merinos, of a superior description. Without entering much into a discussion of the merits of the coarse or the fine wooled sheep, we would remark that the latter are admitted by all to produce the best wool; but they are also known to be light bodied, and inferior to the coarse wooled for the production of mutton.. It is also a pretty well established fact that in well peopled countries the fine wooled sheep have given way to the coarse wooled; and that the latter kind are by far the most profitable for keeping in every place where a good market is available. Railroads have extended and are extending in all directions, and there is reason to suppose that in a few years every rural district will be within the reach of a good meat market; and this fact will considerably accelerate the adoption of the large coarse wooled sheep, in preference to the Merino. Fine wooled sheep are best suited for the extensive pastures of warm countries, such as Australia and South America, or even some of the southern States, where it is thought that wool growing is destined to supersede cotton growing. A Swedish proverb states that "sheep have golden feet," and this assertion was no doubt occasioned by the great improvement which takes place in impoverished land when it is converted into a pasture for sheep. If the worn out lands of the southern states were plowed deep, and properly "laid down," with a good selection of grasses, they would soon become rich and valuable sheep pastures, if employed in that way. The sheep of America are generally much inferior in size to those of Great Britain and Ireland. They are generally much lighter, and lack. that symmetry of proportion for which the improved breeds of the "old country" are so remarkable. These defects may be entirely removed by making a good selection of ewes and putting them to rams of a superior quality. 160 The providing suitable food and shelter for his flock should be the -constant care of the American farmer. The winters of this country are so severe that scarcely any animal is hardy enough to withstand them. Many of the small wild animals retire to hollow trees or caves, and pass the season in a state of torpidity. Sheep can scarcely find anything to feed on, whilst the snow covers the ground. They are then completely dependent on man for food and shelter. It is therefore imperative on the farmer or sheep breeder to provide houses or sheds for the accommodation of his flocks. It is necessary to procure the most desirable plans for the erection of these houses or sheds, and on this subject we will make a few remarks: The Reverend Mr. Hucstable, a distinguished member of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, is celebrated as a successful breeder and feeder of sheep. He generally house feeds his entire flock. He has published his system of management. By his plan the sheep are provided with comfortable shelter and nutricious food, and contribute largely to their own support and the permanent improvement of the land by producing an abundance of excellent manure. The sheep sheds are floored with lattice, or boards placed sufficiently far asunder to permit the droppings of the sheep to fall through. The cellars or places underneath the sheds, are covered with ashes or dry muck, which absorbs the liquid manure and becomes extremely rich and valuable. These cellars are cleaned out occasionally, and the manure which has been removed is heaped up carefully and reserved for future use. Whatever planhe adopts, every sheep breeder should preserve the manure of his flock; at least, that part which is made in the winter season, as it will be a very great help in sustaining the fertility of his soil. The population of Michigan being increasing rapidly, and a means of reaching the eastern markets in winter as well as in summer, being now afforded by the Great Western Railway, it is reasonable to suppose that the price of mutton will increase in proportion to the demand, and that the raising of meat will become more profitable than the production of wool. One good result, among others, likely to arise from the establishment of the Agricultural College in this State is that in that institution the different breeds of sheep and cattle can there have a fair trial, and their 161 comparative value be ascertained with accuracy and impartiality. There the Durham, the Devon and the Ayrshire cattle can be raised side by side, and the merits of the fine wooled and coarse wooled sheep be decided by an impartial tribunal. Much benefit to the Agricultural College is likely to result from the appointment of J. C. HOLMES, Esq., as one of the professors in that institution, as he has had considerable experience in the various improved breeds of the domestic animals, and also in the best selections of Agricultural seeds, and in horticulture and landscape gardening. It is to be hoped that he will do his part in combining science with practice, and dispelling that vapor of worthless gas which has proved destructive to so many institutions of the kind. There are some farmers in this State whose exertions in improving the breed of sheep are worthy of the greatest credit. They have every reason to be proud of their flocks. They have conferred a lasting benefit on this State by introducing improved breeds, and managing them with care and skill. When I talk of the successful management of sheep, I sometimes point to their flocks as models for the young farmer's instruction. Such men will willingly permit me to give my impressions on the subject, and narrate my experience in " the Breeding and Management of Sheep." My experience has been principally confined to the raising of coarse wooled sheep, of the Leicester breed, and I must say that I think I have seen these sheep brought to the highest degree of perfection by judicious management. A good selection of ewes is the first step towards successful sheep breeding. None but the choicest and best should be chosen for the breeding flock They should be perfectly matched in size and age, and great attention should be bestowed on the quality of the wool. Some ewes, although they are desirable on account of their size and symmetry, are objectionable, in as much as they produce coarse, matted fleeces. It is scarcely necessary to say that such sheep should be rejected, as their offspring would certainly produce an inferior description of wool. Some ewes have a tendency to baldness, or want of wool, on ti1 head and neck. Others have too much wool on the bead. Both these imperfections should be avoided, and a choice made of ewes that have the wool well on, and no tendency to the faults above mentioned. 21 162 A choice flock of breeding ewes cannot be established without great judgment and experience, nor can it be kept up without constant care and attention. Care must be exercised in attending to the health and providing for the wants of the flock, and vigilance in selecting and removing such as are unhealthy or ill thrivers, and keeping up the strength of the flock, by properly replacing those which have been taken away. Some farmers overstock their land, and this is one reason why so many inferior sheep are to be seen, and so many complaints made of the unprofitableness of sheep farming. It is much better to feed a few sheep well than a greater number badly; and this fact is well worthy the attention of the farmer. Doctor Brown, in an interesting article in the Patent Office Reports for 1 i51-2, endeavors to prove that coarse wool is not wool at all; and he has quoted many authorities to sustain his opinion that it is hair, but he seenqs to have entirely overlooked the fact that nature adapts the covering of animals to the climate in which they are placed, and that Buffon, Goldsmith, Cuvier, and other celebrated naturalists, are of opinion that the difference in the several varieties of the sheep have resulted from the variations of climate and provender, and that all have sprung from a common parentage. In the Patent Office Reports for 1855, Dr. Brown has himself proved that climate has a wonderful effect upon the covering of animals. In an article upon Sheep and Wool, written by George Campbell, of Vermont, and published in the Reports for 1854, the writer makes the following remarks on sheep breeding, to the truth of which I cheerfully bear testimony. "In order to make a real improvement in the breed of sheep, it requires, on the part of the breeder, years of patient effort and close attention, with*a fixed purpose to accomplish the end in view. And, in additton to this, let him cultivate, if he does not already possess, an absorbing attention to his flocks. Are his sheep coarse wooled? are they under shearers W are they under size? are they defective in form, and wading in natural oil? The skilfal breeder will be able to remedy these defects without going out of his own flocks. But this in all cases,ould require too long a time, and hence, in most cases, he will find it for his interest to borrow some improvement from his neighbor's flock." It will be desirable to start with a good stock of ewes, which may be purchased at such prices as the price of wool will warrant him in pay 163 ing. The improvement which he will be able to effect upon them will depend in a great measure on the judicious choice of males. The selection of males should be made from none but a thorough bred flock, such as has maintained for years a fixed character for evenness, weight of fleece, and uniformity of shape. The most successful and the most extensive breeders of the Leicester sheep turn out their ewes to breed when they are one and one half year old. The Merinos are slower in coming to perfection, and are seldom fit for breeding till they are two and one-half years old; and this circumstance is a strong argument in favor of the Leicesters, which come to perfection much sooner than the Merinos, and attain a greater weight of flesh and fleece. Careful and experienced breeders of the long wooled sheep never keep ewes for breeding which have exceeded the seventh year, as by that time the teeth will have begun to give way, and the animals to lose their vigor. Some farmers keep their ewes until they are much older, but the progeny of such animals are never vigorous or thrifty. It has been frequently remarked that the offspring of aged animals of any kind are generally of an inferior description. When the teeth of ewes begin to fail, and the wool to peel off the neck and belly, they should not be retained as breeders. They should be fattened, and conmigned to the butcher, and their places in the flock filled up with younger ani- mals. In Great Britain and Ireland every sheep breeder, of any standing or importance, has well constructed sheds, or sheep houses, for the shelter of his flock; and although the winters in these countries are generally extremely mild, and snow seldom remains a month on the ground, these houses are sometimes found to be of the greatest benefit in promoting the comfort and health of the flock. In the spring of this year (1856) thousands of lambs have been lost in Michigan, solely for the want of shelter and nutritious food for the ewes which gave them birth. In the township of Greenfield was to be seen a shed the roof of which was nearly covered with dead lambs. In fact, their owner seemed to make a parade of his loss, for he left them for nearly a month exposed to the view of the passengers on the Grand River road. The owner of these lambs had plenty of hay. It was merely for want of shelter that the poor little things perished. When 164 ewes are exposed to cold and hunger they become weak and sickly before the lambs are brought forth. The poor lambs are born weak and sickly, too; and the ewes are unable to supply milk for the sustenance of their enfeebled offspring, which soon die. Some farmers turn out the buck to their ewes too early in the fall, and the result of this management is that the lambs are produced too early in the spring-very often a considerable time before the snow has cleared away. In such cases the ewes are entirely dependant on artificial food and shelter; and if not properly attended in this precarious season the lambs will perish. Some lands are peculiarly adapted for raising sheep, whilst other localities are entirely unfit for that purpose. We hear much of isothermal lines; and intelligent writers call those imaginary lines, or the countries contained within them, the wool growing regions. I don't think the term "isothermal" should be applied in this sense at all, for there are scarcely two farms on the face of the earth which possess a perfect equality of temperature. Natural or artificial shelter has a wonderful effect in mitigating the cold of winter and moderating the heat of summer. I have seen two farms which bounded each other, and possessed no visible dissimilarity of soil; both raised sheep equally well during the summer months. Yet on one of them sheep declined visibly in winter, whilst the other supported its flock in health and vigor. The difference arose from a deficiency of shelter on one of the farms. Sheep require a dry, upland pasture. They also require shelter from the cold of winter, and shade from the heat of summer. Lands inclined to be marshy, and which consequently produce a coarse description of grass, are entirely unsuited for sheep pasture, and should be employed for some other purpose; whilst lands which produce white clover, and the finer varieties of the grasses, cannot be better occupied than in the raising of sheep. Upland of every description is much improved by being made a sheep pasture, for the droppings of these animals have a great effect in fertilizing tbe soil. I have sometimes seen worn out land restored to fertility by being converted, for some years, into a sheep pasture. The system of folding sheep on turnip fields has long been practiced in England, with considerable success. In this plan moveable pens are 165 used, which are shifted about, according as the turnips within the rails are consumed. The droppings of the sheep, and the trampling and consolidation of the soil, are found to be a good preparation for barley or oats; and, when the fields have been properly tilled in spring, excellent crops of these grains have frequently been obtained. But there are grave objections to the practice of folding, and it is going out of use among scientific farmers. The wool of sheep thus folded is frequently so much damaged by the clay and mud, in which the animals are pent up, that it can never be perfectly cleaned by washing; and the sheep are liable to be attacked with dysentery, and other diseases, arising from the cold and damp'of the puddled surface. The system of folding sheep on turnips cannot be followed in this country, as the turnips must be removed from the fields before the frost sets in. Many different preparations have been made use of for the purpose of dipping or washing sheep in order to prevent or cure cutaneous diseases. For these purposes the best and most reliable remedy that I have seen was a solution of tobacco, in which was a small portion of corrosive sublimate and spirits of terpentine. Too much corrosive sublimate has often proved injurious and sometimes fatal to the sheep; and on this account many have adopted mild mercurial ointment;-one part M. 0. to seven parts lard; two or three ounces being well rubbed in every second day, and the application renewed about three times. Some persons make use of a large tub, or batb, into which the sheep are plunged. When raised up they are kept for a few moments on a platform, near the bath, from which the water runs again into the bath. Others apply the wash in a different way. It is placed in bottles, and quills, or other small tubes, being inserted in the corks, the liquid is poured on the skin of the sheep, through channels or courses which have been opened through the wool. As we are on the subject of dipping or coursing sheep, it may not be amiss to consider the best way of wrashing them; as it is an admitted fact that scarcely anything improves the appearance of wool more than careful washing. Almost every farmer knows how to perform this operation. Yet it is wonderful that so much soiled and badly washed wool finds its way into the market. The reason undoubtedly is that 166 J the owners of sheep are not as careful as they ought to be about performing this operation. In washing sheep, a clear, strong stream should be resorted to; and the best part of it that can be selected for the business is that which possesses a sound, pebbly or gravelly bottom. A water-fall will be of great use in "finishing off" the washing, and removing any particles of mud that may be attached to the fleece. The water in which sheep are washed should be three and a half or four feet deep; and the operation is best performed by two men, standing opposite to each other, and holding the sheep by the thick part of the legs, or rather the thighs. A man on the bank catches a sheep, and throws it on its back into the water, right between the two "washers," who are waiting to catch the animal by the legs the moment it touches the water. They dip the animal repeatedly, turning it from side to side, and watch each others motions, in order to keep time in the operation. It may be well to remark that sometimes sheep are very much injured in the washing, by the carelessness or awkwardness of unpracticed or inexpert hands. In such cases the injury is done by what is called "sawing," which means working against each other, or one trying to dip the sheep on one side whilst the other is trying to do the reverse. The wool on the belly of the sheep is generally the most soiled, and the dirtiest part of the fleece; and when this appears clean and perfectly washed it is a good sign that the rest of the fleece is sufficiently cleansed, and the sheep may be "landed." When large flocks of sheep are to be washed it will be necessary to have four, and sometimes eight men in the water at the'same time; or, at least, ready to relieve each other in the operation. Each sheep should occupy the washers for about one minute. When the sheep is sufficient:y dipped it should be passed under the spout, to finish off the business well. One man may be sufficient to wash a light sheep, but two are necessary to handle a heavy Leicester or Cotswold. In all cases, two can perform the operation much better than one. Where a running stream cannot be resorted to a small pond must be made to answer the purpose. There are certain preparations for dissolving the oil, and cleansing the wool, which can sometimes be used 167 with good effect in small quantities, whilst they would be completely, lost in a running stream. But so far as my experience goes nothing-. can "beat" a good rapid and clear stream. Sheep may be sheared in five or six days after they are washed, if the weather prove favorable. Some flock masters keep their sheep unshorn for a longer time after they are washed, as it is considered that the heat of the sun extracts the natural oil from the skin, and in this way the weight of the fleece is increased. I bave frequently seen well washed sheep soiled over again by being driven home over dusty roads. Care should be taken not to shear while the wool remains damp, as it cannot be stored up with safety, unless it is perfectly dry. The work of shearing may be interrupted by showers. To guard against this, if the weather appears doubtful, the sheep should be housed the evening before shearing day, and if the weather prove unfavorable the work can be done inside. Sheep are sometimes injured by being cut with the shears, by awkward or careless hands. Fat sheep are easily shorn, as the surface of the skin, being plump and smooth, the operation can be performed quick and well; but wh'en sheep are lean, and in bad condition, it is sometimes a very difficult task to take off the fleece without cutting the skin. In case of wounds arising from this cause, a bit of adhesive plaster, composed of beeswax and tar, should be placed over the spot, to prevent flees from torturing the poor animals. Mr. Hogg, the celebrated " Ettreck Shepherd," recommends the use of fish oil, which he found an. effectual preventive against these insects. The large, coarse wooled sheep are sometimes deficient in wool abcut' the head and neck, and a sore is sometimes found on the poll, by the perpetual attack of flies in that particular place. Somcthing should be always applied in such cases, or the poor animals will be worried almost to death. It is impossible for sheep to thrive, or even to maintain a healthy condition, if they are not protected from the "fly." Often have we seen a bare headed sheep trying to escape from its tormentor; stooping its head-listening —starting off in a run-stopping-listening again, to try if its persecutors were buzzing near, and running away again at the first glimpse of the enemy, and betraying in every movement the utmost fear and alarm. The Merino is generally well secured from the attacks of the fly, 168 having the most vulnerable parts covered in a panoply of wool. In this particular the Merino has an advantage over the Leicester, or any other long wooled breed. DIFFERENT BREEDS OF SHEEP.-LEICESTER. In giving a description of the most important breeds we will begin with the Leicetter. This celebrated breed was originated more than a century ago, by Robert Bakewell, of Dishley, Leicestershire, England. Whether this improved breed of sheep which resulted from his indefatigable industry and skill, were produced by selecting the best animals of the same kind, for breeding, or by crossing with other varieties, is not known, as he always kept his plans a profound secret. His efforts, as well as those of every one who makes an innovation on the old established habits of farmers, were at first sufficiently ridiculed; but the eyes of his facetious neighbors were in some degree opened, and their opinions a little changed, when in 1760, he was enabled to let out his rams for hire. At first he received only 17s 6d British, for the use of a ram for a season; but he was soon enabled to raise the price to one guinea, and in a few years to three guineas. The excellence of the progeny of Bakewell's rams was so evident, that the news spread like lightning'among the farmers of England, and the demand increased so rapidly, that Bakewell raised his price successively to 20, 30, 50, 60 and 70 guineas; and in 1784 he received a bun Ired guineas a piece for the hire of his rams for a season. The joke was now entirely on his side, and his neighbors looked on with astonishment, when in 1789 he received 1,200 guineas for the hire of three rams for a season. This was about at the rate of $2,280 a piece, seven others for 2,000 guineas, and the remainder of his rams for three thousand guineas. Here was a sum of nearly $31,000 realized, for the hire for a few months, of less than twenty rams. And this circumstance ought in itself to be sufficient to stimulate everv farmer to try and excel his neighbors in breeding the domestic animals. Robert Bakewell is more deserving of gratitude than the most successful warrior, who ever arose to eminence by the destruction of his fellow mortals. The following is a dsctrirtti,n of the characteristics of a standard sheep of the Leicester throi': A general rotundity of form and fine 169 ness of bones. The cheat should be broad, the ribs well arched, and the back and loins accordingly, broad, flat and straight. The body should be large in proportion to the limbs, or, otherwise the limbs should be short in proportion to the body. The breast should be well forward, and the belly straight. The head small, the ears thin, the limbs to the joint should be fleshy, below the joint they should be delicate and covered with short hair. The skin should be soft and elastic, the wool soft to the touch, and coming well forward to the face, but not covering it. The face and forehead should be covered thickly. with short hair, and the eyes as indicative of health, should be lively. There are a great many different qualities of wool among long wooled sheep, and by a proper selection of the breeding flocks an excellent quality of wool may be obtained. No skillful breeder ever thinks of propagating a flock from inferior animals. Any farmer who possesses the means of obtaining superior sheep and does not do so, is miserably mistaken, and this fact need not be told him, for the light carcases and light fleeces of his flock, and above all, the lightness of his purse will speak forcibly to him. Those farmers who are celebrated for being successful in raising the best sheep, are extremely particular in the selection of their breeding flock. The ewes are perfectly matched in size and symmetry. No old ones are permitted to remain in the flock, and the rams are healthy and vigorous, and of the very best and most improved kinds, and no expense is spared in order to bring the animals to the highest state of perfection. As Mr. Campbell has well said in the passage quoted from his article "Years of unremitting attention are necessary in order to bring sheep breeding to perfection." Bakewell was employed for nearly forty years, in selecting and improving his flock, and the triumphant result of his untiring perseverance and unrivalled skill, is the Leicester sheep. SOUTHDOWN. The Southdowns, a range of chalkv hills in England, have given rise'to a race of sheep which bear their name, and which are now very extensively scattered over Europe and America. The best description of a standard Southdown sheep, is that given by Mr. Ellman, an eminent sheep breeder in England, whose knowl22 170 edge of the breed was equal if not superior to that of any other man. It is as follows: The head small and hornless, the face speckled grey, and neither too long nor too short; the lips thin and the spaces between the eves and the nose narrow; the under jaw, or chap, fine and thin; the ears tolerably wide and well covered with wool, and the forehead also, and the whole space between the ears well proportioned by it, as a defence against the fly; the eye full and bright, but not prominent; the orbits of the eye,.the eyecap or bone, not too projecting, that it may not form a fatal hindrance in lambing; the neck of a medium length, thin towards the head, but enlarging towvards the shoulders, where it should be broad and high, and straight in its whole course above and below. The breast should be wide, deep and projecting forwards between the fore legs, intimating a good constitution, and a disposition to thrive. Corresponding with this the shoulders should be on a level with the back, and not too wide above, they should bow outward from the top to the breast, indicating a springing rib beneath and leaving room for it. The ribs coming horizontally from the spine, and extending far backwards, and the last rib projecting more than the others. The back flat from the shoulders to the setting of the tail. The loin broad and fiat, the rump long and broad, and the tail set on nearly on a level with the spine. The hips wide, and the space between them and the last rib on either side, as narrow as possible, and the ribs generally presenting a circular form like a barrel. The belly as straight as the back. The legs neither too long nor too short; the forelegs straight from tne breast to the feet and bending inward at the knee and standing far apart both before and behind, tile hocks having a direction rather outward, and the twist on the meeting of thighs behind, particularly full. The bones fine, yet not having any disposition to weakness, and of a speckled or dark color. The belly well defended with wool, and the wool coming down behind and before, to the knee and to the hock. The wool short, close and fine, and free from spiry projections. As the Southdown has been introduced into this State, and some very good flocks of this breed are now to be found in various parts of it, the above description will be interesting. 171 CHEVIOT SHEEP, Is a very hardy but rather sma'l breed which derives its name from the Cheviot Mountains, which extend from Northumberland into Scotland. These mountains attain a height of 2,658 feet above the levelof the sea, and are much exposed to the severities of the weather, and remain covered with snow long after it has disappeared from the cultivated fields below. The Cheviots have extended themselves very much through the moun — tains of England and Scotland, and in many parts of the latter country, they have supplanted the black-faced breed. They are a very hardy race, well su;ted to their native pastures, and likely to thrive better in a cold country than less hardy breeds, as they seem to withstand with comparative impunity the r:gors of winter, and live on very poor keeping. Though less hardy than the bEack-faced sheep of Scotland, they seem to come to maturity quicker, and are consequently more profitable. The Cheviots have white faces and legs; are harmless, and have open countenances and lively eyes. The ears are large and somewhat singular in appearance, and there is much space between the ears and the eyes. The carcass is long-the back straight-the shoulders rather wide —the ribs circular, and the quarters good. The legs are small — the bones are covered with wool, as well as all the body, with the exception of the face. The Cheviot wither is fit for the butcher at thtree years old, and averages from 1-2 to 18 lbs. per quarter; the mutton being of good quality, though inferior to the Southdown, and of less flavor than the black-faced. The Cheviots, though a mountain breed, are quiet, and easily managed. The wool is fine, and closely covers the body; thus assisting much in preserving the animals from the severity of the climate in which they live. The fleece averages about three and one half pounds. This wool was formerly much,employed in the manufacture of cloth; but, having given place to the finer Saxon wools, it has fallen in price, and has been confined to combing purposes. The Cheviot sheep has now extended into many parts of the west of England and Wales, and many persons consider th-m to be the best mountain breed. The food of the Cheviot sheep consists, throughout the greater part of the year, of the herbaga of its native hills-hay being only allowed, 172 when the ground is covered with snow or bound with frost. The breeding farms are, for the most part, situated in lofty situations, and the sheep are disposed of to farmers in lower or more cultivated places, in order to be fatted. The period of lambing is late, in order that there might be a good supply of food during that trying season. It does not commence until April, the rams having teen admitted at the rate of one to every fifty ewes, late in November. During the lambing season great attention is paid to the ewes, and a liberal allowance of food is supplied to them. This hardy breed of sheep might be found to suit the northern peninsula of Michigan, or other places which are too cold for the Merino, the Southdown or the Leicester. I have condensed the above description of the Cheviots from " Spooner's History and Economy of Sheep." MERINO. The Merino, so justly celebrated as the best of fine wooled sheep, have existed in Spain almost from time immemorial. They were probably introduced into that country by the Moors, who for 900 years held almost undisputed sway over the finest provinces of Spain. Columella, so justly celebrated as an agricultural writer, is said to have purchased African rams, and sent them into Spain, for the purpose of improving the breed of sheep. Almost every writer who has men~ tioned the Merino asserts that they are of African origin; but some express an opinion that they were introduced into Spain by the Romans, who for a long time ruled that country. A race of fine wooled sheep was bred by the Romans, from the wool of which the fine cloths worn by the pratricians were manufactured. This breed is said to have been introduced from Syria, and was called the Tarentine. These sheep were carefully housed during the heat of summer and the cold of winter; and in order to protect their fleeces, and to preserve their fine quality, they were sometimes entirely covered with artificial clothing. Some writers assert that the Merinos are descended from the Tarentine breed of Italy; but it is probable that all fine wooled sheep were originally imported from Africa, as Numedia (now Algeria) became a Roman province B. C. 44, and the conquerers were very likely to export the 173 fine wooled sheep from them to various parts of the Roman possessions. Add to this the fact of the irruption of the Moors into Spain, and the probability of the African origin of the Merinos will be increased. The Merino sheep, armed with horns as a partial defense against beasts of prey, and clothed in a panopty of wool, to protect him from cold and the attacks of flies, seems very like the original sheep, as it came from the hand of the Creator; whilst the bare headed and hornless long wooled sheep is a hybrid animal, the result of various crosses and intermixtures. The introduction of the Merinos into the United States dates from 1810, at which time a small number were imported into Connecticut from Spain. But to the Hon. WM. J;ARVIS the country is in lebted for several extensive importations of this valuable breed; and he may be said to have fully established them in the United States. The American Merinos of the present day are the offspring of the flocks imported by Mr. Jarvis, and other enterprising men, and have been bred in this country for more than 40 years. It is to be regretted that from injudicious crossing, and other mismanagement in the breeding, the excellence of the original importations has been almost lost. Yet it is fortunate that in a few cases the breed has been preserved from the contamination of mixing with sheep of an inferior quality. The French Merinos were originally introduced into France from Spain in 1786, at which time, by order of Louis XVI., 400 ewes and rams were selected from the best flocks in Spain. The produce of these: sheep, having been judiciously managed by the French breeders, have increased in size, and are now known as that valuable breed, the French Merino. Although sheep of this breed succeed well in France, they have not been found to do well in the northern and western States of this Union, as the winters are too cold for them, and from their large size they require considerable provender. These sheep have been thus described by an intelligent breeder. "They are of unusual size, and possess, in a remarkable degree, the qualities desirable in sheep for mutton and wool growing purposes. They are completely covered with a long,-thick and fine staple of wool. They have strong and hardy constitutions, and are very prolific: and, as the ewes are excellent nurses, there is no diffiin raising their lambs." 174 The Silecian Merinos were introduced into this country by Messrs. Campbell and Chamberlain, in 1851. Like the others, the breed was originally imported from Spain, and have been raised in Germany since 181 I. The sheep from which the American importation were selected had been managed with the greatest care and skill, by an experienced breeder, who preserved the breed in perfect purity, and improved them considerably by judicious management. The Silesian Merinos are descended from one of the most superior flocks in Spain-the " Infantado negrete," one of the most select of the royal "Jewels." They produce excellent wool, and will, no doubt, prove a valuable acquisition to the American wool grower. The management of sheep in Silesia may be well considered as a model for the imitation of every breeder. The following description of it is given by Mr. Fleishmann, who visited the continent of Europe in 1845, as the "agricultural commissioner" of the United States. He says: " In my tour on the co tinent of Europe, in 1845, I discovered that the celebrated wool of Saxony had decreased in value, and that the Saxon sheep breeders had made very serious mistakes in this very delicate culture. In Prussian Silesia more intelligence and care had been bestowed upon it, and the result was that a very superior article had been obtained. Silesia has now the golden fleece of Spain! After about 40 years of experiment and practice, Silecia has obtained a breed of sheep whose fleE ces are equally fine on the neck, back and sides, and it is well known that such fleeces are always preferred by manufacturers. The sheep in Silesia are never exposed to much rain. Shelter is always provided for them; nor are they ever exposed to much dust, for both these are found to be injurious to the fleece. The greatest possible care is taken in the breeding. Men of the greatest experier ce are employed, who make it their business to go from farm to farm, to examine the k heep and f elect the best rams and ewes that can be found. The lambs are also closely examined as to their fleece bearing properties, and all but the very best are sold off. The whole economy of the farm is as perfect as intelligence and industry can make it. The rams and ewes are not permitted to couple under the age of two and one-half years. They are allotted to each other according to their fitness to improve the breed. Three rams are allowed to every 175 hundred ewes. In the low lands the loss of lambs is twenty per cent., but in the higher it is but two per cent. The ewes with lambs are placed by themselves in the nurseries. The lambs born within three days of each other are placed in separate apartments, and carefully watched. At the end of fourteen days the lambs are twice a day separated from the ewes, and are fed on clover and hay, to accustom them to their future fair. This saves the ewes. At the end of four weeks they are allowed to be but a short time with the ewes. FEEDING. In Silesia the feedingnof sheep is very different from what is practiced in this country. There the raising of sheep, and indeed the whole economy of farming is studied in the schools as a science, and is carried to very great perfection. The sheep are fed regularly; and they have a different mode of feeding for each month. In January they are fed in the morning with one pound each of sanfoin (a species of plant resembling clover;) they are watered at nine o'clock; at ten o'clock, half a pound of hay; at two o'clock, the same; at three, watered; in the evening, one pound of mixed hay, each. They are kept at nearly an even temperature of 60 degs., Farenheit. If the temperature is kept too high the lambs will die. The particulars of the system wou'ld fill up too much space. We must only mention in general terms that the sheep, all through the winter season, are managed with the greatest regularity and care; that the food is varied occasionally, and that oats, vetches and hay are sometimes given them; that they are watered regularly, and kept in perfect cleanliness. In May the pasture season commences. At noon every day the sheep are led into the stalls, and carefully sheltered from the heat, and in wet weather cut chaff is given with lucerne. A great deal of the improvement in the Prussian system of raising sheep is very properly attributed to the superior skill and management of Mr. Fink, a celebrated sheep breeder, who was placed by Frederick II. at the head of an agricultural school, in which institution his excellent system was taught as a science, and diffused throughout Persia. Mr. Fink maintained that free exposure to the air favored the growth of wool, and therefore, although the sheep are housed in the beginning of November, yet whenever it freezes, and the ground is hard, although 176 it may not be covered with snow, the sheep are driven to the wheat and rye fields, where they find a kind of pasturage which is exceedingly wholesome. Nothing is more common than to see a flock of valuable sheep scratching away the snow with their feet, in order that they may feed on the wheat or rye underneath. When the weather will not permit of their being taken out, th::y are fed on various kinds of artificial fodder-cut hay, pease, haulm, oats, oil cake, &c. SAXON SHEEP. The sheep of Saxony were originally of very little value, and consequently they produced wool of an inferior description. The Elector of Saxony, being determined to improve the breed of sheep in his country, imported, in 1765, one hundred rams and two hundred ewes of the most superior Spanish flocks. He kept one part of this importation on one of his farms, near Dresden. This portion was kept distinct and unmixed. The other he distributed throughout Saxony, in order to improve the native breeds. It was soon evident that the Merinos did not degenerate in Saxony. The wool of the unmixed breed was equal to that of the best Spanish flocks; whilst the native breeds were greatly inproved by crossing with the Merino. The pure Merinos rapidly increased in Saxony, and their fleeces not only equalled the best Spanish wool, but actually exceeded it in fineness and value. The government of Saxony contributed to the spread of improvement, by establishing an agricultural school, and also several minor schools for shepherds; and by distributing cheap publications, in which the improved system of management was described and advocated. In Saxony, as well as Silesia, although the sheep are housed during winter, yet they are driven out occasionally and compelled to seek sustenance, sometimes perhaps by scraping away the snow from the pastures and wheat fields; and the season must be extremely inclement when they are not driven into the courts for two or three hours in each day. The doors and windows of the sheep houses are frequently thrown open, and ventilation promoted in every possible way. Some of the Saxon flock masters keep their sheep in the houses, or sheds, during the whole year, and it does not appear that the condition of the flock, or the quality of the fleece is damaged by the practice. In Saxony a considerable quantity of salt is given to the sheep, principally during summer. The foregoing descriptions of the most important breeds of the doy will be sufficient for the purpose of this essay; namely, to describe the most important varieties of sheep, and successful methods of managing them. It will be seen that particular localities have originated races of sheep which differ materially from each other in size and shape, and also in the quality of the wool. The Cheviot hills have produced a hardy race, suited to their climate; and the Southdowns, a breed which thrive well in dry, upland pastures, similar to their native hills. The Merinos have always been treated with the utmost care in every country in which they have been raised, and this is sufficient to show that extraordinary care is requisite to bring them to perfection. The kings of Spain have spared no expense in order to preserve and improve those celebrated migratory flocks, which were so extremely valuable, and so highly esteemed, that they wers justly styled the "jewels of the Spanish crown." The importations of Merinos which have been brought into France and Germany have been well managed, and the credit of the original flock well sustained. The American Merinos have been remarkably well managed in some parts of this country; but in some cases they have not received sufficient care, nor judicious treatment. They are generally too much exposed to the heat of the sun in summer, which has a tendency to render the wool coarse, and also to weaken the constitution of the animals. In this State, sufficient care is not bestowed on the selection of rams and ewes for breeding purposes. The Silesian system of management is well worthy the attention of all wool-growers. LONG WOOLED SHEEP. It has been, 1 think, correctly remarked by an intelligent writer, that the long wooled sheep would soon become one family. Present appearances seem to indicate that the varieties known as the Lincoln, Romney Marsh, Teeswater, Cotswold and Bampton, are all being absolved by the Leicester, which is undoubtedly the best breed of long wooled sheep in the world. The wool of the Leicester is remarkable for its length, strength and transparency; and when we add to the value of the fleece, (which from its weight and good quality is very considerable,) the weight of carcase 23 178 and the property of early maturity we will find that the breeding of these sheep is well worthy the farmer's attention. MIDDLE WOOLS. The middle wooled sheep is a hybrid animal, the result of crossing the Leicester ram with the Southdown, Norfolk, or other short wooled ewes. In England the breeding of the middle wools is extensively carried on in Norfolk and Suffolk, and the wool is in very great demand, for the manufacture of fine woolens. Those breeds which had been previously known as short wools, have been so much altered by crossing with long wooled sheep, that many of them are now known as the middle wooled. Among these, in some instances may be ranked, the Southdowns, Norfolks, &c.; but this change, although it has improved the size of the sheep and the weight of the fleece, it has impaired the quality of the wool as far as fineness is concerned. In the English manufactories the middle wools are employed in making several kinds of flannel, army and navy clothing, friezes, Petershams and bearskins, blankets, &c., and several other kinds of cloth, both for exportation and home use. When the woolen manufacture of Michigan becomes better established and more fully developed, the middle wooled sheep will probably be found the most profitable variety. STALL-FEEDING SHEEP. The winters of this country are so long and severe that sheep must be sheltered and house-fed, for at least five months in the year. To ascertain the best methods of stall-feeding is a matter of very great importance to the sheep breeder, and on this account we will give a description of an improved plan which has been adopted by the Earl of Talbot, on his property in Staffordshire, England. This nobleman being determined to adopt the most perfect plan, sent his steward to inspect the sheep-houses of the Rev. Mr. Huxtable in Essex, and also those of Sir Richard Simeon, in the Isle of Wight; both these gentlemen being celebrated sheep-breeders, and by embodying the good points of both plans, a building was erected of which the following is a description: The building is a parallelogram 60 feet long by 50 feet wide. The sheds for the sheep occupy three sides, and the fourth is occupied as 179 a store for turnips. The sheds are 15 feet in width on each side, and the stalls which are two feet wide and three feet long, are separated from each other by wooden partitions two and a half feet high. Each stall is supplied with a wooden feeding trough, or manger. A light chain nine inches long is attached by a ring to a staple of abount equal length, which allows the chain to move up and down, and to the other end is attached the strap which is buckled around the neck of the sheep. The stalls are not wide enough to permit the sheep to turn round in them. A stall or gutter, two feet wide and two feet deep, built of brick, well grouted, runs down each side of the shed, immediately behind the sheep; it is covered with a wooden grating, the spars of which are only two inches in width and only three-fourths of an inch apart; this enables the sheep to stand upon them with the hind legs without being entangled. The use of this tank is to receive the droppings from the sheep. A passage down the centre of each shed, paved with stone flags, has a very neat appearance. The sheds are entirely closed on the outer side to the roof, but on the inner side the wall is only breast high. The space to the roof being left open to admit air and light. The roof is covered with plated aspbaltic felt, but of course, any other description of covering would Answer as well. The building is admirably adapted for the purpose for which it was intended, and is by no means of an expensive style. It is calculated for the accommodation of 150 sheep, which are generally fed on sliced turnips, and are served with food three times a day. A little saw dust strewn behind the sheep, and swept with the manure into the tanks, serves to keep the sheds perfectly clean. The tanks are emptied when occasion requires, the wooden grating which covers them being in lengths of seven or eight feet, is easily removed; when this operation is in progress, the sheep can be removed to the yard or area between the buildings, which is also intended to receive them when it is necessary, that they should occasionally feel the use of their feet. This system of stall-feeding sheep will be found the most desirable that can be adopted. In these sheds the sheep are perfectly secure from the rigors of winter, and are continually under the eye of the owner, which the old proverb tells us "fattens the beast." In this system the economy of food is great, in fact none is wasted, 180 and a very small quantity will be sufficient to sustain animals which are kept in perfect quietude and in a congenial temperature. Sheep thus managed will not be subject to foot rot and several other diseases, and they will get fat sooner than if permitted to roam abroad. It must be borne in mind that the sheep thus managed are intended for fattening. I do not think that ewes or store sheep ought to be so closely housed. The manure which is collected in the tanks is exceedingly valuable, when dropped in the field its strength is evaporated, or washed away by rain; here it retains all its good qualities and forms a highly concentrated and pungent manure, which is considered to be equal in point of value to the richest guano. It is wonderful to see how reconciled the sheep become to this new mode of life, and even mountain breeds become quiet feeders and thrive in an extraordinary manner, although before remarkable for their rambling propensities and restless disposition. Timid as sheep generally are, they do not here seem alarmed at the approach of strangers; and when the attendant uses his beesom close to their heels, they remain undisturbed. After feeding they lie quietly down. This state of repose, has, unquestionably, a very great tendency to promote their fattening. Every farmer should grow enough ruta bagas to support his flock during winter. These valuable roots, with the assistance of hay, oats, potatoes, corn, &c., will form a dietary sufficiently varied, and possessing valuable fattening properties. Animals of any kind, that are intended for stall feeding, should be brought into proper condition for that system, by a judicious course of management. The farmer who puts in lean cattle or sheep, and expects, by high feeding, to force them suddenly into good conditions will generally be disappointed, will sometimes lose the animals by diseases which have been brought on by too sudden an alteration in the diet, and in most cases will derive very little benefit from the undertaking. The principal benefits derived from stall feeding sheep, are, that a perfect shelter is afforded from the cold 6f winter, a comparatively small quantity of food sustains the animals, improvement in condition is obtained, and consequently the amount of meat and wool is increased, an excellent quality of manure is collected, and the fat sheep can be kept 181 over until a favoral le state of the market will insure a remunerative price. Ewes and store sheep of every kind can be housed and fed with forage suited to their condition. Every farmer cannot be expected to build an expensive sheep-house, but the principle of the system can be carried out by all, and shelter and food afforded to the flock in the best way that the owner can contrive. By experiments which have been recently made in England, it has been ascertained that sheep properly fed in houses consume one-fifth less food, and yield one-third more mutton, than those which are fed in the open air. The following table shows the result of the experiment' 20 shed sheep weighed: Increase. 20 field sheep weighed: Increase. January 1, 183.3 lbs. 184.4 February 1, 205.0 21.11 199.8 15.4 March 1, 215.10 10.10 203.2 8.8 April 1, 239.9 23.13 220.12 12.10 The food consumed by the sheep was all of the same kind, and consisted of slit turnips without limit, half a pound of linseed cake, and half a pound of barley per day, each, with a little hay; but after the third week the sheep in the sheds used three stems of turnips less per day, and in the ninth week each sheep in the shed consumed six pounds per day less, whilst those in the field consumed the usual quantity until the end of the experiment. In the usual mode of feeding sheep in winter, much of the food is trampled upon and wasted, and the weak or timid, being driven away by the strong and bold, are deprived of their food, and consequently cannot thrive. By separating the animals and keeping them apart in stalls, and supplying them regularly with food, the weak get their portion as well as the strong, and a regular improvement takes place in the flock. Flocks of sheep which are fed on prairies, and other bleak situations, sometimes suffer very much from the severity of winter. It is not easy to provide accommodation for a numerous flock. The following is a description of a cheap building erected by a farmer in Scotland, for the shelter of his flock. Here are his words: "I consider the erection of sheep houses as an important improvement in sheep husbandry. There is no animal whatever, that does not flee for shelter from a storm, and 182 there are no domestic animals which ought not to be sheltered from the inclemency of the weather, as they thrive the better for such protection being afforded them. Sheep in particular, which are said to have a presage of the coming storm, if they have no sheep house, frequently seek an asylum in some narrow valley or hollow, perhaps excavated by a torrent, in which place they are sometimes smothered in a snow-drift, or drowned by a sudden flood. But when sheep houses are erected, the sheep of a farm usually run to them for protection; and when once accustomed to them they generally resort to them regularly during severe weather, and lie in them during the greater part of the nights, of their own accord. Those sheep also which are diseased take shelter in them at all times. My sheep house is a very plain rustic building, 81 feet long by 15 feet wide, within the walls. The walls are only about three feet high, of coarse rubble stones, except the gable ends, which contain the doors, in order that these doors may allow a may to enter without stooping. On account of the narrowness of the building, it requires very slight timbers to support a roof, which is thached in the ordinary mode of cottages. Along the walls, inside, are placed racks for holding hay. I have observed that sheep don't like to lie in a covered building, except in severe weather. To provide shelter outside, and also to prevent the wind from rushing too violently through the building when the doors are opened, a yard around the house is inclosed by a wall, and this also affords excellent shelter. My sheep house and yard hold 40 scores of sheep. Where a farm is very extensive it is better to erect several such houses, in places convenient for the sheep, and also easy of access to the shepherds, than to increase the dimentions of a single house. The doors of sheep houses should be made wide and high, in order to permit the attendant to carry in fodder, and also to remove the manure; which latter is extremely valuable, and soon repays for the cost of erecting the sheds. Some farmers build sheep houses in the form of a square, with sheds all around, and with but one entrance. Generally the walls are but three feet high on the outside; the roof raised, and supported on pillars on the inside, with a court, or area, in the middle. Such sheds as contain 30 scores of sheep may be built for about ~20 ($100.) 183 Having now given two plans for the erection of sheep houses, the farmer can make use of his discretion in improving on them. A better than the first can scarcely be erected. The laEt is a simple, rudely constructed shed, such as few farmers in this country would think of erecting; but a shed similar to this would be useful in sheltering the flock in bleak and exposed situations. American ingenuity, when once directed to the subject, will not fail to provide convenient houses for wintering sheep. In looking over the diet of the Silesian sheep we are led to inquire, Cannot the health and vigor of the sheep be promoted by simple fare! and we have no doubt the question can be answered in the affirmative. We are much mistaken if the ruta baga, or Swedish turnip, does not prove a good substitute for many of the items which make up the Silesian bill of fare. The American farmer may rely on the productions of his own country with perfect confidence, and be assured that if he can secure a sufficient quantity of ruta bagas, hay, corn, oats and potatoes, his sheep will weather the storms of winter in good and perfect order. To ascertain the real value of different root crops and other vegetables, as food for sheep, is a matter of great importance to the farmer, as by this means he will be enabled to grow such.crops as will be really beneficial. It sometimes takes years of patient toil and untiring perseverance to carry out properly an extensive course of experiments, and, those enterprising men who make important investigations and publish the results for the benefit of others are deserving of gratitude. An English farmer, Mr. T. E. Pawlett, in the pages of the London Farmers' Magazine, describes a very important series of experiments, which he carried out, for the purpose of testing the comparative value of various vegetables and grasses, &c., as food for lambs; and we may reasonably infer that that which is good for the lamb is good for the sheep. Mr. Pawlett found that white turnips are better than Swedes for feeding lambs in the fall and early winter months. He weighed a lot of lambs on the 1 th of October. He put part of the lot into a pen, and fed them with cut white turnips. The other lot were penned too, and fed with cut Swedish turnips. They were weighed again on the 8th of November, and the result was found to be as follows: 184 Experimeut No. I. Lot of lambs fed on white turnips gained in a month, each, on the average,....108- bs. Lot of lambs fed on Swedes gained in a month, each, on the average,_._.___ 44 lbs. Being a difference of 6 lb. in each lamb in favor of the white turnips. He continued the experiment for several weeks, and found by weighing the lambs occasionally that as the cold weather set in the white turnips became less valuable for feeding. Mr. Pawlett did not seem to be aware that the reason of this change was the deterioration of the white turnips, which generally become spongy and worthless about christmass. MIr. Pawlett, in the following year, being determined to try white turnips against cabbages, selected another lot of lambs, and weighed them; putting one lot into a pen and feeding them with white turnips and clover-chaff, (clover hay cut small with a machine,) and feeding the other lot with cabbages and cdover-chaff. They were again weighed in a month, with the following result: Experiment No. 2. Lambs fed on cabbages gained, each, in a month, 1 2j lbs. Lambs fed on white turnips, gained, each, in a month, -1- I i.bs. This experiment shows but little gain in favor of cabbages, which are well known to be a nutritious food. On the following year a lot of lambs weie selected, weilhed, and fed cut white turnips and clover chaff; an equal number were fed on ruta bagas and clover chaff. Experiment No. 3. The lot of lambs on white turnips and chaff gained, each, in a month,.-..........8 lbs. The lot on Swedes and chaff gained, each, in a month. on an average, 5 lbs. Which shows a result of three pounds in favor of the white turnips. After this experiment Mr. Pawlett invariably used white turnips as food for lambs, up to December, at which time he found that Swedes were better food. He found that lambs always preferred Swedes to 185 white turnips, and on this account he was obliged to give a few Swedes to his lambs at the commencement, in order to bring them on. After that he fed them on white turnips up to the time above mentioned. Mr. Pawlett continued his experiment, and found that carrots were not a good food for lambs; so he discontinued the cultivation of carrots as food for sheep. He then experimented with cabbages against Swedes, and the result was considerably in favor of the cabbages. He then tried washed roots, against those which were used as they came from the soil, and strange to say, the result of the experiment was considerably in favor of the unwashed roots. A description of these experiments may seem uninteresting to some persons, but when we recollect the importance of ascertaining the best description of food, and the patience and perseverence which was expended in carrying them out, the value of such tests will be apparent. The experience of many years is compressed into the small space occupied by these extracts. Remarks on the period of Gestation-the manner of ascertaining the age-and the composition of the wool of the Sheep. It is well known that the ewe goes five months with young, and the proper time for admitting the ram should be regulated by the nature of the climate, and the quality of the natural or artificial food available fornourishing the ewes, in the lambing season. To say the least, it is very injudicious management to permit the lambing season to commence too early in the spring, and by this means to expose the ewes and their offspring to the unmitigated severity of the climate. It is also objectionable to allow the lambing season to commence late, as in this case the lambs will not be sufficiently strong before the ensuing winter, nor will the ewes be well recovered from the effect3 of rearing them. In this particular, as well as in many others, a middle course will be the safest to take. The experienced sheep breeder need not be told of the benefits likely to arise from having the lambs appear in the proper time, for it is to be supposed that he is already impressed with the importance of this matter. It is believed to be a fact, that animals go with young longer with 24 186 males than females. To test the accuracy of this opinion, an extensive breeder of sheep kept an exact account of the time a certain number of his ewes went with young, and he found that the longest time ever went was: The longest time with a ram lamb,.-... 22 weeks, 4 days. The shortest " - -- 21 " 0 " The longest time with a ewe lamb,., 22 2 " The shortest a " ". ----.20 " 4 " Although the age of the ram may in some cases be ascertained by the number of rings or knobs on his horns, yet from the large number of hornless sheep, and many other reasons, it is safer and more satisfactory to determine the age by a reference to the teeth. The sheep has eight cutting teeth in the front part of the lower jaw, and six molar, or grinding teeth, in each jaw, above and below. When the lamb is born it sometimes has no cutting teeth, but it generally has two, and before it becomes a month old, the full number, eight, appears in the front of the lower jaw. When the sheep is about sixteen months old the two central front teeth are shed, and in process of time replaced by others, which attain their full size when the sheep is two years old. Between the ages of two and three years, the next two incisors, or cutting teeth, are shed, and slowly replaced by others, which attain their -full size when the sheep is two years old. At four years old the sheep has six full grown cutting teeth, and at five the front teeth are of an equal size, being fully developed. In the sixth or seventh year the teeth of sheep become discolored, as the enamel begins to wear off, and they soon begin to exhibit symptoms of decay. For this reason ewes should not be kept for the purpose of breeding after they are seven years old. Sometimes they are kept in the breeding flocks much longer than this, but it is pretty well known that old ewes seldom produce strong and vigorous lambs. The culling out old ewes, and replacing them with well bred young ones is an important point in sheep husbandry. The wool of the sheep, like the fur and hair of other quadrepeds, and the feathers of birds, is composed of albumen, carbonate and phosphate of lime, oxyds of iron and manganese, silica and sulphur. Wool is not entirely confined to the sheep. A considerable portion of it is 187 found in the coat of the ox of the Hudsons Bay region, and also in that of several of the fur clad animals. Some writers think that sheep were originally covered with hair, and that the change to wool was effected by domestication and the combined influence of climate and provender. It is a fact that the big horn and the moufflon, animals which resemmble the sheep, are covered with hair, and so are the sheep of the Cape of Good Hope ond Arabia; but the latter animals have an undercoat of fine, short wool beneath their hairy covering. Locality and pasture have a powerful influence on the fleece of the csheep. The short grass of dry, upland pastures, and hilly downs, produce a short and fine description of wool, whilst reclaimed moors, and also rich, lowland pastures, produce coarse wool. Temperature is well known to have a very decided effect on wool; for in the same fleece, and even in the same fibre, that part which has grown during the heat of summer is much coarser than that which has been produced in winter. And this fact is worthy of being remem-:bered by every farmer, as it may be of essential service in pointing out the necessity of sheltering the flock during the excessive heat of summer. Diseases of Sheep. The limits of an essay will not permit the introduction of a description of the numerous diseases to which sheep are subject, and the remedies which are recommended for their cure. Our motto is that " prevention is better than cure;" and we are of opinion that many of these diseases may be prevented by vigilance and,care. Formerly mange, or "the scab," was so prevalent that whole flocks were destroyed by it. Now it is scarcely known; and this great improvement has been effected by the use of a very simple wash, and in some cases by mild mercurial ointment. Foot rot has sometimes assumed the form of a malignant disease, and committed sad ravages; but it may be truly said that it has never become formidable, except through the grossest neglect and carelessness. The timely removal of all lame sheep, and a proper application of the paring knife, &c., will go very far towards verifying the words of the proverb. 188 "The rot," so called from the "bad eminence" which it has gained among the diseases of sheep, mostly attacks those flocks which are pastured on low, wet ground. The best managed flocks are subject to this disease as well as the most neglected, if they are permitted to enter those places which produce " the rot." A farmer may possess land, the greater part of which is well calculated for raising sheep; yet one fatal patch of moor, or swamp, may be sufficient to frustrate all his arrangements, and destroy his flock. A little bitter experience will serve to warn the sheep breeder of the risk he runs by permitting his sheep to feed on poachy land, or unreclaimed moors, and to teach him that "prevention is better than cure." It is very probable that this fatal disease is caused by some poisonous plant, the rank produce of marshy soil. And this circumstance ought to be sufficient to stimulate the young farmer to acquire a knowledge of that delightful science, Botany, by which he would be enabled to describe the properties of every plant. When Linneus, the celebrated botanist, was traveling in Lapland, a fatal disorder raged among the horned cattle of that country. Linneus, being determined to discover the cause of the malady, proceeded to the pastures, and commenced a careful examination of the herbage, and he discovered that the disease was caused by the cattle eating the cicuta virosa, or "witer hemlock,"a well known and very poisonous plant which grew plentifully in these pastures. A knowledge of the various herbs which grew in the swamps and prairies of this country would be of great service to the original tenant, as by this means he might sometimes be enabled to prevent the destruction of his flock. Many ewes are lost in the lambing season from weakness, occasioned by the want of nourishing food during winter, and some by inflammation of the womb, brought on by exposure to cold after lambing. Both these evils may be prevented by providing suitable food and shelter in due season; and the farmer who cannot provide these essentials should not attempt to breed sheep. "The fly," that well known tormentor of the sheep, is sometimes so troublesome that whole flocks are prevented from feeding, and consequently no improvement in the condition of the animals takes place during "fly time." 189 If the injury done by the fly were confined to the annoyance given ito the sheep by its cruel persecutor, the result would not be so bad as it really is; but, unfortunately, the eggs of this troublesome insect are generally d6posited on such parts of the sheep as will be likely to prove a safe lurking place for the noxious brood of maggots which they give birth to. Sickly sheep are generally selected by the fly as its victims; especially those which have been attacked with " scour," or diarrhoea, as as in these sheep a considerable portion of the wool is generally soiled from the effects of the disease, and thus prepared to afford a shelter to the maggots. More than ordinary watchfulness is required in "fly time." The sheep should be kept perfectly clean; stragglers should be sought out, and carefully examined. Those locks of wool around or near the tail, which have been soiled, or clogged, should be removed, an I every attack of the insidious enemy carefully guarded against; for if the maggots are allowed to remain, undetected and undisturbed, they will destroy the sheep in a very short time. Sometimes the perpetual attacks of the fly form a sore on the poll, or on other parts of the sheep; in this case a bit of adhesive plaster, formed of tar and beeswax, should be applied to the wound, and this will effectually ward off the enemy. ~Mr. Hogg, the celebrated " Ettrick shepherd," states that he found the coarsest kind of fish oil an excellent antidote for the fly. "I happened," says he, "to be assisting in sorting a flock of sheep of the Cheviot breed, and sundry of their heads were at the time broken by the flies. The shepherds brought them out of the fields with tLe intention of smearing their heads with tar. I advised them to anoint them with coarse whale oil, such as they mix among the tar, having several times seen sores softened and healed by it. Some of it being near at hand, they consented. The flies were at this time settled upon the fold in such numbers that when we went in among the sheep we could, with difficulty, see each other; but those anointed with the oil were turned in among the rest, and, to our utter astonishment, in less than a minute, not a fly was to be seen." There is a disease, which is in Scotland called " pining," that attacks sheep in seasons of great drought and scarcity. The sheep afflicted with this malady separate from the flock, and re 190 tire into some lonely place, where they pine away and die. The poor animals, when suffering from this disease, wear the aspect of despondency, and sometimes utter plaintive moans. This disorder is considered to arise from a disorganization of the blood, caused by the want of' nutritious food during the heat of summer, or the miseries of a rainless autumn. In Michigan, and in some other States, sheep seem to be subject to a similar complaint, especially when a dry summer has been succeeded by a fall of similar character. Farmers should endeavor to provide some nourishing food for their sheep on such an emergency. Clover is very good so long as it lasts, but even the clover, after math or second crop, sometimes becomes so dry that the sheep cannot use it. In fact, sheep dislike clover very much when the sap has left it. A portion of rye, sown early, will afford an agreeable autumn pasture for sheep, and sometimes save numbers of them from destruction. We have not space to give a full description of all the diseases to which sheep are liable. We can only mention a few of them, and even these in general terms. A sheep breeder need scarcely be told that there is very little use in trying to cure some diseases to which sheep are liable; such as "con' sumption," " the rot," " acute dropsy" or red water, &c. To these may be added several diseases which attack the head, viz.: " Hydated," or worm on the brain; " apoplexy," " inflammation," &c. These disorders generally prove fatal, and as there is very little use in tampering with. them, the prescriptions of the sheep doctor " are honored more in the breach than the observance." Fat sheep are the most likely to be attacked with these diseases, and the best method that can be devised is to consign them to the butcher, the moment they show any symptoms of cerebral disease. What description of Sheep are best calculated for M2ichigan? This is a question that has been asked again and again, and variously answered. The Spanish and French Merinos-ireply G. W. Gale, of Ypsilanti,. and Ira H. Butterfield, of Utica; B. Peckhman, of Parma, and J. H.. Benton, of Clinton; also, Wm. Congdon, of Plymouth. 191 The Saxon and Silesian-reply J. P. Gillett, of Manchester; C. A. Jefferies, of Dexter, &c. The grades and long-wooled-reply C. A. Green, of Troy; O. W. & G. P. Bennett, of Jackson; J. Tireman, of Greenfield; J. W. Dickenson, of Hillsdale, &c. There is very little likelihood that this question will ever be settled by a reference to the breeders of sheep, as every breeder is generally prejudiced in favor of his flock, and ready to declare " war to the knife" against every person who disputes its superiority. All the above named breeders of sheep are deserving of thanks and also of more subtantial reward for their exertions in promoting the extension of good breeds in this State. And they will all, I am sure, acknowledge that it is a difficult task to maintain these animals in good condition throughout the winter. At the last State Fair, the sheep which were exhibited appeared as if they had not then recovered from the effects of winter, and in fact, it must be admited that the farmers of this State cannot enter the wool market on equal terms, with the flockmasters of the evergreen prairies of Texas, or the sheep breeders of the other southern States, who have pasture for their flocks all through the year. Henry S. Randall, of Cortlandville, N. Y, in an interesting essay on wool growing, published in the Patent Office Reports, gives his opinion that "sheep can never be economically kept for wool-growing purposes, amidst a dense population. They would thus be made to occupy lands which should be devoted to the growth of products for human food." And taking into account the heavy importation of fine wool, the produce of foreign countries, and the increase of the population at home, he says, that within 20 years, and perhaps half that time, very few sheep will be kept in the northern States for wool growing purposes. This husbandry may first flow west, but ultimately, as soon as the populatisn takes the necessary steps, it must go south of 40 degrees. This is as inevitable as cause and effect. Mr. Samuel Lawrence, then the leading woolen manufacturer in the United States, writing to Mr. Randall in 1851, says,'"that the unprecedented success of sheep husbandry in New Holland, illustrates the truth that the southern latitudes are favorable to the production of fine wools; and the superior flocks of Virginia, Kentucky and Tennesse, prove that 192. the southwestern States of our country are peculiarly adapted for this invaluable staple." After speaking of the sheep husbandry of England, where sheep are grown principally for mutton and manure, where wool is but of subordinate consideration, he adds: " My impression is, it will be for the interest of the flock masters in the northern and western States to pursue a similar course," in giving up wool growing to the southern States. There is not much prairie land in Michigan; its pastures are those which have been reclaimed from the forest; the winters are long and severe; her population increasing very fast, and new markets being opened up yearly by the extention of railroads; and from the general appearance of things it is probable there soon will be a good demand for mutton, and every other kind of meat. Taking all these things into consideration, it is very probable that tho sheep breeder will soon find it necessary to turn his attention to the breeding of a heavier description of sheep than those which exist at present in this State. Robert Bakewell, the celebrated breeder of the Leicester sheep, found that very large animals were not profitable, as they required a large amount of food, and were seldom able to withstand the variations of climate as well as sma:ller sheep. He preferred sheep of a medium,size, and considered the property of early maturity a most essential requisite. The Merino is undoubtedly the best sheep for wool growing purposes; but when we recollect that the Leicester, or any of the middle wooled sheep, will come to maturity a year sooner, yield more wool, and also a much larger amount of mutton, it is a question for the consideration of the agriculturist which of the breeds can be raised with the greatest amount of profit.'Utility of Railroads to the Sheep Breeder-their further extention recommended;- Necessity for establishing Cattle and Sheep Markets in the Interior of Michigan;-Interference of the State Agricultuzral Society in these important matters;- Concluding Remarks. It is well known that the establishment of railroads has had a wonderful effect in stimulating the agricultural improvement which is now so apparent throughout the States; and it is to be regretted that Michigan is so far behind many of the States in the number and extent of her railroads. 193 I consider myself privileged to make a few remarks on this subject, as I have seen the commencement of railways, and witnessed the "launch" of the first locomotive. The majority of the eastern and western States are now generally well supplied with roads, and their wealth and industrial resources are being fully developed. The magnitude of the American railways is well described by Col. Benton, in his speech at the anniversary dinner of the New England Society. These are his words: "It is but a short time ago that I was standing on the banks of the Missouri river, more than a hundred miles on the sunset side of the father of floods. I put my foot into the cars and came into the far East. I ran to the banks of the Penobscot —some seventeen or eighteen hundred miles. Every inch of the distance was a tribute to the enterprise of New England; for the whole distance was traveled over roads which New England enterprize had made. It was my fortune to see, in a very short space of time, what few can see in our splendid country and lengthened roads; I saw that end of the railway which stretches nearest to the setting sun, and I also saw that end which stretched nearest to the rising sun. And when I got to the end —towards the rising sun-I was so far east that the people " down east" spoke of New York as being in the west. Such improvements have been made by the enterprize of New England and Old England, working together, that I could have gone back to St. Louis through the dominions of Queen Victoria, through Montreal, Toronto, Hamilton and Windsor, in a shorter time than if I had traveled through ~he heart of my own country." This extract will be sufficient to attract the attention of the reader to the fact that the Grand Trunk Railway, of Canada, will soon be opened all the way from Quebec to Port Sarnia, opposite Port Huron; and this stupendous line will soon pour a stream of traffic into the heart of Michigan, which will make the " wilderness rejoice and blossom as the rose." And when all the lines for which Congress. has appropriated lands are finished the resources of Michigan will be fully developed. The farmer can find a ready market for his produce, and the forests of Michigan will resound with the busy hum of the manufactory. Cattle and sheep markets should be established in convenient places in the interior: such as at the junctions and intersections of railroads, 25 194 and other places, conveniently located along the numerous lines which will'soon spread through this State. This matter is worthy the attention of the State Agricultural Society, and some step should be taken to establish these desirable fairs. At the last fair of Ballinasloe, in Ireland, 96,000 sheep were disposed of, which showed an increase of 20,000 over the previous year; and this great increase was mostly occasioned by the extention of railways. A line which passed by the fair took no less than fifty-five cars, loaded with cattle and sheep, in one train. The value of this load was, it is said, ~30,000. Lansing, the capital of this State, must be intersected by railroads; and the riches of the upper peninsula must be accessible at all seasons. The Canadian Grand Trunk line will connect with the Detroit and Milwaukee railway, by means of a branch from Port Huron to Corunna, via Flint; and, by this means, a grand passage will be opened across Michigan. The ferries across Lake Michigan will connect the road with Milwaukee, from which there is a direct line, across Wisconsin, to the Mississippi, and numerous lines traversing that State. The farmers of Michigan are now in a fair way for realizing good prices for their produce. I have sometimes been amused at hearing professional men, in their agricultural addresses, tell farmers they ought to increase the weight of their wool, and that they could easily manage their sheep so as to make them produce heavier fleeces; but, some how or other, I never heard any of these orators tell how this was to be done. If I were to give advice on that subject I would say to the farmer, Do not attempt to raise sheep if your land is not suited for that purpose; do not breed from inferior animals; always select the best of whatever breed you adopt; find those men who have devoted much time and attention to the improvement of sheep; buy choice animals from their flocks; do not hesitate to give them a high price for their superior animals; follow their advice, and copy their example in the management of your flock, and do not breed from old, worn out ewes or rams; keep your vigorous sheep, and take care that your land is not over stocked; grow plenty of ruta bagas, and store them up safely, and supply your sheep with them in proper season; select the finest and sweetest hay, and cut it with a machine, and mix a little salt with it when you give it to your 195 sheep; provide shelter to protect your flock against the inclemency of winter, and shade to preserve them from the injurious heat of summer; do not raise " couples" onr your ewes, nor suffer the lambs to remain too long with them; keep the strongest and most perfect animals in your breeding flocks, and sell off those which are not calculated to improve the quality of the wool nor the weight of the carcase; keep your sheep in cleanliness and comfort during winter, that the growth of the animals may be promoted, and the production of wool increased; and be particularly careful to keep up their good condition during spring, that when the pasture season commences they may take the field with good prospects of repaying the owner for all his trouble. Kind reader, farewell. COUllVl U I UA'' IN. F R U I T BY T. T. LYON, OF PLYMOUTH, WAYNE COUNTY, MICH. PLYMOUTH, Nov., 1856. J. C. HOLMES, ESQ.: DEAR SIR —In accordance with your request, the following list of fruits cultivated in this region is submitted: SUMMER APPLES. Value Qual-a for Remarks. ity. market. American Summer Pearmain, 1 3, Slender, slow grower, but little disseminated. Carolina June, 1 Good grower; partially tested. Early Harvest, 1 1 Rather tart; fine for table or cooking. Early Joe, 1 2 Of the finest flavor; success for market doubtful. Early Strawberry, 2 2 Rather small, but exceedingly beautiful. Golden Sweeting,. 2 Not much disseminated. Harvest Redstreak, (local)... 3 1 Its earliness and heavy crops render it profitable. Maiden's Blush,. 2 2 A good bearer, but ripens too uneven. Red Astracan, -- 2 1 One of the most beautiful and vigorous. Sweet Bough, 1 2 Of large size, and a good, regular bearer. Sine Qua Non,. —----—.. 1 2 2 Good bearer; slender grower. Summer Queen, 2 But little disseminated. Summer Sweet Paradise, 1 Very fine; partially tested. Summer Swaar, (local,) 3 2 Large, good bearer, but tough; soon grows meally. 200 AUTUMN APPLES. Value Qual- for Remarks. ity. market. Alexander, -- 3 Little grown; large and showy. Cooper,- --- 2 1 Large and fine, both in tree and fruit. Daniel, --------------- 2 Slender grower;'little disseminated. Dutchess of Oldenburg,... 2 2 Beautiful; comes at the wrong season for profit. Dyer, - -1 Very fine, but little known. Fall Pippin,.-... 1 1 Unequaled in its season; best on send. Fall Wine of Ohio,.. - 1 Little grown; one of the finest flavored fruits of its season. Golden Pippin, (local)...... 1 1 Heretofore supposed to be Porter, but now considered distinct; our finest September apple. Granville, (local) - 1 Little disseminated; very tender; fair size; good bearer. Gravenstein,- -I Large and showy; not yet grown for market. Hawthornden,.- - 2 Low, spreading tree; a fair cooking apple. Holland Pippin,.1 2 Too often confounded with a better fruit, the Fall Pippin. Jersey Sweet,... The best sweet apple of its season; not disseminated. Keswick Codlin,. 3 1 Promises to become our finest cooking apple. Livonia Sweet, (local) —-- 2 2 An enormous bearer; consequently rather small. Porter, 1 Little grown; heretofore considered same as Golden Pippin. Pumpkin Sweet,. 3 Little valued; large & showy. Rambo, -------- --- 2 2 Small; pleasant; not rich; great bearer alternate yr's. Striped Gillifiower,. —. 2 2 Large and showy; inclined to be scabby. Sweeting Spiced,.-2 3 Great bearer, but seldom fair. Sweeting Honey, (local,) -.- 1 2 Very tender; rich; fine size; good bearer. Strawberry Late, 1 Fine, beautiful fruit recently introduced. St. Lawrence,- - 2 Perhaps of first quality; recently introduced. Twenty Ounce,- 2 1 Very large and showy; great bearer; lasts till January. 201 WINTER APPLES. Value Qusl- for Remarks. ity. market. Baldwin,.-. 1 2 Bears alternate years; root grafted trees, sometimes winter kill. Black Gilliflower, 3 2 Bears well; fruit soon becomes dry and insipid. Bailey Sweet,............ New here; has not established a reputation. Belmont, - - Large and fine; yet new here. Black Detroit, -... 2 Very dark red; an especial favorite with some persons. Domine, - 1 Fine and very promising, long keeper; not disseminated. English Russet,- 2 2 V igorous tree, but over-bears; keep a year. Esopus Spitzenburg, 1 2 Moderate grower and bearer; - j very fine. Fameuse or Snow,. 2 2 Tree a fine grower; fruit beautiful and pleasant, but not rich. Green Newtown Pippin,. 1 3 Needs thorough culture and pruning to insure fine fruit. Golden Russet, 1 2 Fruit must be kept from the air, to prevent shriveling. Hubbardston Nonsuch, 1 New here, but promises to fully sustain its eastern reputat'n. Herefordshire Pearmain,. 1 3 Careful culture and pruning are necessary to produce fair fruit. Jonathan,.-.. 2 Fine and beautiful fruit; tree a slender grower. Lady, - 2 Beautiful little fruit; market. value not yet established. Ladies' Sweeting, Finest flavored sweet apple I know; but little known. Minister,...2 Showy; rather tart; a good bearer. Northern Spy, 1 1 Inclined to be scabby without good culture. Norton's Melon, -. 1 New, but promises well. Peck's Pleasant, 1 New; a good bearer, but requires further trial. Pomme Gris,.- -.1. 1 Its bearing qualities are yet. untested here. Roxbury Russet,- 2 1 Should be kept from the air, to prevent shriveling; brings a good price as late springfruit. 26 !202 WINTER APPLES. —CONTINUED. Value Qual- for Remarks. ity. market. Red Canada, 2 1 Long grown here as Welch Apple,Welch's Spitzenburg or Steele's Red Winter; fruit of fine size, always fair and very showy; tree a slender grower, but a great and constant bearer; rapidly taking its place as our standard market fruit. Swaar, ----------- 1 2 Needs careful culture and pruning; excellent. Stone, (local) —---- 3 1 }A moderate constant bearer; fruit keeps through the year; sells for a high price after all other varieties have disappeared. Scolloped Gillifiower,.- --- 1 3 Fruit seldom fair; rather unproductive. Tallman Sweeting, 2 2 Well known culinary variety. Twenty Ounce Pippin,.... 2 2 Large and showy; cooks well; apt to drop prematurely. Rhode Island Greening, 1 1 Second to none, if we except the Red Canada, which is thought to be more profitable as a market fruit. Westfield Seekncfurther,... 2 2 Medium size; great bearer; mild flavor. Winter Pippin, (local) ---- 2 1 Large, flattish conical fruit, derived from the State of New York; said to keep through winter and well into spring.'Yellow Bellflower,.. 1 2 Harsh in flavor until fully mature, when it becomes rich and pleasant; requires careful handling, to prevent bruising while gathering; of fine size, and a good and constant bearer. Romanite, (local). -- 3 2 Very long keeper; of fine size, and bears well, but tough and poor in flavor. Of Pears the varieties of this region have been drawn mostly from sprouts and seedlings imported by the early settlers. The more valua 203 ble varieties, of established reputation, are of comparatively recent introduction; and the following list will, therefore, express what is known of them, from a short trial, in most cases: SUMMER PEARS. IQual- y Remarks. Iity.I Bloodgood, 1 Grown here for 20 years; has no supior in its season. Bartlett,. 2 Large, free grower; fine, early bearer; valuable for market. Little Muscat, - 3 Very small and very early; great bearer. Madeleine,... --- 2 Below medium size; best of its season.,Seckel,.-.-.- 1 Small, but unsurpassable in flavor. AUTUMN PEARS. Ananas, -1 Rather small; very sweet; rich; fine grower. Buerre Diel,....... 1 Very large; good; sometimes keeps till winter. Buerre Oswego, 1 Free grower; very fine and hardy; good bearer. Buffum, I Sometimes only second rate; showy; tree vigorous. Dunmore,......... 3 Occasionally good; usually worthless. Doyenne White,..... 1 A spurious variety is also disseminated, which is also good. Flemish Beauty, 2 Very beautiful; tree vigorous and hardy; sometimes "best." Figne, Not fully tested; tree grows well. *Johnnet, - 1 Does not keep long; tree a vigorous grower. Swan's Orange,. 1 Very large; tree grows well; bears heavily. Stevens' Genesee,... 1 Large; very sweet and rich. Sterling,_ 1 Perhaps too sweet; cultivated here for nearly thirty years; usually known here as De Mott Pear; very beautiful; tree grows and bears well. Mouthwater,... 2 Bears well, and grows vigorously. WINTER PEARS. Beurre de Aremburg, I Very high vinous flavor; tree grows well. Glont Merceau,... Sweet; not fully tested. Vicar of Winkfield, 2 Large; great bearer. Winter Nelis. 1 Tree a very slender, straggling grower. The Peaches cultivated in this vicinity, with rare exceptions, are seedlings. The standard eastern varieties can hardly be said to be fully tested. The following list includes the more valuable ones that have 204 borne here within the writer's knowledge, arranged in the order of ripening, so far as can be recollected: ity. Remarks. Serrate Early York,.. 1 Most promising early variety for market. Early Tillotson, - ---- 1 Fruit cannot be distinguished from the above, and ripens with it; worthless from poor bearing. Slocum, - - - 3 Very beautiful, but dry and inferior; good bearer. Cooledge's Favorite,. 1 Fine bearer and beautiful. Cole's Early Red, 1 Highly colored and fine, but has not borne, well. Haines' Early Red, 1 Has borne thinly. Large Early York,.... I Has borne thinly. Honest John,- - 2 The earliest yellow peach. Sweetwater,. —----- I Very fine, but bears lightly. Alberge, 2 Good bearer, and large. Noblesse, I Excellent, but liable to mildew. White Imperial, - I Very fine and beautiful; bears well. George the Fourth,.. 1 IHas no superior; a moderate bearer. Yellow Rareripe,..- 1 Good, but not usually large. Crawford's Early,. - 1 Of the largest size; tree very vigorous; profitable. Cooper's Mammoth, 1 Cannot be distinguished from the above, either in tree or fruit. Early Newington, free, 1 The spurious variety; the true is not disseminated. Bergen's Yellow, 3 Fine grower; poor bearer; fruit poor, so far as tested. Moor's White, 2 Beautiful; for preserving. Snow,-2 Beautiful; for preserving. Jacques' Rareripe, 1 Good bearer; profitable. Late Yellow,. 1- 1 Large; one of the finest late yellow peaches. Lemon Cling, -.....2 Large yellow fleshed cling; high flavored. Crawford's Late,. - 2 Has not equaled its eastern reputation. Large White Cling,.. 1 Very large; beautiful; superior flavor. Tippecanoe Cling,,. 1 Large, yellow; has no superior for beginning of October. Heath Cling,..... 2 Does not ripen perfectly in all seasons, or on young trees; does better as trees grow older; a great and constant bearer. La Grange, 3 Tolerable bearers, but fruit sour and worthOldmixon, free,... less. President,. —---- Late Red Rareripe, Of good quality, but thin bearers; old trees Bellegarde, -.... may do better. Vanzandt's Superb, J 205 Plums were at one time quite largely cultivated in this region, but more recently the ravages of the curculio, together with the premature dropping of the leaves, has so far discouraged planters that we are rather diminishing than increasing the number of trees; a process which has been much expedited by the decimating operation of last winter. Our varieties have been chiefly disseminated by means of sprouts, or suckers, and consequently the finer kinds are rare. Among those who have pursued a more enlightened policy, the following varieties are more or less cultivated: ity.al Remarks. Coo's Golden Drop,- 2 Large and beautiful; very late. Columbia, 1 Large and excellent; poor bearer; tree tender. Yellow Gage,. - 3 Have seen it "best;" grown on sand, with high culture. Jefferson, -Is not yet fully tested. Imperial Gage,..... 2 Beautiful; fine; fruit inclined to rot on tree. Lombard, -2 Large; showy; rather coarse; great bearer; profitable. Bleeker's Gage,.-. 2 Perhaps "best;" one of the most beautiful of plums. Yellow Egg, 3 Large; great bearer; esteemed for cooking. Washington, 2 Very large and beautiful; good bearer; tree vigorous. Cherry, Can hardly be said to have any quality, as it rarely shows fruit. Green Gage,. 1 Unequaled in flavor; slow grower; good bearer. A spurious variety is generally grown under this name. Large Sweet Damson, 1 This name is applied to a medium sized, dark purple plum, grown here; tree, the finest grower I know. Reine Claude deBavay, 1 Twice the size of Green Gage, and nearly or quite equal in flavor; very late; tree vigorous; profitable. Royal Hative, - 3 Tree poor grower and thin bearer; worthless. Red Gage, 2 Very fine, except when the tree over-bears, which it is inclined to do. Ickworth Imperative, -3 Very late; good bearer; not equal to others of its season. Huling's Superb, —. 1 Equals Washington in size; superior in quality; excellent. Cherries, of the Heart and Bigerreau varieties, are vigorous and healthy in this region, until they arrive at a bearing age; when some of the 206 more vigorous trees are liable to be affected with bursting of the barkof the trunk and larger limbs. Although we have many old trees in the country, which have withstood the exposures of twenty or thirty winters without harm, the experience of the past two severe seasons may well beget a doubt of their success under ordinary means of culture; but, as such winters are of rare occurrence, it may be well to try them farther. In order to give them the best possible chance of success, the following essentials should always be kept in view, viz.: A dry soil, not too light; an open situation; low heads, and a moderate, healthy growth. The Duke and Morello varieties are perfectly hardy, and should the Hearts and Bigarreaus prove too tender, they alone will furnish a fine succession of fruit, from the beginning of June till August. As the several classes are so distinct in their qflalities they are arranged and classified separately. HEART CHERRIES. _____ity. l Remarks. Transparent Guigne, 2 Young trees do not bear well; a curiosity. Elton, 2 Spreading tree; bears young and constantly.. Black Tartarian, 2 Tree upright and vigorous; early and constant bearer. Black Heart, ------- 2 Forms a very large tree; hardly as good as the above. Black Eagle, 1 Very sweet and rich; thin bearer. Bauman's May,.-. 3 Not rich; very early; great and constant bearer. Belle de Orleans,.... 1 Follows the above; large, and every way excellent. Downer's Late, - 1 I A vigorous, upright grower, and good bearer;. rather late. American Amber, 3 Worthless. Sparhawk's Honey, Not fully tested; young trees do not bear well. Black Mazzard, -3 Small, late, and always slightly bitter; very common, under the name of "English; Cherries," as disseminated by means of suckers; chiefly valuable for stocks. Early Purple Guigne,. 1 The earliest cherry; large; sweet; young trees thin bearers. Sweet Montmorency, 3 Poor bearer: worthless. Burr's Seedling,.. 1 Large, and every way excellent, both in tree and fruit. 207 BIGARREAU CHERRIES. ~Qual-l~ Remarks. American Heart,.... 2 Tree a fine grower, but a thin bearer while young. Bigarreau,- 1 IThe type of its class; very beautiful, an'd of the finest flavor; usually known here as Yellow Spanish. China Heart, -- ---- 1 Every way good; fully equal to above, and same season. Flesh-Col'd Bigarreau, 1 Very large and sweet; early and constant bearer. Hildeshiem Bigarreau, 2 Very late, which is its chief recommendation. Large White Bigarreau, 1 Excellent; very similar to Flesh-Colored Bigarreau. MerveilledeSeptembre 3 May be kept on the tree till September-its only recommendation. Napoleon, 2 Very large; late; firm fleshed; tree a great. bearer. Elkhorn, 3 Not properly tested; has not borne well so far. DUKE CHERRIES. Belle de Choisey,... 1 Very fine and beautiful; so far as tried, a poor bearer. Late Duke, -------- 2 Not fully tested; large; late. May Duke,-,. - 1 Our most valuable Duke cherry; good grower; great bearer. Reine Hortense,...- - 1 Very large; mild, pleasant flavor. MORELLO CHERRIES. Belle de Sceaux,-. 2 Poor bearer; tree tender. Belle Magnifique,-. 1 Tree a poor grower; not an early bearer; large; fine. English Morello,.. 2 Too tart for the dessert; fine for cooking; great bearer. Kentish Early Richmond, 1 Very early; tender; great bearer; valuable.Louis Phillippe,-. 3 Moderate bearer; good grower. Plumstone Morello, - - 2 Only good for cooking; very large; tree a slow grower. RASPBERRIES. Red Antwerp, 2 Have not succeeded so perfectly as Fastolf;, berry medium size. White Antwerp,.... 1 Fruit rather soft; a strong grower and good bearer; large. Fastolf,. Berry firm; large; good grower and great bearer. 208 RASPBERRIES.-CONTINUED. {iQtalt Y. Remarks Franconia,......... 1 Berry firm; medium; fair bearer and grower. LargeFruitedMonthly, 3 Berry small; poor bearer; rampant grower; produces but a single crop; worthless. CURRANTS. Red Dutch, - -. 2 A good vigorous grower and fine bearer; our standard sort. White Dutch, -. —--- 1 Less vigorous than the above, but sweeter and better. Cherry Currant, 3 Very large; good bearer; acid; fine market fruit. Victoria,. 2 Large, and very late. White Grape,... 1 Very large; bush vigorous; spreading; good bearer. Black English, -'. Strong grower; musky flavor, which is lost in cooking. Black Naples,:' More spreading bush; fruit similar to above; very large. Strawberries are seldom cultivated here under name; but the following varieties are somewhat disseminated: Burr's New Pine,... 1 Good bearer, and hardy. Hovey's Seedling,... Doubtful bearer; strong grower. Large Early Scarlet, Moderate bearer; used to impregnate others. Boston Pine, Poor bearer; used to impregnate others. FRUIT TREES. BY EDWARD MASON, OF DETROIT. EsoP, the celebrated fabulist, who died more than 500 years before the commencement of the Christian era, tells us that "once upon a time" the gods and goddesses assembled for the purpose of adopting each a particular tree. Jupiter selected the oak; Apollo, the laurel; Hercules adopted the poplar, and Venus chose the myrtle; upon which Pallas expressed her astonishment that they should thus prefer trees which produce no fruit. As for me, said she, I will take the olive, which along with a grateful shade produces an abundance of rich and wholesome fruit. Upon this, the Thunderer, putting on a grave aspect, thus addressed the goddess of Wisdom: Indeed, daughter, it is no wonder that you are so celebrated for your wisdom. In this case we have made choice of those trees which please the eye, whilst you have wisely selected one in which usefulness and beauty are combined. We may learn from this fable that at a very early age of the world people were beginning to see the importanco of combining the useful with the beautiful; and this principle might be carried into practice in the present day in the selection of fruit and shade trees. The walnut, the hickory, the cherry, the pear and the apple, if judiciously arranged, would form an ornamental shade around the farmer's dwelling, and also supply him with an abundance of useful fruit. A shady walk, trellised over and covered with the rich folliage of the grape vine, is a delightful retreat from the scorching rays of the sun in summer. An idea of the happiness which our first parents enjoyed in their state of innocence is conveyed to our minds by a description of the beautiful garden in which they were placed, and when they disobeyed. 27 210 the commands of their Creator their sin was punished by expulsion from their delightful abode. In every age and country a garden has been considered the emblem of comfort and happiness, and it may well be similarly estimated in this country. See the striking contrast which appears between a homestead which is surrounded with a beautiful orchard or garden and one which stands alone in the clearing, exposed to the burning rays of the sun in summer, and in winter to the " pelting of the pittiless storm." PLANTING OF FRUIT TREES. The selection of a suitable piece of ground is the first step towards the successful establishment of an orchard or garden. Fruit trees should have the benefit of the morning and the evening sun; at the same time they should be sheltered by distant, not contigous trees. The soil should be perfectly free from stagnant water. Draining improves the land very much, and renders it suitable to the growth of all kinds of fruit trees. Subsoiling, when judiciously performed, across the drains, will deepen the soil and render it dry and friable, and the roots of the trees will be enabled to penetrate to a considerable depth in search of food. Having drained and trenched, or plowed the land extremely deep and well, the best description of trees should be procured; many gardners and orchardists allow themselves to be imposed on by tree pedlars who go about the country pretending to sell superior varieties of trees. Persons who purchase from them often find out to their cost, that they have been duped by their misrepresentations. It is always the better plan to procure trees from respectable nurseries, as in such places they are generally correctly labelled, and the proprietors having their reputation at stake, will not impose on the purchaser. This matter has been frequently brought before the public, but it is not the less true on that account, as it is of the greatest importance to procure the best description of trees and to understand the kind and quality of those which we select. A few varieties of good early apples, a few of later ripening kinds, and the bulk of good winter fruit, planted out at forty feet asunder, with rows of peach trees in the intervals, will be found the best and most ecomomical mode of arrangement. The peach being a short lived tree, will have flourised and faded away before the appletrees have arrived 211 at maturity. Some persons think they cannot plant trees too close, others that they cannot plant them too deep in the soil. In the former case the trees grow into each other, the branches interweave and the rays of the sun are excluded, to the very great detriment of the fruit. In the latter case the roots being placed too deep in the soil, and too far away from the genial influence of sun and air, take up noxious substances which produce fatal disease in the trees. Some planters dig deep holes in the earth, and having filled them with rich manure, plant the trees. This is a fatal error. In such cases the trees grow rapidly and send out vigorous shoots for a few years and then suddenly become stunted and worthless. The trees fail because the roots having been tempted downward by the rich manure, have penetrated too deep in the earth, and when the supply of nutriment contained in the manure is exhausted, they are too deeply imbedded in the cold subsoil, which is sometimes saturated with stagnant water. In some cases large quantities of water fill up the holes or pits which have been made for the reception of the trees, and this circumstance is in itself sufficient to cause the death of the trees. After all the labor and expense of draining, fencing and manuring, it is too bad if the trees are lost by negligence or want of skill in the planting. Trees should never be placed too deep in the soil. If they are planted even with the surface, and a little mound of rich clay raised around them they will thrive much better than if placed too deep in the soil. Of course, the ground beneath them should be well drained and softened to a considerable depth when trees are planted shallow, the roots strike into the soil and penetrate to a depth sufficient to fix the tree firmly, and to enable them to draw up nourishment from the earth. If large trees are transplanted, of course they must be well sesecured, if not they will be blown down with the first gale. Trees seldom thrive well in orchards which have been laid down with clover and grass seed, as the roots of the clover and grasses absolve the ingredients which are necessary to support the trees. Frequent top dressings with rich manure will tend to check the growth of the grasses under the trees, and to increase the health and vigor of the orchard. Trees sometimes become unfruitful even in rich and well cultivated gardens. The cause of their failure in such places is the injuries which the roots receive from the constant diggings and 212 hoeings which the soil receives in the cultivation of vegetables, &c., as by this means the minute surface roots are cut away and destroyed, and the principal roots are driven into the cold sub-soil to the great injury of the trees, which in such cases produce unhealthy wood, and but very little fruit. Trees generally grow well in gardens or fields which are well cultivated and properly tilled around, but not immediately under the branches of the trees; for in this place the tender surface roots are always found, and if they are cut away by the plow, the spade, or the hoe, the vigor of the tree will be considerably damaged. Light hoeings and top dressings of rich short manure will be found the best system of managing the soil in such places. Roots sometimes proceed with an intelligence almost equal to rational beings, and make wonderful struggles to retain or regain the position for which they were intended by nature. If the root of a tree meet a ditch in its progress, it alters its course, dips into the ground, rises on the other side and proceeds on its course. Lay a wet sponge near a root exposed to the air, and the root will direct its course toward the sponge; change the place of the sponge and the root will vary its course accordingly. The tendency of the roots of fruit trees is toward the surface, and this position they are continually struggling to retain. The large or tap roots answer the purpose of anchors for mooring the tree firmly to the earth, whilst a reticulation of surface roots spreads around in all directions in search of food. Pruning is a matter of great importance to the horticulturist, and should receive the strictest attention; it should be commenced at a very early stage of the tree's growth. If unnecessary branches are permitted to attain a large growth their removal may seriously injure the tree; the proper shape of the tree can be regulated and preserved by timely and judicious pruning. Spur-pruning, or "shortening in," is a system used by some gardenera with great success. It consists in cutting off the tops of the last year's shoots-shortening them by one half-this method of pruning increases the size of the fruit, and the pro,]uctiveness of the tree. Root-pruning is also employed with considerable success, especially where the roots have penetrated into the cold sub-soil and the tree is beginning to decline; in this case the roots should be cut quite close to 213 the tree, and fresh soil mixed with manure be placed around the stem, in order to encourage the growth of new roots; these will soon appear and spread through the mound formed by the late addition of soil, and the tree will flourish and throw up a fresh supply 6f bearing wood. When performing the operation of root-pruning, a sufficient number of the old roots must be spared in order to keep the tree firmly fixed in its position, these can be removed when the new roots have attained a sufficient size. In transplanting trees, much precaution should be used lest the roots become too much damaged in the operation. Digging should be commenced at a considerable distance from the stem of the trees, and a large ball of clay should remain attached to the roots. Tap roots and stragglers of every kind should be cut away before the tree is planted. Some persons flag or brick the ground underneath the trees, in order to prevent the roots from penetrating too deep into the subsoil. When land is drained and deepened by trenching or subsoiling, this process is unnecessary, as stagnant water being removed, the roots are not in danger of injury from penetrating the subsoil. Undrained land produces a low degree of temperature, for heat cannot penetrate a soil that is saturated with water; besides this, the heat of the sun is wasted in evaporating the stagnant water. Remove the excess of moisture by drainage, and the temperature will be improved, and the soil will become better suited to the growth of trees and plants. When land is dried by thorough draining, and deepened by subsoiling, roots can penetrate to a considerable depth in search of sustenance, and they can draw up water by capillary attraction. Water, when deep in the soil, generally holds phosphate and silicate in solution, which are thus drawn up by the roots, and enter into the sap of the plant or tree. In making a selection of trees for an orchard or garden care should be taken to procure those varieties that will give a succession of fruit, so that a supply may be kept up for as long a period as possible. A few apple trees of an early kind will furnish a supply during the early part of the season, and this supply can be kept almost through the whole year, by making a judicious selection of trees. It is not my intention to enter into a full description of the different varieties of fruit trees, the limits of an essay forbid such an undertaking. I will endeavor to confine my remarks to a description of the most val 214 uable kinds, and to the arraying of these, so as to form a succession. I think the orchardist or farmer will derive some benefit from my labors. The apple (Pyrus Malus) has been cultivated from the earliest ages, and is celebrated in song and story. The apple was the coveted fruit of that forbidden tree, "Whose mortal taste brought death into the World, And all our woe, with loss of Eden." The emulation, hatred and strife, caused by the apple of discord, is recorded in the mythology of the ancients. The golden apples of the Hesperides, which Hercules gathered after killing the watchful dragon that guarded them, are described in glowing colors by ancient writers. But the good qualities of the apple are well known, and do not need the aid of history or fable, in order to illustrate them. The apple has been introduced-into America by the European colonists, and although two or three kinds of wild apple are to be found in North America, yet none of the cultivated varieties have been raised from them. The apple tree grows to an immense size in several parts of the United States. Downing mentions two trees in the grounds of Mr. Hall, of Raynham, Rhode Island, which are now about 150 years old. Twenty years ago the trunk of one of these trees measured at one foot from the ground, thirteen feet two inches, and the other twelve feet two inches in circumference. In Duxbury, Plymouth county, Mass., is a tree which measured twelve feet five inches in girth, and which has produced, in a single season, the enormous quantity of 121 bushels of fruit. The apple tree generally produces fruit every alternate year, as one season is required to enable the tree to recruit its strength, by extracting from the soil a sufficient supply of fertilizing ingredients, to replace those which have been exhausted in the formation of fruit. By skillful management, the apple tree may be made to produce fruit every year, and the following quotation from Downing's "Fruit Trees of America," will suffice to show the method which has been adopted by a celebrated orchardist, (R. L. Pell, Esq., of Esopus, on the Hudson,) for the purpose of causing his trees to produce an annual supply of fruit. Mr. Pell says: "For several years past I have been experimenting on 215 the apple, having an orchard of 2,000 Newtown Pippin trees, I found it very inconvenient to wait for what is called the bearing year, and on this account it has been my aim to assist nature, in order to enable the trees to produce fruit every year. I have noticed that from the excessive productiveness of the Newtown Pippin, it requires the intermediate year to recover itself, that is, to extract from the earth and the atmosphere materials to enable it to bear again. This it is not able to do unassisted by art. If however the tree is supplied with proper food, it will bear every year; at least, such has been the result of my experiments. Three years ago I scraped the rough bark from several thousands of my apple trees, and washed all the trunks and limbs within reach with soft soap; I trimmed out all the branches that crossed each other and painted the wounded parts with white lead in order to exclude moisture and prevent decay. I then, in the latter part of June, slit the bark by running a sharp pointed knife from the ground to the first set of Ji:lbs, this prevents the tree from becoming bark-bound, and gives the yonng wood an opportunity of expanding. In July, I placed one peck of shell lime under each tree, and left it about the trunk until November, during which time the drought was excessive. In November the lime was dug in thoroughly. The following year I collected from these trees a hundred and seventv barrels of fruit, part of which was sold in New York, forfour dollars, and part in London, for nine dollars a barrel. In October, I manured these trees with stable manure, in which the ammonia had been fixed and covered immediately with earth. The succeeding autumn they were literally bending to the earth with the finest fruit I ever saw, whilst the other trees in my orchard, not so treated are quite barren, the last season being their bearing year. I am now placing round each tree one peck of charcoal dust and purpose in the spring, to cover it from the compost heap. My soil is a strong, deep sandy loam, on a gravelly sub-soil. I cultivate my orchard grounds as if there were no trees on them, raise grain of every kind except rye, which grain is so very injurious that I believe three crops of it in succession would destry any orchard younger than twenty Jears. I raised last year, in an orchard containing twenty acres, trees 18 years old, a crop of Indian corn which averaged 140 bushels of ears to the acre. A knowledge of the habits of those insects which are destructive to 216 fruit trees is a matter of importance to every cultivator of fruit. Tremendous losses are sustained annually from the ravages of destructive insec's and vermin. It is said that injury to the amount of a million of dollars has been done to the apple trees in the State of New York alone, during last winter, by the mice grinding the trees whilst the snow covered the ground. We will commence our remarks on the habits of insects injurious to -the orchardist, by giving a description of the apple borer (saperda bivittata,) which is the larva of a brown and white striped beetle; this insect enters the tree at the collar just near the surface of the ground; it sometimes girdles the tree and sometimes perforates every part of the trunk, causing the decay and death of the tree. It generally remains in the tree for two or three years and finally emerges in the shape of a butterfly, which lays the foundation for a future colony by depositing its eggs in the collar of the tree. Doctor Harris recommends the placing of a bit of camphor in the hole which has been made by the borer, and then plugging it up. A small mound of ashes or lime placed around the tree, early in spring, will prevent the attacks of the borer. Washing the tree early in May with a solution of two pounds of potash to eight quarts of water has.been found an effectual preventive against the borer. The caterpillar (Cliscocampa Americana) is bred by a sort of moth of a brown color, which deposits its eggs on the apple, cherry, and several other fruit trees. The next season these eggs are hatched by the heat of the sun, and the caterpillars appear in thousands, generally in the month of May. They live about six weeks in the caterpillar state, and during this time commit sad ravages among the foliage of fruit trees, and consequently are very destructive to the fruit. The surest method of destroying the caterpillar is to pick off the nests with the hand, or by the aid of a stick with a brush on the end of it, and trample them under the feet. The canker worm (anisopterix pometaria) is another enemy to the fruit grower. Its ravages are principally confined to the New England States. The male is a moth of a pale ash color; the female is wingless. The canker worm comes out of the ground, early in spring, as soon as the soil is free frcmin frost. The females crawl up the trunks of trees, whilst their winged mates fly around them. The ferma!e deposits her 217 eggs, to the number of about one hundred, in the forks of the branches. When these eggs are hatched (about the middle of May) the noxious brood make their appearance, and commence preying on the foliage. They are sometimes so numerous that they strip an orchard completely, in a few days. After feeding for about a month, they descend into the ground, where they remain during winter, is a chrysalis form. The best way of destroying this worm is to prevent the female from laying her eggs on the tree. This can be done by winding around the stem of the tree a linen or canvas belt, smeared with tar. This belt catches and detains the worm, as it creeps up the tree; and, if it be put on in time, and kept in proper order, it will prove an effectual preventive. The apple worm (carpocapsa pomenaria) appears in the early worm eaten apples and pears, in the shape of a reddish white grub, and causes the damaged fruit to fall prematurely from the tree. The apple moths flit around in the warm evenings of June, and lay their eggs in the blossom end of the young fruit. When the eggs are hatched, the young grubs burrow into the core of the apple, or pear, which ripens prematurely, and falls to the ground. The grubs then leave the fruit, and crawl into the crevices of the bark, where they spin their cocoons, and remain till the ensuing spring. A good way of destroying the grubs is to allow hogs and poultry to range about the orchard. The hogs devour the fallen fruit, and grind the worms to death, whilst the poultry pick up stragglers. If a piece of cotton or woolen cloth be placed around the stem of the tree, when the injured fruit is falling, the worms will creep into it, and great numbers may be caught and killed by this means. As the cocoons of the apple worm are generally deposited under the loose bark, the trunks should be kept smooth by scraping and washing, in order to destroy the worms, and their lurking places. Bonfires should be lighted on summer evenings in the orchards. The moths will fly into the fire and be destroyed. The insects mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs are more or less destructive to every kind of fruit; on this account I have been particular in mentioning the best method of destroying them. 1 will now proceed to describe a few of the choicest varieties of the most important fruits, and I have arranged them so as to form a regular 28, 218 succession. By cultivating the fruit trees mentioned in this essay, the farmer or orchardist can keep up a supply of fruit during the greater part, if not the whole, of the year. THE APPLE. EARLY APPLES. The Early Harvest is an excellent apple, and is alike celebrated for its beauty, flavor and productiveness. It begins to ripen early in July, and continues in use during nearly the whole of that month and a great part of the next. Its fruit is of medium size, and round form, sometimes a little flattened. Its skin is smooth, with a few light colored spots. When fully ripe it is of a bright straw color. The flesh is extremely white, tender and juicy. In order to raise this apple the soil must be well cultivated. The Red Astracan is a fruit of great beauty, which was imported into England from Sweden, in 1816. It bears abundantly, but is inclined to be coarse in some localities. This fruit is large, smooth and roundish, and the skin is almost covered with a deep crimson, with sometimes a little yellow near the stalk. It is sometimes a little russet. The flesh is white and juicy, and the flavor is agreeable. It ripens a little after the Early Harvest. The Early Strawberry is an excellent fruit, which is said to have been originated in the vicinity of New York. Its pleasant flavor and handsome appearance place it high on the list of summer apples. Its shape is roundish, with a smooth skin, mottled with dark and bright red, on a yellowish ground. The Sine Qua Non originated on Long Island. It is a week or two later than the Early Harvest, but it is more productive, and of better flavor, than that fruit. The shape of the Sine Qua Non is roundish ovate; the skin is smooth, and the stalk is slender; the size, medium; color, a greenish yellow. The flesh is white, tender and juicy. The Sweet Bough is generally esteemed a good summer sweet apple. It is sometimes very unproductive in the western States. The fruit is of medium size, and of oblong shape; the skin is smooth and of a greenish yellow color; the flavor is good, and the flesh is white and tender. The American Summer Pearmain is much esteemed in the eastern 219 States. It does not appear to be much cultivated in Michigan. This fruit is of medium size; the skin is red, spotted with yellow on the shady side; on the sunny side it is streaked with livelier colors. AUTUMN APPLES. Ths Gravenstein is an European fruit, which has been originated at Gravestein, in Lower Saxony. It is a first rate apple, but is not yet much disseminated in Michigan. The fruit is large, and a little flattened; sometimes a little one sided, or angular. The color is at first a greenish yellow, but it afterwards becomes a beautiful bright yellow, marbled with red and orange. The flesh is tender, and the flavor is excellent. The Porter is a New England apple, raised by the Rev. S. Porter, of Sherbourne, Massachusetts. It is a great favorite "down east." It has been grown with success in Michigan. This fruit is large and oblong, and the tree is very productive. The skin is clear and giossy; color, a bright yellow. The flesh is fine grained, and very juicy. This apple ripens in September. The Jersey Sweeting is a sweet apple, highly valued for the table, and so much esteemed for its fattening properties that it is extensively planted in the middle States for the purpose of feeding swine. The fruit of the Jersey Sweeting is of medium size, roundish, tapering to the eye. Its color is a greenish yellow, streaked with red. The Fall Pippin is extensively cultivated in all the States, and is a universal favorite. It is a large, well flavored fruit, and is suited for the table or for cooking. The skin is smooth, of a yellowish green color; tinged with brown on one side. The Holland Pippin is sometimes confounded with the Fall Pippin, to which it bears a close resemblance. But they do not ripen at the same tin e, as the Holland Pippin is a late summer fruit, and the Fall Pippin ripens in the autumn. The Holland Pippin is a large, roundish fruit, of a greenish yellow color. It becomes pale yellow when fully ripe, and is sometimes tinged with dull red on the sunny side. The Kerry Pippin is an Irish dessert apple, from the county of Kerry. The fruit is of medium size, a little flattened at the eye. The skin is a pale yellow, stained and streaked with red. The flesh is yellow and tender, and the flavor is agreeable. It ripens in September and! October. 220 The Westfield Seeknojfurther is an old and valued variety, which was originated in Connecticut. The fruit is large and round; color, a dull red, over a pale green ground; the red sprinkled with dots of russet yellow. Stalk long and very slender. Flesh white and very tender. Fruit good from October to February. The Dutchess of Oldenburg is a fruit which has been introduced from Russia. It is of medium size, round form, and excellent quality. The color is yellow, streaked with red. Ripens in September. The Alexander is a splendid Russian apple. The tree is remarkably beautiful, and the fruit exceedingly fine. It is a cooking apple, of a very large size and regular form, tapering from the base to the eye. The color is a greenish yellow, with faint streaks of red on the shaded side; on the sunny side it is orange, finely streaked with red. Good from October to December. The Dyer, or Pomme Royale, is an excellent dessert apple, supposed to have been introduced from France. This fruit is of middle size, and roundish shape, with a faint blush and some dark spots on one side. The flesh is of extraordinary richness and flavor. The tree is not very productive. Good in September and October. WINTER APPLES. The Yellow Bellflower is an exceedingly fine winter apple, and is widely disseminated. This fruit is oblong, tapering to the eye. Skin smooth; color, pale yellow, with a light blush next the sun. Flesh tender and juicy. This tree is an excellent bearer, deserving of extensive cultivation. Good from November to March. The White Bellflower is a well known fruit, much cultivated in the western States. The fruit is of medium size, and pale yellow color, marked with small brown dots. The flesh is white and juicy. Good from October to March. The Baldwin is the favorite winter apple of New England. It is an exceedingly productive variety, but does not succeed so well in the western as in the eastern States. This fruit is large; of a roundish shape, tapering a little to the eye. The flesh is yellowish white. The flavor is agreeable. Gou:d from November to March. The Esopus Spitzenbulrg is a delicious apple, much celebrated for the richness and spiciness of its flavor It originated at Esopus, 221 on the Hudson, a place which was settled by the Dutch. It is widely disseminated through all the States, and is unanimously esteemed. This fiuit is large, and tapering roundly to the eye. The skin is smooth, and the color a lively red, dotted with yellow. Flesh, yellow and juicy. Good from December to February. The Swaar is another excellent fruit, which was originated by the Dutch settlers on the Hudson. As its name implies, it is a large fruit, (swaar, in low Dutch, means heavy,) and requires a rich soil. Under favorable circumstances it grows to a very large size, and possesses an excellent flavor. The Swaar is a large, roundish apple, of a greenish yellow when not perfectly ripe, but of a dull gold color when ripe. The flesh of this fruit is yellow and tender, and the flavor rich and aromatic. Fruit good from December to March. The Rhode Island Greening is widely celebrated for its rapid growth and productiveness. This fruit succeeds well in all the States, and on this account is a universal favorite. In the southern States this appleripens early in autumn. In the western it is an excellent winter fruit, of large size and roundish shape. The color is a dark green, but it becomes pale green when fully ripe, with sometimes a slight blush toward the stalk. It is a good dessert apple, and also adapted for cooking. The Northern Spy is a new American fruit, as yet not much cultivated in Michigan. It was originated by Oliver Chapin, of Bloomfield, near Rochester, New York, and is celebrated in its native State, as a handsome, well-flavored apple. It ripens in December, and keeps till June. Fruit large and conical; color, pale yellow in the shade; the sunny side marked with light and dark streaks of red. The flesh of the Northern Spy is white and tender. The YNewtown Pippin is celebrated as a good,long keeping variety. It is an excellent dessert apple. It was originated on Long Island. It is extensively cultivated on the Hudson, from whence it is exported to the London market, where it always commands a very high price. This fruit is of medium size, and roundish shape. Color, a dull green, but it becomes olive green when ripe, with a faint blush on one side. The Newtown Pippin is one of the longest keeping apples. It is good from December to May. The Yellow Nezwtown Pippin bears a close resemblance to the foregoing, but it is a much handsomer fruit, and possesses a more fragrant 222 perfume. The shape of the Yellow Newtown Pippin is flatter than the Green, and it is always quite angular, projecting more on one side of the stalk than on the other, and this peculiarity is sufficient to identify it. The color is yellow, with a red blush. The tree is an excellent bearer, and the fruit keeps well. The Herefordskire Pearmain, sometimes known as the English or Royal Pearmain, is a.fine winter fruit, suited for the table or for cooking. The fruit is of medium size, a little oblong, the skin is mottled with brownish red streaks on a dull green ground. The flesh of this Pearmain is pale yellow, very mellow and tender with a very agreeable flavor. The Ladies Sweeting, is acknowledged to be the best of winter sweet apples. It is very much esteemed as a desert fruit, and much admired for its beautiful appearance, and fragrant perfume. It is a good keeping variety. It remains in perfection from winter until May. This apple is large, of a roundish oval shape, tapering to the eye. The skin is smooth, the color red on the sunny side, and yellowish green on the shaded, with streaks of pale red. The flesh is greenish white, exceedingly tender and well flavored, and possessed of an agreeable perfume. The Boston, or Roxbury Russet, is a native of Massachusetts, and is very much cultivated as a market fruit. It is an exceedingly productive variety and keeps until late in the spring. The fruit is of medium size, a little flattened and angular. The color is at fisst a dull green, but russet when ripe, with a faint blush on the sunny side. The flesh is greenish white with a rich sub-acid flavor. Ripens in January and keeps until June. The Irish Russet, is an exceedingly well flavored fruit which originated in the gardens of a celebrated orchardist, the late William Robinson, of Kilkenny. This is a small fruit, a little flattened; color, a bright yellow, covered with russet spots and patches. The flesh is juicy and tender, and the flavor agreeable. THE PEAR-Pyrus Communis. The pear has been cultivated from the earliest ages, but there are many reasons for supposing that it has never been brought to perfection until lately. Within the last century tLe pear has been carefully and,assiduously cultivated by eminent orchardists, in Belgium France, Eng 223 land and America, and many excellent varieties have been originated, and many old kinds much improved by their exertions. The pear tree grows wild in many parts of the old word. It is not a native of North America, yet the soil and climate of this country seem to agree with it remarkably well. There is a pear tree at Vincennes, in the State of Illinois, which vielded 184 bushels of pears in 1834, although it was then only forty years of age. There are some very large pear trees in Detroit, which are said to have been planted by the colonists in 1701. A great many of them have been cut down to make way for the growth of the city, but enough remain to remind us of the original settlers of Detroit, who were the pioneers of commerce and civilization in the peninsular State. Some of these pears are more than 150 years old, and have grown to an immense size, and are still in health and vigor, bearing annually a fair crop of fruit. The celebrated Stuyvesant pear tree at New York, was planted more than 200 years ago, by the Dutch Governor of that name, and is still a healthy tree. The wood of the pear tree is fine grained, and when stained black is a good imitation of ebony. It is frequently used in the making of joiners' tools. The pear is proagated nearly in the same way as the apple; it is raised from seeds, the seedlings in a few years are grafted or budded, the latter is the most approved method of operation. The pear is sometimes grafted on the thorn with good effect, and also on stocks of the mountain ash. For dwarfiing the pear, grafting on the quince stock is the most approved plan, as the pear grows well on this tree and bears early, but becomes quite dwarfish and short lived. The pear delights in a strong loamy soil, on a dry sub-soil; damp soils are unsuited to its growth, so are also deep alluvials. The pear tree is subject to three kinds of blight. The first is called the pear tree blight. The second the insect blight, and the third the frozen sap blight. The first kind generally appears early in the season, and sometimes attacks only the branches, at other times it destroys the entire tree. It is very likely that this blight is atmospheric. The second, or insect blight, is caused by the attacks of an insect named Polytus Pyri, which deposits its eggs sometime in July or August, in 224 the bark of the tender shoots, either behind or below a bud. When the egg is hatched, the little grub gnaws its way into the centre of the twig or branch, and reaching the pith eats a passage around it, and sometimes devours the pith completely. When the insect is transformed from a grub to a beetle, it escapes from the branch by a small hole which it cuts through the wood and bark. The insect blight is not confined to the pear tree. It sometimes attacks the apple, and the quince and very likely extends its ravages among the trees of the forest. Cutting off the diseased branches and burning them, is the surest way of arresting the progress of the insect blight, and this operation should be performed as soon as the shoot shows symptoms of blight. A portion of sound wood should be cut off with the decayed, in order to insure the removal of the insect. The third kind, or the frozen-sapblight, may be known by a thick clammy sap which issues from the wounds made by the pruning knife, and also by the appearance of black shriveled spots on the trunks or branches of the trees in spring; and in the summer months, the presence of the disease is denoted by the tops of the branches shriveling up and decaying, as if suddenly blasted. If the infused branches are removed in time, the tree generally recovers; but if the disease is not arrested, it is likely to spread over and destroy the entire tree. This kind of blight generally attacks unripened wood; early ripening trees, especially if planted in sandy land, are generally free from this disease. SUMMER PEARS. The Madeline is a good early pear, which has been introduced into this country from France. The tree grows vigorously, and is very productive. The fruit of the Madeline is of medium size, and tapering towards the stalk. The skin is smooth, and the color a yellowish green, with some russet specks around the stalk. The flesh is white and melting, and the flavor excellent. It ripens in July. The Bloodgood is a highly flavored pear, which is named after James Bloodgood, Nurseryman, L. I. This fruit ripens well in the house. It is of medium size, turbinate, or top shaped. The color is yellow, marked with russet dots. The flesh is yellowish-white and melting. Ripens in the end of July and the beginning of August. The English Jargonelle is celebrated as a summer pear, but it is said to have degenerated. The fruit is large, and pyriform, or pear shaped. 225 The color is greenish yellow, with a little yellow on the sunny side. The tree is a rapid grower, the branches are of a weeping or pendulous habit. The Bartlett is celebrated in all'the States, as a large and beautiful pear, of first rate quality and excellent flavor. The color of this fruit is clear yellow; with a blush on the sunny side. The flesh is white, juicy, and sweet. It ripens in August and September. It is named after Enoch Bartlett, of Dorchester, near Boston, who disseminated it. It was originally introduced from England. Dearborn's Seedling is a first rate early pear, named after H. A. S. Dearborn, of Boston, Mass. It bears well in all the States, and is very much esteemed as an early fruit. It is of medium size and top shaped. Color, a light yellow, with a few small dots. The flesh is white and, juicy. It ripens in August. The Summer Franc Real is an excellent summer pear. The tree is a rapid grower, bears well, and is remarkable for its round, light colored leaves. The fruit is of middle size. Color, when ripe, a yellowish green, marked with brownish dots. Ripens early in September. AUTUMN PEARS. The Washington is an autumnal pear of excellent quality. It is an American fruit, which was originated in Delaware. The color is of medium size. Color, a lemon yellow, with red dots on the sunny side. The flesh is white and juicy, and the flavor sweet and agreeable. Ripe in the middle of September. The White Doyenne is one of the best autumnal pears. It is culti. vated all over the world, and is known by about one hundred different names. It is the Virgalieu of New York, the Butler Pear of Pennsylvania, the St. Michael of Massachusetts, the White Beurre, the White Autumn Bgerre, the Snow Pear, the Pine Pear, &c., of English gardens, the Citron de Septembre of the French, the faiser d' Automne, and the Weisse Herbst Butterbeure, of the Dutch. It is an old French variety, but succeeds remarkably well in the climate and soil of the United States. The tree is a rapid grower of an upright habit, and light brown color. The fruit is large and regularly formed. Thecolor a pale yellow, sprinkled with small spots, and sometimes red on the sunny side. The flesh is fine grained, and very rich and melting. The flavor of this fruit is delicious. Ripens in Septemlker. 29 226 The Seckel is now firmly established as one of the best pears in the world; the tree is hardy and healthy and forms a beautiful head. The fruit is small and regularly formed. The color is at first a brownish green, but becomes yellowish brown when fully ripe, with a red cheek on the sunny side. The flesh is white, juicy and melting. The flavor is peculiarly aromatic and agreeable. The Seckel was originated by Mr. Seckel of Philadelphia. The Louise Bonne of Jersey, is a very productive and well flavored autumnal pear, which was originally introduced into England from the Island of Jersey, (one of the channel Islands,) in 1820. The tree grows large and upright, and seems peculiarly adapted to the climate and soil of the United States. The fruit is large and pear shaped, a little one-sided. The skin is smooth and the color is pale green in the shade, but brownish red and sprinkled with grey dots on the sunny side. The flesh is rich and melting, and the flavor is very agreeable. It ripens in September and October. The Flemish Beauty, is an excellent pear which was originated by Dr. Von Mons, the celebrated Belgian orchardist. The tree is very productive, fruit of medium size, and roundish shape. The color is a pale yellow. The flesh is white and melting and the flavor good. It ripens in the beginning of November. The VanMons Leon le Clere, is a new fruit which has been originated by Leon le Clere, an orchardist of Laval, in France. It bears his name, combined with that of the celebrated VaaMons. This fruit is large and oblong; the color is yellow, mingled with brown, and slightly russet about the stalk; the flesh is yellowish white, and melting; flavor rich and good. The Stevens' Genesee is an excellent American fruit, which was originated by Mr. Stevens, of Lima, Livingston county, N. Y. This is of a roundish obovate, or egg shape, reversed, and of a yellow color. The fesh is white, and possesses an aromatic flavor. Ripens about the end of August, and the first of September. The Dunmore is a large dessert pear, which has been introduced from France, where it is known by the name of the Duchess D'Angouleme. In some localities this tree grows luxuriantly, and the fruit is injured by too much wood being produced. It is well adapted for grafting on the quince, and is very productive on that stalk. The fruit of the Dunmore 227 is very large and oblong, the color a greenish yellow, streaked with russet. The flesh is white and juicy, and the flavor is good. Ripens in October. The Beurre Bosc is a large, handsome and productive Autumnal Pear, named after M. Bosc, a celebrated Belgian orchardist. It bears singly, and the fruit looks as if regularly thinned on the tree. This fruit is pear-shaped, very large and tapering gradually towards the stock. The color is a dark yellow, dotted and streaked with russet. The flesh is white and buttery, and very juicy. Ripe in December. The Easter Beurre is a very good, long keeping variety, which generally ripens in spring. The tree grows rapidly, and is of an upright habit, but requires a good aspect and a warm soil. This fruit is large, and sometimes a little square. The color is yellowish green, sprinkled with russet dots. The flesh is white and juicy, and the flavor agreeable. The Columbia is an American fruit of great excellence. It is highly recommended by Downing. The tree is very productive, and the fruit large and well flavored. The color is pale green in autumn, but when fully ripe it is yellow. The Glout Morceau is a celebrated Flemish pear, which seems very well suited to the climate and soil of this country. The tree grows freely, and is of a pendant habit. The fruit is large, and varying in form. Color, a greenish yellow, marked with green dots. The flesh is white and juicy, with a rich, agreeable flavor. The Vicar of Winkfield is an excellent pear, which was discovered, as a natural seedling, by a French curate, and is known in France by the name of Le Cure. It was imported into England by the Rev. Mr. Rham, Vicar of Winkfield, in Berkshire, whose name it now bears. This fruit was imported into Massachusetts, and disseminated there, under the name of the Burgomeister. This is a large, pear-shaped fruit, sometimes a little one sided. Color, pale yellow, with a brownish cheek, and marked with brown dots. The flesh is greenish white, and generally well flavored. The tree grows freely, with pendant branches, and is very hardy and productive. Ripens from November to January. Prince's St. Germain. This is a seedling, raised from the old St. Germain pear, by Mr. Prince, of Flushing, N. Y. It is an excellent, long keeping variety. The tree is hardy and productive, and is much more esteemed than the old St. Germain. This fruit is of medium 228 size, and a little oval in shape. Color, russet, over a green ground; dull red on the sunny side. Flesh yellowish white; very juicy and well flavored. Ripens from November to March. Knight's Monarch. This pear was originated by Mr. Knight, of Downton Castle, England. He named it "' Monarch," in compliment to William IV., king of England. This tree grows freely, and is very productive, and well worthy of cultivation. The fruit is large. The color, a yellowish brown, a little red on the sunny side, and marked with pale gray specks. The flavor is delicious. It ripens in January. In the foregoing list I have endeavored to make a selection of the very best varieties of pears, and to arrange them so as to form a good succession, in order to keep up a supply of this fruit as long as possible. A few of the kinds mentioned have not, as yet, been much disseminated in Michigan. But there is no doubt that in a few years hence they will be extensively cultivated in all the western and north-western States. The limits of an essay does not admit of the introduction of any kinds which are not really valuable and important. THE PEACH. (Persica Vulgaris.) The peach tree is a native of Persia, from which country it is said to have been introduced into Italy, in the reign of Claudius. It was brought into this country by the early colonists. The peach thrives best in hot climates. It is said to come nearest to perfection in China. The largest peaches in the world are said to be produced near Pekin, the capital of the Celestial Empire. In Great Britain and Ireland peaches do not generally ripen well in the open air; although, in dry seasons, they sometimes succeed very well in those countries; particularly when trained on walls, in good aspects. But the best fruit is always produced under the shelter of glass, and by the aid of artificial heat. The United States are celebrated for peach orchards, and the climate and soil of the majority of the States seem admirably adapted for the growth of this delicious fruit. In many parts of this country thousands of acres are exclusively devoted to its cultivation. The propagation of the peach is so well known that it is almost needless to enlarge upon it. The peach stones are buried in the autumn, in 229 pits or layers, and covered with earth. After remaining in the ground all winter, they are taken up in spring, as soon as the ground is in proper order. The stones are cracked, and the kernels are sown in well prepared soil, in the beds or nursery rows where they are to remain. They should be lightly covered; (one inch in depth of soil is sufficient.) In the following September they should be budded, as near to the ground as possible. In the ensuing March the stocks should be headed back, and the tree will shoot up vigorously the following summer. The best time for transplanting the peach is at the age of one year from the bud. In some places plum stocks are much used for budding the peach, as by this means the tree is dwarfed, and rendered more suitable for training on walls or espaliers. It is reasonable to suppose that good peach stocks would be more natural, and tend more to the production of healthy and vigorous trees. The soil best suited to the cultivation of the peach is a rich, sandy loamr. It sometimes succeeds well in a light, sandy soil. Heavy clay lands are unsuited to the growth of this fruit, as well as all moist, undrained localities. The peach tree is much improved by a judicious system of pruning. The size of the fruit, and the vigor and longevity of the tree, may be considerably increased by spur pruning, or A" shortening in" the branches. This method consists in cutting off about half the length of the last year's growth from all the branches. In performing this operation the strong shoots should be shortened back more than the weak ones, in order to check the former, and bring the latter forward. By this system of pruning the leaves of the tree are much increased in size, and although the number of peaches may be less, the loss in this particular is amply compensated by the large size and excellent quality of the fruit. The peach, like all other trees, is subject to the attacks of injurious insects; and foremost among these pests of the orchardist is the peachworm, or borer, (egeria exitiasa,) which attacks and girdles the tree, just underneath the surface of the soil, thereby causing the decay and death of the tree. This destructive insect deposits its eggs in the bark, at the base of the trunk. In the summer, when the yourg grubs appear, they immediately commence preying on the bark and sap-wood; and, after spending the winter in the tree, they spin their cocoons, and emerge as winged insects, generally in the month of June. 230 A small quantity of air slacked lime, placed around the stem of the tree, and suffered to remain from May till October, has been found a complete remedy for the borer. In some cases wood ashes have succeeded equally well. A communication in that very useful periodical, "The Michigan Farmer," is worthy of note. The letter referred to appeared in the number for November, 1855, and is signed "E. Merrill," and dated at Kalamazoo. The writer says: " Some years ago I procured twenty-five pounds of sulphur, and put one gill to each tree. I removed the earth two or three inches around the tree, and applied the sulphur close to the stem. The borer never troubled my trees during eight years that I remained on the farm. I exazmined the trees yearly and found none, but the sulphur was there as good as ever, and apparently unchanged. I think it will remain for a century. Ashes are good, if put around the trees before the borer attacks them. One peck in two years will not hurt the trees. I prefer unleached ashes." The remedies proposed by Mr. Merrill are simple, and worthy of trial; and he deserves thanks for bringing them before the pub'ic. The peach tree is subject to a disease called ".the yellows," which has ruined many fine orchards, and in some localities entirely blasted the hopes of the orchardist. This disease made its appearance at Philadelphia, in the year 1800, and has continued to extend annually, until it has reached nearly every State in the Union. The yellows is most likely a constitutional disease, which has arisen from the exhaustion of the soil by too frequent cropping, or the weakening of the functions of the tree by the production of heavy crops of fruit. The yellows has been propagated and wonderfully increased by sowing the stones of diseased fruit, and raising seedlings which are tainted with that malady, and also by budding from trees which are suffering from that destructive disease. The first symptom of the yellows is the growth of small wiry twigs on the stem and principal branches. These twigs produce small, narrow leaves, of an unthrifty or starved appearance, and sometimes of a yellow color. The next symptom is the premature ripening of the fruit. This takes place sometimes two or three weeks before its proper time, and sometimes much sooner, as the size and health of the fruit diminish in proportion to the advance of the disease. 231 Some of the most extensive peach growers are of opinion that the yellows is contagious. This matter admits of some doubt; yet the surest method of arresting the disease is the removal of every diseased tree, and the selecting of new soils for the growth of healthy trees. The peach, and its congener, the nectarine, are divided into " freestones" and "cling-stones." The flesh of the former parts easily from the stone, whilst that of the latter adheres firmly, or "clings," to it. The following excellent varieties of the peach will form a good succession. The Early Tillotson is one of the best of early free-stone peaches. It was, I believe, originated by J. J. Thomas, of Macedon, N. Y., an eminent orchardist, and the author of "The Fruit Culturist." It ripens early in August, a few days later than the "Early Ann," and it is a much finer and hardier fruit than the latter. I have placed it first on the list. The leaves of the Early Tillotson are deeply serrated. The fruit is round, and nearly covered with red, on a yellowish ground; dark red on the sunny side. The Early Ann is a well known early-ripening peach, which has been introduced into this country from England. This fruit is rather small and round. The color is white, and slightly tinged with red on the side next the sun. The flesh is white, melting and sweet. Ripens early in August. The Large Early York is a much esteemed early peach, which: ripens about the middle of August. The leaves of this tree are serrated, without glands. The fruit is of medium size; color, pale red, over a pale ground; dark red on the sunny side. Cole's Early Red is a productive and well flavored American peach.Color, pale in the shade; dark red on the sunny side. This is a freestone. The flesh is melting and rich. Ripens from the beginning to the middle of August. Cooledge's Early Red Rareripe is a hardy, productive and beautiful peach, which was originated by Mr. J. Cooledge, of Watertown, Mass. It is a free-stow, of a white color; cheek mottled with crimson. Ripens in the middle of August. Crawford's Early is a very handsome and very excellent free-stone peach, which was originated by William Crawford, Esq., of Middletown, N. J. This tree grows rapidly, and is very productive. The fruit is 232 Iarge and oblong. Color, yellow, with a red cheek. Flesh yellow, melting and well flavored. Ripens about the last week of August. Bergen's Yellow was raised in Long Island. It is a free-stone, of a large size and agreeable flavor. Color, a deep orange, spotted with red, with a dark red cheek. The flesh is yellow, rich and melting. Ripens early in September. The Yellow Rareripe is an American seedling, produced about twenty years ago. It is well worthy of cultivation. This fruit is large:and round. Color, a deep yellow, dotted with red; cheek a dark red. Flesh yellow, but red at the stone; juicy and well flavored. Ripens about the first of September. Late Red Rareripe. This is an American fruit of surpassing exeellence. The fruit is large, heavy and well flavored. The flesh is white, but deep red at the stone; very juicy and melting. Color, a grayish yellow, dotted with red; cheek a dull red, mottled with fawn colored spots. Ripens about the tenth of September. Morris' White Rareripe is an American freestone peach. The tree is thrifted, vigorous and productive. The fruit is large and oval; color, -a greenish white; flesh, greenish white, melting and juicy. Ripens:about the middle of September. The Druid Hill is a newly originated freestone peach, of a very large size and excellent flavor. It ripens late, generally about the last week in September. The tree is a vigorous grower, and bears abundantly. It ought to be found in every collection. This fruit is large and round, and of a greenish white color, tinged with red on the sunny side. The lesh is greenish white, melting and juicy. Ripens about the first of gOctober. THE NECTARINE. (Persica Vulgaris.) The Nectarine, in its manner of growth and general appearance,,strongly resembles the peach. In fact, it is a peach with a smooth skin. It is attacked by similar enemies, and the same remedies will be effectual in preserving it. The curculio appears to consider it a plum, and attacks of this troublesome insect are sometimes fatal to an entire crop. It is principally on this account that the nectarine is so little cultivated in Michigan. We will describe a few varieties of this fruit. Shortening in, or spur pruning, has been applied with inuch success in the management of the 233 nectarine. Like the peach, this fruit is divided into'"freestones" and "clingstones." The Early Violet, or Violet Hative, is a much esteemed nectarine. The tree is hardy and productive, the fruit handsome and well flavored, but the dark color of the stone, and the deep red of the flesh surrounding it, are sufficient to distinguish it. This fruit is large and roundish, of a pale yellowish green color in the shade, but a dark purplish red on the side next the sun. The flesh is melting and rich. It ripens about the first of August. The Elruge is a very fine nectarine, which has been introduced into this country from England, without annual " shortening in." This tree will not produce good fruit. The color of the Elruge is pale green on the shaded side, and deep violet or blood red on the side fully exposed to the sun. It generally ripens in the end of August, or beginning of September. Hunt's Tawny should have been described betbre the Elruge, as it ripens a fortnight earlier. It is a good, early fruit, which has been introduced into this country from England, where it was originated. The tree is hardy and productive; the fruit early, rich and good. Color, pale orange, or tawny, with a red cheek. It ripens about the second week of August." The Boston Nectarine is an American fruit of the very best quality. It was originated by Mr. T. Lewis, of Boston, Mass. The tree is productive; the fruit large and handsome, of a roundish oval shape. Its color is a bright yellow, with a deep red cheek. Ripens about the first of September. THE APRICOT. (Armeniaca Vulgaris.) The apricot is a vety ornamental fruit tree, with snowy blossoms, heart shaped leaves and golden.fruit. The latter comes to perfection shortly after the termination of the cherry season. The apricot is generally budded on the plum stock. It is subject to the attacks of the curculio. It is well adapted to training on walls, &c. The "shortening in" system of pruning is highly recommended for this tree. VARIETIES OF THE APRICOT. The Large Early has been iitroduced into America from France. It 30 234 is considered to be the best early kind —ripening about mid-summer. The fruit is middle sized, and orange colored. The Peach Apricot was originally introduced from Italy. It is a large and well flavored fruit, of a green color in the shade; deep orange, streaked with brown, in the sun. The stone is perforated with small holes. The Roman is a very hardy variety, and seems well adapted for cold climates. The Moor Park is a very old variety, which is extensively cultivated in Europe, as well as in America. This fruit is large and round; orange colored in the shade; brownish red in the sun. The stone is perforated. It ripens in the beginning of August. The Red Masculine is a good, early fruit. The tree is thrifty and productive; the fruit small, and of a bright yellow color. Ripens in July. THE PLUM. (Prunuts domestica.) The cultivated plums of this country have been introduced from Europe. There are three species of wild plum which are natives of North America, namely: the Chickasaw, the Wild Red and the Beach Plum. These trees are sometimes used as stocks for budding or engrafting the cultivated varieties. The plum and its congener are, in this State, and in many others, subject to the attacks of the curculio; and this circumstance discourages many from attempting to cultivate them. The State of Maine, although possessing a very cold climate, is celebrated for the successful cultivation of the plum. In it the curculio is almost unknown, and the fruit growers of that State are beginning to export plums to various parts of the Union. The usual mode of raising the plum is by sowing the stones, and growing seedlings, upon which the most approved varieties are budded or grafted. The seedlings will sometimes grow to the height of one and a half or two feet the first year. They may be then removed, and planted out where they are to remain. They will be fit for budding in the ensuing summer. The buds should be inserted on the north side of the stock, that being the best shaded from the sun. For the destruction of the curculio, many plans have been devised; a few of them are deserving of attention. 235 If we examine the damaged plums, as they fall from the trees in July, we will find that the eggs of the curculio have been hatched, and the little grubs have eaten their way to the stone. This has caused the fruit to wither and fall from the tree. The grubs enter the ground from the fallen fruit, where they remain until spring, at which time they come forth as beetles, and commence their depredations on the young fruit. If we destroy the damaged fruit before the worms get into the ground we certainly give an effectual check to the enemy. If we render the ground under the trees so hard that the grubs cannot enter it,.. we expose them to the attacks of birds, toads, and a host of destroyers, which are ever ready to pick them up. The curculio beetle seems possessed of considerable instinct for the preservation of its race, and generally makes a favorable selection of the locality, before it commences to deposit its eggs. It has been remarked that plum trees in well tramped door yards, and also those which overhang water, are not sub — ject to the attacks of this troublesome insect. Keeping hogs and poultry among the trees have been proved to be good plans for destroying the curculio grubs. The former devour the damaged fruit, and the latter pick up any stray grubs that may show themselves under the trees. Jarring the trees with a wooden mallet is sometimes practiced for the purpose of shaking off the beetles before they have punctured the fruit. In this process sheets are generally placed under the trees to receive the insects as they fall. By this means they can be easily collected and destroyed. Salt has been found very effectual in destroying the curculio. It should be spread under the trees, just when the injured fruit begins to fall. The plum tree is subject to a disease called the "knots," or "black gum," which appears on the bark and wood. The bark swells in some places, bursts, and collects into black lumps, which have a shriveled appearance, and are dry and dusty inside. Sometimes this disease spreads over the entire tree, and causes it to decay. Dr. Harris considers it caused by the curculio, and thinks that the late broods, which emerge from the ground after the fruit has disappeared, deposit their eggs in the bark of the plum tree; but this opinion has been contradicted by some experienced fruit growers. The best remedy for the "knots" is to cut away the diseased branches and burn them. 286 The following list of plums contains some of the best kinds, so arranged as to.form a succession, and keep up a supply of this fruit for a ~considerable time. The Hudson Gage is a new, early plum, which has been originated at Hudson, by Mr. Gage. The fruit is medium size and oval shape; color, yellow, marbled with green. The flesh is juicy and melting. It ripens about the first week of August. The Imperial Ottoman is a well flavored plum, of medium size, and dull yellow color. The stone ispointed at the ends. The flesh is melting and sweet. It ripens about the end of July. The Royal Hative, or Early Royal, is a new plum of French origin, and is not as yet much disseminated in the Western States. It resembles the Purple Gage, but ripens earlier. The branches of this tree are remarkable for being very downy. The fruit is of middle size, and light purple color, dotted with yellow. Flesh yellow, and well flavored. Stone a little flattened. It ripens about the first of August. This tree is very productive. The Early Orleans is a variety of the well known Orleans plum, but it ripens earlier than the original. The branches of this tree are very downy. The fruit is of medium size. The flesh is yellowish green, and well flavored. Ripens about the first of August. The Green Gage is almost universally esteemed as the best flavored of plums. It is very extensively cultivated in Europe and America. It is known in France by the name of "Reine Claude," having been introduced into that country by Queen Claude, the wife of Francis I. An English family, whose name it bears, were the first to introduce it into England. The Green Gage is a slow growing tree, and seldom attains a large size, but it is very productive, and the fruit is of most excellent quality. The color of this fruit is green. The flesh is green, juicy and melting. Ripens in August. There are many fine varieties of this fruit. The Lombard is an American plum, named after Mr. Lombard, of Springfield, Mass., who is supposed to have originated it. The tree grows freely; is hardy and productive, and in a great measure resists the attacks of the curculio. The fruit is of medium size,; color, a violet red; shape, oval; the flesh a deep yellow. Ripens in August. The Columbia is an American fruit, raised by Mr. Lawrence, of 237 Hudson. It is a beautiful and well flavored plum. The tree grows freely, and is very productive. The branches and leaves are downy. The fiuit large and globular, of a brownish purple color. The flesh is orange colored. Ripens in the end of August. Lawrence's Favorite is also a good plum, which was raised by Mr. Lawrence. It is a variety of the Green Gage, of which it possesses all the good qualities, and considerably excels it in size. The tree grows fast, and produces well. The fruit is large and round, of a yellowish green color. Ripens about the middle of August. The Purple Favorite is a delicious fruit, and was originated by the father of the late Mr. Downing. This tree resembles the Green Gage in the manner of its growth. The fruit is of medium size; a light brown on the shaded side; a dark brown, or rather a purple, on the sunny side. Ripens about the end of August. Huling's Superb is a first rate plum, named after Dr. Huling, of Pennsylvania. It is a very large, well flavored fruit. The tree, which is thrifty and productive, is remarkable for its blunt shoots, large shoul. dered buds and rich foliage. The fruit is large and globular, and of a greenish yellow color. Ripens about the end of August. The Jefferson Plum is an American fruit, which was raised by the late Judge Buel, of Albany. It is a very large and well flavored variety, which ripens about the end of August, and remains well on the tree. The fruit is large and oval, of a golden yellow color, with a red cheek. The following notice of this fruit appeared in the London Horticultural Magazine, and shows that this plum is held in high estimation in England: "The Jefferson Plum is a new variety, of great excellence; so much so that it is a question whether it may not prove superior to the justly celebrated Green Gage. In the unfavorable season of 1845 it was found decidedly superior to that famous variety. This plum was raised by the late Judge Buel, and the original tree is still growing in his garden, at Albany, N. Y. It was introduced into England by Mr. James Barnet, who obtained it from Mr. Wilson, a nurseryman of New York. The summer of 1845, which was very unfavorable for the maturation of fruits, was the first in which the fruit of this plum has been produced in England;\, and, notwithstanding the unfavorableness of the season, it attracted much attention from the merit it was found to possess. It will afford a larger supply of fruit than the Green Gage, for it 238 has the property of hanging for a considerable time on the tree after it becomes fully ripe." Coe's Golden Drop is a magnificent late plum. The tree is very hardy and productive; the fruit large and oval, of a yellowish color, dotted with red on the sunny side. It ripens about the middle of September. Coe's Late Red is one of the latest ripening plums. The tree grows vigorously and produces well, but it is a very late fruit. It is sometimes injured by the frost. It is a medium size and round shape; color, a purple red, with a blue bloom. The flesh is yellow, juicy and rich. Ripens in October and November. The Blue Imperatrice is a much esteemed, late plum; color, a deep purple, with a blue bloom. It ripens in October and November. The foregoing list contains the very best varieties; and the number described will be found amply sufficient to supply the wants of the orchardist, so far as this fruit is concerned. THE CHERRY. (Cerastus Sylvestres.) The cultivated cherry is said to have been introduced into Italy, from Asia, shortly before the birth of Christ. The advancing tide of the Roman power carried with it the most approved seeds and fruits, and spread them among the nations of Europe. The early colonists from England and Holland introduced the cultivated cherry into America. There are two kinds of wild cherry indigenous to this country. These abound in the forests; are very handsome trees, and should be planted by every farmer. The following varieties comprise some of the choicest and most valuable cherries. The Early Purple Guigne is a very early fruit, which has been imported from England. The fruit is of medium size and dark red color; the flesh is purple, juicy and sweet. It ripens about the end of May. Boyer's Early Heart is a good early cherry, which has been introduced from England. The fruit is small, but well flavored. Ripens in June. The Asmerican Heart is an excellent fruit, which has been extensively cultivated by the late Mr. Downing. The tree grows luxuriantly, and 239 is very productive. The fruit is large and heart shaped, but irregular in figure. Ripens early in June. Knight's Early Black is a very good, early cherry, which was originated by Mr. Knight, about 1810. It is a hybrid between the Bigarreau and Mayduke. The fruit is large and obtuse heart shaped; color, a very dark purple. It ripens early in June. The Mayduke is a well known early cherry, which is very much esteemed, both in Europe and America. It is a very old variety, which has not been excelled by any of the new productions. The tree is of an upright habit, and grows freely in almost every soil and climate. The fruit grows in clusters, and is roundish, or obtuse heart shaped. The color, when fully ripe, is a dark red. It ripens early in June. The Bigarreau is one of the finest and most excellent of cherries, and is the fruitful parent of many esteemed varieties. It was introduced, in 1800, by the late Mr. Prince, of Flushing, N. Y. It is known in many places by the name of the "Yellow Spanish;" also, the "Graffion." The tree grows large and spreading. The fruit is large and regularly formed, a little flattened at the base. The color is pale yellow on the shaded side; bright red on the side next the sun. Ripens in the end of June. The Holland Bigarreau is a beautiful fruit. The tree is extremely productive. The fruit is large and heart shaped; yellow on the shaded side; bright red next the sun. Ripens a week earlier than the Bigarreau. Downer's Late is named after Samuel Downer, of Dorchester, Mass., who originated it. It is a very productive variety, and possesses the -desirable quality of ripening a week or ten days later than the generality of cheries. This fruit is medium sized and heart shaped; color, red, spotted with amber on the shady side. Ripens the first week in July. The Morillo is a very good, late cherry, said to be named fromn the mulberry (morus,) on account of its dark color. The true English Morillo is not much cultivated in the United States; but there is a small variety which is widely disseminated. Ripens in the beginning of August. The Plumstone Morillo is a good, acid cherry. The tree is thrifty, and very productive. The fruit is large and roundish; color, a deep zed. Ripens in the beginning of August. 240 Rumsey's Late Morillo is a new American fruit, which has been originated by Dr. Rumsey, of Fishkill, on the Hudson. It is a large, well flavored cherry, which ripens very late in the season-generally about the middle of August. The American Wild Cherry is a large forest tree, the wood of which is much used in the manufacture of furniture, &c. The fruit is used for making pies or tarts; also, for flavoring whiskey and brandy. The tree is very ornamental, and should be planted near every homestead. A few trees of this description, judiciously arranged in the border cf the shrubbery or orchard, have a beautiful appearance in spring, when they are covered with snowy blossoms; in summer, when they show their scarlet fruit; and in the fall, when their foliage assumes a bright red color. There is a late variety of this tree, called the Black Wild Cherry, which ripens about the first of September, and is the last ripening of all cherries. THE QUINCE. (Cydonia Vulgaris.) The botanical name of the quince is derived from Cydon, a city of ancient Crete, (now Candia.) It is a very hardy, low growing tree, indigenous to the south of Europe and the islands of the Levant. It has been cultivated from time immemorial. Its fruit is so acid that it cannot be used without being cooked. It is easily propagated, and can be raised from seed, layers or cuttings. Pears, for the purpose of being dwarfed, are grafted on quince stocks; but the quince is a short lived tree, and imparts its frailty to the pear. The quince flourishes best in deep, mellow soil. In its wild state it grows in rich, moist places, on the banks of rivers and streams. This tree does not require much pruning, but is much improved by judicious manuring. Barn-yard dung, salt, woolen rags, &c., have been applied with good success as manures for the quince. Of this tree there are only three varieties which are worth describing, viz.: The Apple Shaped Quince is a large, roundish fruit, excellent for cooking. It is of a fine golden color. The leaves are oval. The Pear Shaped Quince is a fruit of medium size. It'is not so tender when cooked as thte Apple Quince. The color is yellow; the 241 leaves are an oblong oval. This fruit ripens ten or fifteen days later than the Apple Quince. The Portugal Quince is superior to the others; the flavor is milder and more agreeable. The flesh is much esteemed for baking, and turns purple, or crimson, when cooked. This tree grows freely, and is much used as stocks for the pear. The fruit is very large, and yellow. The leaves are large and oval. This tree is not very productive. THE GRAPE VINE. (Vitis Vinifera.) The cultivation of the grape dates from the earliest ages of the world, and was probably commenced by the progenitor of the human race, in that delightful garden, whose very site is now a problem, but which we are led to supr ose was in some rich valley, on the banks of the Tigris or, the Euphrates. The grape comes to very great perfection in Syria and Persia. In the former country bunches of grapes have been found which weighed forty pounds each; whilst even in the unfavorable climate of England a bunch of the Syrian grape has been produced which weighed nineteen pounds. The grape vine lives to a great age, and sometimes attains enormous size. In the forests of the United States the native vines overtop the loftiest trees, and some of them have been found to measure three feet in circumference around the stems. Specimens of very large vines are to be found in various parts of the world. Mr. Loudon tells that by superior management in the vinery of the Royal Gardens, at Hampton Court, London, a red Hamburgh vine has been made to produce 2200 bunches of excellent grapes, averaging one pound each; and that a vine of the same kind, in Valentines, in Essex, produced 2000 bunches, of nearly the same average weight. At Castletown, the residence of Thomas Conolly, Esq., near Dublin, Ireland, there is a splendid black Hamburgh vine, which covers about one thousand square feet, and produced, in one year, 2400 bunches, averaging one pound each. Mr. Downing mentions an Isabella vine which, in one year, produced 3000 bunches; but he prefers to keep the vine pruned within moderate limits. 31 242 Vines of extraordinary size and productiveness are cultivated in Australia. Some of them equal any of those above mentioned. Every farmer should plant the vine in some good aspect near his house. A little care and attention would soon be amply repaid by a supply of delicious fruit. The native grapes of America differ considerably from the vine grapes of Europe; they are stronger in growth and larger in foliage, and their fruit has a peculiar rankness of flavor and a hardness of pulp, which sufficiently distinguish them from the European varieties. The vine is easily propagated, and can be raised from layers or cuttings. The latter should always be made of the previous year's growth, cut into lengths of from twelve to twenty inches. These cuttings should have three buds; one at the top, one at the middle, and one at the bottom. They should be planted in a rich, dry, warm soil, and the e;:rth should be closely pressed around them. The vine can be propagated by joints, in the following manner: About two inches of wood are left to each bud; the joints are covered about two inches deep; and each bud throws up a shoot, which becomes the stem of the vine. It is customary to plant the points of choice or tender varieties in pots, and to plunge them into mild hotbeds, where they are allowed to remain -until they are well started. The vine requires to be carefully pruned every year. Indeed, the success of the crop entirely depends upon the production of new bearing wood. The fall is considered the best time for pruning the grape vine. Very few varieties of foreign grapes come to perfection in the open air in this country, but excellent crops may be obtained by the shelter of glass. Some very tender kinds require the aid of artificial heat to bring them to perfection. VARIETIES OF NATIVE GRAPES. The Catawba is a well known variety, which was first cultivated by Major Adlum, of Georgetown, D. C. It is named from the Catawba river, on the banks of which it was discovered. It is one of the hardiest and most productive of native sorts. In its wood and foliage it resembles the Isabella, but differs from it in the size and shape of its fruit, The bunches of the Catawba are middle sized; grapes round, 243 and sometimes a little oval; color, pale red in the shade, deep red in the sun, with a lilac bloom. The Catawba ripens early in October. The -Diana is a seedling of the Catawba, and was raised by Mrs. Diana Crehore, of Boston, after whom it is named. It is said to be an improvement on the original, and to ripen a fortnight earlier. This fruit resembles the Catawba, but is much paler. The Isabella is a native of South Carolina, from which State it was introduced into the _northern States by Mrs. Isabella Gibbs. It is a rapid grower, and is hardy and productive. It ripens a little earlier than the Catawba. The bunches are large, and of a dark purple color. The Bland is an excellent American grape, but is not very hardy, and requires a warm soil and a favorable aspect. It is named from Colonel Bland, who discovered it on the eastern shores of Virginia. The Bland grape is round; color, pale red. The Lenoir is a very good table grape. It is said to be a seedling, raised by Mr. Lenoir, of the Santee river, N. C. It is a very productive variety, and appears to ripen well in the Western States. The bunches of this grape are large and compact. Grapes small, round and purple colored. FOREIGN GRAPES. The Black Hamburgh is one of the best of foreign grapes, but it requires the aid of glass to bring it to perfection in this country. The branches of this vine are large. The fruit large and round, and nearly black when perfectly ripe. This vine is very productive, and the grapes are well flavored. The Black Prince is considerably hardier than the foregoing, and ripens well in the open air. With the aid of glass it produces abundantly. The bunches of this fruit are long; the berries large and oval; color, black. The Royal Muscadine is an excellent foreign grape, which ripens well in the open air in this country. Under the shelter of glass it bears luxuriantly. This is the Chasselas of the French. The fruit is large and round, and amber colored when perfectly ripe. The flavor is delicious. It ripens about the middle of September. The White Muscat of Alexandria is a delicious grape. It requires the shelter of glass in this country, and in cold seasons it needs the aid 244 of artificial heat to bring it to perfection. The bunches are large; the grapes are large and oval; color, pale amber when fully ripe. This vine is a rapid grower. The White Sweetwater is extensively cultivated in the United States. It ripens in the open air about the end of August. The bunches are middle sized; color, pale green, turning to amber when fully ripe. The Early Black July is, as its name implies, one of the earliest of grapes. It ripens in this country in the open air. The bunches are small; grapes small and round; color, black, with a blue bloom. Volumes might be filled with descriptions of the numerous varieties of foreign grapes; but the limits of an essay do not permit a notice of any but the most superior kinds. In the culture of the grape, success will principally depend on the judicious selection of the most approved varieties; the planting of these in good aspects, in soil properly prepared for their reception, and on good management and skill in pruning, training and manuring. THE MULBERRY (Morus) Is an excellent fruit, which has not, as yet, been much cultivated in the Western States. It has been considerably disseminated in the Southern States, where it has been raised as food for the silk worm. The tree is very ornamental, and its large, dark green leaves form a striking contrast with the foliage of most other trees. The fruit of the mulberry is well flavored and wholesome, and comes to perfection in July-generally about the end of the cherry season. In the south of Europe, and also in India and China, the mulberry tree is extensively cultivated, on account of its leaves being the principal food of the silk worm. Although the raising of the silk worm and the manufacture of native silk have not succeeded well in the United States, there is no reason for despairing of success in that important branch of trade. There are only two varieties of the mulberry which are worth mentioning: The Red Mulberry (Morus Rubra) is an American tree, and grows extensively in the forests of the United States. The leaves are large and lobed, and the fruit wholesome and well flavored. This tree forms an umbrageous head; is very ornamental, and should find a place in every collection. 245 The Black Mulberry (Morus Nigra) has been introduced into this country from England. It originally came from Asia. It is much smaller than the Red, but it excels it in the size and quality of its fruit. The Black Mulberry is a slow growing tree; forms a low branching head, and lives to a great age. THE GOOSEBERRY. Although such shrubs as the gooseberry, currant, raspberry, cranberry, &c., may seem not of much importance, still their fruit is pleasant and agreeable, and adds considerably to the comforts of the rural homestead; and when formed into preserves it becomes useful and valuable. These trees, or rather shrubs, are easily cultivated, and should be found around every farmer's house. A small piece of land, well fenced in, will be sufficient to supply the farmer with fruit and vegetables, although it may scarcely deserve the name of " Garden." The Gooseberry (Ribes Grossularia) is a native of North America, and grows plentifully in the edges of forests, and in every neglected spot in the "clearing." The gooseberry does not bear cultivation well in this country. It is subject to mildew, and seldom attains to that degree of perfection which it arrives at in several parts of Europe. The wild gooseberries of the forest are small, hard and ill flavored. They generally withstand mildew, and all other blights, whilst the valuable kinds, which are cultivated in gardens, are generally destroyed by these maladies. The gooseberry is propagated by cuttings, and none but the most approved varieties should be selected for cultivation. The cuttings should be of the last year's wood, and should consist of straight shoots of from twelve to eighteen inches in length. No buds should be allowed to remain on them near the surface of the ground, that the branches may not grow too near the earth. The tree should have a clear stem, so that vegetables may be planted under its branches. The gooseberry is Subject to the attacks of a caterpillar, which sometimes entirely strips the leaves off the branches, and consequently damages the fruit. The best remedy for this destructive insect is to destroy the broods in their infancy; and this can be done by picking off the leaves on which the eggs have been deposited. Their location can be easily ascertained when the young brood are hatched, and have just 246 commenced their depredations; as numerous small holes appear on the leaf which contains the noxious brood. These holes are made by the young caterpillars shortly after they emerge from the eggs; and if the brood is destroyed in time the foliage and fruit will be preserved. The gooseberry does not bear well flavored fruit when raised beneath the drip or overhanging shade of trees, although it sometimes succeeds well when partially shaded. It withstands mildew best when planted in an open, airy situation, and the branches and foliage are well thinned by judicious pruning. The sun's rays may be prevented from injuring the roots of the gooseberry by sowing some low, broad leaved vegetable, such as spinach or lettuce, around the stems. THE CURRANT. (Ribes.) This hardy and useful fruit is a native of the American woods. The wild fruit is very acid, but it has been brought to great perfection by careful cultivation. The currant is generally propagated by cuttings of the last year's wood. These may be planted in the fall or spring. This fruit is very much improved by pruning and manuring. The Rev. Mr. Hickey, an Irish clergyman, who, under the assumed name of "Martin Doyle," has written many valuable treatises on agricultural and horticultural subjects, mentions, in his work on Gardening, that, being on a visit to the Archbishop of York, he was surprised at the large size of the black currants in the palace garden; and, on inquiring the method of treatment which had produced such favorable results, the gardener informed him that he manured the trees well, and " shortened in," or "spur pruned," the branches. VARIETIES OF THE CURRANT. The Red Currant (Ribes Rubram) is a well known fruit, of which the "Re91 Dutch" is by far the best and most productive variety, and should always be planted in preference to the common Red. The White Dutch is a very great improvement on the common White Currant. The fruit is large and well flavored. The Champaigne is a large, flesh colored currant, which occupies a place between the White and the Red Dutch. The Black Currant is an excellent fiuit, but, I have never seen it 247 come to perfection in 4this country. The climate and soil do not seem to agree very well with it. Yet it is a very valuable fruit, and should be cultivated in every garden. It will succeed pretty well if judiciously managed. The Black Naples is the best variety of this fruit. The Black Currant requires a good aspect and well rotted manure. It is much improved by "shortening in" the branches, and removing superfluous wood. There are several ornamental varieties of the currant which deserve a place in the garden or shrubbery; such as the Yellow Flowering Currant and the Red Flowering Currant, (Ribes Sanguinea.) The Red Flowering is a beautiful shrub; a native of the western coast of America. It bears a profusion of red flowers, which appear early in spring. I have cultivated it extensively, as food for bees in the early spring. It is scarcely able to withstand the frosts of Michigan. It looks very well when trained on a wall or paling. THE RASPBERRY. The cultivated raspberry is said to have sprung from the Rubus Idaus, or Bramble of Mount Ida. There are two species of raspberry, the Black and the Red, which are natives of North America, and grow plentifully in the forests of the United States. The raspberry is always propagated by suckers, which spring up annually and take the place of the old wood, which dies as soon as it has produced fruit. The raspberry requires a favorable aspect and careful management in order to enable it to produce large, well flavored fruit. The plants thrive best when planted in rows, about three feet asunder, each way. They are mostly planted in tufts or stools. The old wood should be removed each year; also, weak and worthless suckers. None but good, healthy canes should be permitted to remain, and these should be bound up slightly in clusters, and "shortened in" a little by cutting off the tops. Cultivated raspLerries should be kept perfectly free from weeds, and be manured annually. The Red Antwerp is celebrated for its good qualities. It is a large, well flavored and productive fruit, which was originally imported from the city of Antwerp, in Belgium. It ripens about the middle of July. The fruit is large and conical, and of a dull red color. The Yellow Antwerp is a delicious raspberry. The fruit is large, 248 and of a pale yellow color. The canes grow tall and strong, and have many spines. This variety is very productive; and, from its large size and superior quality, is worthy a place in every garden. The American Red is the common raspberry of the woods. It ripens early, is well flavored, and is extensively used in the manufacture of "preserves." The color and size of this fruit are well known. The American Black Raspberry is common in the woods and clearings of this country. When cultivated, properly manured and pruned, its fruit is much improved in size and flavor. It ripens later than other raspberries. The fruit is much used in making pies and tarts. This raspberry has been imported into Europe, and is considered an important addition to the varieties already in cultivation in that part of the world. THE AMERICAN CRANBERRY. (Oxycoccus Macrocarpas.) This well known shrub grows naturally in many of the marshes and swamps of this country; also, on the banks of some of the rivers and inland lakes. The cranberry can be greatly improved by cultivation. In some places valuable plantations of this fruit have been made on reclaimed swamps, and other coarse lands, which would scarcely produce any other crop. The cranberry is so much used, and so justly esteemed, for making preserves, &c., that its cultivation is very profitable. It can be produced on almost every farm, and is well worthy of attention. In making a cranberry plantation the ground should be drained (if very wet,) and plowed deep. The plants should be set out about four feet apart. They will soon spread and occupy the whole space. Every farmer should have a small plantation of this much esteemed yet greatly neglected fruit. REMARKS ON THE GREAT IMPORTANCE OF PLANTING FRUIT TREES. In the foregoing part of this essay I have endeavored to describe the most superior kinds of useful and hardy fruit; and, having in most cases arranged the trees so that they will form a good succession, and prolong the fruit season as much as possible, I will now make a few remarks on the importance of giving close attention to the planting and management of fruit trees. There are nearly 40,000 farmers in Mich 249 igan. If every one of them would increase the actual value of his farm by planting an orchard and cultivating various kinds of fruit trees, what a vast addition would be made to the public wealth, and the comfort of the rural population! There is scarcely a farm that cannot have a few hundred dollars added to its present value by the judicious planting of a few good kinds of fruit trees. Even if one hundred dollars were added to the value of each of the 40,000 farms, the increase on the whole would amount to $4,000,000, which would be a very large and important addition to the actual wealth of Michigan. It is therefore the farmers' interest to plant trees, and to cultivate them carefully, and to leave no means untried in order to procure the best description of fruit trees, and to prepare the land properly for their reception. In this essay I have studied to make a selection of trees well suited to the climate of this State; and I do not give a description of those new varieties which have been recommended by Pomological Conventions, as I think their merits have not been sufficiently tested, and several years must elapse before they can take their places among the well established and truly valuable kinds which are named in this essay. I will certainly say that I expect much benefit will be derived from the establishment of an Agricultural College in this State, and that the horticultural interests of Michigan will be much advanced by the appointment of Mr. HOLMES as one of the Professors in that Institution, as he is a distinguished horticulturist, and has made that particular branch his study for several years, and he no doubt will procure the very best varieties of fruit trees, and disseminate them throughout the State. If I judge correctly, the model farm at Lansing will, in a few years, be an object of much interest to the agriculturists of this and the adjoining States; and when a number of new railroad lines have been established, and the industrial resources of Michigan are fully developed, the farmers of this State will derive valuable supplies of agricultural seeds and choice fruit trees from the fields and gardens of this very important institution. I have seen the beginning of railways, having witnessed the starting of the first locomotive on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. Since that time how wonderfully has the system spread over the face of the 32 250 earth! and how vast have been the improvements which have followed in the train! If we look at the neighboring State of Illinois we see a wonderful example of what railway communication can do toward developing the resources and increasing the wealth and prosperity of a State. And this fact causes us to regret that Michigan is so much be-'hind her sister States in railway communication; and, at the same time, leads us to hope that we may yet see the Peninsular State possessed of means of internal traffic and communication equal to those of Indiana and Illinois. Lansing may be what Chicago or Indianapolis is nowthe centre of railways, from which enterprise and commercial prosperity,will radiate, and distribute the'riches of commerce and civilization. In the future of Michigan the Agricultural College is destined to perform an important part. And to be convinced of this we have only'to examine the present state of agriculture in Michigan. Let it be remembered in after times that in 1856, the date of the erection of the Michigan Agricultural College, the rotation of crops is almost unknown in this State, and if known it is not practiced: that farms are not di*vided into fields of equal size: that in the generality of places the fertility of the soil has been exhausted by frequent cropping without manure: that very little trouble is taken to procure a superior quality of agricultural seeds, and intelligent men are to be found who sow the seeds of chess and of other weeds with their wheat, and when the natural consequences follow, cry out, long and loud, that "wheat turns into chess." In the breeding of the domestic animals there is ample space and verge enough for the College to give lessons to the rural population, although there are several farmers in Michigan whose exertions in the breeding of horses, cattle and sheep are worthy of the greatest com-,mendation, and who are beginning to enjoy the fruits of their industry and perseverance. It will be well to remember that at this date there is scarcely a live ~fence or hedge row in Michigan. The Agricultural farm will, it is hoped, supply many beautiful model fences, the very sight of which will constrain the farmer to remove his rails and supply their place with that handsome and durable ornament-a hedge-row. The climate and soil of Michigan are well adapted for the growth of fruit, and its cultivation in this State is yet in its infancy. In this tranch of industry alone, the space for improvement appears so vast, 251 those words of scripture are alone capable of describing it, " The field is the world," for the varieties of fruits now cultivated in every good colflection have been procured from almost every part of the globe. The cherry and filberts are said to be from Cartaus, in Asia Minor. The Almond, Peach, and European Walnut, originally from Persia, the.quince from Cydon or Sidon, a city of ancient Crete. The Apricot from Armenia. The cultivated plum and Syrian grape from Syria. France, Spain and Italy have each furnished valuable varieties of the grape vine, and Greece has contributed the olive and the cultivated apple and pear trees, which have spread all over the world. America is about to pay back to the old world, part of the debt she owes for these valuable fruits, and in the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society of London are to be found specimens of many excellent American fruits, which are spreading from thence, through Great Britain and Ireland, and are much appreciated. They have also reached the continent of Europe. By the annual introduction of new plants and seeds, the produce of foreign countries, the Patent Office is conferring an inestimable benefit on American Agriculture. The Horticulture of the country is also improved by the introduction of valuable varieties of foreign fruits. When the vegetable riches of the past and the present, are collected from the old world and the new, and disseminated throughout the Uuited States, the vast amount of benefit produced by such a magnificent arrangement cannot be imagined or described. Those fruits which have stood the test of time and have been hand-.ed down to us from remote antiquity, I think may be classed among the treasures of the past, whilst those which have been originated in modern times may well be placed among the valuable improvements -of the present. The cultivation of fruit trees is a matter of so much importance to the farmer, that in my opinion, the State Agricultural Society should -encourage the establishment of orchards and gardens by offering large premiums for the best assortment of fruit trees carefully planted in suitable locations, and properly fenced in and protected from damage. The wealth of the farmers of Michigan might be increased to the amount of several millions of dollars, by the formation of orchards and gardens stocked with choice fruit trees. 252 I have endeavored to describe the most important varieties of those fruits which are generally cultivated in the UDited States; I have arranged them so as to form a proper succession; I have tried to make this essay useful to the fruit grower. Many farmers are ignorant of the names of the fruits which grow in their orchards; to such, I flatter myself, that this essay will be of considerable value, as by the minute descriptions here given, the true names of the most important fruits can easily be ascertained. To all classes of society-the rich and the poor-the old and the young-the invalid and the healthy-the professional man and the mechanic-the merchant and the farmer, the delicious fruits of the earth are pleasant, wholesome and agreeable. It is therefore the duty of all to extend and encourage the planting of fruit trees, and the formation of orchards and gardens. The farmer who owns a large quantity of land has no excuse for not appropriating a small portion of it to the cultivation of fruit, and the citizen who possesses but a small patch of land, may still contrive to raise a considerable quantity of fruit. To each and all we would say in the words of the proverb: "Be always sticking in a tree,'twill be growing while you are sleeping." CULTIVATION OF CLOVER. RED CLOVER. (Trifolium Pratense.) BY S. B. NOBLE, OF PORT HURON. CLOVER is a leguminous, biennial plant, some varieties of which are indigenous to almost all parts of the globe. Under certain circumstances it will become perennial. In England, Scotland and Germany red clover is called an exotic, and it is difficult to say to what country it is indigenous. It has become an almost universal favorite among agriculturists in all countries; and in many portions of our wheat growing districts it is thought to be indispensable in raising a crop of that staple. As a fertilizer it has not an equal among any of the leguminous plants. VARIETIES. The varieties of clover are quite numerous, but as red clover is the one most cultivated we shall confine our article to that variety. Of red clover it is supposed there are three kinds; —one a large, coarse kind, the latest of the three, and of the least value; another variety is called the medium, and is the most cultivated; the other is a small variety, and cultivated to a small extent; an early, fine textured kind, but small. OBJECT OF CULTIVATION. There is a three fold object in cultivating clover, viz.: for pasture, for hay, and another, the most important one of the three, is, for a fertilizer. It is rich in nutriment, according to Professor Johnstone, who analyzed a first crop from an acre of land, and found it to contain the following ingredients: 254 Albumen, gluten and casain, -430 lbs. Fat, oil, &c.,.-. 143" Starch, sugar, gum and dextrine,. 1,825 " Fibre and husk, 1,156 " 3,554 lbs. According to Boussingalt, the elements of a first and second crop of clover from an acre of land are, of Carbon,..... —.. 2,757 lbs. Hydrogen,. 288" Oxygen,.. — 2,211 " Nitrogen, -- ----------------------- 118" 5,374 bs. SOIL. The soil best adapted for raising clover is an argillaeeous one; a clayey loam, and one in which lime and other alkaline earths are present. Any soil that may be called a good wheat soil is also a good clover soil; because wheat possesses many of the same important ingredients, but not in the same proportion. That the alkalies should be largely in the ascendency to constitute a good clover soil, we infer from an analysis of the ashes of clover. They contain, according to Professor Horsford, Potasb,............ 6.101 Sodium,..... 1.874 Soda, 40.712 Lime,. 21.914 Magnesia,, 8.289 Phosphate of iron, -.........670 Chlorine,. 2.856 Phosphoric acid,.- - 3.915 Sulphuric acid,. —.- -. —--- --- 1.063 Silica,.......606 100.000 A glance at the above shows that clover is composed of a large proportion of the alkaline earths, as lime, soda, magnesia and potash. It 255 follows that to prepare those ingredients that they may be appropriated by the clover, sulphuric acid must be present, and without it those ingredients could never have been appropriated by the growing plant. After deducting the carbonic acid, carbon and sand, one hundred pounds of the ashes contain nearly as follows: Pc tash,.-. 16 lbs. Soda,- - 40 Magnesia,.-. 8" Chlorine, 2 " Phosphoric acid, -. — - 4" Sulphuric acid,. 1' Silica,..-.. 2 A little over one-half a ton of clover hay will produce the above. It takes one hundred pounds of clover to make eleven pounds of ashes. MANURE. Soils that are light and porous are generally deficient in the mineral materials, and cannot produce clover to advantage unless a proper fertilizer be applied. Ashes contain potash; plaster contains lime and sulphuric acid, and salt contains soda and chlorine. It follows that those articles are proper fertilizers for clover. Besides the inorganic material of clover, it contains starch, sugar, albumen, gluten, &c., which are composed of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen. These are supplied, in part, from the atmosphere, and may be supplied, in part, by common barn-yard manure, before it has undergone much decomposition. Plaster applied to clover fixes the ammonia; the sulphuric acid of the plaster disengages itself from the lime and unites with the ammonia, and forms sulphate of ammonia, and holds or fixes it, preventing its escape in the form of gas, till the growing plant appropriates it to itself. TIME OF CUTTING. The disagreement among cultivators themselves may be harmonized by a few scientific facts, which cannot be easily overlooked or evaded. The period when clover possesses the greatest amount of nutritious matter is the proper time to cut it. If cut before or after that time, some portion of its nutriment is lost. An experiment by Professor Horsford fully settles this point. Clover cut on the sixteenth of June, at the surface of the soil, when the heads 256 just began to appear, produced only 0.80 per cent. of sugar. Clover cut on the first of July, when the heads were fully developed, produced 1.15 per cent. of sugar; very near fifty per cent. more than that cut first. If clover is not cut when sugar is most prevalent it goes to perfect the seed, and the same loss of nutriment is the result. A little observation of the instincts and habits of the insect tribes will confirm any skeptical person upon this point. Bees and other insects never work upon clover before it blossoms, because sugar has not been elaborated; nor after, because it has gone to support the seed, and is not now sugar. These facts should satisfy any agriculturist as to the proper time to cut clover. CURING THE HAY. The water contained in green clover, when first cut, amounts to from seventy-five to eighty-three per cent. It also contains a certain amount of sugar, which is easily fermented. Therefore, when cut and placed in a barn or stack, fermentation will be produced, which will destroy the sugar and other nutritive qualities, and vinegar or acid will be produced, rendering the hay sour and unfit for food. If sufficiently dried, the sugar will remain with the fibre, and the hay will be a nutritious, wholesome food for stock, and supply the animals with, not only food, but an element (carbon) which will generate animal heat. The whole plant contains 11.18 per cent. of ashes; the leaves 10.69 per cent., and the stems 8.52 per cent. All of the ingredients have more or less of valuable properties to support the animal economy. The leaves contain nearly one-fourth part more than the stem alone. They should be carefully preserved. This can only be done by carefully drying the clover before putting it into the barn. The clover may be cut and permitted to lay in the swath a few hours to wilt. Let it then be carefully put up into bunches, to remain a few days, to cure and partly dry. When it is desired to house it, let the bunches be opened and exposed to the air a few hours, and it is then fit to go to the barn. A little salt may be scattered broad cast over the layers. Never let the hay dry so much in the field as ta have the leaves and heads drop off:by handling or hauling. 257 CLOVER AS A FERTILIZER. Clover in a green state contains inorganic matter, or earthy ingredients. The whole plant, -1.83 per cent. The leaves, 1.175 The stems,.- -. —1.40 The ashes of clover contain the following per centage, by which some estimate may be made of its value as a fertilizer: Potash,. — 12.164 per cent. Sodium,.... -. 1.414 " Soda,..... 30.757 it Lime, - 16.556 " Magnesia,-.....- -.. 6.262 " Phosphate of iron,.. ---------.506 " Chlorine, 2.159 " Phosphoric acid, 2.957 " Sulphuric acid,-. --.801 " Silica,. - ------ ---------- 1.968 " Carbonic acid, 22.930 " Sand and coal,- 1.244 " 99.718 The large quantity of carbonic acid should be considered. It far exceeds the sum of all the other acids, being nearly twenty-three per cent. of the whole. When green clover is first plowed under, by the action of carbon, heat is evolved and fermentation begins; carbonic acid gas is formed, and passing off forms a chemical combination with the mineral or inorganic elements of the soil, rendering them fit to be assimulated and appropriated by the succeeding crop. That clover is a powerful fertilizer for wheat, and all other crops requiring lime and other alkaline earths, is admitted by most agriculturists; but at what stage of its growth it is best to do it is yet a matter not fully settled. Some assert that when clover is full grown it is a positive injury to plow it under; and assign as a reason that such a mass of green substance passes rapidly into a state of fermentation, and becomes so far decomposed as to produce the acetous fermentation; acid is formed before the crop can receive any benefit from the vinous fermentation. They 33 258 also claim that the clover may be pastured off, and half or more of the mass of herbage be converted into manure, and left upon the soil by the droppings of the stock, and this will be equivalent to any supposed loss of the clover fed off, and a saving so far made of the amount of food taken from the field, and a farther saving of the less labor required to turn under a half crop instead of a full one. Those who maintain the opposite theory claim that a full grown crop is best to plow under; assert the fact that the full grown clover containing the largest proportion of sugar, and the largest amount of herbage, it must be best. Now both of these individuals may be right, under certain circumstances, as much depends upon the season. If it be dry it may decompose less rapidly than it would if the converse were true. It will also depend upon what crop is to follow the clover. It is generally believed, upon good authority, that wheat requires a soil in which lime and the alkalies exist in a large proportion. It is also known that clover contains alkalies, or mineral earths, in abundance for any crop, and the carbonic acid of the clover will decompose them. It follows that a clover lay is a good manure for wheat. SEEDING TO CLOTER. There are various modes adopted to seed land to clover. Some scatter the straw evenly over the land, and say that ordinarily there is enough seed left after threshing to seed the land with, and the straw is a benefit to the land and no injury to the wheat. Others prefer to sow the seed in chaff, and say it can be sown more evenly, and assert that the machines in which the seed is cleaned injures a large proportion of seed, and prevents it from vegetating. Others prefer to sow the seed in a clean state. Now all these methods may be good, and each individual must decide for himself as to the mode for him to pursue. QUANTITY OF SEED. The quantity of seed to an acre is from six to twelve pounds; the latter quantity we think none too much. Two pounds of it may be allowed for imperfect seed. If sown thick the hay will be finer and better, and the seed be more likely to grow, protecting each other. TIME OF SOWING. The practice of sowing in the spring is the most followed. Let it be 259 done when there is snow on the ground, if such a time can be had; it can be sown more evenly. If w6 should follow the teachings of nature we should select the fall of the year to sow the seed. If sown early, it will come up and get rooted before winter sets in. If it does not vegetate in the fall it will have the benefit of the fall rains and freezing and thawing to enable it to grow early in the spring. Some few are practising this course with success. Nature's method is to sow her seeds as soon as they are ripe. They generally vegetate and grow well, and biennial and perennial plants usually get large enough to withstand the winters. This is true with indigenous plants, and how far clover may be acclimated and become as hardy as an indigenous plant, experiment alone can determine. WITH WHAT SHOULD IT BE SOWN It should be sown with some plant that will give it protection. If sown with oats, peas or barley, it is too late, and the dry weather sets. in before it gets large enough to survive it, and it frequently cannot. vegetate at all. Wheat having already been sown, and its leaves are sufficiently expanded to protect the young clover as soon as up; it is therefore better to sow with wheat, as being the least risk. The wheat is cut in time to give the clover a chance to mature. SAVING THE SEED. The old method of mowing the clover and threshing the seed from the straw is nearly abandoned. Machines have been invented by which the heads are taken from the straw in the field; the heads alone have to be threshed; the straw remaining in the field as a fertilizer. The first crop is cut for hay, and the second crop is generally allotted for seed. It has a better season of the year to perfect itself, and the farmei more time to attend to it. THOROUGH DRAINING. BY S. B. NOBLE, OF PORT HURON. Draining low and wet lands to remove the superfluous water, is a necessary operation to render them productive. The history of draining carries us back to the Romans, who were in the practice of draining their low lands to carry off the surface water as well as water beneath the surface. Cato gave instructions for making drains three feet wide at the top, one foot and one-fourth at the bottom, and four feet deep, and directs to lay them with stones if they could be got, if not, then to use twigs made of willow. There is only one opinion among agriculturists as to the efficacy of drains. All concur in their utility, and although practised by the Romans at an early day, it was never reduced to scientific principles until the study of geology became common; that science naturally led to the cause of the surplus water in some soils and not in others. The nature of the different strata forming the crust of our globe, and their effect in causing the wetness of many of our best soils, and their wetness having a tendency to retard the progress of agriculture. The draining of lands is one of paramount importance, and should be studied as a science by all engaged in agricultural pursuits, and its princ;ples fully understood, and if carried out vast quantities of land now unfit for cultivation will be brought under subjection and made capable of producing supplies for unborn millions. The fertility of all soils depends upon their mechanical texture, and their capacity to furnish food for growing plants. By a law of nature, water is the medium by which food is conveyed to plants, and without it no plants can be made to grow. It is equally true that if water is in excess in any soil beyond the amount required by the plants to be grown, just in proportion to this excess it will prove detrimental and sometimes positively injurious, and render soils that are rich in all the elements of fertility perfectly barren. The mechanical texture of soils depends almost entirely upon the quantity of water they contain. Some soils, rich in organic and inorganic matter, are sterile, or produce only articles of small value in consequence of resting upon a basin-shaped subsoil, impervious to water and having no natural outlet by which the water is drained off. To drain off this surplus water, excavations have been made by ditching of width and depth sufficient for the purpose. A mere ditch dug is called an open drain. A ditch dug and covered with some material, leaving a space for water to flow off beneath the surface of the soil, is called an underdrain. It is estimated that there falls annually at least ten inches of water by rain, one inch of which weighs one hundred tons to the acre. This estimate makes one thousand tons to the acre of rain water falling annually. This vast amount of water falling on the soil, and the amount absorbed from the atmosphere, renders light and porous soils fertile, and clayey or tenacious soils resting upon a similar subsoil, unproductive, or partially productive only. If the soil be muck, as it is in our marshes generally, and no outlet, it becomes saturated with water, and cannot, in its cold and wet state, produce anything but grass of a coarse texture, or some-'thing of no greater value. Boussingalt estimates that a good crop of leguminous plants upon an acre of land, throws off by evaporation six millions of pounds of water by their leaves, that had been taken up by their roots to supply the plant with food. There is also a large quantity of water evaporated from the soil. There are large tracts of land in all countries so completely saturated with water that they are rendered unproductive. The governments of most countries have appropriated large sums of money to reclaim their waste lands. In our own country,we have many millions of acres of land that are now nearly or quite,worthless, owing to being saturated with water. The lands themselves *are rich in all the elements of fertility, but as long as this excess of water remains upon them they must remain unproductive of any substance'worthy of being called vegetation furnishing food for man or beast. The subject of draining lands has become one of importance. Our government has viewed it so, and have appropriated large tracts of land 263 for the purpose of draining waste lands. By the example of other countries, individuals have been impressed with the propriety of a judicious system of drainage, and have done much to improve their lands. The question is not at the present day about its utility, but more as to the best mode to do the work, with the least outlay to produce the best result. Our extensive marsh lands, or natural meadows, although many of them produce an article of food for beasts which is of some value, yet the fact is conceded by most that they may be greatly improved, and in many instances made to produce any kind of crops usually grown. Our extensive marsh lands being underlaid by a stratum of clay or hard-pan that is impervious to water, must of necessity always remain surcharged unless properly drained of this excess, without, which such lands will always remain sterile and unproductive. The muck of our marshes holds water so tenaciously that it has not the power to absorb any more from the atmosphere. Such soils are always very wet in a wet season, and very dry in a dry season. Our marsh lands are not the only soils that have an excess of water. Many of the cultivated fields of our best and most productive farms are so constituted by the underlaying strata, that should there be what is termed a wet season, they are unfit to produce a crop of any kind, hay, perhaps, excepted, and a large portion of the failures occur from this cause alone. This is particularly true of clayey or mucky soils. TO TEST SOILS. It is a very easy thing to decide with sufficient precision, what soil may be made more productive by draining. A hole dug in the ground two and a half feet deep, and covered to keep out any rain or water from the surface; if this hole becomes filled half or two-thirds full in a day, such land requires and will pay well for draining. The external appearances of many soils are good, when in fact they are saturated with water one foot below the surface. BENEFIT OF DRAINING. The benefit of draining lands at the present day is becoming better understood, and of the many advantages we can only enumerate a few. It makes the surface soil of lands naturally wet of a better mechanical texture, by rendering them dry and easy to pulverize. The excrementitious matter of plants that is offensive to themselves is carried off by 264 the drainage beyond their reach. It promotes a more rapid decay of all partially undecayed vegetable substances in the soil. It permits the land to be worked much earlier in the spring, and a crop sometimes saved. The acidity of the soil becomes neutralized by reason of the alkaline earths being decomposed, and the alkalies themselves made available by plants; the soil may be deepened by the subsoil being brought up and mixed with it; the stagnant water will be carried away, and prevent many of the diseases of the country; the soil is rendered warmer, for it requires as much heat to evaporate one gallon of water as it does to bring five and a half gallons of frozen water to a boiling heat. Some important experiments have been made by Count Rumford, to show that a soil saturated with water, with a compact, impervious subsoil, cannot be warmed sufficiently to produce a growth of plants worthy of cultivation. One experiment was performed by putting cakes of ice in a glass jar, covered with one thickness of paper, over which he poured boiling water. It remained for hours without melting the ice. Those of us who have tried to thaw out pumps by turning hot water into them, have demonstrated this principle without designing to do so. The hot water, as soon as it comes in contact with the ice, becomes cold and continues to grow colder at the bottom, because it is heavier than the warm water above, for heat never can descend in water. This has been farther illustrated by filling a box with saturated muck, upon which was poured boiling water. The cold water could not be warmed, for the heated particles of water always ascend. The water and muck remained cAld until the water was drawn from the box. The same principles are involved in reference to water in soils. The sun cannot warm such soils for the reasons above, but when rain falls upon soils when well drained, it descends, warming the soil as it goes down. Draining prevents what is generally termed winter killing. The soil, having an excess of water, freezes hard, and rises up, breaking the fibrous roots and sometimes the tap root of plants, throwing the plants out of the ground so far that what roots are left are not sufficient to afford proper nourishment to plants, and they die or are materially injured. DRAINING SHOULD BE WELL DONE. Draining will pay best when well performed. The too common practice of digging ditches just deep enough to destroy the wild grass, 265 and not sufficient to produce a crop of clover or timothy, is, to say the~ least, a useless waste of time and money. Yet there are hundreds who do no more, and complain that they do not succeed in draining. Ditches should always be deep enough to take off all superfluous water. We frequently see some marshes through which pass some sluggish, crooked stream, with the marsh but little, if any, elevated above it. Such marshes can only be benefitted by a ditch three or four feet deep, and, with a fall sufficient to carry the water freely away. DIFFERENCE IN MARSHES. There are two kinds of marshes to claim attention. One is where the muck rests upon a foundation of quicksand. Such marshes are usually saturated with water from springs below, and owing to the quicksand cannot be drained so readily, for such marshes are generally surrounded by high lands, and are not very numerous. There are other marshes resting upon a stiff clay, or hard-pan, impervious to water, and are generally fed with water from the high lands bordering them, and may be easily drained. Such marshes constitute by far the largest proportion in our State. PROTECTION AGAINST DROUGHT. In England, wheie the atmosphere is more humid than ours, and where the quantity of rain is much less, draining is considered an indispensable requisite to good farming, and without it land cannot withstand a severe drought, because the soil becomes so compact and tenacious it cannot absorb the moisture from the atmosphere, and the plants wither and die. In this climate we have much more rain, and it falls in torrents-a large quantity in a short time. These rains are often succeeded by a scorching sun and drying winds; the soil is soon dried hard, and what is usually called baked; it is a compact, dry mass, without porosity to absorb moisture, either from the subsoil or atmosphere. The roots cannot penetrate below the stratum of dried earth for moisture, when an excess of it is only a few inches below them. When drains are properly constructed the water penetrates down, leaving thesoil open and porous, capable of absorbing water from the atmosphere or from the subsoil, or both. The roots of plants on such drained soilscan extend themselves in every direction for food, and appropriate it to 34 their use. This is farther illustrated by the fact that our light, sandy soils always withstand drought better than compact ones. OPEN DRAINS. When the only design of drains is to prevent water from overflowing low lands, or from collecting in large pools, or where a large drain is required to carry off the water from several smaller ones, open drains are preferable. They are also to be made when streams of water are to be made straight, when the object is not so much to drain as it is to save land, and alter the general aspect of a piece of land whose external appearance is not what may be desired. Open drains should be made through large tracts of marsh lands when they are to receive the water from several lateral under drains. With open drains any obstruction there may be in other drains running into them may be seen. Open drains may be made from three to four feet wide at top, with the sides made slanting, to prevent caving in. UNDER DRAINS Are always preferable when the water to be drained off is not abundant, and when the soil is fitted for general cultivation, so that it may be plowed without impairing the utility of drains. Under drains are also to be constructed when upland is to be drained, where the water is only in excess a short period of the year, or in seasons which are called wet. The size of drains should be according to the quantity of water to be discharged, and large enough to meet any contingency. It should be observed that open drains and under drains are for two distinct purposes. The open drain is to carry off the surface water. The under drains are to carry off the water flowing from springs. They are sometimes blended together, the one performing the part of the other. SWAMP DRAINS. Swamps containing an area of from one acre to several hundred acres are numerous in some sections of our State. These swamps contain in their soil all the elements to render them first rate farming lands, and only require to be drained to make them such. They are often contiguous to and adjoining marshes, and may be drained at the same time. But they are more frequently tracts of land surrounded by higher elevations of rolling land, and deep cuttings are sometimes necessary to 267 drain them properly. These deep cuttings may be filled with logs and timbers laid far enough apart to admit the passage of water, and covered. Then, to complete the process, lay out a drain through the lowest place, say four feet wide at the top, three feet deep, tapering to one foot in width at the bottom. From this main drain cut lateral drains, as many as may be necessary. All these may, and had better be open drains. When the tract is sufficiently dry, and the proprietor wishes to clear off the land and fit it for crops, these open drains may be cleaned out and covered, to admit of plowing without the ditch interfering. These swamp lands are more generally underlaid with a basin-shaped subsoil of clay, and we have known some small swamps drained effectually by digging a well, nearly central, and filling it up with stones. The clay subsoil is often only from two to ten feet deep. The well should be dug in the driest time in the season that can be selected. Wells will effect nothing unless they be dug through the clay. More wells than one may be necessary in larger tracts; and when the clay is very thick, open drains may be the cheaper way, and digging one well will determine the point. LOCATION OF DRAINS. The geological position and construction of marshes should be known to locate drains judiciously. Most marshes that can be drained to profit are such as have a clay or hard-pan for a subsoil. Many such have the muck varying from a few inches to ten feet deep. The water that saturates them passes between the muck and subsoil. Sometimes the springs are numerous, and often rise up and form what is called a quagmire. A little practical examination will determine where the drain should be dug. The grass in the vicinity of the springs is of a more yellow color and coarse texture, and has mixed with it a kind of moss. The main ditch should be so located that as many of these springs may come in the range and be probed as possible. The main ditch ought to be dug deeper and wider than the lateral ones. The lateral drains are to be dug to the subsoil or hard-pan, unless at too great a depth, and dug into it, to prevent the water from saturating other portions of the -marsh as it passes along to the main drain. One difficulty in making such drains is, that occasionally a vein of quicksand will be touched. The operator will learn where the quicksand is, and avoid as many as 268 he can without altering the main plan of the drain more than is necessary. The construction of drains in quicksand will be noticed hereafter. In locating drains reference should always be had to the soil, declension, and the amount of water to be drawn off. DEPTH OF DRAINS. Drains made to carry off the water of several lateral drains should be made wider and deeper than drains of collection only. From three to four feet deep is better than less, and as many feet wide, with sloping banks. If the soil through which they pass be porous they assist in draining off the water of soils through which they pass. If, in digging such drains, clay is found, it will be better to dig a few inches into it; a more perfect drainage is formed. The depth of drains that are to be covered depends upon the circumstances of the case. If the soil be quite loose they should be deeper than in a compact soil; for in plowing one horse walks in the furrow, ten inches deep, and where the drain is only eighteen inches it leaves only eight inches above the drain to support the weight of the horse and draft; therefore two feet drains are none too deep. Under drains should be cut as narrow as possible, as being less expensive in digging, requiring less material for filling, and more expeditiously done. DRAINING LAKES OR PONDS. There are many lakes in our State surrounded by low marshes and swamp lands, which can be lowered from a few inches to several feet, at a comparatively small expense, and reclaim, in some instances, several hundred acres of valuable lands, which are now not only useless but are a fruitful cause of disease, and whose appearance is anything but enticing. SIDE-HILL DRAINS. When drains are to be dug upon the side of a hill, or where the land is quite sloping, the better way is to dig directly up and down the hill. A greater fall is obtained, and the drain is less likely to become obstructed. Sometimes a branching drain may be desirable; if so, it may be made in the form of the letter Y, or an inverted A. brains should be made on side hills with a view to the outlet being where the water will not overflow any of the adjoining low lands. 209 METHOD OF DRAINING. The manner of putting down drains will of necessity vary much, according to the circumstances, reference being had to the soil to be drained, and the materials most convenient to be obtained. Each individual will consult his convenience, and determine what kind of drain he will make the cheapest and most effectual, with the means at his disposal. STONE DRAINS. A good permanent drain can be made of small round stones, which are frequently in abundance near by. Stone drains ought to be dug three feet deep, and filled with stones one foot, over which put a layer of hay or straw, stalks or leaves, on which first put the turf or sod, to prevent the sand from sifting through; then fill up with dirt. If a ditch be dug twelve inches wide at the bottom, a tier of stones can be laid on each side and covered with larger ones, leaving an open space through the center, the whole being covered with smaller stones to the depth of one foot, leaving when covered the top of the stones eighteen inches below the surface, to admit of plowing. BRUSH DRAINS. Those whose means are limited, and wish an immediate benefit with a little outlay, may construct a drain which will last several years, by laying in the bottom of the ditch small brush laid lengthwise, ten or twelve inches deep, covering the brush first with a layer of straw or hay, over which first put the turf, then soil to fill up. TIMBER DRAINS. Those who have timber at hand, or can procure it near by, may make a cheap drain by taking poles or scantling and lay on each side of the ditch, and overlay with slabs or boards, filling up first with the turf inverted, and then the soil. Such drains will last for ten or fifteen years, and be very serviceable. POLE DRAINS. Are made by digging a ditch of sufficient depth, in the shape of a letter V, in which lay a straight pole or common fence rail, and press it down with the foot. There will be left a triangular space below for the water to run. Fill up as directed before. Such drains have been 270 made by a Mr. Heydenburk, of Kalamazoo, for several years, and promise well. They are cheap, and cost only about fifty cents per rod when completed. If in making such drains a streak or vein of quick sand is found, across such vein put a triangular box made of boards. This will prevent the influx of the quick sand. BOARD DRAINS. Drains which we denominate board drains are made by digging as for pole drains. Across the drains place short pieces of boards six or eight inches wide, leaving a space below the boards of eight inches to the bottom of the ditch. Over these place boards lengthwise as wide as the short pieces are long; press the boards down firmly by standing upon them, over which fill up as before directed. Drains of this construction do not cost over twenty cents per rod, and answer a good purpose. BOX DRAINS Are such as are made either square or triangular, with boards say six inches wide, if made triangular. One of the sides should be placed on the bottom, having cleats nailed across to prevent the box from spreading. Drains made of this description are quite common and durable, and well designed for draining through quicksand or loose gravel. The boxes ought always to be made a little open to admit the water freely, unless through the quicksand, where they are to be made tighter. STONE AND BOARD DRAINS Are constructed by placing on the bottom of the ditch that has been dug ten or twelve inches wide, a row of stones on either side. Lay the stones about fifteen inches apart in the rows. Over these place a board or slab, and fill up as before directed. Such drains do very well when the earth through which they pass is rather compact and hard, but where the soil is quite wet, of a light sandy nature, they are not admissible, being easily obstructed. WOODEN TILE DRAINS. Drains are made of small, round logs, of the size of logs used for conveying water, and bored with an auger two inches or more in diameter. These logs are then cut into pieces, of from twelve to twenty inches in length, and when laid in the bottom of the ditch are to be. 271 doweled together with short pieces of No. six wire, to keep the tiles to their places. The joints are left the eighth of an inch or more open, to admit the water. Such drains are thought to do well in gravelly or clayey soils, but not in very light, sandy soils. DRAINS MADE OF EARTHEN TILES. All things considered, we judge drains made of earthen tiles to be the most economical and durable, for all those whose funds are adequate to meet the expense of the outlay, for they are the most expensive, but their durability is such they are in the end the cheapest. Tiles are made of common brick clay, dried and burned. Such tiles are so porous that the water will pass through the pores in quantities sufficient to drain an ordinary piece of marsh. KINDS OF TILE. There are three kinds of tile made; one called the horse-shoe tile,, made half round, and open at the bottom; others are made of the same shape, with a sole at the bottom; there is a third kind, called pipe tile, being a round tile, with a hole through them, from one and a half to three inches in diameter, according to the quantity of water to be drawn off. The pipe tiles are more particularly used for draining cellars, and conveying water to barns and out-houses, but may be used advantageously to drain lands. WHAT KIND IS BEST? This depends upon the earth in which they are to be laid. If upon a clay or hard-pan bottom, which can be made smooth, the common horse-shoe tiles are the ones to use; When they are to be laid in loose sand, or quicksand, the horse-shoe tiles with soles are the ones to make use of, or the pipe tile, as is most convenient. HOW ARE THEY LAID Dig the trenches of sufficient depth-three feet is best,-straight, and level as the inclination you design; about six inches wide at the bottom,, or wider if you please. If the bottom of the trench is uneven, lay a clapboard down lengthwise to lay the tile upon; this makes them uniformly level. Begin at the lower end of the ditch, and place the tiles end to end, and over each joint may be placed a little hay or straw, to, keep out the sand; fill up as you proceed, walking backward as you 272 lay the tiles. It is the practice of some, with whom boards are cheap, to lay them down, and place the sole tile upon them. Using boards depends much upon the nature of the earth where you lay your tiles; circumstances should govern in such cases. Care should be used to prevent the earth, when filling up, from crowding the tile out of place. When pipe tiles are used they ought to be placed upon a board, and some hard substance put on each side, to keep them from rolling out of their place. TWO TIERS OF TILES. When the quantity of water to be drained off is considerable, two tiers of tiles may be laid in one ditch. Some contend that if the quantity of water requires two tiers, another ditch had better be dug, and lay one tier in each, making two single drains, instead of one double one. TURF DRAINS. It is a common practice in England, when bogs are to be drainedand their bogs are similar to our dry marshes-to dig ditches as if they are to be filled with stone. The operator next digs a narrow channel along the centre, with a spade, a few inches wide at the top, and five or six inche's deep, terminating at the bottom at a point. This latter ditch is covered by the turf taken from the main ditch, cut into pieces of any convenient length, and put down inverted. The ends of the pieces of turf may be cut obliquely, and lap over each other. The turf is then gently pressed down. Such drains are said to be very cheap, and known to last twenty years and over. COST OF DRAINS. The cost of drains will vary with the soil, the depth, cost of materials, price of labor, and the season of the year they are made. This accounts for the discrepancy of the various writers upon the subject. Those who desire the work to be done well, without regard to cost, estimate the expense much above one who designs to make a cheap and substantial drain, for lasting from ten to twenty years only. One individual may have an abundance of stone, and but little timber; others may have more timber than stone; and with some boards, or sawed timber, will cost double of what it will to another one who has mills near at hand. All these things considered, an estimate that would be 273 reliable for one would not be for another; therefore, any calculations of the cost of drains in this article would be superfluous. IMPLEMENTS USED IN DRAINING. There have been several machines invented designed to facilitate and lessen the expense of draining, none of which, we believe, work uniformly well upon all soils and marshes; owing, in a great measure, to the fact that a large portion of our marshes have, at various depths from the surface, partially decayed stumps, trees, and sometimes, though not often, boulders of some size. Our marshes have also layers of stiff clay to be dug, which may alternate with mar], sand or quicksand. All these things render it impossible to construct an implement to work uniformly. Some of them, no doubt, lessen the labor materially. But in making drains the main reliance is to be placed upon tools of the spade kind, and manual labor. Draining spades are made of several patterns, from the common spade to one terminating at a point, and one four or five inches broad only. There are draining shovels of several sorts, and scoops for cleaning out the drains; and, in addition, there are sometimes augers of different construction, to bore through stratas of clay or compact earth, for the purpose of better locating drains, or to drain a small pool of water, similar to or what is called a cat-hole. Plows and scrapers may be used in some drains to advantage. 35 METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS —1856. BY L. WOODRUFF, ANN ARBOR, MICH. Mean,'E a a Amount of Temperature. I IC Rain and o, S g 1 F-.;- P E c Melted 7A.M 12 PM9 P M a Snouw. January,.,. 8 1 19 5 11 3!13 30 24 10 4 17. 6.. 0 450 Febuary, —-- 93 23 5 14 2115.7 42 19 1] 3 15 5 0 920 March,, 16 6 31 2 2242 2 4 4 10 19 4 8 10 0 5'0) April,. —--- 418 7 9 45 48: 79 19 1S 2 10 1J 2 6 1.442 May,.-. 5 5 6.5 53.8'.5 3 9 1 38 16 3 12 1i 7 2.020 JunIe.,-....l 648 794 667 70 31 9 49 17 6 7 8. 10 3060 July.- 66 6 83 70 1 73 41 9 59 21 5 5 10 12 4412 AUgust,.. 5 5 75 7 61 865 6 87 47 21 3 4 8.... 5 1 392 Septemubor,__ 52 5 69 5'; 8 s96 89 37 11 1 1 11. 6 1.782 Octob-r, -. 40 7 50 3 46 148 6 81 23 16 1 14 10. 6 1 912 November, 298 416 35 0131.4 59 14 8 2 20 7 4 2 238 December. 182 2501 19 0 21 0 41 5 4 22 7 2 938 MNas& totais,I 3811 5221 43114451 1 1761 381 1451 5{1 1 521 23624 WINDS. W. N. E.. Si. W. N.WI. E.IS. W. January,. - ---—.. 7 1. 1 1 9 4 6 3 February,- - 8. 1 1 9 6 3 1 Mtrh, ------------ 6 2 1 3 7 9 3 April,.-.. —-------- 6 3 1 4 8 3 1 6 May, - - 4 4 4 1 5 5 7 1 May 31, hard white June, 6.. 1 4 11 4 1 3 frost. July,... — 3 3 2 4 7 3 4 5 August,. --- --- - 3 4 4 5 5 5 - -.-. Light frost during September,.3. —.-. ] 5 10 6 1 5 last week of the October,,-.... — - - -. -- - 2 1 2 6 10 6 4 month. November, 9 1- 2 4 7 5 3 December, - 4-.-. 7. 9 4 2 4 JANUARY.-rThe figures opposite this month show a general degree of cold very seldom experienced in this latitude, for such a length of time. During the cold term of the 7th, 8th and 9th the temperature remained below zero through more than sixty consecutive hours, and on the evening of the 9th was stationary, for several hours, at 24 and 25 degrees below zero. At 11 A. M, of the 9th, the temperature was 14 degrees 276 below zero. This extreme of cold was accompanied throughout by a strong gale from W. S. W. There is probably no record of a similar period of cold in this part of the State. On the coldest day of the previous winter (Feb. 6th) the mercury rose to three degrees above zero during the day, but the highest temperature of the 8th and 9th of January, 1856, was seven degrees below zero. The temperature was at or below zero on 19 days of the month, and at one time reached 32 degrees in the shade. The month was not stormy, and there was the usual number of fine, clear days, About five inches of snow fell, chiefly on the 27th. FEBRUARY.-The weather of this month was much more variable than that of January, though sometimes of almost equal severity. A cold term commenced on the afternoon of the 1st, and on each of the five succeeding days the temperature sank from 1 to 14 degrees below zero. The 12th and 13th were remarkably cold days, the highest temperature of each being only one degree above zero, though the sky was cloudless, and there was little wind. On the 11th it thawed in the shade, for the first time in 52 days, and on the 19th there was a rapid rise in the temperature, and the weather continued rather mild throughout the last ten days of the month. About ten inches of snow fell during the month, and the average depth on the 29th was about eighteen inches. The mean temperature of the winter was, at 7 A. M., 13.4; at 2 P. M., 24.6; at 9 P. M., 16.7. Mean of season, 18.2. Total amount of rain and melted snow, 5.288 inches. MARcH. —TLe weather of this month, like that of the ten weeks preceding, was remarkable for its unusual and persistent severity. The first ten days were stormy, and quite as cold as is usually experienced during the extremes of the winter months. At 11 P. M., on the 9th, the temperature was 15 degrees below zero, and the average temperature of the day was six degrees below zero. It is worthy of note that no regular thaw occurred after the setting in of the winter, on December 22d, though about two-thirds of the snow melted off during the last of March, from the increasing power of the sun alone, there being no night on which the temperature did not fall considerably below the freezing point. At the close of the month snow remained in drifts from two to five feet deep. 277 APRIL —This month opened with a change to milder weather, and with a light storm of rain-the first which had fallen in 109 days. The weather throughout the month was agreeably mild, with moderate precipitation. Rain fell in light showers, and the total for the month was below the average, and less than one-fourth that of April, 1855. On the 3d and 4th a few snow flakes were observed-the only snow during the month. The storm of the 12th was extensive, and quite severe in some parts of the country. MAY. —The amount of precipitation for this month is small, compared with previous years, being only about two-thirds the average. The rains were seasonably distributed, and moderate; no heavy showers occurring at this station during the month. The weather was quite changeable in temperature, especially in the latter part of the month. On the afternoon of the 24th the temperature fell from 90 degrees to 55 degrees in a few hours. There was a hard frost on the 31st. JTrNE.-An extreme of heat occurred early in the month, the temperature reaching 90 degrees. This was succeeded, on the 7tb, by a heavy thunder storm, accompanied by hail, ranging in size from onehalf to an inch in diameter. The hail fell for nearly an hour. There was, fortunately, no wind, or the damage would have been immense. From the 12th to the 18th the weather was changeable, and cool for the season. The last ten days of the month were distinguished by extreme heat, and frequent and severe thunder storms. The lightning and thunder on the morning of the 26th were particularly severe. Violent winds accompanied this and other storms. JULY.-The temperature was uniformly high throughout the month, reaching 90 degrees and upwards on seven days, and rising above 80 degrees on all but six days. Very copious showers fell at seasonable intervals, and vegetation suffered little, if any, from drought. The heaviest rains occurred on the nights of the 14th and 28th. The storm of the 14th was very severe, the lightning being almost incessant for three or four hours. AUGUST. —Low temperature and moderate precipitation prevailed throughout the month. The heaviest rains occurred on the 2d and 18th; the former being accompanied by considerable thunder and lightning. The temperature and pressure of the atmosphere were more uniform than is usual during this month, and the average of the former 278 was several degrees below the general mean. Light frosts were observed during the last of the mouth, not sufficient, however, to occasion'material damage to crops in this section. SEPTEMBER.-Warm and showery weather prevailed during the first ten days of the month, though the quantity of rain which fell was by no means sufficient to obliterate the effects of the previous drought. But little rain fell during the last half of the month, and springs and wells in this vicinity exhibited the effects of the longest period without a heavy soaking rain, which we have, perhaps, ever known. Although a considerable amount of rain fell here during the previous summer, yet coming in brief showers it penetrated very little below the surface, and it is a remarkable fact that no protracted storm had occurred, the rain of which amounted to over three-fourths of an inch. OcTonER. —Previous to the 22d, rain fell only in light and scattering showers, and most parts of the country suffered considerably from drought. After this date, however, the precipitation was more frequent and copious, more than two-thirds the total amount falling (luring the last ten days of the month. Severe thunder storms occurred on the 5th and 22d. A period of low barometer occurred during the last days of September and the 1st and 2d of October. This was attended by violent storms in some of the Eastern States, while there were strong indications of rain in this region. NoVEMBERP-Changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure were abrupt and frequent, and were accompanied, in most cases, by heavy storms. A violent and destructive gale from the south-west occurred on the evening of the 21st. It was preceded by a heavy storm of rain, and a very sudden fall of the barometer. About five inches of snow fell during the month. DEcEMnER.-The mean temperature of the month was considerably above that of December, 1855, and the mercury at no time sank below zero. There were frequent and heavy rains for the season, with but a small amount of snow. A very heavy storm of sleet on the 2d, covored the ground to the depth of three inches, and the precipitation amounted to about 1.60 inches of water. THE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN. R E P O R T. STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION' HON. HIRAM L. MILLER, Saginaw City, President of the Board. HoN. JOHN R. KELLOGG, Allegan. REV. GEORGE WILLARD, Battle Creek. HIow. IRA MAYHEW, Albion, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and ex-oflcio Secretary of the Board. FACULTY OF THE INSTITUTION: JOSEPH R. WILLIAMS, President, and Director of the Farm. CALVIN TRACY, Professor of Mathematics. LEWIS R. FISK, Professor of Chemistry. * IHENRY GOADBY, Professor of Animal and Vegetable Physiology and Entomology. *D. P. MAYHEW, Professor of Natural Science. ROBERT D. WEEKS, Professor of English Literature and Farm Economy, and Secretary. JOHN C. HOLMES, Professor of Horticulture, and Treasurer. ENOCH BANCKER, Assistant in Chemistry. JAMES M. SHEARER, Steward.. * These gentlemen have not entered upon the performance of their duties. Dr. Goadby will do so when the Board of Education notify him that his servi:es are required. and Mr. Mayhew as soon us an existing cnangement permits,. 36 STUDENTS. Names. Post Office. County. Sidney Mi. Abbott, Farmington, Oakland. Gad AM. Adams, Chelsea, Washtenaw. Henry L. Barney, Dowagiac, Cass. Adams Bayley, Big Beaver, Oakland. Leonard V. Beebe, Stockbridge, Ingham. Isaac D. Benham, Windsor, Eaton. Henry D. Benham, Windsor, Eaton. Ransom M. Brooks, Dearbornville, Wayne. Joseph Gilbert Bryan, Farmington, Oakland. Harvey Bush, Fowlerville, Livingston. Russel B. Callahan, Sanford, Ingham. Henry B. Carpenter, Windsor, Eaton. William W. Carpenter, Howell, Livingston. Mason D. Chatterton, Sanford, Ingham. Walter M. Chester, Detroit, Wayne. Henry C. Christiancy, Monroe, Monroe. Albert E. Cowles, Lansing, Ingham. Henry N. Curtis, Howell, Livingston. DoWitt C. Cutler, Lansing, Ingham. Stephen W. Duncombe, Keeler, Van Buren. John A. Elder, Lansing, Ingham. George C. Everts, Grand Rapids, Kent. Charles E. Farrington, Milan, Monroe. Thomas W. Farrington, Milan, Monroe. Delos Flint, Novi, Oakland. Charles T. Fos'er, Lansing, Ingham. Henry B. Frost, Eaton Rapids, Eaton. 284 Stephen Galloway, Hamburg Village, Livingston. Alanson E. Goodrich, DeWitt, Clinton. Solon E. Grant, Jackson, Jackson. William M. Greene, Lansing, Ingham. Josiah T. Hammond, Jackson, Jackson. David E. Hinman, Buchanan, Berrien. Charles E. Hollister, Nebraska, Clinton. George P. Humphrey, Sanford, Ingham. Horatio Ives, Unadilla, Livingston. Samuel L. Kilbourne, Sanford, Ingham. Jared M. Knapp, Bellevue, Eaton. Charles D. Lewis, Lansing, Ingham. Henry G. Lewis, Lansing, Ingham. Mortimer Markham, Gaines' Station, Genesee. Orlando Markham, Gaines' Station, Genesee. Charles J. Monroe, Lawrence, Van Buren. Nathan D. Mussey, Romeo, Macomb. George O. Nelson, Detroit, Wayne. Marcus H. Peck, Pontiac, Oakland. Victor Phillips, Lansing, Ingham. William W. Preston, Fredonia, Washtenaw. Merritt C. Skinner, Lansing, Ingham. Merritt B. Snyder, Hanover, Jackson. Enos S. Stedman, Unadills, Livingston. Ulysses Stedman, Unadilla, Livingston. Albern K. Sweet, Burns, Shiawassee. James Taylor, Unadilla, Livingston. Seneca N. Taylor, Oakland, Oakland. Griffin D. Thurston, Sturgis, St. Joseph. George G. Torrey, Birmingham, Oakland. Heman J. Vandusen. Novi, Oakland. Solon A. Whitcomb, Detroit, Wayne. George N. Walker, Sanford, Ingham. Webster A. Wood, Livonia, Wayne. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION. The Agricultural College of the State of Michigan was established in obedience to a requisition of the Revised Constitution of the State, adopted 15th August, 1850, which may be found in Art. 13: "Sec. 11. The Legislature shall encourage the promotion of intellectual, scientific, and agricultural improvement; and shall, as soon as practicable, provide for the establishment of an Agricultural School. The Legislature may appropriate the twenty-two sections of Salt Spring Lands now unappropriated, or the money arising from the sale of the same, where such lands have been already sold, and any land which may hereafter be granted or appropriated for such purpose, for the support and maintenance of such School, and may make the same a branch of the University, for instruction in agriculture and the natural sciences connected therewith, and place the same under the supervision of the Regents of the University." ACT OF ORGANIZATION. The Legislature, in order to carry out the foregoing provision of the Constitution, at the session of 1855, passed the following act: [No. 130.] AN ACT for the establishment of a State Agricultural School. SECTION 1. The People of the State of Michigan enact, That the President and Executive Committee of the Michigan State Agricultural Society be and are hereby authorized to select, subject to the approval of the State Board of Education, a location and site for a State Agricultural School, within ten miles of Lansing; and, subject to such approval, contract for and purchase, for the State of Michigan, such lands, not less than five hundred acres, nor more than one thousand acres, in one body, for the purpose of an experimental farm, and site for such Agricultural School: Provided, That the amount to be paid for such farm and site shall not exceed fifteen dollars per acre, and that the conveyance or conveyances be made to the State of Michigan. SEc. 2. There is hereby appropriated twenty-two sections of Salt Spring Landis, or the money arising from the sale thereof, referred to in article 13, section 11, of the Constitution of the State of Michigan, for the purchase of land for such site and location, and the preparation thereof, the erection of buildings, the purchase of furniture, apparatus, library and implements, payment of professors and teachers, and other necessary expenses to be incurred in the establishment and successful operation of said School. SExc. 3. Upon the execution and delivery to the Secretary of State of the proper conveyance or conveyances of the land, the purchase of which is provided for in the first section of this Act, and the certificate of the Attorney General that he has examined the title to the same, 288 and finds it unencumbered, and that the conveyance or conveyances are executed in due form, and a certificate of the President and Secretary of the Board of Education, that the same is in accordance with the contract or contracts for the purchase of the same, and that the location has been approved by them, the Auditor General shall draw his warrant or warrants on the State Treasurer for the amount of such purchase, in favor of the party or parties to whom such sum or sums shall be due, payable out of said Salt Spring Lands, or money accruing from the sale of the same; and the said certificates, in this section mentioned, shall be filed and preserved in the office of the Secretary of State. SEc. 4. Upon the purchase of such location and site, there shall be established on such site, under the direction and supervision of the State Board of Education, an Agricultural School, by the name and style of the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan, and the chief purpose and design of which shall be to improve and teach the science and practice of agriculture. SEc. 5. The course of instruction in said College shall include the following branches of education, viz.: an English and Scientific Course, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Botany, Animal and Vegetable Anatomy and Physiology, Geology, Mineralogy, Meteorology, Entomology, Veterinary Art, Mensuration, Leveling, and Political Economy, with Book-Keeping, and the Mechanic Arts which are directly connected with agriculture, and such other [studies] as the Board of Education may, from time to time, see fit to prescribe, having reference to the objects specified in the previous section; and the said Board may establish such Professorships, and employ such Professors and Teachers, to be called the Board of Instruction of said College, for the instruction aforesaid, as they may judge best for such object: Provided, The sum paid such Professors and Teachers for the first year after said College shall go into operation, shall not exceed the sum of five thousand dollars, and for the next year not exceeding the sum of six thousand dollars, and for any years thereafter such a sum as the State Board of Education may deem necessary for the successful operation of the Institution. Tuition in said Institution shall be forever free to pupils from this State, and any number of pupils may be admitted who shall apply from any part of this State: Provided, That in case more pupils apply than can beaccommodated or taught, then said Board shall adopt some equitable 289 plan, giving to each county a number, according to the ratio of population, as it shall appear from the census last taken; and, in that case, those from each county shall be admitted in the order in which they shall apply, until the quota of such county be full. SEC. 6. There shall be two scholastic terms in each year; the first term commencing on the first Wednesday in April, and ending on the last Wednesday in October; the second term commencing the first Wednesday in December, and ending on the last Wednesday in February; and no pupil shall be received for less than one term, unless by special permission from the Board of Instruction. SEC. 7. The Board of Education, upon consultation with the Board of Instruction, shall, from time to time, fix and establish rules as to the number of hours which shall be devoted to manual labor, and to study, which may be different in different terms or seasons; but during the first term in each year the time devoted to labor shall not be less than three nor more than four hours each day; and no student or pupil of said College shall be exempt from such labor, except in case of sickness or other infirmity. SEc. 8. The Board of Education shall appoint one of the Professors in said College to be President thereof, and one to be its Secretary, and one to be its Treasurer; and the Board of Instruction may establish such rules and regulations, from time to time, for the government of said College and instruction therein, as they may deem proper, in any matter rot regulated by the Board of Education; and the rules and regulations adopted by such Board of Instruction shall remain in fall force until altered by said Board of Education. And said Board of Instruction shall have power, subject to the approval of the Board of Education, to establish by-laws for the government and discipline of the pupils of said College, in regard to conduct and behavior, and to affix such pecuniary penalties as they may deem proper, and to prescribe the causes for expulsion or dismissal of any such pupil, which by-laws shall have the force of law, unless altered1 modified or repealed by the Board of Education or the Legislature; and the Board of Education shall fix the compensation to be credited or paid for the labor performed by pupils, under the provisions of section seven of this Act. SEc. 9. The President of said Board of Instruction shall preside at all meetings of said Board, except in case of sickness or absence; in 37 290 which case the Board may elect one of their number President pro tempore; and it shall be the duty of the President to see that all the regulations established by this Act, by the Board of Education, and by the Board of Instruction, in regard to the government and instruction in said College, be enforced. SEC. 10. The Secretary of said Board of Instruction shall record all the proceedings of said Board, and all regulations and by-laws for the government of said College, and shall publish the same, and furnish a copy thereof to the Governor of this State, to each member of the Board of Education, to the county clerk of each county, and to the clerk of each organized township in this State. He shall also keep a full record of all improvements and experiments made on said lands, their cost and results. He shall also keep a careful account with each field, in connection with a plan of the farming lands or farm, exhibiting the position of each, in which shall be shown the manner and cost of preparing the ground, the kind of crop, time of planting or sowing, the after condition, the time and manner of harvesting, the labor devoted to each process and its cost price, with the cost of preparing the matured crop for market, and the price for which it was sold, and of such other matters as the Boards of Education and of Instruction, or either of them, may require of him; and he shall furnish a copy thereof, at the end of each term, to the President of the Board of Education; and the said record shall, at all reasonable hours, be open to the inspection of any citizen of this State. SEC. 11. The Treasurer shall receive and keep all moneys arising from the sale of products of the farm, and from fines and penalties that may be imposed, and shall give bonds in such sum as the Board of Education may require. He shall pay over all moneys upon the warrant of the President, countersigned by the Secretary, on account of such contingent expenses of the Institution as may arise. He shall render annually, in the month of December; to the Board of Education, and as often as required by said Board, a full and true account of all moneys received and disbursed by him; stating for what received and paid, and shall produce vouchers for such payments. The surplus money, if any remain in his bands at the time of rendering such account, shall, if required by said Board, be paid over to the State Treasurer, to be placed to the credit of said Institution. 291 SEc. 12. After said College shall have commenced its first term, the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall appoint visitors for the same, who shall perform the like duties required of such visitors by law, in reference to the State Normal School. SEC. 13. This act shall take effect immediately. Approved February 12, 1855. LEGISLATION IN 1857. The Legislature of the State, at the last session, made provision foz further maturing and sustaining the Institution during the next two years, by the liberal appropriation of Forty Thousand Dollars, according to the terms of the following Act: [ No. 142. ] AN ACT making an appropriation for the State Agricultural School, and to amend the act entitled " An Act for the establishment of a State Agricultural School," approved February twelfth, eighteen hundred and fifty-five. SECTION 1. The People of the State of iMichigan enact, That there be and there is hereby appropriated out of the Treasury of this States the sum of forty thousand dollars, for the erection of buildings, purchase of furniture, apparatus, implements and library, payment of Professors and Teachers, and to improve and carry on the Farm, and other necessary expenses to be incurred in -the successful operation of said School, during the years eighteen hundred and fifty-seven and eighteen hundred and fifty-eight; which sum shall be drawn from the Treasury on the presentation of the proper certificates of the Board of Education to the Auditor General, and on his warrant to the State Treasurer. Sec. 2. Section second of the act entitled "an act for the establishment of a State Agricultural School," approved February twelfth, eighteen hundred and fifty-five, is hereby amended so as to read as follows, to wit: That there is hereby appropriated twenty-two sections of Salt Spring Lands, or the money arising from the sale thereof, referred to in article thirteen, section eleven, of the Constitution of the State of Michigan, for the purchase of land for such site and location, and the preparation thereof, the erection of buildings, the purchase of furniture, 294 apparatus, library and implements, payment of Professors and Teachers, and other necessary expenses, to be incurred in the establishment and successful operation of said School; which sum shall be drawn from the State Treasury on the presentation of the proper certificates of the Board of Education to the Auditor General, and on his warrant to the State Treasurer; but not to exceed in the whole amount the sum of fifty-six thousand, three hundred and twenty dollars, the minimum price of said twenty-two sections, unless the whole proceeds of the sales of said sections shall exceed that sum, and then not to exceed the amount of such proceeds. Approved February 16, 1857. LOCATION AND BUILDINGS. On the 16th June, 1855, the President and Executive Committee of the State Agricultural Society-present, A. Y. MOORE, President, J. C. HOLMES, Secretary, and Messrs. S. M. BARTLETT, PAYNE K. LEACH, JAMES BAYLEY, JUSTUS GAGE and JOHN STARKWEATHER-in accordance with the provisions of the foregoing law, selected the tract for the Agricultural Farm offered by A. R. BURR, Esq., of Lansing, consisting of 676 57-100 acres. The selection was approved, and the purchase made. The tract lies three and a half miles directly east from Lansing, and the avenue eastward, starting from the front of the Capitol, would pass in front of the College Buildings. It lies on both sides of the Cedar River, and is regarded as a judicious and admirable location, although it was nearly in a state of nature at the time of the purchase. Under the Superintendence of Mr. S. M. BARTLETT, of Monroe, a College Building 100 feet by 50, and a Boarding House of nearly equal size, each three stories high, and of brick, have been erected. To Mr. J. C. HOLMES great credit is due for his indefatigable exertions in all the incipient movements that have resulted in the establishment, so far, of the Institution. DEDICATION. A corps of Professors having been chosen, and the Institution prepared for the reception of Students, it was dedicated by the Board of Education to the purposes for which it was designed, with appropriate services, on the 13th day of May, 1857, in the presence of the Governor, several officers of the State Government, and a large concourse of citizens, from various parts of the State. At 10 o'clock A. M., Hon. H. L. MILLER, President of the Board of Education, called the assernblage to order, with the following brief remarks: FELLOW CITIZENS-The attendance here to-day, of so large an assemblage of the citizens of the State, to witness and take part in the opening of this Institution, affords me a high satisfaction, and I feel it to be a grateful duty, on the part of the Board of Education, to express the great pleasure it gives them. It manifests a warm interest in the cause of Education; also, in that department of it to which this Institution is to be more particularly devoted. During the time which this Board have been occupied in carrying out the designs which the State had committed to them, they have felt strongly that everything connected with the Institution was new, and that, in pushing them to completion, they would have to undergo peculiar trials, and that they could look nowhere for precedents by which they might be guided. They are now happy to feel, by your presence, that your countenance and sympathy are with them. In commencing the exercises, with which it has been deemed proper to celebrate the occasion of delivering the College and all its appurtenances into the charge of the Faculty, that that body may now commence the labors of instruction, I deem it peculiarly appropriate to recognize the guardianship of that one Great Being, who 38 298 is before all human powers, and we will nCow commence our exercises by reading a portion of the Divine Word. The Rev. Mr. WILLARD, a member of the Board, then rose and read in an impressive manner, the Third Chapter of the Book of Proverbs. The Rev. Mr. MAHON made a prayer. The Hon. JOHN R. KELLOGG, the senior member, in behalf of the Board of Education, then delivered the INSTITUTION and FARM into the charge of the President and Faculty, with the following remarks: MR. PRESIDENT-All the generations and nations of men that have existed upon this earth, and all that now exist, or that may hereafter exist, and each individual of all these, have had, now have, or will hereafter have, in their day and generation, a duty to perform. Nations have National duties, States have State duties, and individuals have individual duties; and as such, all and each are responsible, and must in the end stand in their lot. And the great Law-Giver, He who created all, has upheld and does uphold all, by His almighty, allwise power, swill hold the scales in Justice-and to Him every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess, in heaven, and on earth and under the earth. Then, Sir, all will see and know that a neglect of duty, public or private, will not be a small or unimportant matter. He who gave and does give us duties to perform, does it for a fitting and meaning object, not to be trifled with, or neglected with impunity. Then, Sir, to-day WE have a duty to perform. The subject matter is now in hand. It is of a nature like almost everything else-a work of progress-everything is progressive. This, our world, was made progressive, and He who so made the world and all things pertaining to it, at the close of each successive day, on a review of his work, pronounced all very good. Happy, thrice happy for us, if we also shall be able to review our progress from time to time, and in our consciousness as God has given us ability, be able to say we, too, have done all things well-it is all very good. The work before us is, indeed, peculiar. It seems to be, in a peculiar sense, a work for which man was created; for, after making all the preliminary arrangements in regard to our world, God himself seemed to pause to behold, and there was not a man to till the ground. So out of that very ground God made man, endowed him with special 299'powers, and gave to him His authority; yes, the commandment to till the ground, to dress the garden, for God had planted it. And it grew nothing but what was good, until the damning seed of sin was sown by man himself. And yet man's vocation is not taken away; for, although a curse has passed upon all, yet in mercy, summer and winter, seed-time and harvest is continued, and by the sweat of the brow we are assured that our bread and our water shall be sure. And although the earth now untilled does spontaneously grow thorns and briars, yet being tilled and toiled over in all diligent use of the means in our power, that same benevolent, all-wise and all-merciful Being, by Whom and for Whom all things were created, still blesses, beautifies and adorns with parental,care, and for our comfort and happiness here on earth, this otherwise chaotic world. Let it then be our glory in carrying out this great work, all of which must fail, even to the growing of a blade of grass, without His aid; let it be our care and our g'ory to acknowledge Him in all things; for the favor of God is life, and His loving kindness is better than life. With these introductory remarks in behalf of the State Board having the care of this great and glorious work, as a State work, and having appointed you, Sir, as the individual who is to take charge of carrying out the object in detail to the final consummation of the grand result, we leave the matter with you, and by your instrumentality in the use of the means we put into your hands, we look for results worthy of yourself, worthy of the State, and worthy of the age in which we live and act. And may God add his blessing, for His blessing maketh rich and addeth no sorrow. If God be for us, who can be against us? The Hon. JosEPH R. WILLIAMS, President of the Institution, then made the following Address: Gentlemen of the Board of Education of the State of Michigan: It seems appropriate, on the assumption of the duties and responsibilities of their position, that, in behalf of the Faculty, I should indicate the design, the scope, and the capacities of this Institution; explain some of the difficulties that beset it, and state some of the advantages which may result front its establishment. The energies aud aspirations of our race often feel the want of agen 300 cies necessary to their further development, before such agencies appear. Rarely, however, is any enterprise matured which the condition of society does not demand. Perfect as our educational systems are, for a long time a great vacuum has remained to be filled. Besides the Common School and the University, there have been no Institutions, which, taking the student directly from the Common School, and omitting studies purely literary and classical, on which he has no years to bestow, yet carry him farther than the University in the application of modern science to the practical business of life, particularly Agricultural Life. In the higher Institutions men were fitted, yea, accomplished, for professional life; but, during four years' devotion to severe study, few attainments were made valuable to a cultivator of the soil, while tastes and habits were acquired which created indifference and inaptitude to the most healthy and rational of the occupations of mIan. By reason of traditionary neglect and prejudice, seven-eighths of the race, on whose toil all subsist, have been deemed unworthy of mental cultivation; while the smaller fraction, who live, some by most honorable toil and devotion to human interests, and some on the miseries, credulity, ignorance, and even crimes of mankind, have been deemed worthy of the highest advantages of education. The parasite, insinuating itself among the bark, has been carefully nurtured, while the parent tree, grappling its strong roots in the earth, has been neglected. That the agricultural masses have felt keenly this great want is evinced by the simultaneous creation of Agricultural Societies and Periodicals, and the craving for more abundant knowledge. Colleges are springing from the same necessity. New York and Pennsylvania are maturing, and two or three other States are taking the initiatory steps toward establishing Agricultural Colleges. Here, on the very margin of the cultivated portions of our country, where the "forests primeval" are just vanishing before the encroachments of civilization, the youthful and vigorous State of Michigan, first among her sister States, dedicates this Institution to the instruction of men wcho are devoted exclusively to the cultivation of the earth. Established on no precedent, it is alike a pioneer in the march of men and the march of mind. It is peculiarly fit that such an enterprise should be Founded on the c(nfines of the country, which a native poet, WITTIER, so gushingly describes: 301 "The rudiments of empire here Are plastic yet and warm, The chaos of a mighty world Is rounding into form." The elements of the Institution around us are rough and crude, but even in the embryo we recognize an enlightened forecast that would do honor to those venerable Commonwealths which have stamped their indelible impress on the history of mankind. I will, at the outset, deal with some of the objections to this Institution. Men will brand it as an experiment. They will demand results before they are willing to afford aid or sympathy. Even legislators pause in maturing the plan, which, in its design and nature, must be comprehensive or prove abortive. They: propose to afford it a liberal endowment, and place it on an immutable foundation, if it shall prove successful. They propose to allow us the range of waters, when we have learned to swim on dry land. The charge that an enterprise is an experiment has no terrors for me. When Clinton was promoting his great canal project it was denounced as the insane vision of a theorist, and his surveys were branded as imposture. Yet these lands you occupy, and large portions of the northwest, now covered with thriving communities, would have been this day vast solitudes had his experiment been crushed. Throughout Europe, even in England, they use sickles to cut wheat. To them the cradle scythe would be an experiment. When McCormick's Reaper was exhibited at the World's Fair, it was ridiculed by a leading London periodical, as an ugly cross between a flying-machiine and a wind-mill. When Jethro Wood's cast-iron plow, which has saved to the farmers of this country tens of millions of dollars, was first introduced it met with unsparing ridicule. The first man who budded a fruit tree was doubtless regarded as a greater dolt than the subscriber, a few years since, to an agricultural paper; and the man who first plowed in clover to renovate the soil, his neighbors doubtless advised to go to the Lunatic Asylum, or join the Agricultural Society. The first attempt to place an iron shoe on a horse's hoof was doubtless ridiculed as an attempt to improve a limb rightly fashioned by the Creator. It is less than a century since people were mobbed in England for attempting the introduction of a saw-mill, insisting on the prescriptive right of the laborer to the employment of cleaving lumber with wedges. It is said that no 302 physician who had reached the age of forty, embraced at its announcement, or ever admitted, Harvey's discovery of the circulation of the blood. The next objection urged to this Institution will be its cost, and the alleged taxation necessary to its support. The Institution has been initiated and thus far matured, exclusively from the $56,000 derived from Salt Spring Lands donated to the Territory of Michigan by the general government, and not a dollar of the additional $40,000 appropriated by the last Legislature, for use during the next two years, is yet consumed. In the next place, the railroads and mining corporations of the State pay into her treasury a large specific tax, and it seems the plainest exercise of justice to devote moneys so levied to enlarge the intelligence and increase the production of the State. It becomes men to examine the whole subject of taxation, and discriminate against that only which is oppressive or of doubtful utility, and bear with cheerfulness that which is fraught with beneficial results. Our national government is now annually expending over $70,000,000. That sum is nearly all consumed in supporting destructive agencies. The Army costs more than $18,000,000, and the Navy more than $12,000,000. "They toil not, neither do they spin." The Patent Office is designed to foster and promote inventive genius, to abridge human labor, and to bring comfort to every door. Yet, while vast appropriations are made for other agencies, none are made for this. The only creative and positively producing function of the government is compelled to support itself. The fees exacted from inventors support the Bureau. It is true, however, that $75,000 per annum have been appropriated for the purchase and distribution of seeds, plants, cuttings, &c., and the Annual Agricultural Report is printed by Congress. The whole sum paid by the government for the promotion of Agriculture may amount to $250,000 per annum, out of more than 70,000,000 expended-one two hundred and eightieth part of the whole. We have a Senate at Washington, of the great statesmen of the nation. A few week ago it revised its Committees, and abolished the Committee on Agriculture. So the Senate of your country recognizes in its organization no such national interest as Agriculture! Alexander of Russia does better, for the ruling industry of his people is made an object of solicitude in a department of his government. 303 The United States Agricultural Society, at its annual meeting in January last, strongly urged the appropriation of 500,000 acres of land by Congress, to each of the States, for the promotion of Agricultural Education. The Legislature of Michigan, in 1850, anticipated them by instructing their delegation in Congress to ask 350,000 acres of land, for the establishment of Agricultural Schools in this State. Possibly Congress may hereafter deem it as sagacious to enlighten the future occupants of the continent as to construct railroads for transporting them. Vast grants of lands have recently been made to the North-Western States. Without disparagement to other enterprises, it is a self-evident proposition that no appropriation can be so far-reaching and so vital, even to the material prosperity of new communities, and so prolific of incalculable results, as donations for education. Let us hope, therefore, that in due time the national government will permanently endow this and similar Institutions, and relieve the people of Michigan, and other States, from every duty but a benignant guardianship. It would be well, therefore, for a generous citizen to consider whether the enterprise before us, designed to multiply his earnings and enjoyments, and elevate his calling to a higher dignity, is worthy of the captious and trivial objection that it may cost him an insignificant taxation. Two cents per annum, for each inhabitant, embracing the next ten years, would probably cover appropriations for the College as ample as those of last winter, and far more than could be required. It would not amount to six kernels of corn per day. If an Institution should perish from such a consideration, the wisdom of the people will degenerate to a level of the wisdom of the Senate. The next objection is embraced in a question triumphantly asked — "How can you teach a man to plow or to hoe?" that is, " How can his practical skill be improved?" I contend that even in this narrow view, the mere application of labor, there is much to be learned. An English ditcher will dig three rods of ditch to your two, and do it better. An English plowman, taught with implements far inferior to yours, will strike a straighter and far more even furrow than you can. If a farmer's practical skill cannot be improved, he had better abandon the threshing machine and take up the flail, and had better resume the sickle for harvesting his grain. The average production of corn in Michigan is twentythree bushels per acre; of wheat, less than thirteen bushels per acre; 304 and of wheat, in Ontario, a model county in New York, fifteen bushels per acre. Now, if the practice is right, the farmer does not understand the true principles of culture. If his theory is right, then his practice is wrong. Probably theory and practice are both wrong, and there is room for vast improvement in both. In some of the old countries in Europe the wheat crop runs up to forty, fifty, and even seventy bushels per acre, and their average crop is nearer forty than thirty bushels per acre. The difference between thirteen bushels and thirty bushels per acre would make an annual gain to Michigan, during the next six years, of $10,000,000 at least. Have the wheat growers of Michigan nothing to learn? The exhaustion and deterioration of the soil has been estimated at ten cents per acre annually. There are about 130,000,000 acres of arable land in the United States. There must be a loss of $13,000,000 annually, therefore, mostly for want of practical skill in resuscitation of the land. The cultivated land of Michigan is 3,000,000 acres. The loss to Michigan, therefore, from this cause, is about $300,000 annually. This exhaustion of the soil is a great national, practical error and sin. Has the farmer nothing practically to learn? Pass along any great thoroughfare, and you will soon come to a farmer who yards his cattle in the public highway, wastes the manure which should fertilize his fields, and allows the public to thread their breakneck passage among them. The next, perhaps, feeds his corn whole, and loses a third of its nutriment. Another deprives his pigs of light, and their growth stops. Another allows pestilential gases, generated under his barn, to be inhaled by his stock. Another allows his cattle to drink out of mere mud holes, instead of pure water. Another allows his sheep in winter to go without any water at all. The next exposes his calves and colts to the wintry storms, thus arresting their growth, while it would absolutely cost less to keep them growing and housed. The next has, perhaps, not a fit tool to work with efficiency on his whole farm. Another sows poor or mixed seed, or not half enough, and as a consequence reaps half a crop. The next plows his land but three or four inches deep. He has little faith in deep plowing and thorough pulverization, but has full faith in the signs of the zodiac, the moon and luck. He believes in good luck while putting in the seed, and has a realizing sense of ill luck in harvesting, costly experience in both theory and practice. 305 I could extend this list of practical errors to an indefinite length. Such facts prove, that instead of less, the farmer has more to learn practically about his business than any other man in the world. In fact, one-third of the industry and energies of the farmers of our country, are literally wasted in consequence of ignorance, and defiance of all rules of thrift and economy. The same recklessness among men in other pursuits, would result in immediate bankruptcy and starvation. Some ten years ago the potato rot seized the staple aliment of the people of Ireland, and before a year had expired, a million of human beings fertilized her soil. The disease must be caused by a violation of some vital law of germination and growth of the potato. That violation, I have no doubt, can and ought to be discovered. Have the peasantry and landlords of Ireland nothing practically to learn? Several different insects commit ravages on the cotton plant. They fasten themselves upon it, at every stage of growth, from the germ to the boll. Has the cotton grower nothing to learn in arresting the ravages of these destructive pests? Several different insects infest the wheat fields of our country. They take it in all its various stages, and sweep a region like the locusts of Egypt. Have the wheat growers nothing to arrest and investigate in regard to this destructive enemy? A malady has been sweeping off the swine in a large portion of the middle and western States, designated after a fearful scourge of the human race, the Hog Cholera. The loss is estimated by millions of dollars. Whether caused by contagion, or whether it originates in some error of feeding, a law of the nutrition and growth of the animal is violated. Have the Hog growers nothing to learn? The idea that perfect farming consists only in aptness at labor and strength of muscle, is at war with true philosophy. The sailor before the mast splices a rope, steers the ship, or rows a boat with perfect skill. Hurled into the ocean, he rides the waves with composure, and is saved in countless exigencies, where a landsman would surely have perished. Tossed fearfully on the yard arm, amid the play of the lightnings, and sleet, and the tempest, he reefs the sail with imperturbed coolness.!Is he a perfect sailor? Oh no! Silent, thoughtful students are at work in the National Observatories at London and Washington, preparing the Nautical Almanac. Maps and Charts indicating the shoals and reefs and coasts are prepared for him at great expense and care. Prof. Maury 39 306 has published his Directions for taking advantage of the winds and currents. By all the aids, and appliances which science has furnished, the mariner can indicate upon the trackless ocean, almost the precise spot he occupies, and sleeps with composure and confidence. But is the profound scholar, from whose deductions the ship is worked, the perfect sailor.? Oh no! But the man who unites the highest practical aptness and skill in working the ship, with the scientific comprehension that enables him to use all the deductions of Nautical Science, he is the most perfect sailor. He may be found among the officers of the ship. The most perfect union of principles and practice constitute the sailor. What is the moral? Why, that in Agriculture, the most abundant knowledge of all known natural laws, and all applicable scientific principles, must conspire with the most perfect skill, aided by energy, industry, economy, Iemperance and health to make the most accomplished farmer. The difficulties which present themselves at tLe very threshold of this enterprise it will be well to consider. We have no guides, no precedents. We have to mark out the Course of Studies, and the whole discipline and policy to be followed in the administration of the Institution. There are numerous Agricultural Schools in Europe, but while an inspection would afford important vital suggestions, they would afford no models for us. The Schools in Europe, in the nature of the case, must for the present be designed for the stewards, factors, and hirers of the soil, who use the laborers as serfs and instruments. In this country the landlord, farmer or middle man, and laborer, are united in the same man, the lord of his own acres, and by necessity he must have an education, to suit his own fortunate condition. Again, the Institution commences here, almost in a virgin forest, to be subdued and subverted, before it becomes an instrument to maintain the self-sustaining character of the Institution, or a means of ample illustration. The labor and the appropriation must be largely bestowed, in creating what it is desirable that we should have at ready command. Thus the difficulties of putting this new enterprise in operation are enhanced, and the sphere of early usefulness greatly cramped. It would not be surprising if the already enlightened man, living on a long cultivated farm, or on a prairie garden, obtains few lessons from the first 307 practical results here. The almost famine that now exists in these regions in regard to provender for beasts, and exorbitant price of articles of human consumption, present a serious, though temporary obstacle, However great these early embarrassments, many vital principles can be taught constantly, and even in the early clearing and preparing a farm for further use. The want of a permanent endowment will act as a discouragement. In its infancy the Institution must rely on the caprice of successive Legislatures. The adoption of a permanent policy requires a stable and reliant support, that will carry it through adversity, regardless alike of the frowns or smiles of indifference, ignorance or malice. Friends and enemies will demand too much, and that too early. The acorn we bury to-day will not branch into a majestic oak to-morrow. The orchard we plant this year will not afford a harvest of fruit the next. The Institution itself, like the seeds, the plants, the trees, the breeds, the very implements which come under its ordeal, requires patience, wisdom, time, for trial and development. The plan of the Institution is foreshadowed, and partially defined, in the law of its organization. A system of instruction must now be adopted. It is proposed to take some of the youth of the State from the Common School, and give them thorough instruction in those natural sciences and practical arts which conspire to aid men in the cultivation of the earth. It is proposed to do for the farmer what West Point does for the soldier; what the recently established Scientific Schools of our country do for the machinist or engineer, or the Medical Course of studies does for the physician. For the Board of Education to proclaim now a fully matured plan is impossible. Experience may demand a different policy from what now seems imperative. What the chief features of the Institution must be, and what its comprehensive scope and capacities ought to be, can, however, be sufficiently indicated. Heretofore a vast majority of young men have been barred from the advantages of a collegiate education. Free tuition is here supplied. An ample homestead is generously furnished by the State, where it is the duty and the privilege of the student to be employed, not less than three nor more than four hours per day. The remuneration, after the 308 estate is subdued and rendered productive, ought chiefly to board th student, leaving but a few expenses incumbent upon him. All educational systems are faulty, aye, pernicious, that do not em brace physical health and development with intellectual culture. "A sound mind in a sound body" should be the aim and object. An amount of labor that will invigorate without fatiguing the system ought to be as profitable and exhilarating as it is necessary. At the outset we are met with the objection that all attempts at associating labor with the acquisition of knowledge, in seminaries of learning, have proved failures. Sometimes, however, the labor has been mere steady drudgery, in close appartments, and was illustrative of no truth. Sometimes labor has been permitted to a portion of the students, who thus elected to eke out their means, while a lager class of daily associates were entirely exempt. Tbus castes were created, where, of all the world, there should exist a warm and brotherly sympathy. That manual labor is incompatible with intellectual growth is contrary to philosophy and experience. Sedentary employment is much more likely to be so. Vigor of body gives vigor to the brain. In the Polytechnic Schools of Europe, and at the Military Academy at West Point, in our country, the student is often engaged in severe physical exercise for many hours daily. But there, culture of mind and body are indissolubly connected, and the exercise becomes, with many, the charm of their student life. Surely the labor that creates instead of destroys, and which causes the earth to bloom with luxuriance and beauty, and grown under its abundance, should be as captivating as that which is bestowed in reducing buchery to an exact science, and which recognizes occasional desolation of the earth, and wholesale destruction of the race, as a necessary and normal condition. How untenable these objections are is evinced by the fact that gymnastic exercises are established in many classical institutions. It is only when labor becomes productive that it ceases to be honorable, a preposterous idea, that needs to be exploded. There are scores of men whose distinction was acquired by mental application during hours snatched from avocations requiring the severest labors. The individuals who exhibit the finest physical and mental combination are the soldier, the navigator, the merchant, the engineer, and but occasionally the professional man and the farmer. Generally 309 the professional man is exhausted by too severe devotion to mental labor, while the farmer suffers from the want of educational advantages. Our countryman, Dr. Bowditch, whose name is imperishably enrolled by the side of those of La Place and Herschel, was all his life engaged in severe and apparently engrossing business. Elihu Burritt made his greatest acquisitions while yet at his anvil. Ask any graduate of the University, who has acquired distinction, and he will tell you that the acquisitions of his four collegiate years are insignificant, compared with those made amid severe and engrossing labors, bodily and intellectual, of his subsequent life. Labor, in fact, is the doom of man, and intellectual culture the incident. But if manual labor has failed in all other Colleges, it ought not to fail here, where it is inseparably connected with the acquisition of knowledge. Thus allied, the employment should be a charm instead of a drudgery. Practical labor in this Institution is the vital, cementing, invigorating influence, that will give it dignity, and, it is hoped, complete success. In former times the tiller of the soil was as little capable of thought as the brute he drove before him. He was brother to the clod he turned into the furrow. In fact, he was called a clod-hopper, a villain, a serf. But all this should be reversed. All nature teems with objects of beauty, and rational study, to a cultivated mind, rendered capable of appreciation of her charms. The great poet and prophet of our mother tongue, long before modern science had showered a flood of light on the subject, found " Sermons in stones, books in the running brooks, And good in every thing." An Agricultural Library should be gathered here, more perfect than any which the country now affords. All knowledge relative to the Agriculture of the past, and its history, its progress, and its condition in modern states, should be accessible to the students. The library should embrace a wide range of science, law, literature, history, philosophy, medicine, &c. The application of science to the pursuits of the farmer and the mechanic, afford apt and conclusive illustration of the kindred and mutually dependent nature of all industry and all science. The Library should, therefore, be a noble and a comprehensive one. The subject commends itself to liberal citizens, whose public spirit may 310 prompt theim to promote this part of the enterprise by voluntary contributions. A Museum of Models of Agricultural Implements, domestic and foreign, should be preserved. The crude implements of past times, and of other countries, and those used by the most benighted toilers of the present age, should be collated, side by side with the ingenious, light, and graceful implements of our own era and country. Inventors, it is hoped, will take pride and satisfaction in depositing models of their inventions. As far as possible, models of machinery and tools used in the mechanic arts may be superadded. A Chemical and Philosophical Laboratory, second to but few in the country, is already obtained as an indispensable aid, even at the very commencement of the Institution. Cabinets of Natural Science should be collected, and illustrative specimens of the mineral and vegetable kingdoms, especially of the State of Michigan. Few States are more opulent in mineral resources than our own. Specimens of Animals, Birds, Fishes and Insects, should be preserved, especially of all animals and insects that either destroy our crops or infest domestic animals and fowls, that the student may have ample opportunities to study their nature and habits, and if possible discover means to arrest their ravages, and effect their extirpation. If Agriculture has not become, as it ought to be, a great central Science, which all other sciences should aid to enlarge and promote, certainly Horticulture deserves to rank as one of the Fine Arts. The Institution will embrace, therefore, a Horticultural Garden. Here the student may acquire knowledge, without being exposed to vexatious and expensive experiments, of the most delicious varieties of fruits, which our climate and soil will yield. He may study the destructive agents, such as the pear blight, the curculio, the canker worm, and the numerous parasitical insects that infest our vegetable gardens and orchards. An impressive lesson will constantly present itself, of how tasteful and attractive a homestead may be rendered at a trifling cost. Ripe fruit is a rare luxury; it is conducive to health; it may be a source of great profit. The garden itself will afford living, growing, gorgeous illustrations for scientific examination. The FARM of nearly seven hundred acres, expands around us. This 311 is the great central feature, the novel idea in an educational system on this continent. The tract possesses great natural capacities. The counterpart of almost every kind of land comprehended within the State, except the prairie, is embraced within its boundaries. Whoever supposes that the estate is to be used merely to test the vagaries of every wild visionary, is entirely mistaken. First and foremost, it is the instrumentality by which the students can earn a portion of their education, and in the meantime ought to afford a perpetual example, of what high intelligence in the laborer, obedience in the natural laws, and the most thrifty culture, will produce. To test various modes of cultivation, the effect of rotation of crops, the economy of labor-saving implements, the relative qualities of manures, the results of judicious draining, the relative productiveness of seeds, vegetables and fruits, and the characteristics, uses and value of various breeds of stock-to observe critically the nature of diseases to both animal and vegetable life, a far wider field is afforded on a farm of seven hundred acres, than on a small, perhaps isolated homestead, or on farms of any extent, devoted to single or peculiar branches of culture. Thousands of farmers, sanguine of success, refrain from trials which their judgment approves, because they cannot afford the risk. If they run all the hazards, success will enure to the benefit of the whole community. If they fail, the same community hoot at them in derision. But here, trials can be made in entire independence of these considerations, and habits of comparison and discrimination may be acquired, of priceless benefit in subsequent life. A farmer has made a great stride towards success, who actually knows the best from extended observation, and who has become a connoisseur in all that pertains to his calling. The innumerable advantages, indeed, of the estate, as an instrument, a means, an ever open volume of philosophy, constantly unfolding its lessons, it is impossible to enumerate. The question spontaneously comes to the lips of even friends, " What, Course of Instruction is proposed to improve the farmer?" Here, again, details must be conformed to experience. First, we would begin with the farmer himself. It has been aptly said, that the only part of European agriculture that had not been improved, was the man himself who tilled the soil. Now, there is where we ought to begin. The farmer ought first to be a sound man, physically. He should be taught the laws on which his own life and health 312 depend. He should have capacity for thought and action. Morally, physically, intellectually, he must be a man, before he can be a farmer. A farmer is a citizen, obliged to bear his portion of public burdens, amenable to the laws, and in a humbler or a wider range, may become an exponent of society. He should be able to execute, therefore, the duties of even highly responsible stations, with self-reliance and intelligence. The constitutions of the Union and of his State, he should comprehend, and the laws and forms relative to township and county officers and their duties. He should be qualified to keep farm accounts, draught ordinary instruments, survey his farm, and level for drains or highways. His native language should be a flexible instrument at his command, which he should speak and write with ease and vigor, that he may impress and instruct others, avert mischief or inculcate truth. A man moved by earnest reflection or deep emotion, should have capacity to give them utterance and force in his mother tongue. The prophets and leaders among men, are those who impress themselves on all around them. These are incidents, yet necessary, though not original and primary objects of the Institution. A farmer should be a chemist, so far as a comprehension of the principles which affect his daily life and business is concerned. He may not be an analytic chemist, but he should be familiar with those laws, the observance of which is indispensable to safety and success, and the defiance of which is destruction. When you make a loaf of bres.d, or a pound of butter, or a barrel of soap, or burn a coal-pit, or make a hot-bed in the garden, or ignite a friction match, or snap a percussion cap, or light a gas-burner, you are playing with the most startling chemical laws. The extent of a man's acquirements in chemistry must depenal on his taste and aptness, but all should be familiar with those ordinary laws which affect and penetrate our daily and hourly business and life, in country and city, within doors and without. This science teaches the value, qualities, nature and application of manures. The question of fertilization or sterilization of the earth is here involved. A periodical renovation of the soil is not only the base of agricultural success, but in fact of all political economy. How vast the difference between leaving the value of fertilizers to mere vague conjecture, or making them the subject of positive analysis and actual demonstration, under the bands of the chemist. 313 Physiology opens a wide field of study to the farmer, for on the observance of its laws depend the life, health and growth of all animal -and vegetable nature. A violation of those laws results in decay and,ruin; obedience to these meets with sure reward; defiance to those laws is the ill luck of poor farmers; observance of them is the good luck of the opposite class. This science teaches that it is a law of growth that like produces like, the best produces the best, in vegetable life, and the soundest and most symmetrical of animals only perpetuate a like progeny, and that it is actually cheaper to raise a good crop, a good ox, or horse, or sheep, than a poor one. Embraced in this study are the wide questions of adaptation of food, its amount, quality, preparation, to the nature and structure of animals. A farmer should receive instruction in the Veterinary Art from competent instructors, and when the Institution is brought to something like maturity, the farmers of the whole country should be invited to bring their diseased animals together, that they and the student may derive reciprocal advantage from treatment under skilled hands. Entomology, the science relating to insects, is worthy of the farmer's attention. As the telescope has brought within the scope of vision unnumbered worlds,so deeply buried in the regions of space that imagination hardly dares to wander there, so the microscope has penetrated in the other direction, and revealed objects too minute for ordinary vision. Entomology is almost a creature of the microscope. Each drop of water is peopled with animalcule. Vegetation is covered with myriads,of minute life. Insects sometimes blight, blast, and sweep with desolation, great regions of country, destroying fruits and crops. Other parasites, equally innumerable, infest the skins of animals, penetrating the surface, and impairing the vital functions of the victims. Observations of insects, their nature, habits and operations, from the larvee, or eggs, to full maturity, would be of great utility. In cases of the periodical return of these destructive pests, if hundreds of observers could systematically work together, results of value to the world might be arrived at. Two years ago the wheat midge swept off millions of bushels of wheat in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. Had there been a known remedy, a sum would have been saved in a single year large enough to endow perpetually fifteen Institutions like this. Such is the importance of 40 314 searching investigation on this subject. I have no doubt that the day will come when the ravages of many insects will be averted. A knowledge of the principles of Natural Philosophy, as illustrated in mechanism, the laws of motion, a comprehension of the laws and uses of the wonderful motive agencies of the age, and of electricity and magnetism, the best methods of construction, and relative economy of materials, open further unbounded ranges of useful study and inquiry to the farmer. Thus the field of research for the farmer has no boundary. New subjects, each in itself sufficient to engross years, constantly crowd upon the attention. The difficulty will be only in the selection. Master all human knowledge on the subject, and yet the greatest truths remain unfathomed. Do you understand any of those influences and affinities by which a plant germinates and grows? Do you understand the process by which a single flower blooms? Do you understand how the clover, vivified by the genial influences of light and heat, gathers from the earth and the air, the rains and the dews, contributions that make up the growth, and restored to the earth, renovate its exhausted condition? These occult mysteries are beyond your comprehension. The growth of a single spire of vegetation confounds your wisdom as much as the existence of these nebulae of worlds, whose light travels thousands of years to reach our planet. His creations are so brilliant and startling that two centuries since a chemist would have been hung for a wizard, yet all his analyses and recombinations are but soap bubbles compared with the silent and mysterious operations of Nature's great Laboratory, all around us and beneath our feet, which clothe the earth with beauty, people it with myriad swarms of animal life, and feed and clothe a thousand millions of human beings. Nature hugs within her bosom her most vital lessons, undivulged. The Newtons and Keplers of Agriculture are yet to appear. The contemplation of these facts should awe us to humility. The chief end and object in educating the farmer is to teach him to subordinate himself, and all animal and vegetable life around him, to those inexorable laws, moral and physical, the violation of which meets with swift retribution. A farmer should perpetually bear in mind that one generation of men hold the earth in trust for the next. We are all linked indissolubly 315 to the past by obligations of gratitude, and to the future by the glowing aspirations of hope. Without the recognition by preceding generations of the ties of dependence and affiliation, we could pluck no fruit from the orchards planted a century ago. The delicious peach would have been a bitter almond. We should witness none of that perfection in crops which supply sustenance for the nations, nor in the flocks which whiten the plains, nor the cattle upon a thousand hills. The triumph of philanthropy, as well as of genius, would have been wanting to relieve the sad and terrific history of our race, with its few charming and creditable pages. It is said that in Spain, when a man eats a fruit he digs a hole in the ground with his heel, and plants the pit or seed by the road side. He-thus pays to posterity the debt he owes to his ancestry. Accordingly, along the highways of Spain the traveler is gratuitously supplied with fruit. Here is an illustration of how trifling and well-directed acts serve to hold, by close bonds of sympathy, successive generations of men, and how easily the comforts of industry and civilization are promoted. A great advantage of such Colleges as this will be that a farmer will learn to observe, learn to think, learn to learn. Men engaged in other callings have constant communion and collision with each other. In the avocations of the city men are in a constant school. The farmer, isolated and engrossed with labor, feels not the avantage of constant discussion and observation. That discouragment will be partially neutralized here. Three or four years of study, intercourse and discussion, amid the accessories and aids which such an Institution ought to afford, will surely tend both to enlighten and to fit the mind fior further comprehension and acquirement. When the bigotry that clings to traditionary errors and practices is superseded by a bold and comprehensive spirit of inquiry, the farmer has a new world opened before him. Every man who acquires thoroughly, even all the information attainable in a College like ours, should become a perpetual teacher and example in his own vicinity. Thus one of the grand results should be a far wider dissemination of vital Agricultural knowledge. With superior intelligence and a pervading economy of methods, less labor and less time to produce equal results, need be employed in manual toil The legitimate, though perhaps remote, results of enlightening the whole Agricultural population is, that leisure will be afforded for 316 still wider individual improvement, and a guaranty of a far larger share of earnings to individual comfort and enjoyment. Thus the tendency of such enterprises is toward a higher civilization. I have little fear of ultimate failure. If one Institution of this kind should languish, the indications are numerous that the auspicious moment will arrive when success will be achieved. Where a great need is felt and appreciated simultaneously over a great country, it is merely a question of time, when it shall be successfully met. But there must be a tolerant and hearty co-operation of the people of the State and its functionaries, of the successive students, and of the officers of government and instruction, to whom so sacred a trust is confided. On the great voyage of human progress the channel is strewn with wrecks, which serve as beacons to warn succeeding voyagers from the shoals on every side. As to this youthful State belongs the honor of establishing the pioneer State Institution of the kind, and initiating what may prove one of the significant movements of the age, may she enjoy the glory of its complete and ultimate triumph. After the conclusion of the Address of Mr. Williams, His Excellency, KINSLEY S. BINGIIAM, Governor of the State, then addressed the as-sembly as follows: Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Board of Education: The people of the State of Michigan have acquired honorable distinction for their zeal and success in the cause of Education. Even before they had assumed the powers of a sovereign State, under a Territorial government, with but a few thousand inhabitants, they had a perfectly organized educational system, with their township School Inspector, and School Commissioners, a Superintendent of Public Instruction, and laws imposing the severest penalty for any waste or destruction upon the lands wisely reserved by Congress for the purposes of Education. So when, nearly a quarter of a century ago, the people assembled to form a State Constitution, preparatory to admission into this great Confederacy, they incorporated into that Constitution a provision that " the Legislature shall encourage, by all suitable means, the promo. tion of intellectual, scientific, and agricultural improvement." And they declared that the proceeds of all lands granted by the United 317 States for the support of schools should remain a perpetual fund, the interest of which should be inviolably appropriated to the support of schools throughout the State. Provision was also made for a permanent fund for the support of a University. These judicious and timely measures have been faithfully adhere I to and enforced. Among the first acts of State legislation was the organization of an educational system, consisting of a complete and thorough establishment of Primary Schools throughout the State, the founding of a University, embracing in the ample scope of its design, nothing less than furnishing to all the inhabitants of the State " the means of acquiring a thorough knowledge of the various branches of Literature, Science, and the Arts." Numerous Professorships were established in all the ordinary college studies, as well as in departments of law and medicine. A department of State Government was also established for the sale and control of the lands, out of which a fund was to be created for the maintenance and support of these institutions. These incipient steps so wisely taken at the formation of our State Government, have been crowned with eminent success. The University is completely organized, and in successful operation. We have a Normal School for the education of teachers, of which our State may justly feel proud. The Primary and Union Schools, greatly improved and improving, draw within their influence nearly every one of the rising generation. Collegiate Institutions, both for male and female, sustained by private enterprise, have sprung up in various parts of the State. Michigan stands, to-day, very far in advance of any of her western sister States, not only in the high standard of public sentiment which maintains her system of education, and in the thoroughness of its organization, but in the judicious management of the means by which a fund has been created for their support. Yet, notwithstanding the system of education seemed so complete, a deep-seated and universal feeling prevailed throughout the State, that the great staple, Agricultural Interest, was neglected; that while Professorships had been very properly established to teach Astronomy, Civil Engineering,'Medicine, and Law, we needed a school expressly adapted for the farmers' sons, to teach the ennobling science of Agriculture. This prevailing sentiment prompted the Convention of 1850, for the revision of the Constitution, to engraft upon that instrument a provision that, as soon as practicable, the Legislature shall provide for the estab 318 lishment of an Agricultural School. That "practicable" period, in the opinion of the Legislature of 1855, had arrived, and they passed ~an act appropriating the twenty-two sections of Salt Spring Lands, referred to in the Constitution, and authorized the Executive Committee of the State Agricultural Society, in conjunction with the Board of Education, to select and purchase the farm for the location of the School. This dutv has been happily and satisfactorily performed. A valuable tract of land, of nearly seven hundred acres, has been purchased; very desirable on account of its location-three miles east of the Capitalthe variety and quality of its soil, its fine timber, the beautiful springs and rivulets by which it is watered, and the noble river which passes through it. Through the well directed efforts of the Board of Education, who are entitled to a vote of thanks of the people of the State, these noble structures have been raised, and these improvements have been made. Professors in the various branches of education have been selected, and to-day, under the most favorable auspices, we have assembled to inaugurate the commencement of the Michigan Agricultural College. Gentlemen, if this experiment (for such we must admit it at present to be) shall prove successful, Michigan, first in many other matters of progress and improvement, will be justly entitled to the high honor of having first established a College to teach the theory and practice of Agriculture. This interesting event, then, inspiring us with hopes of promise for the future, is cause for mutual congratulation. It is not my intention to discuss at any length the benefits which the people of this State are to derive from the establishment of this Institution. This has already been alluded to with great ability. Man derives his sustenance from the soil; and the progress of a people in civilization, in refinement, intelligence and wealth, is marked by the skill with which the earth is tilled. No country can flourish long, or maintain its moral or physical health,' where Agriculture is neglected or degraded. The amount of a farmer's sales, and his purchases, will depend upon the surplus products of his farm, and upon the profits of his labor. If these can be doubled by an improved system of husbandry, we double the substantial wealth of the community, and impart corresponding life and activity to every other branch of business. One of the highest objects to be attained by the establishment of an 319 Agricultural College, is to elevate and dignify the character of labor. This can only be attained by an increased amount of knowledge, by making the laborer intelligent, by diffusing the light of science all around the pathway of the husbandman, so that an active, enlightened thought shall accompany the hand in guiding the plow, and in all the various operations of the field. In Europe, the people are divided into classes by the accident of birth —crowns and rank, distinction and wealth, are hereditary-labor is degraded, and the laborer is ignorant, superstitious and poor. In those countries where it is most degraded, we find the greatest national weakness and decay. Spain, Portugal, and Italy, are illustrations of this fact. In the Southern States of our own country, the labor is performed by African slaves, and it is deemed the policy of their masters to hold them in the most profound ignorance, and to guard against any approach of knowledge towards their dark minds by the severest legislative prohibitions. It is deemed disgraceful and degrading for a white man to labor. The dreadful consequences which naturally flow from this degradation of labor are made apparent when we contrast the growth and prosperity, in the elements of national wealth, of Virginia with New York, of Kentucky with Ohio, of Missouri with Illinois, or of Arkansas with Michigan. I flatter myself, therefore, that I trench upon no improper ground, when I say that the interests of this nation, its wealth, its strength, its perpetuity, demand that the labor of tLe country shall be free labor, guided by intelligence and skill, and that the laborer should be made the equal, in respectability and position, of any other class of community. General Washington, the Father of his country, whose name should always be mentioned with veneration and gratitude, was known to be an intelligent and practical farmer. His tastes for rural life were refined and cultivated, and his beautiful seat on the banks of the Potomac, attracted the admiration of all who visited that delightful spot. He left his dying testimony in favor of free labor by the emancipation of all his slaves; but his estate, falling into the hands of his heirs, has been cultivated ever since by slave labor. A few days since, in the month of June, I visited that venerable plantation, with a curious eye, to see how its farming operations were conducted. I need hardly assure you, for it is but a type of Virginia, that all over its hundreds of beautiful and once productive acres, there were the evidences of dilapidation and decay. It was farm 320 ed upon the exhaustive principle. No manure, no clover, no rotation of crops, had found their way into the management of that estate. When a field could produce no longer, it was turned out to rest. It was just the beginning of harvest. The wheat, though small, yielding: not more than five or six bushels to the acre, was a beautiful plump berry, indicating what a Virginia soil might produce, with efficient and proper tillage. Turning my attention to one of the shops on the farm,. I saw an old negro repairing the rude implements, preparatory to entering the harvest; but none of the highly improved modern farm implements were there. The light and easy cradle, the handsomely turned three-tined pitchfork, the light, bright hoe and handy rake, were wanting-everything was clumsy, and rude, and old-fashioned. The neces — sary consequence of this was, that not one-fourth the amount of labor was accomplished, nor one-fourth the amount of production obtained from the estates upon which repose the ashes of Washington, that might have been, if modern improvement, intelligence and skill, had been introduced into its management. When I witnessed all this, I felt proud, of Michigan-of the advance which her agriculturists had made, of the. comforts and improvements which are everywhere visible, and of thecharacter of her intelligent and independent yeomanry. Formerly, farming was considered a business requiring mere physical' power, with which the principles of natural science had little or nothing to do. To plow, to sow, and to gather the crop, was the general routine' of farming operations, regardless of the poverty which the practice was, inflicting upon the soil, and upon those who owned it. But science and art are now uniting their labors, and are drawing mutual aid from each, other on the farm, as they have for some time been doing in the manufactory and in the shop of the artisan. A new era is dawning upon the vision of the farmer-new light is illumining his path, and a new interest and new pleasures are urging him on to improvement. Hisintellect comes to the aid of his hands; and he traces effects to their causes, searches for the reason of his failures and disappointments, familiarizes himself with the operations of nature, and devises improve. ments in his art, his interest is increased, his profits are greatly enhanced,. and he appreciates the full dignity of his chosen pursuit. Science is probably capable of rendering more important aid to husbandry than, to any other branch of labor, and presents a wider field of useful study to the cultivator of the soil, than to any other class of society. 321 If this be true, how great is the opportunity, young gentlemen, which is afforded you-an opportunity for which your fathers might have sighed in vain-for it is nothing less than a free education for one of the noblest callings of man. It is hoped that by resorting to this College for your education, you will acquire a high sense of the dignity and respectability of labor. It is no uncommon thing for young men to leave other institutions of learning, with a distaste and a dislike for work-with their physical constitutions enervated, their usefulness impaired, and their days shortened by severe mental application. We trust that your labor here, will aid in securing for you a strong, vigorous, healthy physical development-that your industry will be so directed, as to make labor pleasant and inviting-that your tastes will be refined and your thoughts purified-that instead of the uncertainty and the guess work which has hitherto controlled farming operations, you will go to your occupation with a confidence which correct knowledge gives-that you will derive great pleasure by the aid of chemistry, in discovering the substances which enter into the composition of the animal and vegetable system-in determining the comparative value of the different articles of food-what is necessary to produce fat, and what bone and muscle-in the scientific investigation of the changes which take place in the seed-bearing plants, in the different stages of their growth-of the nature and character of soils, and of their capacity to produce the various kinds of crops. These are the fields of study to which you are invited, and your Professors will unite with you in making experiments which will lead to correct conclusions. And we also trust, that in investigating and demonstrating the beautiful and wonderful laws of nature, you will be led to admire the wisdom of that great and good Being, who ordained these laws and endowed us with faculties to discover and so control them, as to promote the happiness and well-being of our race. Mr. President, and Gentlemen Professors, you need no lesson of instruction in your duties from me. The wisdom which has prompted your selection, and the motive which has induced you to accept these honorable positions, is a sure guaranty that the young men placed under your instruction will be reared to become men of thought, and men of action; that you will instill into their minds, both by precept and practice, a proper sense of the dignity and respectability of labor; that 41 322 you will teach them that the employment which subjects them to the least temptation to depart from strict rectitude of conduct, is an honorable employment; that it will bring them comfort, and competence, and the smiles of an approving conscience; that they will here learn that habits of industry will promote purity of morals, and that purity of morals and purity of life is the only guaranty to usefulness and happiness. Thus, with the liveliest anticipations, and highest hopes of success, we welcome the FREE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE among the institutions of learning of the State of Michigan, and bid it God speed. Long may it flourish, an honor to its founders, and an honor to the State. The audience were greatly indebted to Mr. JosEPHi MILLS, for the presence of a voluntary Choir from Lansing, who sung Mrs. OsGooD's " Song of Labor," set to appropriate music by Mr. H. INGERSOLL; a portion of WHITTIXR'S "Seed Time and Harvest," and the following original ode, by I. M. CRYAVATH, of Lansing: ODE. BY I. M. CRAVATH. Hark! hark! bark! Tiller of the earth! Thy day of triumph's come! Science now owns thy worth, And builds with thee her home. Lo! at the gate of her temple she stands, Thy sons she bids enter its walls and behold Her search out the secrets of earth, till its sands, Dissolved by her touch, are transformed into gold. Hail to thee! hail! child of toil! Shall Science forsake thee? No, never! We pledge thee her heart and her hand, And this, her fair Temple, forever! 323 Hark! hark! hark! From the distant field Is heard the plowman's song! The soil now its wealth shall yieldFrom his efforts hidden long. Labor shall here learn how potent the charms For her are wrought out in this classical shade, And Learning, well pleased with this Model of Farms, Shall take for her emblems the plow and the spade! Hail to thee! hail! child of toil! Shall Science forsake thee? No, never! We pledge thee her heart and her hand, And this, her fair Temple, forever! The parting benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Mr. MOORE. GENERAL INFORMATION. Since the Institution was opened, inquiries of the Faculty have been very numerous. It is proposed to embody such general informationu as seems to be demanded, in reply: ADMISSION. The terms prescribed to the first class of Students received, were that they should pass a good examination in the branches embraced in a Common School Education, viz.: Arithmetic, Geography, Grammar, Reading, Spelling, and Penmanship. Numerous applications for admission have been made from other States. By reference to the law of organization, it will be perceived. that the privileges of the Institution are not extended to citizens of, other States. The accommodations at present furnished by the State are limited,. being for about eighty students only. TERM TIME AND COURSE OF STUDIES. The Summer Term commences on the first Wednesday in April, and terminates on the last Wednesday in October. The Winter Term commences on the first Wednesday of December, and terminates on the last Wednesday of February. At an early day it will be determined what will constitute the Full Course of Studies, which will entitle the Student to a Diploma: It will probably embrace four years, and the Examinations will be thorough in the Branches of Education named in the law, as well as other subsidiary branches. An ample Chemical Laboratory has been purchased by the Professor of Chemistry, inferior to few in the country, and instruction in that Science will be thorough and practical. 326 Ample instruction will be given in the Natural Sciences. The Course of Mathematics will be comprehensive. The application of Science to the business and arts of life, will be,practically illustrated in the field and the Lecture Room, especially ~where it bears upon Agriculture. Instruction in Ancient and Modern Languages is not included as an object of the Institution. A thorough English education is deemed indispensable, including Rhetoric, History, Moral and Intellectual Philosophy, Political Economy,;the elements of Constitutional Law, &c., &c. A nucleus of a Library already exists in voluntary contributions of a few hundred volumes. It is designed to connect a Reading Room with the Library. EXPENSES AND LABOR. The Tuition is free. The Students labor, at present, three hours per day. The maximum rate of wages allowed is ten cents, and the minimum five cents per hour, according to age, capacity and fidelity. Board will be charged at cost, not exceeding, however, Two Dollars:and Fifty Cents per week. It is a subject of regret, that the exorbitant ruling prices of all articles of consumption will make the board high during the first term of the Institution. The wages allowed each Student will be fixed, and the cost of board,computed, on the third Wednesday of June of the current year for the Summer Term, and thereafter on the third Wednesday of July for the Summer Term, and the third Wednesday of January for the Winter Term. The balance will be struck at those times with each Student, which must be paid by the Student, his parent or guardian, within two weeks from those dates respectively, when the balance is against him, or he will forfeit further privileges in the Institution. In case the Institution is indebted to the Student, the balance will be settled in the same manner. RULES AND REGULATIONS. There will be Chapel exercises every morning, and Religious Services every Sunday, at the Institution, the Clergymen of Lansing officia-;ting in rotation. 327 Students will not be allowed to absent themselves from the vicinity, unless by permission. Spirituous liquors will not be allowed upon the premises. The use of tobacco will be discouraged. Exact conformity to the hours of study and labor will be required. The Steward and his family, and one of the Professors, reside in the Boarding House, and the rules of decorum and propriety observed in private families will be enforced. TO INVENTORS, SCIENTIFIC MEN, PUBLISHERS, &C. It is proposed to collect a Museum of MODELS OF AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, and kindred Inventions in the Mechanic Arts. Inventors are, therefore, urgently requested to forward to the Institution, models or samples of their Inventions. It is believed that this would prove an effective method of promoting the use of valuable implements. Antique Specimens of implements, if forwarded, will be preserved as curious illustrations of progress in this department of invention. It is proposed to form, as soon as possible, Cabinets of Geological, Mineralogical, Botanical, Zoological, Entomological and Ornithological Specimens, and Men of Science are requested to promote the object. Agricultural and Statistical Periodicals, furnished by the Publishers, will be bound, and preserved in volumes in the Library. State Boards of Agriculture, and Agricultural Societies, are requested to furnish their printed Transactions to the Library. Publishers of works on Agriculture are requested to furnish copies to the Library. REMARKS. At the opening of the Institution, a SYSTEM OF LABOR, and a SysTEM OF INSTRUCTION must be adopted, and they must be harmonized with each other. The Faculty will be embarrassed, at present, by the fact that the Professors, except one, are compelled to reside at Lansing, whereas the well being of the Institution requires their constant presence. In the absence of residences near the spot, the Board of Education have resolved to build four cheap Farm Cottages on the estate, which will be occupied by the Faculty on such terms as shall be prescribed by that Board. The Farm being almost entirely in a state of nature, a very large 328 amount of the labor of Students must at first be bestowed where it will yield little immediate profit. Had the Institution possessed a large tract of arable land, at the commencement, the earlier results would be far more profitable than they can now prove. REPORTS OF COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES, FOR THE YEAR 1856. BERRIEN COUNTY. (FFICE OF BERRIEN Co. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, t Niles, December 10, 1856. J. C. HOLMES, ESQ., Sec'y Mich. State Agricultural Society: SIR —The Sixth Annual Fair of this Society was held at Niles, on the 8th, 9th and 10th days of October last. The following List of Premiums was offered for competitors: H ORSE S. STALLIONS. Best stallion, $5 00 2d "............ 3 00 Best 3 years old stallion, 3 00 2d best 3 ".2...... 2 00 Best 2 it"......... -... 2 00 2d best "- 1 00 Best I.. 2 00 2d best " 1 00 MARES. Best brood mare and foal,_... $3 00 2d best " " 2 00 Best 3 years old mare, -.-.-.-.-.-... 3 00 2d best 3 " 2 00 Best 2 " -—..-2 00 2d best 2 " 1 00 Best yearling mare,.-.-. 2 00 2d best." 1 00 332 GELDINGS. Best 3 years old gelding,.. - -- $3 00 2d best.. -2 00 Best 2 " 2 00 2d best "..... 1 00 MATCHED HORSES. Best span matched carriage horses, - $3 00 2d best $ " 2 00 Best span working horses, - - -- 4 00 2d best " --- - - 3 00.3d best 2 00 Best span matched mares,.-.-. 3 00 2d best " 2 00 Best span matched 3 years old geldings, - 2 00 Best " 3 " mares, 2 00 Best broke saddle horse,.2 00 2d " I 00 Best broke horse in single harness,.2 00 2d best " ". 1 00 Committee —Wm. Graves, M. Hand, S. S. Dodge. CATTLE. NATIVES AND GRADES. Best bull over 2 years old,-. $3 00 2d best " 2 a 2 00 Best 2 years old bull,. - 2 00 2d best 2 ". 1 00 Best yearling bull, I 00 Best bull calf, 1 00 Best milch cow over 3 years old, - 3 00 2d best " 3 ". —......- 2 00 3d best " 3 I 00 Best 2 years old heifer,.2 00 2d best 2 " I 00 Best 1 year old heifer, -. — 1 00 Best heifer calf,...... 1 00 333 Best pair matched working oxen, $5 00 2dbest " -" 3 00 Best pair matched 4 years old steers, 3 00 2d best " 4 "... 2 00 Best " 3 -- 3 00 2d best " 3' 1 00 Best " 2 " 2 00 Best " 1 1 00 Best pair fat oxen,............... 3 00 DURHAMS. Best bull over 3 years old, — *.. -.- $5 00 2d best " 3 "- - 3 00 Best bull 2 years old, -2 00 2d " 2 " 2 00 Best bull 1 year old,. 4 00 2d " 1 " 3 00 Best bull calf,. 3 00 2d ". 2 00 Best milch cow, -. 3 00 2d ".. 00 Best heifer 2 years old, 2 00 2d " 2 "c 1 00 Best heifer 1 year old,.-.-. — --.. 3 00 calf, -2 00 DETONS. Best bull over 3 years old,..*.... $5 00 2d " 3 ".... 3 00 Best bull over 2 years old, - - 3 00 2d " 2 " 2 00 Best bull over 1 year old,. 2 00 2d " 1 " -- 1 00 Best bull calf,..-. 1 00 Best milch cow over 3 years old, -.-.................... 4 00 2d best "' 3 " —-- ---- 3 00 3d best " 3..... 2 00 334 Best heifer 2 years old,.... $3 00 2d" 2 " 2 00 Best yearling, 2 00 Best heifer calf,............ 1 00 Committee-James Aldricb, Winm. S. Farmer, A. L. Burk. SHEEP. FRENCH MERINOS. Best buck,........ $1 00 Best 5 ewes,. 2 00 Best 6 buck lambs, - 2 00 SPANISH MERINOS. Best buck, $ 2 00 Best 4 ewes, -2 00 Best 5 buck lambs, -- 2 00 FRENCH AND SPAISH. Best buck,. —*$....................... 2 00 Best 5 ewes,... -. - - - 2 00 Best 5 buck lambs, -2 00 PAULLER MERINOS. Best buck, —............. $2 00 Best 5 ewes,-. 2 00 Best 5 buck lambs,.. - -5 00 BAKEWELL. Best buck, —.. —---—..... —— $ 2 00 Best 5 ewes, 2 00 Best 5 buck lambs,. 1 00 CROSS OF KINDS-MEDIUM WOOL. Best buck, -. *.... —------ $2 00 Best 5 ewes, 2 00 Best buck lambs,.. _. 2 00 Committee-Winm. Walton, Nathan Fitch, J. Ballard. 335 SWINE. Best boar over 1 year old,...............- $3 00Best sow over 1 " 3 00 Best boar pig less than 10 months old, 1 00 Best sow over 4 montlas and less than 10, 2 00 Best breeding sow with not less than 6 pigs, 5 00 2d best boar over 1 year old,.-.-..i..... 2 00 2d best boar pig over 4 months and less than one year old,.-.. 2 00 2d best sow over 1 year old,. 2 00 2d best breeding sow with not less than 6 pigs, - 3 00 Committee-H. Coolidge, A. Hoag, M. Boss. POULTRY. Best pair of Shanghais, $0 50 it Cochin Chinas, -.. 50 ".Polands,.- - - 50 Large Common, 50 a' Crested Ducks, 50;' Wild Geese,. - -i 50 " White " -... 50 " GGrey " 50 " Malays, 50 " Chittagongs,............. 50 Dorkings,................................ 50i Bantams,................................ 60 Common Ducks,. —-..................... 50 Best Black Turkeys, -- 50 " White -— 50 " Yellow " -50 exhibition of poultry by one person, 1 00 Committee-H. Sisson, Charles F. Howe, B. C. Hoyt. FIELD CROPS. Best yield of one acre winter wheat, $3 00 "I ~' spring wheat,- 3 00 " " rye,-.......................... 2 00 336 Best yield of one acre barley,.-* $2 00 " oats,-'. 2 00 " "' peas,.-. 2 00 " corn, - 2 00 " " clover seed, 2 00 ((" " timothy seed,.................... 3 00 The ground to be correctly measured, and a statement made in writing, at the time of entry, of the quantity of seed to the acre, the kind of soil, and the kind and quantity of manure used. A sample of the crop must be on exhibition, if the crop is secured. The premiums will be awarded by the committee. Best sample (not less than 1 bushel) of winter wheat,. $0 50 "I CC 1" spring wheat,.-. 50 "u i s " oats-. - - 50 ((" " " " white beans,.-...... 50 " " " "corn, 50 ci" " "rye, 50 " barley,...-..... 50,. ",(,," clover seed,....... 50' ts is cc" timothy seed,...... 50 Commit tee-Frederick Howe, Jesse Helmick, D. S. Rector. VEGETABLES. Best bushel of potatoes,.............. $0 50 " 12 flat turnips,.................................. 50 " 12 parsneps,.. 50 "12 sugar beets,. 50 " 12 blood beets,.-............. 50 "2 pumpkins, for feeding stock, -50 " 2 " for domestic use, 50 " peck top onions from seed,..... 50 " peck sweet potatoes,........ 50 " half peck garden beans,.......................... 50 " variety of potatoes,.-. -.. —... 50 " 12 ruta bagas,.-. 50 "'12 carrots, — 50 337 Best 3 water melons,. $0 50 " 4 muskmelons,.50 "3 summer squashes,........ 50 " 3 winter " -50 " 6 heads of cabbage,..50 "6 egg plants, 50 4' 6 heads cauliflower,.-. 50;' 6 stalks celery,.. 50 Committee-Martin Cleland, Philip Kephart, Julius Brown. FRUIT. Best and greatest variety, not less than four of each kind, named and labeled by the exhibitor, viz.: Apples, -— $ ----------- 1 00 Apricots,............ 1 00 Pears, 1 00 Plums-,. 1 00 Peaches,.....1 00 Cherries,.,, —--—,-, I 00 Quinces, 1 00 Best Grapes, ------- ---- -.-. — 1 00 Best samples of not less than six, accompanied with name and desMription: Apples,......... $0 50 Apricote, —..................... 50 Pears, 50 Peaches, - 50 Cherries, -50 Plums, -...... — - 50 Committee-Ira Platt, B. C. Hoyt, Winm. Bort. DAIRY. Best cheese, 10 pounds or over, $..3 00 2d " 10 ". 1 50 Best firkin or crock butter, 12 pounds or over,-.. —-.-.-3 00 2d" " 12 2 00 43 338 Best sample butter, 5 pounds,.. - $*2 00 2d' " 5 a 1 00 The above dairy products must be produced in the county. Committee-John H. Hart, E. Morton, Wm. Dougherty. FARMING IMPLEMENTS, &c. Best farm wagon,-* $2 00 horse power, 2 00 thresher and separator,. - -2 00 ~' truck wagon, - 1 00 "buggy wagon, -.2 00 "light wagoR,... 1 00 " ox cart, -. 2 00 lumber sleigh, —- 1 00 " cutter, 2 00 " fanning mill,- - - 2 00 " straw cutter, -. 2 00 "corn sheller,..... 2 00 cob crusher, ----- 2 00 " model for farm gate,-... i 1 00 " wagon rack for hay or grain, I-1 00 plow,-. - 1 00 "wrought iron shovel plow, - 1 00 " two-horse cultivator,, 1 00 " one-horse "' 1 00 "harrow,..... 1 00 " horse rake,..-.... 1 00 ox yoke, complete,- 1 00 grain cradle, — - 1 00 " 12 corn brooms,..... - - 1 00 axe, -50 "hoe, 50 —-- - "mattock,...... - 50 "bush hook, i...................- - —.. 50 hay fork,.. 650 "manure fork, 50 "spade,.-. -. —-.-...- 50 339 Best iron shovel,................. *0 50 " wooden shovel, - 60 " grass scythe, -... -.... 50 " cradle scythe,- 50 "12 rakes, 50 12 axe helves, 50 "show of tin ware, -50 "garden hoe, -. —----------.-.. —-. —---- 50 iron-tooth rake,... 50 Committee —T. R Martin, A. C. Day, F. A. White. COOPERAGE. Best churn,.$0 50 "pail, - 50 wash tub, - -. 50 flour barrel,.................................... 50 " well bucket, -50 "pork barrel,.... 1 00 " barrel for pot or pearl ashes, -. 50 " butter firkin, 50 Committee —D. Lacey, P. Putnam, G. A. Colby. MANUFACTURES OF GRAIN. Best barrel superfine wheat flour,. $2 00 " bushel corn meal,... 50 " cob meal,- - 50 " bushel of hominy,.. -50 wheaten bread, - ------ 0o'rye bread,...- - —. s50' corn " -- 50 50 lbs. of rye flour,- 50 " 50 lbs. of buckwheat flour, 50 " 50 lbs. of oat meal,..50 "50 lbs. of barley flour, -- 50 Committee-Wm. Dougherty, J. Hodgkinson, J. D. Ross. 340 MANUFACTURES OF LEATHER. Best set of draught harness, $1 00 t light double harness,I 00 " plow harness, - 00 Best saddle,...- 1 00 " ladies' saddle, -. 1 00 " side of sole leather,.... 1 00 " side of upper leather,- I 00 "pair fine calf boots,... 50 pair heavy " 50 pair coarse " 50 " " brogans, -- -- 50 " dressed kip skin, 50 calf skin, ---- 50 "' " buck skin,........... 50 " " morocco, 50 " bridle and martingales, --...................-. 50 Ubitting bridle,. 50'" pair ladies' calf lace boots,........................ 50 c"c " buskins, 50 " " light buskins, 50 " " light boots, -- --- 50' " ( light slippers,-. -50 " sheep skin, dressed with the wool on and not discolored,.. 50 Committee-B. F. Fish, P. Cook, J. Gard. FURNITURE. Best sofa, - $1 00 "bureau,. I 00 portable desk, — 1. 00 "center table, - - 1 00 "dining table,.-.-.-.. —-- 1 00 "work stand, ---— 1 00 " spinning wheel for wool,. - 1 00 " " for flax,-. I 00 6 book case,- - 00 bedstead, - 50 341 Best 6 chairs,.-.... $0 50 " rocking chair,..-... 50 " wash stand, -—. -50 Committee-R. C. Paine, Geo. Essick, J. Geltmocher. HORSE SHOES, SHOEING, &c. Best set horse shoes without corks, $0 50 " "i with corks, - - 50 Best shod horse with corks,.. 00 " C$ without corks,.. -. -- 1 00 "cut bore rifle, 1 00 " smooth bore rifle, - 1 00 " ox shoe,- - -50 " shod ox,-. 1 00 " double barrel fowling gun, ___1 00 " single "... 1 00 " 50 nails for ox shoes, -. 50'100 horse nails, -... - 50 Committee-A. Van Patten, Wm. Penland, P. Cook. MAPLE SUGAR. Best 20 lbs. maple sugar, — $.0 50 2 gallons molasses,. 50 HONEY, &c. Best specimen of not less than 5 lbs. in the comb, $0 50 " bee hive, 50 " model for bee house,.. —-.-. 100 Committee-N. Bacon, L. S. Lardner, H. Morton. DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. GENTLEMEN'S DEPARTMENT. Best woolen carpet, 10 yards or more,.. $1 00'rag carpet, 10 yards or more, -1 00 " woolen plaid, 10 " 1 00 " woolen flannel, 10 ".1.0.... 1 00 "linen, 10 yards or more, 1 00 342 Best linen diaper, 5 yards or more, - -..................... $1 00 "5 yards linen kersey bagging, 1 00 " half dozen grain bags,-.- -.... —-..... 50 "pair buckskin gloves,....... 50 i mittens, - -50 Best gent's fur hat,.. 1 00 " straw hat,. 50 " leghorn hat,. -50 " cloth cap,. - 50 velvet cap, -— 50 "' dress coat,. 50 frock coat,. 50 " overcoat, -...... - - - - - - 50 " vest, -50 pants, _-.._ _____-__- — __ 50 Committee —Wm. H. Beeson, Joshua Feathers, Thos. Love. LADIES' DEPARTMENT. Best woolen shawl,...$1 00 pound mixed stocking yarn,. - -50 " " white " 50 " coverlet, 50 "patch work quilt,.-. 50 pair woolen stockings, -- 50 pair cotton " 50 u pair linen " -— 50 " pair woolen socks, -... - 50 pair cotton "... 50 "pair linen " 50 "pair woolen mittens,.... 50 gloves,. 50 CC " fringed mittens, 50 "half pound linen thread,. - 50 Best ladies' straw hat,.. 50 leghorn hat,.- -..... 50 silk hat,.......... 50 " elvet bat,. -... 50 343 Best ladies' riding cap,.....-...................... $0 50 " riding habit,. - I 00 Committee-Mrs. Wm. Dougherty, Mrs. R. I. Griffin, Mrs. J. Hart. NEEDLE AND SHELL WORK. Best bead bag, -.. $0 50 " bead purse,- - - -- 50 "ornamental needle work, - 50 "worked cushion, ---------- ---- - --. 50 "worked collar and handkerchief,. 50' worked port folio, - -. 50 worked lace cap, ---- 50 " ornamental shell work,. 50 specimen of wax flowers, 50 "pair embroidered suspenders,-. 50 " embroidered table cover, - -50 i " ottoman -—, 50 " " fire screen,................ —- 50 44 " lamp-stand mat, - 50 i' " group of flowers, - 50 variety of worsted work, -50 fancy knitting,. ------ ------------ ------ 50 " variety of fancy knitting,. 50 Committee-Mrs. D. B. Cook, Mrs. T. Fitzgerald, Mrs. G. Kimmel. FLOWERS AND HOUSE PLANTS. Best and greatest variety of flowers,..................... $2 00 "; bouquet,. 1 00 " and greatest variety of green house plants, 2 00 2d best variety of flowers,- 50 " bouquet, -50 " variety of green house plants, 50 Committee —Mrs. R. C. Paine, Mrs. Wmin. Graves, Miss F. Dixon. PLOWING. Best plowing,-. -$3 00 2d " —.-.. 2 00 3d " 1 00 344 Each plowman to do his work without a driver, to mark out and finish his allotted task. The plowing to take place on the second day of the Fair, at 10 o'clock A. M. MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES. —Not enumerated. Committee-Geo. W. Platt, T. J. Brickel), J. B. Sutherland. D. O. WOODRUFF, President, R. C. PAINE, Treasurer. R. W. LANDON, Secretary. RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR 1856. 1. No article of inferior quality shall be entitled to a premium. 2. That no article having heretofore received a premium in this county shall be entitled to compete for one in the same class. 3. No article shall be exhibited on the grounds of the Society, for show or sale, unless the person owning or showing the same is a member of the Society. 4. All articles intended for exhibition shall be entered on the books of the Secretary on or before 4 o'clock P. M. of the first day, numbered and labeled. 5. No article shall be entitled to more than one premium. 6. Stock must be owned in the county, manufactured articles manufactured in the county, grain, vegetables, fruits, &c., raised in the county, to be entitled to compete for premiums. 7. The lists will be ready for the Examining Committees by 10 o'clock A. M., second day. The examination of articles to be closed by 4 o'clock P. M. 8. The Address will be delivered at 11 o'clock A. M. of the third day, immediately after which the award of premiums will be made. 9. A committee will be in attendance on the fair ground to attend to the reception and arrangement of articles. By order of the Committee. The attendance was quite large, and the exhibition highly satisfactory. The entries were more numerous than upon any former occasion, and the show of stock of all kinds was particularly fine. The entries were as follows: 345 Horses, --..74 Cattle,. 73 Sheep, -. - _. 7 Swine,.... - 14 Poultry,..-. —...... - 12 Field Crops,. - -18 Vegetables, e. 84 Fruit,. 9 Products of Dairy, -..- 13 Farm Implements,.-..... -27 Cooperage,. —---—. - -- 2 Manufactures of Grain, -.- - 5 Manufactures of Leather,.-... 21 Domestic Manufactures, 31 Honey, 2Miscellaneous, -.. 9 The amount of premiums awarded was about $450, and at the close of the present year the Society will be out of debt, and have a surplus with which to commence the " next campaign." The price of membership to our Society is one dollar, which admits the member and his family to the fair ground, and entitles him to compete for any or all the premiums upon the list. In addition, we assess a yearly tax of fifty cents on each member. This fund, with the amount derived from the taxes levied by our Board of Supervisors, defrays the expenses of the Society and pays our. premiums. I annex a list of the premiums awarded. The officers of the current year are: President-D. O. Woodruff, Niles. Vice President-F. A. White. Secretary-R. W. Landon, Niles. Treasurer-R. C. Paine. Executive Committee-Andrew L. Burk, George W. Platt, Samuel, Messenger, Thomas Comins, Andrew C. Day. R. W. LANDON, Secretary. 44 340 LIST OF PREMIUMS Awarded at the Fifth Annual Fair of the Berrien County Agricultural Society, held at Niles, on the 8th, 9th and 10th days of October, 1856: HORSES. A. A. Morley, best stallion, —...$... 5 00 Seth Magill, 2d best ". 3 00 Wm. Morley, best 2 years old stallion,....-.. 2 00 Peter Young, best yearling " 2 00 R. Birdswell, 2d 4 " 1 00 D. Johnson, best brood mare and foal, -. 3 00 G. W. Platt, 2d best " " - 2 00 Michael Hand, best three year old mare,.. 3 00 David Riggin, 2d "..... 2 00 Thomas Easton, best two. 2 00 Daniel Johnson, 2d " 1 00 J. E. Adams, best yearling mare,. 2 00 Daniel Johnson, 2d best "' 1 00 it best 3 years old gelding, 3 00 "Thomas Easton, 2d best 3 " - 2 00 A. L. Burk, best 2 years old gelding, -. 2 00 Stephen Curtis, 2d best 2 years old gelding, 1 00 Thomas Comins, best pair matched carriage horses,. 3 00 F. A. White, 2d " ".-.-...... 2 00 T. J. Brickell, best pair matched working horses, 4 00 Wm. Rook, 2d best " 3 00 Peter Young, best " mares, -3 00 -Samuel Messinger, 2d best pair matched mares,..-........ 2 00 Wm. Graves, best single horse in harness,- 2 00 S. L. Bradbury, 2d best single horse in harness,. 1 00 Daniel Johnson, best single horse for all work,. 1 00 S. Richardson, " mare " 1 00 Thomas Comins, best saddle horse,. -.-.-.... 2 00 DURHAM CATTLE. A. L. Burk, best bull,............................ $5 00,Hiram Hinchman, 2d best bull,.. D - - -.. 3 00 347 Morris Boss, best bull calf,.-.-...... $3 00 " 2d'...... 2 00 " best milch cow,.-. -.-....... 3 00 Hiram Hinchman, 2d best milch cow,.- -....... 2 00 4" best heifer calf, -............- ---.. 2 00 DEVON CATTLE. F. A. White, best bull, (no competition),.. $2 50 M. M. & O. W. Ballard, best yearling bull,. - - 2 00 A. 0. Mead, 2d best yearling bull,..... 1 00 M. M. & O. W. Ballard, best 2 years old heifer, 3 00 A. C. Mead, 2d best 2 years old heifer,.. 2 00 D. O. Woodruff, best milch cow,. —--------. — 4 00 A. C. Mead, 2d ".. ------ 3 00 D. O. Woodruff, best heifer calf;. 1 00 M. M. & O. W. Ballard, 2d best heifer calf,.. Discretionary premium. NATIVES AND GRADES. D. O. Woodruff, best bull over 3 years old, - - $3 00 J.J. Hamilton, 2d " 3 " -.. 2 00 Joseph Walker, best "'2 "-.-. —-3 00 Ira Platt, 2d best " 2 " ---- I 00 W. H. McOmber, best pair working oxen,. -.- --- -5 00 J. J. Hamilton, 2d ". —--- 3 00 B. F. Fish, best milch cow,........ —..... 3 00 H. Coolidge, 2d best".- -.- -. 2 00 E. Fitch, best pair matched 4 years old steers,. 3 00 M. M. & O. W. Ballard, 2d best pair matched 4 years old steers, 2 00 James Badger, best pair 1 year old steers, 1 00 T. J. Brickell, best 3 years old heifer, - 2 00 D. S. Bronson, 2d best 3 "- - 1 00 Addison Aldrich, best 2 years old heifer, 2 00 " 2d best 2 ".-. 1 00 J. Ballard, best yearling heifer,.-. 1 00 J. Badger, pair twin ".. —--------------- 1 00 A. Shephardson, best heifer calf, ——. --------- 00 Ira Platt, 2d best —--- ----- 50 D. O. Woodruff; best bull calf, - 1 00 Ira Platt, 2d best "...- ---- -- -50 348 SHEEP. M. Boss, best Bakewell buck,..$2 00 Wm. Brewer, best Merino buck,.- 2 00 i" best buck, cross of kinds,. 2 00 best ewes, ". -- - 2 00 SWINE. A. P. Knox, best bear, -. —- -. $3 00 " best sow, - - 2 00 Edson Wood, best boar pig 4 months old, - - 2 00 H. Coolidge, 2d " 4 -1 0O B. F. Fish, best sow pig 4 " -2 00 Ira Platt, best breeding sow and 6 pigs, - 5 00 Wm. T. Davis, 2d best breeding sow and 6 pigs,. 3 00 H. Coolidge, best sow over 1 year old,.. 2 0& POULTRY. George Metcalf, coop white Shanghais, -... —- - - $0 50' Norman Cutting, coop Poland bantams, 50 Wm. Batson, best coop Chittagongs,. — 50 E. M. Plimpton, best Bramahs,. 50 Edson Wood, 2d ". - - 5 J. L. Parent, best Chittagongs and Shanghais,. 50 A. C. Mead, best pair black turkeys, -....... 50 James Tanswell, best coop of " 650 Norman Cutting, best black Spanish chickens, 50 FIELD CROPS. J. L. Parent, best bushel white winter wheat, $3 00 James Tanswell, " red " 3 00 F. R. Pinnell, " spring wheat,, 3 00 W. S. Farmer, best bushel oats, 2 00 4" best acre oats, product 371 bushels, 2 00 F. R. Pinnell, best bushel white corn in the ear, 50 James Tanswell, best bushel yellow " 50 Addison Aldrich, " white beans, 50 349 VEGETABLES. Edson Wood, best bushel red potatoes,. $0 50 S. L. Bradbury, " white "-.50 B. F. Fish, " pinkeye" - 50 John Ford, best bushel round pinkeye potatoes, ---- 50 H. Coolidge, best variety of potatoes,... 50 J. Tanswell, best bushel white Carter potatoes, 50 A. Shew, " Wild Mexican " -.. — - 50 F. R. Pinnell, " meshanock " - 50 6" best 12 flat turnips,. — 50 H. Coolidge, best 12 blood beets,.- - - 50 Ira Platt, best 12 sugar beets,. 50 B. F. Fish, best 12 carrots, - --- 50 I. W. Landon, best pumpkins for stock,...... 50 S. L. Bradbury, best sweet pumpkins, - -.-.... 50 L. W. Archer, best field pumpkins, -- -... 50 H. Coolidge, best peck top onion seed,. 50 John Harner, " sweet potatoes,. — - - - 50 H. Coolidge, " garden beans,- -50 Wm. Bort, best 12 parsneps,... -.. 50 Ira Platt, best 12 ruta bagas, —. 50 " best 3 winter squashes, - - - - -50 George Metcalf, best 3 summer squashes, - --- -—., 50 t" best peck onions, 50'F. R. Pinnell, best 6 heads of cabbage, - -- 50 H. Coolidge, best 6 heads of cauliflower, -50 M. Hand, best 4 radishes, (not enumerated,) - - 25 Wm. Bort, best vegetable oyster,- - -,-............... —- 25 George Metcalf, best basket of tomatoes, - -.. — -- 25 4" " red peppers, - -25 R. W. Landon, green top kohl rabi, - -25 R. Brethschneider, red cabbage,.. - - -25 FRUIT. H. Coolidge, best sample pears,. $0 50 H. Coolidge, best and greatest variety of pears,-. 1 00 A. C. Mead, " " apples,- 1 00 Joshua Feather, best sample of apples, -- -- 50 350 DAIRY. Ira Platt, best cheese, 10 lbs. and over,. $3 00 W. S. Farmer, 2d best cheese, made in May, 1855,,..... 1 50 3d "' " 1866,.... 1 00 i" best crock butter, over 12 lbs., -3 00 Ira Platt, 2d " - -2 00 Joshua Feather, best sample butter, 5 lbs., 2 00 John Harner, 2d best sample butter, 5 lbs., -. 1 00 FARMING IMPLEMENTS. Murray & Roberts, best farm wagon, thimble skeins,........ $2 00 J. & J. F. Cross, 2d " " ^. 1 00 Murray & Roberts, " iron axle, 2 00 "a best double buggy,.................... 2 00 " ~best single " -.. 2 00 r" best open " no competition,....... 1 00 G. W. Platt, best two-horse carriage,. 1 00 A. P. Knox, best ox cart,. 1 00 A. Shew, best harrow,.-. 50 J. & J. F. Cross, best grain sower, (not enumerated.) t" best clover planter, " " best mattock, -50 Platt, Howard & Co., best plow, Eagle No. 21,..- - 1 00 re'L" " Livingston County, 50 H. Coolidge, best spinning wheel,. 50 COOPERAGE. Win. Stone, best flour barrel, $1 00 MANUFACTURES OF GRAIN. Putnam & Brookfield, best barrel superfine flour,. $2 00 Colby & Bingham, best 50 lbs. buckwheat flour,. 50 MANUFACTURES OF LEATHER. Edward Bunberry, best set light double harness, -$1 00 Thos. Comins, 2d -" --,___'75 G. W. Platt, 3d " - - 50 J. S. Tuttle, best side upper leather,. 1 00 Niles S. Union, 2d best side". - 75 351 J. S. Tuttle, best dressed buck skin, $0 50 "~ best sheep skin,.50 Niles S. Union, best kip skin, 50 J. S. Tuttle, best harness leather, no competition, 25 " best bridle leather, not enumerated, 25 4 best collar, " 25 " best breeching, "' 25 " best bellows, " 25 Niles S. Union, best pair fine calf boots, no competition, ------ 25 " "' heavy ".. 25 " coarse " 25 "' " ladies' " -. 25 " boots,- 25 c' " dressed calf skin boots, -25 Jones & Cutting, best bridle and martingale,.50 MAPLE SUGAR, HONEY, &C. J. Feather, best box honey, 5 lbs. or over,. $0 50 H. Rounds, best bee hive,. 50 HORSE SHOES AND SHOEING. H. B. Knight, best shod horse with corks,- - $ 1 00 J. & J. F. Cross, best shod horse without corks, 1 00 c' best set horse shoes " 50 "c " " u with corks, -- 5. 60 " best ox shoes,. 50 best 100 horse nails,. 50' As best 50 ox nails, -- b 50 DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. Nancy A. Pinnell, best gent's straw hat,.. $0 50 Addison Aldrich, best woolen carpet, 1 00 Mrs. D. S. Bronson, patch work quilt, -.-. - 50' Mrs. B. F. Fish, " -------- - 50 Mrs. Julius Brown,. 50 Miss Nancy A. Pinnell, best pair woolen socks, 50 c " " c "' ladies' woolen stockings,.. 5a0 Miss E. Garlinger, best knit bed spread, -.. 50 "s best bed valance,. -.- -25 352 Mrs. Bort, best tidy, $0 25 Miss Garlinger, best band covers,.. 25 4" best set knit window lace, — 50 Mrs. H. M. Phelps, best bonnet,.. —. 50 t" best head dress,.- - - - 50 Mrs. Griswold, 2d ". -. 25 Miss Brown, pair woolen mittens, 25 Mrs. Griswold, best leghorn bonnet,.. ------------------ 25 it best fancy braid "..... —- -.- -.- -.. 25 t" best straw and satin bonnet,.- -. 25 "6 best velvet bonnet,.- 25 t" best child's ".. 25 Mrs. O. S. Gephart, best embroidered skirt,. 50 " "ci pillow case,. 25 a( best misses' drawers,. - -25 " " circular, -—.. 25 "' " r handkerchief, 25 NEEDLE AND SHELL WORK. Mrs. Batson, best pair ottoman covers,. $0 50 Mrs. Fish, 2d " " - - 25 Mrs. Batson, best hair ornament, —-- 50 " best specimen wax flowers,. - -25 Mrs. Fish, best hearth rug,. —... - 50 Mrs. Holt, best collection of crayon sketches, -50 Mrs. Tuttle, best embroidered lamp mat, 50 Mrs. Holt, 2d " " 25 Mrs. Ann White, (a lady of 80 years of age,) a fine shirt,... 2 00 Mrs. O. S. Gephart, specimens of needle work, - -50 Miss Deniston, embroidered skirt,. - - 50 Mrs. F. Cleland, crochet work, ----- 50 Mrs. Brick, embroidered table cover, - - 50 " riding habit, basque and sleeves, 50 Miss Brown, specimen of moss work,. 50 Miss Griswold " ". ---- ---- 50 Miss Brown, worked collars,. 50 it undersleeves,. 25 353 Miss Brown. cuffs,............... $0) 25 " child's dress, --------------- 25 Miss Lounsberry, pencil drawings,. - 50 crape embroidery,. 25 Mrs. iolt, oil painting,. 50 Miss Lounsberry, oil painting, - 25 Mrs. Bryant, monochromatic drawings,..................... 50 Miss Phillips, c i -25 Mrs. Bryant, floral work, (what-not,).......................... 50 MISCELLANEOUS. Mrs. Tuttle, cage of birds, discretionary,.................. $0 50 " wax flowers, " 25 E. Durand, dulcimer,.................. 1 00 Mrs. Brown, best and greatest variety of house plants,........ 2 00 Mrs. F. Cleland, bouquet,...............1 00 In addition to the articles above enumerated, upon which premiums are awarded, there were exhibited many articles of merit. C. M. Alward exhibited a show case filled with rare and costly specimens, among which was an elegant family bible worth $30, a smaller one worth $5, a beautiful writing case worth $10, a mammoth gold pen, two specimens of antique binding very rich, some very handsome card cases, two patterns of gilt wall paper very rich and rare. D. O. WOODRUFF, R. W. LANDON, President. Secretary. 46 CALHOUN COUNTY. MARSHALL, Nov. 14, 1856. J. C. HOLMES, ESQ., Sec'y.Mich. Slate Agriculltural Society: SIR-In accordance with requirements of the Constitution of your S&ciety, I submit the following report of " the Calhoun County Agricultural Society." The Eighth Annual Fair of the Society was held on the 7th and 8th days of October last, on the Fair Ground of the Society, at Marshall; and in point of numbers, as regards visitors, receipts and entries, far exceeded any that have heretofore been held here. Our Society are convinced by the numbers that thronged the ground, that it is absolutely necessary to enlarge the same to nearly or quite double its present size, for the convenience of the Society and comfort of visitors. Notwithstanding the season was unfavorable for the production of many articles usually exhibited, yet in almost every department ther was manifest superiority over exhibitions of former years, and the number of entries for premiums about one-third greater. The Treasurer reports on the finances of the Society, as follows: DR. Balance from 1855, — *............. $491 08 Amount from county,-.-.......... -..-. 278 54 new members, 148 00 " renewals, -. 167 00 Admission tickets sold,.... - - 394 15 Rent of stands, &c.,. 43 02 $1,521 19 356 CR. By amount expended for premiums,.-....... $504 00 " expenses, &c.,....-. 106 54 Improvement of fair ground,........ 550 09 $1,160 63 Below please find List of Premiums awarded at our last Fair; also, of officers for the year 1857, and copy of Address delivered before the Sodety on the last day of the Fair, by Prof. J. E. Tenney, of Marshall. Very respectfully, ISAAC W. WILDER) Secretary, LIST OF OFFICERS AND PREMIUMS. President —S. G. PATTISON, Marengo. Vi;e Presidents: Clarence-John R. Palmer. Lee —R. Balcomb. Convis-A. Hawkins. Penfield-Wm. C. Fonda. Bedfor! —George WV. McAllister. Battle Creek-W. Frink. Emmett-Jeremiah Brown. Marshall-S. P. Wormley. Marengo-Milo Soule. Sheridan-B. Arthur. Homer-Dwight Nims. Albion-Cyrus Robertson. Eckford-A. C. Robinson. Fredonia-John Houston. Newton-Benj. Chamberlin. LeRoy-J. A. Robinson. Athens-S. Walker. Burlington-E. A. Hayden. 357 Tekonsha —T. H. Southworth. Clarendon- Moulthrop. Treasurer —C. P. Dibble. Secretary-I. W. Wilder. HORSES. Best trotting stallion, A. L. Hayes, — --.. 1 00 2d best " Winm. Johnston, - -10 09 Best stallion, D. J. Downs, - - 5 00 2d " J. Shattuck,- 3 00 Best 3 years old stallion, C. E. Goodrich, - 3 00 2d best 3 " Peter Saxe,. - -. 00 Best 2 years old horse colt, V. B. IHyde, -2 00 2d best 2 " " Geo. Cameron, -- - 1 00 Best 1 " " H. Howell,- 2 0b 2d best 1 " " S. Swartwout, 1 00 Best 3 years old gelding, H. A. Tillotson, - 3 00 2d best 3 " V. B. Hyde,, 2 00 Best single horse, Stephen Leonard,. -3 00 2d best " Preston Mitchell,- 2 00 MARES AND MARES & COLTS. Best brood mare with colt, Homer Case, $ 3 00 Best 3 years old mare, Thos. Knight, -3 00 2d best 3 " J. Shattuck,. 1 00 Best 2 " C E. Carpenter, 2 -00 2d best 2 " Hiram Howell,. 1 00 Best 1 " Sam'l Swartwout,. 2 00 Best sucking colt, W. B. Brand, -. -- - - 1 00 MATCHED AND DRAUGHT HORSES. Best team draught horses, E. T. Bryan, - -$5 00 2d " R.Facey, - 3 00 Best team matched horses, Z. Tillotson, 5 00 2d I" "i Patterson & Lusk, 3 00 Driving horse and sulky, Miss Augusta Alcott,.......1 00 Riding, Ellen Downs, -...-.. -2 00 358' Riding, Fanny Van Arman,- $2 00 BLOODED BULLS AND BULL CALVES. Best Durham bull, B. Delbridge,.. $5 00 " Devon bull, A. Hadden,. -- 5 00 " Durham bull 2 years old, J. A. Robinson,.. 3 00 " Devon bull 1 year old, W. R. Schuyler,. 3 00 " " calf, ". 2 00 COWS AND HEIFER CALVES. Best Durham dairy cow, H. A. Tillotson, $3 00 " Devon cow, Z. Tillotson, 3 00 "' Durham heifer 1 year old, J. Connelly, 2 00 2d best Duiham heifer, II. A. Tillotson,..- 1 00 Best Devon heifer 1 year old, W. R. Schuyler, 2 00 Best Durham heifer calf, H. A. Tillotson, 2 00 BULLS AND BULL CALVES. Best grade or native bull, Jos. Otis,.......... 5 00 it " John Potter,. 3 00 2d best grade " F. M. Dickey, 2 00 Best grade or native bull 1 year old, O. M. Easterly,.-..... 3 00 2d " " 1 s" Geo. R. McKay, - 2 00 Best bull calf, Samuel Hulett,. -2 00 2d " Jas. Connelly, -.. 1 00 COWS AND HEIFER CALVES. Best native dairy cow, Geo. W. Dryer, - $3 00 2d " John T. Vernor, -. —- 2 00 Best 1 year old heifer, Patrick Connelly, 2 00 2d best 1 " John Anesly,.- 1 00 Best heifer calf, Geo. W. Dryer,..2 00 2d best " C. Miller,. 1 00 CATTLE AND OXEN. Best yoke working oxen, George Potter,. $5 00 2d " " John Henry, 3 00 Best yoke 3 year old steers, matched and broke, D. Goeway,. - 4 00 2d " 3 C.A. Miller,.. 3 00 359 Best yoke 2 years old steers, S. N. Gerow,............... $4 00 " 1 J" J. Tillotson,. - 3 00 Best fat cow, Jas. Connelly,. - * o a.., 4 00 2d " F. B. Wright,-,................ 2 00 SWINE. Best grade boar, L. Palmer,. $5 00 2d best " E. B. Eaton,-. 3 00 Best Suffolk boar, L. Diver, 5 00 2d best " J. A. Robinson, 3 00 Best grade breeding sow, Lyman Diver,. 5 00 2d " " R. Tillotson,.................... 5 00 Best Suffolk " C. B. Turner,-.. 3 00 Best Leicestershire sow, Wmin. Sutton,....................- 5 00 Best 5 pigs under 6 months old, Jas. Connelly,- -.-.. 5 00 2d best 5 " 6 " George Potter, - 3 00 Best pig under 6 months old, Win. Sutton, -. 2 00 SHEEP. Best grade buck, F. B. Wright,.................... $3 00 2d best " C. A. Miller,. 2 00 Best full blood Spanish Merino buck, W. C. Fonda, -3 00 2d " " " A. J. Lusk, 2 00 Best French Merino buck, W. C. Fonda,..... 3 00 Best Leicestershire buck, J. Shattuck, --------- -------- -- 3 00 2d best " S. Diver,. 2 00 Best 5 full blood Spanish Merino ewes, F. B. Wright, —. 3 00 2d best 5 " " ". 2 00 Best 5 French Merino ewes, W. C. Fondas,.-.-. —- —. —- 3 00 "5 Leicestershire ewes, A. Rowley, - 3 00 "5 lambs, F. B. Wright, - - -- - 3 00 2d best 5 lambs, W. C. Fonda,-. 2 00 Best grade ewes, A. J. Lusk,. 3 00 DAIRY. Beat sample butter, not less than 10 lbs., Mrs. Jos. Otis,.... 8$3 00 2d best " Mrs. O. C. Comstock,. 2 00 Best cheese, Mrs. D. Aldrich,.- -........... -- ----- -- 3 00 2d " Miss Philancey Hawkins,.... - 2 00 360 Best tub of butter, not less than 25 lbs., made in May, Mrs. I. Hewitt,.-$-*3 00 2d best tub of butter, Philancy Hawkins,. — 2 00 GRAIN. Best bushel winter wheat, A.'C. Richardson,.-. — --- *.. $1 00 2d 4" "4 A. M. Odell, 75 Best 12 ears dent corn, J. A. Robinson, - 50 " 12 ears flint corn, A. M. Odell,. 50 " 12 ears sweet corn, Amos Hadden,..-. 50 Best acre of corn, Milo Soule,. $5 00 FRUITS. Best 5 varieties of apples, J. A. Robinson, $2 00 Best variety of apples, not less than 6 specimens, Win. Gregg,. 1 00 " " seedling apples, not less than 6, A. Hawkins,. 1 00 " exhibition seedling peaches, not less than 5 specimens, J. M. Parsons, - - I 00 Best cultivated 5 specimens peaches, Dr. Joy,. 1 00 Best and greatest variety grapes, J. A. Robinson, - - 1 00 2d " " Mrs. G. C. Gibbs, 50 Best specimen grapes, J. A. Robinson, - 1 00 2d best "t Mrs. Geo. Ketchum,.- - 50 Best grape wine, Mrs. O. C. Comstock, Jr.,- - 1 00 6" red currant wine, Mrs. B. Chamberlin, 1 00 4' white " Robert Gardner, - - 00 FARMING IMPLEMENTS. Best sod plow, (manufactured in county,) Nichols & Shepard, - $2 00 " subsoil plow, - Samuel Swartwout,. 2 00'grain drill,' Martin Haven, -—. — 2 00 Uset horse shoes, 4 Isaac Hewitt,. 1 00 "lb. horse nails,'~ A. Scott, 50'" axe-helves, G. W. Dryer, 50 "and greatest variety agricultural implements, not less than 10 varieties, Burnham & Co.,. - - 5 00 Best rake for gathering clover seed, Chas. Acker, 3 00 Your committee on Farming Implements find that very few of the 361 articles exhibited are manufactured in the county, which accounts for the small number of premiums awarded. Many articles manufactured out of the county were well worthy of premiums. FINE ARTS. Best oil painting, Anna W. Nims,.... $3 00 Best pencil drawing, Mrs. H. A. Pierce, 2 00 Best 2 monochromatic drawings, Mrs. H. A. Pierce,..- e- 2 00 BOOTS, SHOES & HARNESS. Best single pleasure harness, E. R. Mills,..................... $2 00 COOPERAGE. Best pork cask with cover, John Fisher, -—... $1 50 Best butter firkin, " 1 00 Best flour barrel, E. McGee,. 1 00 GARDEN VEGETABLES. Best sample cauliflower, M. Harrigan, -$1 00 Best 3 heads red Dutch cabbage, J. Radford,. 76Best 3 heads celery, J. Radford, - - - - 75 Best 5 carrots, - -. 50 Best 5 beets, Benj. Chamberlin,.......................... 50 Best 5 white turnips, A. G. Miner,-. 50 Best half bushel white beans, A. Paul,. 1 00 Best 4" sweet potatoes, Jeremiah Brown, -1 00 Best 3 cheese pumpkins, W. B. Buckingham,-, 50 Best 3 Boston marrow squashes, Chamberlin, 50 Best mammoth squash, J. A. Robinson,. - -.- 50 Best half bushel potatoes, Amos Hadden, - - -50 The show on potatoes was never equaled before, and it was very difficult for the committee to make any selection, but they selected the early June. Best 5 watermelons, Robert Gardner,.. 0 50 Best 5 ruta bagas, Edward Ward,... —. 50 Best 5 salsify, S. W. Nelson,. 506 Best 5 peppers, C. P. Dibble, - -.. 50 Best 10 onions, Robert Gardner,.... - 50 46 362 /Best 3 squashes, M. J. Lathrop,-.. $0 50 Best 3 pumpkins, A. B. Waterman,.. 50 Best 3 winter radishes, A. G. Miner, - - -50 Best 2 quarts Lima beans, Mrs. 0. C. Comstock,.. 50 Best half bushel peas, Robert Gardner,. 50 Best bushel onions, " -1 00 Best 10 tomatoes, " 50 Best 10 stalks rhubarb, Jeremiah Brown,. -. - 50 Best 3 egg plants, C. P. Dibble, - -- - - 50 DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. Best 10 yards flannel, Mrs. Wmin. Gregg, $1 00 i" 5 " colored with Madder raised in the county, Mrs. A. Hawkins,.. 00 Best wool carpet, Mrs. J. Gordnier, - 1 00 rag carpet, Mrs. John Analey, 1 00 " lb. stocking yarn, Mrs. D. Woolsey,. -- - - 75 2d best lb. " Mrs. Wm. Gregg,. 50 Best pair wool stockings, Mrs. T. Simonds, - - - 50 " wool socks, Mrs. D. Woolsey,. 50 worsted stockings, Mrs. C. Miller, 50 " cotton stockings, Mrs. D. Woolsey,. - 50 fringed mittens, Mrs. M. Lansing, - 50 " fringed gloves, Mrs. Winm. Richfield, 50 " wool knit mittens, Mrs. J. Brown, 50 Best made shirt, Mrs. T. Simonds, 7 5 " sample needlework, Mrs. J. A. Way, - - -75 2d best " Mrs. H. Hosmer, ---- 5 Best worsted work, Mrs. M. J. Lathrop, - -75 2d best " Miss L. Ketchurm, 50 Best crochet work, Mrs. - Adams, 75 2d best " Mrs. J. M. Hewitt, - 50 Best bed spread, Mrs. J. Lockwood,... 75 "2d " Mrs. D. M. Fox,.-.. 50 Best flannel embroidery, Miss Mary Ingersoll,. 75 2d best c" Mrs. Garrison,..-5 60 Silk bonnet, D. Wormley,.......................... 363 Best embroidery, Mrs. H. M. Stiles, - $0 75'2d " Mrs. - Cole, - -- 50 Best lace work, Miss Anna W. Nims, - -.75 2d " Mrs. N. Church,.-.- - 50 Best two-seated carriage, Adams & Hiller, 5 00 "buggy, Adams & Smith, - 3 00'table, P. S. Warren,- 1 00 " bureau, " 1 00 "parlor stove, Vernor & Brother,. 1 00 " cook stove, - - 2 00 " currant jelly, Mrs. Z. Tillotson, ------------- --- 50 "pickled onions, Mrs. O. C. Comstock,.50 " " tomatoes, "..-. 50 "' bottlecatsup,.. 50' and greatest variety pickles, Mrs. 0. C. Cornstock,. 50 " soft soap, Mrs. C. A. Miller, - -75 bee hive, Mrs. Wm. Martin, Jr.,. 75 " barrel flour, Geo. Ingersoll,. 1 00' specimen plain sewing, Miss Van Arman,. 75 POULTRY. Best game fowls, Walter Hayes,. 1 00 Best pair geese, Isaac Hewitt, - a. - 1 00 turkeys, J. A. Robinson, 1 00 ducks, Ed. Parsons,... 75 Shanghai chickens, H. A. Tillotson,. —---------- 1 00:2d" " S.Diver, 50 " Cochin China chickens, F. Sweet, 1 00 " Dorkings, Wm. R. Schuyler,... 100 2d " " Walter Hayes, —.- - - 50 " Dominicos, M. R. Woodruff, 1 00 2d" " Jas. Townsend,.. 50 " Bantams, G. W. Dryer,.... 1 00 2d " " H. A. Tillotson, -- -- -50 Black Java, Frank Sweet, 1 00 " Brahma Pootras, H. A. Tillotson, 1 00 2d " " Wm. Van Horn,.- - 650 364 Best pair natives, Walter Hayes, $1 00 " Silver Hamburgs, P. Kochler, -. 00 " Golden " ". 1 00 Best coop Poland fowls, S. Diver, 1- - 00 "pair fan tail doves, " 50 BREAD. Best loaf salt rising bread, Mrs. D. M. Fox, $1 00 "6 milk " Mrs. G. W. Dryer, 1 00 " yeast " Mrs. D. M. Fox, - ----- 1 00 " corn bread, Mrs. Geo. Ketchum, 1 00 " Graham bread, Samuel Ladd, -. 1 00 FLOWERS. Greatest variety indigenous flowers, Mrs. E. H. Laurence,..-. $1 00 2d "' " Mrs. Jeremiah Brown, 3 50 Best and greatest variety, Mrs. E. H. Laurence, —---- --- 1 00 2d "' " Mrs. O. C. Comstock,. m —- 50 Best 1'2 dahlias, Mrs. C. T. Gorham,. 1 00 " single dahlia, " 1 00 4" variety verbenas, Mrs. Geo. C. Gibbs, 1 00 2d best "6 Mrs. Jeremiah Brown, 50 Best variety phloxes, Stephen Blackhurst, 1 00 2d best " Mrs. Jeremiah Brown, 50 Best variety petunias, Mrs. J. H. Montgomery,. - 1 00 2d best " Mrs. J. Brown,.... 50 Best 6 violets, " 50 s( variety roses, Mrs. N. Church,. —..... 1 00 "4 basket flowers, Mrs. E. H. Laurence, 1 00 2d best " Mrs. J. Brown, - — 50 Best hand bouquet,.. 1 00 2d best " 50 Best floral design, Mrs. E. H. Laurence,1... 1 00 2d best " Mrs. G. C. Gibbs, - - -50 MISCELLANEOUS. The committees think the following articles worthy of mention, and entitled to premiums: 365 H. A. Tillotson, pair rat terriers. A. W. & L. Potter, specimen brooms. Talcott, Emerson & Co., reaper and mower. M. Haven, grain drill and broadcast sower. J. Caywood, steam engine. Walter Hayes, shepherd dog. Miss C. Carrington, coral basket. t" crystallized grapes. Mrs. A. Wilbur, slipper pattern. Mrs. - Cole, raised lamp mat. A. M. Odell, California beans. A. F. Gaylord, King Philip corn. Miss L. E. Breakey, oriental oil painting. -S. F. Mather, ambrotypes. A. Hawkins, basket madder. Mann & Noyes, book printing. c" card printing. J. M. Smith, small marble tomb stone. I. Lambson, machine for upsetting and lengthening wagon tire. Mrs. H. A. Pierce, oriental oil painting. Mrs. - Cole, hair wreath. W. F. Parker, specimen hats and caps. ANNUAL ADDRESS DELIVERED BEFORE THE CALHOUN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, BY PROF. J. E. TENNEY. FELLOW CITIZENS:-It is fortunate for a writer in this practical age, when his subject needs no explanation, to show its downright and practical usefulness. When we say that we desire every man, who makes any pretensions -to being connected with Agriculture, to be a.Model Farmer, it might seem not necessary for us to show how much both himself and the public will, in every sense, be the gainers by it; but there are, even in'this enlightened age, those whose perceptive faculties are so dull, that'should we suggest that it was best for every man to cultivate an orchard, 366 or at least a tree of good fruit, we might need give him the outspoken, practical suggestion, which Dr. Johnson once gave to a friend:-" If' possible," said he, "have a good orchard. I know a clergyman, of small income, who brought up a family very respectably, which he fed chiefly on apple dumplings! " From a view of the needs of Agriculture, we have chosen to make practical remarks in a practical manner, rather than to fill a few pages with eloquent sentences, which should only carry to the mind visions of unmeaning idealities. From time immemorial, artists have depicted the beauties of the landscape upon the glowing canvass-kings and princes have enjoyed the luxuries of Agriculture, and poor people its simple pleasures, and borne its hard labors. But there have been few found who have given lessons of worth and practicability to the husbandman. Now, when the ample domains of Learning are being subjected to fresh irrigation and culture-when the exclusiveness of the cloister is giving place to the free distribution of the intellectual wealth of all time-when this is called the golden age of reason-its Paradise regained, surely the important study of the face of our own mother Earth, should not be excluded from the fair domains. We are a people, living at a railroad speed —a labor-saving and time economizing people, and we need care, lest we rush headlong over treasures of infinite value-we reed heralds upon every hill-top of science, lest the quiet valley of some useful stream be forgotten, and its advantages unsecured. Such a herald do we stand to-day, and while our hearts throb with painful forebodings for the political weal of our country, we are glad to pause, and, taking a free breath, survey the quiet homes of America, and speak, it may be, a few words of cheer to a company of true and honest men-a class who are our country's only hope, her greatest wealth, and should be her chief pride. Agriculture has been termed the " parent of all art," and since it was the one first practiced by man, and the one upon which he almost entirely depends for subsistence, in a savage state; luxuries in an enlightened one,, and exerts a beneficial influenceo upon the health, happiness and moral nature of a nation, it cannot but commend itself to the wise and good, and must occupy the highest place in the esteem of statesmen and philanthropists That which most generally concerns 367 mankind, should most deeply interest men of wisdom and benevolence; consequently, Agriculture should be the theme of all-absorbing interest, since it is the occupation of a large majority in every civilized country. In France, it has been estimated that two-thirds of the people are engaged in husbandry; in Italy, more than three-fourths, and in our United States not much less than five-sixths. Such a gathering as this is a noble proof that Agriculture is beginning to receive the attention that it deserves. Time has been when the philosopher has walked proudly along, looking down, as he thought, from a higher heaven, upon the poor plowman, while the plowman has looked upon the philosopher as a clog to the wheel of nature-a piece of worse than useless human machinery. There have been days when the scholar would hardly have closed the lids of his ponderous volume to have gone out and shaken hands with the blacksmith. Time has been when the dust of the forge, the clang of the hammer, and the rattle of the loom, have been sneered at by those who should have loved them. During those days, the pursuits of the artisan and scholar, which should have kept side by side, were separated, mutual subjects of suspicion and ridicule. This separation has been the case of injury, both to scientific pursuits, and agricultural and manufacturing skill. While the man of science has wasted time and energies in frivolous or aimless pursuits, instead of directing his knowledge to some great and good practical purpose-the Farmer has been content to have the morn usher in, and the night to carry out, the hours of a day; begun and ended just as his father and grand-father had begun and ended it; without a thought that he was born to better things. Persons have lived and died, not many hundred years since, believing that David, Abraham and Isaac, feeding their flocks upon the Eastern hills, were model herdsmen, and that the Greeks, who, as Herod and Theophratus tell us, broke the ground by a rude plow, sowed it by hand, covered it with a rake, threshed their grain with a flail, winnowed it by wind, and when wanted for the family, ground it with mortars, or quern mills into meal, were model Farmers. But such a view of things is changing-such days are being numbered among the things that were. We are privileged to live in an age when Minerva, Ceres and Vulcan walked over the earth, hand in hand. We are blessed in seeing Science and Industry sit side by side, 368,in the dingy workshop. The one carefully and kindly applying knowledge to practical purposes, and the other gladly receiving and patiently carrying out those principles which are calculated to lighten labor, and make man less a mere machine, and more as God intended him, a well developed, reasoning being. Of the importance of this science to our own country, what need we say.? Do not the broad acres that stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific, in rich plateaus, or nestle in quiet valleys, among hills, waiting for the plow and the hand of labor to call forth wealth untold, give us an answer? We have a land, the richest and fairest in agricultural facilities and beauties, that the sun ever shone upon. We reed not enter into praises of our soil and climate, when there are nearly a quarter of a million of fruit trees planted yearly, in one of the newest States; when there are more peaches exposed in the markets of New York, annually, than are raised in all France; and when American apples will command double prices in European markets. These facts speak for themselves, in the comparison of this with the old countries, and we must see that it is of vast importance to us, as a nation, that the mass of our people continue in the prosecution of agricultural pursuits. The interests of Agriculture are at the foundation of all other interests. No arts, nor sciences, nor morals, can prosper without these. The yeomen constitute the bone and muscle of the nation, and in proportion as this interest flourishes, so will all others. It is impossible for us to tell the billions and trillions of property valuation in our country. But if the same system of indubtry could be carried out in the States of this Union, that prevails in our own State, and in the free States generally, we should soon become the wealthiest and most powerful nation on the globe. But there is a dark cloud in the horizon, and although at first it "' was no bigger than a man's hand," it has increased and kept increasing until its thick darkness is shawdowed upon the whole land. We need not tell you that slavery is a severe drawback to agricultural interests-that it is a fatal miasma, whose poisonous breath withers every fresh and green thing; that it is a noisome pestilence which precedes the giant Death, and with him lays waste the fairest and brightest fields of our country. No tropical sun can brighten the darkness of this fiend incarnate; no orange flowers or bright hued blossoms, can weave wreathes fair enough 369 to cover his brow with glory; no fragrance of sunny and southern air, can be an antidote to his pestilential breath. And the monster stands where the God of Nature has poured in rich abundance his gifts of golden sunshine, songs of birds, and breath of flowers. He stands like a Death's head, in a banquet hall, maliciously grinning upon the hideous shadows he casts over everything goodly, fair and pleasant. To convince you that this is no over-drawn picture, we have only to contrast a few statistics of this State with those of Arkansas, which, we believe, came into the Union about the same time with our own State. Michigan has 56,243 square miles-Arkansas 52,198. Michigan has a population of 397,754; Arkansas, 209,897; 47,100 of these are slaves. Michigan has property valuation, $59,787,295; Arkansas, $39,841,025. Michigan, value of farms $51,874,446; Arkansas, $15,256,245. Michigan, improved land $11,929,110; Arkansas, $6,647,969, value of slaves included. Michigan has an educational income of $214,717; Arkansas, $105,819. Michigan has 56 newspapers; Arkansas 9. This last comparison is wonderful. But 9 papers in Arkansas! The Literature of any country is a pretty safe index of its prosperity. No one can doubt but that the rich soil of Arkansas has a capacity equal to that of our own State, for farming interests, and it is equally certain, that Slavery paralyzes every species of improvement. Happy for our State that we are free from this curse, and happy would it be for the whole country, if it shall never cover another square mile beyond its present limits. Perhaps it is not necessary for us to speak of the importance of Agriculture, as it regards happiness; yet we cannot forbear referring to the exquisite pleasure one enjoys in sitting under his "own vine and fig tree." You may have a drapery of soft foliage above you; "blossoms fresh from spring beauty " snowing upon you, and a table loaded with fruits, rich, bloom-decked, melting and lucious, before you. How happy you find yourself walking through your own forest; wandering over broad fields, to which you hold the title deed; watching the rich waves of golden grain that is ripening for your farm. The song of birds are never more pleasant than when you think they are your birds, because they built nests in your trees; the hum of bees is never more musical than when arising from your hives; and the babble of the brook, is none the less tolerable, because it winds through your meadow. There are 47 370 myriad pleasures in rural life, that are found in no other, and they are, pleasures of the purest kind; for they are inseparably connected with, the great and beautiful works of nature"Then men, Whom Nature's works can charm,:with God himself, hold converse; grow Familiar, day by day, with His conceptions; Act upon his plans, and form to his, the Relish of their souls." Happiness cannot but be connected with such a life, and since happiness is the phantom that lures us on to all future hours, and as we can, in a great degree, contribute to that happiness by agricultural life, its importance need not longer be argued. Agriculture should be studied as a science. More general knowledge of its principles, is necessary. Men of letters have been comparatively ignorant of the broad and plainest field which Agriculture opens up to the view of scientific and investigating minds. We need men of ability and research now, to go out upon this new field, unlock its hidden, treasures, bring to light its veiled resources, and develop its vast capabilities. Whoever will do this, will gain a crown of glory, beyond and brighter than that of kings, heroes and statesmen. For whoever shows a great heart, engaged for the good of man, and spends a life devoted to unselfish purposes, having for its aim the elevation of humanityhim will posterity show itself worthy enough so hold in the most grateful adoration. Other paths of life have been lighted by the sun of science. There have been thousands of men in every branch of business, who have devoted their time and talents to their profession, its improvement and elevation. There have been men in all other pursuits who have made their profession not only the means of procuring daily dread, but have labored faithfully and well to secure the honors of their avocation. Poetry has had its Shakspeare, Milton, Byron and Cowper. Oratory has had its Demosthenese, Cicero, Webster, Clay, Pitt, and Brougham. History has had its Herodotus, Pliny, Rollin, Hume, Gibbon and Macauley. Astronomy has found its Tycho, Brahe, Herschell and Levrier. Botany its Discorides, Jessieu and Linnaeus. Mechanics, their Faust, Guttenberg, Watts, Newton, Franklin, Fulton and Morse. So it has been in every other branch of Science or domain 371 of knowledge; but where are those who have sought among the labors of the peaceful husbandman, to add to the achievements and happiness of mankind? There may have been some, in past ages, who pondered and labored in quietness, with a view to raise agriculture to a position which it deserved to take; but the dazzling glow of the Historian's narration has danced and gleamed on the armor of the warrior, while the practical workers of the world have been martyrs to the difficulties which have "died without odes or funeral orations, to celebrate their triumphs or honor their memory." This is wrong. Agriculture should take its rank among the nobility of professions; and this it never will do, until men of science and genius turn their attention to it, thoroughly investigate its properties, and exhibit its capacities. That there has already been something done we do not deny. The influence of man, even the little he has exerted, over both vegetable and animals, is wonderful. He has changed the crab into the apple; the harsh and stringent sloe into the delicious plum; the coarse and sea-side brassica into the cauliflower; and has improved and augmented the corn tribe to an incredible extent. All domestic animals, whether used for food, service or pleasure, have sprung from a few wild and uncultivated species, and have been made what they are, in a great degree, by the intervention of man. We have had a Davy, Sinclair, Anderson, Coke, Kaimes and Young -men, who united philosophical sagacity with patient experiment. They have done a blessed work for Agriculture, but they, with a few others, are the only exceptions to those who have had it in their power to improve the science, and left it neglected and forgotten. Hence, we claim with great justness, that Agriculture has not been thoroughly studied as a science, to any great extent, and that it has hidden resources. which it should be a pleasure, as it is a duty, for scientific men of this age to investigate. Before entering other fields of labor, men must prepare for them by a severe course of study, or a long term of apprenticeship; but who ever heard of a boy apprenticed to learn the Farmer's trade? or of one pur — suing a course of study preparatory to becoming a farmer? We hear that boys, and even men, are "working" on farms-never that they are studying or thinking on farms. Most appropriately it is said that they 372 are working, for the labor of many farmers is simply and only the working of a machine —working with little or no reason, and with no view to economy of their time or labor-the same never-ending rise-up and sit-down, that a perpetual motion automaton might perform. Man should be the only controlling influence, the reasoning being, the motive power in Agriculture; studying to improve and increase its productions, and inventing machinery to perform the menial labor. And we earnestly believe, that the dawn of a day is near, even that this is the twilight of a time, when a man shall not go forth to the field as unthinking as the plow he follows, but wisely reasoning, judging and performing. Happy day, too, when a man shall sit down under his own vine-covered portico, and look upon his broad lands blooming, even to a surfeit of blossoms, and producing all that they are capable of producing, and all that can delight the eye or minister to a healthy taste! When each home shall be a miniature palace in tastefillness and beauty, and every garden a Paradisiacal one in blossom, richness, fragrance and odor. If we do not during our lives see our land an Eden, there may be those, young in years, who shall in later life have the joy of such a scene. To ensure this high state of cultivation and render our land such a blooming garden, there must be a more extensive division of the land. Rich men must part with a portion of their half-tilled acres, and poor men from tilling farms for others, must have those of their own to till. There must be small farms and more farmers. Able bodied clerks must leave their places, behind counters and desks to pale-faced seamstresses, and go out on farms, to gain healthy countenances and fruitful lands. The almost unlimited extent to which a few acres of land may be cultivated, is already seen in vegetable growing gardens near cities. We have ourselves known six acres of land near New York, which in one year produced for its owner $15,000. This was, of course, cultivated on chemical principles. We cannot limit the productiveness of the earth. Chinese culture shows that it can be carried beyond anything to which we are accustomed, and it is probable that every American farmer, if he would make the experiment, might realize the apologue of the Roman vinedresser. "Having two daughters, we are told, that when the oldest was married he gave her a third of his vineyard for a portion; notwith 373 standing which, he had the same quantity of fruit as before. When his youngest daughter was married, he gave her half of what remained; and still, because he bestowed on the portion reserved as much labor as he had formerly on the whole, the produce of his vineyard was undiminished." If such a result could be obtained when cultivators were ignorant of many important principles, what might not be done now by farmers who, uniting science with experience, should confine their labors to a few acres? Evidently we should greatly enrich ourselves as a Nation, and vastly beautify the appearance of our farms. Such a result is desirable, and it is within the power of each farmer to aid in bringing it about. Such a course would not only make many poor men rich ones, but would rescue many barren acres from the possession of mullens and thistles, and make them bloom as the rose. Agricultural Chemistry should be more extensively studied. It should Le a study insisted upon in our schools, especially for boys, who are or may be connected with Agriculture. We regret that there is so little attention paid to this in our schools-that in fact it is hardly reputable in city schools, or colleges, for a young man to own that his highest ambition is to be a good Farmer. We are sorry that here, in a democratic land, we have to confess the sin of a growing taste for a division of society, into idle aristocrats and plebian workers-of an admiration for sickly delicacy, instead of a healthy robustness —a preferment for the addle-brained, city fop, to the plain, sensible, young Farmer. Sad, indeed, will be the day when America sees her children despise the tillers of her own proud soil! If such a day should come, when we live, we shall prophecy in the streets, and cry in the high pla — ces —" Behold, how are the mighty fallen! The time of her desolation is nigh, and the day when her fruitful places shall be a howling wilderness, is at hand! " But we do not expect this. We hope better things of America than to see her fall from her proud place among the Nations of the earth, as Greece did, enervated by luxuriousness and idleness —destroyed by the sun of sad prosperity. We hope that the scorn with which some, even here, pretend to look upon Agriculture, and other useful sciences, will prove only an opinion of hot-house growth, and that it will neither endure the reproach of good sense or correct taste. We need not argue the dignity of labor; the honor of an honest, sun-burned face, and toil-worn hands; the wealth 3,4 of a spirit, rich in the consciousness of being useful, and happy in the knowledge that some of life's great ends are answered by their living. The ancestry of the laborer proves the true dignity of his birth. No ~idlers can claim such a genealogy as he can, and they are not among the low or forgotten in the annals of fame, who have been stern, faithful men of labor. Adam was a Farmer while yet in Paradise, and after his fall, commanded to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow. Job, -the honest, upright and patient, was a Farmer, and his patience has passed into a proverb. Socrates was a Farmer, yet added to his calling the glory of his immortal philosophy. St. Luke was a Farmer, and divides with Prometheus the honor of subjecting the ox for the use of man. Cincinnatus was a Farmer, and the noblest Roman of them all. Burns was a Farmer, and the Muse found him at the plow, and filled his soul with poetry. Washington was a Farmer, and retired from the highest earthly station, to enjoy the quiet of rural life, and present to the world a spectacle of human greatness. The enthusiastic LaFayette-rthe steadfast Pickering-the scholastic Jefferson —the chivalric Randolph-the eloquent Clay-the talented Webster-all found an Eldorado's consolation from life's cares and troubles in the green and verdant lawns that surrounded -their homesteads. Daniel Defoe, the author of Robinson Crusoe, began life a hosier, and became a celebrated writer. William Cobbett was in his life a Farmer's boy. Isaac Walton, the "complete angler," was a linen draper. Thomas Simpson, the great mathematician, was a weaver, at one period of his life. Sir Richard Arkwright, the inventor of the cotton spinning machine, was a poor man, and commenced life as a barber. James Brindley, the author of canal navigation in Europe, the first who tunneled great hills, and brought ships across navigable rivers on,bridges, was a wheel-wright. Ben Johnson was a brick-layer. Sir William Herschell, the greatest astronomer the world ever saw, was once a singing-master. Chautrey, the great sculptor, was a milk and butter boy. Sir Thomas Lawrence was the son of an inn-keeper. Will Shakspeare was a poor man's son; his father could not write his name, and his cross, or mark, still exists in the record of Stratford, on the Avon, to attest the fact. John Bunyan, the greatest master of allegory, and author of the second book in the world, was a tinker. Hogarth, the greatest master of the pencil, was a silversmith's apprentice. 375 These men have magnified their greatness and goodness, by an association with ordinary labor, a sympathy with the cares and trials of common men, and their glories remain untarnished —their spotless virtues undimned, and their noble examples will be kept in remembrance, and preserve their names consecrate, so long as there is nobility enough in human hearts to revere and bless all that is good, beautiful and true. However much the door-way of the heart may be choked by weeds of pride and ignorance, there is to every one some ingress, and through that flows in a channel of honesty and truth, and even those who affect to despise the labors of the husbandman, in their inmost hearts, where a little manliness remains, must and do honor him. Tillers of the soil, we honor you, we sympathise with and love you. We glory in being sprung from a race of yeomen; and have a worthy pride in knowing that the blood of plain and honest husbandmen courses in our veins. We are descended from that band of heroes which grew up into strength, nobility and truthfulness, among the. Green Mountains of Vermont, and shed their blood upon the plains of Boston, Bennington, and tracked it upon the snows of Valley Forge. Are we not sprung of a noble race? Can escutcheoned peers boast a prouder one? Or bloody heraldry show one of more pure and honest purpose? Even now, we remember us of a far New England home-of a cottage in a quiet valley, among tall mountains-and the shadows of the present close around us, and we go back to those earlier days of truth and good; to those days begun by early hours and wholesome toil in the field, and ended with a clear conscience and a sweet repose. We remember all the purity and truth that our spirits bore then; and from that pleasant picture we turn to other homes-to the thousand quiet ones that are nestling in valleys, and on hill-sides, all over America. We look upon your homes, fellow men, we see the smoke curling up from behind clumps of dark trees —we see the bright faces of children watching your return from the field-and note the soft cushioned chair that is ready for you; and looking farther, we see you seated in it, and with a happy face gazing into the fire and wondering that you are so happy in having the golden sheaves all bound, and the fruits gathered in, and away from city sins and temptations, feel that you are blessed above the common lot of men. So you are, too. And while, from 376 our heart of hearts, we bid you an earnest God speed, we ask you to remember the Giver of all your blessings-to perform the duties that you owe to your country, and be sure to forget not, in selfish purposes and ends, that even yet-' Life has wrongs that may be righted, Noble deeds that may be done; Its greatest battles are unfought, Its greatest triumphs are unwon." CASS COUNTY. J. C. HOLMES, ESQ., Sec'y Mich. State Agricultural Society: SIR-The undersigned, President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Cass County Agricultural Society, State of Michigan, in pursuance of Act No. 80, of the Session Laws of 1855, beg leave to report, that at a meeting of said Society, duly called, held at Cassapolis, on the 24th day of May, A. D. 1856, which was duly organized, Isaac P. James and George B. Turner having resigned their several offices, Jesse G.. Beeson was elected President of said Society, and Sylvader T. Read Treasurer. And it was resolved that the Society be re-organized under Act No. 80, aforesaid; whereupon duplicate articles of agreement were executed and acknowledged, of which duplicate original articles, the subjoined herewith transmitted is one. And it was further resolved, that all further proceedings be suspended until the annual meeting; and we further report, that at an adjourned meeting, held on the 26th day of July last, the several committees reported the Rules, Regulations, and List of Premiums herewith transmitted, which were adopted; and that, at the annual meeting, held on the 26th day of September last, the list of awards herewith transmitted, was reported by the Judges. And we further report, that at said annual meeting it was resolved to discontinue the old organization, and to transfer the property, moneys and effects, to the new, the latter assuming the liabilities of the former;. and that the Secretary transmit a copy of the articles to the Secretary of the State Society, and file a copy with the County Clerk, which. latter has been done. 48 378 The annexed is a true statement of the receipts and expenditures of the Society, from the last Fair to this date. J. G. BEESON, President. S. T. READ, Treasurer. D. BLACKMAN, Secretary. Dated Cassapolis, Dec. 17, 1856. RECEIPTS. Sept. 26, 1856. Cash on hand, —- $336 12 " Admission and membership fees,. 112 17 $448 29 EXPENDITURES. Printing,...-........... $ 43 50 Fair expenses,....... 6 10 Fair ground,.. - - -..40 00 Premiums paid, Dec. 6, 1856,.... 185 50 ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION. These Articles of Association, executed in two parts, witnesseth: That we, the undersigned, by virtue and in pursuance of Act No. 80, of the Session Laws of 1855, have associated, and by these presents do associate together as and in a County Society, according to the Articles of Association hereinafter written. ART. 1. This Society shall be known and called by the name of The Cass County Agricultural Society, and may exercise its corporate powers at any place within the County of Cass, and State of Michigan. ART. 2. The business and objects of this Society are to promote the interests of Agriculture, Horticulture, and the Mechanic Arts, within said County, by fairs, exhibitions, distribution of premiums, and such other means as shall be provided and determined by the by-laws of this Society. ART. 3. The Board of Management of this Society shall consist of a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and seven Directors. 379 ART. 4. The Society chooses and appoints for the first term: for President, Jesse G. Beeson; for Secretary, Daniel Blackman; for Treasurer, Sylvader T. Read; for Directors, Justus Gage, Walter G. Beckwith, Joseph Smith, Pleasant Norton, William Sears, Robert D. Cross, Emmons Buel. JUSTUS GAGE, P. NORTON, E. B. WARNER, ISAAC MARSH, JOHN NIXON, DANIEL BLACKMAN, ISAAC HULL, C. SHANAHAN, S. T. READ, J. G. BEESON, ROBERT D. CROSS. Dated at Cassapolis, May 24, 1856. -STATE OF MICHIGAN, }S County of Cass, f On this 24th day of May, A. D. 1856, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public within and for said County, Justus Gage, Robert D. Cross, Ezra B. Warner, Isaac Marsh, Clifford Shanahan, Jesse G. Beeson, Daniel Blackman, Sylvader T. Read, Isaac Hull, John Nixon, Pleasant Norton, and acknowledged that they executed the foregoing Articles of Association, for the uses and purposes within expressed. A. E. PECK, Notary Public. RULES AND REGULATIONS At the Annual Fair of the Cass County Ayricultural Society, to be held at Cassapolis, September 25th and 26th, 1856. Members of the Society will be furnished with tickets which will -admit the member, his wife and all children under eighteen years of age, to the Fair ground on both days. Admission tickets for all others will be for sale at the gate at 10 cents each. All exhibitors must be members. All articles or things competing for premiums must be ready for ex 380 amination by nine o'clock A. M. of the 26th, must be entered with the Secretary before entering the enclosure, each in its appropriate class, and a card must be attached to it. All stallions entered for premiums must have been kept for service and owned in the county for the last season. Draft horses, except stallions, may be tested by the committee to actual draft in harness, and stallions may be tested at the option of the exhibitors. All horses entered as a matched pair must have been owned and kept together as a span. All horses will be required to remain on the ground four hours each day under the direction of the Marshal. Oxen exhibited as working cattle must be hitched to either a wagon or cart, and tested not only in tractability, but in draft and backing with a load. All neat cattle must be led out for examination when requested by the Marshal, and there remain until the Judges have decided upon their merits, when the winners of prizes will be designated by badges. Foreign machinery and farm implements that shall be presented for exhibition and adjudged worthy of a premium, shall be entitled to only an award of a Diploma or books. As soon as the Viewing Committees have fully determined on the premium articles, they shall be designated on the cards attached to the articles. No article or animal entered for exhibition may be taken away before the close of the Fair except by permission of the Marshal, and if removed in violation of this rule will forfeit their right to a premium. No person whatever will be allowed to interfere with the Judges during their adjudications, and no Judge may adjudicate on his own stock or articles. No premium, where the animal or articles are unworthy, will be awarded, though there be no competition. The Judges may award discretionary premiums of Diplomas and books in addition, and cash premiums on articles, though there be no competion. No animal or article can take more than one premium, except as above provided. 381, Judges are requested to make their reports to the Secretary, at his office near the entrance, by or before 11 o'clock A. M., on Friday, the 26th. Domestic manufactures, &c., must have been manufactured in this county within the year, except such articles as have not heretofore been exhibited, and such articles, together with fruits, flowers, vegetables, &c., must be the production of the exhibitor, in order to entitle him to a premium. Animals and articles of all kinds having received the first premium at a previous Fair, cannot again compete for a first premium in the same class, but may be awarded a Diploma. Premiums will be delivered within one week after the Fair, and cash premiums, if not called for within sixty days thereafter, will be considered donated to the Society. Annual Meeting on the 26th, at 12 o'clock I. LIST OF PREMIUMS. CATTLE. JUDGEs. —Durhams-John Adamson, Archibald Jewell, Spenser Williams; Devons-Wm. H. Bacon, S. D. Wright, M. Powell; GradeH. Jewell, Oscar Jones, C. Bacon; Native-P. Norton, W. G. Beckwith, G. B. Turner; Work Oxen and Fat Cattle —D. McIntosh, D. Stevens, W. Blackmar. DURHAMS. Best bull 2 years old or over,- $4 00 2d " 2 " 4" 2 00 Best yearling bull,. --- 4 00 2d best "............ 2 00 Best bull calf,. 3 00 2d best " 2 00 Best cow 3 years old or over, -4 00 2d " 3 " " -----—..-. —-------- ----- 3 00 Best cow 2 years old, — 4 00 2d" 2 -" 3 00 382 Best heifer,_-*$3 00 Best heifer,........................................ $3 0( 2d " 2 — 00 Best heifer calf,...2 00 2d best ".1 00 DEVONS. Best bull 2 years old or over, $4 00 2d" 2................ 2 00 Best yearling bull, _ 4 00 2d best " -. 2 00 Best bull calf, - 3 00 2d best ". 2 00 Best cow 2 years old or over,- 4 00 2d " 2 ". ------- 3 00 Best cow 2 years old, - 4 00 2d " 2 "...- - 3 00 Best yearling heifer,.. 3 00 2d best ". 2 00 Best heifer calf,.........-............ 2 00 2d best..... 1 00 GRADE. Best bull 2 years old or over, $3 00 2d " 2 " ". 2 00 Best yearling bull,-. 3 00 2d best " - - 2 00 Best bull calf,... 2 00 2d best"........................ 1 00 Best cow 3 years old or over,.. 3 00 2d " 3 " ",,,, 2 00 Best cow 2 years old,-..3 00 2d " 2 ",,.... 2 00 Best yearling heifer,- 2 00 2d best ".. 1 00 Best heifer calf,............-...-....... 2 00 2d best " 1 00 383 NATIVE. Best bull 2 years old or over, — - - - - $2 00 2d " 2 " "- -Report. Best yearling bull,. --— 2 00 "bull calf,......... 2 00 cow 3 years old or over, -- —. 3 00 2d best cow 3 " " 2 00 Best cow 2 years old, 2 00 2d " 2 "......... 1 00 Best yearling heifer,-...........1.... 00 2d best " -.-. Report. WORK OXEN AND FAT CATTLE. Best yoke 3 years old or over,. $4 00 2d " 3 " " 3 00 Best yoke 2 years old, —... 3 00 2d " 2 2 00 Best fat ox, - - - 2 00 2d "- 1 00 Best fat cow,.-... 2 00 2d " 1 00 H ORSE S. JUDGEs.-Stallions-Wm. Jones, Geo. Newton, Wm. Sears; Horses in Harness-J. Nicholson, W. R. Fletcher, Amos Jones; Other Horses and Colts-N. Jones, N. Thomas, J. Sage. STALLIONS. Best blooded stallion,. $5 00 2d best " -3 00 Best stallion for all work,.. 5 00 2d "' - 3 00 Best stallion 3 years old,.................-..... - 4 00 2d " 3 "- 3 00 Best stallion 2 years old,. 4 00 2d " 2 " 3 00 Best yearling stallion, 4 00 2d best "... 3 00 384 HORSES IN HARNESS. Best pair draft horses,. —.* — - - $5 00 2d" " 3 00 Best pair matched horses,.... 5 00 2d" " C. 3 00 Best carriage horse,-. 3 00 2d" -.. 2 00 OTHER HORSES AND COLTS. Best brood mare with colt,. $5 00 2d best " " 3 00 Best saddle horse,-. 2 00 2d" ".c.c.. 1 00 Best 2 years old colt,- 3 00 2d best 2 ".- 2 00 Best yearling colt, 3 00 2d best ". 2 00 Best sucking colt,.3 00 2d best "- 2 00 SWINE. JUDGES. —W. Nicholson, E. Alexander, H. Warner. Best boar over 1 year old,..-..... $3 00 2d " 1 ".-.. — 2 00 Best boar under 1 year old,-, 2 00 2d best " 1 "' 1 00 Best sow over 1 year old, -3 0O 2d best " 1 " 2 00 Best sow under 1 year old, 2 00 2d best " 1 ".. 00 Best sow and pigs,..... 4 00 2d " - --- — 3 00 POULTRY. JUDGES.-E. B. Warner, E. P. Clisbee, I. Marsh. Best lot -Shanghais,- $1 00 2d "... Report. Best lot Polands,- $1 00 2d " "- " Report. Best lot common fowls,. 50 2d" " -....-.Report. Best lot Guinea hens, -. 60 2d "-. Report. Best lot turkeys,.-50 2d best "....... Report. Best lot geese,.. 50 2d ".. Report. Best lot ducks, 0 2d "... Report. SHEEP. JUDGES. —John McAllister, F. Brownell, E. Buel. MERINOS, FRENCH OR SPANISH. Best buck,.........-. $4 00 2d "A —- 3 00 Best 5 ewes,.....................-... 4 00 2d best 5 ewes, 3 00 Best 5 lambs, -. —..... 8 r.... " 4 00 2d best 5 lambs, ------- ---... -- - 3 00 SAXONS. Best buck,. $4 00 2d " - 3 00 Best 5 ewes,........ -4 00 2d best5 ewes,-.. 3 00 Best 5 lambs, 4 00 2d best 5 lambs,- 3 00 LONG WOOLED. Best buck,.-. $4 00 2d " -3 00 Best 5 ewes, - -4 00 2d best 5 ewes,........-...... 3 00 Best 5 lambs,-... 4 00 2d best 5 lambs,.- 3 00 49 386 FARMING IMPLEMENTS. JUDGEs. —G. Meacham, H. Aldrich, E. Gage. Best cultivator, t- -I $3 00 2d " 2 00 Best shovel plow,.. -.. — 2 00 2d " 1 00 Best drag,- 3 00 2d ". 2 00 Best prairie plow,- --- 3 00 2d ".. 2 00 Best barrens plow, —--- 3 00 2d " 2 00 Best corn plow, -50 2d ".Report. Best wheat drill,- 3 00 2d " 2 00 Best straw cutter,. -..- - 2 00'2d " 1 00 Best corn sheller,........... 2 00 2d best -.. 1 00 Best fanning mill, -2 00 2d best "- 1 00 Best grain cradle, 2 00 2d best "...... -.....-....... 1 00 Best 6 rakes for the hand, 1 00 Best horse rake,........... 3 00 2d best "- 2 00 On farming implements not herein enumerated, discretionary premiums may be awarded by the Judges. MANUFACTURES. JUDGES.-P. F. Carmichael, J. W. Sturr, R. B. Norton. Best double wagon,.................................. $3 00 2d best " 1 00 Best carriage,. 5 00 2d" i 3 00 387 Best buggy,,$2 00 2d " 1 00 3d ". Report. Best set harness,. 2 00 2d best set " -- -- 1 00 Best single harness,, 1 00 2d best ". Report. On all other articles the Judges may award a first premium of not more than one dollar, and for a second premium a report or Diploma. DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES AND PRODUCTS OF THE DAIRY. JUDGES.-H. Redfield, Mrs. W. G. Beckwitb, C. Tytherleigh, A. Read, A. Reading. Best sample of cheese, not less than 20 lbs., $4 00 2d best " " 20 lbs.,.... 3 00 Best sample of butter, 10 lbs.,..................3 00 2d best " 10 lbs., 2 00 Best woolen shawl,............ 4 00 Best pair stockings, -1.. ---—. 1 00 2d best " — 50 Best rug, 00 Best piece flannel,............................. 2 00 2d best.....1 00 Best coverlet,....................................... 1 00 2d "....................................... 50 Best piece of patch work,......... 1 00 2d" "C ----— o -- ------- 50 FANCY ARTICLES AND NEEDLE WORK. JUDGES — Miss A. Kingsbury, Miss J. B. McIntosh, S. W. Wilson. First premium, -................................... $1 00 2d " -....-....-... 50 cents, or Report. FRUITS, GRAINS, VEGETABLES AND FLOWERS. JUDGES —E. Smith, E. Osborn, B. Hathaway. Best and largest variety of apples, -$1 00 2d "..50 388 Best and largest variety of peaches,. $1 oo00 2d " " 50 Best and largest variety of pears, 1 00 2d " " 50 Best and largest variety of quinces,- --------------------- 1 00 2d " " 50 Best and largest variety of potatoes,.. 1 00 2d " " -50 Best peck beans, -Report. " 6 beets,. -. " peck turnips,. 50 peck onions,- 50 " 6 pumpkins,.......Report. "6 squashes,...-.... - - watermelons,.......... muskmelons,................................... MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES. JUDGES. —R D. Cross, G. B. Woolworth, I. Starkweather. All articles which do not properly come under the adove heads are to be placed in this class, and may have awarded them a cash premium of one dollar. NoTE. —All kinds of articles by the rules may receive a cash premium, though there be no competition. This rule does not apply to stock of any kind, and the premium can only be the lowest one offered for that article. LIST OF PREMIUMS Awarded at the Annual Fair of the Cass County Agricultural Society, 1856: DURHAM CATTLE. Best bull over 2 years old,.........................A. Jewell. 2d best " 2 " M. Powell. Best yearling bull,. —. Smith.. 2d best "- I. Bonine, Jr. 389 Best bull calf,.. N. Jones. 2dbest".- A. Jewell. Best cow over 3 years old,-.. N. Jones. 2d best " 3 " -.... --- -— G. W. Jones. Best cow over 2 years old,...-.-.-... J. E. Bonine. 2d best " 2 " D. Brody. Best yearling heifer, I. Bonine, Jr. 2d best "..- -J....- - ----. E. Bonine. Best heifer calf, -.J. E. Bonine. 2d best ". I. P. James. GRADE CATTLE. Best bull over 2 years old, —...R. Pemberton. Best yearling bull,... -C. Sherrill. 2d best ". —.-.-...-. Wm. Hastings. Best cow over.3 years old,... J. Nixon. 2d best " 3 ".......M. Powell. Best bull calf,...... N. Jones. 2d best...................N. Jones. Best heifer calves,.J. Nixon. 2d best " ------------—....-. M. Powell. NATIVE CATTLE. Best cow,............ -— B. Mead. 2d" -J. H. Burns. Best 2 years old heifer, - - -.J. H. Burns. FRUITS, &C.-APPLES. Best and largest variety apples, I. Hull. 2d best ".................... Mary Sheldon. Best pears, ---- I. Hull. Best potatoes,.. —.... -.. S. Hull. 2d ".................... -. C. Messenger. Best beets,. C. Sherrill. Best turnips, C. Sherrill. Best pumpkins,.J. Boyd. Best squashes,... —-...... S. Hull. Best corn,.G. B. Turner. 2d " -G. W. Jones. 390 Best cabbage,.-..i. n.... Wm. Russey, SHEEP. Best French merino buck, ---------- ---- -- J. E. Bonine. 2d" " J. E. Bonine. Best 5 Spanish ewes,...I. Bonine, Jr. 2d best 5 "................J. E. Bonine. Best 5 ewe lambs, French, - -J. E. Bonine. STALLIONS. Best blooded stallion,............ -A. Haskins. 2d best "..-H. Warner. Best stallion for all work,.................,- L. Reames. 2d best " " R. Dickerson. Best 3 years old colt, -- - -.... J. A. Gould. 2d best ". - - - J. Hass. Best 2 years old colt,.J. Girt. 2d best " -A. Jewell. Best yearling colt,-.. J. Adamson. 2d best ". — E. Shanahan. MANUFACTURED ARTICLES. Best double wagon, -.... ----...- F. O. Van Antwerp & Co. Best buggy, —-- -John Cox. Best set harness, G. W. Van Antwerp. Best sample horse shoeing,-...U. C. Squires. 2d best " i... C. Russey. DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. Best butter, ------....... —- --- --- ------- Maria Rudd. 2d best" Mrs. W. H. Sturr. Best quilt,.............E. Root. 2d best"..... man unknown. Best flannel, -. -. D. Brody. 2d best" N. Jones. Best stockings,...............-... J. Boyd. 2d best " — N. Jones. Best rag carpet,.- Mrs. D. M. Howell. 2d best -......-........... _,Mary Sheldcn. 391 Best shawl,. Amos Jones. Best linsey,... N. Jones. 2d"........... S. Jones. Best bread,- -.,Mrs. S. T. Read. Best stocking yarn,... N. Jones. 2d best " -L. Rathbun. Best patchwork,. J. Boyd. 2d best " -G. Redfield. HORSES IN HARINESS. Best span draft horses,-....I. Hull 2d best " - W. J. Nicholson. Best carriage horse, -.. G. W. Conklin. 2d best " CJohn Cox. Best matched horses, — A. Jones. 2d best ". -.......... I. Shurts. MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES. Best maple sugar, S. Jones. Best herbarium,..............G. Redfield. Best guantlet gloves,.G. Green. OTHER HORSES AND COLTS. Best brood mare with colt, H. Sifford. 2d best " " -... L. Clark. Best saddle horse,. C. Smith. 2d best ".R. P. Norton. Best 2 years old colt,... M. Powell 2d best " ". W. W. Jewell. Best yearling colt,. J. White. 2d best ". John Cox. WORK OXEN AND FAT CATTLE. Best yoke,.. C. B. Teitsort. 2d" i -...R. Lake. Best 2 years old steers, G. Woolworth. 2d best" " J. H. Burns. Best fat cow, _D. Brody. 2d best"..... J. Nixon. 392 FANOY ARTICLES AND NEEDLE WORK. Best collars, J. Boyd. 2d".. A. Fuller. Best leather work,................................ J. A. Seeley. 2d best ". Mrs. C. Kingsbury. Best embroidery,..... —---- - --- __. G. Redfield. 2d best "-.. Mrs. C. Kingsbury. Best artificial fruit, - D. McIntosh. Best hair flowers,-. J. A. Seeley. Best drawings,... —-- ---- Miss R. Gage. 2d best " J.. C. Bloomer. Best patchwork,.. J. C. Bloomer. Best tidy,................................Mrs. E. B. Warner. FANCY ARTICLES, &C. Best bonnets, _ Mrs. Haight. Best gaiters,- Mrs. Warner. Best embroidered shoes,......... —..... - Mary Sheldon. CLINTON COUN rY. SEC.'S OFFICE, CLINTON Co. AG'L SOCIETY, | Essex, May 30th, 1857. *4. C. HOLMES, ESQ., Sec'y Mich. State Agricultural Society: Herewith I present the annual report of the Clinton County Agri~cultural and Horticultural Society. As it is the first full report ever sent from our Society since its organization, I ask leave to present -it in'the following order: First-A general history of the county, as regards its agricultural capabilities, &c. Second-The Constitution and an abstract of the proceedings of the Society from the first period of its organization, in the spring of 1853, to January, 1856. Third-A full report for 1856. All of which is respectfully submitted. Yours, truly, N. S. HAMMOND, Recording Secretary, Clinton Co. Ag. Society. Clinton county being located in that portion of our State that is,drained by Grand River and its tributaries, can therefore claim a large share of the praise that is justly awarded to the Grand River Valley. Clinton County is in the fourth tier of counties from the south lire of the State, and is joined on the south by Ingham and Eaton, on the west by Ionia, north by Gratiot, and east by Shiawassee county. We have sixteen townships of land, the most of which is probably unsurpassed in fertility by any portion of Michigan. 50 394 As I shall give a general outline, and describe only the principal features of the county, I commence by dividing the soil into two grand divisions, under the terms of Timbered Lands, and Oak Lands, or oak openings, as they are commonly called. These two divisions can again be subdivided, the timbered lands into four, and the oak lands into five classes. The county is drained and watered by numerous streams and rills of excellent water that are tributary to the Looking Glass river in the southern part of the county, and the Maple in the north portion, while Stony Creek occupies the center, and joins the Maple in Ionia county, a short distance above the village of Lyons. In addition to this, water of the best quality can be obtained in any part of the county by sinking wells to the depth of from six to forty feet; it is, however, rare that we have to dig to the last mentioned depth; eighteen feet is about the average, and as a general rule, hard water. There are a few springs of soft water, also a number of ponds and small lakes, not impregnated with lime. The general aspect of Clinton county is of a pleasing character, neither level nor hilly, but still rolling enough for all agricultural purposes. The soil is all of a calcareous nature, especially good for wheat. But I am digressing. As before stated, I will divide the lauds into two grand divisions, and describe the timbered lands as DIVISION NO. I. This division constitutes by far the major portion of the county. The soil is of every variety of character, from a rich black sandy mold, intermixed with gravel, to a heavy clay, and the timber consisting of a gigantic growth of oak, elm, maple, ash, basswood or linden, beech, &c., with an undergrowth of ironwood or hornbeam, witch-hazle, boxwood, and a great variety of small shrubs and trees. I will now take the different classes composing this division and describe the general distinctive qualities of each, together with the varieties of timber commonly found on them. CLAss 1-A rich, black, sandy mold, intermingled with gravel, often a slight proportion of clay in the subsoil. Timber —sugar maple, six varieties of oak, white ash, red and white beech, blue ash, black walnut, butternut, black cherry, rock and red elm, basswood or linden, with an undergrowth of ironwood, box-wood, and small trees of the same kind 395 as the large timber. On this division, rock or sugar maple, basswood,. elm and oak predominate, and indicate the best of soils, good for anything that grows in this climate. Often we find ridges where a heavy growth of red beech and white oak are the prevailing varieties of wood met with; this generally indicates the absence of clay and is a quality of soil very desirable. CLAss 2-Contains most of the above named kinds of timber, excepting the walnut and butternut. Here, rock maple and white beech predominate, showing a soil containing more clay than Class 1; often, and indeed it is usually the case, the clay does not appear on the surface, and it has the appearance of sandy land, but an examination of the subsoil will detect clay, in nine cases out of ten, within eighteen inches of the surface. This variety of soil will make good farms. CLASS 3-Is more on the clay order than either of the others. This is shown by the timber being composed of large quantities of the laurelleaved oak, and the American water elm, (which does not always indi — cate a wet soil,) red maple, white beech and hickory, with a sprinkling of all the varieties enumerated excepting black walnut and butternut. On this soil the elm and laurel-leaved oak predominate, especially the latter, which is commonly called swamp burr oak, and the most valuable for rails of any of the oak genus. This kind of soil makes excellent grazing farms, and, generally, good grain farms. Its capacity for enduring a protracted drouth is not as good as that of a more sandy nature. CLASS 4 —Consists of the rich tracts of alluvial formation, extending along the margins of the streams, called bottom lands, and will in time be among our most valuable lands, particularly for meadows, and often it is high enough for corn and wheat growing. The quality of the soil is generally as follows: A black, sandy mold, often slightly intermixed with red and white clay, on'a subsoil of gravel. As for the timber, every variety I have mentioned, can be found on the bottom lands of Clinton county, besides many others not enumerated. I have now given a general view of the principal points of character of the timbered lands of Clinton county, and will now proceed to DIVISION NO. II.-OAK LANDS. CLASS l —Plains and Prairie.-There is but a small portion of land' of this character in the county, and the principal part of this is in the 390 ~north tier of towns, forming a beautiful and excellent portion of the county. This belt of oak land extends entirely across the county from -east to west, following the course of Maple river, and embracing a large share of the towns (commencing at the north-east corner of the county) of Duplain, Greenbush, Essex, and Lebanon, the two last mentioned towns, however, contain the major part of the Plains. Those in Essex are known as Benedict's Plains, so named from their having been settled about twenty years since by Mr. H. Benedict, who still resides on them, and those in Lebanon as Beckwith Plains. Also in the the town of Dewitt, in the south part of the county, along the Looking Glass river, are some tracts of fine plains. The soil of this class of land is rather light, being composed of sand and gravel surface, and a gravel subsoil; but, under a good system of husbandry, and a liberal use of clover, farms of a most excellent quality can be made of them. The timber is generally white and yellow oak, a few burr oak, (but these not common,) poplar, and a low growth of hazle, rose willow, &c.; in fact all the timber on the plains is scattering. CLASS 2-Contains the greater part of the oak lands, and is known by the term of oak openings. Soil sandy, with less gravel than the plains, and of a good quality for agricultural purposes. Timber mostly white oak, with an undergrowth of hazle intermixed with blackberry bushes, and in some cases sassafras. CLASS 3-Oak and hickory openings, soil inclining to clay, hard to till, but excellent wheat land. Timber, white oak and hickory intermixed, with an undergrowth of young hickory and hazle. CLASS 4 —Timbered, or red oak openings, soil a heavy clay, produces good wheat and grass, but hard to work. Timber, mostly red and black oak. CLAss 5 —Oak land swales. These differ from the swales of the timbered lands in being more sandy and by having other varieties of timber on them. Soil sandy, and often with quicksand in the subsoil. Timber, white and yellow oak, some hickory, and considerable pepperidge or sour gum, which is also known by the names of tupelo and swamp hornbeam. This is generally good grass land. There is also -another variety of land intermediate between timbered land and oak land. It partakes of the quality of both, in timber and soil, and will make No. 1 farms. 397 Swamp and marsh lands are found, but not in an an undue proportion, and I know of none but what can be drained with ease. In the south part of Duplain and Greenbush lies an extensive cedar swamp, bordered with tamarack and Yellow birch. There is also a large alder swamp in the town of Bengal, that is crossed by the Detroit and Milwaukee railroad. These are the largest swamps in the county, but others of smaller extent may be found in many places, both tamarack and black ash. There are some fine tracts of marsh, producing hay of good quality. Some have been partially drained, and seeded with red-top, forming valuable meadows. In some instances a rich deposit of marl is found, under them. The most extensive one I have noticed lies in the town of Ovid, on the east side of the county. I would be pleased to give you a description of the indigenous Flora of Clinton county, and may do so at some future day, but at present time will not permit. However, I will observe, for the credit of Dame Nature, that the old lady has bestowed her floral treasures on us with a liberal hand. Now for the comparative merits of the timbered lands and oak lands. It is conceded that the first mentioned variety of land is the most valuable for agricultural purposes, and if a person wishes to raise stock to any great extent, the thing is decided at once, as the advantages for growing hay and having pasture land, are superior to those on the; openings. Seeding down land can be done with the utmost ease. In spring, throw on your herds grass, or clover seed, as the case may be, previous to a shower, and the seeding is done. On the bottom lands I have helped cut from two and a half to three tons of red-top peracre, and the first crop after seeding at that. Of the grain-growing capabilities of this soil, I can recommend it as of the first order. In Essex, on the farm now owned by Mr. D. T. Hoyt, I have known 46 bushels of winter wheat taken from one acre where it grew, and that with no extra cultivation. The variety was the old red-chaff bald. Timber land soil will grow corn to a small extent. In 1850, on our farm, in Essex, we planted a patch of corn, some less than four acres, and on harvesting it in autumn we had 440 bushels of corn, of the first quality. I don't think there was a soft ear in the lot. To sum up our advantages, I can say, only plant and cul 398 tivate, and if the season is congenial, the farmer can reap a rich reward for his labors. The plains and openings produce grain of an excellent quality, but not in as great quantities per acre as the timber soils. As a general rule the oak lands are more pleasant to work, excepting classes three and four, and under the common modes of culture, will not wear as long as division 1. The great drawback on the plains' farmer, is the fact that most of the grasses, including herds-grass, red-top, &c., will not flourish with him. However, as an offset to this, he has clover to fall back on, by the use of which, and a proper rotation of crops, the plains and openings can be made to produce farms which, it must be confessed, are hard to beat. There were formerly some small tracts of valuable pine lands in the north-east corner of the county, extending along the Maple, but the timber was exhausted, or, at least, the best of it, long since. A few miles north and north.east are extensive tracts of pine of the best quality, which, being rafted down the Maple, furnishes timber of the most unrivalled quality. Clinton county was first settled about 1824, by George Campau, of Detroit, who built a trading house on the south bank of the Maple river, in the present town of Essex. The Campau place has always been noted for the extreme beauty of its situation. The country in which it is located is plains of the best quality. The house that Mr. Campau built is yet standing; it is what is called a block-house, i. e., a house built of logs that have been hewed square before being laid up. In the dooryard, on the south side of the house, stands the largest apple tree in the county. It is now about thirty feet high, and is divided into several main branches near the ground. Joining the Campau farm on the east, stands the pleasant and thriving village of Maple Rapids. Here is a good water power, with a large saw-mill, built and owned by Mr. Winm. A. Hewitt, from which the surrounding country is supplied with the best pine lumber, lath, &c. I understand a large flouring mill is to be erected here soon, which will add very materially to the place. In the road, on the east side of the store-house belonging to the Campau house, can be seen a hearth of stone, about six feet square. This was the hearth of the fire-place in the shanty, occupied by Mr. 399 Campau while the block-house was building, and is, I think, the only remnant of the first house built by a white man in Clinton county. It was not, however, until about 1845 that the settlement of the north portion of the county was commenced with energy. The village of St. Johns is now the principal point of interest in the county. It is the present terminus of the Detroit and Milwaukee railway. The track is now laid some eight miles west of the village, and is expected to be completed to Ionia village some time in July next. St. Johns is to be the county seat. The Board of Supervisors having, by a vote at their last session, removed it from the village of Dewitt, where it has always been located, and the inhabitants having endorsed their decision, by a heavy majority of votes at the spring election, the county offices will be removed, probably, within the year. St. Johns is located in the town of Bingham, in the midst of the forest, is about three years old, and contains two steam saw-mills, one steam flouring mill, several stores, two first-class hotels, &c., and is, and will be, the principal place of market for the northern part of the county. There are several villages in the county besides the two mentioned. Dewitt, on the Looking Glass river, in the south part, and eight miles from Lansing, is well known as one of the most beautiful localities in the county, combining excellent soil with fine natural scenery. Wacousta, farther down the river, contains flouring and saw-mills, stores, &c.; is a thriving place. Duplain, on the Maple river, known as Rochester Colony, contains flouring and saw-mills, a tannery and several stores. The southern part of the county is more thickly settled than the north, and, excepting the Campau place, the settlements are older generally. The inhabitants of Clinton have not been negligent of their educational interests, as the traveler through the county will see. Fine white school houses are springing up in every direction, taking the place of the old log ones, indicating the spirit that here prevails. There is very little government land in the county, if any, but plenty of good wild land, of all varieties of character, to be had at prices ranging from three to twelve dollars per acre, according to locality. One of the draw-backs to settlement of our county is the fact that a 400 large portion of the most valuable wild lands are in the hands of speculators, who have either kept them out of market, or held them at such prices, as under the existing state of things, no one could afford to pay. Since the establishment of the railroad, prices of land look more consistent. Prices of improved farms range from 18 to 40 dollars per acre. Of the progress of agriculture, I can speak in terms of praise. There is a brisk spirit of competition among the farmers. We have some small flocks of Spanish and French Merino sheep, also some Southdowns. We have pure short-horn and Devon cattle, many fine blood horses, good swine, and even the boasted Shanghai can be found here. The fine art of rural life, horticulture, is making good advances. Hardly a dwelling can be found, however humble, but what has its fruit garden or orchard, and a flower garden, from the size of two feet by ten, with its clusters of morning glory over the door and window, up to the well conducted flower garden. Prominent among the fruits that succeed here I note the following varieties: Apples - Northern Spy, Boston Russet, Sweet Bougb, Newtown Pippin, Snow, Chesbro Russet, Black Gilliflower, American Golden Russet, Rhode Island Greening, Hooker, &c. It is useless to extend the list of apples, as any variety will flourish, and I have noticed that wherever orchards have arrived at a bearing age, the trees are invariably loaded. Pears flourish well, but many varieties cannot endure our winters. I know of but few bearing trees in the county. I have tested the growth and hardiness of the following varieties: Perfectly Hardy. Not Hardy. Summer Saline. Bleekers' Meadow. Leech's Kingssessing. Vicar of Winkfield. Prince's St. Germain. Bartlett. White Doyenne. Charles of Austria. Glout Merceau. Guernsey. Summer Bergamot. 401 Flemish Beauty. Stevens' Genesee, first rate, good bearer. Seckel. Swans' Orange. French Jargonelle. Passe Colmar. Cayuga. Of eighteen varieties only two not hardy. Peaches, used up by the two past winters, and very uncertain. Quinces, somewhat injured by winter. Cherries do well, particularly the Morellos. I think low branched trees best, or any way to keep the trunks in the shade in summer, and prevent bursting of the bark. Plums succceed well. The winter of 1855 injured them much. Can recommend the following varieties: Boman's Washington, Yellow Gage, Smith's Orleans, Horse Plum, Green Gage, Sugar Plum, Bleeker's Gage, Red Magnum Bonum, Frost Eagle. I have also the Prune de St. Catharine, received from France, which has wintered in good order. I find the wild red plum of the timbered land to make excellent stocks when grafted at the surface of the earth. The wild plum of the oak lands is worthless for stocks on account of its slow growth. Grapes-I have the Isabella, Catawba, Oporto, and White Sweetwater. The latter require protection by being laid down and covered with earth. The Oporto is a fine early variety, requiring no protection, and perfecting its fruit by the last of August. Currants and all the small fruits yield a bountiful return for their culture. We find the best way to grow currants is to take cuttings of wood of the previous year's growth and prepare them for planting by taking out all the buds below the soil, and training them on one stem about six inches high, pruning all the young wood, annually to within about six or eight buds of its base. No one should be without a bed of strawberries, when they can be 51 402 raised in such perfection. We can recommend the following varieties, having grown them for the past three years: Pistillate varieties, McAvoy's No. 12, or Superior, McAvoy's No. 1, Crimson Cone, Monroe Scarlet, Burr's New Pine. Burr's New Pine I find to be the highest flavored of them all-McAvoy's Superior the best bearer. The best culture for the New Pine is the alternate strip method, as the plants have to be renewed often. The others grow in rows and require to be planted 18 inches apart each way, the runners kept off and free from weeds. Hermaphrodite, or perfect flowering sorts, I find the Large Early Scarlet and Genesee the best. Hautbais varieties not worth the ink it takes to write the name. The Agricultural Society was organized in the spring of 1853, by a number of the citizens of Dewitt and vicinity, and I am happy to state, is now in a flourishing condition. At the time of its organization the following Constitution was adopted: CONSTITUTION, For the Organization of a Societyfor the Promotion of Agriculture and Horculture in the County of Clinton. ART. 1. This Society shall be called the " Clinton County Agricultural and Horticultural Society," and auxilary to the State Society. ART. 2. Any person may become a member of this Society, by singing this Constitution and paying into the treasury one dollar on entrance, one dollar annually thereafter, and a member for life by paying ten dollars at one time and signing the Constitution. ART. 3. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor and all members of the Legislature of the State, shall be considered, however, members of this Society during their continuance in office. ART. 4. The ordinary meetings of this Society, shall be holden at the county seat, but other meetings may be holden at such time and places as may be directed by the Executive Committee. 403 ART. 5. There shall be an annual meeting of the Society for the election of officers and to transact such other business as may be thought expedient, on the first Wednesday in January in every year, except for the first election of officers, which shall take place on the day of the adoption of this Constitution. ART. 6. At the annual meeting provided for in the fifth article of this Constitution, there shall be chosen by ballot, by the members of this Society then assembled, one President, seven Vice Presidents, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, and Treasurer, who shall hold their offices until the next ensuing annual meeting or until others are elected. ART. 7. At each annual meeting a Committee of five persons shall be chosen, who, with the Presedent and Recording Secretary, shall constitute a Board of Directors for this Society. ART. 8. There shall be an annual fair, and general exhibition of Agricultural and Horticultural products, including new and useful improvements in husbandry, at which time there shall be a plowing match and and a distribution of the premiums; said fair to be holden at the time designated by the Directors. ART. 9. No premium shall be awarded to any person who is not a member of this Society. ART. 10. It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to adopt a code of By-Laws and publish them with the Constitution, for the benefit of the Society. And on or before the first day of April in each year, they shall give notice in all the newspapers published in the county, on what articles premiums shall be given, and the conditions whereon the same shall become due. ART. 11. The Constitution of this Society may be altered or amended at any annual meeting by a vote of two-thirds of all the members present. The first Fair was held at Dewitt, Oct. 5th and 6th, 1853. The amount expended for premiums $137 25. Address by James W. Ransom, of Dewitt. The Fair of 1854 was a failure, held at Dewitt, Oct. 10 and 11. Amount of premiums paid, $52 51. No address. The Fair of 1855 succeeded well. It was held at Dewitt, Oct. 1 1th and 12th. Address by M. L. Wilcox, of Duplain. 404 I now add a full report for 1856. Before which I should say, the thanks of the Society are due to the Board of Supervisors, for the liberal appropriations of money from the county, which has placed the Society on a firm basis. DEWITT, 2d January, A. D. 1856. The Clinton County Agricultural Society convened at the Clinton House, in the village of Dewitt, in accordance with Article fifth of the Constitution, A. R. Marvin, Vice President, in the Chair, when the meeting proceeded to elect the officers for the present year, which resulted as follows: President-Humphrey Hammond, of Essex. Vice Presidents-W. Brunson, E. Fitch, G. Conn, A. R. Marvin, W. Jennison, S. B. Dayton and T. H. Pettit. Recording Secretary-Seth P. Marvin. Corresponding Secretary-J. H. Adams. Treasurer-Win. W. Webb. Directors —David Scott, Charles Scott, John W. Gardner, of Dewitt; Harvey Hunter, of Watertown; Lyman Swagart, of Bengal. On motion, Resolved, That the duties of the Executive Committee devolve upon the Directors. On motion, adjourned sine die. SETH P. MARVIN, Secretary. DEWITT, 17th June, A. D. 1856. Society met at Dewitt for the transaction of business. H. Hammond, President, in the Chair. David Scott, J. W. Gardner, H. Hunter-Directors present. Resolved, That the Society will hold their next Annual County Fair at one of the following places, to wit: in the the village of Dewitt or St. Johns, in said county, and at the one of those villages which will, on or before the 18th day of July next, voluntarily contribute to the said Clinton County Agricultural and Horticultural Society the greatest 405 amount of money, for the use of said Society, to be expended for its benefit, which amount, so contributed, shall be paid to the Treasurer of said Society on or before the first day of October next. Resolved, That sealed proposals for voluntary contributions be received by the Secretary of said Society until the 18th day of July next, at 2 o'clock P. M. of that day, from responsible persons, for the amount of money to be raised in such voluntary contributions for the use of said Society, which money shall be paid to the Treasurer of said Society on or before the first day of October next. Resolved, That the Society pay 0. F. Strickland the sum of two dollars for services in going to Victor, to obtain the affidavit of Dr. Hollister, President of said Society, in October last. Resolved, That the premiums to be awarded at the next Annual Fair of said Society shall be as follows, viz.: CLASS I. —HORSES. Best stallion 4 years old or over,- -- $5 00 2d best " 3 " or under 4 years,... 3 00 Best brood mare 4 years old or over, foal with her,. 5 00 2d best "' 4 " " " 2 00 Best 3 years old colt,...- -......-... 2 00 2d " " - 00 Best 2 years old colt,. — 1 50 2d " -- 1 00 Best I year old colt,..- 1 50 2d" ". 1 00 Best spring colt,.-1 50 2d best "............... 1 00 Best span horses for all kinds of work, 3 00 2d best " " i 2 00 Best lair matched horses,. 3 00 2d best "' "- 2 00 Best buggy horse, - -2 00 2d best "..... 1 00 Best saddle horse,. 2 00 2d best " 1 00 406 CLASS II. —CATTLE. Best bull 3 years old or over, $3 00 2d best" " " -. 2 00 Best bull 2 years old and near 3 years old................ 2 00 2d best " " " "- 1 00 Best spring calf,. 1 50 2d best "i 1 00 Best cow 3 years old or over, - 3 00 2d " 3 " " 2 00 Best heifer,.. 1 50 2d ".... 1 00 Best yoke of oxen,.,. _ 3 00 2d best ". 2 00 Best pair 3 years old steers,.-2 00 2d " 3 "- - 1 00 Best pair 2 years old steers,.... 2 00 2d " 2 "......... 1 00 Best pair 1 year old steers,............................ 2 00 2d " 1 " 1 00 Fattest steer, cow, or ox,.2 00 2d " " "- - 00 CLASS III. —-SHEEP. Best full blood Spanish buck,. —-$..... $3 00 2dbest ".......................... 2 00 Best full blood French buck,............. 3 00 2d best " ". 2 00 Best cross blood buck, French and Spanish, 3 00 2d best " " " - 2 00 Best 2 or more Spanish ewes, full blood,, 2 00 2d best 2 " " ". 1 00 Best 2 or more French ewes, full blood, - 2 00 2d best 2" " " - 1 00 Best 2 or more ewes cross Spanish and French blood,........ 2 00 2d best 2 " " " 1 00 Best 2 or more lambs, Spanish full blood, 1 50 2dbest 2 4" "AS 1 00 407 Best 2 or more lambs, French full blood, ------. —-1 50 2d best 2 " " " - 1 00 Best 2 or more lambs, cross blood French and Spanish * ——. 1 50 2d best 2 " " " ". 1 00 Best coarse wool buck, —----------------------- 1 50 2d" " I.. 1 00 Best 2 or more ewes, coarse wool, - - 1 00 2d best 2 " " 7& Best 2 or more lambs, coarse wo]l,. - 75' 2d best 2 " " 50 Best grade buck,.... - - - 2 00 2d best " -- - - -- - 1 00 Best 2 or more grade ewes,....-....................1 50 2d best 2 " -. — - 1 00 Best 2 or more grade lambs,- - - 1 00 2d best 2 "' "' 75 By grade is meant a cross of any of the coarse wool sheep with any of the merino family. CLASS IV.-SWINE. Best Boar,. $2 00 2d " -1 00 Best sow and pigs,- 2 00 2d "- -- 1 O00 CLASS V.-FOWLS. Beat coop of 1 cock and 4 hens or more Bramah Pootra, $1 00 2d" 1 " 4 " " 1 75 Best coop of 1 cock and 4 hens or more Cochin China, 1 00 2d " 1 " 4 " ". 75 Best coop of 1 cock and 4 hens or more Shanghai,. 1 00 2d" 1 " 4 " " 75 CLASS VI.-GRAIN. Best winter wheat, 1 bushel as specimen,.-. $1 00 2d " " " ----- 7 Best yellow corn in the ear, 1 bushel specimen, --- 00 " white it " I - -1 00 " Dent 144 4( " l 00 408 Best Oats, 1 bushel specimen,.-. $1 00 2d best " " 75 CLASS VII. —VEGETABLES. Best potatoes, 1 bushel specimen, $1 00 2d " 1 " 75 Best carrots, 1 bushel or more, - 1 00 2d " 1 " 75 Best ruta baga turnips, 1 bushel specimen,. 50 2d " " 1 -" 25 Best specimen white beans, 1 bushel, -.-.- 1 00 id i" " ".... -----—. 50 Discretionary premiums on garden vegetables. CLASS VIII. —FRUIT. Best 3 varieties of winter apples, $1 00'2d" "':........................- 50 Best 3 varieties fall apples, 1 00 -2d " " " -- 50 Best specimen of peaches,.. 50'2d ".- 25 Best specimen of pears, — 50 2d " - 25 Best specimen of grapes,,, 50 2d " - - 25 CLASS IX.-BUTTER, CHEESE, &C. Best 5 pounds of butter made in June, with written statement of making and keeping the same, -- -. $2 00 2d best 5 pounds of butter, with statement, &c.,. 1 00 Best 5 pounds of butter,. 1 00 2d " " " — -50 Best 5 pounds or more of cheese, - 2 00 2d " " " 1 00 Best 5 pounds or more of maple sugar, 1 00 2d" " 50 Best specimen honey,-. 50 9" corn bread or jonny cake,. 50 409 Best specimen wheat bread, $0 50 quince preserves,. — 50 " peach " ----------- — 50 " plum " — 50 CLASS X.-DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. Best 10 yards fulled cloth,.. $2 00 2d best 10 "4. -- 1 00 Best 10 yards flannel, -. 1 00 2d best 10 ". 75 Best coverlet,.. 1 00 Best fancy bed quilt, -.. 1 50 2d"" -- 1 00 Best 10 yards rag carpeting, - - -1 50 2d best 10 " -" 1 00 Best specimen of woolen stockings, - 50 2d best " " 38 Best sample of woolen socks, - - 25 2d " " -. 25 Best sample of woolen mittens,.. —- —. 50 2d" " c 25 Best cotton stockings,. —- - - 50 2d best " - — 25 Best specimen of ornamental needle work, —, 1 50 2d " " -- 1 25 3d" "' " - -..-. -.. 1 00 4th " - - 75 All worsted work added. CLASS XI.-B3LACKSMITHING. Best set of horse shoes, - $1 00 2d best set of "' 50 Best half pound of horse shoe nails,. - 38 2d best " "- " -25 Best plow clevis, ---- 75 2d best "- 38 52 410 CLASS XII.-SHOEMAKING. Best pair calf boots, sewed, - -. 1 50 " " pegged,. 1 00 " kip boots,. 75 Best pair stoga boots, — - " calf boots, -- 25 CLASS XIII.-MISCELLANEOUS. Best pannel door, —....... $1 00 2d best " - 50 Best fall-leaf table or stand, -. —- - - 1 00 " bureau,.. 2 00' bedstead,.. 1 00 "specimen ornamental lettering,. 1 00 " " graining,. 1 00 " lumber wagon, ----------—. —-- -...-5 00 2d best " 3 00 Best plow,... 3 00 " cultivator, 2 00 "grain cradle,. 1 00 "axe, a- -50 " bush hook,.s50' pork barrel,.- - - 50 " flour barrel, 25' rocking chair, -50 " set common chairs,. 1 00 " axe-helve, - 25 " set double harness,. 3 00 "fancy single harness, 2 00 "ox yoke and bows, 1 00 Plowing match to be at 2 o'clock P. M. on first day of the fair, with horses, one-fourth acre to be plowed. Best,.... $ 3 00 2d best, 2 00 Resolved, That no stock can be entered for a premium, unless owned in the county two months previous to the fair. 411 JUDGES. Class 1; M. Christopher, E. P. Daniels, H. Griffith. Class 2; L. Hungerford, Wm. Dills, T. H. Pettit. Class 3; 0. Bristol, - Bently, A. C. Lee. Class 4; C. Hill, H. Alexander, Watson Cronkite. Class 5; J. R. Pearsoll, Daniel Moon, J. C. Brunson. Class 6; P. Webber, J. Seaver, A. R. Marvin. Class 7; Winm. Rouse, M. Headley, Wm. H. Reuhbottom. Class 8; N. S. Hammond, N. J. Daniels, Winm. Brunson. Class 9; Mrs. M. W. Pike. Class 10; Mrs. D. Sturgis, Mrs. H. Hunter, Mrs. J. Gardner. Class 11; S. Foreman, S. B. Smith, J. H. Bissell. Class 12; J. Cook, Wm. Vandike, J. T. Hewitt. Class 13; Wm. Utley, George W. Perign, O. B. Sevey. SEPTEMBER 15, 1856. The Clinton County Agricultural and Horticultural Society met atDewitt for the purpose of transacting business, present, H. Hammond, President, and J. W. Gardner. OCTOBER 15, 1856. Society met and organized. On motion, The Executive Committee resolved to admit foreign stock of imnproved blood on exhibition, subject to discretionary premiums. The village of Dewitt having subscribed the largest amount of money, the Annual Fair was held there on the 15th and 16th of October, 1856. The smoke which prevailed over the State, made it rather unfavorable, but the attendance was good. The address was delivered by Win.. H. Chapman, of Lansing, at 4 o'clock P. M. on the second day, after which the following premiums were awarded: CLASS I. John W. Gardner, best stallion 4 years old or over,.-. $5 00 Thos. Hazzard, best stallion 3 years old and under 4,.... 3 00 412 A. Goodrich, best brood mare,. -- - - - $5 00 John W. Gardner, 2d best brood mare, -- - 2 00 Ehiel Ingersoll, best 3 years old colt, - - -2 00 Morgan Christopher, 2d best 3 years old colt,. 1 00 Alanson Goodrich, best 2 years old colt, - -- 1 50 Parker Webber, 2d best 2 " 1 00 Ansel Chapman, best 1 year old colt, 1 50 R. Cushman, 2d best 1 " 1 00 John W. Gardner, best horses for all kinds of work, -------- 3 00 A. W. Pattridge, 2d " " --.-. 2 00 Chas. Scott, best span matched horses, - -3 00 Daniel Moon, 2d best span " - 2 00 M. Headley, best buggy horse, 2 00 D. C. Wiley, 2d best ". 1 00 D. C. Wiley, best saddle horse,.. 2 00 -G. W. Gardner, 2d best" I - 1 00 Judges —M. Christopher, H. Griffith and J. B. Mosher, who recommend that a premium of two dollars be awarded to No. 119, (E. S. Ingersoll,) foreign stock, colt. CLASS II.-CATTLE. A. C. Lee, best bull 3 years old or over,... $3 00 E. Ingersoll, 2d best bull 3 years old or over, 2 00 Geo. Allen, best bull over 2 years old and under 3, 2 00 E. Crandall, best cow 3 years old or over,.-. — ---—...... 3 00 A. C. Lee, 2d " 3 " ". —---—.- 2 00 E. Crandall, best heifer,. 1 50 Wm. Dills, best yoke of oxen, 3 00,Chas. Scott, best pair 3 years old steers,........ 2 00 John W. Gardner, best pair 2 years old steers, -- - 2 00 David Scott, best pair 1 year old steers, 2 00 Geo. Coryell, best fat cow, steer or ox, 2 00 M. Christopher, best 1 year old bull,. 1 00 H. Alexander, ~2d best 1 "- - - — 75 Judges recommend that E. S. Ingersoll receive a premium of ten dollars, awarded on foreign stock. 413 CLASS III.-SHEEP. N. S. Hammond, best Spanish buck, $3 00' H. Hunter, best French buck, 3 00 A. C. Lee, best cross French and Spanish buck, - 3 00. N. S. Hammond, 2d best cross French and Spanish buck,... 2 00 N. S. Hammond, best Spanish ewes,.... 2 00 N. S. Hammond, best cross Spanish and French ewes, 2 00 H. Hunter, 2d best " " 1 00; H. Hunter, best lambs, cross blood, French and Spanish,-. 1 50 W. Cronkite, best coarse wool buck,. 1 50 H. Hunter, best coarse wool lambs, 75 Wm. Vandyke, best grade buck,-.. 2 00 Wm. Vandyke, " ewes,.. —-.. —------—. - 1 50 N. S. Hammond, " lambs,... 1 00 CLASS IV.-No entries. CLASS V.-FOWLS. J. W. Gardner, best coop Brahma Pootras,.. - $1 00 Daniel Moon, 2d " " 75 CLASS VI.-GRAIN. H. Post, best specimen yellow corn, - $1 00 " 2d" ". 75 Wm. W. Webb, best dent corn, ---------------- - -.... 1 00 Wm. Vandyke, best white corn, - 1 00 Wm. W. Webb, best specimen oats,..................... 1 00 CLASS VII. Wm. Vandyke, best specimen white beans,. $1 00; CLASS VIII.-APPLES. H. Post, best winter apples, $1 00 D. B. Johnson, 2d best winter apples, ---—.. 50 D. B. Johnson, best fall apples,. 1 00 J. R. Pearsall, 2d best " —. —... - - 50 CLASS IX.-DAIRY. Mrs. D. B. Johnson, best cheese, - $2 00 Mrs. H. Alexander, 2d " _. 1 00 414:Mrs M. Christopher, loaf wheaten bread, - $0 75 Mrs. Winm. Brunson, strawberry jell, 50 Wm. Vandyke, specimen honey, --- 50 CLASS X. —DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. Mrs. J. H. Adams, best needle work, $1 50 Miss Alexander, 2d best "..- -. - - -38 Miss I. Webb, 3d best " - -25 Mrs. H. Eaton, best rag carpet, --... 1 50 Mrs. R. Walton, 2d ". 1 00 Mrs. E. S. Ingersoll, wax flowers,.... 50 Mrs. I. Hicks, lamp mat, 75 Miss Goodrich 2d best lamp mat, - 50 Mrs. T. Webb, ottoman, -50 Mrs. E. S. Ingersoll, best cotton and wool cloth,. 75 Caroline Daniels, best cushion, mat and basket,... 25 Varogua Scott, 2d " " " 18 ~M. J. Pattridge, best chair tidy, 50 Mrs. Supry, 2d best " 25 cake tidy,. 12 Delia Lee, Worcester tidy, - 25 Mrs. Supry, best crochet collars,. 25: —Miss Alexander, 2d best".. 18 Miss S. E. Brunson, ornamental needle work,. -.-.-.-.- 25 Delia Lee, wool stockings,.. 38 CLASS XI.-BLACKSMITHING. No entries. CLASS XII. —SHOEMAKING. Parmer Roberts, best pair calf boots, pegged,.............. 1 00 " " kip "4 75 " stoga boots,.... 50 " calf bats,...................... 25 CLASS XIII.-MISCELLANEOUS. A. J. & R. Woodruff, best fall leaf table,...*....... $1 00 4" best bureau,..... 2 00 6" best bedstead,....1 00 415 Wm. H. Drewatt, best lumber wagon,................... $5 00 Rufus Pattridge, best plow, 3 00 James Klinker, best grain cradle, -.-. 1 00 Geo. W. Gardner, best fancy harness, 2 00 Report of the Annual Meeting of the Clinton County Agricultural and Horticultural Society. In accordance with the provisions contained in the fifth article of the Constitution of the Clinton County Agricultural and Horticultural Society, the annual meeting of said Society was held at Dewitt on the 7th day of January, 1857, for the purpose of electing officers for the ensuing year, and also to transact such other business as would come before the Society. Met at the Clinton House at 2 o'clock P. M. Members present-Messrs. Gardner, Wiley, Bently, Pearsall, Brunson, Hammond, Webb, Derbyshire, Pearl and Fitch. The President being absent, Vice President Brunson took the chair. Meeting came to order. On motion, The meeting adjourned to the office occupied by County Treasurer; after which the meeting proceeded to elect officers, and the following persons were chosen: President-Seth P. Marvin, of Dewitt. Vice Presidents-I. T. Bently, Essex; A. Ten Eyck, Bengal; W. Cronkite, Watertown; C. M. Derbyshire, Dewitt; Wm. Brunson, Victor; L. Swaget, Bengal; Wm. Dills, Olive. Recording Secretary-N. S. Hammond, of Essex. Corresponding Secretary-Delos C. Wiley, of Dewitt. Treasurer-Charles Scott, of Dewitt. Directors-J. R. Pearsall, Dewitt; N. I. Daniels, Watertown; David Scott, Dewitt; Henry Post, Victor; Harvey Alexander, Olive. Delegates to the meeting of the Michigan State Agricultural Society to be held at Lansing, January 12tb, 1857 —S. P. Marvin, of Dewitt; N. S. Hammond, Essex; J. R. Pearsall, Dewitt; Wm. Brunson, Victor. On motion, 416 Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the St. Johns Democrat and Dewitt Republican. Adjourned until January 13th, 1857. S. P. MARVIN, N. S. HAMMOND, President. Secretary. SUPPLEMENT TO REPORT FROM CLINTON COUNTY. In preparing this portion of our report, I have given the names of only such indigenous trees, shrubs, &c., as have fallen under my observation, and of these I present only the most important ones. Owing to want of time I have not arranged the catalogue in alphabetical order. I have for my authority the authors whose names are annexed. NOBLE S. HAMMOND, Sec'y Clinton Co. Agricultural Society. Mx. -Michaux. W.. Willdenow. Bart.... Barton. Wm. — -. > Wangenheim. Lk.. - Lamarck. V.. — V- V...Yentenant. A. -Aiton. L..Linneus. Wr.............. Walter. E. Elliott. Marshall. Ph... Pursh. Bw.. - Bigelow. Sz. -. Swartz. P. - -.Persoon. Hr.. - L. Heritier. N.. Nuttall. Quercus imbricaria, Mx. Laurel oak. Shingle oak. prinos, W. Swamp chestnut oak. alba, L. White oak. 417 Quercus montana, W. Rock oak. rubra, L. Red oak. tinctoria, Bart. Black oak. castanea, W. Yellow oak. caccinea, Wm. Scarlet oak. bicolor, L. Swamp white oak. macrocarpa, L. Burr oak. Over cup oak. ilicifolia, W. Shrub oak. discolor, A. False red oak. Fraxinus acuminata, Lk. White ash. pubescens, Wr. Red ash. sambucifolia, Mx. Black ash. juglandifolia, W. Walnut leaf ash. Swamp ash. quadrangulata, W. Blue ash. lutes, Mx. Yellow ash. Fagus ferruginea, A. Red beech. americana, Mx. White beech. Tilia glabra, V. White basswood. Linden. pubescens, V. Red basswood. Ulmus americana, Mx. White elm. Rock elm. fulva, Mx. Red elm. Slippery elm. nemoralis, Mx. River elm. Water elm. pendulosa, Mx. Weeping elm. alata, Mx. Cork bark elm. Juglans nigra, Mx. Black walnut. cinerea, Mx. Butternut. Carya alba, L. Shag bark hickory. White walnut. tomentosa, Mx. White heart hickory. sulcata, W. Shell bark hickory. amara, Mx. Bitternut. porcina, Mx. Pignut. Broom hickory. Acer Saccharinum, L. Sugar maple. Hard maple. barbatum, Mx. Hairy maple. nigrum, Mx, Sweet tree. Black maple. rubrum, Mx. Red maple. Soft maple. eriocarpum, Mx. Silver maple. Nyssa multiflora, Wr. Pepperridge, tupelo, swamp horn beam. 53 418 Platanus occidentalis, L. American plane tree. Buttonwood.. Carpinus americana, Mx. Hornbeam. Blue beech. Ostrya virginica, A. Ironwood. Hop hornbeam. Pyrus coronaria, Mx. Crab apple. Porcelia triloba, W. Pawpaw. Custard apple. This is one of the most beautiful of our small trees; it grows from five to twenty-five feet high, and when covered with foliage, I know of no object, in, the shape of trees, that is so beautiful. Prunus virginiana, Mx. Wild black cherry. serotina, W. Choke cherry. padus, Mx. Bird cherry. americana, Marshall. Wild meadow plum. 1. chicasa, Mx. Summer plum. 2. canadensis, Mx. Canada plum. 3. pubescens, Ph. Wild dwarf plum. 4. acuminata, Mx. Yellow plum. 5. obovata, Bw. Oakland plum. 6. pennsylvaniea, A. 7. Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 7, make good stocks to graft the cultivated varieties of the plum into. Populus tremuloides, Mx. White poplar. American aspen. angulata, Mx. Cottonwood. balsamifera, Balsam poplar. candicans, A. grandidentata, Mx. laevigata, W. Xanteoxylum fraxineum, W. Prickly ash. Rheus typhina, L. Stag horn sumach. glabra, L. Sleek sumach. vernix, Mx. Poison sumach. texicodendron, L. Poison ash. Aronia botryapium, P. Juneberry. Shad bush. sanguinea, Mx. Bloody choke berry. Cornus florida, L. False boxwood. Dogwood. sericea, W. Red osier. Red rod. nervata, W. Green osier. paniculata, Hr. Bush dogwood. 419 Cornus sanguinea, L. Common dogwood. Hamamelis virginica, W. Witch hazle. Cephalanthus occidentalis, N. Button bush. Rhamus franguloideus, Mx. Dwarf alder. Prinos vercillatus, L. False alder. Euonymus americanus, W. Whahoo. Burning bush. This is a beautiful shrub, almost equal in beauty, in autumn to the mountain ash. Sambucus canadensis, L. Black berried elder. pubescens, Ph. Red berried elder. Ribes floridum, W. Wild black currant. albinervium, Mx. Wild red currant. triflorum, W. Wild gooseberry. oxyacanthoides, W. Smooth gooseberry. lacustris, P. Swamp gooseberry. Laurus sassafras, L. Sassafras tree. bengoin, L. Spice bush. Fever bush. No class of trees in this county present so great a variety of form as the following: Crataegus punctata, W. Common thorn tree. rubra, W. Red berried thorn tree. aurea, W. Yellow berried thorn tree. coccinea, L. Thorn bush. flexuosa, Sz. Flexible branched. vindis, Mx. Deep green leaved. alba, Mx. White thorn. pyrifolia, A. Pear leaved thorn. cordata, E. Heart leaved thorn. parvifatia, W. Low thorn. glandulosa, W. elliptica, W. latifolia, Mx. Broad leaved thorn. nigra, Mx. Black thorn. prunifolia, Mx. Cherry leaved black thorn. flava, W. Orange berried thorn. The following class contains the finest varieties of the thorn family found here. The leaves are all more or less glossy, and the branches are covered with long sharp curved thorns, which renders the plant useful for hedging purposes: 420 Crataegus crusgalli, W. Cock spur thorn. splendeus, W. Large glassy leaved. pyracanthifolia, W. Quince leaved. linearis, W. Lance leaved. salicifolia, W. nana, W. Betula excelsa, W. Yellow birch. nana, W. Dwarf birch. Corylus americana, Wr. Hazlenut. Viburnum oxycocus, P. High bush cranberry. lentago, L. Sheepberry. acrifalium, L. Maple guelder rose. dentatum, Mx. Arrow wood. Salix longifolia. W. Long leaf willow. Grass leaf willow. eriocephala, Mx. Rose willow. muhlenbergia, W. Speckled willow. rigida, W. Stiff leaf willow. lucida, W. Shining willow. rosmarinifolia, Mx. Rosemary willow. repens, W. Creeping willow. fuscata, Ph. Sooty willow. Arbutus uvaursi, W. Bearberry. Vaccinium pennsylvanicum, Mx. Whortleberry. corymlosum, Mx. Blue bilberry. Xylosteum ciliateum, Ph. Twinberry. Dirca palustris, W. Leatherwood. Moosewood. Morus rubra. Mx. Red mulberry. Rubus volosus, A. High blackberry. trivialis, Ph. Dewberry. Creeping blackberry. frondosus, Bw. Leafy raspberry. saxatilis, Mx. occidentalis, L. Black raspberry. stringosus, Mx. Wild red raspberry. Rosa carolina, L. Swamp rose. parviflora, Ehrhart. Common wild rose. gemella, L. Bland rose. Gymnocladus canadensis, W. Coffee tree. This is a splendid tree, 421 usually growing on the bottom lands, and makes: a fine tree for ornamental purposes. Pinus strobus, Mx. White pine. resinosa, A. Yellow pine. Abeis canadensis, Mx. Hemlock tree. I know of but one place in the county where this tree is found, and that is a small grove around the house of Dr. Watson, near the village of Duplain. I think it is the only natural grove of Hemlock in Clinton county. Abeis denticulata, Mx. Black spruce. Cupressus thyoides, Mx. White Cedar. Thuja occidentalis, Mx. Arbor vitae. Juniperus communis, W. Juniper. virginiania, Wm. Red Cedar. sabina, W.' Savin. Larix americana, Mx. American larch. pendula, A. Tamarack. Taxus canadensis, Mx. Ground hemlock. Alnus serrulta, Mx. Tag alder. Symphoricarpus occidentalis, L. Wolf berry. Climbing Shrubs. Lonicera, Lk. Woodbine. Clematis virginica, L. Virgins bower. Celastrus scandens, L. Bittersweet. Ampelopsis quinquefolia, Mx. Virginia creeper. Rhus radicans, L. Poison ivy. Menispermum canadense, L. Vine maple. Moonseed. Vitis aestivalis, Mx. Summer grape. ripari, Mx. Smilax rotundifolia, L. Green brier. Bramble. GENESEE COUNTY. SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GENESEE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY-1856. In coming before the Society with the Annual Report of its pro-,ceedings, the Executive Committee have the satisfaction of recording the continued prosperity of the Society-as evidenced by more numerous members, increased funds, and additional competition for its premiums. The steadily growing interest, manifested year by year by the farmers of the county, taken in connection with the splendid success of the last Fair, at the close of a season by no means favorable to agricultural products, demonstrate unmistakably that the Society has been safely piloted through all the dangers incident to the more immature years of all such associations, and may now be regarded as one of the established and permanent institutions of the county. Besides providing for the payment of all the premiums awarded, and the incidental expenses of the Society, the Committee has been able to pay off the last instalment of the purchase money for the Fair Grounds-$100, and the interest which has accrued-so that the Society is now entirely free from debt, the owner of a beautifully situated piece of land rapidly rising in value, and an available balance of cash in the treasury, as reported by the Treasurer, of $151 19. In making this statement, the Committee consider there is good reason to con-:gratulate the Society upon its position. The following is a brief synopsis of the proceedings of the Society for the past year: The Sixth Annual Meeting was held on the 9th of January, 1856, when the following officers were elected: 424 President -Grant Decker. Vice Presidents-One in each township, and one in the city of Flint: Argentine, Abram Middlesworth. Atlas, George Kipp. Burton, J. L. Gage. Clayton, Peter Miller. Davison, Calvin Cartwright. Fenton, R. L. Sheldon. Flint City, John Hamilton. Flint Township, A. S. Donelson. Flushing, Warren Harrison. Forest, W. H. Dimond. Gaines, Philander McLean. Genesee, J. W. Begole. Grand Blanc, C. D. W. Gibson. Montrose, John Mackenzie. Mount Morris, E. R. Ewing. Mundy, Josiah Bently. Richfield, Alanson Munger. Thetford, Milton Johnson. Vienna, Grovenor Vinton. Secretary-F. H. Rankin. Treasurer-M. L. Higgins. Executive Committee-Benjamin Pierson, Daniel Clarke, Benjamin Boomer, J. W. Begole, Jonathan Dayton, D. N. Montague, Henry Schram. Auditors-Warner Lake, L. G. Buckingham. The Treasurer's Report showed the following condition of the finances of the Society, for 1855: Balance on hand from 1854,.$ 40 79 Received from County Treasurer, 121 57 Receipts of Annual Fair,......... 273 08 Other moneys,. 1 20 Total,........................ $436 64 425 Amount paid on premiums,. $192 50 Other expenses of the Society,.. 115 95 Total,- -. *. 311 45 $125 19 Amount of premiums still unpaid, -. 32 65 Available balance on hand,.$ 92 54 The first meeting of the Executive Committee took place on the 29th of March, when they determined upon the following LIST OF PREMIUMS, To be awarded at the Seventh Annual Fair of the Genesee County Agricultural Society, to be held on Wednesday and Thursday, the 8th and 9th days of October, 1856. FARMS. 1. Best cultivated farm, not less than 40 acres, and not less than 25 acres cultivated, Patent Office Report, and -.... $5 00' 2. 2d best cultivated farm, not less than 40 acres, and not less than 25 acres cultivated, Patent Office Report and —---- 4 00, 3. 3d best cultivated farm, not less than 40 acres, and not less than 25 acres cultivated, Patent Office Report and ----- 3 00. Viewing Committee on Farms-Morris Putnam, R. A. Carman, N.. H. Chittenden. Competitors for premiums on farms are required to notify the Secretary of their intention to offer their farms in competition, on or before the first day of June next. The Viewing Committee are requested to visit the farms entered for competition, during the last week of June. In making their adjudication, the Committee will take into consideration the condition of the farm buildings, fences, and general order of the farms, as well as the cultivation and crops raised. CATTLE.-FULL-BLOODED, SHORT HORNED DURHAMS. 1. Best bull 2 years old or over,-*..D $5 00 2. 2d" " "... - 4 00 3. 3d" a " " —--------------- 3 00 54 426 4. Best yearling bull,.... * $3 00 5. 2d best " —-- 2 00 6. 3d best... 1 00 7. Best bull calf,_ -..-.... 2 00 8. 2d best " -- 1 00 9. Best cow 3 years old or over,........................ 4 00 10. 2d " 3 " "..3 00 i.l, Best 2 years old heifer, 2 —- 00 12. 2d" " -1 00 13. Best yearling heifer, -- 2 00 14. 2d best "i 1 00 15. Best heifer calf,.....- 1 00 16. 2d best " - Patent Office Report. FULL BLOODED DEVONS. 17. Best bull 2 years old or over, -$5 00 18. 2d " 2 " ". —- 4 00 19. 3d " 2 " ".....3 00 20. Best yearling bull,. 3 00 21. 2d best " 2 00 22. 3d best " I1 00 23. Best bull calf,-...2 00 24. 2dbest "........... 1 00 25. Best cow 3 years old or over,- -.-. 4 00 26.2 d" 3 " " -- -------- 3 00 27. Best 2 years old heifer,. 2 00 28. 2d best " - — 1 00 29. Best yearling heifer,. 2 00 30. 2d best " - 1 00 31. Best heifer calf, - - 1 00 32. 2d best " - Pat. Office Report. GRADE OR NATIVE. 33. Best bull 2 years old or over, Pat. Office Report and ----- $*3 00 34. 2d" 2 "' " " 2 00 35. 3d" 2 " " " 1 00 36. 4th" 2 ".. -.Pat. O. Report. 427 37. Best yearling bull, Pat. O. Report and --- $3 00 38. 2dbest ". 2 00 39. 3dbest " "................ 1 00 40. Best bull calf, " 2 00 41. 2d best " " " 1 50 42. 3d best "................ 1 00 43. Best milch cow, Pat. O. Report and — 3 00 ^44. 2d best " " ---------- 2 00 45. 3d best " "... - 1 00 46. Best 2 years old heifer,.. 2 00 47. 2d " ". 1 00 48. 3d " — ".-..-. — - 50 49. Best yearling heifer, 1 50 50. 2d best " 1 00 51. 3d best " 50 52. Best heifer calf,_-.... 1 00.53. 2d best " - -- ---- ------- -------- - 75 54. 3d best ".. --. Pat. O. Report. 55. Best yoke working oxen,... 5 00 56. 2d" " Pat. O. Report and- -- 3 00 *57. 3d" "4 ".. 2 00 58. Best yoke 4 years old steers, Patent Office Report and-..- 3 00 59. 2d " 4 " " 2 00,60. 3d " 4 " ".. 1 00 61. Best yoke 3 years old steers, Patent Office Report and... 3 00 62. 2d " 3 " " --- 2 00 63. 3d " 3 " " 1 00 64. Best yoke 2 years old steers, - -- 2 00 65. 2d" 2 " 50 66. 3d" 2 " - 1 00 67. Best yoke yearling steers, —....-.. —-- 2 00 68. 2d "......... 1 00 69. 3d" 50 HORSES. 1. Best stallion 4 years old or over,.-..-. $5 00 2. 2d'" 4 "- -. —------ 4 00 -3. 3d " 4 "it. —. —-—... 3 00 428 4. Best stallion 3 years old,- _. 8$3 00 5. 2d " 3 " - 2 00 6. 3d" 3 " 1 00 7. Best 2 years old stallion colt,. 2 00 8. 2d" " " --... -- 1 00 9. 3d " " __. Patent Office Report. 10. Best brood mare 4 years old or over with foal by her side, Patent Office Report and- 3 00 11. 2d best brood mare 4 years old or over with foal by her side, Patent Office Report and.2 00 12. 3d best brood mare 4 years old or over with foal by her side, Patent Office Report and - 1 00 13. Best span matched horses 4 years old or over, Patent Office Report and 4 00 14. 2d best span matched horses 4 years old or over, Patent Office Report and. 3 00 15. 3d best span matched horses 4 years old or over, Patent Office Report and... 2 00 16. Best gelding 4 years old or over, 2 00 17. 2d" 4 " 1 50 18. 3d " 4 " 1 00 19. Best 3 years old gelding,..- 2 00 20. 2d" I- 1 00 21. 3d " cc. Patent Office Report. 22. Best 2 years old gelding colt,- 2 00 23. 2d " " " 1 00 24. 3d " " Patent Office Report. 25. Best mare 4 years old or over, -2 00 26. 2d " 4 " 1 00 27. 3d " 4 ".......Patent Office Report. 28. Best 3 years old mare, —. 2 00 29. 2d ". 1 00 30. 3d " Patent Office Report. 31. Best 2 years old mare colt,. 2 00 32. 2d" " — " I 1 00 33. Best yearling colt,...1 00 34. 2d best ".50 429 Any span of horses entered for competition as matched horses, must resemble each other in size, form, color and action. SHEEP.-SPANISH-FULL-BLOODED OR HIGH GRADE. 1. Best fine wool buck 1 year old or over, Patent Office Report and..-. - $3 00 2. 2d best fine wool buck 1 year old or over, Patent Office Report and.. 2 00 3. 3d best fine wool buck 1 year old or over, Patent Office Report and....... 1 00 4. Best pen of 5 ewes,- -----------------------— 3 00 5. 2d best "..............e 2 00 6. 3d best "....-.....-. —-.. 1 00 7. Best pen of 5 buck lambs, Patent Office Report and ----- 3 00 8. 2d" 5 " " ------ 2 00 9. 3d" 5 " " 1 00 10. Best pen of 5 ewe lambs, Patent Office Report and ------ 3 00 11. 2d "' 5 " " 2 00 11. 3d" 5 " " 1 00 FRENCH-FULL-BLOODED OR HIGH GRADE. 13. Best fine wool buck 1 year old or over, Patent Office Report and. 3 00 14. 2d best fine wool buck 1 year old or over, Patent Office Report and 2 00 15. 3d best fine wool buck 1 year old or over, Patent Office Report and — 1 00 16. Best pen of 5 ewes, —, 3 00 17. 2d" " 2 00 18. 3d " 1 00 19. Best pen of 5 buck lambs, Patent Office Report and... 3 00 20. 2d" 5 " ".... 2 00 21. 3d' 5 " "..... 1 00 22. Best pen of 5 ewe lambs, Patent Office Report and.... 3 00 23. 2d" 5 " " 2 00 24. 3d" 5 ".. 1 00 25. Best Leicestershire buck and two ewes, -2 00 26. Best Southdown buck and two ewes, Patent Office Report and 2 00 430 27. 2d best Southdown buck and 2 ewes, Patent Office Report and — $1 00 SWINE. 1. Best boar 1 year old and over, Patent Office Report and $3 00 2. 2d" 1 " ". 2 00 3. 3d " 1 " ". 1 00 4. Best boar 4 months old or over,................... 2 00 5. 2d " 4 ".. 1 00 6. Best sow and not less than 5 pigs, Patent Office Report and 3 007. 2d best sow and not less than 5 pigs, Patent Office Report and 2 00 8. 3d best sow and not less than 5 pigs, Patent Office Report and -..... —-.. 1 00POULTRY. 1. Best Brahma Pootra cock and 2 hens,................ 0$ 75 2. 2d best " " "- - 50 3. Best Dorking cock and 2 hens,..................... 75 4. 2d best " "..................... 50 5. Best Shanghai cock and 2 hens,- 75 6. 2d best " ". 50 7. Best Cochin Chinacock and 2 hens, -- 75 8. 2d "" it cc... 50. 9. Best turkeys not less than 3,. -........ 75 10. 2d " " ". 50 11. Best lot of poultry not less than 5,- 75 12. 2d" " " 50 FARMING IMPLEMENTS, &C. 1. Best farm wagon, Patent Office Report and. $3 00 2. 2d best "' " ". 2 00 3. 3d best " " -' 1 00 4. Best harrow, ". 1 00 5. Best general cultivator," 1 00 6. Best fanning mill, " - 2 00 7. Best straw cutter, 6" " 1 00 431 8. Best corn and cob crusher, Patent Office Report and.. $2 00 9. Best horse cart for farm, -... 1 00 10. "ox i" 1 00 11. " horse rake,-...... 1 00 12. " ox yoke, - 50 13. " grain cradle, -.-.-. —------ - -.- -..-... 100 14. " 6 hand rakes,- 50 15. " 6hay forks,- 50 16. " 6 manure forks, --.-.50 17. " hay-rigging for wagon,.... 50 18. " threshing machine, Patent Office Report and -- - 2 00 19. " corn sheller, hand power,.... 50 20. Best and most collective assortment of agricultural implements, manufactured in this county, under the supervision of the exhibitor, Patent Office Report and. 2 00 21. Best horse-power for general purposes, Patent Office Report and.. 2 00 22. Best stump-puller, -.-.....-. 2 00 23. Best wagon jack,............-.-.... 50 Discretionary premiums will be awarded on articles of merit not included in the above list. BUTTER AND CHEESE. 1. Best 5 pounds of butter, Patent Office Report and $1 00 2. 2d " " " -.-.- 75 3. 3d " " " 50 4. 4th" "...Patent Office Report. 5. best cheese, Patent Office Report and. 1 00 6. 2d "............. 75 7. 3d " ".... 50 8. 4th"..Patent Office Report. DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. 1. Best woolen shawl,.............. $1 00 2. 2d best." 50 3. Best pair woolen blankets,.. 1 00 4. 2d" " 50 432 5. Best 10 yards flannel,...-$.......... $1 00 6. 2d......... 50 7. Best 10 yards woolen cloth,...0..-. 1 00 8. 2d"......................... - -50 9. Best 10 yards woolen carpet,.............. 1 00 10. 2d" "......... 50 11. Best 10 yards rag carpet,.. 1 00 12. 2d" "........ 50 13. Best 10 yards tow cloth,... I 00 14. 2d" -- It-.. 50 15. Best hearth rug,.-............. 50 HOSIERY. 1. Best pair woolen knit stockings,....... $0 50 2. 2d" " t..... 25 3. Best pair cotton knit "......... 50 4. 2d" " " -— 25 5. Best pair linen knit ".............. 50 6. 2d " "..................... 25 7. Best pair woolen socks..-... -- 50 8. 2d " — 25 9. Best pair cotton socks, --- ---------------- 50 10. 2d"':.. X... 25 11. Best pair woolen knit mittens,...... 50 12. 2d"............. 25 13. Best pair woolen knit gloves,........ 50 14. 2d" " "....... 25 15. Best pair cotton i"..... 50 16. 2d" "..... 25 17. Best pair of silk knit mits,..... 75 18. 2d......... 50 ORNAMENTAL NEEDLE WORK. 1. Best and greatest variety worsted work,.-1 00 2. 2d" " "{. 50 3. Best ornamental needle work,........ 50 ~4. 2d".- ----- 25 5. Best ottoman cover,. 50 433 6. 2d best ottoman cover, $0 25 7. Best table cover,. 50 8. 2d best "..... 25 9. Best worsted worked portfolio, ----- -- 50 10. 2d" "................__.. 50 11. Best fancy chair work with needle, -. 50 12. 2d " " "... 25 13. Best worked collar,- -_. 50 14. 2d best "... 25 15. Best worked quilt,. 1 00 16. 2d best " -... 50 17. Best white quilt,-..-......... s50 18. 2d best " -25 19. Best lace cape,..... -50 20. 2d best "-.... - 25 21. Best two lamp mats,.. 50 22. 2d 2" "it - 25 23. Best silk bonnet,- - 50 24. 2d best " 25 25. Best straw bonnet, - 50 26. 2d best " - -25 27. Best straw hat,. 25 Discretionary premiums will be awarded on articles of merit not included in the above list. FANCY WORK AND FINE ARTS. 1. Best specimen of ornamental shell work,- $1 00 2. 2d" " " - 50 3. Best specimen of wax flowers,. - 1 00 4. 2d best " " 75 5. 3d best " " - -50 6. Best and largest collection of artificial flowers, - 1 00 7. Best specimen of artificial flowers,.. 75 8. 2d best It" " 50 9. 3d best 4 " - 25 10. Best oil painting, -.. 1 00 11. 2d" " 4.75 55 434 12. 3d best oil painting, -$0 50 13. Best water color painting,- - 75 14. 2d" " --- - ---- 50 15. 3d "... 25 16. Best specimen of cattle drawing,- 1 00 17. 2d best " -" 50 18. Best daguerreotype, -. 1 00 Discretionary premiums will be awarded on manufactured articles of,merit, not included in the above list. FLOWERS. 1. Greatest variety and quantity of flowers,.... $0 50 -2. Best and greatest variety of dahlias,_ 50 3. Best ten dissimilar blooms of dahlias, 50 4. Best and greatest variety of roses, --.. 50 5. Best ten dissimilar blooms " - -50 6. Best and greatest variety of indigenous plants,. 50 7. Best collection of green house plants owned by one person, 50 8. Best floral design, ---------------—. —-------- - 50 9. " hand bouquet,. 50'10. " basket bouquet with handle, 50 11. " grass bouquet,. 50 FRUIT. 1. Best assortment and greatest variety of table apples, correctly named,- $2 00 2. 2d best assortment and greatest variety of table apples, correctly named,.-.... 1 50 3. 3d best assortment and greatest variety of table apples, correctly named,. 1 00 4. 4th best assortment and greatest variety of table apples, correctly named,- - 50 5. Best single variety table apples, not less than 6 specimens, 50 6. Best assortment and greatest variety of winter apples, correctly named,...... 2 00 7. 2d best assortment and greatest variety of winter apples, correctly named,..... I1 75 435 8. 3d best assortment and greatest variety of winter apples, correctly named,. $1 50 9. 4th best assortment and greatest variety of winter apples, correctly named, 1 25 10. 5th best assortment and greatest variety of winter apples, correctly named,. -. 1 00 11. 6th best assortment and greatest variety of winter apples, correctly named, - -75 12. Best assortment and greatest variety pears, correctly named, 1 00 13. 2d best " " " " 75 14. 3d best " " " " 50 15. Best single variety of pears, not less than 6 specimens,.... 75 16. 2d best " " "... 50 17. Best assortment and greatest variety of peaches,..- 75 18. 2d best "C (4 "9 " 50 19. 3d best " " " 25 20. Best 4 varieties of plums, 6 specimens each,- 50 21. Best collection of plums, 6 " 50 22. " 12 plums, any choice variety,.............. 50 23. " and greatest number of good varieties of nectarines or apricots, 6 specimens each,. 50 24. Best ( specimens of any good variety,- 50 25. " lot of quinces, not less than 6 specimens, 1 00 26. 2d best " " 6 ". 75 27. 3d best " " 6 " 50 28. Best and most extensive collection of grapes, - 1 00 29. 2d best" " " 75 30. 3d best ".... - 50 31. Best specimen of grapes,.-. 1 00 32. 2d " " 75 33. 3d " ".. 50 34. Best specimens of any variety of watermelons,. 50 Discretionary premiums will be awarded for choice fruits not enumerated in the above list. VEGETABLES. 1. Best 6 heads celery,.$0 50 2. 2d best 6 "............. 25 436 3. Best 3 heads cauliflower,. $0 50 4. 2d best 3 ".-.. 25 5. Best 3 heads brocoli, - - 50 6. 2d best 3' ---- 25 7. Best 12 white table turnips,_ -50 8. 2d best 12 " 25 9. Best 12 beets,- -. 50 10. 2d best 12 beets,-. 25 11. Best 12 parsneps,. - 50 12. 2dbest 12 ". - 25 13. Best 12 carrots,...... -. 50 14. 2d best 12 carrots, —-- 25 15. Best 12 onions,.. 50 16. 2d bestl2 1 -" 25 17. Best 3 heads cabbage,- 50 18. 2d best 3 " - 25 19. Best 12 tomatoes,. 50 20. 2d best 12 " 25 21. Best peck beans, any variety, - 50 22. " bunch doubleparsley,- -. 25 23. " winter squash -. 75 24. 2dbest " 50 25. 3d best " 25 26. Best and largest pumpkin,. 25 27. " peck table potatoes,.. 25 28 " specimens sweet potatoes,. - 50 29. 2d best " - - 25 30. Best and greatest variety of vegetables raised by exhibitor, 50 HORSE SHOEING. 1. Span of horses best shod, $1 00 FLOUR. 1. Best bbl. flour from least wheat, with full statement of same, $1 00 2. 2d best "'; " 75 SAMPLES OF FIELD CROPS. 1. Best sample winter wheat, not less than one bushel,. $1 00 2. 2d best "; "- 50 437 3. Best sample spring wheat, not less than one bushel, ------ $1 00 4. 2d best it i 4 - 50 5. Best sample corn, not less than a bushel of ears,.......... 50 6. 2d best " " 25 7. Best 12 ears seed corn-, _ —--------------- ---- 50 8. 2d best 12 ears " - 25 9. Best sample oats, not less than a bushel,-. 50 10. 2d best " " "cc 25 11. Best sample peas, " " —. 50 12. 2d best i" " " — 25 13. Best sam le flax seed, not less than a bushel,........... 50 14. 2d " " " " -. -- 25 15. Best sample of barley, not less than a bushel, ---- 50 16. 2d" " " " " 25 17. Best sample clover seed, not less than half a bushel,... 50 18. 2d " " " " 25 19. Best sample timothy seed, " ". 50 20. 2d "' " "... 25 Discretionary premiums will be awarded on meritorious products of the soil, not enumerated in the above list. MISCELLANEOUS. 1. Best buggy,. -. $2 00 2. " carriage harness,.1 00 3. " wagon harness for farm, 1 00 4. " bureau, 1 00 5. " table,, 50 6. " variety of cabinet ware, 1 00 7." window blindsI,, 1 00 8. " window sahb, 24 lights, - - 50 9. " panel door, 50 10. " notch clevi, - 50 11. " churn, 50 12. " Iok barrel, 50 13.' flour barrel, -.... 25 14. w"'aih tub,.... 50 15.'.a If d zen pails, - 50 438 16. Best variety of stone ware,. $0 50 17. " box of saleratus, not less than 100 lbs., - -50 18. " two half thousand bunches shingles, 1 00 19.' thousand brick, 10 to be exhibited,... 50 20. " 12 corn brooms,.-. — - 50 21. " bee hive,. 50 22. " 10 pounds honey,. 50 23. " 5 pounds maple sugar, with process of manufacturing and clarifying, — 50 24. Best gallon maple molasses,. 50 25. " made coat,- - 50 26. " pair fine boots,. 50 27.'" pair coarse boots,. 50 28. " pair buckskin mittens,. --— 50 29. " pair buckskin gloves,- 50 30. " specimen of book binding, - - - - 50 31. " chain pump,- 50 PLOWS AND PLOWING MATCHES. 1. Best breaking up plow for general purposes, Patent Office Report and-. 83 00 2. 2d best breaking up plow for general purposes, Patent Office Report and- -2 00 3. Best plow for single team, for general purposes, Patent Office Report and- -.. - 2 00 4. 2d best plow for single team, for general purposes, Patent Office Report and - 1 00 5. Best plowing match with one span of horses, each plowman to manage his own team, 4 00 6. 2d best plowing match with one span of horses, each plowman to manage his own team, 3 00 7. 3d best plowing match with one span of horses, each plowman to manage his own team,... 2 00 8. 4th best plowing match with one span of horses, each plowman to manage his own team,. I 00 9. Best plowing match with one yoke of oxen, -- 4 00 10. 2d best " " —--- 3 00 11. 3d best " i —- ---- 2 00 439 12. 4th best plowing match with one yoke of oxen,- $1 0( FIELD CROPS. 1. Best crop of winter wheat not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and- $3 00 2. 2d best crop of winter wheat, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and,. 2 00 3. 3d best crop of winter wheat, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and- 1 00 4. Best crop of Indian corn, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and-..3 00 5. 2d best crop of Indian corn, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and 2 00 6. 3d best crop of Indian corn, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and. —. 1 00 7. Best crop of oats, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and 2 00 8. 2d best crop of oats, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and.-............. 1 00 9. Best crop of barley, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and -- - - - - -2 00 10. 2d best crop of barley, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and -—.- - 1 00 11. Best crop of potatoes, not less than half an acre, Patent Office Report and... 2 00 12. 2d best crop of potatoes, not less than half an acre, Patent Office Report and..... 00 13. Best crop of rutabagas, not less than half an acre, Patent Office Report and. 2 00 14. 2d best crop of rutabagas, not less than half an acre, Patent Office Report and. 1 00 15. Best crop of broom corn, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and-. 2 00 16. 2d best crop of broom corn, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and. -.......... 1 00 17. Best crop of carrots, not less than one-fourth an acre, Patent Office Report and....... 2 00, 440 18. 2d best crop of carrots, not less than one-fourth an acre, Patent Office Report andl -. —-.- $1 00 19. Best crop of mangel wurtzel, not less than one-fourth of an acre, Patent Office Report and..................... 2 00 20. 2d best crop of mangel wurtzel, not less than one-fourth of an acre, Patent Office Report and- - -.- 1 00 21. Best crop of clover seed, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and ----- 3 00 22. 2d best crop of clover seed, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and.2 00 23. 3d best crop of clover seed, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and-. —----—. —----- 1 00 24. Best crop of beans, not less than one-fourth of an acre, Patent Office Report and - 2 00 25. 2d best crop of beans, not less than one-fourth of an acre, Patent Office Report and.... 1 00 26. Best crop of peas, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and- 2 00 27. 2d best crop of peas, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and.................... 00 28. Best crop of flax, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and.- ---------------—............ - 2 00 29. 2d best crop of flax, not less than one acre, Patent Office Report and -..1 —. 00 Applications for premiums on field crops may be entered on the days of the Fair. Competitors will be required to furnish, for the information of the viewing committee, full statements as to the manner of cultivation, together with satisfactory evidence of the amount of produce; said statements to be handed to the Secretary on or before the first day of December. The premiums will be awarded on the second Wednesday in December. All field crops must be weighed or measured. GENERAL REGULATIONS. No premium will be awarded on any product of the soil that did not grow in this county. No premium will be awarded on any manufactured articles which have not been manufactured in this county. 441 No premium will be awarded on any manufactured articles which have drawn premiums at any previous exhibition of this Society. No animals or other products will be entitled to compete for premiums unless they have been first entered upon the books of the Society, under the instructions of the Marshal; and all articles or animals entered for competition, after being viewed by the judges, must remain upon the ground until the list of premiums is declared off. All animals taken on the ground must be properly secured. No person competing for premiums can act as judge in that class in which he is a competitor. Article 2d of the by-laws provides that " No animal or other product shall be entitled to a premium, but such as actually belong to and are bonafide the property of members whose subscriptions shall have been paid" at the time of exhibition. When there is but one exhibitor, although he show several articles or animals in the same class, but one premium will be awarded; and no premium will be awarded, notwithstanding there should be no competitor, unless the article or animal be worthy. The Committee again met on the 21st of August, for the purpose of appointing Viewing Committees, and making other arrangements for the Fair; of which Mr. Joshua Vose was then appointed Marshal. The Fair was held on the days appointed, and was very largely attended-the grounds being thronged with an immense crowd of members and visitors. In most of the important departments of exhibition, except fruit, the show was also very fine, especially of animals-and far in advance of previous years. In 1854, the then Executive Committee adopted a resolution requiring all entries for competition for premiums to be made on the first day of the Fair, and declaring that no entries would be made on the second day. Owing to the rule not being generally understood, it was somewhat relaxed in practice at the Fairs of 1854 and 1855; and was rigidly enforced for the first time at the Fair of 1856. The practical benefit of the rule was so apparent-in enabling the officers of the Society to have the animals and articles properly distributed, the Committee books made up and placed in the I ands of the Judges in good season, and the general business of the Fair so much promoted —that the Committee would recommend a strict observance of this rule at 56 442 future exhibitions, as one mutually advantageous to the competitors and the officers. The following is a comparative view of the number of members' tickets issued, and the number of entries for competition in the last three years: 1854. 1855. 1856. Members' tickets issued, -. —-.-.382 419 586 Entries for competition, 327 382 468 On receiving the awards made by the Judges, the Executive Committee discovered that the committee on grade and native cattle had inadvertently awarded the first premium for working oxen, to two different competitors-Horace Boomer, and John Patton-and the Executive Committee having no means of determining which of the two was best entitled to receive it, had no alternative but to either pay the premium on both yoke of oxen, or refuse it to both. The former was determined upon as the more equitable, and the premium ordered to be paid in both cases, accordingly. It being also represented that the horses to which the first premium for "matched horses" was awarded, were not bona fide the property of the exhibitor, as required by the rules, the premium was ordered to be withheld until the Executive Committee were satisfied upon the point in question, and Mr. Pierson was appointed a committee to ascertain the facts. The result of the inquiry was not such as to warrant the Committee in paying the premium. It is, therefore, still retained. With this exception, the awards of the viewing committees haves been confirmed throughout by the Executive Committee, in accordance with the following reports: FULL BLOODED DURHAM CATTLE. Bulls 2 years old or over-Ist premium awarded to Henry Schram; 2d to Nathan Reed; 3d to Putnam Burton. Yearling bulls —st premium to Albert King; 2d to C. S. Thompson; 3d to C. S. Thompson. Bull calves —lst premium to C. C. Pierson. Cows, 3 years old or over-ist premium to C. C. Pierson; 2d to S. D. Halsey. 443 Two years old heifers —lst premium to S. D. Halsey. Judges-George Crocker, Gurdon Watrous, R. A. Carman, FULL BLOODED DEVON CATTLE. Bulls 2 years old or over —ist premium to Elisha Galpin. Bull calves —st premium to Elisha Galpin. Judges-Same as on Durham cattle. GRADE AND NATIVE CATTLE. Bulls 2 years old or over-Ilst premium to D. Preston; 2d to Wmin. Howes; 3d to B. A. Fay. Yearling bulls —st premium to John Tharrett; 2d to D. N. Montague; 3d to R. W. Dullam. Bull calves-lst premium to Elisha Taylor. Milch cows —st premium to Wm. Chamberlin; 2d to Nelson Norton; 3d to Dennis Wolverton. Two years old heifers —lst premium to J. P. Gilbert; 2d to Dennis Wolverton; 3d to Daniel McKercher. Yearling heifers —lst premium to H. D. Frost; 2d to J. B. Miller;. 3d to Benjamin Pierson. Heifer calves —lst premium to William Eckley; 2d to Albertus Crasper. Working oxen-lst premium to Horace Boomer and to John Patton;, 2d to M. B. Smith; 3d to A. Kirby. Four years old streers —lst premium to Hiram Bigelow; 2d to Thomas Shaw; 3d to Corydon Cronk. Three years old steers —ist premium to Jonathan Dayton; 2d to Aaron S. Davis; 3d to Alvah Bigelow. Two years old steers —lst premium to Winm. Knowles; 2d to Henry Schram; 3d to Henry Schram. Yearling steers-ist premium to Garrett Zufelt; 2d to John Thorne. Judges-Ira Chase, Alanson Payson, Horace Bristol. HORSES. Stallions 4 years old or over —st premium to Linus Jacox; 2d to E.. W. Rising; 3d to Newell Bristol. Three years old stallions-ist premium to Andrew Cook. Two years old stallion colts-ist premium to Francis Davis; 2d to Corydon Cronk. 444 Brood mares with foals —lst premium to John Hiller; 2d to Wm. Green; 3d to Theron Wallace. Matched Horses-ist premium to E. H. Thompson; 2d to R. A. Carman; 3d to E. H. Thompson. [In this case the Executive Committee withhold the payment of the 1st premium until they receive further information relative to the ownership of the horses, objections to the award having been raised upon that point.] Geldings, 4 years old or over —st premium to A. Van Slyke; 2d to Asa Wolverton; 3d to Benjamin Boomer. Three years old geldings —lst premium to Albertus Crasper; 2d to Lewis Lyons; 3d to M. B. Smith. Two years old gelding colts —lst premium to M. S. Owen; 2d to Benjamin Boomer; 3d to Addison Bickford. Mares 4 years old or over —st premium to J. B. Hamilton; 2d to Albertus Crasper; 3d to Nelson Norton. Three years old mares —lst premium to E. W. Fenner; 2d to Walter Walker; 3d to M. B. Smith. Two years old mare colts -1st premium to Horace Boomer; 2d to Norman Cone.'Yearling colts-ist premium to Albertus Crasper; 2d to Winm. Tanner. Judges-Josiah Bentley, Abaelino Babcock, W. B. Witherell. SHEEP.-SPANISH-FULL BLOODED OR HIGH GRADE. Fine wool bucks —st premium to Wm. Bendle; 2d to 0. S. Thompson; 3d to Lewis Buckingham. Pens of 5 ewes —lst premium to E. G. Gale. FRENCH-FULL BLOODED OR HIGH GRADE. Full blood bucks-Ist premium to C. S. Thompson. High grade bucks —Ist premium to Jonathan Dayton; 2d to Clark Hutchins; 3d to Abram Butterfield. Pens of 5 buck lambs-lst premium to C. S. Thompson; 2d to John Patton. LEICESTER. Leicestershire bucks-ist premium to Wm. Chamberlin. Discretionary premium awarded to Peter Slader for a Leicestershire buck and ewe. 445 Judges-A. S. Donelson, C. H. Rockwood R. P. Aitkin. SWINE. Boars —st premium to Winm. Parsons. Sow and pigs-lst premium to Winm. Parsons. Judges-S. F. Lowe, Perus Atherton, C. C. LeValley. POULTRY. Bramah Pootra cock and hens-1st premium to Sibley Taylor. Shanghai cock and hens-ist premium to C. P. Smith; 2d to C. PO Smith. Lot of poultry-i-st premium to P. A. Montgomery; 2d to David Watson. Judges —Lewis Buckingham; Daniel McKercher, Dwight Frost. FARMING IMPLEMENTS (EXCEPT PLOWS). Farm wagons-ist premium to Horace Bristol; 2d to Clark Boomer. Fanning mill —st premium A. L. Bort. Judges-William Tanner, G. W. Thayer, D. S. Freeman. BUTTER AND CHEESE. Butter-Ist premium to J. L. Gage; 2d to Mrs. Jonathan Dayton; 3d to J. B. Miller; 4th to C. C. Pierson. Cheese —st premium to Alanson Parson; 2d to Stephen Phelps; 3d to A. S. Donelson. Judges-G. S. Hopkins, Mrs. Lysander Phillips, Mrs. Jacob Eldridge. DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES (EXCEPT HOSIERY). Woolen blankets —st premium to Mrs. E. K. Carrier; 2d to H. C. Van Tifflin. Flannel-I-st premium to David Felt; 2d to John Hiller. Rag carpet-ist premium to Miss E. K. Carrier; 2d to Tunis Cole. Discretionary premiums awarded to David Felt, for a piece of woolen plaid cloth. F. E. Tavlor, for a woolen blanket. Mrs. Mary E. Schram, for a piece of rag carpet. Mrs. S. D. Halsey, for a piece of Flannel. Judges-John Willet, Mrs. L. G. Buckingham, Mrs. J. P. Gilbert. 446 HOSIERY. Woolen knit stockings-lst premium to Mrs. S. D. Halsey; 2d to Miss Jane Gage. Linen knit stockings-Ist premium to Mrs. J. L. Gage. Woolen socks —st premium to Mrs. J. L. Gage; 2d to Mrs. Talmon Frost..Cotton socks —st premium to Elijah Drake. Woolen knit mittens-I-st premium to John Hiller; 2d to Mrs. Talmon Frost. Woolen knit gloves —st premium to John Hiller. Silk mits —lst premium to Elijah Drake. Discretionary premium awarded to Mrs. J. L. Gage, for a sample of knitting yarn. Judges —Alexander McFarlan, Mrs. Isaac Scram, Mrs. Witherell. ORNAMENTAL NEEDLE WORK. Ornamental needle work-Ist premium to Elijah Drake; 2d to Mrs. T. H. Slafter. Portfolio —lst premium to Aaron S. Davis. Worked collars-ist premium to Mrs. J. P. Gilbert; 2d to Mrs. J. P. Gilbert. Worked quilts-1st premium to Mrs. Garret Zufelt; 2d to Mrs. Wm. Lewis. Lamp mat-ist premium to Elijah Drake. Silk bonnet —st premium to Mrs. Bassett. Straw bonnet —st premium to Mrs. Bassett. Discretionary premiums awarded to Miss S. M. Lynd, for an embroidered Merino Cape. Miss Lydia Walker, for knit tidies. Mrs. A. W. Davis, for best worked skirt. Mrs. Enoch Chambers, for 2d best worked skirt. Elijah Drake, for best embroidered slippers. Elijah Drake, for stitched toilet cushion. Mrs. J. P. Gilbert, for two embroidered pocket handkerchiefs. Mrs. J. P. Gilbert, for embroidered under sleeves. Miss Melina Love, for a melodeon spread. J. B. Miller, for a purse. Judges-Wm. Stevenson, Mrs. Henry Schram, Mrs. R. P. Aitken. 447 FANCY WORK AND FINE ARTS. Oil paintings —st premium to C. F. Brooker. Water color paintings —st premium to Miss W. S. Hammersley. Discretionary premiums awarded to Miss Gratia Dayton, for a monochromatic picture. Elijah Drake, for hair and leather work in frame. Mrs. W. S. Hammersley, for two India ink drawings. Judges.-C. K. Williams, Mrs. F. H. Rankin, Mrs. J. W. Begole. FLOWERS. Grass bouquet-premium to Miss Mary Clark. Discretionary premium awarded to Willie H. Clarke for a grass bouquet. Judges-Same as on fancy work and fine arts. FRUIT. Assortment of table apples —st premium to B. P. Foster. Assortment of winter apples —ist premium to D. Preston; 2d to Samuel Day. " Committee on fruit find but four lots of apples as the whole show of fruits on the present occasion. These were of choice varieties, and correctly named, as the Committee believes, except one lot brought in to be named, but not entered, and which they found worthy of favorable notice." [In consequence of the lot of apples last referred to by the viewing Committee, not being entered, the Secretary has not got the name of the exhibitor.] Judges-C. P. Smith, L. T. Frost, J. W. King. VEGETABLES. Table turnips —st premium to Alfred Pond; 2d to A. S. Donelson. Beets —Ist premium to George Way; 2d to Asahel Curtis. Carrots —st premium to Orson Parker; 2d to Peter Slader. Onions-Ist premium to B. P. Foster; 2d to Asahel Curtis. Cabbage-ist premium to Stewart Drake. Beans-premium to J. L. Gage. Pumpkin-premium to Alfred Pond. Table potatoes —premium to David Schram. Discretionary premium awarded to Thomas Bendle, for a sample of Mexican wild potatoes. 448 "Several squashes deserving of premiums, but not entered on the books were exhibited, as was also the case with many other specimens of vegetables-some of them of superior merit to those receiving the premiums-which the Viewing Committee had to pass over in making their awards. On the whole, the vegetables were very superior to anything of the kind ever before exhibited in this county." Judges-James Norton, J. L. Gage, William Schram. SAMPLES OF FIELD CROPS. Winter wheat-ist premium to William Tanner; 2d to Joel Bardwell, Bushel of corn —lst premium to R. W. Dullam; 2d to David Schram, Twelve ears of seed corn-Ist premium to A. D. Cudney; 2d to Peter Miller. Oats —lst premium to B. P. Foster; 2d to Putnam Burton. Barley-ist premium to John Thorne. Timothy seed-ist premium to R. W. Dullam. Judges-Dennis Wolverton, Robert Chambers, F. A. Begole. MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES. Wagon harness-premium to James Firman. Honey-premium to Jonathan Dayton. Buckskin mittens-premium to David Mather. Buckskin gloves-premium to David Mather. Book binding-premium to Thomas Symons. Chain pump-premium to George Andrews. Discretionary premiums awarded to Sutherland & Gardner, for a double barrel rifle. R. W. Dullam, for 2d best honey. J. T. Johnson, for marble grave stone in Italian style of sculpture. H. S. Parmalee, for a pair of table swifts. Whitr ey & Birdsall, for a marble tomb stone. Other articles have also been favorably noticed by the viewing committee, as follows: Cook stove, tea kettle, and boiler, exhibited by W. M. Thurber; "Worthy of Notice." Specimen of marl lime, Exhibited by George Andrews, "A good article and worthy of attention." Marble Cenotaph in French style of sculpture, designed and executed by J. T. Johnson. "A very good article."' 449 Marble Cenotaph in Italian style of sculpture, designed and executed by J. T. Johnson. "A good article." Marble head-stone, manufactured by J. T. Johnson. "A good article." The following articles are likewise recommended, but the Executive Committee have no power to award premiums in these cases, as the article were not manufactured in the county, viz.: Specimens of A. Foster's building material, exhibited by C. G. Parsons. "Discretionary premium recommended." Apple paring machine, exhibited by George Andrews. "Discretionary premium recommended of 25 cents." Cider mill, exhibited by B. Pierson and A. Crasper. "Worthy of notice." Buggy exhibited by J. B. Hamilton. " A nice light buggy." Show case of China ware, exhibited by E. S. Williams. "Ware very nice." Lot of furniture, exhibited by Hill & Thompson. "Worthy of notice. Good ware." Judges-Levi Walker, Jacob Eldridge, Elijah Drake. PLOWS AND PLOWING. Breaking up plow —st premium to Thomas Warren; 2d to Stephen Crocker. Plows for single team —st premium to H. W. Wood & Co.; 2d to H. W. Wood & Co. Plowing with horses —st premium to Stephen Crocker, plowed by Richard Judd; 2d to John Stevens, plowed by John Stevens; 3d to Channcey Brown, plowed by Josephus Morgan; 4th to Dennis Wolverton, plowed by William Wolverton. Plowing with oxen —lst premium to Stephen Crocker, plowed by John Parkhouse. Judges-William Chamberlin, Lysander Phillips, Nathaniel Ladd. The Committee on Farms not having presented any report, the Executive Committee is unable to say what action has been taken in relation to examining the farms entered for competition. The Annual Address was delivered by HON. C. P. AVERY, of the City of Flint. A copy is herewith transmitted. 57 450 To meet the wishes of a number of members of the Society, the Committee held open the grounds on the day succeeding the Fair, for the sale by auction, or otherwise, of stock and other farm products belonging to members; appointed IMr. G. S. S. Hopkins to act as auctioneer for the Society, and advertised the proposed sale with the other notices of the Fair. That such an arrangement, if established, in connection with the Annual Fair, might become of value in affording farmers a convenient opportunity to buy, sell, and exchange stock, etc., to advantage, would seem self-evident; but whether, from temporary local causes incident to the past season, such as an apprehended scarcity of fodder, the high value of money, or that the attempt is yet premature in connection with our Society —the result of the experiment was by no means encouraging. The attendance at the sale was not large, and but little property changed hands. Under more favorable circumstances as to season, perhaps the success would have been greater; and it remains for the Society, or our successors, to determine whether the trial shall be again made immediately. The services of Mr. Hopkins, as auctioneer, were given gratuitously to the Society. In reference to the imported seeds spoken of in the last Annual Report of the Society, as having been received from the Patent Office at Washington, and distributed for experiment —we have not yet received any special reports upon the results, except from Mr. Jonathan Dayton, of Grand Blanc, (one of the members of this committee,) in relation to his success with Pithusian wheat, from Ivica, received by the Department through the Consul at Alicante. Mr. Dayton sowed a small quantity in the fall of 1855, from which he raised about six quarts. The head was very thick and heavy, with a large plump berry, and strongly bearded. He thinks it will prove more productive per acre than the wheat usually raised, and while the heavy beard may be regarded in some respects as an objection, he is of opinion that it will assist the greatapparent vigor, and vital power of the plant, in withstanding the attacks of insects. Having planted six quarts in the fall of 1856, he will be better enabled, at the next harvest, to judge of the actual productiveness of this variety of wheat. In the last annual report of this Society, reference was likewise made to the damage occasioned by the Hessian fly. 451 A new scourge to the wheat grower has made its appearance among us the past season, causing a considerable diminution of the wheat crop; and as this is its first visit, it may not be amiss to notice it somewhat at length. The Wheat-Midge (Cecidomyia tritici) bears a close resemblance, both in its appearance and habits, to the "Hessian fly," or "insect," as it is commonly called, (Cecidomyia destructor.) Each, in its perfect or mature state, is a small two-winged gnat, or fly, much resembling a very small mosquito. There is a striking similarity in their habits and history, as well as in the result of their operations, viz.: injury to the crop; the main difference being in their time and place of attack; for while the Midge deposits its eggs within the chaff of the wheat when in blossom, or in its milky state, the Hessian fly selects the inner surface of the leaves of the young plants as its place of deposit. The minute cylindrical eggs are hatched in about eight or ten days, when the orange-colored maggots of the Midge craw], or rather, as they are destitute of legs, wriggle to the base of the chaff into contact with the newly formed tender grain; while the pale red maggots of the Hessian fly, by a similar process, establish themselves at the base of the leaf, where they can avail themselves of the tender pulp of the growing stalk. Both are nourished by suction, or imbibing fluids, being utterly incapable of eating into the solid substance. Increasing in size, and becoming plump and firm, the larvae or maggots of the Midge are matured in about two weeks, while those of " the fly " require five or six; the former, when fully grown, are about one-eighth of an inch in length, and even smaller, while the latter are rather larger, being about threetwentieths of an inch in length. Though an individual larvae of the fly might produce no perceptible injury, it will be readily seen that several would impoverish the plant, and as they become imbedded in the substance of the stalk, by their enlargement might strangle it to death, or cause it to fall from weakness. So again, though an individual larvae of the Midge might but slightly diminish the weight of the grain to which it was attached, such numbers as are frequently founda dozen or more —readily exhaust its substance and leave nothing but a blasted hull behind; but should they be delayed in their advent, and the fluids of the maturing grain have already become converted into solid substance, they must inevitably perish from starvation. Having 452 come to their full growth, the larvae of the Midge remain torpid a few days, and then undergo another change, casting their skins, which they leave entire, with the exception of a little rent at one end. The larva of the Hessian fly undergo a like change after a torpidity of two or three weeks, being in what is known as their flax seed state, from their resemblance to that article. The maggots now recover their activity, but take no food, and make their way to the outside of the chaff, especially in damp weather, sometimes appearing after a shower in such countless numbers as to give their color to the whole field. From this position they drop, or are shaken to the ground by the winds, where they soon burrow about an inch below the surface, and there remain through the winter, to come fcrth as flies during the ensuing months of June and July, to re-commence the routine of their depredations. The Midge is not confined to wheat alone, but is found on rye, oats, barley, and sometimes on the seed-scales of grass growing in the vicinity of wheat fields. They are generally more numerous in sheltered situations-as in those parts of the field which are protected from the wind by fences, buildings, trees, bushes, &c., than upon the high grounds and exposed situations, where the grain is kept in motion by the wind; though the prevalence of calm, still weather, may sometimes leave them free to deposit eggs even in such situations. This sketch of their natural history suggests a few practical remarks upon the various methods proposed for counteracting their depredations. First-We may note the propriety of great care in keeping a clean summer fallow, and of removing from its borders all materials which might harbor the germ of a future colony. The benefit of pasturing sheep upon the fallow suggests itself at once, and when this is impracticable, the simple process of mowing the grass which may grow about the fences and borders of the fallow, in proper season, may prevent much subsequent mischief. Second-We may note the evident impropriety of sowing wheat upon fields already infected. Third —From the habit of harrowing but a slight depth below the surface of the soil, deep plowing has been proposed as an efficient remedy, on the ground that the deep burial to which they would be subjected would prevent their transformation. Dr. Harris regards this as the best and most practicable remedy. 453 Fourth-From the peculiar manner in which they are nourished, and their inability to feed upon the hardened grain, it has been proposed to so time the seeding as that the grain shall be least fitted for their use when the wants of the insects shall be most urgent, and thus starve them out, by cutting off their supplies. To accomplish this, early sowing of winter wheat and late sowing of spring wheat is proposed, so that in one case the grain shall be too far matured at the time of their appearance, and in the other not sufficiently advanced. In some sections, where the greatest injury has been done by these insects, the cultivation of fall sown or winter grain has been abandoned for a time, and the late sowing of spring wheat, it is said, has almost banished them from those parts of Vermont where they first appeared. Other remedies, such as fumigations with brimstone, and sprinkling the grain with lime or ashes, though reported to have proved efficacious in some instances, require too much care and promptness in their application to be generally adopted, we fear. The wheat-midge is sometimes improperly called the weevil, or the red weevil, and the grain worm; a mischievous confusion of names which could only arise from very culpable ignorance of small things, which the farmer, of all men, should learn never to despise. The study of Entomology commends itself to the farmer, both by the great interest which he has in the subject, and the superior advantages which he enjoys for its cultivation. And, notwithstanding the senseless prejudice which doubtless deters many who have the inclination, from engaging in its study, the valuable results achieved by Miss Morris, of Penn., and Mrs. Gage, of N. H., in the investigation of these and other injurious insects, demonstrate the great benefit which the ladies might confer upon the community by devoting some of their leisure hours to a branch of Natural History which yields to none in interest. We would, therefore, most respectfully commend it to their consideration. The true "' wheat weevil " (Calandra granaria) is an entirely different insect from the Midge, or Hessian fly, being a slender beetle, with a long slender stoit:, with which it attacks the grain only when ripened and hard.'hi.- little pest, both in its grub and beetle state, devours stored grain, and from its wonderful powers of increase-a single pair, it is said, produci,,g six thousand descendants in a single year-becomes at times a terrible scourge. 454 They are effectually destroyed by kiln-drying the grain; which, if kept cool and well ventilated, and frequently moved, will be exempt front their attacks. From the close resemblance of the wheat weevil to the rice weevil (Calandra Oryzac), we may refer to an engraving of the insect in the Patent Office Report for 1854, as giving a better idea of this insect than any description could convey. The most marked difference is that the wheat weevil is rather larger, and is destitute of the red spots which are so conspicuous on the wing-covers of the rice weevil. On the same page of the Report referred to, will be found illustrations of the Hessian fly and the Wheat-Midge, a slight inspection of which will suffice to satisfy any one of the great similarity of these insects, and of the total dissimilarity of either to the weevil. We would call attention to one other wheat insect which we fear may become more formidable than the Midge. It is a species of caterpillar which we have not found fully described anywhere, though we think they may be referred to in Harris' Treatise on Insects, page 355, belonging to the division Lepidoptera, and perhaps of the genus Noctua. They were found repeatedly last summer in looking for the Midge. Their presence is indicated by a whitish protuberance on the grain, upon cutting into which, a solitary sprightly grub or caterpillar is found rioting in the heart of the grain. Whether he is satisfied with a single kernel, we are unable to say. He has sufficient powers of locomotion if his necessities require it, but from the circumstance that we sometimes found nearly every kernel in the head occupied, the instinct of the parent indicates that one is sufficient. It is to be hoped that they will be carefully watched, in order that efficient remedies may be seasonably applied to prevent the mischief that would result from their great increase. In concluding this subject, we cannot refrain from calling the attention of every farmer to Harris' Treatise on Insects Injurious to Vegetation, as containing a great amount of valuable information of practical application. The unprecedentedly dry season we experienced in 1856, from planting time till near the middle of September, had its natural effect in diminishing the yield of most kind of crops. Hay was good, and went above an average produce. The yield of wheat varied very considera 455 bly in different parts of the county. In some sections it proved a full crop, while in others it was regarded as almost a failure. In contrast, however, to the harvest of 1855, the whole of it was saved in the best possible condition. Generally speaking, for the reason assigned, the yield of other crops was light, although it would be difficult to exceed the quality of the specimens of corn, oats, vegetables, potatoes, roots, &c., exhibited at the Fair. All of which is respectfully submitted. For the Executive Committee, F. H. RANKIN, Secretary. ADDRESS Delivered by Hon. C. P. Avery, at the Seventh Annual Fair of the Genesee County Agricultural Society, at Flint, October 9, 1856. MR. PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:I was very unexpectedly honored by your committee, with an invitation to appear before you in the capacity of a speaker. It had been my intention, formed and fostered with no little anticipated pleasure, to be present with you on this occasion, and, in an humble private way, as a sincere well-wisher to the cause, join with you in your annual renewal of the fire upon the altar which you have devoted to Agriculture; but, it was remote from my thoughts that any duty which might fall to my portion would partake of a public character. It is far from my belief that an address, prepared so hastily, will be in conformity with the practiced taste of those who are accustomed to see positions similar to this, occupied by gentlemen who command for themselves literary leisure; and I may add, that for an instructive expression of the spirit of so interesting an occasion as this-one which appeals so strongly to your pride of vicinage —you had a right to look to the lips of some one who had borne more of the heat and burden of the day in Michigan, and thoroughly conversant with themes kindred to the occasion, rather than to one whose highest honor is to-day, that he can claim with you all the privilege only as a citizen of Genesee, of joining in this county tribute-this your grateful offering to 456 Ceres, the only queen to whom we owe a national allegiance —the Queen of the Harvest, into whose hands we are willing to commit the only sceptre which we recognize-the ancient and classical emblem of plenty. Upon all those subjects attractive to the speaker and commended to his audience and himself, by the prominence usually assigned to them as themes of discussion upon occasions like this, particularly upon those subjects most interesting to the farmer-agriculture and kindred themes-periodicals, voluminous reports and works elaborate, minute and practical, furnish stores of accurate information in all those departments, industrial and scientific, much more satisfactory than any attempted disquisition, condensed into a brief address before a miscellaneous audience, however minute, numerous and well-jointed the array of facts, and even if around the elaborate skeleton there should be attempted to be thrown the glowing drapery of eloquence. Those agricultural works, periodicals and reports have become valuable store-houses to the intelligent farmer, more valuable than his best stored granary, when with intelligent inquiry he looks for the truths and discoveries of science, whose experiments and thoughts have found their appropriate record-when the theory of the agriculturist and the practice of the farmer have met and struck hands for the diffusion of good, when mind exhibits itself enriched and strengthened by interchange with mind, science with experiment, theory with practice-a glorious commerce, as free as air, the true "golden girdle of the globe," and as wide spread and benificent as intelligent agriculture. To present truths thus garnered from remote districts, from foreign soils, from almost every corner of Christendom, wherever the dignity of agriculture is uderstood and has found intelligent votaries; to illustrate the usefulness of such truths, the adoption of new modes of tillage, new ideas and discoveries to our soils and country, we will leave them to the authors, the practical journalists, the laborious compilers and learned professors. I will not venture to trespass upon fields so appropriately devoted to them where they preside with so much dignity and usefulness. The industrial and scientific information which you seek is best imparted at your fire-sides, through the columns of periodicals and works devoted to such information. It would be a thrice told tale and very prosy to the general audience if I should attempt to enlarge upon the regenera 45' ting power of clover and deep ploughing; the advantages of large and well cleaned seed, seasonable sowing, judicious selection of your stock:suited to the climate and the region, doing well whatever you do and yielding to the soil all its natural rights and wants. These are agricultural axioms-truisms-and if you ever happen to forget them, Dame'Nature, who is keenly tenacious of her rights and always exacts the attentions which are her due, (never anything more, for the Ladies, you:know, never do,) will send you her compliments in the form of red sorrel, by no means a sweet remembrance, nettles and thistles, indicative of a proper resentment, mullens, with their mortifying and pitiful story of