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PROGRAMME FOR THE DAY.

The members of the Executive Committee were requested to report themselves at 9 A. M. at the Secretary's office, on the Fair Grounds to review the books for the judges, to fill vacancies in the judges from the by-standers or others, as required by the resolutions of the 21st September, 1869. The following members were assigned to these duties—viz:

Class I. Essays—F. G. Ruffin.

Class II. Cattle—S. W. Ficklin.

Class III. Horses, &c.—R. B. Haxall.

Class IV. Sheep, &c—J. Cloyd.

Class V. Swine—J. Cloyd.

Class VI. Poultry—J. M. McCue.

Class VII. Farm Products—R. E. Haskins.

Class VIII. Domestic Departments—W. T Walker.

Class IX. Household Manufactures—F. N. Watkins.

Class X. Ladies' Fancy and Ornamental Work—F. N. Watkins.

Class XI. Agricultural Department—W. C. Knight.

Class XII. Farm Dwellings—E. Ruffin.

Class XIII. Minerals—R. W. N. Noland.

Class XIV. Fine Arts—J. Lyons.

Class XV. Miscellaneous—L. E. Harvie.

Judges are urged to attend to the their duties promptly at 9 A. M. of each day.

EXHIBITION OF HORSES.

The public exhibition of horses takes place at 1 o'clock in front of the yublic stand on the mile track.

PLOUGHING MATCH.

The ploughing match for the best ploughman, &c, has been arranged to come off on the farm of William Shepperson, on the Broad-Street road above the Baptist College, on the left hand, this Bide of the Fair Grounds, from 12 to 3 o'clock, and competitors under section 12 were notified to be promptly on the ground, or they would be ruled out.

6EKESAL MEETING.

The general meeting of the Society took place at the Hall of the House of Delegates at 8 o'clock in the evening.

The following annual report of the Society was submitted and received:

At this, the largest meeting of the Virginia State Agricultural Soci-

ety since the war, it is proper briefly to inform the members what has been done since the last show and fair, which was held in 1860.

During the war, of course, there could be no show or exhibition. All that could be done was to protect the interests of the Society. This was done by the (then) President, Mr. John R. Edmunds, of Halifax, who, elected in 1859, held over during the war, and, by special request of the Executive Committee, until Mr. Willoughby Newton, his successor under the Constitution, could take his place; and by Mr. Charles B. Williams, then and until recently Secretary of the Society. And it is gratifying to repeat, what has been already stated, that the joint efforts of the President, Secretary, and Executive Committee, succeeded in preserving intact the property which the Society had entrusted to their keeping.

In January, 1869, an attempt was made to have a general meeting of the Society for several important purposes ; and among them to take into consideration the propriety of purchasing a lot of ground on which to hold the future exhibitions of the Society.

The property at present held by the Society, and which has been viewed by the members to-day, was offered for sale, and the Executive Committee wished to be instructed by the Society as to the purchase. A quorum did not attend ; but the sense of the informal meeting confirmed the Executive Committee in the action to which they were predisposed, and they took the responsibility of making the purchase on the terms and with the means already announced. The bargain was completed in the spring of 1868.

In the month of January, 186y, a meeting of the Society was held, and the action of the committee was then fully sanctioned. At that meeting it was determined to hold a Fair and Exhibition this fall, and the following officers were elected: President: William T. Sutherlin, Danville. Vice-Presidents: 1st, James Lyons, Richmond; 2d, W. T. Scott, Charlotte; 3d, Frank G. Ruffin, Chesterfield; 4th, R. Barton Haxall, Richmond ; 5th, S. W. Ficklin, Albemarle; 6th, Edmund Ruffin, Jr., Hanover; 7th, Lewis E. Harvie, Amelia 8th, J. Marshall McCue, Augusta.

Secretary and Treasurer: Charles B. Williams.

[The President and Vice-Presidents are ex officio members of the Executive Committee.]

Executive Committee: Richard Irby, Richmond; William C. Knight, Richmond* R. H. Dulany, Loundon; R. W.N. Noland, Albemarle ; F. N. Watkins, Prince Edward ; A. H. Drewry, Charles

Citv ; William Martin, Henry ; Richard E. Haskins, Brunswick; Franklin Stearns, Richmond ; Dr. W. T. Walker, Goochland.

Subsequently, upon the resignation of Mr.' Ruffin, Mr. Joseph Cloyd, of Pulaski, was elected in his place as one of the Vice-Presidents of the Society; and afterwards, upon the resignation of Mr. Scott, of Charlotte, Mr. F. G. Ruffin was re-elected to a place in the Executive Committee on the 18th of February. Mr. Charles B. Williams, under the pressure of declining health, resigned the office of secretary and treasurer, which he had filled acceptably to the Society for many years ; and the Executive Committee, reluctantly accepting his resignation, appointed in his place Mr. Egbert G. Leigh.

The general action of the Executive Committee appears before you in the results of this exhibition ; and the details of their labors have been published, as they occurred, in the papers of the city of Richmond.

Beyond that, it is only necessary to state that a trial of reapers and mowers (single and combined), and other cognate implements, was held at Westover, the plantation of Major A. H. Drewry, in Charles City county, on the 9th and 10th of June last, under the auspices of the Society, with results which will be announced in the publication of the awards at the present meeting.

The scarcity of money and the late very severe drought have operated a very serious impediment to the efforts of the committee. But the loss therefrom has been generously supplied by the Common Council of the city of Richmond and by the citizens generally, who have proved themselves, as heretofore, equal to the demand upon their enlightened public spirit and their hospitality.

The life-members of the late Central Agricultural Society were admitted by a vote of the Virginia Agricultural Society, at their meeting in February, 1869, to an honorary participation in their affairs.

It affords the committee great pleasure to be able to congratulate the societies of various parts of the State on the successful agricultural fairs and exhibitions that have been held ; and* the hope is cherished more confidently than ever that the county and district societies can be so arranged as to affiliate with this Society as the parts of one whole. The details of such a union would be out of place in this report; but it is thought that its establishment will be productive of signal benefit to all the interests of the State.

The accounts of the treasurer are fully made out and balanced to the 80th ultimo; but the usual transcript is not presented herewith because of the recent illness of the treasurer and the pressure

of official business on him since his recovery. But the books are ready for inspection, if it is deemed desirable by the Society to have a statement from them.

After this, Governor Smith addressed the meeting upon the subject of agriculture. He was followed by Mr. Lyons, Major Noland, and others.

The meeting then adjourned until 8 o'clock to-morrow evening.

GENERAL MEETING IN THE HALL OF HOUSE OF DELEGATES, NOV. 8D,

1869.

The use of the Hall was, during the earlier portion of this evening, devoted to the transaction of the business of the third annual meeting of the Virginia Horticultural and Pomological Society. The proceedings of this meeting will be found published in their place in this number of the Southern Planter and Farmer.

The meeting then resolved itself into a joint meeting of the two Societies, Major Sutherlin in the Chair. Hon. Horace Capron, Commissioner of Agriculture, Washington, D. C, expressed his thanks for the honor conferred upon him, but declined to speak.

Mr. Hill Carter, of Charles City, being called for, came to the stand, and said that his first advice to young men was to select good lands, and then to cultivate them well; but the main point was to know how to get good lands. In his experience the good lands had to support the poor. The James River lands are the best in the whole country. Success in agriculture depends on industry and economy. Chocolate lands with a sufficient ferriginous element in them are the best.

Mr. Saunders, experimental gardener at Washington, being called on, stated that his business here at present was to make a collection of Virginia fruits, and to make inquiries as to the capacity of the State as a fruit growing country. Many inquiries had been made in regard to it. He had recently remarked at a pomological society, that Virginia was a better apple-growing State than New York.

He had been trying for a long time to convince the people of this country that the grape required just such a climate as is found on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge, in Virginia—a long, warm, genial summer. The wine grapes are in greater perfection here than anywhere else in the country.

Fungoid growth had been a great drawback in the raising of these vines, and the lands on which the leaves do not mildew will be found near the first belt in your mountains.

General J. D. Imboden stated that there was a club in New

York—the "New York Fruit-Growers' Club r '—one of whom (Col. Williams) was in the room ; and being called for, gave a very interesting sketch of the Society.

His remarks were interesting and well received.

Major Noland introduced Dr. Oliver, of England, who also made a very interesting address.

Dr. Antisell, of the Agricultural Bureau, was called on, and replied in a practical and interesting address.

Other gentlemen spoke, and—the Society adjourned.

GENERAL MEETING AT THE BROAD STREET METHODIST CHURCH, NOV. 4TH, 1869.

The primary object of this meeting was to hear the Annual Address by Colonel John S. Preston, of Columbia, S. C, and accordingly the members of the Society, together with a very large and select audience, assembled to hear him. The orator, who is a gentleman of very commanding appearance, was listened to with great attention, and delivered an address full of classic eloquence, and which was made doubly interesting by the earnest and beautiful delivery of the speaker.

He reviewed in the liveliest manner the noble efforts of our ancestors in the establishment of the right of self-government and the suppression of tyranny, and pointed to the duty of the present generation in the accomplishment of the glorious future promised to Virginia. He spoke for about an hour and a half, and kept his audience very much interested.

At the conclusion of the address, on motion of Hon. James Lyons,

Resolved, That the thanks of the meeting be tendered General John S. Preston, of S. C, the selected orator on the occasion, for the able and eloquent address delivered by him before the Annual meeting of the Society to-night, and that he be requested to furnish a copy for publication—which resolution was unanimously adopted.

PRESENTATION OF PLATE.

Next in order came the very interesting ceremony of the presentation of a testimonial to Major A. H. Drewry by the guests at the field trial of reapers and mowers at Westover. The presentation speech was made by Major James Bruster, of Baltimore, who expressed the thanks of the company to Major Drewry for the generous hospitality he had extended to them during their stay at Westover, and the commendable interest he had shown in the agricultural welfare of Virginia. After other appropriate remarks, the speaker handed him a handsome silver salver, which was one of

the most tastefully executed things of the kind we have ever seen.

Upon it was inscribed—

" Testimonial to Major A. H. Drewry by the exhibitors and

guests at the great field trial of mowers and reapers at Westover,

June 9th, 10th, and 11th, 1869.

James Bruster, ^

John R. Chapin, V Committee.

M. B. Riggs, J

Tendered in compliment to the cordial welcome and generous hospitality received at his hands."

Major Drewry responded in a most appropriate manner, and with sentiments worthy of a son of Virginia so active in the endeavor to secure her practical restoration and prosperity.

At the conclusion of the presentation speeches the Society proceeded with the remaining business.

The report of the committee on the propriety of amending the Constitution was called for. Mr. Lyons, from the committee, stated that the report had been mislaid, yet he could recite the amendments they proposed, and proceeded to do so, as follows: Section 2. Strike out " at such time and place as may be designated," &c, and insert " at their Fair Grounds, near Richmond."

Section 3, article 3, "amended by declaring members of the State Central Society life members of this Society."

Objection was made to considering the matter without the report; and furthermore, to considering amendments that might conflict with the charter, a copy of which was not in the archives of the Society, and the subject was postponed till the next annual meeting.

The election of officers being next in order, a committee was appointed, on motion of Mr. Ravenscroft Jones, to make nominations, which soon brought in a report that was unanimously adopted. This report nominated for re-election all the old officers save Wm. Martin, of Henry, as members of the Executive Committee, instead of whom they nominated Dr. W. C. Staples, of Patrick. Mr. Richard Irby, of Richmond, at his own request, was excused from serving, and General Joseph R. Anderson was put in his place. So the officers thus.elected are as follows:

President, —William T. Sutherlin.

Vice Presidents, —James Lyons, Joseph Cloyd, F. G. Ruffin, R. B. Haxall, S. W. Ficklin, Edmund Ruffin, Jr., Lewis E. Harvie, and J. Marshall McCue.

Executive Committee, —Joseph R. Anderson, W. C. Knight, R. H. Dulany, R. W. N. Noland, F. N. Watkins, A. H. Drewry,

Dr. W. C. T. Staples, R. E. Haskins, Franklin Stearns, and Dr. William T. Walker.

Secretary and Treasurer, —E. G. Leigh.

The election was by acclamation and unanimous.

Major Sutherlin thanked the Society for re-electing him. The honor was one he had until lately intended to have declined. It would be accepted at great inconvenience and a serious sacrifice to himself; but his objections had yielded to the solicitations and arguments of friends, and he determined that if the Society desired his services to acquiesce, and labor with it another year. Major S. went on to say that the programme for the next Fair must be vigorously carried out, and he urged farmers generally to give every aid in their power to the cause.

He meant to call upon them, and he expected that all who consented to serve in any capacity, especially on a committee, would do so with energy and good faith. They should decline to serve if they did not mean to do this. The Society wanted no " yea nay " men. He meant to hold all responsible, and he hoped in turn that they would hold him responsible.

On motion of Mr. F. G. Ruffin, the thanks of the Society were voted to the citizens of Richmond for the liberality with which they had contributed out of their scant means to defray the expenses of the Fair; also, for the hospitable manner in which they had entertained so many visitors to the Fair; to the manufacturers inside and out of the city for the contributions they had made to the exhibition ; to those citizens who had contributed mineral specimens, which showed the various resources of the State; and to the railroads and steamboats for the liberal regulations they had carried out with reference to passengers to the Fair, and to articles intended for exhibition.

The Society, by unanimous vote, thanked the President for the able, sagacious, and energetic manner in which he presided over its affairs.

By unanimous vote the Society thanked the Chief Marshal, Col. C. Q. Tompkins, and his aids, for the efficient and considerate manner in which they had enforced the regulations of the Society and preserved the order and decorum of the exhibition and proceedings on the grounds.

Resolved, That the thanks of the Society are hereby tendered to Messrs. John H. Tyler & Son for the beautiful flag they presented to the Society.

Mr. Thomas Branch, of Richmond, was accorded a few minutes to express his objection to the trials of speed of quick draught horses on the Fair Grounds. This he did in very good temper; after which, the Society adjourned sine die.

OFFICIAL REPORT

OF THE

Schedule Premiums Awarded at the Ninth Annual Exhibition of the VIRGINIA STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY,

HELD AT THE FAIR GROUNDS, WEAR RICHMOND VIRGINIA,

November 2, 3, 4, and 5, 1869.

CLASS II—Section 1.

CATTLE DEPARTMENT.

Short Horns of Native Stock. 13. Best bull 3 years old or upwards, S. W. Ficklin, " Melodion," $30

16. Best bull 2 years old and under three, John Trimble, " Sweepstakes," 25

19. Best bull 1 year old and under, A. Lovel, " R. E. Lee," 10

20. Second best do., J. B. Newman, " Burlington," 5

21. Third best do., Frank Robertson, "J. E. Stewart," certificate, (worthy of

premium.)

22. Best cow 3 years old or upwards, A. Lovel, " Pearl," 30

23. Second best do., S. W. Ficklin, " Red Rose," 15

24. Third best do., " " Certificate.

25. Best cow or heifer 2 years old and under 3, S. W. Ficklin, " Aubit " 2d 20

26. Second best do., do. " Red Rose" 3d 10

27. Third best do., (certificate) do. "White Rose" 3d

CLA.SS II—Section 2. Devons of Native Stock.

56. Best bull 2 years old and under three, Dr. Geo. B. Dillard,

57. Second best do., do. 69. Best bull 1 year old and under, do. 60. Second best do., do.

62. Best cow 3 years old or upwards, do.

63. Second best do., do.

Section 3.

Ayr shires of Native Stock.

73. Best bull 3 years old or upwards, J. S. Hardaway, Amelia county, $30

82. Best cow 3 years old or upwards, F. T. Isbell, Richmond, 30

Alderneys of Native Stock.

93. Best bull 3 years old or upwards, R. Hill Carter, Albemarle county, $30

94. Second best do., E. D. Eacho, Henrico county, 16

96. Best bull 2 years old and under three, Albert Aiken, Henrico county, 25

97. Second best, James Lyons, Heurico county, 10 102. Best cow three years old or upwards, E. D. Eacho, Henrico county, 25 108. Best heifer under 2 years old, " " " " 10

Section 4. Diary.

113. For best cow of any breed, Dr. George B. Dillard, " Norma," $30

114. Second best do., H„ Vernon, (Durham and Alderney,) 20

115. Third best do., H. Massie, (red cow, 6 years,) 10

GRADE CATTLE.

MISCELLANEOUS DEPARTMENT.

For best Milch cow, H. Massie, Charlottesville, $15

For second best do., H. Vernon, Wytheville, 10

For best bull, J. R. Woods, Albemarle, 15

For second best do., Frank S. Robertson, 10

i The committee recommend Discretionary Premium to Mr. H. Massie, of Charlottesville, for his Grade Durham cow; and Discretionary Premium to S. S. Bradford for his Grade cow. Also, Discretionary Premium to J. G. Jefferson, for Short Horn.

Section 6.

Fat Stock.

118. Best fat bullock over 5 years old, Joseph Cloyd, $30

119. Second best fat bullock over 5 years old, M. White, Certificate.

120. Best fat bullock under 5 years old, W. A. Ruff, 30

121. Second best fat bullock under 5 years old, W. A. Ruff, Certificate.

122. Best fat cow or heifer, " " 30

123. Second best fat cow or heifer, " " Certificate.

124. Best pen of fat sheep, 3 or more, Dr. John R. Woods, 10

125. Second best, do., C. R. Boulware, Certificate.

126. Best slaughtered muttou, J. B. Townley, 5

127. Best pen fat hogs, 3 or more, L. S. Macon, (4 hogs.) 10

128. Second best, do., " " " 5

HORSE DEPARTMENT. CLASS III—Section 1.

HORSES, ASSES, AND MULES.

Thorough Breds.

129. Best stallion 4 years old or upwards, Thos. W. Doswell, Richmond,

"Orion," $50

130. Second best, Col. James Cockran, Culpeper, "Engineer," 20

131. Best entire colt, 3 years old and under four, Thos. W. Doswell, Richmond,

11 Edenton," 25

133. Best entire colt, 2 years old and under three, A. Seddon Jones, Orange

county, " Oma," 15

134. Second best, S. W. Ficklin, Albemarle, "Florist," 5

135. Best entire colt, 1 year old and under two, Chastain White, Hanover Co.,

"Planet," 10

137. Best brood mare 4 years old or upwards, Thomas W. Doswell, " Nina," 20

138. Second best, Chastain White, " Deucalia," 10

139. Best filly 3 years old and under 4, J. L. Carrington, "Ada Washington," 15

141. Best filly 2 years old and under three, J. L. Carrington, " Chestnut Filly," 15

143. Best filly 1 year old and under two, Thos. W. Doswell, " Wine Sap," 10

144. Second best, " " "Virginia Dare," 5

Special certificate of merit awarded to "Red Eye, Jr.," entered by W. T. John-son ; " Granite," by S. W. Ficklin ; " Sultan," by W. T. Sutherlin ; " Gipsey Chief," by T. A. Brander ; " John Letcher," by J. L. Carrington, and " Daisey," by S. W. Ficklin. In addition, the chairman most respectfully submits that " Sweet Briar" and " Rose," two mares, the first aged 13 years, and the other 4 years, were on the ground, but were not regularly entered by their owner, Maj. W. T. Sutherland, and. in consequence were not exhibited to our committee; but they have since been examined by the undersigned, and he takes the liberty of making honorable mention of them for their high forms, blood, and beauty, and he recommends that medals be awarded to each of them.

(Signed,) E. A. RAWLINGS, Chairman.

Section 2. Roadsters — Adapted to Quick Light Draught.

145. Best stallion 4 years old or upwards, Thomas Brown, "Mohawk," $50

146. Second best, S. W. Ficklin, "Abdalla," 20

147. Best entire colt, 3 years old and under four, S. W. Ficklin, "Albanian," 25 149. Best entire colt, 2 years old and under three, C. W. Beale, "Exchequer," 20

153. Best brood mare 4 years old or over, Alexander Kerr, "Lady Harvey," 20

154. Second best, R. B. Haxhall, "Olympia," 10

155. Best filly 3 years old and under four, B. H. Warthen, "Florance Bell," 15 157. Best filly 2 years old and under three, R. B. Haxall, "Treasure," 10 159. Best filly 1 year old and under two, Alex. Kerr, "Bell of the South," 10

Roadsters — Adapted to Quick Coach Draught. 162. Second best stallion 4 years old or upwards, Dr.W. C. Archer, "Randolph," $20 171. Best Filly 3 years old and under four, R. H. Warthen, "Florance Bell," 15

Section 3. Saddle — Adapted to the Breeding of Improved Riding Horses.

177. Best stallion 4 years old or over, S. W. Ficklin, "Granite," $50

178. Second best, W. B. Buck, "Tom Telegraph," (superb,) 20

185. Best brood mare 4 years old or over, W. T. Johnson, "Lady Lightfoot," 20

186. Second best, Dr. C. Hancock, "Fashion," 10

187. Best filly 3 years old and under four, J. J. Parkins, "Rosa Alba," 15

188. Second best, G. H. Dillard, "Albine," 5 190. Second best filly 2 years old and under three, R. B. Haxall, "Treasure," 5

Section 4. Heavy Draught.

193. Best stallion 4 years old or over, Clinebell & Carson, "Jim Cobhain," $50

194. Second best, S. W. Ficklin, "The Colonel," 20 204. Best filly 2 years old and under three, R. B. Haxhall, "Giantess," 10

206. Best filly 1 year old and under two, A. J. Byue, "Fanny," 10

Section 5. Matched Horses in Harness, accustomed to be used together as such in pairs, for Quick

Light Draught.

207. Best pair mares or geldings, 20 [The committee was equally divided in opinion between the comparative merits

of E. M. Cardozo's chesnut pair and J. B. Davis' bay pair, and do therefore recom. mend a division of the premium between these two gentlemen, as provided for by the rules of the Society.

Matched Horses in Harness, accustomed to be used as such in pairs, for Quick Coach

Draught.

208. Best pair mares or geldings, J. L. Carrington, "Gray and Brown," $20

Saddle Horses under the Saddle.

209. Best mares or geldings, Taylor & Foster, Charlottesville, "Gray Gelding," $20

210. Second best, Isaac J. Parkins, Augusta, "Humbug," (form and action to be

considered,) 10

Ponies and Horsemanship.

211. Best pony ridden by a lad of 15 yeais of age, the horsemanship also to be considered, Wm. M. Ledley, "Brown Pony," Fancy Riding Bridle*

212. Second best, C. S. Smith, "Indian Pony," (ridden by Willie Glenn,)

Fancy Whip. Section 6. Mules and Jacks.

213. Best jack, C. T. Smith, "Brigham Young," (8 years,) $40 215. Best jennet, W. B. Williams, "Jenny Brown," (3 years,) 20 219. Best mule colt 1 year old, (foaled in Virginia,) M. J. Gale, "Kit," 10

Section 7. Trials of Speed.

221. First day—Premium $200—mile heats to harness. Open to horses, mares, and geldings. Time not to exceed 2:55.

First premium awarded to D. T. Harvey's "Flyaway," $110

Second " " J. E. Paxon's "Twist," 60

No entry for third premium.

222. Same day -For pacers—Premium $100—mile heats to harness.

First premium awarded to J. T. Carrier's mare "Fanny Baker," $60

Second " " Wm. Wall's horse "Red Bird," 25

No third entry.

223. Second day—Premium $600—mile heats, best three in five to harness. Open to all trotters. Time not to exceed 2:40. If three or more start, the second horse to receive $103 of the premium.

Awarded to Mr. Doble's horse "Hotspur," $600

Only two horses starting.

224. Same day—Second premium, $75—mile heats. For colts and fillies 3 years old and under five years.

Awarded to Mr. Bradshaw's "Stonewall," $ 75

225. Third day—First premium $100—mile heats for double teams.

Awarded to J. E. Faxon's "Twist" and mate, 100

226. Same day—Second premium $150—mile heats, best three in five to harness for horses mares, or geldings over four and under nine years old. Time not to exceed 3:05.

Awarded to Mr. Bradshaw's "Virginia Girl," $150

227. Fourth day—First premium $200—mile heats, for trotters with running mates, First premium to D. T. Harvey's "Flyaway" and mate, $120 Second premium to J. E. Paxon's "Twist" and mate, 80

228. Same day—Second premium $75—mile heats to harness, for colts or fillies 3 years old and under five years. Time not to exceed 3:35.

Awarded to Edmund Bossieux's "Lizzie Lee," $75

CLASS IV—Section I.

SHEEP.

Fine Wools of native stock, including pure bred Spanish, Sazon, French and Silesian

Merinos.

229. Best ram, S. S. Bradford, Culpepper. $15

230. Second best " » 8

231. Best pen of ewes, 3 in number, " " 20

232. Second best do., " « 10

233. Best pen of lambs (ram) 3 in number, " " 10

235. Best pen of ewe lambs, 3 in number, " " 10

236. Second best do., " " 5

239. Best fleece of fine wool grown in Va., " " 10

Fine wool grades, including crosses of above.

240. Best pen of ewes, 3 in number, S. S. Bradford, Culpepper $15

241. Second best do., •« " 10

242. Best pen of ewe lambs, 3 in number, " " 10

Section 3. Middle Wool of Pure Native stock including South Downs, Oxford Downs, and other pure breeds of Middle Wool.

243. Best ram, J. R. Woods, Albemarle. $16

245. Best pen of ewes, 3 in number, " " 20

246. Second best, do., " " 10

247. Best pen of lambs (ram), 3 iu number, " " 10

249. Best pen of ewe lambs, three in number, " " 10

250. Second best do., " " 6

251. Best imported ram, " «« 20

Section 3

Long Wools of Native Stock, including Bakewell or Leicester, Cotswold, or New

Oxfordshire and Lincoln.

254. Best ram, Edward Hicks, West Chester Pa., ''Cotswold." $15

255. Second best, J. M. Pratt, West Chester, Pa,, "Cotswold." 8

256. Best pen of ewes, 3 in number, W. F. & M. Painter, West Chester,

Pennsylvania, "Cotswold," 20

257. Second best do., W. F. & M. Painter, West Chester Pa M "Cotswold." 10 558. Best pen of lambs, (ram), 3 in number, J. Newman, Orange, "Cotswold." 10 260. Best pen of ewe lambs, 3 in number, " " " 10

262. Best imported ram, Edward Hicks, West Chester, Pa. 20

263. Best imported ewe, J. M. Pratt, " " 20

CLASS V—Section 1.

BW1NE.

Large breeeds, including Chester^ Russia, Bedford, Waburn, Grazier, By field, and all

crosses thereof.

265. Best boar 2 years old and over, James C. Sprigg $15

267. Best boar under 2 years old, E. R. Ashbride, Pa., "Jim Burns." 01

268 Second best do, L. S. Irvine, "Goggio," 5

269. Best breeding sow over 2 years old, L. S. Irvine, " Royall" 15

270. Second best do^A. P. Rowe, "Queen." 10

271. Best breeding sow under two years old, W. S. &. M. Painter, Pa. 10 273. Best sow and pigs, A. P. Rowe, "Beauty." 15

Small breeds, including Neapolitan, Suffolk, Sussex, Essex, Berkshire, Chinese, improved

Hampshire and their crosses.

275. Best boar 2 years old and over, A. P. Rowe, "Suffolk." $15

277. Best boar under 2 years old, Dr. F. J. Wooldridge, "Essex." 10

278. Second best do, A. P. Rowe, "Rad," " 5 281. Best breeding sow under 2 years old, L. S. Irvine, "Lady Bly." 15

CLASS VI—Section 1.

POULTRY.

Chickens. 285. Best Bramab Pootras, cock and two hens, G. T. Rowe Fredericksburg $5 290. Best White-faced Black Spanish, cock and two hens, Dr. Cullen,

Hanover \ 5

297. Best Bantam, white, cock and two hens, W. S Chandler, 5

297. Best Bantam, black, cock and two hens, S. C. Sheppard. 6

299. Best Bantam, game, cock and two hens, W. S. Chandler. 5

300. Best Dominique, cock and two bens, J. S. Baird. 5

304. Best Leghorns (white) cock and two hens, G. T. Rowe, 5

305. Game, cock and two hens, W. S. Chandler. 5

306. Best variety exhibited by one party, W. S. Chandler. 5

Ducks, Geese; Turkeys, Pea Fowls, Guinea Fowls, and Pigeons.

308. Best pair Rouen Ducks (male and female), D. S. Irvine. 5

310. Best pair Muscovy Ducks (male and female), J. F. Antony. 6

811. Best pair Bremen Geese (male and female), L. S. Irvine. 5

312. Best pair Hong Kong or African Geese (male and female), W. S. Chandler. 5

314. Best pair White or Colored Swan Geese (male anl female), John Woodworth 6

315. Best pair Turkeys, common or crossed, L. S Irvine. 5

316. Best pair Turkeys, wild, crested, or any improved breed, S. W. Ficklin. 5

317. Best pair Pea Fowls (male and female). L. S. Irvine. 5

318. Best pair Guinea Fowls (male and female), " 5 820. Best display of Poultry of all sorts, " 10

CLASS VIII—Section 2.

FARM PRODUCTS.

323. Best fancy wrapper leaf, growth of '68, J. R. Vernon, Pittsylvania Co. 20

Section 3. 324 Best, specimen of manufactured tobacco for general homa consumption,

Certificate of Merit, T. C. Williams & Co., Richmond, Va. 325. Best specimen smoking tobacco, Certificate of Merit, John W. Carroll, Lynchburg. For "Lone Jack." Best Va. made Cigars, Complimentary Certificate, C. C. Werteubaker, Charlottesville.

Section 4. 323. Best barrel flour, H. L. Dabney, King William. $10

829. Best bushel white corn, in ear or on stalk, P. T. Atkinson 10

332. Be3t bushel oats, H. L. Opie, Augusta. 6

833. Best bushel Bailey, W. S- Edmund, Henrico. 5

834. Bale cut Hay, T. A. Brander, Richmond Certificate,

Section 5. 841. Best bale of cured sumac Premiums divided between M. Myers & Co.,

W. H. McCormick, Rd., and J. G. Hercamp, Fredericksburg. 10

846. Best bib of broom con, T. W. Hoeninger, Henrico. 5 342. Best bu hel of Grouad Pea?, P. T. Atkinson. 10

CLASS VIII—Section 1.

DOMESTIC DEPARTMENT.

847. Be3t specimen fresh butter coc le. s than 10 lbs., Mr3. W. T. Walker,

Gcoehland, Va. $ 5

848. Second best do. do., Cer ifbate, Mrs. T. J. Anderson, Montgomery, Va.

351. Best cheese not le3s than 20 lbs., Virginia make, J. J. Parkins, Augusta. 15

352. Second be-t do., Certificate, D. P. Snapp, Glade Spring.

353. Best peck dried apples, Mrs. Stringfellow, Hanover. 5

354. Best peck dried Peaches " «' 5 855. Best peak dried small fruit?, Mrs. R. M. Courtney, Henrico 5

357. Best bacon ham cured by exhibitor, with written statement of process

of curing and cooking, Mrs. A M. Morris?, Hanover. 10

358. Best specimea of honey, taken without killing the bees, and hive described,

A. S. Maddox, Chesterfi Id. 5

859. Be3t specimen of appla cider, Mrs. S. W. Ficklin, Charlottesville 5

CLASS IX.—Section 1.

' HOUSEHOLD MANUFACTURES.

361. Best bed quilt, Mrs. C. D. Taylor. $5

362. Second best do., Mrs. J. T. Ph.llips. 3

363. Best counterpane, Mrs. J. R. Keer. 6 864. Second best do., Mrs. J. R. Alexandria. 3 365. Bett pair home-made b'anke's, Mrs. J. M. Vest. 5 867. Best home-aade rug, Miss L. Nelson. 3

368. Best fine long jam hose (pair), Mrs. A. M. William-on. 5

369. Best fine long cotton hose, Mrs. J. R. Harding. 5

370. Best half hose, cotton, Miss.Betsy Hill. 5 871. Best knitted worsted or yarn shawl, from yarn prepared at home, Miss A. N.

Moore. 3

372. Best knitted worsted or yarn hood, from yarn prepired at home,

Mrs. J. T. Rodgers. 2

373. Best home male shirt, Miss M. Vannerson, 3 379. Best home made family breal.Mrs. L. C. McDowell. 5 880. Best home male pound or sponge cake, Miss Carrie Eiaford. 4 883. Best anl largest variety home-made preserves, Mrs. R. A. Mayo. 6

384. Best and largest vaiiety home made fruit jelly, Mrs. R. B. Snead. 3

385. Best and largest variety home-made pickles, Mrs. J. R. Branch, 8

886. Best catsup, either tomato, v alrjut or mushroom, Mrs. A.E. Kirtfoot. 5

887. Best five pounds homemade family scap, the process to be described in

writing by exhibitor. 5

888. Best specimen cf white or scarlet flannel, from wool grown and made at

home, L. A. CuDuingiam. 8

CLASS X—Section 1.

LADIES' FANCY AND ORNAMENTAL WORK.

889. Best specimen of embroidery, Mrs. E. Sparkawk, $8

890. Second best, Mrs. S. E. Crump, 6

891. Best specimen of worsted work, Miss Alexina Pecor, 8

392. Second best, Mrs. Ballard, 6

393. Best pecimen of crochet work, Mrs. Tunstall, 8

Section 5. Hay Press, $c.

440. For the best hay press, exhibited on the ground, with specimen of work,

H. M. Smith & Co., Richmond, $20

441. For the best hay hoisting apparatus, with specimen of work exhibited on

the ground, A. I. Nellis, Petersburg, 20

442. For the best sorghum mill, H. M. Smith <fe Co., Richmond, 20 448. For the best clod crusher machine, H. M. Smith & Co., Richmond, Certificate.

8ection 6. Straw Cutter, $c.

450. For the best hay or straw cutter for horse power, E. Whitman, Baltimore,

Md., $15

451. For the best hay or straw cutter for hand power, " " 10

452. For the best corn stalk or fodder cutters, Sinclair & Co., " 10

453. For the best corn Bheller for power, N. W. Slade, " 10

454. For the best corn shelter for hand, C. Harris, Charlottesville, 5

457. For the best hominy mill, J. D. West, New York, 5

458. For the best cider mill and wine press, H. M. Smith & Co., Richmond, 5

Section 7. Wagons, Carts, $c.

459. For the best harvest and hay cart for one or more horses, F. G. Ruffin, $10

460. For the best wagon for farm use, J. S. Van Pelt, 10 462. For the best tumbril cart (iron axle), J. Fanear, 8

464. For the best wagon body for hauling grain in Bheaf, hay or straw, J.

Woodworth, 5

465. For the best set of wagon harness, S. S. Cotrell, 6

466. For the best cart harness, Dickinson & Bro., . 3

468. For the best horse collar, Wright & Hudnall, 4

469. For the best wheelbarrow for general use, H. M. Smith & Co., 2

470. For the best wheelbarrow for dirt, " " " 2

472. For the best riding saddle and bridle, S. S. Cottrell k Co., 6

Section 8.

Agricultural Steam Engine.

0^* No awards should be made in this class except for machines of practical utility in the agriculture of Virginia.

473. For the best steam engine, applicable to agricultural purposes generally,

Talbot & Bro., Richmond, $100

474. For the best saw mill suitable for farm purposes, John Haw, New Kent, 25

Section 9.

Miscellaneous Articles.

476. For the best pump adapted to deep wells, J. D. West k Co,, $10

Section 10. Domestic Machines. 483. For the best sowing machine, award equally divided between Wheeler k

Wilson, and Wilcox k Gibbs, 6

Also certificate to John E. Boissieux for mechanical skill displayed in Combination Sewing machine, and certificate to Button Hole attachment.

484. For the best washing machine, Bain & Patterson, "Economy," 5

487. For the best sausage cutter H. M. Smith & Co., 1

489. For the best churn, Division to H. M. Smith & Co., and S. P. Lucas'

" Dasher," 1

Section 11. Domestic Implements. 493. For the best cooking stove, Snyder & Irby, " Hot Blast," $10

497. For the best fire-place stove for heating two or more rooms, J. E. Mount-castle, "Sunnyside," 10 601. For the best set wooden ware, Virginia growth and manufacture, Allen

&Co., 5

504. For the best set brooms, Virginia growth and manufacture, Cook Bros., 2

Section 12. Ploughing Match.

505. For the best ploughman, white, Virginia born, not over 25 years old,

with four horses, W. Roane Ruffin, $50

506. For the best do. with three horses, F. J. Simpson and Kufliti Adams, 50 607. For the best do. with two horses, Morris Carter, 25 508. For the best white ploughman of any age, wherever born, Win. Shep-

person, 25

Special.

610. A special premium for the best ploughman, a native white Virginian, offered by Watt & Knight, Wo. Shepperson, to be paid in their ploughs to the value of 50

511. For the best team of horses or mules, not less than four, combining condition and training and equipments, W. Roane RufSn, paid in their ploughs, 30

612. For the best team of two borses, same conditions, Wm. Shepperson, to be

paid in same, 15

CLASS XII—Section 1.

FARM DWELLING, AC.

513. Best design of farm dwelling, out-houses, gate ways and grounds, C. H.

Demmock, Jr., $80

CLASS XIII—MINERAL DEPARTMENT. Section 3. 516. Best collection of specimens illustrating the Mineralogy of Virginia,

Albert Ordway & Co., $76

Section 4. 617. Best collection of specimens of Marl, Green Sand, Gypsum, Hydraulic Limestone, Marble, Calcareous Tufa, found in Virginia, Gen. J. 1). Imboden, 60

Section 5. 518. Best collection of specimens of Gold, Copper, and other associated Minerals, found in Virginia, Division to Gen. Imboden and Albert Ordway & Co., 60

Section 6.

619. Best specimens of such Minerals as are useful in pigments, Albert Ord-

way & Co., 26

Section 7.

620. Best specimens of Pig Iron, converted from Virginia ore, Gen. J. D»

Imboden, 10

Section 8.

521. Best specimen of Pig Iron converted from Virginia ore, with coke from

Virginia coal as fuel, Dover Co., Westham Furnace, 30

Section 9.

522. Best specimen of Bituminous Coal found in Virginia, 100 lbs. or more,

Dover Co., Goochland County, 10

Section 10.

523. Best specimen of natural Coke, Job Atkins, Burfort mines, 10

Section 11.

524. Best specimen of Anthracite Coal found in Virginia, 100 lbs. or more,

none,

Section 12.

525. Best specimen of Granite found in Virginia, Col. F. G. Ruffin, 10

Section 13.

526. Best specimen of Slate, divided, Buckingham Slate Co , Welsh Slate

Mining Co., 10

Section 14. .527. Best specimen of Sandstone found in Virginia, Dover Company, 10

Section 15.

528. Best specimen of Maganese found in Virginia, Albert Ordway & Co., 5

529. Best specimen of Barytes found in Virginia, divided, Albert Ordway &

Co., and Gen. J. D. Imboden, 5

5 50. Best specimen of Kaolin found in Virginia, Gen. J. D. Imboden, 5

531. Best specimen of Piumbago found in Virginia, " " 5

532. Best specimen of Soapstone found in Virginia, Hon. Mention, John B.

Jenkins,

533. Best specimen of Mica found in Virginia, divided, Gen. J. D. Imboden,

and Dr. Bejarnette, 5

515. Best specimen of marl, Gen. J. D. Imboden, 5

CLASS XIV. FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT. Section 1. Statuary, §c. 535. Best original Alto Relief in marble, bronze or plaster, or other material, designed in Virginia, E. V. Valentine, of Richmond, for "Penitent Thief," $15

537. Best Statuette (original), designed in Virginia, E. V. Valentine, of Richmond, for "Judas Iscariot," 10 •538. Best original Bust, designed in Virginia, for Busts of "Mosby," "Maury,"

and "Humboldt," E V. Valentine, 10

Section 2. Oil Paintings. 540. Best original Picture, designed in Virginia, for "Bushwhackers," W. L.

Sheppard, 50

642. Best Head, life size, designed in Virginia, for "G. W. Munford," John

A. Elder, 10

543, Best Head, cabinet size, designed in Virginia, W. B. Myers, "Chas.

DickenB," 5

544. Best Landscape, including marine and waterscape, original, designed in

Virginia, Mr. Coleman, of Staunton, Va., "Views on James and North

Rivers," 15

Section. 4.

Drawings, Engravings, fyc. 552. Best original Drawing in sepia, india ink, pen or pencil, designed in Virginia, Mrs. M. M. Hubard, for pencil drawing, by the late W. J. Hubard, for '"Night and Morning," 20

554. Best Engraving designed in Virginia, J. M. Nicol, Richmond, Certificate.

555. Best Lithograph, L. Ludwig, Certificate.

556. Best Photograph by a resident of Virginia, Anderson, Certificate,

Section 5. Picture Frames, Artists Materials $c.

557. Best Picture Frames made in Virginia, Franck & Lundin, Certificate.

Section 6.

561. Organs, T. H. Pollock, for Burdet's Combined Organ, Certificate.

562. Piauos, G. L. Bidgood, Knabe's Grand Piano. Certificate. This contains all the Schedule premiums awarded, except Class II, Section 2,

Ploughs &c. f upon which an appeal has been taken, and referred to the Executive Committee for action. The discretionary premiums have yet to be acted upon by the Executive Committee, and will be reported in due time.

ADDRESS OF PROF. J. W. MALLET,

DELIVERED AT THE AUGUSTA COUNTY FAIR, WEDNESDAY,

OCTOBER 13, 1869.

( Continued from page 697-)

[It will be remembered by our readers that Professor Mallet, in discussing the "four principal steps in the process by which man learns to subdue the resources of the world about him to his service and enjoyment," namely : 1st, Observation of the facts in nature ; 2d, Experiment for the discovery of other facts ; 3d, Logical deduction of principles from the facts determined ; and 4th, The application of facts and principles, when determined, to the practical wants of our daily life. We concluded the section of the address which we published in our November number with the paragraph which we quote below, in order that our readers may be the more readily put in possession of the progress of the discussion, and also more easily comprehend the connection of what remains to be published with that which has been published. We call the particular attention of our readers to the discussion of the economical element so fully illustrated in the following pages. In truth, economy is often the controlling test of value with reference to experiments of many kinds, but especially the various kinds of manures, machinery, &c. But to the quotation :

" But even if our experience has been extensive enough to fully satisfy us of the dependence of a certain effect upon a certain cause, we may be wrong in assuming that that cause acts in a particular way."]

It is far from uncommon to find cause and effect connected in nature in an indirect and secondary manner, whereas most people are inclined to take for granted some very simple and direct form of relation between the two.

It appears easy to understand how many of the most important constituents of our mineral manures produce their beneficial effects upon crops when we find that these same substances, such as phosphoric acid, potash, &c, uniform!}' form a large part of the mineral matter of the growing plant itself, and are to be met with in the ash which the plant yields on burning off the vegetable portion. Now it is well ascertained that common salt used in moderate quantity exerts a very generally beneficial effect upon the fields to which it is applied, and improves the crops raised thereon.

Common salt itself consists solely of the two chemical substances chlorine and sodium.

With these facts alone before us, most people would be ready to say that chlorine and sodium are certainly, like the other materials just referred to, forms of mineral food for plants, and must be found as constituents of their ashes. Yet there is much reason for believing that this is not so—the quantity of chlorine and of sodium found in the ashes of most cultivated plants is so variable, and generally so small, that these can hardly be reckoned amongst the essential elements entering into the composition of the plants. While we are inclined, therefore, to reject this explanation of the benefit derived from manuring with common salt, careful experiments, to which attention has been drawn by Professor Liebig, seem to point out another and a true solution of the question. This eminent chemist has strongly insisted upon the fact that phosphate of lime—bone-earth—-the direct utility of which you are all aware of, and which is practically insoluble in pure water, is dissolved in very perceptible amount by water containing a little common salt. I do not mean to assert this is the only way in which common salt may exert a useful action in the soil—it is enough for my present purpose to show that it is at least one way, and that an indirect one, by which it becomes the cause of increased fertility, but some persons may perhaps say—why trouble ourselves about the manner in which a particular effect is brought about ? Why not content ourselves with establishing the fact of such an effect being produced, and reaping the benefit derived from such knowledge ?—is it not enough to know that common salt may be usefully employed as a manure, without any necessity for cudgeling our brains as to the precise way in which it acts ? If, however, we contrast the two conceivable modes of action, to which reference has just been made, it will at once be seen that it is by no means unimportant for us to be aware which of these really occurs in nature. If common salt were capable of acting as direct food for plant, then its value, when applied as manure, would depend upon the previous presence or

absence of the same substance in the soil on which such application is to be made—but, if its action consists in rendering soluble the earth phosphates, then the questions arise as to any soil upon which its use is proposed, not only whether such soil already contains common salt, or enough of it, but further, whether there be also present the phosphates themselves upon which the solvent action is to be exerted—if these be not present, or not in adequate quantity, then they too should be made to enter into the composition of the manure to be employed.

Assuming that our observations and experiments are carefully and judiciously made, that the facts which they have established are clearly and accurately recorded, and the conclusions which they fairly lead to are fully and soundly thought out in the shape of general principles, there still remains the application of these facts and principles to useful practical purposes.

Here the element of economy is at once introduced, economy of time, economy of labor, economy of money. It is not sufficient to show that a particular result can be accomplished in a particular way, but it must be further examined whether this be the only way in which it can be achieved, and, if not, which of the several methods it is possible to adopt is the cheapest, the easiest, the quickest, and in general the most profitable. Thus, for example, it is not enough to have found out that by applying a certain quantity of certain substances to a poor piece of land it can be made to yield fine crops, and then to say contentedly, " I have tried this manure, and know it will succeed. I am going to stick to it." It should be tried whether by using other materials, other proportions, or other quantities, still better products might not be obtained, whether at least as good results might not be secured by the use of cheaper materials, whether the land itself, and therefore its value is permanently improved or injured after the first crops have been removed, and in general whether not only a good, but the best possible money return has been secured from the means at our command.

When such questions as these come to be discussed, as labor, time, and all the other elements which, beside money itself, affect the cost or profit of an operation and admit of being expressed in the form of money, we have constantly to make our calculations on the basis of dollars and cents. And in these calculations, as in the more general reasoning of which we have been speaking, it is quite possible, and indeed not uncommon, for intelligent men in various ways to deceive themselves. Thus, much confusion as to the money results of farming operations is very often introduced by a failure to

keep clearly distinct the expenditure which is properly involved in the working of the land itself which goes to make the crop, or to keep the farm up to its original standard of condition, from that which properly falls under the head of personal or family support and the improvement of the plantation.

Again, the extent of absolute original outlay upon any proposed operation is often dwelt upon, and such outlay declared to be extravagant and ruinous, without the comparison between this outlay and the profit which it is capable of yielding having ever been fairly examined. To say that a horse and plough cost more than a spade is true, but does not prove that it is cheaper to break up a large piece of land with the latter rather than the former. Yet men who admit the absurdity of such a statement as this will be found to argue in a very similar manner against the use of more modern and highly improved implements for agricultural operations, simply objecting to them that they are costly,, when the real question to be considered is whether, notwithstanding their cost, the work done by them is on the whole done so much more cheaply than by older tools as to leave a balance of profit. The period of such outcry against the great cost of deep tillage and subterranean tile drainage will, no doubt, in time pass by in this country, as it has already done in several of the older countries of Europe, and the real economic importance of such practice be recognized here as there. All these financial calculations to be reliable must be preceded by a correct knowledge of the natural facts and principles involved. If we go on to our reckoning of money results without this knowledge we are very apt to find ourselves involved in blunders and failure, but, on the other hand, if we neglect to duly weigh the money relations of the questions before us, we are equally likely to end with heavy loss and disappointment.

If a field were copiously manured with phosphate of ammonia, nitrate of potash, sulphate of magnesia and sulphate of lime, all purchased in a cheminally pure state from a drug store, fine crops could undoubtedly be made upon it, but the prices at which such pure materials are necessarily sold would utterly preclude the chance of any money profit or of even repaying the outlay. On the other hand, one may buy a fertilizer strongly recommended by its apparent cheapness, its low price, and find out that it is extravagantly dear, that the money spent upon it has been thrown away—if its composition be not such as to really benefit the land to which it is supplied, at any rate to an extent bearing a sensible proportion to the outlay.

This is just the point at which to recur to what was remarked at

the outset, that in the efforts heretofore made for the advancement of agriculture there has been an unfortunate want of concert between men of science working in the laboratory and farmers working in the field. There has been a tendency on the part of the scientific investigator to look upon the farmer as a man obstinately resolved to carry out blindly the mere routine he has always been accustomed to, refusing to adopt any improvement suggested to him on the ground of general principle, and careless about knowing the reason of anything that he does or neglects to do. The farmer, in turn, is very generally disposed to regard the man of scientific research as an unpractical visionary, who in his enthusiasm for his experiments cares nothing as to whether he himself, or any of his friends, foolish enough to be guided by him, are ruined or not, and who, though one may harmlessly indulge him by listening to his fanciful notions, is the very last man in the world to take counsel with on any question of sober business life, upon the decision of which the support of one's family may depend.

There is doubtless some foundation of truth for both these views,-but there is no natural necessity that either of them should be correct.

There are none of the results of scientific research bearing upon agriculture which cannot be perfectly understood, and practical use made of them, by any man of average intelligence, if only he be willing to devote a very moderate amount of time and attention to their study and begin that study at the right end.

Men of ordinary intelligence do master these subjects as matters of general interest.

There is nothing in a farmer's occupation to render him less capable than other people of being so, and certainly he has stronger motives than others to lead his attention in this direction. And there is also no reason that a man shall be totally incapable of considering questions involving money prudence because he devotes his attention mainly to science for its own sake, that he shall be so wrapped up in abstract research over crucibles and test-tubes as to have no ears for the experience of others working upon the large scale with the plough and the sickle. It is extremely unfortunate for the progress of any branch of industry that scientific research in connection with it and the actual practice of the art itself should be altogether in different hands. What would be the success in the business of a dyer, what would be his chance of keeping up with the progress of his art, and especially what prospect would he have of himself making any improvement, if he were totally ignorant of the real nature of the material employed by him, or of the changes they

undergo in passing through his hands ? And of what value to such a manufacturer would be the scientific knowledge or advice of a man well acquainted with these materials and processes, but ignorant of their cost and of the kind of results demanded by the trade ?

But there is scarcely any pursuit so injuriously affected as agri* culture by such a separation of the knowledge acquired by scientific research and by routine practice of the art.

The greatest difficulty in the way of determining questions relating to agriculture consists in the very great number of conditions which are involved in every experiment. The mere fact that a field has been treated in a particular way and that a good or a bad harvest follows, are by no means proof that the treatment adopted has been the cause of the result observed. The latter might have turned out exactly the same if there had been no peculiarity of practice, or at any rate the effect produced may have been greatly modified by the nature of the soil, the choice of a high or low-lying piece of ground, the character of the season, the kind of seed used, the time and weather for harvesting, the treatment of the land in former years, and a hundred other causes. In a word, we see only the general result of all the concurring influences that have borne upon the cultivated plant in all its stages, and cannot at once separate from all the rest, the one condition whose effect we wish to examine.

As observed before, it is only by multiplying and re-multiplying experiments of this kind, and by extending the scale upon which they are made that it becomes possible gradually to arrive at positive conclusions, upon what future practice may be safely based. Such experiments, well devised and carefully carried out upon the large scale by hundreds of sound practical farmers scattered all over the country, working in successive and different seasons, and all imaginable variety of conditions as regards soil and weather, yet with a general understanding and agreement as to what the precise points are to be examined, and how they are to be examined, will serve to throw more light upon agricultural theory and practice than any amount of mere verbal discussion, or even than similar experiments made upon the small scale within the means of men of merely scientific research. There are some questions which can be fully answered in the laboratory, such as the composition of a manure and its purity or impurity.

There are others which can be answered by experiments with growing plants in a flower-pot, or upon quite a small patch of ground.

There are others of great importance which are beyond the means of any but the practical farmers of the country.

There are still others, most important of all, which demand the united labors of the chemist and the farmer, or rather of many chemists and many farmers, working together with a clear mutual understanding of what they want to find out, how they mean to go about examining the question, and how the results are to be discussed and compared.

It is true that every year sees an immense number of experiments made by farmers, and many of them made with a good deal of pains and labor—the agricultural journals are full of reports of the results—but unfortunately a great deal of the trouble thus taken is wasted as far as any positive increase of our knowledge is concerned.

Too many experiments are undertaken without a clear understanding of what is to be determined, without proper information as to what others have already done in the same direction, and what remains to be found out; without proper judgment as to the course to be pursued to get at the facts in the simplest and most certain manner ; without such accuracy as to weights, measures, &c, as alone makes results reliable, and, above all, without the adoption of such a form of experiment as admits of comparison of the results with those which others have obtained. In proof that this is true I appeal to your own experience; what an amazing difference and variety of opinion do you find in any gathering of ten or twenty intelligent farmers, who meet to talk over the results of their respective experience of any new agricultural material or method; how difficult it is to sum up all that they have learned by their experience in the form of a distinct general statement. Yet this ought not to be so ; the laws of nature are in themselves fixed and invariable; the truth exists, if we can only find it out; and every experiment, and still more the united experience of many persons, devoting themselves to the same pursuit, ought to teach us something, to make some addition to the stores of knowledge of those who have gone before us.

Having trespassed upon your kind attention at such length by thus urging in general terms the importance of united eifort for the progress of scientific agriculture, I will but sum up the two or three practical suggestions which seem most readily to grow out of the subject as it has been discussed.

In the first place, it appears clearly desirable that farmers and those who are to become such, should recognize as a part of the training which is to render them fit not only for successfully practising the art they have chosen as their pursuit for life, but also contributing to the improvement of that art, the study, up to a

certain point at least, of the facts and laws of nature, which alone are capable of throwing intelligent light upon their pursuit.

It is hard to understand why the young man who is to devote himself to agriculture shall form the exception to the general rule that some training in the broad principles upon any profession or avocation depends should precede the actual practice of such avocation itself. If a man proposes to make his son a lawyer, he does not turn him loose in the court-room to attempt at once the pleading of cases, there must first be much hard study of treatises upon the general theory of law.

If a lad is to become a physician he must go to work upon his anstomy and physiology, and aim at acquiring a general knowledge of the structure and laws of the human frame, it would be almost as unfortunate for himself as for his patients, if, without any preparation, he were to be brought to the bedside of the sick and allowed to treat disease by mere blind experience. Even if he should see the practice of others better educated than himself, he would be incapable of really understanding it, or of imitating it when any novel complication of symptoms presented themselves.

In like manner, if a man is to be an engineer, an architect, a miner, or a successful manufacturer, he must study the work before him ere he begins practically to engage in it.

But it is too commonly the case that a young man "goes upon the farm" with no special education whatever tending to fit him for the intelligent practice of agriculture—he kno»vs nothing clearly of the composition of the air, the water, the soil and the manure which are the materials out of which he is to make his crops ; he knows scarcely anything of the manner in which those crops grow, or of the wonderful and beautiful laws of vegetable development—he is equally ignorant of the principles that govern the life of the animals he is to raise and to use. All that he can do is to notice the practice of others, and to imitate it as closely as possible not knowing the true reasons for what he thus learns as a matter of routine, nor knowing any good reason for trying one thing rather than another, if he wish to make any effort at improvement. Such a man is not only incapable of originating of any improved methods himself or of meeting any novel difficulties that come in his way, but he is even incapaple of usefully receiving from others the assistance which is yielded by the progress of scientific research.

It is useless to try to explain any particular question to one who is ignorant of the whole subject in its scientific aspect—to whom carbonic acid, ammonia, phosphoric acid, &c, are simply hard

words with no distinct idea attached to them instead^of standing for real things that he has seen and smelled and tasted and examined, and which he knows exists all around him, silently building up before his eyes the wheat and corn and cotton and tobacco, the production of which is his business in life.

Please observe carefully that I am not at all advocating the idea that scientific study alone will ever make a successful farmer, or that such study should even form a very large part of his training. Earming is an art, and, as is in the case of every other art, there is no way to acquire it but by a regular practical apprenticeship in the field. If the homely old saying be true,

" He that by the plough would thrive, Himself must either hold or drive,"

It is especially true in the beginning. The young farmer must undoubtedly learn how with his own hands both to hold and drive the plough, and how all other practical details of the art are to be carried on. But the acquirement of this practical knowledge will not in the least be interfered with by his having previously learned something of the principles upon which he is to work.

Sir Humphrey Davy put this point very clearly in the following passage from the first of his lectures in England on agricultural chemistry, now more than fifty years ago: "It has been said, and undoubtedly with great truth, that a philosophical chemist would probably make a very unprofitable business of farming ; and this would certainly be the case if he were a mere philosophical chemist, and unless he had served his apprenticeship to the practice of the art as well as to the theory. Bat there is reason to believe that he would be a more successful agriculturist than a person equally uninitiated in farming, but ignorant of chemistry altogether; his science, as far as it went, would be useful to kirn." In other words, the question is not whether a man who has studied solely in a laboratory or one wbo has derived all his knowledge from simple work in fields is lively to be the better farmer, but whether he will not far excel them both who has added to a careful study of the broad and simple principles of natural science an equally thorough mastery in detail of the methods by which these are applied to farming practice.

Surely the man who is to spend his life in the cultivation of the soil may well bestow a few months in learning what when he has become a farmer, will often prove to him a steady light, helping him to surmount present difficulties, and pointing out to him the

direction for future improvements. But, as on the one hand it would be well if farmers should more generally aim at acquiring for themselves seme insight into scientific truths, soon the other it is greatly to be desired that the number of chemists and other scientific laborers, devoting their attention to agriculture should be increased.

For reasons to which I have alluded, the solution of agricultural questions demands the combined efforts of a very large number of persons both in the field and in the laboratory—the amount of work required is beyond the powers of any one or any few of those devoting themselves to such research.

In Europe, especially in Germany and France, government means are liberally applied to the maintenance of laboratories for agricultural research, and a large number of thoroughly trained chemists are constantly at work.

As an evidence that here at home we are not altogether without movement in the same direction, it gives me much pleasure to be permitted to mention one step lately resolved upon by the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia.

In arranging for the extension of instruction rendered possible by the gift of the late Mr. Samuel Miller, of Lynchburg, for the support of a department of agricultural science, it has been decided to establish two scholarships, each of five hundred dollars a year, and tenable for two years, one to be competed for annually at a special examination of candidates voluntarily presenting themselves as such candidates to have previously completed the regular course of instruction in the school of agricultural and industrial chemistry—those who are successful to engage in further study and in the prosecution of useful scientific research under the direction of the Professor of this school for the period of the scholarship. These are the main features of the plan, though the details may be modified. By this plan it is hoped that the University may become the means of supplying to the State a number of thoroughly-trained practical chemists, who during the proposed period of advanced study, will have had an adequate and assured support, as well as great advantages for the prosecution of their labors, and will have accomplished much useful public work in the shape of analyses and investigations of matters connected with agriculture. Lastly, I would suggest that just such societies as that I have the honor of addressing, and just such occasions as the present might be made additionally useful by the proposal of district agricultural questions for thorough examination by the combined efforts of farmers and

scientific men—not too many questions being taken up at one time, but these to be, if possible, worked out to definite conclusions.

Thus at each annual meeting a joint committee might be raised, consisting partly of practical farmers and partly of agricultural chemists, such committee to carefully prepare for the meeting of the following year a report in which should be set forth one or two questions, clearly stated, and of practical interest and importance, as for example, what proportion ought the ammoniacal compotents (Peruvian guano, &c.) in a mixed fertilizer to bear to the phosphatic for the culture of wheat on the more important soils of the Valley of Virginia ? Is there any advantage in using potash in the form of sulphate rather than muriate upon tobacco, or the reverse ? Up to what limit as to quantity may plaster be used upon clover land with profit ? And so forth.

Each question proposed should be accompanied with a statement of the method proposed for examining it—a programme to be carried out by all those willing to assist in the experiment giving the exact mode of experimenting in detail and the heads under which returns of the facts obtained are wanted. Here are some printed programmes of this kind, referring to experiments on tobacco manures which some gentlemen have been kind enough to undertake for me during the present year—unfortunately a most unfavorable one for the purpose, owing to the drought—these may serve to illustrate such forms as might be used.

Then there should be an understanding as to the names and addresses of those farmers who are willing to promise their active cooperation in carrying out the field-work of such experiments as might be determined on, and in like manner of those chemists who agree to make any analysis necessary to fully work out the question or questions. Such services ought to be, and doubtless would be rendered freely and without cost, but in cases involving expense for materials, fertilizers, seeds, &c, some assistance in meeting such expenses would seem to be no unsuitable or useless mode of employing the funds of the society.

Finally, a report to the society at a subsequent meeting upon any question thus carefully examined, giving the conclusion arrived at and the experimental facts upon which these conclusions had been based would reflect credit upon the intelligent activity of the Society, and would constitute a real addition to our stores of knowledge in relation to scientific agriculture.

Whether in this way or in the many other directions of effort which present themselves, let us trust that the substantial usefulness

of Societies like that to-day assembled may constantly increase—that their growing energy may ever tend to throw fresh light upon the interesting scientific questions which connect themselves with farming ; may serve more and more to improve the practice of the oldest and noblest of the arts; may exert a marked influence for good upon the material prosperity of the country, and may continue year after year to bring together on these genial anniversaries large and larger gatherings of men from this side and from the other side of the mountains united by the ties of a common occupation, common interests, and hearts bound up together in common regard for the future destiny of this grand old State.

Exchange, October 20, 1869. Col. F. G. Ruffin :

Dear Sir, —As you have done more to arouse our people to the importance of sheep husbandry in our State, both by your writings on the subject and efforts personally to raise and distribute improved breeds at moderate prices, than any one with whom I am acquainted, I have thought proper to address to you this short communication. Your extensive acquaintance with this branch of industry will enable you to correct any errors and omissions which my ignorance of statistics, as to the number of sheep now in the State, the losses sustained during the past year, and inefficiency of existing statutes to subserve the purpose designed, which have not here been introduced. Should the views here expressed meet your approval, or any better method occur to you than here suggested, so that many of us can engage in sheep raising with some assurance of a safe investment of capital, not at the mercy of hungry curs, we shall be grateful indeed. No one, perhaps, more than myself appreciates the value of our house dogs as vigilant guards of our property during the dark hours of the night; and it is exceedingly rare that our well-fed favorites engage in sheep stealing. The plan proposed aims at abating a nuisance and encouraging a profitable source of industry, and although it may bear the appearance of partial legislation in favor of the few, yet, viewed from every standpoint, the result is in the end beneficial to all—more mutton, more wool, improved lands producing grains, food for animals, the counties and State grow wealthier, and the poor laborer, black or white, reaps the benefit.

That dog power can be utalized, as in the cheese and butter factories at the North, as guards for sheep and aids to the shepherd,

both in our own and other countries is constantly seen. In several of the German cities, Prague and Dresden, I have seen them drawing small milk wagons from door to door, apparently as well acquainted with the doors of their customers as the milk women who accompanied them. Such might recieve special exemption by the purchase of collars of honor; but taxation to the death, which would assuredly be the result, to all useless, half-starved, ugly canines who, finding no subsistence at home, roam our fields and woods for rabbits and other game, startling our cowardly flocks of sheep quietly grazing in our pastures—off go the sheep, and after them the dogs— in a few hours property valued at several hundred dollars the day preceding, is mostly destroyed.

Your position near the city, and your well known interest in the subject, have caused me to direct this communication to you. Very respectfully, yours,

G. W. Brtggs.

P. S.—Received a letter from J. T. Henly, one of your subscribers, asking more information about peanuts, to which I would have replied through your columns, but the reply would not reach him in time to be of any value for this season. Observe the last number contains a rejoinder of W. H. S., New York. He knows he is right, possibly, for New York labor one to two dollars per day. The question mooted was one of expediency as to cost of labor— facts and figures 'tis said, rarely tell false tales, and I have been ever careful never to write what I am not prepared to prove true. He can write on trucking. We shall see. Norfolk truckers say that many Northern plans will not do for them. Peter Henderson has given us the best work extant on the subject.

To the Members of tho Virginia Legislature.

Allow me, gentlemen, to call your attention, when devising methods for increasing the revenues of our noble old State, by taxation, to revise the existing statutes in regard to " Depredations of Dogs." By reference to the Reports of Agriculture for 1866 you will find some "astounding facts." Returns have been received in this department from 539 counties, in every State in the Union, except those upon the Pacific coast, showing an aggregate estimate of 130,000 sheep killed by dogs in about one-fourth of the whole number of counties. On this basis, the total number killed would be more than half a million yearly. Then the proportion injured, assuming as a basis the proportion reported from actual count in a series of years vol. Ill— 47

in Ohio, would be more than three hundred thousand ; more than eight hundred, thousand killed or mutilated yearly, and a two per cent, tax levied on the total investment in sheep—a loss equal to one-third of the gross income from six per cent, stocks.

The writer then gives a table, " K," showing the number of sheep killed during the year 1866, in a number of States, and in seventeen counties from our own State of Virginia. The reports show 47,272, which, at the low average price of $3 each—and many of them were, perhaps, improved breeds of a higher commercial value—making the snug sum of $1,272,600, a total loss. I am satisfied this report does not embrace more than one-fourth the actual damage sustained.

So great has become the uncertainty of sheep raising in many parts of the State, and particularly in sections where the freedmen are permitted to keep as many curs as they or their neighbors can provide for, that many farmers, after sundry trials and losses since the war, have abandoned sheep raising entirely. It is, I believe, a well known fact, at least it is the current impression with most old farmers in this section, that the destruction of a fourth or fifth of a flock of fifty sheep by dogs, destroys in a great part the value of the whole. Instinct, which teaches these feeble creatures, innocent and devoid of means of self-defense, to herd and flock together on the principle of unity—strength. The dogs appear to destroy their morale, as it were; they are scattered and lost; and on three several occasions flocks from thirty to seventy head on this farm, after an onslaught of the dogs, killing in one instance five, another seven— and in the larger flock before the war ten outright, and several others badly injured—the residue were either totally lost or a few collected and sent to market. The experience of a number of other farmers in this section is the same; and by reference to the report from which extracts have been made, we have from other States, " Sheep raising in Beaufort, N. C, would be profitable were it not for the dogs," and I may truly add the same for Southeastern and tide-water Virginia, where the price obtained in the market for the early lambs alone, would pay for the cost of keeping, since in our mild climate sheep provided with shelters do well in the fields all winter, with proper attention to salting and a daily supply of forage and grain during snow.

It has occurred to me as a question for consideration with your honorable body, to whom alone the farmers of Virgiuia must look for the passage of laws to protect their interest, whether it would not be a move in the right direction, to relieve the sheep from any

tax, and place on his " dog ship" an assessment of half a dollar, and double the amount on the lady dogs; for the writer has a lively remembrance of a hunt he had a year since after an insignificant lady fice with her train of lovers; this gay party destroyed seven sheep and six fat hogs, in a pasture, in one night and morning. The dogs were all killed, and only a single one belonged to a white man.

The strongest argument which occurs to the writer in favor of this, is the promotion and protection of one of the most profitable branches of industry in our State, " sheep husbandry," both directly from the sales of wool and mutton, and indirectly in improving our worn out soils; recent experiment having proved them, with the aid of man, better manufacturers of manures of a cheaper, more reliable and permanent kind, than any of the high-priced, uncertain mixtures oifered in the market.

The tax on dogs has it precedent in every city, designed there to keep the breed within bounds, and was, I believe, originated by the fear of the mania, hydrophobia, attacking the canine family in the dog days of August.

With us it has become a question of importance, and unless some action is taken in this direction by those in authority to protect our sheep, our money, care, and attention must be turned elsewhere. The report above states—" The South is acknowledged to be especially adapted to profitable wool production, and business would rapidly increase there but for the interference of the dogs."

In a single county of Mississippi (Pontotoc) the annual loss from dogs is placed at 900 sheep.

In 1887 Virginia contained 700,666 sheep, valued then at $2 56 each, making $1,798,705; and although there were thousands destroyed by the late war, yet, from the rapid increase of this stock, and the interest and impulse which has been given to sheep husbandry since the war, the number has increased within the past two years more rapidly than from 1865 to February, 1867, the year when the report was made. Hence, if the report be correct, admitting the consumption annually of a large number for mutton, deducting also the dogs' share there must be over one million sheep in our State bleating at many a farmer's barn this winter for care, food, and protection from the cold, and dependent on the action of your honorable body for protection of their lives from attacks of merciless, worthless curs.

Respectfully, yours, B.

Exchange, Nansemond, October 16, 1869.

The Culture of Tobacco in Western North Carolina.

The steady demand for fine manufacturing tobacco and high prices which it always bears, first induced me to make the experiment of introducing its culture in this section.

The forests of my native state, in that part of it adapted to the culture of fine tobacco, have nearly disappeared and many difficulties present themselves, in her maintaining the leadership in this article which she has always had. It is the work of a philanthropist to bring forth in a new country any source of wealth which has hitherto remained unknown, when he sees that every natural advantage is present to its development.

It is known by all who have paid any attention to the climate of this beautiful region that it presents more variety than any other part of the United States.

Situated about two degrees south of the parallel of Lynchburg which if taken due south would throw us nearly into the sand hills and would present very little attraction to the amateur tobacco grower, but when we consider that the altitude of this section, when put to account, gives just the climate of Albemarle as a general thing, and when we look at the great variety of degree that may be attained by ascending or descending the mountain side the idea presents itself why may not fine tobacco be grown here ?

As to the soil, it is as much varied as the climate. From the rich alluvian on the banks of the beautiful French Broad to the barren peaks of Black mountain and Pisgah, with every intermediate grade of soil we find in this section.

Here is presented the rich mountain cove with its Beach and Walnut gradually loosing itself in the yellow leaf hickory and giant white oak, sprinkled here and there with dog wood and chinquepin which in its turn looses itself as it ascends in the shrubby mountain pine which fringes the bleak rocks on the mountain peaks. (Don't be alarmed for myself dear reader.)

I now come down flatly to facts, I reached the cove in which I now live on February last, and the first thing I did was to burn an old Virginia plant bed, a thing just as new in this country as a forty-pound cake of Elk Mountain cheese would be in Amelia, the production of its own industry.

Nevertheless, in due time the plants appeared and did not seem to realize that that they were in a strange land, but grew off rapidly as if they had been at home. About the first of June I had planted about fifteen thousand plants in a little cove near the foot of the

mountain that rears its crest above my home; and strange to say, they went to growing and looked as finely as could be imagined. The same care was bestowed on them as I would have given in Virginia and no more. By the 10th of September I commenced cutting as pretty a piece of tobacco as I ever saw, taking the drought into consideration.

I never saw tobacco yellow more handsomely and cure prettier in my life, and I now can show as fine a lot of flue cured tobacco as I ever saw in Virginia everything considered now for the advantages of this section.

1st. It presents no competition and the intelligent and experienced planter may reap a rich harvest.

2d. There are thousands of acres of original forest that can be bought low.

3d. There never was a healthier country.

4th. The people for the most part are refined, intelligent and enterprising.

Nor is this all; The market is right at our door and as soon as a surplus is produced, we have the whole south and southwest before us.

Now, dear Planter, don't think I have lost a particle of my aifec-tion for "my own my native land," nor any of my enthusiasm in risking my first crop among these mountains. No: but by the blessing of Providence I intend to raise the standard right here. Nor shall my reputation suffer from the experiment, but at the next fair at Richmond, I hope to present a sample of fine yellow wrappers that will do good work for the premium.

Most respectfully, dear Planter,

Your devoted friend,

Samuel C. Shelton.

Ashville, JV. 0', Nov. 22, 1869.

Horse Treatment. —There are a very few common sense rules which, if followed, will commend themselves to the horse, as well as to the trainer, viz:

1st. Always feel kindly toward a horse no matter what he does to you, and consequently never show "temper." Remember the horse knows instinctively how you feel.

2d. Never go near a horse if you are afraid of him; the horse will know it and take advantage of it before you acknowledge it yourself.

jjtorfitnltarri gcprfnuni,

JOHN M. ALLAN, Editor.

The Fair of the Virginia Horticultural and Pomological Society.

The third annual exhibition of the Virginia Horticultural and Pomological Society was held in conjunction with that of the State Agricultural Society, at their grounds on the 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th of November, and was, notwithstanding the lateness of the date, an unprecedented success. It was of course too late for a good display of flowers and indeed of any fruit save apples, but of these there was no lack. Over four hundred specimens of magnificent apples were displayed, while the pears though not numerous were very good. Some specimens of Duchess D'Angouleme exhibited by Col. J. D. Williamson of New York, attracted universal attention, while our friend, Mr. W. G. Taylor, carried off the palm for size, with a couplet from his garden in Manchester. Handsome designs of cut Flowers from the Garden of Mr. Jno. Morton, and Messrs. Allan k Johnston, together with a fine collection of flowering plants from the latter firm, added greatly to the beauty of the room.

The vegetable department though not so full as it might have been, was well represented and the collections of vegetables exhibited by Messrs J. R. Rennie and Garland Hanes, together with specimens of potatoes, cabbages, &c, by various amateur and professional growers, was remarkably fine, considering the severe drought of the past season.

The apples, however, were the leading attraction. Messrs. Franklin Davis & Co., of this city exhibited over seventy varieties. Capt. H. B. Jones of Rockbridge over eighty. Mr. Jno. Dollins of Albemarle nearly as many. Mr. Hurt, of Bedford, over thirty. Mr. Thomas Allan, of Winchester, as many, besides numerous other smaller lots. We noticed that the Fallawater seemed the favorite with our valley friends, the Albemarle Pippin for the Piedmont section, and the Wine Sap, was the stand by of our tide water growers. Several new native varieties were exhibited, the most

prominent being the Mason and the Pilot, both of which are truly first class apples.

It was too late for an exhibition of Grapes, but we noticed some fine specimens of Muscat and other foreign varieties exhibited by Mr. Coles of Albemarle. The specimens of wine were very numerous, but the quality was not so good as we had hoped it would be. Our people have much to learn concerning the manufacture of Wine. We can produce the grapes without trouble, but if we would make them profitable, more care must be given to the manipulation of the Wine.

We publish elsewhere the list of premiums awarded, as also a condensed report of the annual meeting of the Society. The officers and members have cause for congratulation upon the success which attended this exhibition and ought to be greatly encouraged by it. by it.

ANNUAL REPORT.

Gentlemen of the Virginia Horticultural and Pomological Society.

In submitting the third annual report of your Executive Committee, it is gratifying to have so much cause for congratulation.

Commencing as you did, a little over three years ago, wjth a membership of fifteen, you to day count them by hundreds, while the general interest in the object of ycur Society has deepened and diffused itself to an extent truly encouraging. Letting the past, however, speak for itself, permit me after a hasty sketch of the years operations to call your attention to some of the work lying before us. At the opening of the exhibition the President submitted trie following :

Appreciating the unsettled and impoverished condition of our people which would have rendered it difficult to have secured a general attendance upon two State Fairs, your Executive Committee, after mature deliberation, decided to accept the offer made by the State Agricultural Society for a union of the annual exhibitions of the two Societies. This of course, while offering many advantages, was not free from serious objections, for while on the one hand the number of exhibitors and visitors from distant parts of the State, has doubtless been largely increased by the combination of the Fairs, on the other, the variety and quality of Fruits, Vegetables and Flowers has been necessarily very much reduced by the lateness of the season at which the exhibition occurs, and while it may always be desirable and pleasant to exhibit jointly with the Agricultural Society, still it is to be hoped that in the future, circumstances will permit the holding of our Annual Fair earlier in the season, at a time when a fuller Horticultural and Pomological exhibition can be made.

The same reasons which influenced the Executive Committee in postponing the Annual Fair to this date, viz., the scarcity of money and unsettled condition of the State, coupled with the extreme drought of the past summer preventing them from having more than one intermediate exhibition. This was held during the Strawberry season on the 27th of June, at St. Alban's Hall in this city, and was eminently successful, the display of Strawberries and Flowers being very fine and the attendance unexpectedly large. A gratifying feature of this exhibition was that it was self sustaining ; indeed, as you will see from the Treasurer's report, left a small balance in his hands.

The twelfth session of the American Pomological Society was held in the city of Philadelphia on September 15th, at which your Society was fully represented, and upon the invitation of your delegates, that Society determined to hold its next session in this city.

It is encouraging, as I have said, to note the greatly increased interest manifested in the Society and its operations by members and the community at large, and while the success that has attended us in the past is gratifying, it should only stimulate us to renewed exertions for the future.

Never perhaps had any Society a larger field opened for occupation. With a State possessing every advantage]of climate and soil, so situated as to defy competition in the early Northern Markets, producing fruits that are eagerly sought in the European cities, the conditions of her labor, so changed as to point many of her citizens to these branches of industry for a competence as well as a source of wealth, the Virginia Horticultural and Pomological Society, has before it a work of the greatest magnitude properly to aid and guide the development of these great and rapidly increasing interests. A glance at what is needed will assist us in determining how to accomplish it.

STATISTICAL INFORMATION.

In 1865 there were not over one hundred acres in vineyards in the entire State; at this date there are over thirty times that area devoted to grape culture. During the same period not less than ten thousand acres have been planted in fruit trees. Previous to 1860 the exports of fruits and vegetables from the State rarely reached one hundred thousand dollars annually, now more than one million dollars worth are shipped from Norfolk alone. It is essen-

tial to the successful prosecution of trucking and fruit growing that we should have detailed statistics of yield per acre, cost of production and marketing, net profits, &c, of the various fruits and vegetables, to guide us to proper conclusions as to usefulness and general profit. These can best be collected by a central society, with the aid and co-operation of county and district associations, of which latter there are already two in active operation in the State, viz: the Norfolk Horticultural Society, and the Potomac Fruit Growers' Association. In furtherance of this object, a standing committee on statistics has been appointed, who will publish from time to time such information as may be acquired and deemed useful.

CATALOGUE OF FRUITS.

Not less important is the preparation of a catalogue of fruits adapted to our climate, and the collection and dissemination of such new native varieties as may prove worthy of general culture. The Virginia fruit grower has no greater difficulty with which to contend than the selection of varieties of fruits, especially of apples—so many of the standard varieties of the North and West being totally unsuited to our section, while many others, which in Northern catalogues are classed as first rate, are at best but of second or third quality here, whereby much disappointment and loss occur as the result of taking these catalogues as guides.

With a view to an early preparation of such a list, a standing committee on fruits has been appointed, and it is earnestly desired that all interested in Pomology will forward to this committee such information as they may possess concerning either new or old varieties. Some of our finest apples, such as Rawle's, Janet, Mason, Pilot, are natives of this State, and Virginia boasts the parentage of that greatest of all American wine grapes, the Norton; but there are scattered over her hills and valleys, unnoticed, and unknown beyond the plantations which produce them, varieties destined to out rank any yet known to the Pomologist.

WINE.

The fostering of the wine interest also appertains in an eminent degree to the purposes of this association, and the large number of samples now upon exhibition foreshadow the important dimensions the production of wine will shortly assume. Perhaps no other State is capable of producing so many kinds of good wine as Virginia. The Norton, generally admitted to hold the first place among native red wines, flourishes here in the highest perfection. Along the

slopes of the Alleghany and Blue Ridge mountains the Catawba succeeds well, and the Delaware has found a congenial home in the Piedmont region. The Scuppernong belongs to our Southside friends, while the Ives, Concord, Hartford Prolific, and Clinton yield everywhere a good return in quantity, if not in quality. Your standing committee on wine will find abundant employment among these, and are to be envied the frequent opportunities likely to be afforded them of touching, tasting, and handling.

VEGETABLES.

The production of vegetables for both home and foreign markets has already assumed large proportions, and each year but adds to the demand. Wonderful has been the progress made in this branch of horticulture during the past four years; but what has been attained is only a promise of what is in reserve for the enterprise of our market gardeners. Where the exports of vegetables have amounted to thousands they will soon reach millions of dollars, and the day cannot, certainly ought not to be far distant when Virginia will cease to import such vegetables as the Irish potato. Under the auspices of the practical and skilled gentlemen who compose your committee on this subject, most favorable results may be anticipated.

ESSAYS.

Another direction for the labors of this Society is to be found in the collection and distribution of Essays upon the nature and culture of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, together with dissertations upon the diseases and insects to which plants are liable. It is thus that the experience and information of those already familiar with these subjects can be made most available to others. Books do not supply this want. Authors seldom care to tell us of their failures, and the consequence is that we only see the fair side, and that highly colored ; but a system of premiums for essays, properly conducted, can be made to bring out the causes of failure and disappointment, which it is vastly more important for beginners to know. It is easy to sail in an open Bea; the pilot is needed to avoid rocks and shoals. A horticultural literature of great usefulness will doubtless be the result of the labors of your committee upon this subject.

IMPLEMENTS.

Improved horticultural implements and machinery also demand your attention. Rapid has been the progress of the past few years in this direction, and much of the profit and success of gardening in

the future will depend upon the improvements which may be made in implements adapted to the saving of labor and facilitating the culture of the various crops.

But while it is the duty of your Society to foster all these more material interests, let it not be forgotten that the beautiful and ornamental also pertain to you, nor let it be said that flowers, and shrubs, and shade trees are unprofitable; or that we have no time in this intensely practical age to bestow upon the beauty and comfort of our homes. True, the orchard, vineyard, and kitchen garden are necessities; but are not the lawn and flower garden equally so ? Take away these, and you rob home of its attractiveness, for who does not feel that even the simple pot of mignonette, or the single tea rose in the window gives evidence of contentment and happiness within. Ask your wives and daughters whether these are luxuries to be dispensed with until more prosperous times, and hear how they will plead for their flowers, at the expense of nearly all that you style necessaries. A kind Providence has blessed us with a heritage which flows with milk and honey, and teems, from seashore to mountain-top, with a flora hardly surpassed by that of any section on the globe. The magnolia, grandiflora of our eastern lawns, majestic in its beauty, the lovely rhododendrons of our mountain sides, and the humble violets of our shady groves, with hundreds of intermediate genera, and thousands of species, make our fair State redolent with their fragrance, and glorious with their beauty. To arrange, classify, improve, these are surely worthy occupations for all who, recognizing the sources of happiness thus abundantly bestowed by a beneficent Providence, are ready with thankful hearts to receive and delight in them.

If, gentlemen, even we, with our colder, harder, more material natures can appreciate a handsome evergreen, a pretty flower, or enjoy the shade of the drooping elm, need we be surprised that the purer, the holier emotions of the female heart go out with enthusiasm after them ? To them you owe to-day largely of the success which has attended your Society. From its inception to the present hour thev have been its firm friends and supporters. Most heartily do we acknowledge our obligations for the past, and bespeak their continued favor and co-operation in the future.

EXPERIMENTAL GARDENS.

The establishment of an experimental garden is a matter of great general interest and utility, which it behooves us to take steps to initiate. The benefits resulting from such gardens are very numer-

■ as

ous. Here new varieties can be tested, the worthless rejected, while the good will receive an imprimatur from such a source entitling it to general credit. Here also rare plants may be gathered and disseminated, and synonyms ascertained and defined; to say nothing of the pleasure afforded by such establishments as places of resort and recreation. Time will only permit me to suggest these points, and leave them for your consideration and action.

DISCUSSIONS. Stated meetings of the Society for discussions are also extremely useful, and it is to be hoped that these will be regularly and eagerly attended. These monthly reunions and conversations are beneficial to the public, as well as highly instructive to the members themselves ; they also tend greatly to excite and keep up the general interest in these subjects.

LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Landscape gardening and the adornment of grounds have, in almost all countries, advanced pari passu with civilization and refinement ; yet in the Southern States, especially in Virginia, where nature has done so much towards evoking a taste for these humanizing and elevating cultures, the ruthless hand of improvement, with remorseless energy, has swept away the grand old "monarchsof the woods," to give place for ill-contrived and worse located dwellings, upon whose white and glaring walls the sun falls with scorching rays, compelling a subsequent planting to cover a deficiency which should never have arisen. How often, in traveling over our country roads, do we meet the rude gate giving most musical entrance to the visitor, whose eye, when raised, passes to the farmhouse along an uncared-for road, as straight as a pistol shot, between rows of ragged trees, the chance growth from the neglected corners of a rail fence ; and in advancing, falls successively upon cow-house, pig-pen, stable, &c, thrown forward, apparently, as skirmishers, defending the approach to the dwelling, with odors more unsavory than "villainous gunpowder/'

Among our mountain resorts, where health and pleasure seekers leave, year after year, the means for educated and tasteful adornments, the grounds are either wholly neglected, or treated so at variance with surrounding nature as to induce one to deplore the ingenuity that contrived an axe or fashioned a spade.

We live through the eye for happiness and the kindling of emotions which bring us nearer heaven, where all is beautiful—should we not, then, surround ourselves with the attractions which nature

so bountifully gives, in such harmony as to become a music to the eye ? Our rural population will awaken—and we hope to assist them—to an acknowledgement of the value and the employment of the aid of the architect and landscape gardener; but not before the thousand scars have been made which centuries of care will be required to efface—inroads upon nature's beauties that startle the cultivated foreigner, who returns to his home with the idea of vandalism closely associated with our notions of improvement.

FINANCES.

And now, gentlemen, we come to a subject that is necessarily and intimately connected with every enterprise—while that the love of money is the root of all evil, is beyond a peradventure true, it is equally true that nothing can be accomplished in this world without it. The finances of your Society require your prompt action. Heretofore we have depended to a large extent upon the annuities of members, and the entrance fees, for means with which to pay the premium lists, and meet the running expenses of the Society. When these proved inadequate for these purposes they were supplemented by subscriptions on the part of the friends of the Society. Such receipts are more or lep.SgUncertain, and I would respectfully recommend that such steps be taken as your wisdom may devise, for the establishment of a permanent fund, the interest of which shall alone be applied to the uses of the Society. An active agent could, doubtless, be procured to canvass the State for life members, receiving as remuneration for his services a commission upon his subscriptions. The funds thus procured and invested under direction of your executive committee in permanent securities, would give a certain annual income, which, with annuities, would doubtless prove sufficient for all the purposes of the Society. In furtherance of this, and necessary to it, will be the securingjof an act of incorporation. I respectfully recommend the appointment of a committee for this purpose. Before dismissing the question of finances, I may be pardoned an appeal to those who are professionally engaged in horticulture and pomology throughout the State to respond liberally to the call for life-members. It devolves upon this class especially to give the operations of this Society an impetus at the outset. They are most immediately benefitted by it, and just in proportion as they throw their labors and influence in its behalf will the public rally to its support; and an earnest effort on their part at this time, will assure the rapid progress and full success of this to them important movement*

In conclusion, gentlemen, permit me again to congratulate you

on what has been attained, and with word3 of good cheer, bid you go forward in your work—a work most noble, elevating and refining in its influences, and enlisting the sympathies and encouragement of those without whose smiles and approval this world offers nothing worthy of our exertions.

After the report was read:

Col. John C. Shields offered a series of resolutions, recommending the adoption of the report, and appointing a committee to consider that portion of it which looks to the greater usefulness of the Society. Also, to take into consideration the propriety of reducing the price of life membership in the Society. Also, that the executive committee be empowered with full authority to change the Constitution and By-Laws of the Society in any particular which they may deem necessary to the permanent advantage of the Society, and the promotion of the objects for which it was instituted. The resolutions were taken up seriatim and adopted.

Rev. Leonidas Rosser, D. D., was then called to the stand to deliver the annual address.

He commenced his address by alluding to the influence which the subject of horticulture has recently exerted on the public mind. Man was, from the early days of Adam, bound to the earth, and the love of nature and her products is inherent in him. Horticulture lives at the base of man's development. Nature is fruitful in her resources and reproductions.

In the departments of horticulture and agriculture, we have re-productiveness in endless variety.

If nature hath her instincts on the one hand and ^productiveness on the other, what is man's work ? First, he would say drainage—drainage below the soil; secondly, deep ploughing; thirdly, heavy fertilizing. There is not a garden in Virginia which has been brought up to its maximum of production. We must no longer be afraid of the expense of fertilizers. Nature's fertilizers have been used up. The cereal crops have drained it off. He used on his strawberry field a fertilizer of three bushels salt, fifty bushels lime, and fifteen bushels ashes; and for ten years he had used no other— not a bushel of barn-yard manure. Another rule was, death to grass and weeds. Be sure to keep the grass out.

Again. Rigid system, and lastly, courageous perseverance. Failures we all have, and must have ; but courage, experience, and science, will give us triumph in the end.

THE FUTURE OF VIRGINIA.

In the first place, the war aroused in an unparalleled manner deep interest in horticulture. Before that time no one here raised strawberries, for instance, and so with all other small fruits ; and now it is astonishing and gratifying to see the result of that interest. Our climate is temperate, and, in the opinion of all, the best upon earth ; that, with the soil, gives us opportunities which we have never yet developed. One million quarts of strawberries have already been engaged by one house in New York.

We need here a packing-house, and it should be located in this city; then hundreds of acres of berries and small fruits would be planted where one is now raised.

There is more in the men than in the land.

The young men of our State with soft hands and ring-fingered are useless; they should turn their attention to the cultivation of the soil—and so with the ladies. Alas! her only emblem now is the greenhouse plant. Let them turn their attention to horticulture, and her days of usefulness will begin.

Here the learned orator paid a glowing compliment to what, under these circumstances, she would become. If we had all of Virginia's men and women engaged in these pursuits, we would again vie with the noble ancestry from which we came.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The election of officers was next held, and the old officers were re-elected, as follows:

President, —John M. Allan.

Vice President —William H. Haxall.

Secretary —H. K. Ellyson.

Treasurer —I. S. Tower.

Executive Committee —Col. Wm. Gilham, Charles B. Williams^ Joseph R. Rennie, Franklin Davis, Colonel J. C. Shields, Matthew Blair, Dr. S. P. Moore, Gen. J. D. Imboden, Dr. Jas. T. Johnson, Captain Charles H. Dimmock.

The President then appointed the following committee under the resolutions of Colonel Shields:

Colonel J. C. Shields, Captain Charles H. Dimmock, and Mr. I. S. Tower.

The Society then adjourned.

The mee.ing then resolved itself into a joint meeting of the two Societies, Major Sutherlin in the chair.

At the joint meeting there were several addresses delivered, which are noticed in the proceedings of the State Society, to which we

refer our readers; but especially do we call the attention of the members of this Society to that of Mr. Saunders, Experimental Gardener at Washington, as having more particular relation to the interest of this Society.

The President of the New York fruit growers club being present, on being called for, responded very happily. He spoke most encouragingly of the prospects of Virginia, and the advantages she offered to emigrants, and assured the Society that numbers of families in New York, and other Northern States were preparing to come to Virginia to locate. We regret that our space will not permit a full report of his remarks.

LIST OF PREMIUMS

AWARDED AT THE

ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF THE HORTICULTURAL AND POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY,

HELD AT THE FAIR GROUNDS, NEAR BICHIOID VIRGINIA,

November 2,-3, 4, and 5, 1869.

CLASS I. Messrs. Allan & Johnson, best assortment of Nursery Stock, $ 30 The Committee recommend a premium of equal value to Messrs. Franklin Davis & Co., for their large and greatly extended variety of Fruit Trees, Vines, &c, being the largest variety on exhibition. Messrs. Allan k Johnson, best assortment of two year old

Apple Trees suited to Virginia. $ 10

To same for best assortment of one year old peach trees suited to Virginia. $10 To same for best assortment two year old pear trees, (standard or dwarf.) $ 10 Capt. H. B. Jones of Rockbridge, Va., for the largest and best

collection of Apples, (87 varieties) raised by the exhibitor $ 10 W. O. Hurt of Bedford, Va., for second best. 5

These apples of Mr. Hurt's (35 varieties) making quite an "aristocratic show," deserve high commendation as vindicating the adaptability of the soil, climate, and exposure of Virginia to fruit culture to the raising of fruit of a high order of merit. S. E. Dove, for best collection of Pears, (7 varieties) raised

by exhibitor. $ 10

Allan k Johnson for 2d best collection, (6 varieties) raised by

exhibitor, $ 5

Dr. C. R. Cullen of Hanover, for best collection of Cranberries raised in Va. $ 5 R. H. Dibrell, for best collection of grapes, no competition. Certificate To same for best native grapes, Norton's Virginia. $ 5

The Committee beg leave to express their gratification at the marked increase of interest in regard to fruit native to the State, and especially the Apple. Their attention was particularly arrested by "the Pilot," originating in Nelson Co., Va. and exhibited by John Dollins of Albemarle, the "Mason," and the "Gully," originating with Dr. Geo. Mason of Brunswick Co. Between these varieties, the Committee did not make a decision and express the opinion that the premium be divided between the "Pilot" and the "Mason," both being highly commended by high authority as possessing remarkable keeping qualities.

The exhibitors of Apples ail merit commendation, and had they all occupied the same ground, so as to claim that they had raised the apples they exhibited, it would have been difficult for the Committee to have decided between them.

The Committee felt bound to make it a condition that the fruit contending for a premium, should be in the name of the individual that raised it.

The committee recommend that the Society establish this as a rule hereafter. J. A. Foster, best specimen of Dried Peaches, very fine,

(though less than a bushel,) $ 5

W. A. Gillespie, for best specimen of Dried Apples, 1 bus. 5

J. A. Foster, for 1 peck do. very fine, Certificate

CLASS II. Jos. Rennie, for best and largest collection of Vegetables. $ 25 Garland Hanes, for 2d best and largest collection do $ 10

J. E. L. Masurier, for best J- dozen cauliflowers. 5

Jos. Rennie, for best dozen carrots. 2

J. E. L. Masurier for best doz. celery, 5

F. Biershenk, for 2d best do, Certificate

Jos. Rennie, for best dozen Parsnips, 2

S. G. B. Faulkner, for best doz. Pumpkins, 2

Jos. Rennie, for best doz. Salsify, 2

Garland Hanes, Jr., for 2d best salsify, Certificate

Dr. J. G. Lumpkin for best bus. Sweet Potatoes, 5

vol. in—48

P. T. Atkinson, for second best do, Certificate

Garland Hanes, for best bushel Irish Potatoes, 5

Jas. Newman, 2d best do, Certificate

Jos. Rennie, best Turnips, 2

Garland Hanes, 2d best do, Certificate

Same, best doz. Endives, 2

Jos. Rennie, best peck Tomatoes, 2

R. Y. Slater, 2d best do, Certificate Your committee recommend a discretionary premium to W. L. Cowardin for the "Joe Johnson," Watermelon.

CLASS III.

Allan k Johnson, for best collection of Plants, $15

" " of flowering Shrubs, 10

" " Fluschias, 5

" " Chrysanthemums, 5

" " Geraniums, 10

" " Eoliage Plants, 8

John Morton, largest and best collection of cut flowers, 10

Allan & Johnson, 2d best do, 6

John Morton, for handsomest design, 6

" "crops, 5

" " buquet, 2

There was a large and very fine Citronella exhibited by Miss Augusta H. West, and an India Rubber Tree exhibited by Dr. W.

B. Pleasants, of Richmond. No premiums being offered for these plants, the committee would recommend certificates for each.

CLASS IV.

The Committee on Wines report that there were a large number of Wines on exhibition, and it was difficult to decide between many of them.

They make the following awards, viz: Messrs. Burbank & Gallagher, for the best American wine

(scuppernong,) $ 15

Marcus Buck, for best Catawba wine, 5

Col. W. Gilham, for best Concord wine, 5

Messrs. Burbank & Gallaher, for best Scuppernong wine 5

C. Sauer, for best Norton wine, 5 Mrs. Theo. Martin, for best Currant wine, 5 Miss M. A. Pattington, for best Blackberry wine, 5

The committee recommend a premium to Mr. J. E. Lipscomb, for " Bumgardner " whiskey exhibited by him.

CLASS V.

Messrs. H. M. Smith & Co., for best Cider and Wine mill,

(Hovey's patent,) $ 10

Same, for second best do., (Hutcheson's patent,) 5

Same, for best collection of Horticultural Implements, 10

Same, for best Garden and Seed Drill, 10

Same, for best Garden Cultivator, (horse power,) 10

Same, for best Garden Roller, (horse power,) 5

Your committee recommend a Certificate of Merit to G. C. Cor-mick, for exhibition Basket and Flower stands.

CLASS VI. Dr. L. R. Dickinson, for best Essay on Fertilizers, $ 20

H. Jones, for best Essay on Grape Culture, 20

"Author," for best Essay on some "Insects injurious to Vegetation," 20 SPECIAL COMMITTEES.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The special committee appointed to examine a number of articles which were entered too late for examination by the regular corn-mi ctees, report as follows :

They have examined the various articles submitted to them, and enumerate below those they deem worthy of special mention on account of superior quality :

1. A very fine collection of Virginia-grown potatoes, from the Riverside Small Fruit farm of S. C. & R. Denise, Norfolk, Va., comprising specimens of Early Rose, Early Mohawk, Dyesight, and King of the Earlies.

2. Some fine specimens of Early Rose potatoes, from J. B. Lip-pincott, Esq.

3. Some remarkably fine Peach Blow potatoes, from Robert Douthat, Esq., Charles City county, Va. Also, some from Col. J. B. McClung, Hot Springs, Va.

4. A superior lot of Flat Dutch cabbage, by Col. J. B. McClung, from the Hot Springs, Virginia, grown from seed raised by Allan & Johnson, of Richmond. This is the finest cabbage on exhibition. Col. McClung also has on exhibition a lot of superior parsnips.

5. Schmidt & Miller, European grocers, of Richmond, Va., ex-

hibit an excellent assortment of the finest foreign groceries, embracing Lentil's German Peas, Pearl Barley, Holland Herrings, Russian Sardines, Arrack, Rhine Wine, &c.

6. Marcus B. Buck, Esq , of Belmont Vineyards, Front Royal, Warren county, Va., exhibits superior specimens of the " Hicks " white apple, (a native of Rappahannock county, Va.) We regard this as one of the finest eating apples we know, and one of the best products of Virginia horticulture.

7. John S. Coles, Esq., Albemarle county, Va., exhibits superb specimens of hothouse grapes, embracing the Black Hamburg, Dra-con's Superb, Cannon Muscat, and White Muscat, of Alexandria.

8. Mr. J. D. Williamson, of New York Fruit Growers' Club, exhibits very fine specimens of the Duchess D'Angouleme Pear.

9. M. P. King, Esq., of North Carolina, exhibits good samples of the highly commended wine grape, the "Mist."

10. Mr. Morrisett, of Norfolk, Va., exhibits a barrel of splendid Lynn Haven oysters. These are shown as productions of Virginia soil, and do credit to the Old Dominion.

11. Mr. Maurice Evans, of Richmond, exhibits some handsome flower-pots.

The special committee on articles in the Pomological Hall that had not been examined by other committees, first, would call special attention to the Catawba Brandies of Mr. M. B. Buck, of the Belmont vineyards, Warren county, Virginia.

These brandies are distilled from fine pure wine of the vintage of 1865, and not from the grape, as is usual, and consequently they are of a superior quality for medicinal and all other purposes.

Second. The Catawba grapes from the same vineyards as the above, are worthy of mention for their rich, dark color, their abundance of saccharine matter and fine flavor.

Third. The grape roots and cuttings (numerous varieties) one year old, grown in the open air, from the above vineyards, are of the first quality.

The special committee appointed to examine the " Planet Hand Drill," exhibited by S. L. Allen, of Burlington, N. J., regret that it was not in place when the regular committee were examining horticultural implements, as they regard it as being decidedly the best Seed Drill and Fertilizer Distributor on exhibition.

We recommend that a first class premium be awarded Mr. Allen for same.

Seed Peanuts.

The large amount of inferior peanuts going now into market, and the diseased condition of the germs of the nuts, with an apparently fair, bright hull, renders a word of caution here particularly apropos to those who have slight experience in planting and growing the crop. On splitting open the peas you will find on the little leaflets of the germ at the pointed end of the kernel a brownish tinge, and often grajish spots on the thin, pale pink skin ; later in the season you will find all spotted, mildewed, or inferior peas, become deep red, or pink ; all such should be rejected for seed. There is no crop on which success depends so much in the character of the seed as this capricious one of Pindars. The drouth caused the first nuts formed in many soils to decay, and induced disease in others, and this has been particularly observable on lands admirably adapted to growing the crop, and is most often found on lands where the fertilizers, Guano, lime, and the phosphates were used. Such lands have produced large crops of vines; pops and saps, water to convey food was wanting for development, heat induced disease, death, and decay in the nuts first formed, and unhealthy products, so far as the germs are concerned, is general in the crop formed subsequent to the last rains. The query in the peanut growing district is universal, where shall we procure good seed ?

Good seed should be of pale pink, uniform in color, bright lobes on opening the kernels, germ and leaflets without tinge ofbrown , and should be kept in sacks suspended in airy barn lofts, dry and cool, all winter. The writer of this has "no axe to grind," and will probably be a seed buyer, although several hundred bushels were grown on his lands the present season. B.

Curculio.

Mr. John C. Glenn selected his grounds for his plum trees near his barn, planted them altogether, surrounded them with a tall picket fence, and made his henhouse in the inclosure. He keeps from twenty to fifty hens. He also puts into this same inclosure two pigs ; the hens are fond of insects, and gather and swallow eagerly all, or nearly all, the curculio; and should they escape the hens and sting the fruit, the fruit falls, and the pigs, being fond of plums, eat them at once, and thus fine crops of plums have been made from year to year.

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER AND FARMER.

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, DECEMBER, 1869.

TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION AND ADVERTISING. Subscription One Year, $2.00

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The Southern Planter and Farmer.

The third volume of the new series of this Journal closes contemporaneously with the year 18G9. We have labored in sunshine and cloud in sickness and in health—often under embarrassment and disappointment—for the promotion (f the welfare of Virginia and the South, within the sphere which circumscribes our labors. We submit the result to the judgment of our subscribers and readers, the award of which will be indicated in the greater or less support which may be accorded to us in the coming year. None, we think, can deny that we have faithfully fulfilled our contract with our subscribers, and that the correlative duty remains to be performed on their part, of promptly paying up arrears of subscription. There are a number excepted from this class who have paid up to January next, and some of our subscribers who have kindly and generously extended their payments up to 1871 and 1872. On the review of the past history of our Journal—like Paul on his long, painful/and perilous journey to Rome, shipwreck included, when he met with sympathy and courteous treatment by the way, and at length arrived at Appii Forum, was me^ and comforted by the brethren, was enabled to thank God and take courage— we, following his example, shall enter upon the new year under the inspiration of hope, the animating, and faith, the actuating principle of human action, and commending our labors to II m alone, in whose favor we may meekly and confidently trust, we shall await the developments of the (to us) unknown future for such measure of success in our labors as He may graciously please to grant us.

Fairs of 1869,

The State and District Fairs throughout the South have proved successful. That of our Virginia State Agricultural Society eminently so. We cannot give our readers a better impression of this than by submitting to them, as we have done, in this number, the awards of premiums by the Society, and by the Virginia Horticultural and Pomological Society which united with the State Sjciety

in one general exhibition. There is one thing we cannot omit, as it tends to corroborate the grand success claimed for our Society, namely : That a larger percentage of the premiums offered were actually awarded than we have ever known within the scope of our past experience.

The Committee on "Short Horn Cattle" omitted to report the following premiums awarded to S. W. Ficklin, Esq :

28. Best Heifer under 2 years old, $10

29. Second best Heifer under 2 years old, 5 The chairman of the committee, James Newman, Esq , has since corrected

the report by adding the above premiums, which, when reviewed and approved* as doubtless will be done, by the Executive Committee, Mr. Ficklin will be entitled to draw the premiums. The report on the section of the premium list relating to ploughs is for the present withheld, by reason of an appeal taken on some part of the subject matter of it, which also awaits the decision of the Executive Committee.

The citizens of the State, and especially of Richmond, have largely partici. pated in the honors of the season, as will be seen by the following paragraphs extracted from the Richmond Whig and from the Enquirer and Examiner:

Dixie Plough in the Far West. —It was a striking truth which Colonel Williamson, of New York, referred to in his remarks before the Horticultural Society during the Fair week, when he seated that the Virginia-made ploughs were better and cheaper than those of Northern manufacture, and that here" after the demand from the North would be much enlarged.

We have before us a correspondence relating to occurrences at Jerseyville* Illinois, at a Fair held at that place in October. In the competition for the best plough were many entries. No little attention had been given to the skill and taste with which the mechanical service was performed in producing bright steel mouldboards, varnished framework, &c, and it was considered somewhat presumptuous that the plain and substantial specimen of Starke's Dixie, brought from the South, should be thought of in connection with the honors of the occa. sion. Consequently it was left for the last, and then the ploughman enquired with an indifferent air if he must try it. He was requested to do so, and, before the round was made, he was exultant in his praises of the implement. The crowd was astonished at the work executed by the " Dixie;" the ploughman never held before in his hands such a plough, and the judges awarded to it with entire unanimity the premium. Well done for Virginia, Richmond, and the weil-known Starke plough of renown 1

The Wilmington Fair — Premiums to Virginians. —At the first annual Fair of the Cape Fear Agricultural Society held at Wilmington last week, the following premiums were awarded to Virginia exhibitors :

Best whiskey (Bumgardner), J. W. Riaon, Richmond ; second best, " Sunny South," A. Myers, Norfolk.

Best subsoil plough, Palmer & Turpin, Richmond.

Best single and double plough, garden plough, corn planter, Prescott, Liberty Mills, Va., diploma.

Best gang plough, H. M. Smith, Richmond, Va., diploma.

Best patent well fixtures, H. M. Smith & Co., diploma.

The committee award a diploma to N. A. Young, of Richmond, Va., for a vise and drill combination, an extension screw-driver, and a patent mucilage cup, of all of which they speak in the highest terms.

Also, a diploma to E. A. Dayton, of Richmond, Va., for a lot of twisted drills, screw-wrenches, self adjusting saw mandrils, all of which are most excellent.

The committee are favorably impressed with Harding's Fire and Thief Detector, Bagby & Jeffers, agents, Richmond, Va., and recommended a diploma.

Best assortment of drugs and medicines, J. W. Rison, Richmond, Va., $5.

Steam atomizer and fancy articles, J. W. Rison, Richmond, Va., diploma.

The committee return thanks for many curious articles from China, contributed by Miss H. A. Suddoth, of Manchester, Va. They attracted much attention.

The New Eclectic

Comes before us with a most attractive prospectus for 1870. This journal, having absorbed The Land We Love, stands now in the fore-front as the leader and organ of Southern literature ; and it is for our people to decide whether they will sustain the energy and brains grown and developed on their own soil, and in their own genial clime, or whether they will starve literature, and by their continued apathy render the life of any such enterprise a simple impossibility. The talent, home and foreign, that is pledged to Tee Eclectic is an ample guarantee that, as it has been in the past, so it will be in the future, well worthy of a generous support; and it is not demanding too much when we ask that at least every neighborhood in the South shall take and read one or more copies. Money thus spent will bring to any family a rich return, in enlarging the views, elevating, and in many instances creating and refining, the tastes of our children, and leading them to seek the sources from whence the streams of knowledge derived from The Eclectic are obtained.

Poverty is a poor plea, when the amount necessary to obtain such a journal as this is so small. Better by far economize in some other quarter. People of the South, do not save by starving the minds of your children.

Having said this much we most cordially commend " The New Eclectic " to our readers, with the hope that we may have been instrumental in securing for its deserving publishers many subscribers. The subscription is $4 per annum. Address Turnbull & Murdoch, 54 Lexington street, Baltimore.

The Dickson Fertilizer Company.

In passing through Augusta, Georgia, a short time since, we called on Mr. James T. Gardiner, the courteous and thorough business manager of the above-named company, and found him alive to the interests of his own people, and zealously engaged in sending "the Dickson Compound" throughout Georgia and the South. He made many enquiries in regard to Virginia and North Carolina, and, with a view of developing new trade, determined to advertise with us.

This compound is highly spoken of wherever it has been used; and Mr. Gardiner can, we doubt not, supply many of our readers in Eastern and Western North Carolina, and, indeed, in many parts of Virginia, at as low rates— freight included—as other companies. The energy, and, we may say, commendable enterprise displayed by this company deserves especial mention, and we hope they may meet with such patronage as shall insure abundant success.