which will, no doubt, prove beneficial to those who took part or listened to the hints and suggestions put forth. A public sale day was held on the society's grounds in March, 1863, with so much success that it is to be repeated the coming spring. The society is believed to be in a flourishing condition. January 10, 1864. P. H. BEARDSLEY, President. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DUNDEE UNION AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The Dundee Union Agricultural Society was organized in 1862, on a firm and legal basis, having, prior to that time, existed and flourished without any organization recognized by the laws of the State. Our last annual fair was held in Dundee on the spacious grounds provided for it, on the 30th of September and the 1st and 2d days of October, 1863, being the second under the present organization, and the eighth since. its informal formation. There has been a steady increase in the interest among all classes of people in our fairs, and the last exhibition has much exceeded all the former ones. Not merely in the vast concourse of people assembled, did our fair exceed those of former years, but the articles, both in quality and numbers, which were exhibited. That very spirit, so necessary in promoting the best kind of rivalry among farmers and fruit-growers and mechanics, was finely displayed at our fair. The animus of all was to excel. Notwithstanding there was another fair in the same county, and only 12 miles off, and held at the same time as ours, and which was reported to be a very good exhibition, yet ours was undamaged by the concurrence, and was thereby elevated higher than ever in merit and deserved fame. The receipts of the society were larger by far than for any previous year, and the finances are in a very easy condition. The receipts were $1,030.38. At the winter meeting for the election of officers the following named GOUVERNEUR AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL SOCIETY. B. P. JOHNSON, Secretary New York State Agricultural Society: structive address from Luther H. Tucker, of the Country Gentleman, which was received with general satisfaction. Third day, speed of horses in the forenoon, and exhibition of stock; afternoon, premiums awarded, and other business transacted. Of cattle: within the past few years, by the management of some of our leading agriculturists, there has been a decided improvement of stock in this section. The Durhams, Devons and other blooded stock, made a creditable display at our cattle show, for a town exhibition. Of horses: there was a large number of entries, (115) mostly draft and farm horses, roadsters and a few nice carriage horses; but mostly horses for all work, and all showing that there has been a decided improvement in the stock of this noble animal. Of sheep: the exhibition was quite large, and spirited. The increased demand and high price of wool has caused many to turn their attention to raising sheep, as far as possible, of which there were many fine specimens on exhibition. Of swine and poultry: good specimens shown. Of farm and agricultural implements: a great variety shown; plows, cultivators, mowers, reapers, &c., affording those that use such, a rare opportunity to compare those that they saw there on exhibition and those they used but a few years ago, and still use; the difference and improvements that have been made in machinery for the benefit and to reduce the toilsome labor of the farmer, which makes it now, as you might say, but pastime for him; comparing the ease with which he can do the same work now to what he had to use a few years ago. Floral hall and the ladies' department was one of the most attractive places on the grounds. To a lover of beauty once seeing would not suffice; a second and even many more times he would have to wander around the hall, and then see but half its beauty. As you entered, the first thing meeting your sight was a beautiful fountain, throwing its sparkling drops of water several feet into the air, and falling before a large mirror-all so arranged and trimmed with evergreens as to make the entrance one of beauty and grandeur; and as the sight-seer passes around the hall he is still more amazed to see what taste and skill has been displayed in the arrangement of every article, flower, and whatever it might be that had been left for exhibition or ornament; and all showing what an interest the ladies of our town and towns adjoining, take in the welfare of the society, to make the fairs a pleasant holiday for all. Too much cannot be said in their praise. Our fairs are evidently extending a favorable influence over our farmers, and an improvement in agriculture is to he seen at every turn, and can be attributed in part to this society. Dairy and vegetable hall was well filled. Our dairymen are gaining for themselves a reputation which cannot be excelled by any in the way of the manufacture of butter and cheese. The number of registered members for 1863 was 384; whole number of members' tickets sold was 475. We have already registered for this year, (1864) 85; and it is the intention of the officers of the society to make the number larger than heretofore, if possible. Our society is now out of debt, with good buildings for their use, and in shape to be able soon to save some money for purposes that will be beneficial to its members. At our annual meeting, 30th January last, the following officers were elected to serve for this year: President, John Pooler; treasurer, A. E. Norton; secretary, A. B. Cutting; superintendent, O. G. Barnum. Yours very respectfully, &c., A. B. CUTTING, Secretary Gouverneur Ag. and Mech. Society. UNION AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. HUME, ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y. B. P. JOHNSON, Secretary New York State Agricultural Society, Albany: Dear Sir-We have the pleasure of making the following report of the affairs, and condition of the Union Agricultural Society for 1863. We believe that no report was made by the officers in charge last year, and will therefore say that the town of Granger was last year added to the territory comprising the society, making now five towns in the district. Our annual fair was held on the 23d September. The day was all that could be desired, and a large crowd of people attended. There were fortyeight entries of horses, twelve of cattle, sixteen of sheep, and seventy-five of miscellaneous articles. The exhibition was not as large as it sometimes has been, for several reasons, among which were want of confidence, many individuals having drawn premiums for years, and never receiving a cent. Another, its supposed connection with a "Horse Show Association." Local jealousies and prejudices also materially contributed to its injury. By individually pledging ourselves (including our treasurer), for the payment of the premiums, we succeeded in getting up as much of a show as we did; and by promptly paying them as promised, and communicating to each of its 151 members, a report of the award of premiums, and the treasurer's report, showing a respectable balance upon the right side, we feel that a hope is inspired, and a feeling that will effectually conduce to its future usefulness and prosperity. The following is our treasurer's report: JOHN S. MINARD, President Union Agricultural Society: I have the pleasure of making the following report of the financial affairs of the Union Agricultural Society, for 1863. The society is in possession of good grounds, well fenced, and have funds enough on hand to erect the necessary pens, enclosures, and other conveniences for exhibitors. All of which is respectfully submitted. JOHN. S. MINARD, President. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FARMERS' CLUB OF LITTLE FALLS. Report of the Secretary. ROOMS OF THE FARMERS' CLUB, LITTLE FALLS, Jan. 15, 1864. Hon. B. P. JOHNSON, Corresponding Secretary New York State Agricultural Society: Dear Sir-Agreeably to the requirements of the statute in respect to agricultural associations, I beg leave respectfully to submit the following, with the accompanying papers, as the seventh annual report of the Far mers' Club of Little Falls. During the past two years, a gigantic struggle has been going on for the preservation of our national existence. Vast armies, on either side, have been arrayed against each other, and the public mind has been constantly under a strain of intense excitement-so occupied with the varied successes of our arms as to leave but little time, it would seem, apart from the daily and necessary occupations of life, to be employed for discussing questions on agriculture, or for the promotion of its best interests after the usual manner in times of peace. Herkimer county, like other sections of the loyal North, has not been wanting or backward in this great crisis. On the first call for troops, early in 1861, her sons sprang to arms, organizing and officering the old thirty-fourth regiment, whose determined bravery and bloody trials have become a record in history; and will ever remain stamped on its pages a proud monument for Herkimer unsurpassed for heroism in the annals of the war. To the further call of the President for 600,000 men, how well and readily the county responded the 121st, 97th, and 152d regiments and their deeds will answer. We have mentioned these regiments because they are particularly representative of the county, and the towns embraced by this club. Besides those in the army of the Potomac, we have men in the navy, with Banks, Butler, Grant, and at Washington. Among the many acts of courage and bravery evinced by Herkimer county boys, does not the recent and brilliant action of our gallant 121st, in their attack and capture of the rebels at Rappahannock, well match the spirit and bravery of '76-" the time that tried men's souls ?" That time. when, to give the language of an old friend and college classmate, poet-born: "In their ragged regimentals, Stood the old Continentals, Yielding not; When the grenadiers were lunging, Cannon shot! When the files Of the Isles, From the smoky night encampment Unicorn; And grummer, grummer, grummer, Through the morn. "Then with eyes to the front all, While the balls whistled deadly, Blazed the fires As the swift Drove the dark battle-breakers O'er the green-sodded acres Of the plain; And louder, louder, louder, Cracked the black gunpowder, "Then like smiths at their forges And the villainous saltpetre Rung a fierce discordant metre Round our ears; Like the roar On a shore, Rose the horse-guards' clangor, As they rode in roaring anger And higher, higher, higher, "Then the bare-headed colonel Galloped through the white infernal And his broad sword was swinging Trumpet loud! And the blue And the Trooper jackets reddened Rifle's breath! And rounder, rounder, rounder, Roared the iron six-pounder Hurling death!" |