this class, all of superior growth and quality. To many in view of what was generally regarded as an unfavorable season for anything like a respectable display in this department, and especially in view of repeated predictions of anxious friends of the society that the fair would be a failure in consequence thereof, this result was most gratifying, and particularly to those who made some little effort to render these predictions untrue. In class eleven of poultry, there were fourteen entries, including several fine specimens of the most celebrated varieties of domestic fowls. This hitherto almost neglected department of our fair promises, from the great interest now being manifested throughout the county in the introduction of improved breeds of poultry, to soon become a prominent feature of agricultural exhibitions; for a farm yard will soon be regarded as incompletely stocked that cannot rejoice in wellbred fowls, as well as in pure blooded cattle and horses. In class twelve, consisting of fruit and flowers, there were fortyseven entries, a large per centage of increase over the entries in this class of former years. This includes in one entry only the sixty odd varieties of apples presented by G. W. Campbell, of Macomb, and does not include the sixteen choice varieties exhibited by Hon. A. B. James, of Ogdensburgh. It has been fully demonstrated that apples and other fruit can be successfully grown here if proper care be taken in selecting the most hardy varieties, and instead of being one of the least, this might become one of the most attractive departments of our fair. The practical remarks of Judge James on this subject, at our last fair, are worthy of notice by this society, and will, no doubt, prompt some of those who heard them to at least endeavor to imitate his example in fruit growing. In the discretionary class there were nearly 150 entries, ranging from fancy articles of the most delicate and finished workmanship to those of coarser make, and more practical utility, or as the committee aptly expressed it, "varying in interest from a lady's collar to a washing machine." Owing to the fact that our premium list does not include many articles presented for exhibition, the entries in this class necessarily grow to unwieldy dimensions, so that it is impossible for the discretionary committee to satisfactorily perform the duties assigned to it without more labor than ought to be asked or expected of one committee, or can conveniently be accomplished in the short time allowed. To remedy this, our premium list should be extended to include every probable entry, and a regulation adopted instructing the secretary to assign articles offered for premiums and not named in the published premium list, to the class to which they properly belong, the amount of premium in each case to be determined by the executive officers of the society. Class thirteen, or the discretionary class, might then properly include musical instruments, sewing machines, and such other articles as were difficult to classify. The annual plowing match was held on the farm of P. D. Woodcock, in the town of Fowler. There were but six entries and a small attendance of spectators. The difficulty experienced in finding suitable grounds in a central locality, the cold, wet weather, which frequently accompanies so late a day in the season, as it seems necessary to select for a "plowing match," should, in view of the expense, unless there is more interest manifested, suggest to this society the propriety of imitating the example of other kindred organizations and discontinuing this appendage to our fairs. The whole number of entries was largely in excess of any former year, and nearly fifty per cent greater than last year; truly, an evidence of the increased interest in our fairs and the advancement and prosperity of our community. The annual address was delivered on the 3d day of the fair by Hon. X. A. Willard. The subject, "Dairying" was well chosen for this locality, and the address was eminently practical and instructive, in every way worthy "the man, the subject and the occasion," and was attentively listened to by hundreds of interested, and, it is believed, profited farmers. There have been purchased since the fair, at an expense of $500, two additional shares of the "fair ground stock" of Chas. Anthony, who has executed a deed for the same, which has been recorded in the county clerk's office, and is now in my possession. The society now owns four shares of the land it occupies, and, by a year or two more of pecuniary success equal to that of the year just past, will be able to "read its title clear" to the balance. Then and not till then will it be safe or judicious to run in debt for costly buildings for exhibitions, however tempting and flattering the idea may be of outshining our more wealthy neighbors in this respect. G. B. WINSLOW, Secretary. HAMMOND. The ninth annual show of the Hammond Union Agricultural and Mechanical Society being over, I herewith inclose the result. Days of exhibition, the 29th and 30th of September, and 1st day of October. The elements favored us with fine weather, dry roads, and a large attendance. Amount of indebtedness for improvements on the grounds, $50. The society, during the past year, erected seats with saloons underneath to rent, which cost $250.; and the success of the present has nearly liquidated the whole amount, leaving only the above indebtedness. year The show of horses was very large and creditable; many very fine horses being on exhibition. Good cattle were also on exhibition, but not so numerous. Sheep and swine were very meager. Fruit was very extensively and very creditably exhibited, and could not easily be beaten in northern New York in quality or numbers. The show of vegetables was good; not so large in numbers, but large growths. The dairy was well represented; the committee of examination reporting many fine samples of butter and cheese. Other classes were moderately represented until we arrive at the ladies' department, where we find woolen fabrics of every cast and hue; cassimeres, full cloths, flannels plain and fancy, shawls, carpets, coverlets, etc., etc.; also linens and fancy work of many kinds, for which the ladies deserve great credit. The society is in a flourishing condition; the receipts gradually increasing from year to year. The officers are: President, Geo. Backus, Rossie; Treasurer, Irenus Franklin, Hammond; Secretary, C. A. Wooster, North Hammond. C. A. WOOSTER, Secretary. HAMILTON. The undersigned, president and secretary of the Hamilton Agricul tural and Mechanical Association, of the town of Hamilton, county of Madison, State of New York, would respectfully report: That the citizens of the town of Hamilton organized a town agricultural society in the year 1856, and have annually held town fairs for thirteen years last past; that their last annual fair took place at the village of Hamilton, in said county of Madison, on the 22d and 23d days of September, 1869; that the amount of premiums paid by the said society for the year 1869 was $323.50, amount of receipts $600. Total expenditures for the present year, $550. Surplus in hands of treasurer unexpended, $700. P. O. address East Hamilton, Madison county, N. Y. J. RICHMOND, President.. HARPERSVILLE. The eleventh annual fair of the Harpersville Union Agricultural Society was held September 28th and 29th, 1869, on the grounds of the society. The exhibition was large in stock and in all the departments of agriculture, and floral hall was filled to overflowing with every description of ladies' handiwork. The annual address was delivered by the Hon. Horace Greeley, which was an able one, and listened to with profound attention. He advocated smaller farms and better cultivation, and the farmers of Harpersville and vicinity will profit by his deductions. The total receipts of the society were $660.15, of which $268 were paid in premiums, $46.29 for printing, $100 to Hon. Horace Greeley for annual address, and $245.86 for repairs to the grounds, and other expenses. The society is out of debt and in a prosperous condition. The annual meeting was held on the 14th day of December, 1869, and the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: W. L. Mudge, President; S. D. Parsons, Recording Secretary; Martin Ruggles, Treasurer. S. D. PARSONS, Secretary. HESS ROAD. We have held our weekly meetings excepting during the very hurrying time and during the heat of the summer, they being generally well attended. We have discussed the various subjects brought before us as farmers, with much spirit, and in an entertaining manner, and with much benefit to all engaged. As one of the good fruits of our club and its meetings, there has grown up a very neighborly and friendly feeling among our members, and a desire to benefit and assist each other. In fact, our vicinity has become known as the most peaceable and desirable place to live in this whole community, and we try to incite each other only to do that which is right. Altogether, the influence of our club has been "good and only good, and that continually." LENOX. J. S. WOODARD, Secretary. The annual fair of the Lenox Farmers' and Mechanics' Association was held at Oneida, September 30th, October 1st and 2d, was very largely attended and financially a success. The show of cattle was not large, but some very good animals were shown; among them the Short-horn of Dr. O. W. Mason, and a herd of Ayrshires from the Oneida community, were worthy of especial mention. In horses, the show of three year old and sucking colts was superior; of single horses, good; in other classes of this stock the show was deficient. No stallions were exhibited that the judges considered worthy of the society' premiums for horses of all work, the only ones offered, except sweepstakes open to all. Sheep, none; swine, a few good ones; poultry, fair exhibition. The show of grains and vegetables, was as good as is sometimes seen at a State fair. The association offered liberal premiums for dairy products, open to the State; but manufacturers did not exhibit, principally owing to the fact that factories up to that time had sold their cheese very closely, and those on hand were thought too green for exhibition. The mechanical department would have done credit to any county fair, and was highly praised by visitors. The ladies were on hand with specimens of their taste and skill, some for use, others for adornment; but |