Two pair of calf skin Boots, made at the shop of John Lockwood, were awarded a reward of merit, there being no competition. Two pair of kip Boots made by G. J. Albright, took the first and second premiums, there being no competition. A large white walnut Chest attracted the attention of all beholders for its style of finish, neatness and strength. It was made by Koons. A specimen of Window Sash, made by the same gentleman, attracted particular attention, and elicited universal admiration. A Patent Atmospheric Lever Churn, was exhibited by the inventor and patentee, and claimed the particular attention of the committee. A short notice in this report may not be out of place, as the simplicity of its construction, as well as ease of operation, and almost impossibility of getting out of repair, together with the astonishingly short time in which butter is produced by it, won the admiration of every individual. It is constructed, for instance, of a box 26 inches in length, 8 inches in width, and 20 in height, an upright piece on either side, with an axle, a lever, two plungers, and dashers; a partition passes through the centre to the bottom, at the lower extremity of which are two vertical holes, through which the air is diffused in great quantities, which oxygenizes the cream in from one to two minutes, and thus the work of hours is accomplished almost instantaneously. A Bureau, the manufacture of Mr. Morgan, was exhibited, and, there being no competion, of course commanded the premium. The committee feel no hesitancy in saying that all the articles exhibited evinced a degree of proficiency and skill highly creditable to our mechanics, and the only regret they have to offer is, that the competition was not more animated. From the specimens exhibited, and what we have seen in other places, we feel warranted in saying that the mechanics of Eaton, as a great body, will compare favorably in skill, ingeniousness, and proficiency, in their various callings and professions, with those of any other section of country. It is to be hoped that, at the next Fair, the labors of the committee on mechanic arts may be much increased, as the committee are fully impressed with the truth of the remark, that, where the agricultural and mechanical interests are most fostered and cherished, there the people are most prosperous, happy and virtuous. We may state that the beautiful Spanish Saddle, and Shovel and Tongs exhibited, were manufactured for our townsman, J. S. Hawley, Esq., and were executed by his order as a test of the skill of our mechanics, Your committee deem further remarks unnecessary, and having discharged their duty to the best of their ability, respec:fully submit the report to your honorable Board. The committee on fruits, butter, and cheese proceeded first to the department of Fruits, and found the competition for premiums confined to four lots of Apples, consisting of from two to four varieties each, and exhibited, respectively, by G. Mendenhall, Daniel Stetler, James G Fanning, and, A. Campbell. From inattention of the owners, in regard to the proper labeling of their several varieties, or the misplacing of them by spectators prior to the commencement of the examination, the committee were deterred from attempting, with their limited experience in the fruit growing business, anything like a scientific classification of them. It may not be improper to say, however, that in most, if not all of the lots presented, some respectable specimens of the pippin or bellfleur, or both were found-good apples, in their respective seasons, and so generally known as to need no comment. A seedling presented by Mr. Mendenhall, if not the true bellfleur, may be undoubtedly said to possess most of its better qualities. "Morton's Winter," by Mr. Campbell, is also a moderately good apple. A rk red apple, presented by the last named gentleman, and called by im "Coonse's Red," but better known in this immediate neighborhood as the "New Jersey Black," and a specimen presented by Mr Fanning, and supposed to be the "Roxbury Russet," for their fine flavor, healthy appearance, and moderately good keeping qualities, are also thought to be entitled to the favorable consideration of fruit growers. But the large apple which accompanied most, if not all the lots presented, and variously denominated the "Mammoth Pippin," "Pound Royal," and Pumpkin Apple," saving and excepting its great size, and its fine exterior appearance, is distinguished for no good quality known to the committee. The committee, without intending to intimate what its decision wou. have been under a different form of instructions, felt it to be its duty to award the first premium to Mr. Stetler, and the second to Mr. Fanning. In the amateur branch of this department, w were presented with a cluster of eight large, healthy looking Quinces, on a single branch, not exceeding two feet in length, grown by Mr. Sampson H. Hubbell, to whom we awarded a Certificate of Merit. If it would not be considered as trespassing upon your patience, the committee, before leaving this department of their labors, feel like expressing a hope that, by another year, where there is so much good fruit grown in this county, the competition in both the premium and amateur branches will be .nore animated. In the Butter department, the competition was more respectable, and highly creditable to the character of our fair country women, as manufacturers of that invaluable luxury. Eight rolls, of not less than five pounds each, manufactured in their families, were exhibited by Newton Larsh, Abraham Leady, Temple Aydelott, Harden Bruce, James Denniston, Daniel Lesh, Joseph Fisher, and John W. Campbell. The committee, after carefully examining these rolls, were of the opinion that there was not an ounce to be found among them that. would not be good enough to grace any table. Having, however, only two premiums at their disposal, the committee felt it their duty to award the first of them to Mr. Campbell, and the second to Mr. Fisher; and to the other six competitors, Certificates of Merit, under the full belief that they were justly and honorably entitled to them. In the Cheese department, there was no competition-a single specimen being presented. That, however, upon being opened, was found to be a highly meritorious article, and one reflecting much credit upon Major Larsh, by whom it was presented, and to whom the best premium was awarded by the committee: On behalf of the committee. J B. STEVENS, Chairman. To the Pre ident and Secretary of the Preble County Agricultural Society. Harden Bruce, bay, Amanda Medoc. James Ireland, dun, by Peacock, 21 best.. James Ireland, spring colt, Dunn Brown, by Waggoner.. Harden Bruce, 2d best, bay. Henry Shively, 2d best yearling colt.......... CATTLE. Newton Larsh, bull, "Baron Steuben," 6 years old. MISCELLANEOUS. N. Larsh, best plow--fallow. 2 00 A. Leady, 2d best do.... 1.00 G. D. endricks, best sub-soil plow-in a plowing match. 2.00 3.00 Enoch Taylor, best acre of corn-produce, 91 bushels... 3.00 3.00 3.00 James Bruce, 2d best, manufactured by Mrs. Plummer_._ 1.00 Daniel Stetler, best apples---- 50 J. G. Fanning, 2d best do... 25 S. H. Hubbell, best pair of stockings made by Miss Morgan, 1.00 .50 PUTNAM COUNTY.. BY WILLIAM M. BELL. 1. PRINCIPAL CROPS-Wheat, Corn, Oats and Potatoes. 2. WHEAT. I think the wheat of Putnam. county averaged about 20 bushels per acre this last year; the crop is very much injured by drouth and fly, but not much on summer fallow; there is a greater portion sown on stubble ground; I think the aggregate amount produced in the county for the past year was about four hundred thousand bushels. 3. CORN.-Average yield from 50 to 60 bushels per acre-this season was near an average crop: mostly fed in the county; worth from 20 to 25 cents at Section 10, near the south-west-corner of the county. 4. OATS -Average yield from 40 to 50 bushels per acre, the crop of the last year less; it was very much injured by the drouth in the early part of season. 5. RYE AND BARLEY.-But little raised. 6. GRASS AND HAY.-From one to two tons per acre, but this season not more than one; it was very much injured by drouth the past season; best was obtained by manuring and harrowing the ground well in the spring. 7. ROOT CROPS.—The average yield per acre about 150 bushels; pink eyes and large blue raised principally for table use and market; crop this rather short. year the 8. FRUIT-Apple, peach. plum and grape do very well here, and the farmers show a general desire to improve their orchards by planting the best of fruit. None raised for export. 12. SHEEP AND WOOL.-Aggregate amount about 28.000 lbs.; there is an increase of about 30 per cent. from last year; the sheep are of common quality; we prefer about Merino. |