ABSTRACT OF REPORTS OF COUNTY SOCIETIES—Continued.

Place of holding Fair. Time of holding Fair Receipts. Expend'res.

ABSTRACT OF REPORTS OF COUNTY SOCIETIES.

ALLEN COUNTY.

The second annual exhibition of the Allen County Agricultural Society, was held on the fair grounds, near Lima, September 26th, 27th and 28th, A. D. 1860. Notwithstanding the weather was extremely cold and windy during the fair, a large number of people were in attendance, many perhaps, to see Mons. Blondin, perform his astonishing feats on the tight and slack rope. The managers have made extensive improvements the past season; that of enlarging halls, erecting stalls and sheds for horses and cattle, making a supply of pens for sheep and swine, and sundry other improvements, all of which seemed satisfactory to all.

The success of the exhibition was equal to the expectation of the most sanguine. There seems to be a steady and growing interest manifested in every department. of Agriculture in this county, since the organization of our Society.

The quality of stock on exhibition was far above that of the preceeding year. The quality of hogs, sheep and cattle was especially good, and entries numerous. The ladies' department was all that could be desired, and the Society is greatly indebted to them for their untiring energy and perseverance in maintaining a department a hich is so necessary to the success of the Society.

The number of entries for the year, 437. Number of members, 175

ASHTABULA COUNTY.

The Ashtabula County Agricultural Society, held its fifteenth annual fair at Jefferson, September 3d, 4th, 5th and 6th, A. D. 1861.

Heretofore, but three days were occupied for the holding of the fair, but the growing interest, since the organization of the Society, rendered the time too short, to give all classes an impar.ial and full examination, hence, the fourth day was added.

The weather for the first two days prov d inauspicious and rainy, but the remaining two days, gladdened all interested, with good weather, and a good time, much surprising many, who anticipated a slim show, owing to hard times and war engagements. But notwithstanding all these, the peop e turned out, making

the rece pts at the gates, much larger than at the preceding fair. Yet there was a falling off of entries, from th se of last year, some two hundred and ninety, but they were mostly on articles that would not materially detract from the interest of the exhibition. The number of members enrolled for the y-ar, 161.

In regard to members of county and local Agricultural Societies the idea seems to be farcical, for as a general rul, persons only become members for the sole purpose of gaining he privilege to enter as many articles or animals as wil insure at least one hundred per cent. or more, by way of premiums, otherwise taking no interest whatever in the management and welfare of the Society; and when a few, who are members of the board, have taken the responsibility of making the rules, regulations and arrangements, and do all the work, the only duty of the so called members, seems to be, to grumble at what "might have been different," and what "ought to have been done." The effect of Agricultural and Industrial Societies upon a community and country tends to wealth, good taste and refinement, when properly conducted. Then why, should no at least, every member of such Societies take an active int. rest in conducting them?

We believe our Society, though always struggling under some difficulties, has accomplished and 'rought about marked improvements in every department of industry, and especially has it improved our flocks and herds. Since its organi

zation the cattle breeders have turned their attention from the common or mixed breeds of big-h rned, big-headed, sharp-boned cattle, to the more profitable and fine proportioned "Short Hurns." In horses, the "common plugs" are being put aside for those possessing bo h symmetry and endurance.

The old fashioned swine, that were wont to be yoked by "tying a knot in the ends of their tails," have long since taken their last squeal, and the easily fattened and beauty of a "Suffolk," or the more stately and well proportioned "Chester White," now reigns supreme at the trough. Sheep have been greatly improved, both in carcass and quality of wool.

The orchard, farm and garden are looking and doing better, by improved husbandry Yet, underdraining, the great source for improving our hard, tenacious, clayey soil, is but little resorted to.

The greatest lack in the exhibition, the present year, seemed to be in the mechanical and manufacturing departments, fruits and vegetables. This county is not an extensive manufacturing county, but the show of mechanical and manufactured articles, might have been much more fully represented. In fruits, the crop was short, and necessarily a moderate exhibition. Vegetables were abun. dant in growth, but the fair was held too early for a good display. The potatce crop was large, out had rotted to a great extent, occasioned in part by the worm. The ladies' departments were well and tastefully filled; much credit is due them for the becoming decorations of the hall, the fine display of domestic carpets, ruggs, flannels, linens, etc., etc., together with fancy and plain needlework, natural flowers and a sprinkling of the fine arts. The musica department was entirely wanting.

In hogs and poultry there was but few on exhibition.