have not, of which I cannot say much at present. Of plums I have something of a variety; sold last year some forty bushels, mostly of the Green and Blue Gage, some of the Egg, Washington and Scarlet Bleecker, average price twelve shillings per bushel they are all good growers and bearers; the Green and Blue Gage is generally known in this section, the Washington and Bleecker not so well. The Washington is one of the most beautiful plums that I am acquainted with, if not one of the best, is one of excellent quality. The Egg when well ripened, is a beautiful and good plum, but is so much inclined to rot on the tree before it is ripe, and while in quite a green state, that it is difficult to get anything like a fair crop, and have them well matured; will scarcely pay to cultivate for market. I had also a few of the Red Magnumbonum, they were very fine and excellent the past season; I had a few of the famed Coe's Golden Drop, so much cracked up in some sections of the country; did not ripen well and were worthless as to flavor; I am of the opinion that they require more season than we have to give them. The cultivation of the peach is hardly worth the time and expense of trying; I have tried for a number of years; have never had but a few that were eatable; do tolerably well for sauce. I have been quite successful in growing the quince for several years past; by paying a little attention to what Mr. Thomas and Barry say on their culture, I think every farmer could grow them for his own use if not for the market. The cultivation of the grape in this section, as regards dollars and cents, partly pays the labor and expense they require; the hardiest varieties I am acquainted with (that are worth cultivation,) require to be laid down and lightly covered through the winter; I cultivate but two varieties, the Sweet Water and Isabella; the Sweet Water bears sparingly and will mature tolerably well if the late spring and early fall frost can be kept from them; I do this by covering with some kind of woolen cloth; cotton or linen, will do if kept a little above the foliage. The Isabella is a great bearer and good grower, not quite as early as the Sweet Water, but in every other respect is greatly superior in my estimation. I occasionally get very fair crops and very well matured, but have to attend strictly to the covering when signs of frost, by laying the clusters simply between cotton batting. Keep them in pretty good eating condition, until middle of winter; for myself I am willing to bestow the labor and expense for the satisfaction I take in what I grow. I have cultivated some of the large (or English,) gooseberry, for some years; have done remarkably well and have never as yet been affected with mildew. It appears to me that if farmers would pay a little more attention to the study and culture of more of the choicest kinds of fruit, it would soon excite an interest in themselves and children, that would be pleasing and profitable, and would soon be able to place before their families and friends, many of the luxuries in the line of fruit, that would very much tend towards making their homes a desirable and happy place. P. H. WARREN. We regret that we have not room for an excellent report and essay on the cultivation of fruit, by Jonathan Jones. The length of the report, however, prevents its insertion, and an abridgment would not do justice to its merits. JEFFERSON. In conformity with the requirements of the State Legislature, I would most respectfully report: That the annual fair of the Jefferson county Agricultural Society was held in the village of Watertown, on the 16th and 17th days of September. The weather was as fine as could be desired; the numbers in attendance, and the interest manifested, have never been equaled since our first organization. Quite a number of distinguished farmers from adjoining counties and the Canadas were present, and expressed much satisfaction in viewing our exhibition of stock, vegetable and dairy productions, mechanical and farm implements; also domestie manufactures, in which the ladies of Jefferson are not easily surpassed. The number of entries were as follows, viz: Of horses, 103; cattle, 102; sheep, 98; swine, 25; poultry, 39; vegetables, 190; farm implements, 267. In the show of horses we cannot boast of any great improvement, the all-engrossing interest of our farmers being turned towards the production of the dairy; there was, however, some good stallions exhibited, together with matched and single horses, brood mares, colts, &c. In cattle there is more interest taken. Some fine animals of the Durham and Devon breeds were exhibited. Also a very fine bull and heifer of the Ayrshire breed, recently imported by James Brodie, Esq., of the town of Ellisburgh. These animals drew much attention from our farmers, as the breed is said to be superior for their milking qualities They received, as you will observe, the first premium in their class at your State Fair. No definite experiment, however, has yet been made, satisfying the public which of the improved breeds are most valuable for the dairy, many contending that the native breed is equal to any for that purpose. Specimens of both butter and cheese were exhibited in large quantities, and as usual of a superior quality, as the records of your State Society will attest. The second day was devoted to the plowing match, which was most spiritedly contested by some fifteen teams entering the field. The winner of the first prize performed his work with a plow manufactured in our own county by Judah Lord, of Watertown; the second by one from the manufactory of E. Davis, also of Watertown. At 12 o'clock the throng repaired to the hall, and listened to an address delivered by the president of the society, the reading of the different reports, and the award and payment of premiums. Thus closed the fair of 1852, evincing a most spirited and united interest in the welfare of the society. I have the pleasure further to report, that during the past year our society, (at an expense of $800,) by voluntary subscription, and through the aid of the citizens of the enterprising village of Watertown, have removed the old hall of the society, formerly situate on the grounds of the county, near the center of the village, on to the new grounds of the society, situate one and a half miles from the center of the village, containing ten acres, enclosed with a tight and substantial board fence, six feet high, and a building erected therein 60 by 30, and devoted to the exhibition of vegetables, the production of the dairy, heavy domestic articles, &c. The large hall above mentioned is 120 by 60 feet, with a projection in front for committee room and speaker's stand. The interior of the main building is arranged with seats, one above another, from the front across the ends and back sides, comfortably seating some 3,000 persons, in full view of the speakers' stand and the display of domestic and fancy articles, fruits, flowers, &c., which are arranged on the counters in the center of the building. The whole is well floored, lighted and ventilated, making it a place well calculated for the gatherings of the farmer, and the promotion of agriculture and other industrial pursuits. Our annual meeting for the exhibition of field crops, fruits, and the choosing of officers, was held on the 24th of December. The day was very unfavorable for the occasion, it raining almost incessantly the night previous and during the day. There was, however, eleven towns of our county represented, but in consequence of the weather the exhibition was very small. The officers for the ensuing year were then chosen, which are as "ows, viz: President, Hon. John Winslow, of Watertown; "er, Talcott H. Camp, of Watertown; Recording Secretary, Massey, of Watertown; Corresponding Secretary, . and an Executive committee. Treasu A circular commun.. *cation, from Hon. Hamilton Murray, PresiAgricultural Society, was read, solicitty societies in behalf of an agriration of ten was appointed to called for that purpose; ate Society, and to cir dent of the Oswego county. 2 a for the establish ment of an agricultural school and experimental farm. Said petitions are now in circulation and meet the full approbation of the public. The financial condition of our society, as reported by our treasurer, and audited, is as follows: Receipts. .... Amount of voluntary subscriptions,. for badges and 1s. tickets,..... Expenditures. $284 50 1,032 06 22 82 $1,522 38 Dear sir. In replying to the circular of your Society, I must first apologize for its delay by saying that it was received in my absence, mislaid and overlooked, until a few days past. JNO. A. SHERMAN, President. |