Republican Vindicator

Agricultural Fair.

We take the following account of the proceedings of the Agricultural Fair in Richmond, from the Spectator, adding, however, that from all accounts, it was the most magnificent Fair ever held in Virginia.

A goodly number of the premiums were taken by citizens of Augusta, viz:

F. Bell, $30 for the best yoke of trained oxen 4 years old.

Major James Walker, $10 for the best single fat steer.

Maj. J. M. McCue, $5 for the best slaughtered mutton, of middle wools.

Maj. J. M. McCue, $5 for the best slaughtered mutton, of long wools.

Mrs. C. S. Gay, $5 for the 2d best specimen of fresh butter, and $5 for the best firkin of tub salted butter.

A certificate of merit was awarded to M. Blair & Co., for the best family flour, which was manufactured at the Valley Mills, in this county.

Tyler & Son received a premium of $10 for the best and largest variety of Apples, raised by Dr. A. Dold, of this county.

James Bumgardner received a certificate of merit for a sample of rye whiskey exhibited by him.

As usual, the race-course, where the horses were exhibited, was the place of chief attraction: but fat cattle, big hogs, fine sheep, whiskered pigeons, mustachioed geese, to say nothing of shanghais, came in for a due share of attention.

The opening address was delivered on Wednesday by Gov. Wise, and the annual address by Dr. McGuffy, of the University, on the evening of the same day.

The Farmers' Assembly held sessions in morning and evening of each day during the Fair. Hon. William C. Rives presiding over the deliberations.

The following officers of the Society were elected for the ensuing year:

President—Edward Ruffin, of Hanover.

Vice Presidents.

1 John R. Edmunds, of Halifax.

Willoughby Newton, of Westmoreland.

3 Lewis E. Harvie, of Amelia.

4 Thomas L. Preston, of Washington.

5 Wm. M. Tate, of Augusta.

6 Wm. Townes, of Mecklenburg.

7 G. S. Meem, of Shenandoah.

8 Wm. Marrie, of Nelson.

Executive Committee.

1 Wm. Boulware. 6 Wm. G. Knight.

2 W. H. Richardson, 7 Hugh M. Nelson.

3 Jer. Morton, 8 Wm. M. Radford.

4 R. I. Dulany, 9 Wm. G. Crenshaw.

5 Jas. B. Newman: 10 F. G. Ruffin.

Secretary—Chas. B. Williams.

The Report of the Executive Committee recommended the establishment of an Agricultural College, with three professors, in connexion with the University. Philip St. George Cocke, Esq. informed the Assembly on Friday, of his readiness to give the sum of $20,000 towards the endowment of a Professorship. Mr. Cocke reserves the right of nominating the Professor, subject to the approval of the Visitors of the University, and at his death the nomination to be made by the Farmers' Assembly. He further more desired the privilege of educating two pupils free of tuition fees or charge in the proposed school, and this privilege to vest at his death in perpetuity in the Farmers' Assembly.

This munificent donation was promptly accepted by the Assembly, and Committee appointed to confer with the Visitors of the University in regard to the proposed Professorship. The Committee was instructed to express the unanimous wish of the Assembly that the name of the donor should be connected with the chair endowed by him.

Total amount of receipts since the organization of the society, $82,071 19

Disbursements, 70,810 56

Leaving a balance to the credit of the contingent fund of $6,261 43

The Agricultural Society, in connexion with the Mechanics' Institute and the Historical Society, has taken steps for the erection of a suitable Building for the accommodation of the three Societies.