The International Monthly, Volume 4, No. 4, November 1, 1851Various
History
The International Monthly, Volume 4, No. 4, November 1, 1851
Various
Art, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Science -- History -- Periodicals
"Fancy" Fowls are among the hobbies of our day, as was abundantly evinced
at the State Fair. Coops piled on coops, and in rows twenty rods long, of
Chinese, Dorking, and other breeds of the most popular domestic bird,
monopolized a large share of attention; while geese, ducks, turkies, &c.,
were liberally and creditably represented. The "Hen Convention," which was
a pet topic of Boston waggery a year or two since, might have been easily
and properly held at Rochester. Many of these choice barn-yard fowls were
scarcely inferior in size while doubtless superior in flavor to the
ordinary turky, while the farmer who opens the spring with a hundred of
them may half feed his family and at the same time quite keep down his
store-bill with their daily products. Small economies steadily pursued are
the source of thrift and competence to many a cultivator of flinty and
ungenial acres; few farmers can afford to disregard them. If thrice the
present number of fowls were kept among us, their care and food would
scarcely be missed, while their product would greatly increase the
aggregate not only of thrift but of comfort.
[Illustration: J. DELAFIELD'S CHINESE HOGS.]
"Floral Hall" was the name of a temporary though spacious structure of
scantling and rough boards, in which were exhibited, in addition to a
profusion of the flowers of the season, a display of Fruits and Vegetables
whereof Rochester might well be proud. This city seems the natural centre
of the finest fruit-growing district on the American continent--yes, in the
whole world. Its high latitude secures the richest flavors, while the harsh
northern winds, which elsewhere prove so baneful, are here softened by
passing over lake Erie or Ontario, and a climate thus produced, which, for
fruit, has no rival. Large delicious grapes of innumerable varieties;
excellent peaches; delicate, juicy, luscious pears; quinces that really
tempt the eye, though not the palate; and a profusion of fair, fragrant,
golden, mammoth apples,--these were among the products of the immediate
vicinity of Rochester exhibited in bounteous profusion. In the department
of Vegetables also there were beets and turnips of gigantic size; several
squashes weighing about one hundred and thirty pounds each; with
egg-plants, potatoes, tomatoes, and other edibles, which were all that
palate could desire. The fertility of western New-York is proverbial; but
it was never more triumphantly set forth than in the fruit and vegetables
exhibited at the State Fair.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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