I now write a few lines in regard to the fair of the New York State Agricultural Society. I shall confine myself to such items as are of interest and practical utility to friends in the west. The weather was propitious until this morning, when a rain set in causing a stampede. The attendance was good on Thursday, but the entries not numerous; and, in some of the principal departments, very meager. Only three entries of Durham Bulls three years old; and three of two years old; and one entry of one year old. This for the Empire State! They did a little better in other classes; and some fine animals of all classes were shown. From my observations, I am strengthened in the belief that Durhams show good feed more than any other breed; and that fat wins when it ought not to in breeding animals. Some good specimens of Alderney Cows were shown. They are better looking than represented, though quite small; just the thing for a man who wants one cow to furnish milk of superior quality for the tea table. Some beautiful Devons were shown; and for oxen for work they have no competitors; but their usefulness for western farmers is exceeded by other breeds. Thirteen Herfords were shown by Erastus Corning. They are large and rather coarse; need much hay and corn. Of hogs, the best were of the Cheshire breed though the Yorkshire if a little finer in bone, would be more desirable for Winnebago Co. farmers. Of Poultry there was quite a display of varieties for fancy and beauty. Nothing can exceed the Sea bright Bantams with their regular silver pencilings. For beauty and profit, I saw nothing that were superior to the Black Polands; though the White Dorking may be in localities where "chicken fixens" are more desirable than eggs.

Of Sheep very choice animals were shown; Spanish Merino and Leicesters in greatest numbers. The favorable opinion I had formed of Leicesters was strengthened by what I saw. Shropshire Downs side by side with Southdowns shows them to be a little coarser and larger with wool perhaps a little oilyer, adding weight to it. Scottish Mountain Sheep I did not admire for our locality. Cashmere Goats attractive; possibly, desirable, at human prices.

In the display of Fruit I was pleased to see that the choicest collection of apples was made up largely of varieties proved to be hardy in Wisconsin, and of Pears, Bartlett, Duchess de Angouleme and Flemish Beauty were conspicuous. There was a very slim show of Plums. Ponds Seedling was conspicuous for size. Of Grapes, Black Hamburg, Concord, and White St. Peters looked the best and were apparently ripe; perhaps were ripened under glass. Flowers, ever beautiful, were rendered doubly so by the artistical manner in which they were displayed. A Farmers Wreath, made after the manner of shell work, but in place of shells, different kinds of Grain were used, and representing Dahlias, Asters and other flowers by the use of different colored Corn, with Buckwheat, Rye, and Rice seeds, was very beautiful both in design and neatness of execution; showing conclusively that our homely every-day grain may be made to gratify the higher faculties as well as to feed the digestive organs of man and Beast. It was made by Miss Carrie M. Crerry of North Trenton.

The show of implements was of excellent quality and finish. Horse hay elevators and a Plow for Ridgeing, which could be easily changed to a Potatoe digger, are worthy of the attention of Farmers. A clothes wringer which passed the clothes between two gutta percha rollers and a Power loom should be added to the implements of many households. The Dairy department was made attractive by a cheese weighing 1,058 lbs. The display of vegetables can be beat by any school district in Wisconsin both in quality and quantity. It is disgraceful to the Farmers of the great State of New York.

I will add here, what I should have done in its place, that fine Carriage-horses were shown; and a few good animals in other classes. Of draft Horses, as good teams draw lumber and stone in Oshkosh. Senator Seward's Arabians were there. If they possess superior merit, I did not see it.

The greatest good nature prevailed among the Bone and Sinew and Beauty of the old Empire State which came up to their annual festival. The Pick-Pocket gentry were around the gate outside in respectable, or rather disrespectable numbers. I hope they did not get rich. I think I will write you from the fair of the American Institute in New York city next week.

Yours as ever.----J. C. Wheeler