Buchanan County, Missouri - Chapter 17: Review of the Progress of Agricultural Enterprise-Fairs and Exp0sitions, 1881

State Fish Hatchery

The progress of agricultural enterprise in the past quarter of a century, evident all over our land, in no section has developed more marked advancement than th^t displayed in the condition of Northwest Missouri to-day.

Buchanan County, in common with others of the earlier settled portions of the Platte Purchase, enjoyed the advantage of numbering among her original settlers men of means, intelligence and enterprise. This fact is abundantly evident in the character of some of the earliest attempts at improvement to-day extant within her limits.

Naturally the first settlements were made in the timbered districts of the county, and it was not till a very large proportion of this part of the same was settled that the pioneers from the older states, many of whom had never seen a prairie till their arrival in Mirsouri, began to venture settlements in that, in those days, doubtful region of treeless expanse. Indeed there are to-day living in the county, on well-improved and valuable prairie farms, men who at the period of their first arrival in the country, thirty-five or forty years ago, declared the opinion that the timberless prairies would never be settled. These now include some of the best improved and most desirable sections of the county.

The cultivation of cleared timber land with the necessary presence of stumps, precluded the application of machinery, long after the use of the same had become comparatively common in the older settled districts. Slave labor was extensively, indeed, generally, employed, and the hoe, an implement almost obsolete in this advanced day, was the indispensable means of cultivating every crop which required tillage after planting. Notwithstanding the comparatively careless character of farming which soon succeeded the first efforts of the pioneers, even in that early day, the returns from agricultural labor were enormous. The very fact of the generous soil so readily responding to the efforts of the husbandman induced this lack of diligence and laborious care in farming which was indeed unnecessary. Men from the older states, who were accustomed in. their former homes t6 manuring and preparing for seed with the most scrupulous care the soil which they afterwards hoed and plowed repeatedly to secure a scanty yield of corn or of some other pro- duct, soon learned that prairie sod-corn planted in the simply upturned glebe, without any subsequent attention, yielded crops which, in their former homes in the older states, would have been regarded as enormous.

Many of the early settlers of the county, who brought their slaves with them, came from districts of Kentucky and Virginia, where hemp was a staple product. The first attempt to introduce the culture of this crop, which was soon to become the great staple of Buchanan, in common with other counties' of the state, proved an unqualified success.

We state, on the authority of Dr. Silas McDonald, of St. Joseph, that he raised in Buchanan County, the first crop of hemp ever produced in the Platte Purchase. This was in the year 1840. The seed he procured from Clay County, and the yield he afterward sold at the rate of $4 per hundred, to Charles A. Perry, of Weston.

This success soon induced others to the culture of this crop, and, in a few years, hemp was recognized as the great staple of the county. It so continued until the breaking out of the civil war, when, in default of slave labor, the raising of this product was gradually discontinued.

Other commodities were imported as substitutes, and, in a few years; the amount raised in the county of what had for years constituted its great staple became so insignificant as to be entirely omitted in commercial quotations.

There probably never was a country adapted, by soil and climate, to as various a character of products, as much confined, for years, to one yield. The culture of hemp seemed to have absorbed almost every other agricultural enterprise.

Nothing raised in the country either before its introduction or since its abandonment has paid as well. The average price for years was $100 per ton, and the average yield per acre 800 pounds. Aside from the remunerative character of the crop, many advantages contributed to its popularity. Being invariably cut before it went to seed, it failed, as with other crops, to impoverish the soil ; indeed, it was a generally admitted fact that from the decomposition of the foliage, old hemp land, instead of deteriorating in quality from constant cropping, steadily improved, and 1,000 pounds to the acre on such lands was no uncommon yield.

Another advantage in the raising of hemp was that its culture did not in any way interfere with the corn crop. Sowed early in the spring before corn planting time, it was not ready for cutting before August, when all the corn was " laid by."

In the palmiest days of hemp raising, but a comparatively small amount of wheat was produced in the county. The rich alluvial soil of the river bottoms, fathomless in the' depths of its exhaustless fecundity, as well as that of the scarcely less productive uplands, was ill adapted, to the yielding of wheat, which, at best, commanded no such return as did hemp. Indeed, so insignificant was the quantity of wheat raised in the county in those days, that a considerable amount of the flour consumed was imported.

In the matter of breaking hemp, 112 pounds was considered a day's work. The slave was paid at the rate of one dollar per hundred for all he broke over and above this, the standard task. It was not unusual to find negroes in those days who broke from 200 to 300 pounds per day, and in this way often earning $100 during the course of a winter. Besides this there were occasionally found masters who allowed such of their slaves as displayed unusual industry, patches of ground, on which they raised hemp for their own exclusive and personal benefit.

C. A. and E. H. Perry, hemp dealers of Weston, had a branch house in St. Joseph, and for many years shipped on an average 500 tons of hemp from that port. This, of course, was but a small portion of the annual yield of the county. It was nothing uncommon to get as high as 20 tons of hemp from one farmer.

The extraordinarily remunerative business of hemp-raising induced many to purchase farming lands in the county on credit. About the period of the breaking out of the civil war, these enterprising citizens had, many of them, about succeded in paying for these lands, and were beginning to contemplate improvements in the way of building, etc., when the distracted condition of the country put a sudden and protracted stop to every class and character of improvement. This, in a great measure, accounts for the inferior character of farm residences in the county, compared with those of Platte and other neighboring counties, about the period of the revival of business, after the close of the war. The demand for hemp ceased, and the farmers of the county began to direct their attention to the culture of other products. Wheat, thoug"h an uncertain crop in the county, began to claim attention, and the extraordinary yield of one season, shortly after the close of the war, and a price of some two dollars per bushel, started everybody to raising wheat. Experience has demonstrated, however,, the truth that while an occasionally excellent crop may be raised, Buchanan is by no means a wheat country. Enterprise in the business of farming, in all its various expressions has, from time to time, been manifested within the county. All the latest appliances of art in the way of machinery for lightening and expediting labor, are tested, and rejected or adopted on the basis of their respective merits, as soon as presented to the public.

a considerable degree, for the comparatively small interest manifested in the raising of cattle. Improvement in the different breeds of live stock of all kinds is an enterprise of comparatively recent date among the farmers of this county, though a lively interest has, of late years, been awakened in this direction. The hog crop especially compares favorably with that of most counties of the State.

The matter of fruit culture as a pursuit of general interest, is also a recent step in the march of rural progress, though there have existed, from a comparatively recent day, some extensive and valuable orchards of apple trees in the county. Noteworthy among these is an orchard of several thousand trees, the property of Major Feland, in Crawford Township, before referred to.

There is no corn country in the state superior to the Missouri and Platte River bottoms of Buchanan, and, with the exception of wheat, small grains of all kinds may be said to yield unfailing crops.

Horticulture

of recent years, has become a pursuit as remunerative as it is popular, and several large and well stocked market gardens exist in the environs of the city of St. Joseph.

Uva Culture

has for many years claimed the attention of ajnateurs, as well as of specialists. Several vineyards of considerable size are found in the county, and wine of a superior quality is manufactured. The indications are that the culture of the grape and its manufacture into wine will one day become an important industry of the county.

Buchanan County, in common with other districts of the Great West, has had her trying vicissitudes. Her native strength, and the indomitable spirit of perseverance on the part of her people, however, have risen superior to each and every calamity; her trials only demonstrating the magnitude of her splendid resources.

"We were fearful that the crops in the county would be injured by the excessive rains that have fallen lately, but are gratified to learn that the wheat has suffered no damage, as it is now generally ready for cutting. The corn and hemp looks very fine and promises an abundant yield. The comfort of the people and the immediate prosperity of our town depend very much upon the present crop. The farmers lost almost everything last year, and the year before, and could not well bear a third failure. But the wheat is good and safe, and the corn and hemp promise well."

Besides the terrible backset to the entire country from the consequences of the civil war, Buchanan County suffered her full share of the evils of the grasshopper scourge, the desolating effects of which were felt, with brief intervals of cessation, from 1866 to 1874. Confident in the power of her grand resources, and ever hopeful of better days, her people scorned, in the hour of their calamity, to solicit the aid of their more fortunate neighbors, and ultimately triumphed proudly over the ills upon her poured by malignant fortune. Phcenix-like she has risen from the wreck of every calamity, more beautiful and enduring than before, and to-day she presents to the world a spectacle of solid growth and substantial wealth of which many an older and more fortunate country might be justly proud.

As before intimated, many of the earliest settlers of the county were men of intelligence, as well as of a fair share of pecuniary means. These early recognized the importance of competitive exhibitions of native products in advancing the spirit of enterprise and consequent (improvement of all that pertains to excellence in rural or agricultural pursuits.

"The Agricultural Fair of Buchanan County will come off on the 19th, 20th and 21st September next. The committee have sent east for about seven hundred dollars worth of gold and silver plate premiums."

" Yesterday was a proud day for our county. It was the first day of the first Agricultural Fair ever held in the county. There was a large concourse of ladies and gentlemen present. Great, interest was manifested. The St. Joseph Band was there, and added much to the interest of the occasion. Mr. Silas Woodson delivered a very able and eloquent address on the subject of agriculture, and, though he had but little time for preparation, he did himself and the subject great credit."

"On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday last, were the days of the first Agricultural and Mechanical Fair ever held in Buchanan, or any of the counties above in what is known as the Platte Purchase. It was attended each day by a large concourse of people from this and the surrounding counties. The/<2/r - we mean the/«^> sex - were present and lent ' enchantment to the view' that was already beautiful ; but the sparkling eyes and smiling faces of the fair ones attracted many to the spot, where were to be seen the rich and varied products of our country, who otherwise might not have been there,

The weather was delightful - ^the fair ground in a beautiful grove, peculiarly adapted to the purpose - where thronged the great crowd, all seeming to manifest much interest in the occasion. The whole scene was enlivened by the music of the St. Joseph brass band.

Everything passed off decently and in order. General satisfaction given, and a noble spirit of emulation aroused that will be productive of much good.

Silk quilt, patchwork - premium to Mrs. E. C. Davis, St. Joseph, $10. The design of this quilt was the "American Confederacy," as represented in its constellation of stars, the States of the Union. Its pattern was after the style of quilted and knotted work. (See Godey for September.)

Silk quilt, a rich hexagon, exhibiting great skill and beauty in its execution, and much admired - certificate to Miss Betty F. Cunningham, of Jackson County.

Worsted patch-work, also a magnificent hexagon, universally admired, and pronounced a most elegant specimen of art - premium to Mrs. W. L. Irvine, of Buchanan, $10.

Poultry, Fruits, Etc

The second day opened as brilliantly as the first, with as fine an exhibition of stock as the most sanguine friend of the association could have hoped for. The grounds were again filled with a vast concourse of people, and graced with the beauty of Buchanan. We were pleased to see so many ladies present. It not only showed their good taste, but their high appreciation of what constitutes the true wealth and prosperity of their country.

In view of the whole day's exhibition, we venture tot say that such a galaxy of fine stock has never been seen in Missouri above the Boon's Lick country.

Oxen Fine Wool

The third day opened with increased interest. A display of fine horses will always attract a crowd, and at an early hour the show groundswere again thronged.

The exhibition of stock this day surpassed the expectations of the most sanguine. There were many beautiful animals on the ground - animals hard to duplicate in the state.

Ditto, two and under three - premium $8, to Wm. Ardery. Ditto, one and under two - premium $6, to Isaac Miller. Ditto, under one - premium $5, to B. C. Porter, of Andrew.

Thus has passed off" the first annual fair of the Buchanan Agricultu-' ral Society. It was an epoch in the history of our county, and the dawn of a brighter day upon its agricultural, mechanical and manufacturing interests. Heaven vouchsafed bright skies and balmy days. The reminiscences will be pleasant to dwell upon, and we trust all have gone home with the full determination to do all they can to promote the interest of the society and to extend its usefulness.

There were many articles exhibited for which no premiums had been awarded. Among them we noticed a box of superior candles manufactured by Messrs. Pinger, Hauk & Co., of St. Joseph.

At the next annual fair there will doubtless be a larger list of premiums than were offered this time. We anticipate, then, an occasion worthy of many of the old states.

The Platte country is unsurpassed in fertility of soil, and all that constitutes or contributes to the wealth and happiness of a prosperous people."

The officers of the above described, the first fair held in Buchanan County, were : General Robert Wilson, President ; William L. Irvine, Vice President ; A. M. Saxton, Treasurer ; Wellington A. Cunningham, Secretaey.

Dec. 10, 1861, Solomon Tutt, of Vermont, offered a^ resolution to the U. S. Senate, expelling Mr. Johnson from that body, for sympathy with and participation in the rebellion against the government of the United States.

On January 20, 1862, Lyman Trumbull, of Illinois, chairman, made a report from the committee, in favor of the resolution of expulsion, which was adopted - yeas, 35 ; nays, none.

Dec. 18, 1861, Charles Sumner, of Mass., introduced a resolution Trusten Polk, also a Senator from Missouri, for the same reasons given in the case of Mr. Johnson. It was referred to' the Judiciary Committee, and on January 20, 1862, Lyman Trumbull, of Illinois, chairman, reported in favor of it to the Senate, and it was adopted - yeas, 36; nays, none.

The vacancies thus occurring were filled by Lieutenant-Governor Willard P. Hall, in the absence of Governor Gamble, he appointing Robert Wilson, of Andrew, and John B. Henderson, of Pike.

The civil war, of course, put an end to everything of the kind ; and no move to revive the institution was inaugurated till two years after its close.

The officers of the Association were : General Robert Wilson, President; Thos. B. Weakly, Vice-President; A. M. Saxton, Treasurer; C. B. France, Secretary.

The preamble of the Articles of Incorporation states that the object of the Association is the promotion of agriculture, horticulture and the iViechanical arts. Amount of capital stock, $15,000, divided in shares of $100 each.

The records of the association state that at the meeting held August I, 1867, the oath of loyalty was signed by all the directors, whick oath was filed in the office of the County Clerk ; and then followed the election of the above-mentioned officers.

At a meeting held August 6, 1867, on motion of L. M. Lawson, it was ordered to purchase the twenty-acre lot on Frederick Avenue, known as the Old Rope Walk, of Bassett & Ensworth, and accept the title as represented by Mr. Ensworth, at four hundred dollars per acre,, being eight thousand dollars for the twenty acres.

At a meeting held March 21, 1868, by resolution, the stock of the ' company was increased to the sum of twenty thousand dollars, each stockholder taking the proportion as now held in the old stock.

At a meeting held November, 1867, it was resolved that the next annual fair be held on the second Monday of October, 1868, being the i2th of October. The net receipts for this year were $2,030.91.

At a meeting of the board of directors of the Agricultural and Mechanical Association of St. Joseph, held Wednesday, May 18, 1870, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted, viz. :

Whereas, We have heard with profound regret of the death of General Robert Wilson, President of the Saint Joseph Agricultural and Mechanical Association, and

Whereas, We cherish the memory of his distinguished services in the cause of agriculture and the mechanical arts in Northwest Missouri ; therefore be it

Second - That we will remember with gratitude his faithfnl and noble services in behalf of the association, and the self-sacrificing spirit that characterized all his labors in its behalf, fostering, as he did, the institution with a zeal, care, and devotion truly paternal.

Third - That in founding and organizing this association (devoted to the noblest purposes of man) as the latest public act of his long and useful career, he has placed an appropriate crown upon the column of a well-earned and honest fame.

Fourth - That the papers of this city be requested to publish these resolutions, and that they be printed in the annual catalogue of the approaching annual fair of the St. Joseph Agricultural and Mechanical Association.

At a meeting held December 17, 1870, R. L. McDonald was elected President of the Association. He continued to fill this position till the final dissolution of the same.

The Association continued with various fortunes till September, 1871, when its last fair was held. At a meeting of the St. Joseph Agricultural and Mechanical Association, held pursuant to notice, at the office of the Secretary, Monday, January 15, 1872, on motion, it was unanimously resolved that the operations of the Association be discontinued.

The grounds were at that time mortgaged to the Life Association of Anierica; and, at the request of the stockholders, they were sold under that deed of trust. Thus terminated the fortunes of the second Fair Association of Buchanan County.

In the fall of 1873, it was determined that Buchanan County should no longer be without a fair, and, accordingly, measures were set on foot for the establishing and organizing of an Exposition.

The place selected for holding the same was a level plain, directl}^ .east of the machine shops of the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad, readily accessible by rail and otherwise from the city. These grounds were laid out, inclosed and fitted up in superior stjde, with a celerity and dispatch which bespoke the earnestness of those interested in the success of the enterprise. Several hundred hands were employed at one time on the buildings, which were lofty, spacious and tastefully ornamented. The ground plan of the main Exhibition Hal! was that of a Latin Cross ; its length three hundred feet. Each arm of the cross terminated in an octagonal extension eighty feet in diameter. Spacious galleries, approached by easy stairways, extended along each side of the nave of the main hall, affording accommodation for the vast display of fruits and vegetable products offered for exhibition.

The other buildings on the grounds were of corresponding proportions. No effort was spared to properly advertise the enterprise. Premium lists were mailed to every tax-payer in Buchanan County, and upwards of fifteen thousand to farmers living in other counties.

The Missouri Republican of August, 1873, in referring to the "approaching St. Joseph Exposition," speaks admiringly of the "beautiful and permanent buildings on the grounds" and mentions that $25,000 were offered in premiums.

Every indication seemed to bespeak a grand and unqualified success -iti the enterprise, when an unexpected calamity befel, threatening to blast the hopes, so nearly accomplished, of the friends of the Exposition,

"Last night, about 9 o'clock, a tornado struck the E.Kposition buildings and resulted in seriously damaging the Art and Power halls. These were in an unfinished state and could not withstand the severity of the storm. The damage will be repaired and no delay be occasioned to this grand enterprise. Every one is in sympathywith the Exposition project, and we are assured 'that every citizen will come forward now and donate liberally to repair all losses, at whatever cost.'

The assurance was not unfounded. The people responded liberally and the work of reconstruction was immediately inaugurated. Such was the determined energy with which the labor of rebuilding was conducted, that before the 29th of September, the appointed period for the opening of the Exposition, the damage, amounting to not less than fifteen thousand dollars, was entirely repaired and everything was in readiness for the display.

The books of the Association show that the sum of eight thousand, nine hundred and nine dollars was expended for labor alone in reconstructing the ruined buildings, to say nothing of material used.

The officers of this, the grandest exposition ever held in the state, outside of St. Louis, were : Captain George Lyon, President ; I. G. Kappner, Treasurer ; E. Fleischer,' Secretary and Gen'l Superintendent.

The Sunday preceding the opening was a dreary, dismal day, dawning with a drizzling rain, which continued until nightfall. On Monday following, the 29th September, 1873, the sun rose in a cloudless sky. A more beautiful day for the inauguration could not have been desired. The internal appearance of the grand hall was superb. In the centre of the cross, formed by the intersection of the transept, appeared a circular basin, from which rose the graceful spray of a fountain, while far away in the octagonal terminus of the south transept a grotto, embowered in a minature forest of rare exotic and other flowering plants, which loaded the atmosphere with gratefuT perfume, lent a pleasing relief to the vast display of wares and fabrics on exhibition. By the middle of the afternoon of the first day there were fully ten thousand people on the ground. In the matter of patents alone, thirty-three states were here represented. The effects of this grand display were long felt in the business of the city, and served as an immense advertisement of her resources. Interest in the fair continued unabated till its close. The Morning Herald stated in its issue on the following day, that on Thursday, October 2d, the K. C, St. J. & C. B. R. R. carried 33,000 persons to the grounds, and expresses the opinion that there must have been fifty thousand people present. So great was the throng, that by noon the association was compelled to close its gates to the further admission of vehicles.

No event of this memorable occasion seemed to attract more general interest than the Great Baby Show, which occurred on the last day, Saturday, October 4th. There were fifty-seven entries of babies of both sexes, and of all ages, from six weeks to twenty months, including one colored specimen, of the female sex.

The judges, on this important occasion, were Governor Giddings, of New Mexico ; Hon. B. M. Austin, of Michigan, and Colonel James N. Burnes, of St. Joseph.

The prize, a one hundred dollar buggy, offered as a special premium by C. Kessler & Co., of St. Joseph, was awarded to Kitty Nims, aged twenty months, daughter of Ruel and Catherine Nims, of Nebraska.

The utmost harmony and good feeling prevailed to the close of the last day. Everybody seiemed to think that the exposition had proved a grand success.

In the enthusiasm of the closing scene, Captain Lyon, the efficient popular president of the association, and a man of no small proportions, was bodily lifted on the top of a stand and vociferously called on for a speech. The captain, in his usual felicitous style, returned thanks for the expression of good will, and after a few well-timed remarks, retired amid a storm of applause.

But for the accident of the destruction by wind of the buildings, this fair would have been, in every respect, an unqualified success. The receipts of the week were over twentj^-eight thousand dollars, but the fifteen thousand dollars, necessarily expended in restoring the wrecked structures, severely crippled the resources of the association.

In 1874 a new corporation was formed, they assuming the payment, in four annual installments, of a mortgage of $15,000 or $16,000 on the buildings. In view of the financial depression consequent upon the grasshopper scourge, the association failed to meet its second payment.

The second exposition opened on Monday, September 7, 1874, and closed Saturday evening, September I2th. The officers of the associa-i, tion that year were : James N. Burnes, President ; George Hall, Vice President ; George Lyon, Superintend'ent and Managing Director ; H. R. W. Hartwig, Treasurer ; J. M. Varnum, Secretary ; Captain John A. Dolman, Assistant General Superintendent ; Colonel Elijah Gates, Chief Marshal.

The fair this year was largely attended, and its receipts were $22,500. A notable feature of this fair was the first old settlers' meeting, referred to at length under its proper heading.

In view of the continued visitation of the grasshopper scourge, interest in the succeeding fairs began to flag, and the attendance, in consequence, to fall off.

The officers of the Association in 1875, were: James N. Burnes, President ; George Lyon, General Manager ; Wm. M. Wyeth, Vice President ; H. R. W. Hartwig, Treasurer ; J. T. Imbrie, Secretary.

The fourth annual Exposition opened Monday, September 25thi 1876, and continued till Saturday the 30th. This fair was largely attended. The officers of the Association that year were : James N. Burnes, President ; Wm. M. Wyeth, Vice President ; Capt. George Lyon, General Manager ; J. T. Imbrie, Secretary.

The officers of the Association during this year were Capt. George Lyon, President and General Manager ; Wm. M. Wyeth, Vice President; J. T. Imbrie, Secretary.

Saint Joseph Exposition Association

The grounds at the terminus of the Citizen's Street Railway are leased by the Association. The locality is well shaded with native timber and watered by a stream which traverses its entire length. The buildings are good and the Association is said to be in a healthy financial condition.

The first ofiScers of this Association were : Samuel Nave, President ; H. R. W. Hartwig, Vice President ; Edward J. Kuechle, Treasurer ; J. T. Imbrie, Secretary.

The first fair commenced Monday, September 29th, 1879, and continued till Saturday, October 5th, following. It was largely attended and generally considered a success, although it rained every day of the Exposition.

The second Exposition of this Association, which opened Monday, September 6th, 1880, was liberally patronized. It is claimed that on Thursday, the 9th inst., there were present on the grounds 24,000 people. The officers were the same as those of the previous year.

The Association have labored to make the enterprise a success. Not less than $16,000 worth of improvements having been placed on the grounds in the past t\</^o years. The Exposition for 1881 opens Monday, September 5th, 1881. Among other liberal inducements the sum of $20,000 is offered in premiums. The officers are the same as those of the two previous years with the exception of the Secretary. Charles F. Ernst succeeds Mr. Imbrie in this latter office. The Board of Directors for 188 1 include Samuel M. Nave, H. R. W. Hartwig, A. C. Dawes, F. L. Sommer, A. Steinacker, S. I. Smith, B. F. Buzard, J. J. Abell and Edward J. Kuechle.

Growers Association

was organized in 1866, with ten or twelve members. Judge Henry M. Vories, who was elected to the Supreme bench of the State in 1872, was the first President of the society, and Wm. M. Albin, its first Secretary. Allen Vories, Esq., was secretary from 1868 to 1875, when, on the resignation of Judge H. M. Vories, he was elected to- succeed him, and D. M. Reichard was elected Secretary of the Association. The society, at one time, had a membership of between sixty and seventy.

At the Kansas City Fair of 1871, a diploma was awarded the St. Joseph Horticultural Society and Fruit Growers Association "for the best display of horticultural products."

Its first meeting, held for the purpose of organizing, occurred during the fair on the Exposition grounds. Its first exhibition was held in the City Hall, December 8th, 9th and loth of the same year. This was one of the most popular and largely attended displays ever offered to the public in St. Joseph.

This institution is located in Washington Township, three miles below St. Joseph, at the Brown Spring, on ten acres of land purchased by the citizens of St. Joseph and donated by them to the Fish Commission of Missouri. In reference thereto, the Fish Commissioners, in their report for the year 1881, say:

"The first meeting of the Board, after Mr. Ewing's appointment, was held in St. Joseph the 8th of June, 1880. After examining a number of springs in the County of Buchanan, the Commission, all the members being present, located the State Fish Hatchery on the loth of June, 1880, at the Brown Spring, about three miles south of the southern limits of the City of St. Joseph, but upon condition that ten acres of ground, where the hatchery was located, should be conveyed in fee simple to the Fish Commission, for the use and benefit of the State of Missouri, free of charge to the state. The citizens of St. Joseph having been informed of the conditional location of the hatchery, as above stated, at once raised, by voluntary subscription, the sum of one thousand dollars, in cash, and gave it to the chairman to pay for the ten acres of ground required for the purpose of the hatchery ; and thereupon Judge Thomas A. Brown conveyed said land to the Fish Commission of Missouri on the 19th day of July, 1880, said deed being duly executed and acknowledged, was filed for record in the Recorder's office of Buchanan County, on the 4th day of August, 1880, and is now of record in said office, in book 105, page 5'0. On the 2 1st day of August, 1880, the Commission entered into a contract with Rufus K. Allen to erect a house for a State Fish Hatchery on said ten acres of ground, according to the plans and specifications prepared by C. H. Brownell, who had been employed by the Commission as Superintendent of the State Fish Hatchery, it being a part of the agreement between the Commission and said Brownell, when he was employed as Superintendent, that he was to prepare the plan of said house and supers intend its erection, as well as to advise and aid in the construction of all the machinery and appliances used in preparing said hatchery for actual use. Mr. Browiiell was recommended to the Commission as an honest, competent, reliable and experienced man, by several gentlemen connected with the fish hatcheries in the State of Michigan. We agreed to pay Mr. Brownell tor his sevices $75 per month and his expenses ft-om his home in, Michigan to St. Joseph, his employment to commence the i6th of August, 1880. The hatchery is a two-story frame building, forty feet long and twenty feet wide ; the lower floor contains all the hatching troughs and apparatus used in the hatching and taking care of the young fry. The upper part of the building is used now, and is and was designed as a dwelling for the Superintendent and all employes in the hatchery. The house, under the contract with Mr. Allen, above referred to, cost $1,219.34. For excavation and building pond, materials used in and making troughs, trays, etc., for lead and copper pipes, and all work done and materials furnished in completing our hatchery, we have already paid out, in addition to the cost of the house, $1,102.13, making the actual cost of our hatchery to the State, as it now stands, with all necessary fixtures and appliances complete, $2,321.47, to which has been added two unpaid bills for fencing and painting, now under contract,amounting to the sum of $117, and making the total cost $2,438.47.

We think we can safely say that we have as perfect and complete a fish hatchery as can be found anywhere in the West. The water used is of the purest quality found in any limestone country ; it is abundant for all the uses of the hatchery, and when the thermometer last winter fell to more than 20 deg. below zero, the water that flowed into our hatchery, and in which we had at the time about 175,000 California salmon fry, never fell below 50 deg.

It will be necessary next spring to make some carp and other ponds ; when this is done no other money will have to be spent in making our fish hatchery all that could be desired by its most ardent friends. We can then hatch all the eggs and furnish all the young fish fry needed to supply every river, lake and pond in the State. It will be apparent from what has been said that our hatchery was located and built at too late a period to do much last fall. No eggs, such as we wanted, could be had, except 200,000 California salmon eggs that were furnished us by the United States Fish Commission, we paying the cost of transportation, first, from San Francisco to Chicago, $93 ; next, from Chicago to St. Joseph, $20. About five per cent, of these eggs were lost before we got them to the hatchery ; of the remaining ninety-five per cent, nearly all of them produced healthy, splendid young fish. These are still in our troughs, but ready for distribution, and will be distributed, under an order of the Board, made on the nth inst., as soon as we can perfect our arrangements with the railroads for transportation of fish and messengers, to wit : Lake Contrary, 20,000 ; Platte River, 5,000 ; One Hundred and Two River, 5,000.