ANGLO CELT - September 29, 1853 -- part two of three ----- CAVAN AND BELTURBET FARMING SOCIETY. The first annual meeting of the society of this union was held in the court-house yard, Cavan, on Wednesday, the 21st instant, and, if we may judge from the cattle and other agricultural produce submitted for competition on the occasion, and from the numbers of all ranks, and parties, and denominations that were in attendance during the day, it is sure not to be the last meeting of the kind which the locality will see. When one considers the system of small farms which is prevalent throughout this county, and the consequently small facilities that exist for the raising of anything beyond what the merest necessity would demand, he cannot but be surprised and delighted at the spectacle which was exhibited to him on the day when the Cavan and Belturbet Cattle and Agricultural Show was held. Of course, in the higher classes of the entries, success lay with wealth and extensive holdings (how, indeed, could this be otherwise?), but in the lower grades she smiled upon the represe! ntatives of the ordinary classes of our farmers most benignantly(sic), and had even to single out of a very host who addressed her. Nor must we omit to mention that exceeding good and discriminating judges -- such as we easily avow ourselves not to be -- declared to us that, in these same lower grades, there were cattle and other things exhibited that might well have stood and competed in the higher classes, and this not in a solitary instance or two, but very frequently. But, taking a survey of all the classes together -- and first the horned cattle, which, of course, hold a principal place in the catalogue of every such exhibition -- nothing, we think, could surpass them, and we heard knowing ones say that they were not unworthy a place in any meeting of the Dublin Society they ever attended. Amongst them Dr. HIND's bull -- the well known "Tenant Right" -- and Mr. HUMPHRYS' bull, and the Lord Bishop's, attracted universal attention and admiration. The sheep, too, were ! of a very superior description, and every one appeared quite taken with the extraordinary proportions of a year old ram, the property of Joseph LYNCH, Esq., of Roebuck. But, if we were inclined to give praise wherever praise was due, we should go through the entire stock and produce that were exhibited, for all were most excellent, each in its own way, and fully justified the hope that Cavan would yet, and that at a not very long interval, hold a proud position amongst the cattle-feeding and agricultural counties of Ireland. During the day there was, in the yard, a very throng attendance of the landed proprietors, and gentlemen, and gentlemen farmers, and others of the respectable classes of this county. As some were there at one time, at some another, we could not undertake to return the names of all, and, therefore, to prevent any one from saying that his name was omitted designedly, we will content ourselves, and, it is to be hoped, satisfy our readers, with stating th! at there was hardly one absent from the scenes whose position in the county would seem to require his presence, or whose attendance would have influence in adding respectability to the existing meeting, or in effecting that future ones should be on a more enlarged and improved scale. When we say this we will, of course, be understood to speak of those who were in the county at the time of the meeting, and who were not prevented by other obvious engagements from attending. Many such there were -- as the Earl of Lanesborough, for instance -- and they were present in spirit, even by their representatives in many cases. The judges of cattle were Thomas BATTERSBY, Esq., Newcastle, and William HARMAN, Esq. The third judge being unable to attend a request was made in the yard to the Rev. Charles FOX that he would assist, a request to which the rev. gentleman at once gave a most kind assent. And here we cannot omit mentioning that every one appeared satisfied that the judges ma! de their decisions with the utmost good taste and discrimination. Indeed we cannot call to mind any occasion on which the common opinion tallied so universally with the award of the authorities in the case, and it would be idle in us to say that this is the very best proof that the award had good foundation to truth and justice. About twelve o'clock the Judges began inspecting stock, and they had not finished until four. During the entire time they were sedulously accompanied by Captain PHILLIPS, J.P., the high-minded and active Secretary of the society, to whose exertions it was mainly owing that such a meeting was held in Cavan that day. Surely, surely, the county owes a deep debt of gratitude to that gentleman. About 4 o'clock the prizes were awarded as they appear in the following list: -- FIRST CLASS. -- BEST BULL IN ANY CLASS -- DR. HINDS. Best Bull, under five years old, thorough-bred -- Dr. Hinds, 1st prize ; Wm. Humphreys, Esq., 2nd prize. Best Bull, calved since 1st January, 1852, thorough-bred -- The Bishop of Kilmore, 1st prize ; Dr. Hinds, 2nd prize. Best Cow in calf, &c. -- The Bishop of Kilmore, 1st prize ; Wm. Humphreys, Esq., 2nd prize. Heifer not exceeding 3 years -- Doctor Hinds, 1st prize ; Wm. Humphreys, Esq., 2nd prize. Yearling Heifer -- Lord Farnham, 1st prize ; Wm. Humphreys, Esq., 2nd prize. Three Weaning Calves -- Wm. Humphrys, Esq., 1st prize ; the Bishop of Kilmore, 2nd prize. Thorough bred Ram -- Joseph Lynch, Esq., 1st prize ; Wm. Humphrys, Esq., 2nd prize. Both disqualified, not being three months in possession. Five breeding Ewes -- Wm. Humphreys, Esq., 1st prize ; Joseph Lynch, Esq., 2nd prize. Thorough bred Boar, under 24 months old -- The Bishop of Kilmore, 1st prize. No competitor. Best Sow and Litter of Six Pigs -- Wm. Humphreys, Esq., 1st prize ; Joseph Lynch, Esq., 2nd prize. Agricultural Stallion -- None worthy of merit. Best Draft Mare -- Wm. Humphrys, Esq., 1st prize ; Wm. Humphrys, Esq., 2nd prize. Cultivated Root Crop, not less than 10 Statute Acres -- Wm. Humphrys, Esq., 1st prize ; J.C. Jones, Esq., 2nd prize. Thorough drainage, not less than 10 Statute Acres, &c., Wm. Humphrys, Esq.., 1st prize. No other competitor. Flax -- Thomas F. Knipe, Esq., 1st prize ; J. Rogers, Esq., 2nd prize. Cultivated Tillage farm, over 100 Acres -- Wm. Humphrys, Esq., 1st prize ; J.C. Jones, Esq., 2nd prize. Turnips - Rev. Am. M'Creight,, 1st prize ; William Humphreys, Esq., 2nd prize. Mangle -- William Humphreys, Esq., 1st prize ; J. C. Jones, 2nd prize. Carrots -- The Bishop of Kilmore, 1st prize ; Joseph Storey, Esq., 2nd prize. Twelve Turnips - Joseph Storey, Esq. ; Twelve Carrots -- Joseph Storey, Esq.Twelve Mangles -- Wm. Humphreys, Esq. Twelve Mangles -- Wm. Humphreys, Esq. Gander and Goose -- Lord Farnham. Drake and Two Ducks - Rev. A. Knox. Cock and Two Hens -- Lord Farnham (Spanish and Dorking) ; Wm. A. Moore, Esq., (Cochin China.) Butter -- Lord Fitzgerald and Vesci (best firkin.) SECOND CLASS -- FROM FIFTY STATUTE ACRES AND UPWARDS. Best Bull (thorough-bred), under 5 years old -- James Browne, 1st prize ; no other competitor. Best Bull, Calved since 1st January, 18552 -- John Brady, 1st prize ; James Browne, 2nd prize. Best Cow in Calf, or giving milk -- James Browne, 1st prize ; James Browne, 2nd prize. Best Heifer in Calf, or giving milk, not exceeding 3 years -- Doctor Halpin, 1st prize ; John Moore, Lisdarran, 2nd prize. Best Yearling Heifer -- William Johnston, 1st prize ; James Browne, 2nd prize. Best Pair of Weanling Calves -- James Browne, 1st prize ; John Moore, 2nd prize. Best Thorough-bred Ram -- James Reilly, 1st prize ; William Moore, 2nd prize. Best 5 Breeding Ewes -- James Reilly, 1st prize ; Martin Beattie, 2nd prize. Best Boar, under 24 Months (thorough-bred) -- John Rea, 1st prize ; no other competitor. Best Cultivated Root Crop, not less than 5 Statute Acres -- James Browne, of Latt, 1st prize ; no other competitor. Best Cultivated tillage Farm -- James Browne, of Latt, 1st prize ; Thomas Topham, 2nd prize. Greatest Thorough Draining, not less than 6 Statute Acres -- James Browne, disqualified for want of quantity, &c., &c. Best Crop of Flax, 2 Statute Acres -- Thomas Rea, Killduff, 1st prize ; William Foster, 2nd prize. Best Mangold, 1 Irish Acre -- James Browne, 1st prize ; no other competitor. Best 12 Roots, Turnips -- James Browne, 1st prize. Do. 12 do. Mangold -- James Browne. Do. 12 do. Carrots -- James Browne. Agricultural Stallion -- No merit. Best Brood Mare -- Patt Brady, 1st prize, but not yet decided ; Ambrose Thickpenny, 2nd prize. Gander and Goose -- James Browne. Cock and Hen -- James Browne. Firkin of Butter -- George Nesbitt THIRD CLASS-OPEN TO WORKING FARMERS HOLDING FROM TEN TO THIRTY IRISH ACRES Best Bull -- Samuel Sharp, 1st prize ; J. MacLeod, 2nd prize. Best Cow in Calf or giving milk -- Thomas Wilson, 1st prize ; Edward M'Cabe, 2d prize. Heifer in Calf or giving milk -- John Brady, 1st prize ; Margaret Maxwell, 2nd prize. Yearling Heifer -- Ralph Clemenger, 1st prize ; Ralph Clemenger, 2nd prize. Yearling Calf -- Thomas Wilson, 1st prize ; Edward M'Cabe, 2nd prize. 3 Breeding Ewes -- Patt Brady, 1st prize ; Robert Reid, 2nd prize. Best Cultivated Tillage-farm -- John Ebbit, 1st prize ; Richard Brady, 2nd prize. Cultivated Root Crops -- Donald Bell, 1st prize ; Robert Reid, 2nd prize. Crop of Flax -- John M'Gaghran, 1st prize ; Elias Jones, 2nd prize. House and Farm Yard -- Robert Reid, 1st prize ; Thomas Neil, 2nd prize. Turnips -- Richard Brady, 1st prize ; Daniel Bell, 2nd prize. Mangold -- Daniel Bell, 1st prize ; Robert Reid, 2nd prize. Carrots -- Daniel Bell, 1st prize ; but disqualified. 12 Turnips - Daniel Bell. 12 Mangold -- Robert Reid. 12 Carrots -- Robert Reid. Brood Mare -- Thomas Neill, 1st prize ; no other competitor. Drake and 2 Ducks -- Daniel Bell. Cock and 2 Hens -- Robert Reid. FOURTH CLASS -- FARMERS UNDER TEN IRISH ACRES Best Cow and Calf, &c. -- Miss Trevor, 1st prize ; Wm. Saunderson, 2nd prize. Heifer under 3 years old -- Miss Trevor, 1st prize ; Wm. Bell, 2nd prize, but disqualified. Yearling Heifer -- Wm. Bell, 1st prize ; no other competitor. Weaning Calf -- Wm. Bell, 1st prize ; no other competitor. Best Cultivated Tillage-farm -- Matthew M'Enerney, 1st prize ; John Phair, 2nd prize. Root Crops -- John Morrisson, 1st prize ; William Bell, 2nd prize. Flax -- Robert Mee, 1st prize ; William Bell, 2nd prize. House and Farm Yard -- John Morrison, 1st prize ; William Bell, 2nd prize, but disqualified. Butter -- No merit. Turnips -- John Morrison, 1st prize ; William Bell, 2nd prize. Mangold -- John Morrison, 1st and 2nd prize ; no merit. Carrots - Robert Mee, 1st and 2nd prize, no merit. 12 Turnips -- William Bell. 12 Carrots -- Robert Mee. 12 Mangolds -- Robert Mee. Duck and Drake -- Master Henry Phillips. Cock and Hen -- Master Henry Phillips. Owing to the lateness of the hour when the prizes had been distributed, the auction of cattle, &c., came not off as it was intended. At five o'clock one hundred and upwards of the most respectable gentlemen resident in the county, or connected with it, sat down to an admirable dinner, provided by Mr. Jas. Reilly of the Farnham Arms Hotel, to which ample justice was done, if the skeletons of legs of mutton, ribs of beef, hams, fowl, &c., &c., might be taken in evidence. A few sat at one end of a table, discussing less substantial fare, for they were Roman Catholics, and it was a fast day in the Church's calendar, but their mortification of the outward man affected not their tempers, as we doubt much if amongst them the joke was not more frequent, and the laugh merrier and more pregnant than in any other part of the assembly. When the cloth had been removed, Robert Burrowes, Esq., the Chairman, having first proposed in most appropriate terms,, the usual loyal toasts, which were received enthusiastically, said -- The next toast on my list is "Prosperity to the Cavan and Belturbet Agricultural Society." While Belturbet was for many years active, Cavan was asleep. Now we are well awake, and ready to advance. I have to blame myself that hitherto I was not active in the matter ; but I was under a mistake, in common with many others, that the class of small farmers, whom the Society was especially designed to benefit, would derive no advantage from it, as the all premiums would be taken by the proprietors or larger farmers. Now I see my error, and I will not be wanting to act up in the knowledge I have gained (hear). Belturbet was of great use in goading us to improvement, which must be visible to the most casual observer (hear, hear). The smaller classes were to-day the gainers of many premiums, and I and others had reason to r! etract our error. For the future Cavan will not be backward. I am heartily glad to see here a society so respectable. Now is the favourable time for its operations, for now prices are most remunerative, and such as tempt farmers to produce ; I must ask who was the means of establishing this Society ? Surely Captain Phillips ; only for him we would be as we were, he spared no trouble to bring about the new state of things, employing much labour and exertions to convene meetings of this kind ; with a mind energetic and active, he shewed himself ever anxious to promote the good of the farmers of this county. They are deeply indebted to Captain Phillips for his re-establishing for them this society, and they will all be most happy to drink, in conjunction with the toast already given "The health of Captain Phillips" (loud acclamation for several minutes.) Captain Phillips -- For the warm reception given me, no thanks of mine would be an adequate return. All that is in my power I will do to unite the agricultural interests of all the county ; and I cannot but be satisfied with the support I received in coming here to-day (hear). The present meeting will cement agricultural husbandry, and leave its interests more advanced than they were heretofore (hear, hear). I will now relate the premiums. There were a great many entries (three hundred) for competition ; two hundred for cattle ; the rest for green crops ; and this surely is good for a beginning. [Here the lists of prizes were read]. It will be a satisfaction to know about the funds. About £70 will be required to pay premiums this day week ; and to meet other expenses, the rest of £100, which we have in hands, will about serve. The people of Cavan came forward cheerfully upon this occasion, and Belturbet men must be, and are, obliged to them. Henceforward we will wor! k well together. (Here Captain Phillips sat down amid cheers). Chairman -- I will now give you "The health of the Judges." They exhibited much discrimination to-day, and gave general satisfaction. The successful were surely pleased ; the unsuccessful seemed to be so....... we will then drink their health -- (Hip, hip, hurrah, and loud applause). Mr. Battersby -- On behalf of the Judges I should thank you for the way in which our health was drunk. Our coming here was rather a compliment to ourselves than otherwise, and we are glad to be called on to support an agricultural society in Cavan (hear) We are agriculturists ourselves on a large scale, and we are proud to be called on to assist in anything that tends to the prosperity of agriculturists in Ireland (cheers). She endured patiently the untold hardships of five years ; and we trust that she is now in the way of indulging hope for the future. Were it not for this, we should all of us have :to quit our country for our country's good." We came here, not expecting such a show of stock, for it was well fit to exhibit to any part of Ireland. Nothing that I can say is required to induce the people of Cavan to stand forward and be active. We missed the Devon that Meath men often came to buy here ; but we are not sorry for this,, the stock you have is much better! . The agriculture of this county is visibly improved. A Voice -- You saw the worst of it. Mr. Battersby -- The worst can produce as well as the fine county of Meath that one hears so much of. There is something hidden in the soil of Cavan. The hills are green to the very top -- fertile monsters springing up before one. From my heart I saw proceed and prosper. The small class of farmers came forward better than on any occasion I ever witnessed before ; and this is a solid element of progress (hear). We did our best in regard of the competitors ; if we failed, this was for want of knowledge, not for want of intention (loud cheers). Chairman -- "The health of the Successful Candidates." If they wish to bend this class in future they must not relax their efforts ; hard pressing will be upon them. Joseph Storey, Esq.., High Sheriff, returned thanks. He felt highly honoured at the call that was made upon him. Many could respond better ; and what am I to get credit for ; was not my success wholly owing to the hard working of my labourers ? In my capacity of a public officer I saw much of the country, and I was glad to see it vastly better off than I hoped. Now all is right. A few years ago and we were in a condition of despairing. Again I have to return my best thanks on the part of the successful candidates (cheers). The Chairman -- "The health of the Unsuccessful Candidates." I myself am of the number ; but we will not be cast down ; we did our best, and who could expect more from us. Next year we will be first if we can (loud cheers). Mr. M'Lenahan -- Mr. Humphrys desires me to return his best thanks ; he is in Dublin ; were he in the country he would surely have been here ; I am to apologise for his absence. Chairman -- "The Patrons of the Society, Lord Farnham and Lanesborough." Surely there is no one more anxious than Lord Farnham is to promote the interests of this country and of this Society. Lord Lanesborough is the most indulgent landlord in Ireland ; and he always shewed in Belturbet his interest in the improvement of agriculture ; if in the country to-day he would hold my place. Mr. Fox -- Is sure that all agree in what Mr. Burrowes stated, that none was more anxious to advance the interests of this country than Lord Farnham. He had to return thanks on the part of his lordship, for the kind manner in which his health was received. ---------------------------------- County Cavan Newspaper Transcription Project