****************** Progressive Batavian Batavia, Genesee County, New York State June 4-1875 South Byron-Planting all, or nearly all finished, and the farmers are generally employed in minding their own business. In spite of the late spring, garden "sass" is looking very well. There is considerable building going on in the village and vicinity. Mr. D.A. RUTTY is putting up an addition to his house. Martin BENHAM has just put up a fine large horse barn. Erve SOUTHWORTH "bossed" the job. ** Elba.-The residence of Gilbert SHELLEY has just received a coat of paint, thereby much improving the appearance of the same. E.J. PETTIBONE is having a barn built to take the place of the one destroyed by the fire last fall. Messrs. BULLOCK & LADD are doing the work. The general topic of conversation at present is the potato bug, which is found in immense numbers in both garden and field. Unless remedy is found soon the crop will be small. Robert BLOOD is improving his house with a coat of paint. Rev. L. ATWATER and wife are now in the west visiting friends. They intend to return in about two weeks. Caleb WELLS is having a large barn erected on his place. The work is done by E. WOOD. ** Alexander.-The people of Alexander held decoration services on Monday last, according to appointment. The day was one of the most beautiful of the season, and everything passed off very pleasantly. It was said that the attendance was not as large as last year, but quite a goodly number were out. Captain ERWIN and his gallant band performed their part nobly and well. The exercises at the cemetery were unusually fine. They were opened by a choir of some 8 or 10 voices singing a piece entitled "The Soldier's Grave." Following this was a prayer by Rev. Mr. KNAPP of Attica. The prayer was very appropriately worded and was delivered with a good deal of feeling and earnestness. Next came music, entitled "Missing." Warren S. BROWN, of Attica, then delivered the address, which was conceded by all to be a masterly effort. I think that it was the best decoration address that I ever listened to. Following the address came another piece of of music, entitled "Lay him low," after which the audience joined in singing one verse of "America." The benediction was by the Rev. Mr. CHANDLER, after which the graves were decorated. Quite large and nice collections of flowers were gathered and formed in bouquets, wreaths, &c. After the decoration came the march back to the village, and thus ended the beautiful and solemn service of decoration. Especial thanks are due those few members of the floral committee who performed so faithfully their parts. I would take this opportunity of thanking the singers who assisted the committee on music to carryout so successfully their part. ** submitted by Linda Schmidt *********************************************