PAPERS READ AT THE CENTENNIAL MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING AGRICULTURE, AND REPORTED BY THE SOCIETY. HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE SOCIETY. By GEORGE BLIGHT. With the arrival of this year, 1835, this Society commemorates the venerable age of one hundred years. It is proper we should take notice of it, and recall some of the prominent events which have marked its existence, and the men who tried to promote its usefulness and strove to carry out the objects of its formation. On the 11th day of February, 1785, the following men met at a public house on Water street, having the "Sign of the Cock," and formed the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture: Richards Peters, Gen. John Cadwalader, Col. George Morgan, Col. John Nixon, Thomas Willing, Samuel Meredith, Edward Shippen, Benjamin Rush, John Jones, Adam Kuhn, George Logan, George Clymer, Henry Hill, Philemon Dickinson, Samuel Vaugh, Tench Frances, Charles Thompson, Samuel Powel, Lambert Cadwalader, John Boardley. To this list many honorary members were added: George Washington, Timothy Pickering, Elias Boudinot, William Bingham, Charles Carroll, Robert Milligan, Reuben Haines, and many others. These are familiar names, and recognized by all Philadelphians as distinguished in the various occupations of life. When the war of the Revolution had closed, and the independence of the country had been recognized by the governments of Europe, they laid aside the implements of war and exchanged them for the plow, and endeavored to promote a fondness for the pursuits of peace, which alone would strengthen the nation. The early transactions of this Society have been carefully preserved, and show how much care and attention were bestowed upon the cultivation of the soil; also the trial of experiments to test the value of plants as adapted to this region. These minutes embrace the period between 1785 and 1810— when no doubt a change in the secretary occurred, who failed to preserve the records. It is not improbable that the second war with England interfered with the meetings of this Society, as no regular minutes of its pro ceedings can be found. Our library contains a volume in which several interesting agricultural addresses may be found-delivered in the years 1818, 1820-one delivered by Chief Justice Tilghman, in 1822; by Hon. Nicholas Biddle, in 1822; by Richard Peters, in 1824; by Matthew Carey, and also by Robert S. Vaux. These were delivered at the annual meetings in January, and are evidences of the active workings of the Society. In 1818, this Society issued an address to the people of Pennsylvania asking them to aid in the establishment of a Pattern Farm, where experiments could be made and young men educated in the science of agriculture. Many large subscriptions were obtained, but it was an undertaking too gigantic for that period to accomplish. In 1832, the publication of the Farmer's Cabinet was commenced, and much pertaining to agriculture can there be found. From this journal we learn that it was not until 1838 that our venerable Society resumed active work. It takes great pleasure in announcing in its editorial column that this Society had been revived under the most favorable auspices. For various reasons it had been allowed to languish-in fact, laid dormant for years. It makes an appeal to the farmers of Philadelphia county, and Pennsylvania in general, to come forward and aid the noble cause. At the annual meeting, held on the 23d of January, 1838, the Society was re-organized by the election of Mr. Nicholas Biddle as President; Dr. James Mease and Joseph Cloud as Vice Presidents; Algernon S. Roberts as Treasurer, and Kenderton Smith as Secretary; Committee of Correspondence, Richard Peters and R. A. Parrish. In November of the same year the first exhibition was held at Rising Sun hotel, on the Germantown road, three miles from the city. It was attended with great success. The committee of arrangements were: Kenderton Smith, Nicholas Biddle, James Thornton, Isaac W. Roberts, James Gowen, John Fox, Robert Parrish. The only improved breed then recognized was the Durham Shorthorn. Mr. Charles Wolbert took the first prize for his white bull “Colostria," Mr. Thomas Botch for his bull "Bruce," Mr. Isaac W. Roberts, for his fat steer, and Mr. Algernon S. Roberts, for his native cow. At the annual meeting in 1839, the same officers were elected, with the addition of Mr. Sidney G. Fisher as Corresponding Secretary-which office he held until his death, in 1864. From this period, 1839, the Society became an active organization, holding regularly its monthly meetings and the annual meetings alternately at the Rising Sun hotel and at Glenn's hotel, on the Lancaster turnpike, one and a half miles from Market street bridge. To advance the cause of agriculture, and to pay the premiums offered, application was made to the Legislature for an appropriation of six hundred dollars per annum, and it was granted. This sum was regularly paid out of the county treasury until the act of consolidation was passed, when it lapsed. With this, premiums were paid, and no charge of admission was made at the exhibitions. After this, we were obliged to resort to an entrance fee of twenty-five cents. It was in 1839 we first notice the value of imported cattle-in Mr. Dennis Kelly's imported bull, "Prince of Wales," and in Mr. Gowen's cow, "Dairymaid." and in Mr. Paschal Morris' cow, "Alice." These were all Durham Shorthorns. At this period, 1839, my agricultural career commenced, and I can,well recall those fine animals, as they were admired by all visitors. Among the men who were then active in the affairs of the Society were Isaac W. Roberts, Samuel C. Ford, W. S. Torr, Philip Reybold, P. R. Freas, Aaron Clement, Henry Charley, Owen Sheriden, Owen Jones, Isaac Newton, George Uhler, C. W. Harrison, John Lardner, Cornelius S. Smith, Dr. Emerson, Robert T. Potts, John S. Haines, C. B. Rogers, Elias E. Boudinot, John McGowan, Morris Longstreth, Imanuel Eyre, William Wister, Chalkley Harvey, Dr. Robert Hare, R. Penn Gaskill. At this time, the Society encouraged the growth of fine crops, and offered liberal premiums for the best five acres of corn, potatoes, sugar beets, turnips. On many occasions I acted as one of the committee. Our visits to the many farms were the source of much pleasure. Especially do I recall the fine crops of roots raised on Mr. James Gowen's farm, at Mt. Airy, and the many prominent men who assembled there to talk on the subject of agriculture. At the exhibition of 1842, the trial of plows was the main feature of the year. The Dickinson plow, Chestnut Hill, had been in universal use, but on this occasion the Prouty and Mear's self-sharpening plow was introduced and became the favorite with the farmers. Also, in 1842, the Jersey and Guernsey cattle were first exhibited and classified for the award of premiums under the name of Alderney. Mr. Nicholas Biddle, Dr. Gibson, and Mr. Philip Physick, and Mr. Supplee contended for those premiums, Mr. Biddle taking the greater number. There was no distinction made between the cattle of the two islands, and many crosses were made with the full approval of the greatest admirers of both breeds. This continued for some years, when the great mistake was discovered. The establishment of the herd-book remedied this defect, but most of the breeders had great difficulty in registering their cattle, having mixed the blood of the two islands. At this period of the Society's history, the annual address was always an object of interest. Distinguished men were selected. In 1842, Mr. Peter A. Brown was the orator. He dwelt much on the raising of sheep. Those interested in this branch of husbandry would do well to read this address. In 1844, Mr. Nicholas Biddle declined reëlection, and Dr. James Mease was chosen President; Mr. Kenderton Smith, Vice President; Mr. Aaron Clement, Secretary; and, in the following year, 1845, Mr. George Blight succeeded Mr. Algernon S. Roberts as Treasurer, which office he still holds a period of forty years. At this time, the use of guano was introduced, and the mode of its application to plants was but little understood. Well do I recollect how my entire crop of corn was destroyed by a too liberal supply of this fertilizer, the germ being burnt cff by the heat of fermentation. In 1846, Mr. James Gowen, ever a great patron of agriculture, was desirous of establishing an agricultural school to educate young men to be practical farmers. This was accomplished in 1847 by leasing to Mr. John Wilkinson his farm at Mt. Airy, Germantown, who carried on this school for some years. This Society gave Mr. Wilkinson what encouragement it could, but finally he was obliged to abandon the project. In 1846, the Society allowed Mr. John S. Skinner the free use of their rooms for the publication of the Plough, Loom, and the Anvil. It advocated how mutually allied those three great interests are, and it had a large circulation. At this period the, Society was in its most flourishing condition. The meetings were largely attended. At times thirty were present, all desirous to promote the cause we had at heart. The potato disease then first troubled the farmer. This was thoroughly investigated, but no especial conclusions were reached. The proper season for cutting timber occupied our attention. Much correspondence took place with those most experienced, and the conclusion arrived at was that wood cut during the months of February and August was the most durable. Lectures on chemistry were delivered by Professor Johnson, and members of this Society attended. In this and many other ways the Society showed its activity, and at each meeting new members were elected. Exhibitions were annually held, each developing some new feature in the improvement of stock and implements. These were held at the above-mentioned places. Members who became active at this time, not heretofore mentioned, were: Mr. John Wilkinson, Gen. Geo. Cadwalader, Dr. James McCrea, Samuel Cooper, James and Adrian Cornell, of Bucks county; James S. Huber, Gustavus Engle, A. M. Spangler, Dr. Alfred L. Kennedy, Mr. Harry Ingersoll, Mr. Charles Fox, Mr. Dennis Kelly, and Mr. Alexander Scott. In 1847, the Farmers' Club was organized as auxiliary to this Society. To do this more effectually, monthly visits to each other's farms were made. The stock was examined, and a general inspection of the crops was made. The original members of this club were: Mr. David Landreth, Dr. Alfred Elwyn, Mr. James Gowen, Mr. George Blight, Mr. Philip R. Freas, Mr. Owen Sheridan, Mr. J. S. Huber, Mr. Charles W. Harrison, Mr. Samuel C. Ford, Mr. Casper Sharpless, Mr. John S. Haines, and Mr. Harry Ingersoll. In the following year, Gen. R. Patterson and Mr. McMichael were elected. This club still exists, but has become a social organization. In 1849, a German by the name of Nefflin was introduced to the Society at one of the regular meetings. He claimed to have a perfect knowledge of the cow, and to be able to distinguish her character; whether she be a milker or no. This he called "the Guinon system of judging cows." His theory was entirely new, and we all had misgivings as to the correctness of his powers of judging. A committee was appointed to visit with him the dairies in the neighborhood of the city, and it was surprising with what accuracy he portrayed the character of every cow, to the great astonishment of her owner. It was my good fortune to form one of the committee, and I have been a firm believer in the theories of Monsieur Guinon ever since. The appointment of a commission by Governor Hartranft to investigate the truth of the theory, and the report it made, has done much to establish the correctness of this system. In 1853-4, the properties on which the exhibitions were held changed ownership. Streets were opened and many city improvements so altered their character that we were obliged to seek other locations. In 1854, the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society was desirous of holding their exhibition in Philadelphia. They made application to the Pennsylvania railroad for the vacant lot of ground now comprehended in the space from Powelton avenue station to the river Schuylkill, and Market street and Callowhill street bridges. Their request was granted, and a fine show was held, being very profitable to the Society. In 1855, this large area, well graded, was still unoccupied by the same railroad, and its use was again obtained for an exhibition to be held by this Society. To follow in the wake of the State Society was considered a bold act, which required great energy to perfect. The members were equal to the task, the citizens responded to our demands, and the officers of the Society opened to the public an exhibition equal to the one of the previous year, and in some respects more attractive, especially in the exhibit of implements and produce. Nothing up to that period had exceeded the display of implements made by Mr. Landreth, and C. B. Rogers, and others. At this period the trotting course was considered a very important feature of an exhibition. It was so in this case; some celebrated horses were exhibited, and attracted crowds. It was kept open from the 11th to the 14th of September, the weather was fine, and the success was beyond our expectations. This was a memorable fair, and the last ever held by this Society. In 1856, the United States Agricultural Society held its second exhibition on these grounds, and in the following year they were required for railroad purposes. During this year, 1855, the rooms of the Society were changed. In December,we removed to No. 166 Chestnut street, near Seventh, in the Fisher buildings, second story. south. The meetings continued to be well attended, notwithstanding we were prevented from holding exhibitions. These new rooms, being adjacent to the hotels on Market street, where many of the "market " farmers "put up," it was desirable to open them on Friday evenings for their convenience, but this good purpose failed-the farmers could not see the advantages it offered. The most conspicuous event of 1856 was the celebration of its seventy-first anniversary by a grand dinner given on the 11th of February at the Sansom Street Hall, which was tastefully decorated with flags and agricultural devices. Mr. Landreth, then President of the Society, took the head of the table, Mr. Anthony Newbold and Mr. Aaron Clement, on each side as Vice-Presidents. Dr. A. L. Kennedy was then Secretary. Circumstances prevented your Treasurer from being present. General R. Patterson, Judge Conrad (then mayor) and Mr. W. Meredith were among the invited guests. Mr. Landreth delivered a very interesting address, which was frequently interrupted by applause. This was a memorable occasion in the history of the Society. After the year 1860, interest in the affairs of the Society began to diminish. In the adjoining counties, the agricultural societiesbecame more influential and drew away many of our active members. The public mind was then much excited by the political events of the day, which culminated in the Civil War in 1861. Meetings, however, were held, and a few most interested would attend, but all active operations were suspended. On the seventy-fifth anniversary, a large attendance was secured. Notice had been given that Mr., now Judge, Craig Biddle, would read a paper on the transactions of the Society. This was a most satisfactory article, and gave great pleasure to all the members present. There are many who are familiar with the condition of the Society for the last twenty-years. A few of the members still adhered to the old parent Society, and the minutes will show that the meetings have been more or less regularly held. At these meetings subjects prominent in agriculture of the day were discussed, such as the substitution of creameries for the manufacture of butter, and new invention of the separator, as well as the introduction of greatly improved breeds of cattle. It is my fervent wish that this influence, though silent, may still continue to promote the noble cause of agriculture. Presidents of the Society. 1785-SAMUEL POWELL, Esq. 1806-RICHARD PETERS, Esq. ALGERON S. ROBERTS, ESQ. JAMES GOWEN, ESQ. DR. ALFRED L. ELWYN. 1885-DR. CHAS. R. KING. The different localities where the Society held its meetings were as follows: February, 1785, Byrnes' tavern, Sign of the Cock; June, 1785, removed to Carpenters' Hall; April, 1805, the City Coffee House was temporarily used; in June, 1805, permanent arrangements were made with the Philosophical Society to pay one half the rent of their hall, Fifth street, below Chestnut; in 1842, the Society removed to Washington Hall, South Third street, adjoining Head's hotel. It was during the occupancy of |