![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cotyrone.com\/~inthenews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/40004442183_7b5486d7af_c.jpg\")
The following song was written on viewing the Exhibition of the Strabane Farming Society in 1848, By Robert Young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Air- Merrily Danced the Quaker<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While others are intent on war,
The scourge of every nation,
We, at Strabane prefer the plan,
Of rural renovation.
Improving stock, each well bred flock,
On hill and valley grazing,
Delights the eye when passing by,
Of all upon them gazing.
Then till the land with steady hand,
Forget not thorough draining,
Green crops, good grain, by it you’ll gain,
Both man and beast sustaining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banks down may go, and merchants, though,
Once rich and high in station,
From Fortune’s wheel reverse may feel,
And come to ruination.
But farmers who, their duty do,
And spade and plough keep going
The stream of wealth, to cheer their health,
Will for them still be flowing
Then till the land &c.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The landlord’s pride, if true and tried, 21 Feb. 1834 Tuesday 10 Oct. 1837 Strabane Farming Society<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Cattle show of this society took place on Thursday last, at Strabane, when the following premiums were adjudged;<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brood Mare and Foal Cows & Heifers (Gentlemen\u2019s Class) Farmer\u2019s Class Rams Ewes (Best pen of 5) Sows Turnips Clover Reclaiming Land – First Class Reclaiming Land – 2nd Class Fences 1st Class Fences 2nd Class Neat Cottages Butter Cheese Farm Servants<\/p>\n\n\n\n Men-servants Female Servants 21 Oct. 1848 – Strabane Union Farming Society<\/p>\n\n\n\n Annual Cattle Show<\/p>\n\n\n\n The annual exhibition of stock of this flourishing Society took place in Strabane, on Monday last. The place selected for the show was the Butter Market and at the hour of 12 o’clock, the gates being thrown open, the yard was, in a short time, filled by a large and respectable assembly of merchants of the town and farmers of the surrounding district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The arrangements in the yard reflected much credit on those gentlemen on whom the duties so unexpectedly devolved, owing to the unavoidable absence of the very efficient secretary, William SINCLAIR Esq., from the illness of a relative. The show of cattle, of all descriptions, was comparatively small, but there was a marked improvement in the breed. Of bulls there were few exhibited. One splendid animal, however, of the Durham breed, the property of William HAMILTON Esq. Coolaghy, attracted universal admiration. There were few cows, but an average show of heifers. Of horses, the turn out was exceedingly scanty. Only one boar was shown. It belonged to Mr. KERR of Raphoe and was much admired, as was also a sow belonging to Mr. Robert HOLMES of Strabane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In green crops, as usual with this Society, the exhibition was highly creditable to the entire district comprised within the operations of the Strabane Farming Society, there being some splendid specimens of swedish and aberdeen turnips, mangel wurzel, carrots, parsnips, cabbages, &c. Some excellent specimens of various descriptions of seeds and grasses were exhibited, as also one sample of rye grown by Mr. James M’CREA. We noticed Sir R. A. FERGUSON Bart. M.P., Lord Erne and several other gentlemen and farmers in the show-yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At 4 o’clock, about 50 gentlemen, members and supporters of the Society, sat down to dinner at the Abercorn Arms Hotel, which was served up in Mrs. IRWIN’S usual good style. Benjamin HUMFREY Esq., high sheriff of Donegal, occupied the chair and William FENWICK Esq. of Greenhill, acted as croupier. On the right of the chairmen sat Ferguson KNOX Esq. the High sheriff of Tyrone and throughout the room we noticed;<\/p>\n\n\n\n William HUMPHRIES and more. None who witnessed the show today but must confess that the exhibition of cattle was such as to convince them that they were improving in the breed of stock and as for the show of green crops, roots and seed wheat, it was excellent. Altogether, the prospects of the Strabane Farming Society are very much improved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. KERR said that they found the turnip cultivated extensively and in most cases, with great care and skill, but the parsnip, from which so much was expected, has almost disappeared. The quantity of carrots grown was very limited. A large breadth of potatoes has been planted in the district and he was sorry to say that the failure was deplorable, as it did not appear to him that one-third of that valuable crop would be saved. As a Donegal man, he regretted to observe the apathy with which the proceedings of this most important and useful Society were regarded in that county and he would say that this prevailed in a greater degree on the estate of Lord Abercorn, which is among the first properties in the north of Ireland. The tenantry are most respectable and intelligent and yet, it is an extraordinary fact, that Mr. Henry LOWRY was the only competitor for green crops on Lord Abercorn’s Donegal estate. How to account for this he knew not. Whether it exists with the tenants themselves, or that there is a screw loose at head quarters, he could not tell. He would mention another circumstance which, although not exactly in the range of their duty, would not be out of place and he would add it as a codicil of his own. On visiting Mr. M’CREA’S farm, they were delighted with the beautiful scenery which presented itself, as the celebrated valley of Todmorden in Yorkshire, was not more magnificently grand and picturesque, but it wanted one shade in the picture, it was bare and naked, where millions of larch and mountain ash might flourish. Larch was soon likely to become an article of commercial importance and would, in 20 years, pay 500 per rent on the outlay. This beautiful farm was situated on the Abercorn Tyrone estate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. John M’CREA jun. – “This cannot be my father’s farm you allude to? Mr. KERR remarked that his young friend, Mr. M’CREA, was no doubt anxious that he should not confound his father’s farm with any other and it was a very proper feeling on his part. He was most happy to bear testimony to the state of Mr. M’CREA’S farm at Grange. His duties sometimes called him to look narrowly into the state of large and small properties, as well as, large and small farms and he could safely say he had not, in the course of his experience, found a concern in more “apple-pie” order, or where good practical farming is carried on with more system, or to better effect. Mr. KERR here alluded to the mode of cultivation adopted on Dr. MITCHELL’S farm. He saw there a mixed crop and it was impossible for any man to take more off the land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. David WILSON, one of the judges of black cattle, had great pleasure in acting with Mr. CLARKE and Mr. M’DONALD and according to their judgment, they gave a fair and conscientious decision and one, he hoped, that would cause no offence to any party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n List of premiums; Cows 2 year old Heifers 1 year old Heifers Bull Calves Heifer Calves Fat Stock Judges – Mr. M’DONALD, Mr. David WILSON and Mr. Andrew CLARKE<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rams Rams Judges – James M’CREA, Mr. Richard GRAHAM and Mr. M’KEON<\/p>\n\n\n\n Swine – Boars Sows Judges – Mr. John M’FARLAND, Mr. John M’GARIGLE<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mares and Foals Flax Turnips 1st class Turnips 2nd Class Mangel Wurzel Carrots Beans Farm Servants Royal Agricultural Society Pemiums 2nd Class – medal for best farm to Mr. Walter SCOTT, Strabane Sweepstakes Turnips Skirving Swede – Mangel Wurzel long red – Carrots – Long red – Mr. Andrew CLARKE Strabane Union Farming Society 31 Oct. 1861<\/p>\n\n\n\n The annual show of cattle, agricultural produce &c., in connection with the above society, was held in the public market, Strabane, on Thursday last. The show was one of the most successful held for many years past and the quality of the cattle exhibited generally, was above the average merit. The entries were over 150. The green crop show were first rate, the turnips and marigolds being of prime quality. Among animals, the swine made splendid turn out, while young stock gave evidence that the farmers of the district were not indifferent to the profits resulting from rearing good stock. The day being remarkably fine, there was a good attendance at the show yards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dinner was held as usual, in the Courthouse at 5 o’clock. It was supplied by Mrs. DOHERTY and gave entire satisfaction. About 50 gentlemen sat down, T. W. D. HUMPHREYS Esq. of Mill town House, occupying the chair and Robert M’CREA Esq. Grange, acted as croupier. The Chairman called on Mr. John M\u2019CREA, Maghareagh (?) honorary secretary to the society, who read as follows, the award of the judges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mares and Foals 1st Class, 6 entries 2nd Class, 3 entries Bulls 1st Class, 8 entries 2nd Class, 4 entries Dairy Cows 1st Class, 11 entries 2nd Class, 9 entries Two year old Heifers 1st class, 10 entries 2nd class, 8 entries Yearling Heifers 1st class, 13 entries 2nd class, 6 entries Bull Calves (one year) 1st class, 3 entries 2nd class, 5 entries Heifer Calves 1st Class, 6 entries 2nd Class, 7 entries Rams 1st Class, 8 entries 2nd Class, 2 entries Ewes (pen of 3) 1st Class, 4 entries 2nd Class, 3 entries Boars, 1st class, 2 entries 2nd class, 5 entries Breeding Sows 1st class, 6 entries 2nd class 8 entries Judges of cattle &c. Messrs. James MACKEY, Seskanore; John M’ILWAINE, Carrigans; James BAIRD, Inchany.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Turnips first Class, 6 entries Second Class, 8 entries Mangels First class, 3 entries Second class, 1 entry Butter, 3 entries Flax (best cwt.), 5 entries Swede Turnips, 4 entries Cabbages, 1 entry Mangels, 1 entry Judges Messrs. James MOORE, Loughash; David WOODS, Glentymon and Mr. ROBINSON, Murlog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n transcribed & compiled by Teena from the Derry Journal & the Londonderry Sentinel<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When in his carriage driving,
Should always be, in country free,
To see his tenants thriving.
A yeoman bold, will law uphold,
Defying disaffection,
For Queen and State, ‘gainst traitor’s hate
Be still a sure protection.
Then till the land &c.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cotyrone.com\/~inthenews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/geograph-1313758-by-Kenneth-Allen.jpg\")
In conformity to a resolution passed at a meeting of several members of the Strabane Farming Society, held in the town hall, on the 4th ult., several persons assembled for the purpose of establishing a Farming Society, to comprise the baronies of Strabane and Raphoe. James SINCLAIR Esq. in the chair, John SPEER Esq. was requested to act as secretary and Mr. Wm. STEVENSON as treasurer to the Society. (Ballyshannon Herald)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st premium \u00a31 10s. to Mr. Michael CAVANAGH, Greenlaw
no other claimants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st premium to James SINCLAIR Esq. Holywell
2nd premium to Rev. Robert HUME, Urney
3rd premium to Wm. STEWART M. D. Lifford<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1stpremium \u00a31 10s. to Mr. Thomas BARNHILL, Backfence
2nd premium \u00a31 to Mr. John ENTRICAN, Gortlogher
3rd premium 15s. to Mr. David WOODS, Peacock Bank<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st premium \u00a31 5s. to Mr. William HAMILTON Coolaghey
2nd premium 15s. to Captain AUCHINLECK, Mulvyne<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st premium \u00a31 10s. to Mr Wm. HAMILTON, Coolaghey
2nd premium \u00a31 to Captain AUCHINLECK, Mulvyne
3rd premium 15s. to Mr. David WOODS, Peacock Bank<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st – \u00a31 10s. to Mr. James PATTEN, Sion
2nd – \u00a31 to Mr. James WOODS, Glentimon<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st – \u00a32 to Mr. Thomas BARNHILL, Backfence
2nd – \u00a31 15s. to Mr. Donald M’DONALD, Bailee
3rd – \u00a31 10s to Mr. James WOOD, Glentimon
4th – 15s. to Mr. David WOODS, Peacock Bank<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st – \u00a32 to Mr. Thomas BARNHILL, Backfence
2nd – \u00a31 15s to Mr. Hugh STEWART Sr., Liskey
3rd – \u00a31 10s. to Mr. Donald M\u2018DONALD, Bailee
4th – \u00a31 to Mr. William PATRICK, Carnkenny<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st – \u00a32 to Mr. James PATTEN, Sion
2nd – \u00a31 to Mr. John WOODS, Sion
3rd – 10s. to Mr. John BROWN, Magheragar<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st – \u00a32 to Mr. Denis M\u2019CLASSON, Stranagawilley – no other claimant<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st – \u00a32 to Mr. WOODS, Sion
2nd – \u00a31 to Mr. James PATTEN, Sion
3rd – 10s. to Mr. Alexander BROWN, Magheragar<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st – \u00a32 to Mr. Philip O\u2019NEILL, Holyhill – no other claimant<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st – \u00a32 to Mr. David WOODS, Peacock Bank – Second premium, no merit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st – \u00a32 to Mr. William PATRICK, Carnkenny
2nd – \u00a31 to Mr. Alexander BROWN, Magheragar
3rd – 10s. to Mr. Hugh STEWART, Liskey<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st – \u00a31 to Mr. Robert M’CREA, Grange
2nd – 15s. to Mr. Hugh STEWART, Liskey<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st – \u00a31 10s. to Thomas ALLEY servant to Mr. Alexander BROWN
2nd – 17s. 6d. to Robert KELSO, servant to Mr. John ENTRICAN
3rd – 12s. 6d. to Alexander COLHOUN, servant to Mr. Jas. WOODS<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st – \u00a31 10s. to Rebecca SAMMERY servant to Mr. James WOODS
2nd – 17s. 6d. to Isabella DOROUGH, servant to Mr. Robert M’CREA
3rd – 12s. 6d. to Elizabeth DIXON, servant to Mr. Robert M’CREA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. MITCHELL, Strabane
Dr. HAMILTON, Ballyfatton
Samuel KERR, Raphoe
Francis O’NEILL, Mountpleasant
William GLASSE
William RAMSAY
William HAMILTON, Coolaghy
John M’CREA jun., Grange
Rev. Moses CHAMBERS
Dr. CLARKE, Porthall
James CLARKE, Porthall
Andrew CLARKE
Alexander LENEY M.D.
James M’FARLAND
Henry LOWRY Esq., Drumcrow
Mr. LYNCH, S.I.
Cowper WALKER
Thomas WATSON
_ GRAHAM, Ballybogan
John ADAMS, Ballyfatton
_ WITHEROW, Raphoe
James MARTIN, Strabane
John SHIELS, Strabane<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. KERR said that he knew little of the locality, but the farm he meant was situated a short distance above Mr. LOWTHER\u2019S mill.
Mr. M’CREA – “Oh, that is Mr. James M’CREA’S farm, of Cavanalee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. HAMILTON of Coolaghy, briefly acknowledged a compliment.
Dr. MITCHELL of Strabane, being called on, said he was slow to rise of not being much elated at his success. He had been successful in a few things and he hoped for the future to be more careful and be successful in many cases. He was only a secondary farmer, owing to his avocations, but there were many things connected with the medical profession, which were of essential importance to the scientific farmer. And medical men, in general, who have attended to it, have been most successful in farming. They had only look at the names of LIEBIG, PLAYFAIR, JOHNSTON, Sir Robt. KANE and Dr. HODGES, all medical men, who were instrumental in prosecuting agricultural pursuits by scientific means and were exceedingly useful in establishing a new era in agriculture. In his experience he had found bone dust and guano useful in forwarding green crops and in turnip culture, it would be well to use the bone dust, in addition to the farm yard manure, as it gave an early start to the turnip and enabled it to contend with its enemies in infancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bulls
1st William HAMILTON, Coolaghy
2nd James SINCLAIR
3rd James SINCLAIR
4th Dr. MITCHELL
5th Mr. Hugh HAMILTON<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Robt. M’CREA
2nd Mr John SHIELS
3rd William HAMILTON
4th Mr Robert PORTER<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Robert M’CREA
2nd John ADAMS
3rd Samuel KERR
4th James SINCLAIR<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st. Rev. Mr. HUME
2nd Mr. John ADAMS
3rd Mr. William WILSON
4th Jas. SINCLAIR<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st James CLARKE
2nd Mr James WITHEROW<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. William WILSON
2nd Samuel KERR<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st David WILSON
2nd Robert M’CREA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. William M’CREA
2nd William HAMILTON
3rd William SINCLAIR
4th Mr. David WILSON<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st David WILSON
2nd William SINCLAIR
3rd William HAMILTON
4th and 5th William SINCLAIR<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st A. F. KNOX
2nd Neal DOHERTY
3rd Mr Robert HOLMES<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Samuel KERR
2nd Mr. Robert HOLMES
3rd Mr. Neal DOHERTY<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr David WILSON
2nd William HAMILTON
3rd James CLARKE
4th Hugh HAMILTON<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. Wm. HAYES
2nd Mr. Henry LOWRY
3rd George KNOX<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Robert M’CREA, Grange
2nd James SINCLAIR<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Dr. MITCHELL Strabane
2nd Mr. William M’CREA
3rd Mr. James M’CREA
4th Mr. William HAYES
5th Mr. John SHIELS<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st class – Samuel KERR
2nd class – Mr. Walter SCOTT<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Class – Robert M’CREA
2nd Class – Mr. Walter SCOTT<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Class – William SINCLAIR
2nd Class – No competitor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st – Michael M’CAULEY servant of Mr. James M’CREA
2nd James DEVIN servant of Mr. WITHEROW
3rd – John CONAGHAN servant of William SINCLAIR
4Th – James Mitchell servant of Mr. WITHEROW<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Class – Medal for bull to William HAMILTON
Drilled Crop – R. M’CREA, Grange
Draining – George KNOX, Lifford<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Draining – Dr. MITCHELL
Best labourer’s cottage – Adjudged Robert M’CREA, Grange, as being on his farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
turnips skirving Purple Top Yellow Bullock – Dr. MITCHELL Strabane<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st William SINCLAIR
2nd Mr. Neal DOHERTY
3rd Dr. MITCHELL<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr Andrew CLARKE
2nd Samuel KERR, for Red Globe<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parsnips – Samuel KERR
Drumhead Cabbage – Wm. SINCLAIR
White Wheat – 1st. Mr. John ADAMS; 2nd Mr James CLARKE
Red Wheat – 1st. Mr John ADAMS; 2nd Mr. HAYES
Turnip Seeds – 1st. Mr. James BRODIE; 2nd William SINCLAIR
Grass Seeds – Italian Rye – William SINCLAIR
Timothy Grass Seed – Mr James BRODIE
Perennial Grass – Mr WITHEROW
Beans – Rev. Robert HUME
Winter Grey Don Oat – Wiliam SINCLAIR
Rye -Mr. James M’CREA
Judges – Mr. WALKER and Mr. WEIR<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cotyrone.com\/~inthenews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/image-5.png\")
https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/64320477@N05<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. Andrew CLARKE
2nd Mr. William M’CREA, Farmhill<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. Jas. BOYLE
2nd Mr. William DUNN<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. George ALEXANDER
2nd Mr. John WEIR
3rd Mr. HUNTER<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. William BOAK
2nd Mr. John KNOX<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. Samuel DONNELL
2nd Mr. Robert GORDON
3rd Mr. William M’CREA
4th Mr. Robert M’INTYRE<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. John M’IVOR
2nd Mr. John KNOX
3rd Mr. Robert HAYES<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mrs. Clark, Porthall
2nd Mr. Wm. Hamilton
3rd Mrs. Clarke<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. Andrew M’INTYRE
2nd Mr. John KNOX
3rd Mr. James CULLEN<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. HUNTER, Baronscourt
2nd Mr. Robert GORDON
3rd Mr. James KING, Glensmoyle<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. James WATSON
2rd, Mr. John M’IVOR
3rd. Mr. John KNOX<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. Godfrey MacNEILL
2nd Mr. HUNTER, Baronscourt<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr Robert HAYES
2nd Mr. James CULLEN
3rd Mr. John KNOX<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. H. GAMBLE
2nd Mr. John WEIR
3rd ditto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. John M’IVOR
2nd Mr. F. COLHOUN
3rd James CULLEN<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. William HAMILTON
2nd ditto
3rd Mr. HUNTER<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. James WADE
2nd Mr. James GRAHAM, Cavanlee<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. William HAMILTON
2nd Mr. James KING
3rd Mr. T. H. GAMBLE<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. Thomas BAIRD
2nd Mr. James WADE
3rd Mr. James GRAHAM<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Dr. MITCHELL
2nd Mr T. H. GAMBLE<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. William DUNN, Ardstraw
2nd Mr. James GRAHAM
3rd Mr. B. G. GLENN<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. James GRAHAM, Ballyroan
2nd Mr Samuel DUNN
3rd Mr. James KING<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st, Mr. John M’IVOR
2nd Mr. Wm. DUNN<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. Robert M’CREA, Grange
2nd Mr. Robert GORDON
3rd Mr. HUNTER<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. James BROWN
2nd Mr. James CULLEN
3rd Mr. Wm BOAK
4th Mr. F. COLHOUN
5th Mr. John KNOX<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st. Mr. R. M’CREA
2nd Mr, J. M’CREA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. William WHITE<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. James WADE
2nd Mr. James WATSON<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. R. M’CREA
2nd Mr. James CULLEN
3rd Mr. Thomas BAIRD<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Mr. R. GORDON
2nd Mrs. CLARKE<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. R. Gordon<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mrs. CLARKE<\/p>\n\n\n\n