CHAPTER XV.

The State Fair of 1880--Salem--The ladies' pavilion--Knock-em-downs _a l'Americaine_--Self-binders--Thrashing-machines--Rates of speed--Cost--Workmanship--Prize sheep--Fleeces--Pure _versus_ graded sheep--California short-horns--Horses--American breed or Percheron--Comparative measurements--The races--Runners--Trotters-- Cricket in public--Unruly spectators. 174