g CUMBERLAND COUNTY SOCIETY, ETC. 



from being large. And yet, I think the exhibitions of the Society, 

 and the amount of money expended for premiums, have had a ten- 

 dency to improve our farm stock greatly in every department. 

 Twenty years ago (I might truthfully say fifteen years ago even) 

 it was rare to see more than one or two pure blooded animals of 

 the several bovine breeds at our exhibitions. But almost every 

 farmer in the county, who makes any pretensions to good farm- 

 ing, has his favorite full blooded Devon, Ayrshire, Durham, Here- 

 ford or other breed cow, not to forget what is called our native 

 breed — or prized grade yoke of oxen. 



The exhibition of form products, manufactured articles, fruits, 

 plants and flowers, well filled the large City Hall of Portland, and 

 was highly interesting. Herein I think, are the beneficial effects 

 of the operations of our county and local Society, particularly man- 

 ifest. Perhaps not so much in regard to the raising of corn and the 

 cereal grains, can this be said, but the statement will apply with 

 much force to the raising of vegetables, and the growing of fruits, 

 particularly apples, pears and out-door grapes, as well as grapes 

 under glass. But no statements have come into my hands, re- 

 specting these products, which would be of value for publication. 



The Porland Horticultural Society held a spring and summer 

 exhibition, in addition to the Joint Fair, when about sixty-five 

 dollars was awarded on plants and flowers. 



The whole amount of the premiums and gratuities awarded at 

 the Joint Exhibition, was one thousand one hundred and one dol- 

 lars, ($1,101.) 



S. B. Beckett, Secretary. 



