No. 63.1 295 



They are able to contrast at a glance the Durhams, Herefords and 

 Devons, with the common breeds of cattle; the Eerkshires, Leices- 

 ters, &c. with the ordinary and inferior races of pigs; the old fash- 

 ioned, coarse wooled, scraggy sheep, with the large, fine formed 

 Leicesters and South Downs, and the fine wooled Saxonys and Me- 

 rinoes; the clean limbed sinewy horse for the road or carriage, and 

 the heavy muscular one for the plow or draft, w^ith the common mi- 

 serable hacks of the country; and we have never known a man, cer- 

 tainly not a farmer, whose eye did not brighten and his countenance 

 exhibit satisfaction as these evidences of agricultural skill and im- 

 provement passed before him. 



The reports of the societies furnish striking proofs of usefulness in 

 other respects. The annual fairs and exhibitions constitute a holiday 

 w^here citizens of all classes and professions meet on common ground 

 to exchange their cordial gratulations and hearty sentiments of good 

 will. The only way in which men can understand each other, know 

 the wants and wishes of all, and properly appreciate the relative po- 

 sition which any one part bears to the whole, is to meet in this way, 

 and freely exchange their views and sentiments on all matters rela- 

 ting to the common welfare. Rivalries and jealousies, which spring 

 up and flourish where seclusion and ignorance prevail, pass rapidly 

 away under the influence of friendly intercourse and intelligent emu- 

 lation. Great and practical errors, in regard to the social standing 

 and relative importance of large divisions of our citizens, are dissipa- 

 ted, and the true rank and worth of the man, placed beyond cavil or 

 contradiction. Public opinion has been turned into a more healthy 

 channel; new standards by which to estimate men have been erected; 

 unworthy prejudices have been done away, and the farmer has taken 

 his proper lank and standing in society. 



From the several reports and papers furnished them, the Executive 

 Committee have prepared the annexed abstract of the Transactions of 

 the County Agricultural Societies for the year 1842. ' 



ALBANY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



This Society was organized in 1841, but at too late a period to 

 enable it to hold a Fair that season. The money necessary to enable 

 it to avail itself of the State appropriation, was raised from members 



