No. 112.] 445 



MONROE. 



The past year with this society has been one of activity and 

 progress. The county of Monroe is one of the best in Western 

 New-York, and capable of presenting through her Agricultural 

 society much that is really valuable in the improvements of agri- 

 culture, horticulture, and the mechanic arts. 



To a large extent this has been the result of the labors of the 

 past year. The farmers have taken much interest in the progress 

 and usefulness of the society, as shown by their liberal attend- 

 ance and contributions at the plowing matches, and annual show 

 of the society. Two plowing matches took place during the year ; 

 the first at Brockport, on the 17th of June, at which there were 

 sixteen competitors. Each plowman was required to strike out 

 a double furrow, and to leave a straight well-finished dead fur- 

 row. The work exhibited superior skill in inverting the sod, as 

 well as in complying with the requirements of the society. The 

 second match took place at Brighton, the 7th of October. There 

 AN ere nineteen competitors. The plowing was of a very superior 

 character, and elicited much admiration. The workmen suc- 

 ceeded in burying all the weeds and grass, leaving them covered 

 with several inches of finely pulverized soil, and every way well 

 fitted for th6 reception of the seed. Two of the Michigan double, 

 or subsoil plows performed excellent work, and promise to be 

 valuable plows for heavy work. 



The annual exhibition of the society took place at Rochester, 

 September 29th and 30th. The first day was devoted to an out- 

 door show of animals, implements, and products, and proved 

 creditable to the county and the society, though but a mere apo- 

 logy for what it might have been, and in future should be. 



The improved breeds of cattle were fairly represented, partic- 

 ularly the Durhams, which have many appreciating admirers in 

 this county. Messrs. Ayrault, of Perrinton, Kimball, of Henri- 

 etta, Upton, of Greece^ and Smith and Mel lardy of Rush, were 

 among the successful competitors. A yearling bull and heifer, 

 presented by the last-named gentlemen, were very superior ani- 

 mals. The Devons were good, though the absence of some first- 

 rate and large herds left them a little inferior to the Durhams. 



