WEST SOMERSET SOCIETY. 35 



WEST SOMERSET AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



This Society now embraces 112 members, 10 new ones having 

 been added this year. The exhibition was held at North Anson, 

 Oct. 11th, adjoui-ned to 15th, when we had a good attendance and 

 a good show, except in oxen, which were few ; of horses and 

 colts a large number. Among the sheep were far more long 

 wooled animals than usnal, our attention having been given form- 

 erly almost exclusively to the Merinoes. This year there was a 

 very good show of both classes. Improvement in swine was very 

 manifest, although a large number was not present. 



There is a marked improvement both in stock of all sorts, and 

 greater desire for the most improved implements and seeds. 

 Many permanent improvements have been made by draining wet 

 lands and reclaiming waste places. The lack of tile for draining 

 is a serious drawback, for the want of which stone is used at con- 

 siderable disadvantage. 



More attention is given to fruit growing, many apples being 

 planted, and some pears. The latter do not succeed uniformly, 

 which I think owing to planting kinds not hardy enough, and not 

 bestowing suitable cultivation. My own pear trees have lived 

 and grown as well as apples. I believe they can be grown here 

 to advantage. I prefer standards very much. The increased 

 premiums on wheat have stimulated production, and very good 

 success has attended the efibrts. The breadth sown, during the 

 last two years particularly, has been much larger than for many 

 years. 



Amount of premiums offered, $308 ; amount awarded, $258. 



Asa W. Moore, Secretary. 



