SHAPLEIGH AND ACTION SOCIETY. 39 



The show of horses and colts was good. Much interest is 

 shown in raising horses, and if care is taken to use only good 

 animals for breeding purposes it may be made a profitable busi- 

 ness. 



There was a fine display of specimens of wheat, rye, oats and 

 barley. James H. Buzzell of Acton, was awarded premium for 

 best two acres of wheat — 40^ bushels. Lyman R. Buzzell, for best 

 acre of wheat — 28| bushels. For the best J acre of corn, Joshua 

 M. Young of Action, was awarded premium — 53| bushels of ears. 

 Stephen P. Ham of Shapleigh, was awarded premium for best | 

 acre potatoes — "78 bushels. The corn crop has been less than an 

 average this year. There has been a fine crop of potatoes secured 

 but at present date many complaints of rot are heard. 



The exhibition of vegetables was the best we have had. Of 

 fruit there was more than an average show. The quality was of 

 the hiarhest class. Several collections of from 12 to 20 varieties 

 of apples and a large lot of fall and winter fruit of many kinds, 

 show that farmers have no notion of giving up fruit culture. 

 Many farmers are buying large lots of trees from travelling 

 agents. We advise them to be cautious how they trust too much 

 to irresponsible parties. Better purchase trees of some one who 

 has an established reputation for fair dealing and honesty, and 

 who has a regular place of doing business. Much loss and vex- 

 ation may be avoided by so doing. 



In the hall the ladies made an excellent display of carpets, rugs, 

 quilts and fancy articles of all kinds usually exhibited at fairs, 

 much of which was excellent. Many thanks are due the ladies 

 for the interest they manifest in our annual fairs. 



Preserves, ketchups and jellies were exhibited in about the 

 usual quantities, all of .superior merit. 



Many farmers use commercial manures and think they pay well, 

 though there are cases occasionally where no profit is derived ; 

 whether owing to some peculiar condition of the soil or to adulter- 

 ation of the manures we cannot say, but probably to the last. 

 The Cumberland Superphosphate is well spoken of. Farmers 

 cannot pay too much attention to saving and applying all manures 

 they possibly can for it is the soul of good farming. 



Every year the interest taken in our Society and its Exhibition 

 increases. New members are joining the Society ; and while some 



