WEST OXFORD SOCIETY. 81 



on exhibition. One pair of fat oxen, measuring about eight feet, 

 owned by Josiah W. Davis, Esq., of Denmark, and being the same 

 that drew the first premium at the State Show in Portland, attracted 

 much attention ; also a pair of three years old grade Devon steers, 

 owned by Zenas Thorne, Esq.. of Fryeburg, were well matched, and 

 were much admired for their symmetrical form and beautiful color. 

 The President of the Society, Thomas Mabry, Esq., of Hiram, 

 exhibited a well matched and well disciplined pair of working oxen ; 

 and there was an excellent town team on exhibition from the town 

 of Denmark. The animals above named are a credit to the Society 

 as well as to their owners ; and their superiority is sufficient evi- 

 dence that the introduction of a few thorough bred animals, too;ether 



O ' CD 



with Judicious breeding from the best they now have, would greatly 

 improve the neat stock of West Oxford. 



The number of horses and colts on exhibition was not large, yet 

 among them were some valuable animals. There were some fine 

 carriage horses upon the grounds in good condition, and giving evi- 

 dence of thorough training. I also noticed a beautiful pair of 

 matched horses, of like color, make, and step ; and several colts, pos- 

 sessing some good points, indicating both strength and speed. I 

 judge that the horses of West Oxford have been judiciously bred and 

 carefully tended. 



There were but two flocks of sheep in the pens — one grade Leices- 

 ter, the other native breed They were both valuable flocks. I was 

 disappointed in not seeing a larger number, and a greater variety of 

 breeds of sheep on exhibition ; for I judge that the hills of West 

 Oxford are well adapted to the raising of these useful and profitable 

 animals. 



Some very excellent Chester swine wore on, or rather in the 

 grounds; but the feathered tribe — the geese and turkeys, ducks and 

 hens, were nowhere to be seen ; neither did their music charm the 

 admiring crowds. This deficiency, however, was supplied by the 

 auctioneers and peddlers who were stationed under nearly every 

 group of trees within the inclosure. 



The Drawing Match was not as successful as it should have been. 

 The oxen exhibited strength, but not discipline — only two pairs out 

 of the six competing giving evidence of thorough training ; and I 

 regret to say that one or two of the teamsters made rather too free 



