12 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



Moody's fine importation of Sliropshires, which would have 

 been more numerous but for the unconquerable fondness of 

 dogs for mutton. 



There were eighteen entries of swine, which, considering 

 the inconvenience of handling and loading these somewhat 

 intractable animals, is very good. The Chester Whites, 

 Poland-Chinas, and Suffolks were excellent, as also were 

 some of the Yorkshires, which, introduced by the Massachu- 

 setts Society, are becoming very popular. The}' have the 

 " chunkiness " of the Suffolk, with more hair and a little 

 more size. Of the improvement in the swine of the county, 

 we have proof in the fact that the 3,441 hogs of 1&75 were 

 worth 88,230 more than G,616 of 1845, then appraised at six 

 dollars and a quarter each, and in 1875 at fourteen dollars 

 and a half. 



Of poultry there was a most creditable display, — good 

 evidence that this branch of farming is not quite neglected. 

 There were eighty-one coops, one-fourth of which were 

 entered by one young farmer, an enterprising son of a worthy 

 father. By the federal census of 1840 the poultry of this 

 county was estimated at $9,678. No returns were made in 

 1850, 1860, or 1870 ; and with equal stupidity and ignorance 

 they were almost as much neglected in our State enumera- 

 tions of 1845 and 1855. In 1865 the poultry and eggs 

 were set down at il8,000 , but in the admirably prepared 

 schedule of 1875 they are returned for this county at 

 $^90,538, of which the eggs are about one-half. Does this not 

 show an industry, that, while individually small, making a 

 very great aggregate, should be encouraged and fostered? 

 A convenient plan for exhibition and more liberal premiums 

 are due to a class of farm-stock, which, in its own and pro- 

 ductive value, exceeds that of the sheep and wool, the swine, 

 calves, colts, steers, and heifers in the county. 



Tlie second day was perfect, and a large number attended 

 to see such horses as were for exhibition. The show gener- 

 ally was fair, of colts remarkably good. This is not a horse- 

 bfeeding county ; and the tone of morality in the county, 

 though perhaps rather thin, is extended enough to interdict 

 trials of speed. Nevertheless we have much improved in the 

 character and style of our horses, as well as increased their 

 numbers. In 1845 we had 3,775 horses, valued at $162,322, 



