REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 289 



The receipts of the society were large, as the sura of thirteen 

 hundred dollars was received as admittance at the city hall 

 alone. 



Probably no society in the State is more prosperous than the 

 Essex. It has, the past year, been given a handsome farm, lo- 

 cated at Topsfield, through the beneficence of the late Dr. 

 Treadwell, of Salem, to be received by them on certain condi- 

 tions, the object of which shall tend to promote the agricultural 

 interest. 



The affairs of this society are managed in an admirable man- 

 ner, aiid great interest felt by its members ; probably owing in 

 part to the fact of its large number of members, and liberal 

 amount of money awarded in premiums, and having a populous 

 rural district, as well as several thrifty towns and cities. 



The land is not of the best quality generally, but cultivated 

 with much judgment. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



Wm. G. Lewis. 



MIDDLESEX. 



The oOth of September opened very inauspiciously for cattle 

 shows and other out-of-doors pleasures. But the only effect, if 

 any, upon the exhibition of the Middlesex Society, at Concord, 

 was a diminution of the number of visitors, a defect probably 

 felt far more sensibly in the funds of the society, than in the 

 comfort of those who attended the show. 



No lack of spirit or energy was any where apparent, and the 

 whole arrangements reflected great credit upon the managing 

 committee. Every thing was attended to with great punctuality, 

 notwithstanding a very uncomfortable rain. 



The performances of the day commenced with the ploughing 

 match, which was well contested, and furnished some admirable 

 specimens of work. 



If any of the spectators had upon their minds objections to 



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