810 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



the air, lay the dust, and clean the foliage of the beautiful shade 

 trees which adorn the village of Dedham. 



Promptly in the morning, the ploughing-match was held at 

 the stated time, where much interest was felt by the competitors 

 to do the work well, and exhibit the merits of the various teams 

 and improved ploughs ; the land being well adapted, excellent 

 work was generally performed. 



Next in order came the spading-match, and lustily did the 

 sinewy arms turn over the tougli sod, and show what a good 

 spade could perform when well directed. 



The exhibition of horses next engaged attention. 



This society, through a far-sighted, liberal policy and laudable 

 enterprise, have the past year added a fine piece of land to its 

 already beautiful grounds, on which is laid out a track wherein 

 to exhibit their horses, stock, &c., which never can be done in 

 pens or among a promiscuous crowd, however cautious the hand 

 that guides them. 



A large quantity of fine pears were exhibited, as well as other 

 fruit, vegetables and cut flowers ; of the last, one contributor 

 from Needham, (Mr. Hunnewell,) deserves much praise ; one 

 table was literally covered with the rare exotics from his elegant 

 residence. No pains or expense could have been spared by him 

 to adorn their thow. 



The pens contained many fine specimens of cattle, both native 

 and foreign stock, fine hogs, fancy fowls, (fee. South Down 

 sheep were there, also some other breeds, all exhibiting the care 

 and attention of the fortunate owners. 



Of swine, the Suffolk breed predominated ; the race of " striped 

 pigs," for which this town was formerly celebrated, seemed to 

 have died out, their places being supplied with more orderly 

 animals. 



An address was delivered to the society, in one of the 

 churches, by Hon. JosiahQuincy, Jr., who ably entertained the 

 audience, by contrasting our own happy country with lands in 

 Europe, which he had recently visited ; after which a bountiful 

 repast was provided in the upper hall of the society's building, 

 and a large number of ladies and gentlemen agreeably spent the 

 remainder of the day, entertained by speeches, music, and last, 

 though not least, an announcement of the sums awarded as 

 premiums and gratuities. 



