DAIRY STOCK. 323 



their congratulations, and expressing their warmest thanks to 

 the trustees of the Massachusetts Society, for the beautiful dis- 

 play of dairy stock, of all classes, which their enlightened liber- 

 ality has brought to the field of exhibition. So fine and valuable 

 animals in this department of rural economy, and of ownership 

 in this Commonwealth, it is believed, have not before been wit- 

 nessed at any of our shows. They have here been seen by 

 thousands of admiring spectators, and their worth will be made 

 better known to a great body of practical agriculturists. If 

 past efforts to obtain written statements of the properties and 

 value of good stock have proved, to a great degree, unavailing, 

 such opportunities will speak more impressively to the pride 

 and interest of the farmer, and ultimately secure its more gen- 

 eral possession and diffusion.* 



The committee submit, with the report, the written statements 

 of all the competitors, which, however, from the repetition and 

 complexity of the questions and answers, can serve only for 

 reference. 



For, and in behalf, and by order of the committee, 



Levi Lincoln, Chairman. 



Aguicultural Hall, Worcester, \ 

 September 26, 1856. y 



* The indefiniteness and meagreness of the statements of the various com- 

 petitors for the premimns of the Massachusetts Society, are regretted, not onlj 

 by the Committee, but by all who read and study them for the purpose of ob- 

 taining knowledge and skill in the matters to which they relate. It Is very 

 desirable that all persons making enti'Ies to the different agricultural societies 

 of the Commonwealth, should be informed, that in awarding the premiums 

 offered, the Committees will be governed by the rules pertaining thereto. 

 These are definite, and easily understood. The statements should embody all 

 the facts coming under the notice of the producer of the article offered for 

 premium. These may seem too trivial to be noted by the experienced farmer, 

 or amateur. Not so to the inexperienced, or the beginner. To such, they 

 are the elements of that art whose thorough knowledge comprises an under- 

 standing of the practical economy of good husbandry. Hence the importance 

 of full and accurate statements. — Ed. 



