REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 157 



not be encouraged. It is certainly a very desirable trait in the 

 character of this noble animal, and no man, in purchasing one, 

 but what considers it very important. 



I saw but few sheep, and those not good. The fact is, the 

 dogs have driven the sheep from the State, and there is to-day 

 more dogs in Massaehusetts than sheep. We have a very large 

 amount of waste, rocky and unproductive land in this State, 

 which is better adapted to sheep husbandry than for any other 

 purpose ; and now that we have a law for the protection of 

 sheep, will not our farmers give more attention to sheep hus- 

 bandry, by which much of our worthless land will be made 

 valuable, and the wealth of the State be thereby increased. 



The ploughing was on the grounds of the society, — a light, 

 sandy soil, with little sward, and without obstructions of any 

 kind. Would not the desired object be better attained, by 

 ploughing land more compact and stubborn — land with a stiff 

 sward, which would show more fully the excellencies or 

 defects of the plough, the skill of the ploughman, and the 

 training and power of the team ? Nine teams competed for the 

 premiums, the work being well done. How could it be other- 

 wise on such land ? 



The strength and discipline of the oxen and horses, and the 

 exhibition of horses on the course, closed the forenoon and the 

 out-of-doors part of the proceedings. 



The exhibition at Huntington Hall was in most of its depart- 

 ments uncommonly good. Here were to be seen the products 

 of the garden and the orchard, in great abundance and per- 

 fection. Never had I seen a more attractive display of vege- 

 tables and fruit, including many choice and some new varieties 

 of hardy grapes. And I am happy to observe that there is 

 more attention being paid to the cultivation of this delicious 

 fruit. Every one who has a rod of ground, should have at 

 least one choice vine. There is no fruit cultivated that pays 

 better for the care bestowed. 



The dairy was well represented by a large amount of 

 excellent butter. 



More than fifty loaves of beautiful bread were exhibited, and 

 I am happy to know that it was not all made by the mothers, 

 the daughters claiming a large share of the honor, for which I 

 do most cheerfully give them credit. This, young ladies, the 



