REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 199 



BARNSTABLE. 



The fifteenth annual fair of the Barnstable Agricultural 

 Society, was held at Barnstable, October 5th and 6th, 1859. 



The very thorough report, for 1858, prepared by Mr. Bush- 

 nell, renders it unnecessary to make any statements respecting 

 the past history, or the convenient grounds and spacious 

 halls of the Barnstable society. One additional fact, however, 

 should be mentioned for the encouragement of those faint- 

 hearted societies which have not yet provided themselves with 

 suitable facilities for the best possible exhibition of articles and 

 animals entered for premiums. This society having resolved 

 to own a proper place for holding its fairs, after expending all 

 its funds, was under the disagreeable necessity of borrowing 

 money to complete its building. After dinner, this year, one 

 of the invited guests, William Sturgis, Esq., of Boston, having 

 expressed his gratification at the abundant evidences of enter- 

 prise and thrift, manifested by the society, generously presented 

 it with the sum of 11,200, the amount of its indebtedness. 



Mr. BushneH's report on the stock in general would require 

 but little modification for this year. Among the poultry, how- 

 ever, which he seems to have overlooked, were some fine ducks, 

 (which might have been expected); a wagon-load of respectable 

 turkeys, (not salt); and, sad to relate, a few ambitious Shang- 

 hae's, among which were dodging about some good specimens 

 of the Grimes' breed, lineal descendants apparently of the 

 famous " old hen with yellow legs, who laid her master many 

 eggs." 



The exhibition, in the hall, of ladies and their handiwork, of 

 flowers, fruits and vegetables, of model ships and of salt, was 

 well worthy the attention of the crowds which it attracted. 



The crystals of salt were snow-white, and some of the cubes 

 were nearly three inches in diameter. The manufacturers, the 

 Messrs. Crocker, kindly permitted Secretary Flint to select 

 such as he chose for the State cabinet, and also suitably 

 seasoned your delegate. 



The apples and pears were handsome, — much better than 

 would have been anticipated by a stranger, who had observed 



