REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 203 



them, and indefatigable in their endeavors to make the festival 

 every thing that it should be. 



The grounds of the society, where was holden the exhibition 

 of stocks, contain about twenty acres of level land, inclosed by 

 a well-built, sufficient fence, and having a smoothly finished 

 track, and ample stands for the committees and the band. The 

 question of the expediency of agricultural societies owning 

 their own grounds, and taking an admission fee from those 

 who are not members, is no longer an open one, and the people 

 of the island are fortunate in thus being able to make their 

 society self-sustaining before the evil days come when the gra- 

 tuity of the Commonwealth shall be no longer granted. 



The receipts of this young society were over seven hundred 

 dollars. Captain E. W. Gardner, the first president of the 

 society, has been largely instrumental in forwarding this great 

 improvement. 



Of the stock exhibited on the first day, the milch cows con- 

 stituted the largest and most noticeable class, and excellent 

 cows they were, too. There were some capital heifers, and 

 some very good bulls — one a full blooded Ayrshire " Bruce," 

 from the stock of William S. Lincoln, of Worcester. 



Several of the best dairies on the island, as I was informed, 

 were not represented at all. It is to be hoped that after the 

 successful experiment this year of the new grounds, the earnest 

 spirit of the officers will extend to all the members. 



I was disappointed in seeing only one lot of sheep ; they 

 looked well, and formed part of a fine flock, which I afterwards 

 saw belonging to George C. Gardner. 



I was informed that there were other good flocks on the 

 island, and could but regret the lack of public spirit that should 

 withhold them from this exhibition, which, of all others in the 

 State, would seem to be the one to receive undivided encourage- 

 ment. 



Of swine there was but one lot, which looked well. 



There were two or three coops of poultry. 



In the hall the exhibition was very fine ; there were many 

 articles of curiosity, interest and taste, beside the fruits and 

 vegetables, of which there was a splendid show. I have never 

 seen better pears, and never so good Isabella grapes and quinces 

 as were here exhibited in large quantities ; the adaptability of 



