xxiv REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



developments of milking-qualities great care and judgment in their 

 breeding. There were also some fine grade cows of that breed. 



In the hall the products of the dairy were well represented, show- 

 ins: that this section of Berkshire still retains its interest in this 

 very important branch of industr}', and showing that the farmers' 

 wives have lost none of their old-time skill and appreciation of first- 

 class butter and cheese. 



The exhibitions of field-crops were numerous and excellent, and so 

 was that of fruits and vegetables. The ladies were on hand, as they 

 always are, with many articles of beaut}^ and usefulness, which 

 make the hall on these occasions a point of so much attraction 

 to all. 



I was able to attend onty the first day's exhibition, and cannot 



speak personall}^ of what took place the remaining two days, but am 



informed that the exhibition of horses was fully equal to that of 



former years. 



"Wm. Birnie. 



MARSHFIELD. 



The annual exhibition of the Marshfield Agricultural Society was 

 held at the society's grounds on October 2, 3 and 4, and as a dele- 

 gate from this Board I attended the exhibition. 



Marshfield has been celebrated and renowned for the past thirty 

 years as containing the farm and residence of one of our country's 

 greatest statesmen, one who threw his great mind into the scale of 

 agriculture, and we are now reaping the benefits of his teachings and 

 example. 



I was agreeabl}' surprised to find a cattle show, in the full sense 

 of the term ; the society full of enthusiasm, the officers devoted to 

 their work, and their efforts appreciated by throngs of interested and 

 happy people. 



The first day, Wednesday, was devoted to the reception and 

 arrangement of contributions, and the examination of committees to 

 award the premiums. 



The exhibition of cattle in the pens, although not large, was rep- 

 resented by Ayrshires, Devons, Jerseys, also their grades, while the 

 stock called natives comprised the greater number. 



Many good people, of a short range of inquiry, and a shorter 

 range of reflection, imagine that the so-called native cattle are best 

 adapted to all wants of the farm, ignoring the fact that specialties 

 in the wants or use of cattle are as poteut as specialties in the pur- 

 suits of man or in successful agriculture. 



Marshfield is evidently benefited by the teachings and example of 



