APPENDIX. XXV 



her great "Webster, wliose farm was stocked with the most select 

 oxen, and we found the exhibition of the town-team, numbering one 

 hundred and five pairs of oxen, arranged in a long line on the track, 

 an important feature of the exhibition. It was a fine sight to see so 

 many well-matched oxen moving round the track, preceded by a band 

 of music, while both oxen and their owners seemed to realize the 

 dignit}' of the occasion in rendering their part a success. 



Care is a price that all must pay who exhibit good oxen, and there 

 is no reasonable doubt that the price was cheerfully paid b}' their 

 appearance. There was also a considerable show of matched horses, 

 draught-horses, driving-horses and colts. 



The display of poultr}^ was very fine, and the collection embraced 

 the choicest specimens of almost every recognized breed, which were 

 attractive and interesting even to a superficial observer, untouched 

 even by the premonitor}- sj'mptoms of the " hen-fever," while to the 

 large class who keep fowls and desire to know something of the 

 peculiar characteristics of the various breeds, the exhibition offered 

 a verj' favorable opportunity. 



On entering the hall, we were at once gratified with the display, 

 — long tables loaded with useful and fancy articles in great variety 

 that spoke well of the refinement and industr}^ of the lady contribu- 

 tors. In the needle and fanc}' department the display was almost 

 endless. The tables were laden with fruits, well worth}- the efforts 

 of practical horticulturists. The apples, pears, peaches, quinces, and 

 grapes, were especiall}^ fine, denoting care in their cultivation ; and 

 we have often thought that poor success in fruit-culture is more 

 often attributable to the want of proper care than any other 

 want. 



The bread, butter and cheese department was noticeable rather 

 from the excellent quality of the contributions than a large display. 

 One feature of this department struck us as eminentl}' practical. 

 The society requires that each contribution be accompanied with a 

 statement detailing the process by which each article was made. 



Flowers, somebody has said, " cheer the dusty path of toil." 

 This department of the exhibition was particularly attractive, not 

 only of the best varieties of flowers in their season grown out-doors, 

 but fine plants in pots, as well as bouquets. And of cut-flowers there 

 were some beautiful designs : one being a bell formed of flowei's ; 

 another a white cushion with a red star in the centre, and most 

 beautiful and fanciful hanging-baskets. 



The vegetable department occupied nearly all the basement of the 



hall, and was represented by all the choicest varieties adapted to 



this climate, indicating a discriminating selection of seed and good 



care in their growth. The farmer who neglects his vegetable-garden 



4* 



