APPENDIX. xxix 



would encourage the breeding of the Jersey's for the purposes for 

 which they are so well adapted. 



There were but few Dutch cattle, and those not superior animals. 

 Herds of this and other breeds that we have seen in past years, were 

 for some reason not present. 



Few horses were on exhibition, except those that were in charge 

 of the Jehus, who afforded much amusement for the crowd as they 

 drove their fast nags around the track, a performance in which we 

 took little interest. We do not wholly condemn this horse- 

 racing, for when it is as carefully managed as it is by this society, 

 there can be little of gambling or positive evil, while it cannot be 

 denied that it affords much amusement to large crowds of people. 

 We all admire the horse, with his noble qualities, and it is only fair 

 to give him a prominent place in every cattle-show, but not to the 

 injury of any other department. If there are those who cannot 

 enjoy after-dinner speeches, or good music, and would prefer to 

 witness a "purely agricultural horse-trot," why, just let them have 

 their own wa}', if no harm comes of it. 



A few good swine were shown, but we believe this department 

 has never been a prominent feature of the exhibitions of this 

 societ}'. 



There were fowls in large numbers and of excellent appearance, 

 better in fact than we have seen at a cattle-show for some years. 

 We are glad to see that more attention is being given to this branch 

 of industry, for on witnessing the exhibition of fowls in the Music 

 Hall in Boston last winter, we were fully convinced that immense 

 improvement had been made during the last ten or fifteen 3'ears in 

 breeds and breeding of fowls. If, then, so much has been accom- 

 plished, ma}^ we not feel encouraged to labor for still greater results? 



In and about the societj-'s building there was a good show of 

 farming tools and machinery, so that the farmer, if he would, might 

 compare one with another and possibly determine which it might 

 be best to purchase. 



The centre of attraction to a great many was the hall where was 

 to be found, in gi'eat abundance, fruits and flowers from the orchardist 

 and florist, as well as the handiwork of the fair daughters and 

 buxom wives of old Middlesex, each of whom had contributed his 

 or her share to swell the interest of the occasion. 



The show of flowers, and especially of native flowers and plants, 

 was certainly finer than we have ever seen before on a similar occa-^ 

 sion, and we congratulate the officers of this society that they have 

 been able to inspire their friends with such enthusiasm, that they 

 are willing not only to grow flowers and plants in their gardens, but 

 to seek, through field and forest, for the beautiful plants and flow- 



