APPENDIX. xxxi 



Middlesex North Societ}' have been merged in the eighth and ninth 

 annual exhibitions of the New England Agricultural Societ}'. 



It does not necessarily follow, however, that the interests of agri- 

 cultm-e in Middlesex North have suffered by the temporary suspen- 

 sion, for a year or two, of the proper functions of its societ3^ On 

 the contrar}', the most casual observer cannot fail to perceive 

 that the exhibitions of the New England Societ}', held upon the 

 grounds of the Middlesex North, have been beneficial in a great de- 

 gree to the interests of the Middlesex North Societ}*, for hither 

 have been brought for two successive years the choicest specimens 

 of the varied products of agi-iculture. Not only New England, 

 but the agricultural and horticultural interests of many States 

 outside of New England, including those on the Pacific slope, have 

 contributed the finest specimens for the benefit of the New England 

 Societ}'. These advantages and opportunities for observation have 

 been especiall}- enjo^-ed by the farmers of Middlesex North. 



Neat stock, representing the most famous breeds of the country ; 

 horses without number, from the finest thoroughbred for speed, to 

 tbe slow, reliable cart-horse ; agi'icultural machinery and implements 

 of the most improved construction ; the products of the soil in cereals 

 and vegetables ; horticultural products innumerable, — all these have 

 been brought to the immediate observation of the agriculturist of 

 Middlesex North, stimulating him to renewed exertions to elevate 

 the standard of excellence in the various departments of the exhibi- 

 tions to be held hereafter b}' his local societ}'. 



The State of Massachusetts has wisely made provision by which 

 the several societies within her limits, conforming to her require- 

 ments, shall be the recipients of her aid and bounty. The purpose 

 of the enactments authorizing and gi-anting aid to the agricultural 

 Bocieties of the State is to secure and disseminate valuable informa- 

 tion in the interests of agriculture throughout the State. It there- 

 fore behooves each and every society, the recipient of this aid, to 

 conform as nearly as may be to the requirements of the laws made 

 by which they receive aid from the State. 



Eugene T. Miles. 



MIDDLESEX SOUTH. 



In more ancient days, when children complained of inhospitable 

 rains which interfered with their sports, they were referred to the 

 clerk of the weather, and now the clerk has descended from his 

 misty heights and located at Washington, but although more acces- 

 sible to our demands, pays as little heed to them and dispenses 



