APPENDIX. xxxiii 



NANTUCKET. 



The matter of reaching Nantucket from the Connecticut Valley 

 in the latter part of the month of September is no trifling affair, if 

 one reckons his time and patience as of any value. At the start, 

 time-tables and railroad officials make the trip seem simple enough, 

 yet it becomes pretty complicated before he reaches the end of his 

 journe}'. The first day's ride and sail brought your delegate within 

 the base-lines of a camp-meeting ground, instead of the precincts of 

 a cattle-show and fair. Twenty-four hours or more were spent in 

 viewing the beauties of Oak Bluffs, and meditating upon the real 

 value of 7 by 9 lots, held by land-speculators at fabulous prices, the 

 intrinsic value of which must be placed on the measurement from 

 the sand-heap skyward. A patient waiting and another steamer 

 brought the anticipated relief. Your delegate, on his arrival at the 

 wharf in Nantucket, was met by the president of the society, Mr. 

 Myrick, in waiting to take him to the fair-grounds, which are located 

 about a mile from the landing. The pleasant attentions and cordial 

 hospitalities rendered by the officers and members of the society 

 made ample amends for the annoyance of road and sea. 



A survey of the grounds (which are ample for the society's use) 

 Itrought to view some more than two hundred head of neat cattle, 

 several flocks of sheep, a few swine, and a goodly display- of the 

 several varieties of poultry, including geese, ducks, turkeys, Guinea 

 fowls, and barnyard fowls of approved breeds and families. Going 

 from, and representing a society whose members pride themselves 

 on theii- large cattle bj' the ton, he was somewhat prepared to make 

 allowances for any apparent deficiencies in the quality or quantity 

 of the stock-department. He was agreeably and pleasantly disap- 

 pointed. His introduction and conversation with the members of the 

 society soon assured him that he was in a live society, as well as 

 among the live-stock. 



Very little of the Shorthorn family was represented. Looking 

 over the face of the country, and the actual needs of the islanders, 

 yoar delegate thought he could understand why that class of ani- 

 mals was not more abundant. It would be conceded by any good 

 breeder that the herds of the Andersons, Wellses, and Carpenters, 

 of Shelburne, would stand small chance of making a good show on 

 pasturage grown upon the gravelly, sandy plains of Nantucket, after 

 herding for years upon the heavy clay and limestone soils of Frank- 

 lin County. 



The tendency of the island cattle-growers is toward the Ayrshire 

 and Aldeney stock. Yet cattle of those breeds are sold at quite 

 5* 



