APPENDIX. xxxix 



spirit and energy as at once to insure the success of the fair. They 

 were determined that the wet, cokl storm should not chill their inter- 

 est in an enterprise whose aim was to benefit the people of that 

 vicinity. 



The women were as spirited and as ready to meet the frown of 

 the elements as the men. They gave, from first to last, all the 

 influence of their presence and courage to make the gathering pleas- 

 ant and profitable. 



As the Board are aware, this society covers a territory where the 

 distance from market and the character of the country encouraae 

 the raising of stock. The show, though in this respect not ex- 

 tensive, gave you the assurance that the stimulus of cattle-shows 

 and the extended information of the principles of breeding, had 

 alread}^ produced a healthy effect upon the farmers of this region. 

 Even native stock was better bred than former I3'. The improved 

 breeds evidently were receiving the chief attention. The Durham 

 breed, shown in some verj- fine working-oxen, evidently flourishes 

 well here. Rarelj* have we seen better proportioned animals and 

 finer specimens for obedience, beauty and strength. Some fifteen 

 entries for drawing presented us with the skill in training, the kind- 

 ness in using, and the almost marvellous power of these patient 

 servants of man. 



The sleek sides and fine forms of the fat cattle told us of beef that 

 mitst be tender and sweet, fattened on the sweet grasses of this region, 

 and well worthy the best markets. Here, as well as all through the 

 line of neat stock, the quantit}' was not large, but the qualit}' very 

 good indeed. The last remark anticipates me in sa^-ing there was 

 an indicatior of a good deal of effort made to improve their neat 

 stock, and this we trust is an assui-ance of still greater effort in 

 futui-e. Where grass and ha^' are abundant, we should look for the 

 greatest improvement in stock. 



The dairy, also, was most beautifully represented b}' liutter of the 

 finest color and taste, and b}' cheese of a good quality. This part 

 of the exhibition confirmed om- judgment concerning the good 

 quality of the cows exhibited. The statistics concerning the prod- 

 uce of some of the dair3^-animals were clear and concise. 



One cow during the year made over three hunch-ed pounds of very 

 fine butter, if equal to the sample shown, and fatted a twelve-dollar 

 calf. Another made a pound of butter per day from five quarts of 

 milk. 



The horses are being improved by the Hambletouian and Morgan 

 blood. A large displaj^ of breeding-mares and fine colts gave evi- 

 dence to the interest now taken in the improvement of this fine 

 animal. 



