XX REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



There was a fair exhibit of dairy-stock of all ages, as to numbers, 

 much of it very good, a large proportion being pure-breds, and 

 representing most of the different breeds. 



It was noticeable that most of the stock was offered by a few 

 well-known breeders. Among the noted herds were the Shorthorns 

 of P. Stedman & Son, of Chicopee, and Wm. R. Sessions, of 

 Wilbraham ; the condition of both herds indicating that their 

 owners regarded usefulness more than pampered beaut3% The 

 Ayrshires of Wm. Birnie, of Springfield, the Jerseys of J. L. 

 McKinstr}', of Chicopee, and the Devons of H. M. Sessions, of 

 "Wilbraham, attracted much attention. Much regret was expressed 

 that the fine herd of Devons of Wm. Mattoon, of Springfield, was 

 not on exhibition. 



The show of bulls was not large, but there were a few very good 

 animals. J. L. Shepard, S. W. Mosely and Ethan Brooks, had some 

 grade cows which were evidently deep milkers, Mr. Wm. Pynchon, 

 president of the society, set an example, worthy of imitation by 

 oflficers of all agricultural societies, by offering the best cow upon 

 the ground, tested b}' the pail. Her owner stated that she gave thirty 

 quarts of milk per day, from Ma}' 12 to July 1 and from that time 

 to October 1, twenty-three quarts per day, on the average. This cow 

 was a grade. 



The show of fat cattle and working-oxen was not large, nor 

 remarkable for quality-, and the same remark is especially applicable 

 to that of sheep and swine. 



A pair of trained steers by G. W. Morgan, of Belchertown, 

 attracted much attention. Such exhibitions should be more common 

 at our fairs, and deserve all the encouragement that can be given. 

 The trainer and the animals are each improved by the discipline 

 they mutuallj' receive, and the spectators cannot fail to get a higher 

 and better appreciation of the nature and intelligence of the brute. 



Of poultrj^ there was a fair show, the largest exhibitor being 

 Alfred Birnie, of Springfield. 



There was about the usual displa}' of agricultural implements. 

 Messrs. B. & J. W. Belcher exhibited a new swivel-plough, a 

 novelty of which consisted in the mould-board being in two parts. 

 In changing from one side to the other, the point end went under in 

 the old way, and the other part went over the beam, l^y this 

 arrangement a more perfect mould-board is secured, but it neces- 

 sitates a considerable increase in the weight of tlie plough. It was 

 a matter of regret that there was no p'oughing-match, by which the 

 merits of this or an}' other plough could be determined. 



The display of fruit at the city hall was large and attractive, 

 embracing; most of the kinds and varieties grown in this section. 



