xxxviii EEPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



tion, was filled to overflowing. The display of the domestic fowls 

 would do credit to a poultry show par excellence, and was on a 

 much grander scale than I have ever seen at any agricultural fair, 

 there being over two hundred contributors to this department. I 

 am not an adept of sufficient skill to decide on the comparative 

 merits of the different breeds, but can only say it must be a worthy 

 prototype of the poultrj- exhibition of the centennial year, one thou- 

 sand eight hundred and seventy-six. 



The dinner was served at the Society's hall, on the second day. 

 The president of the Society, Mr. Mason, being detained on account 

 of sickness, the Hon. Judge Bennett welcomed the guests in a short 

 speech, and presided at the table. After partaking of a bountiful 

 repast, spread for more than four hundred, and enjoying the music 

 from the band, Hon. Samuel B. Noyes delivered an address on Bristol 

 County farmers, the " embattled farmers," the bone and muscle of the 

 colonies of 1 776. It was estimated that over twelve thousand persons 

 were on the grounds during the fair. The Societ}' is in a prosperous 

 condition, has ample grounds, a large hall, and a praiseworthy esprit 

 du corps among its members. A feeling seemed to pervade the 

 community that this holida}' of the farmers was one of the gala days 

 of the year, and a determination to get their share of pleasure, so 

 abounding and so accessible to all, seemed to be omnipresent. 



During my stay in Taunton, and while on the agricultural grounds, 



I was and still am under obligations to Judge Bennett, Aver}' P. 



Slade, Esq., and Col. W. D. Tripp and his lady, for kindness and 



courtesy shown me on the occasion. 



Horace P. Wakefield. 



MARSHFIELD. 



Although the protracted storm kept away thousands from the 

 show-ground, yet the exhibition of animals in the several classes 

 was extremely good, and the number of entries was above an 

 average of previous 3'ears. 



There was a large number of entries in the different classes of 

 horses, and about twent}' premiums were awarded. 



Of cows there were 15 entries, and seven premiums were paid, 

 amounting in all to about $36. Of heifers, under three years old, 

 there were seven entries ; under two, 18. Among these the Jerseys 

 predominated. There was a very fine exhibition of calves, 22 

 entries, and all fine stock. 



The sheep exhibited were very respectable in quality, but few in 

 numbers. 



