APPENDIX. xliii 



pounds which was used in his own familj'. His crop of hay the last 

 season was not so large as on some former occasions, yet he has 

 cut enough to winter 35 head of cattle, with a prospect of having a 

 surplus for the market. It is evident that there are thousands of 

 acres of land about the New England shores, now comparatively of 

 but little value, that may be made rich and remunerative by following 

 the example of Mr. Sanford in using the "kelp of the sea," which 

 is found in great abundance upon the sea-coast. 



During the two daj's of the exhibition, the Athenaeum Hall, in the 

 central part of the town, formed the great centre of attraction, and 

 was made unusuallj' interesting by the zeal manifested by the ladies. 

 It was tastefully decorated with evergreens and flowers, and hung 

 with appropriate mottoes, from which I read, " Manufactures and 

 Commerce welcome Agriculture as the eldest sister." The fanc}-- 

 work was very fine, and the large number of superior articles of 

 curiosity and taste added largely to the interest of the occasion. 

 The display of needle-work, embroidery, etc., contained many arti- 

 cles of exquisite taste. 



The display of fruits was not so large as on some former occa- 

 sions. It is not unfrequent that this Society in this department will 

 equal, if not exceed, any agricultural society in the State in rais- 

 ing pears and grapes. Several contributors showed from six to 

 eight beautiful varieties of pears, while there was a great variety of 

 single dishes. The display of hot-house grapes was good. Those 

 exhibited by E. H. Alley were deserving of especial attention. 

 Prominent in this line were those shown by Samuel King, Charles 

 G. Coffin and Henry Coffin. 



In the lower hall were exhibited vegetables, bread, butter, etc. 

 The show of vegetables was large, and all the specimens of an 

 excellent quality. There were eight entries of butter. 



The entertainments on both evenings were largel}' attended, and 

 the vocal and instrumental music delighted the audience. The 

 " Song of the Farm," written by Prof. A. B. Whipple, of the High 

 School, was highly applauded. Speeches were made by the presi- 

 dent, who tendered his thanks to all who had so generously contrib- 

 uted to the success of the exhibition ; by your delegate, who saw 

 evidences that the people of Nantucket might profitably give more 

 attention to farming ; and by Prof. Whipple, who thought that to 

 make farms more productive, as in France, Switzerland and Austria, 

 they must be fed with all possible enrichments, including brains. 



In closing my report, it is with pleasure I mention the cordial 

 reception I received through the gentlemanly attentions of the pres- 

 ident of the Society and his family, and from the secretary, Alex- 



