134 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



tier speeches were made, the several committees made their 

 reports, and the premiums awarded were paid. 



One of the prominent features of this show was the large 

 attendance of ladies. They appeared to be the wives and daugh- 

 ters of the farmers taking a lively interest in the success of the 

 enterprise, and their presence in every department of the show 

 and at the dinner table was most cheering. 



There was one feature in this show, which, so far, I have for- 

 borne to mention, but which must not be passed over in silence. 

 I allude to equestrianism by ladies, for which premiums were 

 paid. The questions suggested themselves to my mind, What 

 has the riding of ladies on horseback to do with agriculture ? 

 What right have societies to bestow the bounty of the State 

 " upon this object ? I did not understand that the object was to 

 test the excellence of the horse, or that the premium was paid 

 for the best horse, but to the lady for excellence in horseman- 

 ship. This, no doubt, was the attractive feature of this show, 

 and by inducing a large number to attend and pay an entrance 

 fee, was a source of profit to the society ; and as the money 

 thus obtained was probably used to pay the premiums awarded 

 to the ladies, this society cannot be charged with diverting the 

 bounty of the State to that object. I mention this feature of 

 the show, not for the purpose of condemning or approving, but 

 merely to call attention to the subject. There are indications 

 that this is to become a leading feature of the shows through- 

 out the State, and great care should be taken that it does not 

 absorb the interest which should be bestowed upon subjects 

 more legitimate, useful and practicable. 



The State of Massachusetts encourages the formation of agri- 

 cultural societies, and, under certain rules and restrictions, 

 places funds in the hands of their officers, to be awarded and 

 paid out to such persons as have, in their judgment, done most 

 to promote improvement in agriculture, and great care should 

 be taken that no misapplication is made of those funds. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



IvERS Phillips. 



