APPENDIX. iii 



always considered so indispensable, was not needed by this society 

 to bring out this display. 



The show of sheep was also excellent, although not extensive. 

 The flocks of Mr. Dane and the Messrs. Appleton would be 

 creditable to any society. 



There were but few lots of swine, but the quality of these fully 

 compensated for the lack in numbers. 



The exhibition of poultry was large and complete, comprising 

 almost every well-known variety. A large collection of agricultur- 

 al implements was on exhibition under the tent. 



We were particularly pleased with the display of fruit, especially 

 with the pears and grapes. 



The display in the vegetable department was most excellent. 

 The farmers and gardeners of Essex understand what is required 

 for a good market vegetable, as these specimens bore evidence. 



The products of the dairy were not largely represented, but the 

 butter was, for the most part, well manufactured, and of a fine 

 quality. The exhibition of domestic manufactures and articles of 

 taste was admirable. 



Your delegate did not stay to witness the proceedings of the 

 second day, owing to the appearance of the weather, together 

 with the fact, that the fair of the Worcester West was to be held 

 on the succeeding day ; and it is to be greatly regretted that we 

 were therefore unable to witness the ploughing match, but have been 

 informed that there were a considerable number of entries, and the 

 work was skilfully done. 



On inquiring into the condition of the society, I found that it was 

 not for the lack of means that the society did not own grounds or 

 buildings, since they have at present over twenty thousand dollars 

 in controllable funds. Over fifty years ago this society was estab- 

 lished, with the view to improve the agriculture of Essex County ; 

 and how to most effectually accomplish this has ever been their 

 study. 



It is now a strong and independent society, with over twelve 

 hundred members, representing every town in the county, offering 

 liberal premiums and circulating yearly nearly a thousand copies of 

 their annual report. The circulation of these has, no doubt, had 

 an abiding influence upon the agriculture of the county, by intro- 

 ducing better modes of farm management, more improved tools 

 and implements, and by leading to the investigation of methods for 

 improving farm stock, of adapting crops to soils, as well as of im- 

 proving the soils themselves. 



And, in conclusion, I would say, that I know of no society which 



