APPENDIX. xxv 



purity of breeds, as the earnestness with which the owners of dif- 

 ferent classes traced back the pedigree of their animals showed 

 their interest in the purity of their blood. There were sires as well 

 as dams of the Alderney, Ayrshire, Devon and Durham breeds. The 

 exhibition in this department was pronounced by experts very 

 good. The working oxen were fine animals and performed their 

 work well ; but we thought, in a few instances, the tests too severe. 



The display in the hall was very creditable, especially in the 

 Home Department. We have seen larger collections, but none of 

 superior excellence. This was true not only of the skilfully and 

 curiously wrought embroidery — the flowers and fruits in water 

 colors, so perfect in representation we might easily imagine a per- 

 ception of their fragrance and aroma — but also the more substantial 

 productions of home-made carpets, quilts, rugs and mittens. 



The collection of fruits was limited, but the specimens were 

 good. The evening was spent very pleasantly in the church, in 

 listening to pithy addresses, interspersed with vocal music. The 

 last day was devoted to the exhibition of the horse. This noble 

 and useful animal always awakens admiration. Whilst we revere 

 his attributes and instincts we should deprecate their all-too-fre- 

 quent abuse. We are happy to say that this criticism does not 

 apply to the Union Society. 



The fair closed with an address by Dr. E. W. Hatch, of Meriden, 

 Conn. The address was a model production, full of practical sug- 

 gestions and useful hints. 



This society does not appear to require the inspiration of martial 

 music and other outside appliances that are demanded in many 

 localities to please the crowd, but are satisfied with the ordinary 

 attractions of an old-fashioned cattle show. 



To the officers of the society, and especially to its worthy rep- 

 resentative to this Board, we are under special obligations for their 



courtesy and kind attentions. 



Geo. M. Baker. 



FRANKLIN. 



The reports of former delegates to the Franklin County Agricul- 

 tural Society, have represented it as in a prosperous condition, and 

 doing a good and legitimate work in encouraging the various 

 departments of agriculture, in collecting and disseminating infor- 

 mation on agricultural topics, and making that information of 

 practical utility. By its exhibition of 1871, it has fully sustained 

 4* 



