xxxvi REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



of the society. All were in fine condition ; many were really pre- 

 mium beeves, and as they passed in review around the track, there 

 appeared to be no instance where the results of kind treatment and 

 generous fare were not observable. 



The show of poultry was good, and under the improved facilities 

 provided by the society for exhibitors, the department never ap- 

 peared to better advantage. 



In the hall the noticeable features were the displays of pears, 

 grapes, flowers and garden vegetables. Of pears there were 362 

 plates exhibited, and there were 175 plates of grapes. In the col- 

 lection of grapes, there was not only a large number of really valu- 

 able new varieties, but throughout the whole display a degree of 

 maturity prevailed never before seen on the tables of the society. 



With the different productions of the farm and garden, there were 

 displayed in the hall various kinds of works of art, skill and indus- 

 try, and in connection, numerous modern and improved machines 

 and implements of husbandry. 



Spading, ploughing, trial of draft horses, rural sports, etc., inter- 

 spersed through each day, gave variety and interest to the outdoor 

 attractions, and were witnessed by a large collection of persons. 

 To this part of the programme was added a trial of chemical fire 

 engines. Two rough buildings, about ten feet square, and eight or 

 ten feet in height, were erected on the easterly side of the grounds, 

 and filled with straw, pitch and other highly combustible materials. 

 The Hingham Cordage Company and the Hingham Jute and Bag- 

 ging Company each furnished an engine for the occasion, with a 

 sufficient number of men to work the same. After being ignited, 

 the buildings were undisturbed until well on fire. The labor of a 

 few moments was sufficient to check the progress of the flames, and 

 the whole was soon completely quenched, leaving most of the struct- 

 ures yet standing. 



The annual dinner of the society came off on Wednesday, and 

 was shared by nearly 500 members and guests. Colonel Hawkes 

 Fearing officiated as chief marshal. On the platform were Hon. 

 Albert Fearing, the president of the society ; vice president, Hon. 

 Solomon Lincoln, Hon. Stephen Salisbury, of Worcester ; Hon. 

 George S. Hillard, of Boston ; Hon. Henry W. Paine, of Boston ; 

 Rev. E. Porter Dyer, of Shrewsbury ; and others. At the right of 

 the president were seated the following venerable persons, viz. : 

 Mr. Timothy Dodd, of Boston, still in active business in Boston, 

 aged ninety-one years ; Mr. John Souther, now of Boston, but a 

 native of Hingham, aged ninety years ; and Mr. Benjamin Hobart, 

 of Abington, whose ancestors were of Hingham, eighty-nine years. 



