xlii REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



After this exhausting survey, your delegate was naturally after 

 the manner of men inclined to sit down at a festive board, and 

 whilst partaking of the sensible food, expect that other sort, not 

 always so sensible ; but discovered that the part of Hamlet had been 

 left out of the play, no dinner nor orator being provided for the 

 occasion above stairs ; a very respectable meal was furnished be- 

 low. But an exhibition on so grand a scale as that at Taunton, 

 tapers off too finely when the accessories of a social banquet and 

 instructive oratory are omitted ; and from the ill-disguised expres- 

 sions of some of the present managers, they seem to be of like 

 opinion, and the ensuing year will probably revive the past, when a 

 society dinner was provided in the third story of the hall, and 

 guests to the number of eight hundred listened to what Horace 

 Greeley knew about farming, and if any one of them knew half as 

 much, he was richly invested. 



Your delegate has perhaps occupied more time than necessary in 

 his review of one day's visit, but as this society has not been re- 

 ported upon for a year or two, he felt it somewhat incumbent upon 

 him to make amends for other delinquencies, and the objects of in- 

 terest were so various, as to excite trains of thought, the unburden- 

 ing of which may, in some slight degree, promote the progress of 

 agricultural prosperity, and the happiness of those directly con- 

 nected with it. R. Goodman. 



BRISTOL CENTRAL. 



The annual exhibition and cattle fair of the Bristol Central Agri- 

 cultural Society was held on the grounds of the society, at Myrick's, 

 September 20, 21 and 22. The occasion was ushered in with all 

 the beauties of a balmy September morning. 



Contestants for the prizes generously offered by the society, came 

 to the place of gathering as from long distances, gradually, but 

 every one with a purpose. An ardent spirit (not liquid) made 

 every one strong in his place, which each seemed to appreciate and 

 understand. This pleasing feature of the occasion was a distinctive 

 guide to the carrying out of the arrangements in the various de- 

 partments. 



A gentle and quiet frame of mind pervaded the assembled multi- 

 tude, which added beauty and lustre to the whole of the proceed- 

 ings. This society appears to understand the purpose for which 

 agricultural exhibitions were instituted, that by comparison, infor- 

 mation might be imparted and received. Herein lies the great se- 

 cret which should be sought and studied by the whole community. 



