xlvi REPORTS OP DELEGATES. 



The ploughing match, the first in the order of exercises, was well 

 contested, fifteen competitors entering for the prizes, most of whom 

 did their work well. 



The trial of working oxen came next, with twenty-two entries, 

 showing that the interest in this docile and patient servant of man 

 was well maintained by the sons of the Pilgrims. 



A trial of speed immediately followed on the half-mile track, of 

 walking oxen. Four yokes were trotted out for this prize, and 

 made good time on a square walk. 



The display of matched fancy, family and trotting horses, although 

 very good, clearly indicated that the fast horse had not yet taken 

 possession of this society. 



The exhibition from the State Almshouse — a large wagon loaded 

 with a splendid variety of vegetables, and drawn by five yokes of 

 magnificent oxen — gave evidence that the agricultural department 

 of this institution was in good hands. 



The show of cattle was very good, and much larger, I was told, 

 than on any former occasion. The Alderney blood seemed to pre- 

 dominate in the cows and heifers. Some very good Ayrshires were 

 on the ground. A very pleasant feature in this department was 

 the exhibition of all the premium cattle on the track in front of the 

 judges' stand, when the prizes were announced by the president, 

 and the ribbons attached to the prize animals, in the presence of a 

 large number of people, who seemed to take a lively interest in 

 the distribution of the honors. This feature I think worthy of 

 imitation. 



Sheep and swine were well but not very numerously represented. 



The show of poultry was exceedingly fine. 



The hall was filled to overflowing with the usual variety of arti- 

 cles, both useful and ornamental. The splendid display of grapes 

 and pears especially attracted my attention. 



The collection of people was very large. It seemed to be a gen- 

 eral holiday for the whole surrounding country ; the factory opera- 

 tors and mechanics, as well as the farmers, with their wives and 

 children, were there in great numbers, all seemingly intent on 

 having a good time. 



The dining-room is in the upper story of the hall, and will ac- 

 commodate from 400 to 500 persons, and on this occasion every 

 seat was filled. 



The popular and energetic president of the society, who had 

 just entered on his seventeenth year of service in that position, had, 

 with his usual forethought, secured the attendance of this board's 

 most eloquent member who, notwithstanding his recent labors in 



