APPENDIX. xlvii 



the political field, was in his happiest mood, and discoursed elo- 

 quently and instructively to an appreciative and delighted audience. 

 On the whole, I can truly report this society to be in a flourishing 

 and prosperous condition, and faithfully performing the purposes of 

 its organization. Wm. Birnie. 



MARSHFIELD. 



Agreeably to appointment I attended the annual exhibition of 

 the Marshfield Agricultural Society, held at Marshfield, October 

 5th, 6th and 7th, 1871. The excursion train of cars on the railroad 

 (branch of the Old Colony) recently opened, landed the crowd, 

 myself among the number, but a short distance from the grounds 

 of the society, on the forenoon of the first day of the exhibition, — 

 a day ushered in with all the beauties of an autumnal morning, and 

 was improved by the farmers in all the surrounding country from 

 early morn to full mid-day, in the gathering in of their displays 

 from the pastures, fields, gardens, orchards, household stores, and 

 workshops, preparatory to the competitions and honors of the exhibi- 

 tion. One of the first I met after entering the grounds, was our wor- 

 thy brother delegate from this society, who extended to me the kind- 

 est of welcomes. Being president of the society, I could not but 

 observe how untiring he was in his exertions to harmonize all, — in 

 short, on hand everywhere, and in his place at all times. 



The secretary and directors were at their posts of duty, and, as 

 well as the president, were attentive to all the wants and comforts 

 of the society's guests. 



The grounds (sixteen acres) owned by the society, are ample, 

 and well located ; the hall commodious, and well arranged for con- 

 venience, and I think one of the best I know of. 



From what knowledge I had received by report of the Marsh- 

 field Society, I had expected much, but I must say I realized more 

 than I had even thought of. Though one of the youngest societies 

 in the State, its muster-roll shows some 900 members, and it pos- 

 sesses property worth about $10,000. 



The exhibition in all departments was excellent ; every one 

 seemed interested and determined to make it a success, which I 

 would report was such in the highest degree. 



The stock first claiming attention, I found to be mostly native, 

 or grade. Of the thoroughbreds only the Jerseys were represented, 

 viz. : four bulls and bullcalves, and three cows, and the same num- 

 ber of heifers. The oxen and steers were not as numerous (twenty- 



