138 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



This circumstance brings in a clearer light the advantage, 

 when practicable, of awarding, in lieu of money premiums, 

 medals, books and subscriptions to useful papers or magazines. 

 "When it is given in the form of reading matter, the society has 

 the satisfaction of observing that it is doing double service. The 

 object sought in awarding the premium is as well attained, and 

 the influence of the society is extended into households and 

 circles which it may not reach in any other manner. The gift 

 is as much a gift as though given in money, and perhaps is 

 generally more pleasing. Medals, too, have an influence, 

 beyond the immediate occasion that brought them. It was 

 with much pleasure I observed, among Scotch farmers, the pride 

 taken in the possession of medals, secured by them at fairs, and 

 the tenacity with which they clung to them. Some had secured 

 enough to have quite a little fortune were they coined into 

 money. To them they had a higher value than the silver con- 

 tained in them. 



The best anima's in the park, if properly entered, and worthy 

 of it, should be allowed the first premium always. It is a piti- 

 able error, when, by a ruling of the society, of several animals, 

 it is rendered possible, nay probable, for the poorer to carry the 

 premium over the superior. How does the rule stated (I 

 believe) in these words work ? " No animal may receive the 

 the same premium twice." An animal having been judged best 

 one year, its owner having no encouragement to bring him into 

 the park again, he remains at home. The animal taking the 

 second prize, in 1869, takes the first the year following. In 

 1870, two of the best animals in the region, perhaps, are at home, 

 and this year the animal which stood lately third in rank carries 

 off the honors. Thus, in a few years, the first, second, third 

 prize animals, have in their turn the first premium. I am 

 aware there is a chance of new animals competing ; but this does 

 not materially affect the operation of the rule. What value has 

 such a premium ? Think of a society encouraging itself that it 

 is doing well, while it does not year after year encourage the 

 bringing from the farms the best. 



People enter the park with the expectation of finding there 

 the choicest animals the region affords. The stranger makes 

 inquiry and receives answer : " My friend, you were right in 

 thinking that we have some better animals than you see here, 



