WORCESTER WEST. ix 



seys in the immediate vieinitj', we felt sorry for the pubhc that 

 there was so Uttle competition. It was like a race with one entry ; 

 and, though our friend was not at fault, the honors were too 

 easily won. The same was measurably true of the Swiss ex- 

 hibition of Mr. Aldrich, the Shorthorns of Mr. Slater, and the 

 Devons of Mr. Dodge. Among the Ayrshires there was more 

 competition. We observed that twenty yoke of cattle from Sut- 

 ton took both the town team premiums, because the offer of the 

 society simpl}' spoke of the best ten pairs. There were ten pairs 

 of fancy- trained steers, all remarkable for their learning, — some 

 of them drilled by minors, and some of them that travel for a 

 living, and make a business of drawing premiums at other fairs. 

 We think it a question how far this should be carried. 



The other departments of the exhibition were also good, and 

 very creditable. About a hundred swine of all ages were there, 

 and well fed, regardless of the decline in pork. We noticed some 

 novelties in the line of agricultural machinery, and a single ex- 

 hibitor who had twenty different plough-patterns and fifty varieties 

 of other tools. 



The horse-exhibition, comprising a goodly array of colts and 

 carriage-horses, and some fast steppers, was held on the second 

 day. 



We were particularly pleased with the extensive dinner arrange- 

 ments and the social festi\aties afterwards, which characterized 

 both da^'s. Ex-Gov. Chamberlain of South Carolina, a native of 

 Brookfield, was the chief speaker the last day ; and I see a brief 

 abstract of his address in the society's Annual Report. Take it 

 all in all, the exhibition was a good one ; and its tendency ap- 

 peared to be that which we all have at heart, — the promotion of 

 agriculture in the heart of the Commonwealth. Notwithstanding 

 the society's large debt, they offered $1,600 in premiums, and paid 

 out 81,359. To the president of the society, who is also maj-or 

 of the cit3% and to Mr. Hadwen, 3'our delegate is under obligations 

 of gratitude for the many courtesies received duiiug his visit. 



J. N. Bagg. 



WORCESTER WEST. 



This society held its Annual Fair at Barre on Sept. 27 and 28. 



The first day opened fine ; and the attendance was unusuall}- large. 



At the ploughing-match sixteen teams, eight each of horses and 



oxen, competed for the prize ; and they did good work. The 



2 



