WORCESTER NORTH. xv 



and the Durham cows of LjTuan Nichols gave evidence of good 

 breeding. Many cows, thoroughbreds and native, looked like 

 good milkers ; but, on the whole, the dairy stock did not equal 

 that shown in some sections of the State. The herds of Messrs. 

 Whitman and Miles have for a long time been prominent in this 

 locality ; but this year they were absent. The one would yield 

 his stock, and pass over his broad acres to another ; while the 

 other has passed over where he heeds not the lowing of his herds, 

 nor the bleating of his flocks. 



The show of sheep, swine, and fat cattle, was not a prominent 

 featm'C of the occasion ; but some good specimens were on the 

 gi'ound. 



The poultry was fine, and put in high claims for excellence. 

 Hen-dom was represented by Light Brahmas, Natives, PljTnouth 

 Rocks, Bantams, Games, and Plamburgs, each claiming that they 

 were better fighters, better layers, better mothers, better broilers, 

 or excelled in some department of the hennery ; so that every 

 other breed could not hold a candle for this breed even to go to 

 roost. 



The show of grapes was excellent ; and the fruit premium was 

 awarded to Dr. Jabez Fisher of Fitchburg. When the doctor 

 enters this list as a competitor, all others may as well come down 

 at once, as were wont the coons of Kentucky when Daniel Boone 

 brought to bear his rifle on them. The show of pears was mag- 

 nificent ; but the doctor's Jewett and Fisher carried off the palm. 



Man}' of the apples were appetizing, good to look upon ; and, 

 although thej^ were not in such profusion as in the even years, j'et 

 we think no one could cast the first stone at Mother Eve for }ield- 

 ing to the desire to taste the delicious, blushing fruit, and thereby 

 obtain a certain knowledge whether it was good or evil. The 

 ladies did themselves credit in their exhibition of dairy products, 

 and their flowers, natural and artificial, and also in their works 

 of art, embroider}', and needlework. Man}' received notice by 

 premiums. But time would fail me to tell of all the sellers of pur- 

 ple, the Lydias, the Tabithas, full of good works and alms-deeds ; 

 or even mention the coats and garments made by the Dorcases, 

 scattered from Joppa to Thyatira through the whole district. 



The dinner of the society was holden in the upper hall, provided 

 by the ladies, and graced by their presence. Every seat was 

 filled ; and many had a standing one, or waited for a resetting of 

 the tables. This social sit-down was the most enjoyable part of 

 the entertainment. John B. Proctor presided ; and, after the in- 

 vocation of the divine blessing, all fell to with appetites like till- 

 ers of the soil, and did ample justice to the viands spread. Here 



