xxii APPENDIX. 



I can but express ni}' heartfelt thanks to the president for the 

 hospitalities of his home and many kind attentions, and shall ever 

 remember with pleasure all those who ministered to my enjoyment 

 during my stay in Milford. 



E. C. Hawkes. 



HAMPSHIRE FRANKLIN AND HAISIPDEN. 



There is so much of sameness in agricultural exhibitions, that 

 it is difficult to write a report of a display, which shall not, with 

 the name of exhibitors omitted, apply almost equally as well to 

 one as another ; but in the fair at Northampton there was one fea- 

 ture which truth compels me to say is not usually so much thought 

 of or attended to as it should be. I refer particularly to attentions 

 paid to delegates. Having attended some exhibitions, where, no 

 designating marks being used, I was at a loss to whom to make 

 myself known, and, when known, left to grope my way round " un- 

 honored and unsung," I was agreeably surprised to find that such 

 was not the case at the exhibit of the Hampshu-e Franklin and 

 Hampden Society. On the morning of the first day a gentleman 

 introduced himself to me at the hotel as especially detailed to 

 accompany me in my visit upon the grounds, and see to it that I 

 was well cared for : so, under the guidance and pleasant compan- 

 ionship of Mr. Stebbins, my visit was made exceedingly agreeable. 

 If questions were to be asked, he was ready to answer ; if atten- 

 tion was to be called to any particular exhibit, he was there to 

 point it out ; and introductions to members and exhibitors made 

 me feel very much at home where I had else been a stranger. 



Upon arrival at the grounds, the usual preUminaries of getting 

 ready were in progress ; and in the course of time a very fine dis- 

 play of stock, which, as a whole, was very creditable to the society, 

 was shown ; and as an evidence of interest very many of the cattle 

 had been driven several miles in order to compete for premiums, 

 and add to the show. It has been said that " those who live far- 

 thest from church are the most regular and prompt in attend- 

 ance." It may be there were very fine cattle in Northampton; 

 but few, however, were upon the grounds. 



Of herds there were specimens of the different breeds, of which 

 many were of unsurpassed excellence. I would very much like to 

 particularize ; but it would be difficult so to do, and fearing, while 

 doing justice to some exhibitors, I should unintentionally omit 

 others, it perhaps is better in this report that no individual dis- 

 tinctions should be made. 



