MARTHA'S VINEYARD SOCIETY. li 



pastures. Some fine animals attest to care in breeding and good 

 management. It was evident that the island not only affords good 

 mutton, with its prized game flavor, but also tender lambs, that 

 might gratify the palate of an epicure. 



The swine were of fair qualit}- and in good numbers. 



The poultry of all kinds presented points of much interest, as 

 worthy of study as those exhibitions representing very much larger 

 territory. In such a region as this it evinced a care that indicates 

 a rapid advance in this line of improvement. 



The dairj' products, though not large in quantity, presented but- 

 ter of very marked excellence. 



"We were also surprised at the great variety of cereals. The 

 plump clear kernels in almost every variety showed them unusually 

 fine for the purposes of the table. 



Turning to vegetables, the variety increased, and the quality and 

 quantity were most marked ; cabbages, pumpkins, melons, and 

 roots, all seeming to "vde with each other as to sjonmetry and size. 



Fruits, both green and dried, of almost everj^ name, looked 

 toothsome and healthy. Pears, peaches, and grapes were good ; 

 but the apples seemed to have found an especial Eden on this 

 island in which to grow this year. And, as I looked on the goodly 

 display, I was disposed to think the salt air and the sea winds 

 exercised some good influence on both vegetables and fruits. 



The grand rally came in women's work of various kinds. The 

 hall was well adorned by them with color, taste, and usefulness. 

 The articles ranged from the most practical to the ornamental and 

 decorative. Substantial bread, deUcate cake, rich preserves, elab- 

 orate needle-work, and intricate meshes of worsted, spoke of both 

 inventive brains and patient industry. An endeavor to gain a 

 full conception of these mysteries served to convince me that the 

 women were not only interested in the exhibition, but added to 

 its power bj^ a most painstaking dihgence. In fact, it was very 

 e\ident that the agricultural society promoted the best interests of 

 home and social Ufe. This is the e^^dence of its good work. It 

 stimulates the farmers to improvements, di-aws all classes together, 

 and in this way develops, in some measure, both mind and heart. 



William Knowlton. 



