THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND. 177 



ited abundance, and where crowds, almost without number, of 

 the wretched, the half-clothed, and the hungry, demand, in tones 

 which would touch any heart not made of stone, an opportunity 

 of satisfying their own wants by their own labor, and of obtain 

 ing from the willing earth that which a beneficent Providence 

 has formed it to yield for the subsistence and comfort of his 

 creatures. 



The exhibition at Dublin was, in various respects, creditable 

 to the society. The collection of grasses and grains, dried speci 

 mens of which were exhibited by several nursery-men, were 

 extremely beautiful, and highly instructive to the farmers. They 

 were presented in a form which enabled them to compare with 

 each other, and in some measure to determine, their relative 

 qualities. Numerous specimens of flax, and of linen, and 

 lawn which has been long a distinguished product of Ireland, 

 likewise attracted deserved admiration. Specimens of soils, and 

 mineral and artificial manures, and exemplifications of different 

 modes of draining, and models of cottages and farm buildings, were 

 also exhibited, and suggested improved and economical modes of 

 construction. I saw, likewise, an American straw-cutting ma 

 chine, very slightly varied from the original, and which had been 

 patented in Ireland, of which I could not complain, after many 

 instances of similar plagiarism, which I had seen, in my own 

 country, exhibited as rare specimens of Yankee ingenuity. Of 

 the morality of such tricks, if so they are to be called, I leave 

 my readers to judge : but in other respects, from various things 

 which have come under my notice, the account seems pretty 

 fairly balanced between us. 



The exhibition of poultry attracted much attention, and, 

 though an humble object, was not unworthy of observation. It 

 was principally confined to geese, ducks, and dunghill fowls. 

 The Malay and Java fowls, specimens of which are to be found 

 in the United States, were very large, and appeared almost to 

 have some affinity with the ostrich family. It was stated that, 

 when dressed, they would weigh from eight to ten pounds, which 

 is the size of a common turkey. The valuable race of Dorkings 

 was shown in great numbers, as being highly approved ; and 

 likewise some crested Spanish birds, which were reputed most 

 abundant layers a property which, in my opinion, depends 

 as much upon plenty of feed, and houses where a mild tempera- 



