386 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Baldwin and Hubbardston Nonesuch varieties, farmers would 

 find it much for their advantage, and complaints of the want 

 of a market •would cease ; but few specimens of these kinds 

 were exhibited, and those were not superior. Quantities of fall 

 apples, noticeable principally from their large size, (many of 

 which are thought unworthy of cultivation in the eastern part 

 of the State,) loaded the tables, but comparatively few of our 

 best winter apples were to be seen. 



The collection of peaches and grapes was uncommonly large 

 and inviting ; many handsome specimens of green-house grapes 

 were noticed. 



There was not a large display of vegetables ; the mammoth 

 pumpkins and squashes were scarce ; the storm unquestionably 

 interfered "with this part of the exhibition. 



Flowers were in profusion ; many beautiful and ingeniously 

 arranged bouquets were interspersed with the fruits on the 

 tables. 



In the fine arts and domestic manufactures tlie display was 

 good, though not so extensive as was expected. The customary 

 collection of counterpanes, embroideries in worsted and silk, 

 with drawings, paintings, &c., was observed. 



A number of mowing machines, feed cutters, &c., were 

 noticed, but the exhibition in the department of the mechanic 

 arts was limited. 



Of dairy products there were but nine samples, four of cheese 

 and five of butter, which certainly does not speak favorably for 

 the farmers of the hill and pasture towns. There should have 

 been at least twenty-five entries in this department. 



I am inclined to think, judging from the character of the 

 cows usually seen in this portion of the State, that too much 

 attention is paid to the procuring of large cows, (which are apt 

 to be coarse, and seldom give milk in proportion to their size or 

 the food they consume,) with a view to raising large steers and 

 oxen. I believe it can be demonstrated that a pound of beef 

 can be made for less money on some of the smaller, thrifty 

 breeds of cattle, than on those of larger frame. Tlie real profit 

 from a cow in this State, however, must be from her milk ; and 

 all will agree that tiicrc is all the dillorcnce between profit and 

 loss in tiio i)roduct of a good cow and a poor one. 



