REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 387 



The exercises of the first day closed with a most capital 

 address, (a copy of which should be in the possession of every 

 farmer in Massachusetts,) by the Rev. Dr. F. D. liuntington, of 

 Boston. His subject was the " Odds and Ends of Agriculture." 

 The reverend gentleman took a higher view of the position and 

 duties of the farmer than is usual. He called on the workino; 

 farmers to dignify their calling, which is the most ancient of 

 the arts, the most important and respectable. This most useful 

 essay was heard by not more than one hundred and fifty 

 persons. It is to be hoped that it will be published with the 

 tranactions of the society, and circulated broad-cast through- 

 out this community. 



Tiie second day of the show commenced threateningly, but 

 towards noon the clouds dispersed, and the day proving fine, 

 a large collection of persons assembled on the grounds. 



There was a fair number of entries in the different classes of 

 horses, and a fine exhibition was made by the cavalcade in 

 passing around the track. 



The show of stallions was not as satisfactory as usual, but 

 the carnage, driving, and draught horses were good, the latter 

 imusually so. Some promising colts were noticed, generally 

 remarkable for large size, probably intended for drauglit pur- 

 poses. The increased attention which animals of this character 

 are receiving in this vicinity is accounted for by the fact that 

 farmers of the river towns are using horses to a great extent in 

 their farming operations. This can be done to advantage, as 

 the principal fields are in the river bottoms, remote from their 

 buildings which involves much teaming at a distance. The 

 land is well suited to cultivation by horses, as they will accom- 

 plish one-half more than oxen under these circumstances. 



Some good breeding mares, with colts by their sides, were 

 exhibited. The various trials, for draught, speed, etc., came 

 off punctually, and were witnessed by a crowd of interested 

 spectators. 



Dinner was announced at two o'clock, after which the doors 

 were thrown open, when the hall was speedily filled by those 

 who desired to hear the speaking, the great feature of which 

 was an address by the Hon. Charles Sumner, occupying nearly 

 an hour in its delivery, and closing the exhibition. 



