396 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



The exhibition of swine and poultry was large and fine. 



It is seldom that a better collection of working oxen is 

 seen. The size of most of them was that best adapted to New 

 England farms ; and their training was excellent. In the 

 handling of a load, and at the ploughing-match, their good 

 education was very apparent. 



The ploughing was performed on tlie Park. The soil was 

 light, and the work was done with good dispatch ; but the 

 furrows were rather shallow, and, in most instances, were not 

 laid flat enough to form an even surface for cultivation. Shal- 

 low ploughing for a short life, and deep ploughing for a long 

 one, may be a farmer's rule on this subject. 



The second day was occupied with the show of horses, the 

 address, and trials of speed. The collection of horses was not 

 large, but was marked by some very fine specimens. The 

 driving horses, single and double, were excellent. The colts 

 were, many of them, descended from the various families of 

 Morgans, and possessed the compact, muscular form, and- easy 

 action of this breed. 



Tlie entries of animals were as follows : Bulls, 9 ; cows, 15 ; 

 working oxen, 23 pairs ; fat cattle, 8 ; heifers, 21 ; calves, 8 ; 

 sheep, 10 ; swine, 9 ; poultry, 16 ; stallions, 4 ; pairs, 2 ; driving 

 horses, 5 ; mares and colts, 8. 



In the hall, the exhibition of vegetable and root crops was 

 well worthy of observation, and indicated a laudable attention 

 to this branch of farming. Some fine specimens of Swedes 

 showed that the land of this section is admirably adapted to 

 this crop. The varieties of fruit were numerous, and the 

 specimens of the. various branches of domestic economy were 

 indicative of industry and skill. 



Tliis society seems to be in a prosperous condition. It is 

 managed with economy and skill ; and occupying, as it does, 

 one of the best farming sections of Massachusetts, it will 

 undoubtedly do much to stimulate agriculture, and to diffuse 

 that knowledge which always comes with emulation and careful 

 observation. <4^ 



Geo. B. Loring. 



