SECRETARY'S REPORT. 403 



to the fact, or rather our appreliensions of the fact, as one that, 

 whether it be right or wrong, is materially affecting the char- 

 acter, the attendance and the receipts of most of our agricul- 

 tural societies ; and because, in the present case, it furnishes a 

 sufficient reason for the large receipts of the society, exceeding, 

 we are told, the sum of eighteen hundred dollars. 



The address on this occasion was delivered by Professor 

 Bascom, of Williams College. The subject of it was " Neat- 

 ness in Farming, and its advantages." It was an address 

 admirably fitted for the occasion ; replete with profitable sug- 

 gestions, and sound, practical instructions, clothed in plain, yet 

 interesting and scholarly diction. 



Chas. C. Sewall. 



NORFOLK. 



Pursuant to my appointment as delegate from the State 

 Board, 1 attended the show of the Norfolk Agricultural Society, 

 which was held in Dedham, on Thursday and Friday, the 25th 

 and 26th of September ; not being present the first day of the 

 fair I was unable to witness the ploughing-match and the exhi- 

 bition of horses, but from reliable information the ploughing- 

 match was fully equal to former years. The number of horses 

 was less than usual on account of the great number taken to 

 the war, yet the show was very good. Arriving on the ground 

 the morning of the second day, I found a large assembly of 

 persons all seeming to be in the happiest mood possible. After 

 meeting with a most cordial reception from the president and 

 other friends, I witnessed the exciting spading-match, which was 

 exceedingly well done, leaving the ground in good condition to 

 rexjeive the seed. 



The show of stock was not large, consisting mostly of 

 thoroughbred animals ; there was one herd of Kerry cattle, a 

 very small breed but of fine proportions ; one herd of Jerseys ; 

 a few of the Jamestown stock ; also a good number of grade 

 cows of superior excellence. 



The show of swine, though not large, was very fair ; quite a 

 number of fine porkers were exhibited. The cackling tribe 

 was well represented. The display of flowers was very large, 



