APPENDIX. xi 



which confined him to his bed. He has, however, obtained informa- 

 tion from competent judges that witnessed the exhibition, which 

 authorizes him to submit the subjoined facts. 



The weather was most beautiful and propitious, the exhibition 

 extensive, and the attendance very large. The ploughing-match 

 took place on the morning of the first day, with six entries of oxen 

 and eight of horses. This was followed by the trial of working-oxen 

 and horses, and the display of horses on the track, the details of 

 which I am unable to give at this time. 



One of the most noticeable features of the fair was, as usual, its 

 dairy-stock, for which this section of the State has long been cele- 

 brated ; and it was agreed on all hands that this department fully 

 sustained its well-earned reputation. 



Formerly, the Shorthorns were more largely grown, the rich 

 pasturage of that region being especially adapted to this breed ; but 

 the enterprise of modern days opened the way for the introduction 

 of other breeds which give evidence of being equally valuable to the 

 farmer. There were on exhibition 83 Shorthorns, 62 Ayrshires, 44 

 Jerse3 r s, and 29 Dutch cattle. Besides these, there were 14 head of 

 fat cattle, 88 swine, 34 sheep, and 22 entries of poultry. The cattle 

 were of excellent character ; and what is especially to be com- 

 mended, the bulls were nearly all thoroughbred animals, and about 

 one-fourth of the cows were full-blood. Herds of the various breeds 

 were shown in their appropriate classes, among which was a herd of 

 15 Jerseys, 16 grade Ayrshires, one cow nineteen years old, and ances- 

 tor to nearly the whole herd. Dairy-cows were also shown in herds of 

 three to five, or more. The display of fat cattle, although not large, 

 was fine, led off as they were by the monster oxen of Elliot Swan, 

 of Worcester, and Mr. Mixter's fat oxen, — the latter weighing 4,220 

 pounds. 



The display of butter and cheese, as usual, was large, and was 

 exhibited without the names of the competitors, as it ever should 

 be, so that no prejudice or partiality could be exercised by the 

 judges. And such was, also, the case with the bread, which occupied 

 a large space on the table. 



The exhibition in the hall was varied and excellent. The display 

 of vegetables and fruits was large and fine, especially the apples, 

 for which Worcester County has long been celebrated. 



But what added interest and dignity to the occasion, was the 

 presence of many distinguished guests, who spoke words of com- 

 mendation and encouragement to the members of the society. 

 Among these were His Honor Lieutenant-Governor Talbot, ex-Gov- 

 ernor Emory Washburn, Hon. Charles L. Flint, Secretary of the 

 State Board of Agriculture, Hon. Oliver Warner, Secretary of State, 



