APPENDIX. xxxix 



At one o'clock, p. m., the usual annual dinner was announced in 

 the upper hall, President John A. Hawes, of Fairhaven, presiding. 

 After the dinner, speaking was in order. Dr. Durfee, of Fall River, 

 the parent of the societ}*, expressed his satisfaction at its present 

 flourishing state, and, comparing the past with the present, he was 

 proud of the success of the societ} r . Dr. Thomas N. Stone, of Well- 

 fleet, read a poem entitled " The Preadamite Cabbage," quite humor- 

 ous, and a good take-off upon some of the isms of the daj r . Dr. 

 Geo. B. Loring was next introduced, and gave to the large audience 

 one of his (alwa3 r s good) agricultural addresses. The close attention 

 indicated much interest. 



Bristol County, to which this society is an honor, is the ninth of 

 the fourteen counties of the State in relative size. The ninth census 

 report shows it to stand eighth in amount of agricultural products ; 

 fifth in amount of manufactured products in cash values ; sixth in 

 amount of assessed valuation ; third in number of farms of more 

 than 20 and less than 50 acres ; and first in amount of steam- 

 power. 



Some writer has said, where there are many artisans there is a 

 good market, and farmers thrive. The diversified industries of this 

 section of the State are acting mutually to benefit all classes, and are 

 undoubtedly developing an increased interest and prosperity in agri- 

 culture. The life and earnestness manifest at this annual fair of the 

 societ}' led me to inquire for the active cause ; and I submit, that in 

 this action of their mutual interests is a most hopeful prospect for 

 the farmer in the future. 



Dr. Loring told us last year that while Worcester County, in 23 

 of her towns, was decreasing in population, in Bristol Count}' the 

 same was true of only four of her towns. It is safe to predict that 

 more of the waste and sprout lands of this county will be improved 

 for farming purposes in the near future. The times upon which we 

 have fallen have led to more inquiry for the farm. We want not 

 less shops or factories, but more and better farming ; and these we 

 shall have throughout the State. 



The New England farmer has proved that an independent man, a 

 democratic citizen, on a poor soil and in many respects an unfavor- 

 able position, can overcome all obstacles. His lifelong struggle 

 with difficulties renders him incredibly expert and capable of seizing 

 all expedients whereby he can better his condition. 



There are many considerations at the present time calculated to 

 lead young men, even with enthusiasm, to enter agricultural pur- 

 suits. 



C. Sanderson. 



