1 REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



trees, that have now attained sufficient size to be useful for fuel, and 

 we have no doubt that a proper thinning would stimulate a 

 rapid growth of the trees remaining. These pines are now annually 

 producing seed, which are being sown by the winds, and are produc- 

 ing pines upon adjacent lands, but the planting by nature will be 

 slow ; to cover these sandy lands with forest growth rapidly must be 

 accomplished by artificial means, and trees that are planted here- 

 after will receive shelter from winds and make more rapid growth 

 than have those originally planted, that have had the elements to 

 contend with. 



Now that the great shipping and whaling interests, once so pros- 

 perous, adding growth and thrift to the town and wealth to its 

 people, have passed, other interests must take their place. We are 

 also convinced that the seafaring man, who for many years has fol- 

 lowed the sea, does not easily take to cultivating the soil. In tak- 

 ing a superficial surveiy of the island, we noticed that the lands now 

 lying waste are better adapted for the growth of wood than any 

 other crop. We could not even doubt that the lands that have 

 been growing forest-trees have yielded larger returns to the owners, 

 for the outlay, than have adjoining lands that have been used 

 for the cultivation of other crops or for pasturage. Jf it has been 

 practically demonstrated that the growing of forest-trees can be suc- 

 cessfully and profitably done, why should it not be extended ? Why 

 should not the man that feels a commendable pride in growing his 

 own cereals for bread, his own fruit and vegetables, and the crops 

 that are consumed b}^ the stock kept upon the farm, if he has suit- 

 able lands, grow his own timber and the wood for fuel ? The days 

 of wood-fires are not utterly gone, and the time is to come when it 

 is to be the cheaper fuel. 



The exhibition of live-stock was an interesting feature. The 

 cattle were mostly grades of Durham, AjTshire and Jersey, and 

 appeared to be good dairy cattle. There were some animals of 

 pure blood shown by gentlemen who evidently wish to contribute 

 for the good of the societ}\ The display of horses and colts, 

 sheep, swine and poultry contributed largely to the interest of the 

 exhibition. 



The exhibition of ploughing, although the entries were not large, 

 was warmly contested, and the work well done. There was also 

 a trial of speed on the track, after which fun was the order of 

 exercises. Antiques and horribles put in an appearance,, and went 

 round the track in vehicles and costumes which wouM baffle descrip- 

 tion. Then came the apple race and wheelbarrow race, in which 

 the boys took part and amused the crowd. 



The exhibition in Athenaeum Hall, which is situated in the town, 



