308 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



exhibited in pens, excepting the oxen and steers, in yoke ; these 

 were arranged around the pens and confined to posts, thereby 

 giving a fine opportunity for inspection. Among them were some 

 large and well-matched oxen and promising steers. There was 

 .one pair of oxen exhibited, weighing 3,590 pounds, said to be 

 native. It is a rare instance to find cattle, in the interior of 

 this State, other than tliorough-bred or grades from them. 

 Such has been the interest to introduce the several kinds of 

 improved stock from abroad, that there is hardly a herd that 

 has not some of this foreign blood in their veins. Among tiie 

 several classes were some very good cattle, reflecting credit 

 upon the owners, showing judgment in selecting and care in 

 keeping. The interest of this part of the exhibition was increased 

 by the presence of a number of thorough-bred Shorthorns, 

 brought in by H. G. White, Esq., of Framingham, for exhibition 

 only. Mr. A. 0. Cummings and Messrs. A. C. and J. G. Wood, 

 of Millbury, were large contributors of thorough-bred Short- 

 horns. Mr. Cummings found a purchaser from New Hampshire 

 for his bull exhibited. The number of sheep on exhibition 

 showed a growing interest in this part of husbandry. Mr. White 

 exhibited Cotswolds and the Messrs. Wood, South Downs. 



At one o'clock the members of the society and invited guests 

 partook of an ample dinner at the Fitchburg House ; after 

 which a procession was formed, and marched, under the escort 

 of the Ashburnham band, to the Unitarian meeting-house, 

 where were the following interesting exercises : First, prayer 

 by Rev. Mr. Heard ; after which an original hymn, composed 

 by Mrs. Caroline A. Mason, of Fitchburg, was sung by the 

 choir. Mrs. Mason also contributed a poem, which, after the 

 address, was read. The address, by Luther H. Tucker, Esq., of 

 Albany, junior editor of the " Country Gentleman," was listened 

 to, by a large audience, with much interest and close attention, 

 and the members of the society, by a subsequent vote of thanks 

 and a request of a copy for publication, evinced their apprecia- 

 tion of it. 



After the poem the society repaired to the lower town hall, 

 as announced in the programme, " for speeches and award of 

 premiums ; " but the lateness of the hour precluded any thing 

 but a few remarks from your delegate and a short speech from 

 the orator, Mr. Tucker ; the society requiring the time for the 



