332 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



NANTUCKET. 



In consequence of sickness, Mr. Bushnell could not attend 

 the exhibition of the Nantucket County Agricultural Society, 

 and failing to secure the attendance of another member of the 

 Board in time, I offer the following report of the eighth exhibi- 

 tion of that society : — 



The weather being very fine, farmers and others came, in 

 larger numbers than usual, bringing stock, vegetables, butter, 

 fruits, flowers, fancy articles, and manufactures of handiwork. 

 At the grounds had been erected a large number of stanchions, 

 by which fifty-nine milch cows were secured. The advantage 

 of this arrangement is that all the points of an animal can be 

 seen at once, thereby avoiding the usual trouble that committees 

 have, in going from pen to pen to compare the merits of one 

 with another. Many of the cows were a cross of common stock 

 with the Ayrshire, showing a decided improvement since the 

 society was formed. There were many one and two year olds 

 of a like character. A number of fine-looking bulls were there 

 of mixed blood, and some received premiums ; but the society 

 has discontinued oflfering premiums in future to any but thor- 

 ough-bred Ayrshire. Working oxen were few in number, as 

 horses are preferred. 



The exhibition of sheep was large, showing a mixture of the 

 common sheep with the South Down and Cotswold ; one yearling 

 ram (South Down cross) producing a fleece of over nine pounds, 

 and one of the Cotswold yearlings seven and a half pounds. 

 The farmers are entering into the spirit of sheep-raising, and 

 may, in future, come near what it was some years ago. 



The number of swine was small, but of good stock, and added 

 much to the exhibition in their holiday ^cleanliness. 



Poultry were well represented, (better, in fact, than usual,) 

 — the Black Spanish taking the lead. 



At nine o'clock of the second day, the examination of horses 

 came off. Among the breeding stock were some fine mares, 

 with colts sired by a stallion fi'om State of Maine, named 

 " Rising Sun." A growing interest is observable in this depart- 

 ment, since breeders can bring their stock to the exhibitions. 

 Several finfe family horses were driven around the track, show- 

 ing good action and some speed. 



