NORFOLK SOCIETY. 271 



have been desired. Ten thousand of the yeomanry and me- 

 chanics of Norfolk county, accompanied by their wives and 

 daughters, came forth to celebrate the new festival established 

 in honor of agriculture ; and the same sun which ripens the 

 harvest shed its bright beams over all. The occasion was hon- 

 ored by the presence of numerous guests, distinguished for 

 their ability and eminence, and for their devotion to agriculture. 



The Ploughing Match demanded the earliest attention, and 

 the scene presented a most animating spectacle. It was en- 

 closed by a vast concourse of spectators, who beheld "the 

 peaceful strife of husbandry," as the Roman populace did their 

 gladiatorial combats from the seats of the amphitheatre ; but 

 with emotions as widely different as the spaces of time and 

 distance which separated them. Seventeen competitors offered 

 some proof of the interest taken in this important part of the 

 exhibition. 



The exhibitions of stock and domestic manufactures were 

 deemed creditable, and afford an earnest of what may be ex- 

 pected in future. The display of fruits and flowers could not 

 well be surpassed in any section of the State. The show of 

 vegetables was equal to the expectations of the most sanguine, 

 and attracted universal attention. The products of female in- 

 dustry displayed, were such as to reflect great credit upon the 

 fair artisans, whose taste, skill, and ingenuity, contributed so 

 essentially to the success of the exhibition. 



There were but two farms offered for inspection and premium, 

 owing, probably, to those circumstances in regard to time al- 

 ready referred to. The two offered, however, are eminently 

 worthy of distinction, and may be ranked among the first in 

 the State, whether they are regarded as they present them- 

 selves to the eye of the spectator, or in the light of the modes 

 of their cultivation. 



The remarks offered at the table, were of a character emi- 

 nently calculated to draw attention to the great subject of agri- 

 culture, and to extend a knowledge of its claims upon the ser- 

 vices, patronage, and support of every good citizen. The 

 address before the society was delivered by the president. 



The fund of the society, invested according to the provis- 



