336 BRISTOL SOCIETY. 



that the modern plough inverts the ground as well, if not 

 better than any other instrument whatever. 



The depth of ploughing, is a subject about which men differ 

 in opinion ; and this depends much, as the committee think, 

 upon the character and depth of the arable soil. But I suppose 

 all will agree, that when the soil is loosened deep, it will cause 

 the crops to be better guarded against drought, and also against 

 a superabundance of rain. Honor is generally given to the 

 victors in the conflict of war. But I have often thought of the 

 vast difference to the world, between victories obtained upon 

 the battle-field, and those obtained upon the ploughing field, — 

 the one sending weeping, distress and death, while the other 

 blesses the race with plenty, happiness, joy and life. If mother 

 earth yielded her productions spontaneously, to the inhabitants 

 of the garden of Eden, she is not so indulgent now, for she 

 must needs be continually stirred and vexed by the plough and 

 the hand of cultivation, or her children will want. 



The competitors have contended earnestly to-day, but fairly, 

 manfully and peaceably, for the prize ; bringing vividly to 

 mind that passage of sacred writ, which predicts that " swords 

 shall be beat into ploughshares." The committee suggest, that 

 lands somewhat unsubdued, should always be selected for trial, 

 otherwise, it would be only to see who could do an easy thing 

 best, and the lands this day selected, were tolerably well 

 suited to the purpose. The committee admit, that the plough- 

 men at this match, have displayed great skill in their work, 

 which has been finely done, and many of the lots so nearly 

 alike, that it has baflled the skill of the committee to decide, 

 which was best, but they will do themselves the justice to say, 

 they have mixed no favoritism with their awards. 



The committee, a part of which, have been members of the 

 society from its commencement, have never witnessed but one 

 day of their exhibition, so stormy and unpropitious, as was the 

 morning of the present day ; yet they were gratified to per- 

 ceive, that the yeomanry of Bristol county were not deterred 

 from duty, but appeared, and did excellent service on the field. 

 The whole number of teams entered, was twenty-four, sixteen 

 of which, were of one yoke of oxen, four, of horses, and four. 



