304 NORFOLK SOCIETY. 



On the Dairy. 



This county has formerly been distinguished for the manu- 

 facture of superior butter and cheese ; but a cause, which no 

 one can regret, has deprived us of this distinction in a great 

 degree, and left our reputation for this product entirely in the 

 keeping of a few towns in the western section. The great 

 consumption of milk, caused by the increasing wants of the 

 neighboring capital, affords, to a large portion of our farmers, 

 a more profitable disposition of this material than the manufac- 

 ture of butter and cheese. Many of our largest cattle-holders 

 are buyers of butter ; and the cheese-press, in some of our best 

 agricultural towns, has become a relic of past history. 



The specimens of butter offered for premium, were but five. 

 Iri these cases, nothing distinguished the mode of keeping the 

 cattle, or the quantity of butter produced. There were two 

 lots of fine September butter, from Medfield, presented by 

 George F. Adams, and Chas. C. Sewall. The committee were 

 not very decided which was entitled to the preference ; but as 

 the latter gentleman received the society's premium last year, 

 they award the first premium, of ten dollars, to Mr. Adams, and 

 the second, of eight dollars, to Mr. Sewall. The third premi- 

 um, of five dollars, was awarded to Mrs. Mary M. Richardson, 

 of East Medway ; and a diploma to Mrs. M. A. De Witt, of 

 Franklin. For the committee, 



JAMES M. ROBBINS. 



It is understood that Mr. Sewall was denied the first premium 

 on butter, in consequence of having obtained it last year. This 

 decision of the committee is not, however, in accordance with 

 the rules of the society, which authorize the award of the pre- 

 miums to the same person, as often as the specimens exhibited 

 shall merit them. — Secretary. 



Fruits and Flowers. 

 In this department of agricultural labor, your committee 

 witness much to gratify and encourage them. They find that 



