APPENDIX. vii 



MIDDLESEX SOUTH. 



The annual exhibition of the Middlesex South Agricultural Society- 

 was held at Framingham, on the 17th and 18th of September, accord- 

 ing to assignment. Your delegate was unable to attend until the 

 second day. The exhibition was an exceedingly interesting one. The 

 collection of animals on the ground was large ; and it presented a 

 variety, which is rarely seen in one locality, in such perfection. It is 

 not easy to see how the same pastures and fields can feed, profitably, the 

 Shorthorn, the Ayrshire, and the Alderney, alike ; but there they were 

 on exhibition. And they presented themselves in a manner which 

 might well attract the attention of the most critical observer. The 

 well-known herd of Shorthorns in the town of Framingham, was pres- 

 ent, and indicated good care and attention during the past season. The 

 animals repaid well the most careful inspection. 



The two herds of Alderneys, which appeared in rivalry, were 

 extremely attractive. It is seldom that so many rare and valuable 

 animals of this breed are brought together. "While both Avere good, the 

 difference between them was striking. One of these herds, which has 

 long been bred in this country, seemed to have reached a degree of size. 

 Strength and thrift, quite remarkable. Whether it is the result of cli- 

 mate, breeding, or feeding, it might be difficult to tell. But their solid 

 proportions, strong bones, and vigorous muscle, all showed that they 

 bad enjoyed some unusual advantages since their ancestors left their 

 native island. And yet one could not fail to perceive the admirable 

 structure of the competing herd of more recent importation. While a 

 peculiar delicacy was very observable, it was evident that some of these 

 animals had been developed to the best standard of a dairy cow of this 

 description. In the quality of their bone, shape of quarters, width of 

 hip, firmness of shoulder, and depth of carcase, they are almost unri- 

 valled. And it does seem to your delegate, that with a judicious selec- 

 tion of strong and vigorous males, this herd might be developed into 

 one of the best known. 



The exhibition of horses indicated care in the selection, and judg- 

 ment in the breeding of this class of animals. Any departure from 

 coarse-headed, thick-shouldered, large boned, heavy gaited horses, is 

 agreeable ; and the development of style and quality in connection with 

 speed is always desirable. 



A great deal might be said in favor of the swine on the grounds. 

 The combination of the length and weight of the coarse breeds, with 

 the thrift and rapid growth of the finer, has. been brought to a high 

 degree of perfection by the members of this society. And if there is 



