xxviii APPENDIX. 



of their president, Avhich sum the society has continued from year to 

 year to refund, and now have only five or six thousand remaining 

 unpaid- The noble principle of generosity and persevering determina- 

 tion that knows no motto but success, has placed this society upon the 

 permanent ba-is on -which it is now represented. 



My attention was first given to the thousand and one articles on exhi- 

 bition in the hall, which, being large, gave abundant room for the many 

 varieties of the useful, curious and ornamental, — among which could be 

 found the most approved patterns of ploughs, mowing-machines, horse- 

 rakes, carriages, &c ; the various productions of the different manufac- 

 turing companies in ih'at section, iron, cotton and wool ; the products of 

 the field and garden, bread, butter, cheese, honey, vegetables, fruit and 

 flowers, — all occupying the place assigned, doing credit to the producer 

 and honor to the exhibition. 



The ladies contributed many specimens of household manufacture, — 

 painting, di-awing, needle, Avax, cone and shell work, &c., — which were 

 admired by all that passed that way. And a greater contribution still 

 was their glorious presence, crowned with smiles of enoouragement. 



The exhibition of cattle was large, especially of oxen. The best 

 working cattle upon the ground were grade Devons. I am sorry to note 

 that there seems to have been a want of interest in this department in 

 former years, as much the largest portion was native stock, or slightly 

 mixed with the improved breeds of the present day. I noticed, how- 

 ever, the march of improvement had already begini. Among the 

 younger stock could be seen good specimens of the more popular breeds, 

 which will, ere long, change and improve the whole. 



The show of swine was really enormous, and poultry the best I ever 

 saw, while sheep were scarcely represented at all, leaving a wide 

 margin for impi*bvement. 



The horse seems to be a great pet in Bristol County. I think some 

 class was on exhibition constantly during the three days' fair, and am 

 able to report a very fine show of the most fascinating animal upon 

 earth — the horse. My attention Avas called to several popular stallions, 

 and stylish breeding mares with genteel stepping colts of different ages by 

 their sides; al.-o, the heavy draught horse, the walking horse, the fast 

 trotter and racer, — all having their admirers about them. The raising 

 of good horses should be encouraged, as no civilized community can do 

 without them, and this must ever be one of the most important branches 

 of farming. Speaking of good horses, I mean such as can be made useful, 

 possessing a suitable combination of strength, speed and endurance. 



At two o'clock, on Friday, an hour was occupied by the speakers of the 

 day. Governor Bullock told us that agriculture needed special encour- 

 agement. President Clai'k told us of an agi'icultural college, and prom- 



