xxxiv APPENDIX. 



with that wherein lies the stock-breeder's pride — sleek, handsome, 

 productive animals. 



I would by no means be thought to speak lightly of grade stock. I 

 admire such — the higher the grade the better ; but of none do I think 

 so highly as I do of the thoroughbred. 



Many fine grade animals were on exhibition — animals that the owners 

 may take pride in ; but that pride cannot well compete Avith the pride 

 of the thorough-breeder. 



Attention was drawn to three native buffaloes offered on exhibition, 

 one six and two eight years old. With what success and with what 

 profit these animals can be reared on the island I am not able to report. 



This island seems to be capable of producing fruits, not only of the 

 animal and vegetable kingdoms, but a multiplied variety of handiwork, 

 as was manifest by the exhibition of fancy articles by the ladies, all very 

 good, much of it very creditable to the milder sex and better half of 

 creation. 



There seemed to be no lack of skill in the various arts. In the hall 

 of exhibition were eel-spears and photographs, rattan baskets and huckle- 

 berries, miniatures on porcelain and selves, and a great variety of useful 

 as Avell as ornamental articles. 



This society, as well as some other societies in the State, offers pre- 

 miums on reports — for the best report. This practice will tend to elevate 

 the mental capacity of the society in the estimation of the public. 



One great failure in those who write reports awarding the premiums 

 offered by agricultural societies, is they fail to report anything but the 

 award. They do not give the reason for the award, which the public is 

 justly entitled to. Perhaps they cannot do this, for the fact that the 

 competitor himself fails to give the facts that are important for the 

 reporter to know before he reports. All the facts that are important in 

 the case should be placed in the hands of the committee by the 

 competitor. 



Such as the following is often the case : " To B we award the first 

 premium for the best fat cow, $3 ; for the best fat hog, $4." 



These seven dollars which are awarded to B, did once belong to the 

 State, and were given to the agricultural society that it might in return 

 benefit the public. The society has given them to B because he had 

 the best fat cow and the best fat hog. How is the public benefited by 

 these facts ? The important facts are yet behind the curtain. The public 

 want to know — the State is entitled to know — what B has done, and 

 how long he has been doing what he has done, to entitle him to these 

 seven dollars. 



The general features connected with the exhibition at Nantucket, 

 were highly commendable. They have ample grounds and a good 

 track, and on this occasion it was sacred to worth and merit. 



