APPENDIX. xxxvii 



sacks and socks, in fine, articles too numerous to mention, all useful and 

 ornamental. 



The specimens of butter were very numerous, — ^not in large quantity, 

 for I understand that two pounds was sufficient to enter for premium. 



In the department of fruit, the specimens of apples and pears were 

 quite numerous and of excellent quality. 



The example of a few enterprising men has already produced a won- 

 derful change in the agricultural products of the island ; lands once 

 barely worth possessing are now found capable of producing some of 

 the choicest fruits of the earth. 



Retired sea-captains find it profitable to devote a part of their hard 

 earnings to the cultivation of the soil. Corn, rye, oats and vegetables 

 of every description are produced, not surpassed in any section of our 

 Commonwealth. A vast area of land, now lying waste and desolate, 

 might be made by the hand of culture to yield abundant harvests. 

 Enough has already been done to illustrate what can be done. 



The stock exhibited did not come up to the standard I had expected. 

 Although measures have been taken to introduce the breed of Ayr- 

 shires upon the island, still I think not with that success desired ; they 

 did not seem fully developed, owing, no doubt, in a good measure to 

 their care and keeping. The sheep were of a very inferior quality, 

 although they boast of most excellent mutton. 



The whole island might be converted into one great sheep pasture, 

 where with care and attention, some of the finest breeds, such as 

 Merinos and Southdowns, might be raised to profit. Let some enter- 

 prising farmer set the example, and before many years this island could 

 boast of as fine sheep as the hills of Vermont. 



In closing this Report, I would express my gratitude for the kind and 

 hospitable manner in which I was received. Especially my thanks are 

 due to the family where I found such a pleasant and cheerful home. 



Nathan Durfee. 



