130 



Prouty Sf Mears* Plough. 



Vol. VIII. 



ing- properties with aptitude to fatten, pro- 

 ducing a model in form, and a treasure in 

 the profitable properties of the animal. 



There were too many grade Durham bulls 

 on the ground, and yet it was pleasing to 

 notice in their fine figures, the proof they 

 gave of the degree of blood they inherited. 

 It was surprising what the half Durham did 

 for them — but it is high time for farmers to 

 perceive how unprofitable is the practice of 

 breeding grade bulls; they will not at this 

 day, command a price that can in any degree 

 remunerate for their rearing, and it is the 

 height of folly to breed from them, when 

 young thorough-bred bulls can so easily be 

 obtained from our established breeders. Let 

 every grade-bull calf then, be prepared for 

 the stall ; they will never fail at three to 

 four years old, to show proof in their feeding 

 of their partial descent, and to reward the 

 grazier most amply, for the use of his pas- 

 tures. 



The Committee were greatly disappointed 

 in witnessing the insignificant contributions 

 in sheep and swine, especially as the Exhi- 

 bition was held so near to Montgomery, 

 Delaware, Chester, and Lancaster counties, 

 from which they had expected an increased 

 supply. They cannot account for tlie su- 

 pineness of their friends in these quarters. 

 The rail-roads offered great facilities to 

 those who were most distant, and the mild 

 ness of the weather was provokingly in- 

 viting to others nearer at hand, to drive to 

 us. It is to be hoped that in future our re 

 spectable neighbours of the adjoining coun- 

 ties, will show us more of their flocks and 

 herds, and unite with us in the patriotic 

 eflbrt, to improve the agriculture and bus 

 bandry of Pennsylvania. We hold out to 

 them the right hand of fellowship, and in- 

 vite them to a fair field for mutual competi- 

 tion, and will insure to them a welcome and 

 a hospitality, such as become the generous 

 tillers of the soil to dispense. 



The agricultural implements met with 

 much favour; they were choice, and well 

 adapted in general, to the uses for which 

 they were invented. 



The display of agricultural products, such 

 as roots, corn, grain, and butter, was greater 

 than formerly; but there is still much room 

 for improvement, and which it is trusted 

 will be amply filled up at our next exhibi- 

 tion. 



The ploughing match was conducted with 

 much spirit and great propriety. The wea- 

 ther was remarkably fine, and the attend- 

 ance very respectable. The judges had a 

 laborious and an arduous duty to discharge, 

 which was both ably and disinterestedly per- 

 formed. The thanks of the Society are due 



to them, and the other committees of judges, 

 for the attention and ability with which they 

 discharged their relative duties — all of which 

 will be found in their respective reports, 

 herewith presented. 



In conclusion, this Exhibition has fur- 

 nished another and a most convincing proof 

 of the great advantages that flow from our 

 annual exhibitions. The splendid specimens 

 in stock, implements, and products, exhib- 

 ited to the inspection of all who may choose 

 to view them, can hardly fail to produce, in 

 most common minds, a lively admiration, 

 and inspire them to wish, or to resolve to be 

 the owners, or producers of things equiva- 

 lent; while the premiums held out, encou- 

 rage a commendable emulation, and keep 

 alive the best efforts of our intelligent and 

 industrious community. 



All which is respectfully submitted. 

 James Gowen, 

 Algernon S. Roberts, 

 Aaron Clement, 

 Dennis Kelly, 

 Isaac Newton, 

 Henry Chorley, 

 William S. Torr, 

 P. R. Freas. 

 Philadelphia, October nth. 1843. 



Prouty and Mears' Plough. 



Editor of Farmers' Cabinet, — 



Sir, — I find in a late number of the Ame- 

 rican Farmer, a strong testimonial in favour 

 of Prouty & Mears' Plough, from Mr. Skin- 

 ner, which I send you, with a request, that 

 if agreeable to yourself, it may appear in 

 the Cabinet. Coming unsolicited, from a 

 practical man, of sound judgment and long 

 experience, it may be relied upon as tho- 

 rough evidence of the value of our plough. 

 D. O. Prouty, 

 No. 176, Market street, Philadelphia. 

 October SJ3d, 1843. 



Few things are more remarkable than 

 the slowness with which the knowledge of 

 improvements in agricultural machinery 

 makes its way through every country. 

 There is not a word in recommendation of 

 the plough of Prouty & Mears, emphatic as 

 that recommendation is, in your last paper, 

 that has not been proclaimed of it years 

 ago; as well by the Massachusetts Agricul- 

 tural Society, the best if not the oldest in the 

 United States, as by individuals. For my- 

 self, I have long considered and pronounced 

 it, for what my opinion may be worth, as 

 decidedly the best plough that has yet been 

 offered to the American public. 



I. S. Skinner. 



Washington, D. C, Sept. 6th, 1843. 



