vi REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



the elasticity and vigor of youth. With well-located grounds, a 

 large, convenient building, adapted to all the wants of the society, 

 a government composed of active, energetic men, and surrounded 

 by an intelligent and industrious population, it may confidently look 

 forward to increasing usefulness and prosperity, and to the exertion 

 of a wider and yet wider influence upon the agricultural commu- 

 nity. Perhaps the debt incurred in the erection of the hall may 

 stand in the way, but I am sure that the wealthy and public-s]»irited 

 members of the society will not permit this, but will say the word 

 and it will cease to exist. 



There were more than one hundred head of cattle of the various 

 breeds in the pens, and had it not been for the severe storm on 

 Monday, and the unpromising state of the weather on Tuesday 

 morning, the number would probably have been much larger. The 

 Ayrshires, including several fine specimens, were most numerously 

 represented. The Jerseys, Shorthorns and grades carried off sev- 

 eral premiums. The Dutch cattle from Mr. Chenery of Winthrop, 

 and J. S, Munroe of Lexington, made an imposing appearance, and 

 the Swiss bull, and five cows from H. M. Clarke's of Belmont, 

 needed no musical bells to call attention to their gentleness and 

 beauty. I would respectfully suggest to the formers, the impor- 

 tance of bringing out next year more young stock, and also fat and 

 working oxen, of which there must be large numbers in the county. 

 Calves and young heifers mark the progress of improvement in 

 raising stock, from year to year, and a long team of handsome oxen, 

 with calm and dignified step, marching round the track, makes an 

 interesting feature in any cattle-show. The ox is a noble animal, 

 an<l I can readily understand why Mr. Webster, as his life was 

 drawing to a close, was so desirous to cast one more look uj)on the 

 petted animals which knew his voice and step, and always wel- 

 comed liim whenever he entered the barn. 



The collection of swine was quite good. Most of them were of 

 the Columbia County and Chester White breeds, and gave evidence 

 in many cases of careful kee})ing, and sound judgment in selections. 



The ploughing match was finished before I arrived on the grounds, 

 but a view of the lots which had been ploughed, satisfied me that 

 there must have been excellent ploughs, and skilful drivers and 

 holders, to have made such good work as was exhibited on several 

 pieces of ground. 



I do not feel competent to speak of the grand cavalcade, nor of 

 the trial of colts, family and matclied horses on the track ; still less 

 of the trial of speed of trotting horses ; but I was informed by 

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