REPORTS OF DP:LEGATE3. 



MIDDLESEX SOUTH. 



I attended the fair held at South Framingham, on the 20th and 

 21st of September last. The weather was fine but hot, and exceed- 

 ingly dry. The fair was well attended and the display in the 

 various departments, was large and of a superior quality. The 

 society is in a flourishing condition, a good share of its members 

 possessing both the will and the means for advancing the cause of 

 progressive agriculture. 



Their real estate valued at 820,000, consists of a spacious park, 

 conveniently located and well fenced, a commodious exhibition 

 hall, and covered stock pens and sheds sufficient to shelter a large 

 amount of stock. A new covered shed, built the last season, and 

 costing $1,500, is, we think, unsurpassed for economy, utility and 

 convenience, and we desire to recommend it as a model, to socie- 

 ties contemplating similar improvements. 



Much attention is given by farmers in this vicinity, to the breed- 

 ing of neat stock, horses, sheep, swine and poultry, and judging 

 from the specimens on exhibition, they are not a whit behind the 

 best breeders in the State. 



Among the leading exhibitca's of neat stock, were T. B. Wales, 

 Jr., E. F. Bowditch, the Sturtevant Brothers, of South Framing- 

 ham, and C. H. Tilton, of Ashland. 



The show of fruit in the hall, was much better than we expected 

 to see, considering the long continued drought, which was severely 

 felt in this county. A very large variety of grapes grown in the 

 open air, apjjcared to be perfectly ripe and made a fine display. 



The society pays 81,129, in premiums, none of which is offered 

 for grade or native bulls, or horses owned out of the county. Lib- 

 eral premiums are offered for the best reports and prize essays on 

 subjects of agricultural interest. 



One suggestion by way of improvement, we very respectfully de- 

 sire to make. The usual amount of side shows, lung-testers, deal- 

 ers in patent medicines and Yankee notions, which seem to accom- 

 pany agricultural fairs, were allowed to prosecute their business 

 quite too near the hall. Were they located more remote, say in a 

 soiith-easterly direction from the new shed, it would add much to 

 the comfort and convenience of visitors. 



I would here express my obligations to the delegate and the offi- 

 cers and members of the Middlesex South Society, for their uniform 

 kindness and untiring efforts to make my visit both.j)leasant and 

 agreeable. A. P. Slade. 



