APPENDIX. xiii 



mindful of the rough hills and the deep valleys that we encountered 

 in our journey. Our sorrel span, partaking of our hilarity, soon 

 brought us to the entrance, where the ofllcers of the society awaited 

 our arrival, and took us in charge and conducted us through the 

 extensive grounds, amid throngs of happy people who are gathered 

 to celebrate this autumn festival. This society is located among 

 the hills whose crystal springs flow eastward into the ocean, and 

 westward into the beautiful Connecticut. Among the green pas- 

 tures of these hills, roam the finest cattle, and the fertile fields 

 yield the richest products of the farm and dairy. 



The fail- poetess of the occasion can best express my meaning : — 



" Tliongh autumn with his gorgeous robe 



Reigns sovereign in sweet summer's place, 

 So kind and genial is bis smile, 

 We scarce the Hues of change can trace. 



The wealth of orchard, field and wood, 



He gathei*s in his nut-brown hand; 

 Behold the treasures he hath brought 



Aided by labor's tireless band. , 



Let those who say our grand old hills 



Will not repay the farmer's toil — 

 That wealth and comfort are not wrought 



From out our Bay State's rugged soil, — 



Come to our pleasant hall to-day, 



See beauty, art, and taste arrayed, 

 With nature's gifts, for household use. 



In all their loveliness displayed." 



That the character of a people may be correctly judged by the 

 character and climate of the counti-y they inhabit, there can be no 

 doubt. The free, energetic character of the sturdy yeomanry of 

 this region fully conforms to the beautiful and picturesque scenery 

 of its hills and valleys, and its clear and invigorating climate. Far 

 away from railroad facilities enjoyed by most other societies in the 

 Stake, yet the farmers of this section are justly celebrated for their 

 excellent management and successful operations of the farm and of 

 the society. 



The first day's exhibition was devoted almost entirely to the 

 farm and its products, and the second almost as entirely to the 

 " horse," or the " sports of the track." I think this arrangement is 

 commendable, especially where it is thought " the horse " is becom- 

 ing a too prominent feature of our agricultural shows. There is a 



