APPENDIX. xxix 



with barnyard manure and the natural materials found there for 

 composting, this region, and all others similar in New England, 

 may become the great sources of supply for our hay markets. 



The exliibition of tlie society the last year was encouraging, and 

 indicated a laudable and intelligent interest in the objects of the 

 organization. The show of cattle was in many respects unusually 

 good, and attracted a number of judicious admirers as well as j^ur- 

 chasers to the ground. The oxen and steers were of good form, 

 thrifty, in excellent condition, and trained as cattle are only trained 

 where the New England skill is still retained. The number of 

 cows was large, and of good quality and size ; and there were several 

 bulls on exhibition whose blood indicated careful attention to breed- 

 ing. Noticeable among these were specimens of Ayrshires of a 

 high standard, which had been introduced into this section by the 

 delegate of the society at this Board and by others, Tliese ani- 

 mals were all hardy in apj^earanco, and of a size well adapted to 

 the hill pastures on which they graze. 



The horses on exhibition were such as are especially useful to 

 the farmer in his work upon the farm and on the road. 



In the hall, the collection of apples, pears, grapes, peaches, 

 quinces, cranberries and vegetables indicated great care and skill on 

 the part of the cultivators, wiio inhabit this exposed and elevated 

 locality; and the domestic manufactures gave evidence that the 

 industrious habits of our ancestors are still retained in the farm- 

 houses of the region. 



The condition of the society seems to be good, and it is evidently 

 stimulating the agriculture over which its influence is extended. 

 The emulation Avhich it has roused, and the responsibilities and 

 honors which it has laid upon its active and useful members, are 

 all producing those good efibcts which rivalry and position always 

 exert. As one of the educating agencies of the Commonwealth, 

 it is worthy of liberal encouragement and support. 



Geo. B. Lokixg. 



FRANKLIN. 



The twenty-first annual cattle show and fair of the Franklin 

 Agricultural Society Avas held at Greeufield on the 29th and oOth 

 days of September, 1870, 



The first day of the fair was ushered in with all the beauties of a 

 September morning, and was improved by the farmers in that county 

 from its earliest dawn till the mid-forenoon in gathering their stock 



