xviii APPENDIX. 



energy with which these mere lads performed their tasks, as also the 

 training to which the steers had been subjected, showed that the efforts 

 of the society in this direction had not been in vain. 



At eleven o'clock, came the trial of working oxen, upon a cart loaded 

 with stones. The load was graduated in exact proportion to the weight 

 of the oxen, each being required to take (including cart) thirty-three 

 per cent, more than its own live weight. This is readily arranged by 

 the addition or removal of stones, each of which has its weight dis- 

 tinctly marked upon it. In the class of working cattle were thirteen 

 pairs, mostly well matched, thrifty cattle, of medium size. 



The miscellaneous stock was exhibited in pens put up for the occa- 

 sion upon the common, and consisted in part, of fourteen bulls, twenty- 

 five cows, five pairs of fat cattle, three fat cows, forty-one heifers and 

 heifer calves, sixty-six steers, sixteen swine, thii-ty-six sheep, and ten 

 coops of poultiy. 



A good degree of interest is manifested in the welfare of the society, 

 as indicated by the number of entries. Yet in regard to neat stock, it 

 appears too evident, that the mass of farmers within the limits of this 

 society have hitherto been too negligent in the selection of breeding 

 animals. As, however, the spirit of improvement is already manifest in 

 the introduction of pure hred bulls, "and as the society have now 

 excluded all others from their premium list, we may look with confi- 

 dence for rapid and continued improvement in this important branch of 

 husbandry. 



The exhibition of horses was all, and more than could have been 

 expected, considering that the society has no suitable place for this 

 purpose, and also the fact that another organization was holding a horse 

 show within the limits of the town at the same time. 



This last, is a matter over which this society has no possible control, 

 and to their credit be it said, they are able to maintain the interest in 

 their strictly agricultural exhibition, while during the whole time a so 

 called horse fair, is being carried on with a distance of less than two 

 miles. 



The whole number of horses exhibited was ninety-six, viz. : stallions, 

 ten ; breeding mares, seventeen ; draught and family horses, thirty -four ; 

 horses in pairs, twelve ; colts, twenty -three. 



I have thus glanced hastily and imperfectly at the doings of this 

 society which is evidently in a healthy and flourishing condition. Its 

 most apparent present need is that of suitable ground upon which to 

 hold their exhibitions. This want will doubtless be supplied in due 

 time, as its officers and members appear to be fully aware of its 

 importance. 



