APPENDIX. XXXV 



NORFOLK. 



The sixteenth annual fair of the Norfolk Agricultural Society, was 

 held at Dedliam on the 29th and 30th of September, 18G4. 



The first day was principally occupied in arranging the products in 

 the hall for the full exhibition on the following day. The ploughing 

 match came off on the first day. There were fifteen teams which com- 

 peted for the premiums, most of them double teams. Some of them 

 were made up of four horses, others of three horses, four of them Avith 

 two horses, others with one yoke of oxen and one horse. They were 

 such teams as the farmers used in working their land. 



These teams differed materially from those which we see on similar 

 occasions in "Worcester County, where most of them are composed of 

 a single pair of oxen, which are driven by the ploughman alone. It is 

 not usual, at our cattle shows, to see fifteen teams at work for the 

 awards. 



These teams were all well trained, and performed their work with 

 ease, and in the most finished manner. 



The interest taken in this ploughing match, is a strong evidence that 

 the people of this county will continue to cherish and support this 

 branch of our State agricultural institutions, with all their zeal and 

 efforts to which it is entitled. 



During the first day the stock of various kinds was placed in the 

 pens for the next day's exhibition. A spading match also came off, 

 which I had not the opportunity of seeing. At noon a collation was 

 provided in the upper hall, in true farmers' style, composed of the 

 substantials of life, such as meat, bread, butter, and cheese. This was 

 partaken of by about one hundred of those interested in the farmers' 

 holiday. 



All things were arranged for a grand display on the following day. 



The expectations of a brilliant day, which was to come, were most 

 decidedly dampened by the weather. It commenced raining about 

 nine o'clock, and continued to pour down in torrents until late in the 

 afternoon. 



This bountiful rain, so much needed upon the dry ground, was not 

 very acceptable to the guests, who could not be convinced that their 

 clean dresses needed this showery ablution. 



The display of fruits and flowers in the lo^er hall was unusually 

 attractive. 



The vegetables also were very plentifully exhibited, and in quality 

 were all that could be expected in connection with the dryness of the 

 season. 



