xxxvi APPENDIX. 



The exhibition of handicraft work, both useful and ornamental, has 

 not been surpassed but by few in the State. Although the rain cut off 

 the entertainment in the grounds, it increased the attention in the hall, 

 which became most severely crowded. In fact, all that were able to 

 procure admission, sought the hall for protection, not leaving a sufficient 

 number in the field for picket duty. 



Many were regretting the inability of Hon. Marshall P. Wilder (the 

 president,) to be present. They were free to confess that he had been 

 the life of the society. He did not, however, fail to send in his 

 contributions for " exhibition only." 



This one fact of the relation of Mr. Wilder to this society, affords a 

 sufficient evidence of its importance and of its permanent continuance. 



Although it appeared, at first view, that its principal corner-stone was 

 removed by the illness of Mr. Wilder, quite as far as could be seen, the 

 structure was not in the least shaken. 



This society stands upon the industrious, skilful, and intelligent 

 farmers of Norfolk County. 



These farmers are booked up in their business. Many of them keep 

 farm accounts, and are able to inform any inquirer, the cost of their 

 productions, the market value, and the profits accruing therefrom. 



These agriculturists, to me, were the most interesting portion of the 

 exhibition, knowing that from casualties crops sometimes fail, but such 

 intelligence never fails. A very slight examination during the rain, 

 within the paling of the grounds, found a very fair display of neat stock 

 and some splendid specimens of Cotswold sheep. 



Soon after noon, the guests of the society assembled in the dining- 

 hall to partake of the repast. Plates were laid for about six hundred, 

 which were all occupied. 



John Gardner, Esq., of Dedham, presided, who made some very 

 pertinent remarks in relation to the discomfiture of the weather, but 

 complimented the society upon the fullness of the exhibition. 



Hon. Henry F. French, of Cambridge, favored the company with a 

 very learned address in relation to the State Agricultural College. 



Hon. George S. Boutwell spoke at some length on national affairs, 

 expressing his confidence in the speedy I'eturn of peace, union, and 

 prosperity, on a sound basis of justice. 



Several other gentlemen followed by brief and pertinent remarks. 



After the exercises at the table, the premiums awarded by the 

 committee were announced. 



Here, as in all otlier societies with which I have any acquaintance, I 

 find an error in disposing of the premiums, which should be corrected. 



It is in preferring monstrous growth and size to good quality and 



