APPENDIX. xliii 



The roads in Barnstable County are not such as would naturally 

 elicit the sympathies of the sporting people in that vicinity ; therefore 

 the display of horses was not large. 



The ploughing did not compare favorably, in my judgment, with that 

 of some other societies ; in part, perhaps, accounted for by the uneven 

 surfalce and peculiarly hard soil. Not being a superior " ploughman " 

 myself, suggestions to the farmers of Barnstable would be useless 

 from me. 



I noticed in. the ladies' department, bread and gingerbread, which 

 was in great abundance. Butter in excellent taste. Flowers also were 

 beautiful. Fancy articles, too numerous to mention, were, as usual, 

 well ];epresented, and made a fine display. I was unable to remain to 

 the close of the address, made by Judge Russell, of Boston, but left, 

 with the assurance that, like all his efforts, it would be a success. There 

 is every evidence in this society of health and strength, its officers and 

 friends full of that earnestness which insures success, and promises that 

 each year will add new interest to their fair, and perpetuate the annual 

 farmer's celebration. I close this report with an acknowledgment of 

 the kindness and courtesy of the officers of the society, and of George 

 Marston, Esq., of Barnstable, to whom I am indebted for much kindness 

 and hospitality. 



S. Johnson. 



NANTUCKET. 



The ninth annual exhibition of the Nantucket Agricultural Society 

 was held on the 27th and 28th days of September. 



I arrived on the island on the 26th, and on my arrival was met on the 

 boat by the worthy president of the society, (James Thompson, Esq.,) 

 who kindly took me to his hospitable abode, and bountifully ministered 

 to my wants. I am further indebted to him, and other officers of the 

 society, for kind attention during the exhibition, and for rides about the 

 island, which, to me, were very pleasant and interesting. 



I was surprised to find so many thousands of acres of land lying wild 

 and useless. I pictured in my mind the amount of Avealth which might 

 be realized by the laud-owners, if these grounds, which are lying useless, 

 could be stocked with sheep, now, Avhen mutton is twenty-five cents per 

 pound, and wool over one dollar. Without going into close estimates, I 

 would say the amount would be thousands of dollars, almost all of which 

 would be clear gain to the owners. In my opinion this is a subject well 

 worthy the consideration of the inhabitants of Nantucket. I do not 



