xliv APPENDIX. 



think the great natural Agricultui'al resources within the limits of this 

 society are properly understood. 



I visited the farm of David Folger, I consider it the model farm of 

 the island, as far as I had an opportunity to view. It shows by a little 

 what much more might do, for there is plenty of land there, lying 

 useless, which is just as good, naturally, as his. He cuts about three 

 tons of hay per acre, has a good crop of corn ; half an acre of Jackson 

 White potatoes gave him one hundred and sixty bushels, or at the rate 

 of three hundred and twenty bushels per acre. They were the finest 

 looking specimens of this variety I ever saw. His mangolds, Swedes 

 and carrots are as good as can be shown by any farmer in the Common- 

 wealth. All the fertilizers used for the gi-owth of these crops was a 

 small quantity of animal manure, with the addition of kelp and sea- 

 weed. He also has the best herd of cows I saw there, but I have one 

 complaint to make against him, — he did not offer them for exhibition. 



Certainly every good farmer, if a member of an agricultural society, 

 should feel himself hound to exhibit all good stock, vegetables, or any 

 other desirable product of his farm. 



The weather was delightful on both days of the fair. 



The first day was devoted to the examination of cattle, sheep and 

 swine, the whole being enlivened by the North Bridgewater brass band. 

 It was said the entries of stock at. the grounds were more numerous 

 than at some of the previous fairs. There were ninety cows and 

 heifers, eight bulls, nine yokes of oxen and steers, six entries of sheep, 

 and only one of swine. Among the cows and heifers were three pure- 

 bred Jerseys, all fine animals ; and among the bulls were two pure-bred 

 Ayrshires. 



The inhabitants of the island are indebted to the president of this 

 society for his liberality, and praiseworthy perseverance in introducing 

 those pure-bred animals for the improvement of the stofek in future years. 

 I am informed that Mr. Thompson has, of late, taken a good Ayrshire 

 cow and heifer on to the island to add to his former enterprises. 



The oxen wei'e not remarkable, though thrifty and of fine symmetry. 



Setting aside the two Ayrshire bulls, I have not much to say in favor 

 of the remainder. The young stock on exhibition was a great improve- 

 ment over the older animals, and I am infoi'med the neat stock has 

 improved at least thirty-three per cent, in quality since the incorporation 

 of this society. 



There were six entries of sheep, all grades, with the exception of one 

 full-blooded Soutlidown buck, which was exhibited by George C. Gard- 

 ner, Esq. The sheep on exhibition, and, in fact, all that I saw on the 

 island, appeared uncommonly thrifty, and this is another word in favor 

 of increasing sheep husbandry here. 



