APPENDIX. XXXV 



maniifactnring villages, we might expect a show of more than ordi- 

 nary interest, and such, in fact, it was. The rain, no doubt, pre- 

 vented many farmers from bringing out their stock of domestic 

 animals, so that the exhibition in that department was comparatively 

 meagre ; enough, however, to show that the spirit of improvement in 

 this branch of husbandry- had been thoroughly aroused in the valley 

 of the Iloosac. The various breeds — Shorthorns, Devons, Ayr- 

 shires, Jerseys and Natives — were all rei)resented by specimens 

 of which the exhibitors might properly indulge in a feeling of hon- 

 est pride. 



Oxen of various breeds were out in considerable numbers, and 

 made a good show. The largest noticed by your delegate weighed 

 3,652 pounds, and there were others of nearly equal weight. Some 

 nice two-year-old steers, — one pair two years old, owned by Gideon 

 Kemp, of Florida, near the central shaft of the Hoosac Tunnel, 

 weighing 2,050 pounds, and there were many other good animals. 



The show of sheep was remarkably good ; coarse, middle and fine 

 wool were all represented b}^ good specimens — Cotswold, South- 

 down, Leicester, Cheviots and Spanish Merino — showing that this 

 branch of husbandry is appreciated b}^ this Societ}', it being clearly 

 proved by observation and experience of forJ^y years, that for a 

 mountainous region continuous sheep-husbandry pays the best of 

 any branch, except dairj-ing. 



Dairy-cows were well represented b}' large numbers of excellent 

 individuals and variety- of breeds ; also some good calves. The 

 exhibition of herds was meagre ; not what we had reason to expect, 

 and probabl}' but for the rain it would have been better. 



The exhibition of poultry- was on a grand scale. This branch 

 seems to be growing in public favor all over the Commonwealth. 

 Fift3'-one entries, all the individuals being perfect of its kind, ren 

 dered this part of the show of unusual interest and attraction. All 

 varieties known among modern amateurs were here represented, 

 among which were Plymouth Rocks, White Leghorns, Seabrights, 

 White Dorkings, Light Brahmas, Iloudans, Dark Brahmas, Brown 

 Leghorns, Red Game Bantams and Partridge Cochins, &c. Eight 

 varieties of pigeons attracted attention, besides geese, turkey's and 

 ducks. _ The exhibition reflected great credit on the officers and 

 members and upon the community in which the Society is located. 



We come now to the Society's hall. Here the display was munifi 

 cent and imposing. The structure itself is one of the best for the 

 purpose for which it was made of any in the State, and it was filled 

 to overflowing by a great variety of articles, useful, curious and 

 ornamental, which all the active rriinds in a communit}', alive to the 

 thought of making a success of the opportunity,, prompted the indi- 



