xlvi EEPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



BRISTOL CENTRAL. 



The Bristol Central Agricultural Society held its annual show at 

 M3'rick's, September 10th, 11th and 12th, 1873. Circumstances be- 

 3^ond the control of mj^self prevented me from attending the exhibition, 

 except the last da}-. I regretted very much that I was unable to 

 have been present on the 11th, the second day of the show, as that 

 was more particular^ designed for the exhibition of stock, plonghing- 

 match, etc. But, upon m}^ arrival upon the grounds on the morning 

 of the last day, I saw evidences, at once, of a successful exhibition. 



The only method I had of learning what stock was on exhibition 

 was from the entries which appeared on the secretarj-'s books, and 

 such information as I gathered from those who witnessed the exhi- 

 bition. 



I found that the exhibition of stock was unusuall}- fine. A large 

 number of entries were made in the different classes, and the ani- 

 mals were in many respects superior. 



The sheep were particularly- noticeable, and numbered more than 

 fift}^ head. 



There were sixtj'-six entries of swine of various breeds, and each 

 contributor was eager to point out the superiorit}^ of that breed 

 which his own animal represented, and b}' a comparison of the dif- 

 ferent animals representing the different breeds. Standing side by 

 side, the attentive observer could decide for himself which of the 

 several breeds was the most profitable to raise. 



The exhibition of ponltr}- was unusually- large. There were eighty 

 entries in this class, and very man}' fine specimens of the various 

 kinds known to the poultry-breeders. 



The exhibition of farming-produce, fruit, fanc3'-work, domestic 

 and other manufactures in the hall was ver}' creditable to the Societj', 

 and evinced great interest by the contributors. 



The last day of the show was devoted almost exclusivel}' to the 

 exhibition of that most noble of all animals, the horse, and I do not 

 wonder that most of our agricultural societies have seen fit to 

 devote one day of their exhibition to this object. I believe it is a 

 part, and an essential part, of the agricultural interests of the coun- 

 try, and while very many of our agriculturists object to giving so 

 prominent a place to the horse as has sometimes been assigned, I 

 confess ray great fear is, that too little prominence will be given it. 

 Although I do not forget that dairy-stock and cattle demand, aixl 

 should receive, the close attention of all agriculturists, yet I do 

 also remember, that for the success which agriculture to-da^- pre- 

 sents in this country, a large share of the credit belongs to the aid 



