Ivi REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



can be no doubt of the stead}- increase of wealth flowing therefrom, 

 thus remunerating the Commonwealth for her generous bounty. 

 The show of garden-vegetables was extremely good, both in variety", 

 quality and quantity-. But the greatest show of all was in fruit, — 

 apples, pears, grapes and quinces, thus indicating the fact that the 

 greatest capability of the island is in this direction, and confirming 

 the opinion that the "Vineyard" received its name from its natural 

 adaptation to the growth of these fruits. 



A good show of neat-stock, mostly Ayrshire, oxen, cows, three- 

 year-olds, two-j-ear-olds, 3-earlings and calves, mostly grades. The 

 island seems not particularly adapted to this branch of husbandry, 

 and the people seem desirous of making some change. 



Sheep seem to do very well, and there was a good show of several 

 varieties, all excellent of their kind. 



Here, as well as in many other places, poultry seems to be coming 

 into favor. The display was very satisfactor}'. The Society were 

 liberal in their oflers of premiums, and the communit}- are evidently 

 catching the spirit of the times in this matter. The show consisted 

 of hens of various breeds, and varieties of turkeys, geese and ducks. 



The show of horses was meagre. It is evident that, whatever 

 branches of industry had engaged the attention of the islanders, 

 improving the horse had not been a specialt3^ A few good family- 

 horses were shown, two or three good breeding-mares and a number 

 of promising colts. The whole show of horses, however, left an 

 impression that a mission to the island by Rev. W, H. H. Murray 

 might be turned to good account. 



The ploughing-match was a small affair : three teams only 

 engaged. The exercise added a little to the day's enjoyment, and 

 afforded an opportunit}" to dispose of a small amount of the Society's 

 funds, — be3'ond that, it was difficult to perceive any A-er}- decided 

 advantage growing out of this feature of the exhibition. 



Flowers. — This department was fully sustained. The island is 

 peculiarl}- happj^ in her floral kingdom ; here were displayed in most 

 tasteful form, arranged by the fair hands of the Vineyard's daughters, 

 every variet}- of the most beautiful flowers of the season, showing 

 that, while they may be belli nd the times in some departments 

 of modern progress, thej' are full}' up in the floral. 



In conclusion, be it said, perfect order prevailed throughout. 

 We had very excellent music by the Mansfield Band. Many thanks 

 are due to the people of the Vineyard for their kind attention and 

 unbounded hospitality, rendering the visit of your delegate one 

 of unmingled pleasure, for which he will ever retain sentiments of 

 grateful remembrance. 



Roger H. Leavitt. 



