106 MIDDLESEX SOCIETY. 



hood feeling among them. They gather new ideas and 

 encouragements, and in turn impart them to others. On the 

 whole, we believe the operations of the society are diffusing a 

 beneficial influence in the county. 



The address before the society was delivered by Hon. Linus 

 Child, of Lowell. 



E. R. HOAR, President. 

 SIMON BROWN, Secretary. 



Farms, (fcc. 



There were five farms, three bog or peat meadows, and eight 

 apple orchards entered for premiums ; a much less num- 

 ber of entries than usual, but the committee, in the dis- 

 charge of their duty, have travelled from nearly one extreme of 

 the county to the other. We were cordially received by our 

 brother farmers, who gave us substantial proof of the interest 

 they take in our welfare. 



The committee could not but observe the great change that 

 has occurred almost everywhere, as regards the men who do 

 the labor on our farms. The sons of our farmers are looked 

 for in vain upon the farm. We find in their place foreigners. 

 to help the father in the ordinary business of the farm. Is this 

 as it should be ? Is it certain that our young men who leave 

 the paternal roof to seek a better living, are sure of obtaining 

 it? Does not the cultivation of the earth aff"ord as many sub- 

 stantial comforts and blessings as other pursuits? The com- 

 mittee have no hesitation in saying that they think it does, and 

 they regret that they do not find more of our young men 

 engaged in that calling, instead of resorting to our cities and 

 large towns for a fancied easier mode of subsistence. 



But the committee saw much to gratify the eye and encour- 

 age the heart. Onr farmers are determined to go ahead, if the 

 boys will go away, and their motto is improvement. Their 

 buildings are kept in repair, stone walls are rebuilt, rocks blasted 

 and unprodnctive swamp lands reclaimed. The time has gone 

 by in which the farmer asks for the old paths. He now wishes 



