298 NORFOLK SOCIETY. 



NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The exhibition of this society was held at Dedham, on the 

 24th of last September. In consequence of the unfavorable 

 state of the weather the preceding day and evening, it was not 

 so extensive in some of its departments as was anticipated. 

 A storm, accompanied with violent gales, continued during 

 most of the night, threatening to prostrate the great tent which 

 had been erected for the occasion, and to demolish the other 

 preparations which had been made. Contrary to all expecta- 

 tions, about dawn the weather became fair, and seldom have 

 we seen a more propitious day for such an exhibition. The 

 pelting storm had spent its fury, the rushing wind had retired 

 to its hiding-place, and the morning broke upon us with that 

 clear sky and glorious sunshine which distinguish the most de- 

 lightful days of a New England autumn. 



The large attendance, the number, variety and excellence of 

 the contributions, under such circumstances, were peculiarly 

 gratifying and encoiu'aging. Not less than ten thousand per- 

 sons were present, and the number, by some, was estimated 

 much higher. 



The " Ploughing Match," as usual, was a scene of great 

 interest, and was witnessed by a great concourse of people. 

 There were nineteen teams which entered the list for compe- 

 tition, and seldom did the Athletce in the Greek games contend 

 with more zeal for the palm of victory, than these sons of Nor- 

 folk for the prizes. The results of the contest showed that 

 success did not attend the man who made the most noise, or 

 the most frequent use of his whip. 



In the department of stock, there were several fine native 

 and grade animals, but the distinguishing feature was the large 

 proportion of pure blood-cattle on exhibition; among others, 

 especially those recently imported by the Massachusetts Society 

 for the Promotion of Agriculture, which has labored so long for 



