MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 449 



from an ex-governor of the Commonwealth, and a president of 

 an agricultural society of thirty years' standing, that he is one 

 of the best ploughmen in the best county in the State ? 



Of the stock presented, my attention was particularly drawn 

 to the fine specimens of Dinham, Devon and Ayrshire breeds, 

 grown in this county. Very early, fine animals of this descrip- 

 tion were introduced here, the traces of which are distinctly 

 visible. If I do not mistake, there is no county in the Com- 

 monwealth that has been more vigilant in this matter ; and 

 judging from the general appearance of the stock in the pens, 

 there has been no mistake in their partiality for these breeds. 

 1 forbear to extend remarks upon particular animals, because it 

 will be done with so much more discrimination by the com- 

 mittees whose duty it was to compare them. It is with farm 

 animals as with men, the traits of a good character spread far 

 and wide, and are often to be found long after the originals 

 have ceased to be remembered. With the fine specimens of 

 young stock, presented by that model of good farmers, John 

 Brooks, of Princeton, — with whom has been stationed the 

 State Ayrshire bull, — and which were understood to be the 

 offspring of that animal, I was particularly pleased. Equally 

 well pleased was I with the specimens of stock from the farm 

 of Harvey Dodge, of Sutton, who has in keeping the Devon 

 bull, from the State Society. There is something either in the 

 animals themselves or in the manner of keeping them, that 

 ensures superior stock. This was so conspicuous on a com- 

 parison of these with other young stock, that no one could 

 mistake the fact. I would not say that there were not single 

 animals present, that would compare well with any of the off- 

 spring of these bulls, but there were no families that would 

 compare advantageously with them. 



The exhibition of fruits in the horticultural department of 

 the show was splendid and imposing. Rarely, if ever, have I 

 seen a finer display of peaches. Among these, the Early Craw- 

 ford was conspicuous, some of the specimens measuring thir- 

 teen inches in circumference, and tinged with colors, rivalling 

 in beauty the most charming objects of view. Magnificent 

 pears, and products of the field and garden, evincing luxuri- 

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