472 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



nestly into the spirit of the occasion, and to vie with each 

 other who should most heartily contribute to make the day 

 one of pure enjoyment. 



Time only was wanting. There was, in some things, hurry, 

 if not confusion. That society, like others, needs more than 

 one day for its exhibition. The youth of the Norfolk Society 

 promises excellently well. I can only say to it, in Roman 

 phrase, " Macte virtute esto ;" may it go on as it has begun. 



J. H. W. PAGE. 



Exhibition of the Plymouth Society. 



In accordance with a vote of the board I attended the late 

 annual fair of the Plymouth County Society, and transmit to 

 you a very brief account of such parts of the exhibition as fell 

 under my observation. 



It was noon when I arrived at Bridgewater, where the fair 

 was held, and I was consequently deprived of the pleasure of 

 witnessing the proceedings of the first part of the day. Hav- 

 ing no further time to lose, I immediately visited the cattle 

 pens, and was much gratified to see a handsome collection of 

 native stock, which, if not distinguished by the marks and 

 superior external beauty, which are peculiar to some of the 

 imported breeds, impressed me with the belief that ihey had 

 not suffered for the lack of kind care and good feed. The 

 cows looked homely in shape, but that they were cows of 

 "quality" I shall have occasion to show further on. The 

 working oxen performed very well, and were in fine condition, 

 but I despair of witnessing anywhere such capital performances 

 as are usually to be seen, in this department, at the Worcester 

 exhibitions. 



The extensive show o( fruits and vegetables quite surprised 

 me. The variety of garden fruits was not as great as we bring 

 out in Norfolk, but the apples and quinces far surpassed my 

 anticipations. These staple fruits are evidently in high estima- 

 tion in Plymouth county, and the specimens exhibited were as 

 free from blemish as the best New York varieties. The veg- 



