APPENDIX. iii 



There' were other working oxen, cows, heifers and calves, all of which 

 had good points, some more and some less. The cattle were not very 

 numerous, but of a quality Avhich evinced taste and judgment on the 

 part of the Essex County farmers. 



The show of brood mares, family horses, farm and draft horses, and 

 colts, in the aggregate was comparatively large ; quality, good. 



But few specimens of the swinish tribe were to be seen, but these 

 were fine ones. Daniel Carleton, of North Andover, had a breeding 

 sow with twelve pigs, which we should say Avere about half-blood Ches- 

 ter County ; but what they were crossed with we did not learn. All 

 good in their way. 



Of the feathered tribe there were Muscovy ducks, Bremen geese, 

 Guinea fowls, Brahmas, pigeons, &c. 



At the ploughing-match, six double, three single, and five horse teams 

 participated, and, under the circumstances, the performance was all that 

 could be reasonably looked for. 



At any time when the earth was wet the ground selected could have 

 been nicely turned, for it was a good sward, teams in good order, plough- 

 men Avho undex'stood their business ; but so thoroughly had the moisture 

 evaporated fi-om the soil, that what was thrown up from below the turf 

 rolled back like meal or dry ashes. Yet, notwithstanding this dis- 

 advantage, the furrows were well tuimed, and as deeply as is custo- 

 mary, which, in these latter days, is no shinning process, and never 

 should be where it can be avoided. 



Tlie side-hill plough experienced the most difficulty in turning fur- 

 rows, which was unavoidable, owing to the peculiar construction of the 

 mould board. 



A word in relation to ploughs may be apropos. There are several 

 makers who get out good machines, all of which have their favorite 

 adherents, and in point of workmanship, or of work i^erformed, the real 

 difference is perhaps very slight. It is evident to my mind, however, 

 that the plough which holds the easiest while in operation, is,as a rule, of 

 the lightest draft ; for, when one will stand alone, turn a furrow well 

 after being set in, it is the best evidence in the world that the pressure 

 on both sides is about equal, which is as it should be. There is yet 

 room for improvement in the construction of ploughs. Yet, when our 

 mind reverts back to boyhood's days, when we used wooden mould- 

 b6ards, with old saw-plates, old hoes, with narrow strij^s of old iron 

 nailed on to prevent wearing, (though we think they did not much 

 diminish the friction,) we are ready to admit that vast improvement has 

 been achieved in that direction. 



The farm implements on exhibition consisted of a New England corn- 

 sheller and a pump. This department seemed to lag for behind all 



