XX APPENDIX. 



Working oxen were in large strings and single pairs, all showing that 

 much attention had been bestowed on their selection and keeping, as 

 they were in fine order, and by trial proved they had been trained to 

 obey without the use of lash and spur or harsh language. This depart- 

 ment is always interesting and profitable. 



There were not a large number of milch cows, and not all up to 

 what I had expected. The young stock were good and fine-looking 

 animals, representing four distinct breeds, with grades of Shorthorn and 

 native. 



Several very fine bulls were on the ground, one ten months old 

 Shorthorn, a perfect specimen of that breed, belonging to Hon. Paoli 

 Lathrop, of South Hadley Falls. Sheep were mostly grade Southdown 

 and native. The bucks were thoroughbreds, and very good types of the 

 leading breeds. 



Swine were mostly mixed breeds. One said to be pure Mackie, 

 belonging to the State Lunatic Hospital, was of monstrous proportions, 

 causing one gentleman to remark, that " he wished his little squaler 

 could be insane." Poultry, as usual, in feathers and boxes, were 

 attractive to a large portion of the spectators. 



The hall, us ever on these occasions, showed that man's better half 

 was there, with her usual taste and skill, having placed her handiworks 

 in just the right positions. Bread and butter, in quantities and quality, 

 was of the very best. Fruits in much larger quantity than I had 

 expected to see at this farmers' fair. Some specimens of Baldwin 

 apples, even larger than any that I saw at the horticultural exhibition 

 in Boston. Vegetables were in abundance, and of great variety, prov- 

 ing the lands in this county can grow large vegetables as well as large 

 cattle. Corn, on the eai", added largely to the decorations of the hall. 

 Manufactured articles were skirted, (hoop-skirts,) and displayed in 

 divers rugged shapes, (rug-mats.) Fancy work was tastefully got«up 

 and beautifully wrought, adding much to the interest in this department. 



It would be impossible to enumerate all that was displayed, even 

 allowing that a passing glance could do justice ; but without the com- 

 pany and assistance of ladies at these exhibitions, there is fear of their 

 becoming the resort of jockeys and gamblers, to the exclusion of the 

 more worthy portions of the community, thus defeating the proper ends 

 for which these societies were formed. 



In the afternoon of the first day, Colonel Needham, of Vermont, 

 delivered an address to a large and attentive audience. His views on 

 New England farming were interesting and instructive. 



The second day was devoted generally to the exhibition of horses and 

 their various qualifications. Stallions and brood mares were very fine 

 in character, showing that much attention is bestowed on breeding from 



