APPENDIX. XXV 



J. W. Wheeler, of Becket, exhibited, besides a good pair of matched 

 horses, a 400 pounds confiscated Southern-bred pony, that could run 

 with the best of them. 



The different classes of horses were driven round the course from the 

 judges' stand to exhibit their training and action, but the track was not 

 in condition to test their speed. It probably will be improved, but the 

 nature of the ground is such that it will be difficult to make a very good 

 trotting course. 



The closing exercises of the day were at the Baptist Church, where, 

 after prayer by the Rev. Mr. Rockwood, singing by a select clioir, and a 

 few congratulatory remarks by the president on the success of this anni- 

 versary cattle show, Hon. Joseph White, of Williamstown, was intro- 

 duced, who gave a very able address, which was listened to by a full 

 house with much interest. The subject of the address, as announced, 

 was " The Relations of Education to Successful Agriculture." It was 

 partly extemporaneous, but replete with good sense, useful suggestions, 

 and sound instruction. 



After the address, the reading the awards of premiums and their 

 distribution, in currency instead of plate, as formerly, to the successful 

 competitors, closed the exercises of this fair. 



In conclusion, I would express my acknowledgement to the secretary, 

 Mr. J. McElwain, and his lady, for their kind and hospitable entertain- 

 ment during my stay there, and also to the president, C. O. Perkins, 

 and others, for their polite attentions, thereby rendering my visit, as 

 delegate to that society, very pleasant. Hollis Tidd. 



HAMPDEN EAST. 



The thirteenth annual exhibition of the Hampden East Agricultural 

 Society was held on the grounds of the society, at Palmer, on Tuesday 

 and Wednesday, October 10th and 11th. 



The attendance was not large, but the exhibition of cattle, horses, 

 sheep and swine was very creditable. The number of working oxen 

 was quite large, and included some animals of remarkably good shape 

 and quality. The steers, three and four years old, were especially 

 noticeable, indicating good judgment in breeding and selection, and good 

 care through the drought of the last summer. It would be impossible 

 to enumerate the valuable animals of all classes which appeared on the 

 grounds, and it is enough to say that, in the work of the exhibition, the 

 society is improving constantly, and is exerting a good influence on the 

 farming of that section of the State. 



