238 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan. 



to the occasion, the president, Richard S. Fay, Esq., rose and 

 congratulated the society and its several committees, on their 

 entire success in carrying out the objects of the association in 

 all its departments, commenting with particular interest upon 

 the abundance, variety, and fine quality of the vegetables ; and 

 he paid a flattering compliment to the city authorities and the 

 citizens generally of Newburyport, for their generous aid in 

 forwarding the enterprise. And then, in his very happy style, 

 introduced to the audience His Excellency Governor Gardner, 

 Hon. Josiah Quincy, Jr., and others, who addressed them for a 

 brief period, when the party dispersed to their homes, made 

 happier and better by these two days' interview. 



Moses Newell. 



MIDDLESEX. 



As a delegate from the State Board of Agriculture, I attended 

 the agricultural show and fair of the parent society of the 

 County of Middlesex, held in Concord on the 29th day of Sep- 

 tember, under the most favorable auspices. It was a warm and 

 pleasant day. 



At an early hour the competitors on ploughing, eight ox and 

 eight horse teams, were upon the field ready to show their skill ; 

 liberal prizes were offered to the most worthy. 



There was a spirited contest, sixteen men with good teams 

 were striving to excel each other, in the presence of a large 

 collection of people. As a whole the work was well done. The 

 ploughs were of the most approved kinds. The furrow was 

 from six to ten inches deep, having some double teams. 



The ploughing is a part of the exhibition that is practical. 

 It may be asked what is gained ? I would answer — the plough- 

 man shows his oxen or horses ; their training, their ability to 

 work. The holder of the plough shows his physical ability, 

 and his skill in holding the plough, in the presence of the con- 

 gregated farmers ; shows the plough, the skill of the maker or 

 inventor approved or condemned. The width or depth of the 

 slice is discussed, opinions given, experience related, conclusions 

 gained, and many go away profited. 



