1858.] SENATE— No. 4. 245 



MIDDLESEX SOUTH. 



The undersigned was delegated, by the Massachusetts Board 

 of Agriculture, to visit the annual show and exhibition of the 

 Middlesex South Agricultural Society, in September last. In 

 performance of the duty imposed by this appointment, I was 

 present on the second day of the exhibition, the first day having 

 been very rainy and uncomfortable. 



The society appeared to be active, energetic and ambitious. 

 The officers are interested in their duties, and efficient and 

 capable. The grounds of the society are not sufficiently exten- 

 sive to enable them to concentrate all the parts of their exhibi- 

 tion upon a single point. There is not room there for the 

 ploughing match, and for some other of the operations of the 

 annual exhibitions. The hall of the society is well arranged 

 and adapted for its purposes, though not yet completed. 



The show of cattle and swine was excellent. The exhibition 

 of horses was not extensive. The display of fruits was very 

 fine, especially of apples. The character and variety of vege- 

 tables shown was superior. 



The popular interest in the festival appeared to be general 

 and deep. Large numbers of persons visited the grounds, and 

 attended the annual dinner. An eloquent and suggestive 

 address, on the finer aspects of agricultural life and its litera- 

 ture, was delivered by Rev. T. Starr King, and brief speeches 

 were made by other gentlemen. 



On the whole the anniversary was successful and profitable, 

 and this society is entitled to be considered among the useful 

 associations connected with the great interest of agriculture. 



Geo. Marston. 



