1858.] SENATE— No. 4. 249 



a bad mark on a breeding sow, boar, milch cow, or fast horse, 

 and the several committees appointed at our county shows, 

 ought to condemn the practice of over-feeding with grain young 

 animals intended to be ui?ed as breeders. 



The working oxen performed well, were not over-loaded, and 

 not too mucli whipped as usual at such trials. 



Nearly fifty sheep were in the pens, the number being too 

 small ; without sheep much of our land is of little or no value, 

 still our flocks annually decrease. Will not our farmers try 

 sheep once more, (without getting up a Merino fever,) and 

 suitably fence their lands and look out for their dogs. No 

 animals pay better for the capital invested, than small flocks of 

 well-selected sheep. 



Of horses, mares and colts, eighty-five appeared ; the mares 

 were of the right kind generally. There was no fast driving or 

 racing on the grounds, however some of the animals seemed 

 willing to move at a fast gait if so ordered. 



Excellent specimens of apples, pears, peaches, grapes, &c., 

 were shown in the hall, also a good assortment of squashes, 

 vegetables, <fec., &c., which indicates an interest in the orchard 

 and garden, lost sight of by too many. A good vegetable gar- 

 den well attended, helps the housewife to many a dinner, and 

 fills up the pork tubs more readily and cheaply than any other 

 way. 



A pair of mules were shown^; exhibiting wonderful powers of 

 strength. These animals are readily raised, live a long time, 

 often thirty to forty years ; are easily kept, and would be a 

 valuable addition to many of our large farmers, as well as fill 

 the city and town teams where stock-raising is not desirable. 



This society would find it much to its interest to purchase a 

 lot of land, adorn it with shade trees, and erect a substantial 

 building in which to hold its exhibitions, where the farmers, 

 mechanics and merchants, with their wives and daughters, may 

 meet and enjoy the annual holiday. 



The annual increase of value of such a lot and building, 

 would, iji the end, give a fair return to the society, as well as 

 give this flourishing town a parade ground and hall suitable 

 for public gatherings. 



The ploughing-match I did not witness, but learned that it 

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