1858.] SENATE— No. 4. 259 



cases even before the word was heard. What can a pair of 

 oxen be expected to do, if, at every second step, they are obliged 

 to dodge a stroke of the lash applied about the head and face ? 

 Such management is entirely inconsistent with a sti'ong, per- 

 sistent effort, such as is required in the operation of backing a 

 load, and the result of its indulgence upon the driver, is to 

 develop the more unpleasant phase of his temper, and assist 

 him in forgetting the third commandment. The ox is natu- 

 rally somewhat slow in bringing his strength fully to bear upon 

 any obstacle, but at the same time he is usually quite willing 

 to exert himself to the utmost in attaining any object required 

 of him. What is wanting, is a mutual understanding between 

 the teamster and the team. Let the teamster appreciate the 

 ability and capacity of his team, and the oxen on their part 

 comprehend the wants of the teamster, then, with the applica- 

 tion of a moiety of that kindness to the bovine race which 

 exerts so important an influence upon the human character, 

 the consequence cannot be otherwise than gratifying to all 

 concerned. 



In the vestry of the neighboring church were displayed the 

 various productions of the farm, garden, orchard, dairy, &c. 

 The collection of vegetables, though not extensive, was yet of 

 a very superior character. Unusually large and a^cU grown 

 specimens of pumpkins, squashes, carrots, parsnips, cabbages, 

 beets, (fee, presented a very fine appearance, and are seldom 

 excelled. Various grains and other seed products were very 

 creditable. In the matter of fruits, appearances indicated that 

 there is much room for progress. Although there were a few 

 contributions that would have been excellent any where, yet, as 

 a genei'al thing, the fruits were not well grown, and in a num- 

 ber of instances, common varieties were misnamed. This will 

 no doubt be corrected as further knowledge and experience are 

 acquired. A nursery firm from North Brookfield, luade a dis- 

 play of upwards of fifty varieties of the pear, many of which, 

 however, would not tend to increase the enthusiasm of culti- 

 vators of that princely fruit. 



The products of the dairy and kitchen were well represented, 

 and wore an inviting appearance. There was rather a meagre 

 display of fancy work, and of manufactured productions I saw 

 hardly any thing. 



