1858.] SENATE— No. 4. 267 



ber. The weather was most propitious, and every thing indi- 

 cated the deep interest which is taken by the people of the 

 county in these farmers' holidays. If rather more tiian a fair 

 share of the attention of the spectators is given, on such occa- 

 sions, of late years, to the display of fast horses, and to trials 

 of speed in harness or under the saddle, it is an evil which 

 will cure itself at no distant day. The farmers, who can con- 

 trol the 'action of their own societies, will interpose in their 

 own proper way, and reassert the claims of genuine agriculture 

 to its rightful proportion of regard. 



There was a very creditable show of other varieties of ani- 

 mals, however, besides the horse, on this occasion, and the 

 ploughing match, drawing match and spading match, were well 

 contested and well attended. 



Many valuable agricultural implements, and a beautiful show 

 of fruits, vegetables and flowers, were witnessed in the society's 

 hall. An admirable discourse by the Rev. Dr. Lamson, was 

 followed by a most agreeable social entertainment, and the 

 exhibition did not close without leaving a fresh impression on 

 all who had been privileged to enjoy it, of the pre-eminent 

 importance of that great department of human labor, by which 

 God has ordained that his children shall be supplied with their 

 daily bread. 



Robert C. Winthrop. 



BRISTOL. 



In accordance with my appointment by the Massachusetts 

 Board of Agriculture, I attended the Cattle Show and Fair of 

 Bristol County Agricultural Society, held at Fall River on the 

 30th of September and 1st of October, and submit the follow- 

 ing report : — 



The weather of the first day was delightful, and continued 

 good through both days. At an early hour of the first day, I 

 found myself in an inclosure fitted v/ith numerous stalls, on a 

 high hill, overlooking the river and surrounding country far 

 above and below. It was a beautiful and well selected spot for 

 the oc3asion. Very soon after my arrival there, the ground was 

 filled with numerous yokes of cattle, bulls, cows, horses, colts, 



