268 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan. 



sheep, swine and poultry, all of which were highly creditable 

 to the farmers of the vicinity. There were several fine mares 

 and colts ; among the latter were two from the celebrated horse 

 " Ethan Allen," which attracted much notice. There was also 

 a fine span of working horses belonging to Benjamin Rodman, 

 Esq., of New Bedford, whicli were reported to have drawn a 

 load of four tons up a steep hill, with ease. This feat I did 

 not see, nor did I witness the ploughing and spading iJiatches, 

 both of which gave great enjoyment to those who witnessed 

 them. 



In the afternoon, I went to the " City Hall " expecting to 

 find a great display of vegetables, fancy articles and manufac- 

 tures ; but in all these, was rather disappointed, more especially 

 in regard to the latter. In this department, instead of beautiful 

 specimens of linen, cotton and woollen goods, and articles of 

 iron, steel, brass, copper, &c., &c., from all parts of the county, — 

 save a fine display of barrels and bags of extra flour, made 

 from Massachusetts wheat, at the " Massasoit Mills," a few 

 agricultural implements, and a quantity of costly wrought 

 coffins and expensive habiliments for the dead, — there was little 

 to attract attention. 



Here was the staff of life, and beside it the accoutrements of 

 death. The latter not at all calculated to raise the spirits of 

 visitors to a state of hilarity. 



The vegetables were very good, especially the potatoes and 

 squashes. Two kingly ones of the latter, weighing about two 

 hundred pounds, from Taunton, were much noticed ; but this 

 town should have exhibited something more than great squashes. 

 The quantity of vegetables exhibited was not large. 



From the " City Hall " I went to the " Music Hall," and here 

 my expectations were more fully realized. Four tables extend- 

 ing through the hall were loaded with fruit ; several hundred 

 plates of fine pears and a good show of apples, quinces, grapes, 

 &c., (fee, were displayed. 



At the further end of the hall, far above our heads, stood 

 " Flora," in her temple, surrounded by evergreens and beautiful 

 living flowers ; on her right was " Ceres," with her arms full of 

 grain ; and on her left was " Pomona," in her temple, adorned 

 with oranges, lemons and grapes, which seemed fit food for the 

 temptation of gods as well as men ; and at her feet, scattered 



