1858.] SENATE— No. 4. 273 



Barnstable on the morning of the 7th of October. It was a 

 beautiful day ; all nature smiled, and as I wended my way along 

 I soon found myself — as yet a stranger — within an inclosure of 

 some fourteen acres of land, in the centre of which stood a 

 magnificent structure, as yet unfinished, ultimately to become, 

 for beauty and convenience, an agricultural hall not surpassed 

 by many county halls in our Commonwealth. 



This hall is the product of the generous donations of the sons 

 of the Cape. They have already expended some three thousand 

 dollars, and for its final completion it will require some hundreds 

 more. It is every way capacious for the future wants of the 

 society in all coming time. It would have added much to its 

 appearance, had it been located on a more elevated spot of land. 



On the first day of my arrival, where I met a hearty welcome, 

 I busied myself in noticing the arrangement of the various 

 articles for exhibition, more particularly the skill manifested by 

 the ladies in showing up to the best advantage all fancy articles, 

 together with fruits and flowers. Every specimen seemed to 

 occupy its proper place. In these departments this society may 

 well be gratified ; it would compare well with any other society 

 in our State. 



It has been said that at one time the ravages of the canker 

 worm and other insects were such that the early settlers doubted 

 whether the time would ever come when fruit, such as apples 

 and pears, could ever be raised to any perfection on the soil of 

 Cape Cod. But from the fine specimens exhibited at their 

 recent fair they may be assured that by a generous culture they 

 can be confident of a plentiful harvest. 



In this county, horticulture, which is the nursery of agricul- 

 ture, can but flourish while under the fostering care of the 

 mothers and daughters. 



The ploughing match, which in many counties is the leading 

 cause of excitement, attracted but little attention ; but few 

 persons were interested enough to Avitness it. 



The exhibition of stock was very creditable. We cannot 

 expect from the light grazing lands of the Cape to raise very 

 fine cattle ; for them we must look to the rich valleys of the 

 West. Vegetables were exhibited in great abundance, showing 

 a very successful cultivation. I did not find that attention paid 

 to the cultivation of the cranberry, which I expected ; I had 

 35* 



