274 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan. 



received the impression that many of the peat swamps on the 

 Cape had ab-eady become profitable from the raising of this fruit. 

 But few specimens, however, were exhibited, and these, too, 

 without any detail as to their culture worthy of interest. 



The second day of the exhibition opened very auspiciously ; 

 the multitudes, from every part of the Cape came flowing in for 

 hours, until every nook and corner was filled. This was the 

 crowning day of the exhibition. At 12 o'clock, we were per- 

 mitted to listen to a good practicable discourse from Hon. G. S. 

 Boutwell. I was much gratified to witness so large and 

 attentive an audience, unlike what I have often witnessed 

 in other counties. It has become a question whether these 

 agricultural addresses are profitable and instructive to the 

 masses, and whether, as a general thing, the subjects treated 

 are not beyond the comprehension of most of our farmers. 

 We want the practical knowledge of the agriculturist, the com- 

 mon every day's experience of the tiller of the soil ; and could 

 farmers' clubs, so highly recommended by our worthy secretary, 

 be established throughout the different counties in our Com- 

 monwealth, great good would eventually result therefrom. 



We were soon summoned to a sumptuous dinner, graced by 

 the presence of the fair ladies of the Cape, and here, after 

 a few well chosen remarks by the worthy president of the 

 society, giving the origin and progress of this institution, we 

 were permitted to enjoy an intellectual feast from distinguished 

 gentlemen present. Tlius closed the thirteenth anniversary of 

 the Barnstable County Agricultural Society, alike creditable to 

 itself and to all those who have ever taken an interest in its 

 prosperity. 



Nathan Durfee. 



NANTUCKET. 



By the appointment of the Board of Agriculture, I attended 

 the second annual festival of the Nantucket Agricultural Socie- 

 ty, on the 13th and 14th days of October, and respectfully 

 report. 



