1858.] SENATE— No. 4. 275 



The first day was devoted to the exhibition of stock and 

 ploughing. The weather was delightful. The ground selected 

 for the show was well chosen, and all nature seemed in harmony 

 with the occasion. On entering the grounds, I found more and 

 better stock than I had expected to see. No better cows are 

 ever seen at any of our county fairs. I would mention those o. 

 the president, E. W. Gardner, James Thompson, Shubael 

 Worth, C. H. Clark, Matthew Starbuck, and others whose 

 names I do not recollect. Herds of good cows were exhibited 

 by Joseph M. Folger, Andrew M. Myrick, and Zimri Cathcart. 

 There were several good bulls. I noticed an Ayrshire, belong- 

 ing to the society, of firm proportions and marks of excellence. 

 A large number of superior heifers, of three, two, and one years 

 old. Oxen, I saw but five yoke, and those ordinary. There 

 was a fine display of good, substantial work horses, and some 

 beautiful young horses, but I saw none of the " 2.40 " kind ; 

 neither did I see any " trials of speed; " from which I infer that 

 the people of Nantucket are not so "/as^" as are those of the 

 main. Sheep, but two lots were exhibited. Swine, but few, 

 and those not good. Poultry, a good display of the most 

 approved varieties. 



The ploughing was the next in order. It was the first 

 ploughing match, and caused great excitement. Thousands 

 ' were collected to witness the contest. Ladies, in great num- 

 bers, were there, to cheer and to gladden by their smiles and 

 their presence. The ploughs were not of the most approved 

 kinds. The teams had not been well trained to the work, and 

 I noticed that each ploughman had a driver, which I had never 

 seen before, and which is not necessary in a well broken team. 

 If the training is so, imperfect as to require this, it should be 

 an important consideration in the awarding of the premiums. 

 Notwithstanding these unfavorable circumstances, the work was 

 very well done. 



The great centre of attraction was the " Athenaeum Plall." 

 The ladies had fitted up this large and beautiful " hall," so as 

 none but Nantucket ladies could, in the most tasteful and mag- 

 nificent manner. Language fails me in the description. Never 

 bad I seen any thing to compare with it ; flowers in the greatest 

 profusion, of the most rare and beautiful varieties, choice fruits 

 fancy articles, embracing needle, crochet, moss, shell and leather 



