vi REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



It is well known that for many years Concord has been the centre 

 of great agricultural enterprise and success. From the earliest day 

 the subject of agricultural education and investigation has occupied 

 the minds of the leading citizens there, and encouragement has 

 always been extended by them to the various improvements which 

 have from time to time been made in the various branches of farm- 

 ing in our State. It is evident that the Middlesex Society is deter- 

 mined to keep pace with the agricultural progress of the time, and 

 to be faithful to the example set by its early founders. The recent 

 purchase of new and well located grounds, and the erection of a 

 spacious hall, gave unusual opportunities to this exhibition. The 

 grounds, as yet not fully enclosed, are provided Avith comfortable 

 covered sheds for cattle, and are arranged with an unusually good 

 understanding of the wants of exhibitors; and the hall, which is 

 130 feet long and 70 feet wide, two stories high, with a light and 

 convenient basement under the whole, and furnished throughout 

 with tables, show-cases, crockerj^, kitchen arrangements, a good 

 supply of cold Avater in all parts of the building, and all other 

 necessary fixtures, is a model for such structures. It is not too 

 much to say that the liberality of those citizens of Middlesex who 

 have contributed to the outfit of this Society is entitled to the 

 gratitude of the agricultural community. 



The collection of animals and articles for exhibition, as witnessed 

 by your delegate, was highly creditable and attractive. The 

 specimens of Ayrshires and Jerseys on the ground were of high 

 quality, and indicated care in selection, and judgment in breeding. 

 The niimber of animals was large enough for all practical purposes, 

 and the most critical advocate of either of these breeds could have 

 found model animals for examination. It is evident that the soil 

 and climate of Middlesex County are well adapted to animals of 

 medium size — the Ayrshire, which has been bred there ever since 

 the days of Mr. Phinney, and the Jersey, which was accepted early 

 by gentlemen of agricultural taste and wealth there, having mani- 

 festly improved since their introduction. The attempt to introduce 

 larger cattle, requiring luxuriant pastures and heavy winter feed, is 

 yet in its infancy, and, while admirable animals of various large 

 breeds are found there, the result of their use is yet undetermined. 

 The herds of cattle entered for premium were of hardy constitu- 

 tion, medium size and good shape, and indicated good care and 

 selection on the part of the owners, who are devoted to the business 

 of the dairy. 



The exhibition of swine was excellent, the large and thrifty 

 breeds predominating. The Yorkshire was well represented, as 



