xvi REPORTS OP DELEGATES. 



sented, and the fast drivers were tested in the usual Avay to the 

 gratification and amusement of the hirge concourse of people who 

 were constantly in attendance at this, as well as all jiarts of the 

 show. 



The hall (a model in its way) was well filled with the products 

 of the orchard, garden, field and workshop, not omitting the handi- 

 work of the ladies. On the whole, the managers may congratulate 

 themselves on the success of their exhibition of 1869. 



Wm. Birnie. 



WORCESTER NORTH-WEST. 



The memorable storm of the third and fourth of October, 1869, 

 will be long remembered by the people of the middle and western 

 parts of the State. The damage done to the railroads was so great 

 as to delay their operation for days, and in some instances for 

 weeks. Bridges, mills and dams were swept away, and nearly 

 every highway rendered unfit for travel. Amid such difficulties I 

 attempted to meet my ap^iointment to the Worcester North- West 

 Agricultural Fair at Athol, the fifth and sixth, and but for the 

 advice of our indomitable friend and associate. Dr. Loring, I 

 should have abandoned the undertaking in despair. The doctor 

 was to be met with everywhere at that season, either going or 

 coming, in the fulfilment of his numerous engagements in the in- 

 terests of agriculture. He was then on his way to Princeton to 

 address the Farmers' Club at their annual town exhibition, and 

 kindly invited me to take a seat in his carriage and accompany him 

 thus far, and trust to luck for the means of pursuing the rest of my 

 journey. I swallowed the 'pill, and would say, that if all the 

 doctor's prescrij^tions are as palatable as in my own case, I do not 

 wonder at his extensive practice. But his practice is purely vege- 

 table, always recommending his turnip elixir as the universal 

 panacea. 



Shakspeai-e says there is a destiny that shapes our ends, and it 

 seemed a kind dispensation of Providence that the angry elements 

 should have turned me from the direct route to Athol, and carried 

 me to the Princeton Hills to witness one of the best town shows 

 I ever attended, and, if I mistake not, even excelling some of the 

 societies that receive the patronage of the State. 



After partaking of the kind hospitalities of this place, for which I 

 am under many obligations, I left for Hubbardston, passing through 

 familiar scenes — scenes linked with my childhood's earliest thoughts 



