APPENDIX. xix 



On the morning of the 7th the people early flocked to the grounds, 

 where the first thing to attract attention, as per programme, was 

 the plonghing match, which was spiritedly contested by ten single 

 ox teams. The ground was a sandy loam, turf not very strong, 

 with a few small stones in the soil, which rendered it difficult to 

 turn a smooth furrow; but notwithstanding these difficulties the 

 work was well done. All the ploughmen were entitled to a pre- 

 mium, and all got one. After the ploughing came the trial of 

 working oxen and steers on the cart with 3,000 lbs. of stone. This 

 exhibition was very fine ; it showed that the men and boys of Wor- 

 cester County knew how to train their oxen and steers well. There 

 were about fifty pairs on the ground ; the Durham, Devon and 

 Ayrshire blood predominated, but all were so excellent it was diffi- 

 cult to discriminate between them. I would mention as worthy of 

 note one bull and a herd of cows belonging to Alpheus Davis ; one 

 Shorthorn bull three years old, weighing 1,700 lbs., twelve cows, 

 one thoroughbred, and twelve head of young stock, all high grade 

 Durham, exhibited by Daniel Dwight, of Dudley. Nine head 

 of grade Devons, by Byron "VV. Charles, and twenty-two head of 

 Ayrshire, by Bela J. Stone, of Sturbridge, attracted much atten- 

 tion. The shoAV of swine and poultry was good. Sheep was an 

 exception ; very few on exhibition. The dinner-hour had arrived, 

 and a large number of persons sat down to a well-provided dinner- 

 table, at which the president of the Society presided. After dinner 

 we retired to the upper hall, which was filled to ovei-flowing with 

 ladies and gentlemen — as intellio-ent-lookino; an audience as can be 

 found. The president then introduced the Hon. Levi Stockbridge, 

 orator of the day, who gave us an excellent address, defining the 

 duties of the State to agriculture. Of the numerous articles in the 

 hall I shall have to speak in general terms. There was a good 

 show of vegetables of all kinds, of fruits and flowers, and the ladies 

 had done their full share in contributing to the useful and orna- 

 mental department of the show. There were but few agricultural 

 implements exhibited. There was in the hall some fine augers and 

 bitts from the Snell Manufixctui'ing Company, and some fine car- 

 riage harnesses from Zebulon Morse & Son. 



The second day was given to the horse. There was a fine ex- 

 hibition of breeding mares and colts, showing both care and skill in 

 their breeding ; also a fine show of carriage horses. There were 

 five entries for fast and light work, and they did it up to the satis- 

 faction of your delegate, and, I presume, to the farmers generally. 

 Finally, I tlii.nk great credit is due the officers of the Society for 

 their exertions and skill in the arrangements, and the people of 



