xxii REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



tinned for nnmerons reasons. One is this : the Society offers a pre- 

 mium for improvements on swamp lands. I have been informed of 

 one piece entered, the improved vahie of which is $180. 



In all probability had there been no bounty there would have 

 been no society ; no society, no premium ; no premium, no im- 

 provement in the swamp land referred to here. 



The second day of the show opened with a trial of working and 

 trained oxen. The number of contestants was imusually large. 

 The cattle were generally finely matched, as to color and physical 

 resemblance, and presented a symmetry of form rarely excelled. 

 The work also was better done, on the whole, than at any other 

 exhibition of this Society. Throughout this trial, with but very few 

 exceptions, there was shown a. docility on the part of the cattle, and 

 intelligence and humanity on the j^art of the drivers and trainers, 

 which argues well for the future. Dumb animals, like children, 

 show at once, by their manner, the treatment they receive from 

 their teachers or masters. A disturbed and apprehensive glance ot 

 the eye, a cringing obedience, or a defiant manner, indicate the 

 tyranny of those under whom they are tutored. A trusting, loving 

 look, and a confiding action, at once assure you of the humanity of 

 their instructor. A true appreciation of brute intelligence, and a 

 manly treatment of it, are rewarded by an obedience that seems to 

 have the divine quality of love in it. They, under such a master, 

 work with a will. Much of this was manifested at this trial, both in 

 ploughing, and drawing, and backing. The shouting and whipping 

 were generally abandoned, and a few decisive words and motions, 

 understood by the cattle, accomplished the work marvellously well. 

 The high character of this part of the show was attested by the 

 interest and enth\isiasm of the crowds of spectators who were held 

 here in spite of the other great attractions on the ground. The 

 satisfactory character of this exhibition was crowned with one, 

 where, even in a higher degree, the capacity of the cattle and the 

 nobler and humaner spirit of their masters were revealed. Three 

 yokes of oxen, two pairs of steers, and one pair of calves, six months 

 old, were unyoked and began, under their drivers, to show us what 

 patient kindness could do Avith the ox, which has been called a stupid 

 animal. Their capacity seemed to respond to almost any test. At 

 a word they went forward together, or one went forward and the 

 other backward. They changed places with each other, nowise 

 embarrassed by finding themselves on the off or near side. By a 

 motion, a foot was held up, as if to offer a hoof instead of a hand. 

 At a blow, or succession of blows, on the ground in front of them, 



