xxvi REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



As might be expected, in a region where oxen still enjoy the re- 

 •spect of the community, and the pastures are still luxuriant, the 

 dis])lay of flit cattle was very fine. 



Of dairy stock there was an excellent representation. The cows 

 were of medium size, well developed, and admirably adapted to the 

 service assigned them. The introduction of good blood into that 

 section of the State, has produced that good efiect which we have 

 a right to anticipate. And it is a question, whether, in view of 

 these fiicts, it is desirable that this Society should continue to offer 

 premiums for grade bulls. It is generally understood that pure- 

 bred bulls of any breed, are more beneficial to the farmer that any 

 grade can be, unless a family has been created of such high quality 

 that the owner is desirous of continuing it in all its characteristics. 

 But these instances are rare. Scarcely can a breed, large or small, 

 be found, that cannot be improved by the introduction of good, 

 pure blood. And this being the case, it is a matter of great im- 

 portance for a Society to decide how far it should go in encourag- 

 ing the use of half-bred males. 



The show of stallions and breeding mares was excellent ; and the 

 trial of speed upon the track was confined to horses of utility, and 

 not opened to those whose sole merit is speed, regardless of other 

 qualities. 



To speak in terms of commendation of the sheep, swine, poultry, 

 and manufactures of many descriptions, would be merely to repeat 

 the general oj^inion of those who examined the exhibition. 



The affairs of this Society are in good condition, and indicate a 

 determination to fulfil the design of those enterprising gentlemen 

 who long ago provided ample grounds and a fine hall for its pur- 

 poses. 



Geo. B. Loring. 



HIGHLAND. 



At the last annual meeting of this Board I was appointed to 

 attend the Worcester West Agricultural Society Exhibition, to be 

 held at Barre in September. After accepting that appointment I 

 found the time came on the same day that the Nantucket Society 

 held their fair, where I felt bound to attend. From this I arranged 

 with Mr. Porter to go to Barre, and I attended the Highland 

 Society Exhibition, held at Middlefield, September 16th, where I 

 found a fine collection of cattle, comprising many valuable thorough- 

 breds of different classes, and many exceedingly fine grades. The 



