APPENDIX. xlv 



A show of good horses and carriages in the afternoon on the 

 track attracted much attention. 



A concert in the tent in the evening by the hand was well at- 

 tended and netted the Society a good sum of money. 



The third day was devoted mostly to the show of horses and 

 colts. The attendance and exhibition of horses and carriages on 

 the track was such that the ladies were particularly attracted, al- 

 though there was not that racing that is seen on the track of some 

 of our societies. The complete arrangements of the officers of the 

 Society with the police were Avorthy of much praise ; not a drunk- 

 ard or disorderly person was noticed by your delegate during the 

 show. 



Much credit is due the Society in the zeal and effort they have 

 manifested by the increase of members this season, from 400 to 

 over 800. While their building for agricultural purposes was half 

 completed, it was entirely demolished in the early part of the fall 

 by the wind. They have made arrangements for rebuilding before 

 another season a substantial agricultm-al hall. With much satis- 

 faction for kind attention and hospitality we shall ever remember 

 with pleasure the officers and members of this Society. 



J. S, Blaik. 



MARTHA'S VINEYARD. 



The twelfth annual fair of the Martha's Vineyard Agricultural 

 Society, was held at West Tisbury, October 19th, 20th, and 21st. 

 On my way I fell in company, at New Bedford, with our worthy 

 Secretary, who was also on his way to the island to deliver an ad- 

 dress before the Society. When we landed at Holmes' Hole, we 

 found the secretary, David Mayhew, Esq., in readiness to take us 

 immediately to West Tisbury, the centre of attraction for the week. 

 The day was nearly spent before we arrived on the ground, and as 

 it was a cold day, with a drizzling rain, we were disappointed at 

 finding so large a collection of people, and so many animals for ex- 

 hibition. 



. There were one hundred and eighty head of cattle, among them 

 many thoroughbred and grade Ayrshires. And here let me say 

 that we occasionally hear the remark that " agricultural societies 

 and fairs amount to nothing, or very little." But this, I think, 

 usually comes from those who, like the Chinese, are willing to have 

 things remain stationary. But if any one will visit this island, at- 

 tend one of their exhibitions, learn the condition of agriculture 



