xlvi REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



twelve years since, trace its improvement to the present time, and 

 its probable success for the future, they will find something has 

 been done, yea much. Then let them ask themselves what has oc- 

 casioned this change, if not that the attention of the people has been 

 called more directly to the subject by the establishment of agricul- 

 tural societies, and their annual exhibitions. 



Many much larger societies will not show as large a collection of 

 neat stock. Ayrshires were introduced here a few years since, and 

 from the reports of those who have them, we should judge they 

 were a decided improvement, and that this island was very favor- 

 able for their introduction and improvement. There were fifty- 

 eight sheep ; a larger number than are usually seen at any of our 

 fairs. In this as in other departments, it shows that the peo2)le are 

 alive to the best interests of the Society. Swine were not seen in 

 large numbers, and I think only three premiums were awarded. 

 Geese, ducks, turkeys and chickens were not forgotten, and re- 

 ceived their share of attention. 



We next visited the hall, and as we had been told that " barren- 

 ness was the rule, and fertility the exception on this island," we 

 were surprised at finding so large a collection in this department of 

 the show. A better collection is seldom seen, or at least, I have 

 seldom seen one, so that the fertile spots must be exceedingly pro- 

 ductive. Potatoes, squashes, pumpkins, melons, turnips, beets, 

 carrots, parsnips, cabbages, onions, beans, corn, wheat, rye, oats, 

 barley, buckwheat, apples, pears, peaches, grapes, quinces, tomatoes, 

 peppers, flowers, bread of various kinds, cakes, butter, cheese, pre- 

 serves, and honey were seen in abundance, and did credit to the 

 vai-ious contributors. Squashes, although not as large as one shown 

 by G. S. Allen of the Worcester South, Avhich weighed 204 pounds, 

 yet large enough to satisfy any reasonable squash grower. Suffice 

 it to say, the show here was excellent. In the fancy and miscel- 

 laneous department the show was full, and discovered the skill and 

 handiwork of the ladies, and the interest they also manifest in these 

 yearly gatherings. 



My attention was called to the quince and cranberry crop, both 

 of which flourish remarkably well upon this island. The latter is 

 receiving increasing attention, and is found to be very remunerative. 

 This shows the tact of the Yankee to adapt himself to circumstances, 

 and ascertain what crop is best adapted to his particular locality. 



The ploughing match came off" before we arrived, but I was told 

 there was but little interest manifested, as there was only one team 

 to plough. This is a very imporiant part of farm work, as good 



