678 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



have been no easy task for the judges to award the premiums 

 to entire satisfaction. 



The trial of working oxen next followed, and twenty ox 

 teams and four horse teams were entered. The weight to be 

 drawn was 7,200 pounds. The manner in which the work 

 was executed gave satisfactory evidence that the teams were 

 powerful and well disciplined, the drivers skilful and accus- 

 tomed to their work. 



The show at the pens was very fine ; much good stock was 

 entered, among which were several valuable animals, both 

 imported and native. Had the undersigned expected to be 

 called upon to report upon this exhibition, he would have 

 taken such notes at the time, of this part of it, as would have 

 enabled him, in some measure, to do it justice. 



The display of fruits, flowers, vegetables, &c., &c., held in 

 the town hall, was truly grand, and we were made to feel 

 that this was the exhibition of a society long established, and 

 in one of the most favored portions of the Commonwealth; for 

 here were gathered together such a vast collection of products, 

 and of such rare perfection as can only be found in a region 

 where long attention has been paid to the cultivation of both 

 the garden and the farm. 



Your committee cannot particularize. The apples, pears, 

 peaches and grapes, were in great variety and unusual excel- 

 lence. Of apples, especially, there were numerous specimens 

 of uncommon size and beauty. The Hubbardston Nonesuch, 

 which in some parts of the State is but little cultivated, 

 seemed here to be one of the principal, and certainly one of 

 the largest and finest fruits. For raising apples, Middlesex 

 County stands very high, and will compare favorably with any 

 other in the State. 



When the exhibition was over, a procession was formed, 

 and, preceded by a band of music, marched to the church, 

 where an excellent Address was delivered by Hon. Luther V. 

 Bell, principally upon the influence which the science of 

 Chemistry may exert on Agriculture. It was listened to with 

 great attention ; after which the members of the society and 

 invited guests repaired to the hotel, where a dinner was pro- 

 vided, and the usual speeches, sentiments, &c., &c., were 

 offered. 



