680 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



The ploughing match was nobly contested by the several 

 competitors, maintaining the character so long established 

 by the Worcester County farmers for their improved ploughs, 

 their well-disciplined teams, and skilful ploughmen. 



The exhibition of swine was an interesting feature of attrac- 

 tion, both in point of numbers as well as their condition, and 

 gave evidence that they would soon supply an additional rib 

 of comfort to their respective owners. Most of them on ex- 

 hibition were fine representatives from the Suffolk family. 



The sheep pens, too, had their distinct features of interest, 

 in mutton, lamb, and wool. Each was represented by the 

 respective candidates for the premiums offered ; and one in 

 particular, of surpassing size and length of fleece, the hero of 

 the flock, seemed determined to demand more than one. And 

 his shepherd too, like some others, who are accused of caring 

 more for the fleece than the flock, seemed resolved on having 

 one good clip by securing two years' fleece at the next shearing. 



The show of bulls was fine ; but for working oxen, milch 

 cows, beef cattle, and young stock, it would hardly sustain the 

 high character which this portion of the county has for so long 

 time had awarded to it in this interesting department. 



The show of horses was the all-absorbing feature ; its una- 

 bated interest was sustained through the day, and awakened 

 the inquiry in my mind whether it was not absorbing too 

 much interest in the minds of our farmers generally. 



The show of poultry was quite limited in numbers, and but 

 few families were represented. The bantams were vociferating 

 their repeated challenge, and were occasionally responded to 

 by some hoarse citizen from the Oriental shores, or by the 

 shrill precaution to quit, quit, from Turkey. From the flat- 

 footed family there was no delegate present ; possibly from 

 the fact that the president and secretary of the society are 

 both of them eminent, as well educated physicians, and would 

 have no sympathy for quacks. 



The hall devoted to Pomona was very attractive. The con- 

 tributions from her store house were magnificent, embracing all 

 the varieties most esteemed by her friends, and many such 

 were here whose sincere attachments to her were demonstrated 

 in this familiar manner. But the clock has given the signal to 

 leave these external enjoyments, which have so long feasted 



