MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 689 



matter far less. But this is a mere collateral. The great 

 object is to reach the heart through the eye ; to show, that 

 those who see may learn, and go home and not only do as 

 well, but make still further advances. In fruit, for example, an 

 exhibition like the one at Amherst will do more to improve in 

 choice varieties, will set more valuable scions and put out 

 more young trees, than all other causes, acting through the 

 year without the exhibition. Then what an opportunity for 

 comparing varieties, fixing names, ascertaining what kinds are 

 best adapted to the soil and climate of the locality. What a 

 pity, then, that such a collection, after all the expense of gath- 

 ering, labelling, and arranging has been incurred, should not 

 remain until all who wish have had an opportunity to exam- 

 ine. We place it as a broad axiom, that what is worth exhibit- 

 ing, is worth holding until it can be seen. In the exhibition 

 was an instrument most beautifully applying the principle of 

 the Pentagraph to landscape drawing, a new application, as 

 valuable and useful, as simple and beautiful; and yet we 

 much doubt whether one-fourth part of those who attempted 

 to examine the articles in that hall even saw it. The same 

 remark would apply to many other articles, both in the halls 

 and out. 



We have mentioned our surprise at seeing so small a num- 

 ber, comparatively speaking, at the ploughing. A second 

 thought dispelled that surprise. The people could not be at 

 several places at the same time. The horses were beino- ex- 

 hibited, the various animals were coming in and being 

 arranged on the common, half a mile distant. The articles 

 for both halls must be received and arranged. Nearly twenty 

 committees were actively engaged attempting to crowd into 

 one or one and a half hours, abundant labor for four or six. 

 None of these could be present at the ploughing; and they are 

 the persons very deeply interested. This whole competition, 

 into which enter the training of the team, the skill of the 

 ploughman, and the perfection of the plough — the most im- 

 portant implement of the farmer's business — should have been 

 witnessed by every person in the vicinity who owns allegiance 

 to our mother earth, and cheered by the presence of their 

 wives and daughters. Noble deeds on the ploughing field 

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