MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 705 



have formerly seen, or such as are described in the books as of 

 the Ayrshire class. 



There was a great number of horses and colts exhibited and 

 some of superior size and appearance. They gave evidence of 

 increased attention to the breeding of this noble animal which 

 ministers so much to the expensive comfort of all. 



There was a large number of swine, some beautiful speci- 

 ments of the Suffolk breed, and others of great excellence. 



The feathered tribe flocked here in abundance, to which, 

 however, I gave but little attention. 



There were a few sheep exhibited. 



The ploughing match was over before my arrival, and the 

 ground being distant I had no opportunity to examine the 

 work. The drawing match was very interesting, twenty or 

 more teams being engaged in it. The load was a wagon with 

 3,000 lbs. of stone for steers, and another with 6,500 lbs. for 

 cattle four years and over. The cattle were large and of fine 

 appearance and well disciplined, moving in obedience to the 

 motions of the drivers, who appeared to understand their busi- 

 ness, and they moved unaided by the whip or noise, and per- 

 formed their task in the most satisfactory manner. One pair, 

 four years old, weighed 3,300 lbs ; another pair, five years old, 

 weighed 3,700 lbs. The three year old steers were of large 

 size, well matched, well disciplined, and performed their part 

 well. 



I could but admire the patient and persevering attention of 

 the committee in their unwearied labor in following so large a 

 number of teams down hill and up, for four or five hours, in a 

 cold, north-east wind. 



The hall appropriated to articles of exhibition was large and 

 tastefully arranged, exhibiting everything to the best advan- 

 tage. It would be folly for me to attempt any account or de- 

 scription with the expectation of giving a just idea of the in- 

 numerable and beautiful objects spread before the admiring 

 multitude. 



The articles of manufacture from those of the most sub- 

 stantial kind, of which Taunton, New Bedford and Fall River 

 abound, to the wares of smaller kind, were worthy of the high 

 reputation they have attained. 



The great display of handy work of the ladies, for ornament 

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