iv REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



of Dr. Loring, which was one of his best. Much more might be 

 said on these various topics and not be superfluous. 



I am fully satisfied that the Essex Agricultural Society is exert- 

 ing a good influence in the county, and the State bounty well ex- 

 pended. I shall long remember with pleasure the cordial hospitality 

 extended to me by the president and secretary of the society. 



Imla K. BiiowN. 



MIDDLESEX NORTH. 



The exhibition of this society took place at its grounds in Lowell, 

 on Wednesday and Thursday, September 23d and 24th. The 

 weather was by no means propitious, and the more delicate animals 

 evidently suffered from exposure to the storm, in the open pens 

 provided for them. The most noticeable cattle on exhibition were 

 Alderneys, manifestly selected by the citizens of Lowell and the 

 surrounding country, for the supply of dairy products to those who 

 are particular in such matters. Owing, undoubtedly, to the inclem- 

 ency of the weather, the exhibition was a small one. But both in 

 the cattle-pens, and in the hall, were found abundant indications of 

 attention to those special branches of agriculture, which find 

 patronage in a large manufacturing city. In the cultivation of 

 fruit and vegetables, there was evidence of the exercise of great 

 care and skill. And it was apparent that the fiirmers of North 

 Middlesex have learned to what they can devote themselves, with 

 assurance of profitable returns from the market at their very doors. 

 There can be nothing more encouraging, than such indications 

 of an intelligent appreciation of the opportunity which each 

 locality affords the fiirmcr. In this way, and in no other, can 

 forming be made profitable, and in no other Avay can it be 

 developed to that standard of excellence, which is alone woithy of 

 all the effort now going on for its improvement. It is not always 

 that one can discover what the precise tendency of local agricixlture 

 is, from an exhibition. But it is evident that such a lesson should 

 be learned on every fair ground ; and, when an exhibition has this 

 characteristic,- it is interesting, however meagre may be the aggre- 

 gate amount of animals and products, collected for show and 

 examination. That there were valuable animals on the ground, at 

 Lowell, it is only necessary to mention the Ayrshire cow of Mr- 

 Lawson, and the bull of the same breed, belonging to Dr. Ayer, as 

 well as the grades of Mr. Holt, Mr. Crosby, Mr. Iliggins, Mr. 

 Swallow, and Mr. Burnap. And the evident attention paid to the 

 cultivation and improvement of the potato, and other vegetables, 

 is entitled to the highest commendation. 



