xiv REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



that without good ploughing there can be no good husbandry, and 

 that bad ploughing insures hard planting, hoeing and an inferior crop. 

 Thirty-five yoke of working oxen and steers were upon exhibition, 

 Devon blood predominating. Not a pair came under my notice 

 that was not worthy of a post and a place on the grounds. They 

 were well matched, of good style, and well trained. Their strength 

 and training was tested in a thorough manner, being a very attrac- 

 tive feature of the exhibition. I found nine bulls upon the ground, 

 representing Devon, Durham and Ayrshire blood, fair samples, but 

 not remarkable, several of them falling below my ideal of what 

 constitutes a desirable progenitor of neat stock. 



Among the thoroughbred stock on exhibition, the herds of Bela 

 J. Stone and S. A. Dresser attracted much attention, Mr. Stone 

 having sixteen and Mr. Dresser fourteen head of AjTshires. 



The exhibition of horses came chiefly on the second day. A 

 commendable display of this worthy animal was brought forward. 

 The exercises of the day were opened by a grand cavalcade, reach- 

 ing entirely around the half mile track. Six stallions were on 

 exhibition, twelve breeding mares, six pairs of draught horses, a 

 fair display of colts, twenty single carriage horses, six entries for 

 fast and lischt work — a modest name for fast horses. 



I conclude there are but few lovers of good mutton in this 

 vicinity, as but very few sheep were to be seen. Those presented 

 were good specimens, however. Swine and poultry were more 

 abundant. My attention was called to a breeding sow whose 

 litter-ary labors were reported enormous, having done her best at 

 eight efforts, and succeeded in bringing forth and raising one hun- 

 dred and fifty-seven pigs. 



Of the thousand articles displayed in the hall, I shall speak in 

 general terms as being carefully arranged, displaying taste and 

 order, consisting of a great variety of the products of the house, 

 farm, garden and workshop, being mainly articles of high order, 

 deserving merit, of which much might be said in praise. 



The address was eloquent and instructive, delivered by the Rev. 

 John Boyden, of Rhode Lsland. He said the farmer occupied an 

 important sphere in society, and urged the importance of managing 

 the farm so as to make it better, home and its surroundings 

 pleasant, and life happy. 



This society appears to be in a prosperous condition, and its use- 

 fulness in the promotion of agriculture and art is unquestionable. 

 Your delegate was received with courtesy and kind attention, ren- 

 dering our visit at Sturbridge very agreeable, for which I would 

 express my sincere acknowledgments. M. F. Watkins. 



