xxii REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



HAMPDEN. 



Toui- delegate to the Hampden County Agricultural Society was 

 on tlie grounds of Hampden Park the 6th of October, 1868, pre- 

 pared, by the beauty of the day and tlie bracing air, to enjoy fully 

 this exhibition. We were struck with the size and convenience 

 of the grounds. Sixty broad level acres along the bank of the 

 Connecticut River, Avhere every arrangement that could be sup- 

 plied by art is added to fitness of location and richness of soil, to 

 make it a picture of beauty to carry in the mind, and also a com- 

 fortable i^lace both for observers and the noble animals that are 

 here to show their grace, make this park the best, for the purposes 

 of an agricultural show, of any in Massachusetts. 



At any rate, the sight of it, we think, must induce the farmers 

 who come here to show their stock to make some effox't to add 

 beauty and neatness to their homes and retain the conveniences 

 on which every Yankee farmer prides himself. If this park wanted 

 anything, it is a hall where fruit, vegetables and other articles could 

 be exhibited. 



The farmers came slowly in with their animals, but when gath- 

 ered they were well worthy the attention of all interested in pure- 

 bred stock. 



We regret to say the number of spectators was small. Though 

 on such extensive grounds, we are aware, even a large number 

 seems few and scattered, we are convinced that the yeomanry and 

 mechanics of this vicinity take too little interest in this fine exhibi- 

 tion. It does not prophesy well for the future. Nay, it is an out- 

 lay of effort of a few agriculturists, which is not appreciated, and 

 hence evidence that the farming in Hampden County is not keeping 

 step with the raj^id j^rogress of this region in art, manufactures and 

 wealth. 



But those who were there were evidently substantial, practical 

 agriculturists, intent on seeing and knowing what was there. 

 The entire absence of loafers and small fry attested to the quality 

 of those present. The rei^utation of this society for blooded stock 

 was fully sustained. 



If we take up in detail some of the chief features of the display 

 of neat stock, the first on the list, for numbers and beauty of form, 

 is the Ayrshires. 



Mr. William Birnie exhibited a herd of seven fine heifers, five 

 cows and one bull — all fine specimens. By great care in breeding 

 we should think Mr. B. had succeeded in dropping some of the 

 imperfections of this stock, as apparently he had increased the size 



