APPENDIX. XXV 



five, P. M., after the close of the exercises of the day. I learned 

 with regret that the agricultural part of the exhibition had trans- 

 pired, and that the following day was to be devoted to a show of 

 horses, oi-, to use a familiar and significant phrase, an " agricultural 

 horse trot." 



Perhaps I err in applying the term agricultural in this connection, 

 having been informed that the premiums ofiered were contributed 

 by individuals and not taken from the funds of the society, although 

 any excess over the expenses inured to its use. 



Being unable to speak from personal observation of the character 

 of the day's proceedings, I am nevertheless pleased to inform you 

 that, in the opinion of others, it was one of the best collections of 

 stock that has been exhibited at any festival of the society. 



The morning of the 14th was ushered in with a chilly east wind 

 and a drizzling rain, interfering materially with the an-angements 

 of the day. Meanwhile I repaired to the vestry of the church, 

 where were exhibited the handiwork of the wife and daughter, as 

 well as the products of the field and gai-den. 



I have witnessed larger displays, but no finer specimens, than 

 some in both departments. 



Home-made carpets, bedquilts, nice worsted work, wax wreaths, 

 almost vying with nature in the exquisite workmanshij^ of the 

 flowers — ^barring the fii-agrance — fine samples of bread, choice butter 

 and cheese, etc., etc., were among the many articles of utility and 

 beauty in the Home Dej^artment. 



The collection of fruits hardly compared in variety or excellence 

 with the general character of the exhibition. This may be attrib- 

 uted, in part at least, to the lateness of the season when the fair 

 was held. I think a less number of, and the choicest specimens 

 on plates, would improve the general appearance of the display. 



Native wines were exhibited. 



As we never allow ourself to indulge in the luxury, fully con- 

 ceding the wisdom of the sentiment that " wine is a mocker," and 

 that " they who are deceived thereby are not Avise," we will pre- 

 sume to offer no opinion as to its comparative merits. 



The show of vegetables was ample, and many specimens were of 

 mammoth size and perfect in foim. 



One gentleman exhibited twenty-four varieties; another, one 

 hundred and fifty varieties of vegetables, grains, seeds, etc. 



From the large number of entries of a few individuals, compared 

 with the aggregate collection, we fear that the interest in the 

 society may not be so generally diffused through the community as 

 to secure the most beneficial results to the cause of agriculture. 



