APPENDIX. xxxvii 



the expectation of a premium, because he had no competitor. He 

 proposed to walk five miles inside of one hour ; one-third of one of 

 the miles he would walk ]>ackwards. This being a jirominent sec- 

 tion in the programme, the whole multitude came together. The 

 track was lined and the hillside covered with people. Had he been 

 so disposed, there was no opportunity for poor Weston to escape, 

 for the crowd and the marshals were on hand. 



All things being ready, Weston obeyed the signal, " Go." He 

 moved, but not with great rapidity the first round ; but soon in- 

 creased his speed. The third mile he walked in nine minutes, when 

 he felt himself in time. One-third of the fifth mile he walked back- 

 wards, and completed the whole distance of five miles in fifty-six 

 minutes and a few seconds. This ended the exhibition. 



Curiosity having been satisfied, and the physical man wearied, 

 the society and guests were invited to the hall, where a most 

 sumptuous dinner had been laid. This part of the exhibition was 

 in perfect keeping with that from which we had just retired, after 

 two days of exciting, though pleasant, and we hope profitable, labor. 



Most of those Avho witnessed the out-door exhibition were specta- 

 tors, lookers-on, and were interested in a great degree in what others 

 were doing. But at the table it was not so : every one was inter- 

 ested in his own labor, and strove to excel his neighbor. If this 

 principle were carried into all our industrial habits, what a revolu- 

 tion would be wrought in the welfare of our community ! 



There were some good speeches made, and some poems well 

 adapted to the occasion read, which, together with the fine vocal 

 and instrumental music, served as a second intellectual feast. 



And now may I be allowed to say that these occasions, these 

 exhibitions, shoidd not pass without some good result other than 

 the " good time " had by those who attended them. A lesson 

 should be received from which lasting good may be derived, not 

 only by those who were present, but by all who may compare the 

 doings of one society with those of another. Comparison should 

 incite emulation, and where ardor has been kindled by the praise- 

 worthy example of another, success in some good degree is sure to 

 follow. Let individuals set their standard high, and on such occa- 

 sions as we report bring the result of their efibrts, telling the story 

 of their labors, and many will go and do likewise, if not much bet- 

 ter. By such means the great object of this Board, and the design 

 for which these societies were established, to wit, the improvement 

 in farm and garden husbandry, as well as the improvement in farm 

 stock, will be accomjilished. 



