APPENDIX. xli 



• 



and children, all entering into the spirit of the occasion with great 

 zeal and animation. The spacious dining-hall was filled to over- 

 flowing at the annual dinner, which came off on the second day ; 

 but we regret to be obliged to report, that as usual on similar occa- 

 sions, the after-dinner speeches were not made, as they ought to 

 be, by the farmers themselves ; but the good time is not distant 

 when we shall have liberally educated farmers within the limits of 

 every county society, who will be equal to every demand made 

 upon them, not excepting that of agricultural orator at the annual 

 dinner. 



We desire to express our obligations to the public-spirited presi- 

 dent of the society, Dr. Durfee, for courteous attention and enter- 

 tainment, and the pleasure received in examining his extensive 

 grape and peach houses ; so fine a crop of peaches under glass we 

 never saw before ; we can also bear witness to their most excellent 



quality. 



Wm. Birnie. 



PLYMOUTH. 



According to appointment, I attended the cattle show and fair 

 at Bridgewater, it being the forty-ninth exhibition of the agricul- 

 tural society in the county of Plymouth. 



On account of the weather the first day, which was very 

 unpleasant, although not very stormy, the number of people in 

 attendance was not as large as was anticipated. At an early hour 

 the cattle were in their places, and were said by those who knew, to 

 be the best ever seen there. However that may be, the show was 

 a good one. Some very fine oxen — a few beef cattle — that were 

 extra. The Ayrshire stock was well represented, but larger by far 

 was the show of Jersey. Some herds were very fine. In this 

 locality the Jerseys are taking the lead for dairy purposes, and 

 judging from some very nice butter on exhibition in the hall — 

 produced from the herd of their president, Mr. Davis — I think they 

 will continue to do so where only dairy qualities are wanted. They 

 would be worthless for stock-raising in many parts of the State. 



There were very few sheep on the ground, and those of but fair 

 quality. 



Of swine there were some very fine specimens. 



The show of working oxen was good. Their trial drew a large 

 crowd of people. As usual at these trials, there was a diversity of 

 modes used to get the most out of the teams. Some did it by 

 loud talk, and some by the application of the whip. The latter 



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