xlii REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



mode, I think, should be looked after by the " Society for the Pre- 

 vention of Cruelty to Animals." When the oxen are doing their 

 best, then it is that the lash comes. I sometimes wish that the 

 drivers could change places with their teams, and for once take the 

 whippings they so perse veringly administer to their faithful beasts. 

 I believe the least talk, and by all means the least whipping, to be 

 the best way to get the most out of a pair of oxen. 



The i^loughing match took place on the grounds of the society, and 

 was entered into with energy and skill, the work being performed 

 in good shape. 



The weather on the second day was exceedingly stormy, and of 

 course prevented much of the horse show. The trotting was post- 

 poned until the next day, and as I was obliged to leave, I did not 

 see it. There were some very nice horses exhibited, and with 

 favorable weather they would have made a fine display. 



The show of vegetables and fruit was good — the vegetables, 

 extra. I think I never saw better. 



The display of handiwork by the ladies, in articles both useful 

 and ornamental, was superb. Nor was their skill all exhausted on 

 fancy work. Their bread, butter and cheese made so fine an exhi- 

 bition, that fcAv would dare to comj^ete with them. This is as it 

 should be. Let us strive to make oiar annual fairs so interesting 

 that our ladies shall be constrained to leave their common round of 

 home duties, from which too many of them seldom get reprieve, 

 and by their presence encourage husbands and brothers, as well as 

 exhibit their own skill and workmanship. I think a wholesome 

 emulation might be excited between the sexes, as to which of them 

 shall bear away the palm from our annual exhibitions. 



H. S. POETEK. 



MARSHFIELD. 



The 1st and 2d days of October, 1868, will not, I trust, soon be 

 forgotten by the writer, and for reasons herein narrated. 



In accordance with the requirements of law, the "Marshfield 

 Fair" was held on those days. We arrived on the grounds at half 

 past ten o'clock. The clouds portended rain, yet the ardor of no 

 one seemed dampened, and the grounds presented a lively scene. 

 Various amusements had been provided, which the young folks 

 greatly enjoyed, and which the older and more sedate of those 

 present regarded with miich complacency. The concourse of people, 

 however, was not so large as in any manner to impede ovir progress 



