APPENDIX. xlix 



Rarely has your delegate met a society where its members dis- 

 play more enterprise and enthusiasm, or where the State bounty is 

 better applied. 



I here tender my thanks to the officers and members of the soci- 

 ety for kind attention. John Johnson, Jr. 



Feamingham, January 29, 1869. 



MARTHA'S VINEYARD. 



It was my privilege, as delegate of the State Board, to attend 

 the tenth fair of the Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society, which 

 occurred October 20, 21 and 22. We did not reach the grounds 

 until four o'clock of the first day of the fair, as it was held at AVest 

 Tisbury, six miles from the landing at Holmes' Hole. 



We proceeded at once to make a hurried examination of the 

 cattle before they left the ground, which, although the number 

 shown was not large, included some very fine animals. 



Judging from the reports of fomier delegates to this society, we 

 think no society in the State can boast of having made greater 

 advancement in the improvement of stock than the Martha's 

 Vineyard. 



The i^eople of the island, having decided that the Ayrshire was 

 best suited to their climate and wants, the society, in 1863, pur- 

 chased and brought to the island six thoroughbred Ayrshire bulls, 

 and also some cows and heifers, and disposed of them to the f;irm- 

 ers, binding them not to sell any of their stock off the island in 

 five years ; and the consequence is, that instead of there not being 

 " a valuable animal on the ground," as the delegate in 1862 reported, 

 there are now to be seen the thoroughbred and grade Ayrshire on 

 every part of the island, embracing some as fine sjoecimens of the 

 Ayi'shire stock, we think, as can be found in the State ; and I am 

 happy to say that some of it has recently found its Avay to Berk- 

 shire County. 



With the sheep I was not as favorably impressed. For although 

 the wool now grown is noted for its cleanness and beauty, I should 

 judge the sheep were not heavy shearers. But I am informed that 

 the finer breeds do not thrive in this climate. 



As we did not wish to monopolize the time of the officers, who 

 gave us every attention, we had some difficulty in finding the 

 ploughing match, and did not reach the ground until operations 

 had commenced. 



