1 REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



We were sorry to see so little interest manifested in this depart- 

 ment. We have always regarded it as a very important and inter- 

 esting feature of our annual fliirs, and we think it should not be 

 arranged to occur during any other exercise, as on this occasion. 

 The careful selection of the implement, the proper adjusting of 

 depth to soil and crop, and the skill of the ploughman, has oiten 

 moi'e to do with the amount of yield than many of us are willing 

 to admit. There were but two competitors, both of which did the 

 work well, ploughing about seven inches deep. 



If our venerable friend Captain Cottle directed his whale ship 

 in the Arctic Ocean as skilfully as he did the plough on this occa- 

 sion, we will venture to say that he must have been a safe and suc- 

 cessful navigator. 



Of the flowers, bread, cheese, butter, wine, jellies and preserves, 

 pickles, painting, mechanical productions, domestic and fancy 

 articles, fruit, vegetables and seeds, there was a good exhibition, 

 especially of the last three named divisions. 



I notice, by the report of the society, that Mr. Joseph Sylvia 

 raised 110 J bushels of corn per acre ; Joseph Davis, 109^ bushels 

 per acre ; George D. Cottle, 108^ bushels per acre ; Allen Look, 

 102| bushels per acre ; Obed Nickerson, 89 bushels per acre ; W. 

 Mayhew, 82| bushels per acre. 



The Aveather during the fair was unfavorable, and the number in 

 attendance small ; but we were glad to notice the absence of all 

 intemperance, gambling and profanity. But all present, not only 

 the farmers, but their wives and daughters, who did not send their 

 articles, but came with them, seemed united to make this gathering 

 what it should be — the farmer'' s holiday / for nowhere can be 

 found a more hospitable and friendly people than can be seen at 

 the homes and upon the fair grounds of Martha's Vineyard, Avhich 

 presented the appearance of an immense family gathering, rather 

 than a jealous crowd of rivalling contestants. 



Our thanks are due to Dr. Cleaveland and Mr. J. B. Nickerson for 

 driving us over the Vineyard, and also to the New Bedford Band, 

 Messrs. D. Mayhew, Henry L, Whiting and Dr. Pierce, for atten- 

 tions received. John L. Cole. 



