REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 207 



as the only contribution tlicy can make, to take them to " cattle 

 show ;" they are pleased at the attention they receive from 

 strangers, and gratified at being noticed ; and return home 

 proud and happy in the success of the day, and with an interest 

 excited which will develop at future exhibitions in the legiti- 

 mate articles of the cattle show. 



In the hall the show of manufactured articles of all kinds 

 was splendid ; the products of Lowell looms, and the handi- 

 work of Middlesex women, were finely displayed. 



The fruit and the vegetables were uncommonly fine, — unsur- 

 passed by any display of those articles in any county of the 

 State that I have seen. 



There were seventeen entries of butter, which sustained the 

 dairy reputation of this part of the State. 



A large amount of bread puzzled the tastes of the committee. 



An eloquent oration by Dr. Loring followed the dinner, at 

 one o'clock, in the upper hall, after which the time was beguiled 

 with short speeches and sentiments, with music from the band. 



The delegate responded to a complimentary sentiment pro- 

 posed to the State Board of Agriculture. 



The show was a good one, and passed off in a most satisfac- 

 tory manner, reflecting great credit upon the officers of the 

 society. I did not notice a single instance of drunkenness or 

 disturbance of any kind. 



This society probably owes its existence to the activity of the 

 Chelmsford Farmers' Club, formed some years ago, and is an 

 example of the usefulness of Farmers' Clubs. 



The territory included in the North Middlesex Society covers 

 twelve towns, with naturally an unfertile soil, and a portion of 

 that which would be the richest made almost worthless by 

 stagnant water set back from milldams, that thjis destroy more 

 than the value of the mills upon them ; this is a grievance that 

 calls loudly for redress. 



The vicinity of this society to Boston and the great manu- 

 facturing towns and villages that have sprung up in and near 

 it, have effected a complete change in the course of farming. 



By the lines of railroad covering the county, and passing 

 through every town but one in the society, ready transporta- 

 tion is afforded for all the perishable farm products, and every 

 farm is near a market. 



