144 BOARD OP AGRICULTURE. 



The morning of the third day opened with steady, copious 

 rain, and the numbers on the ground were few ; but at the 

 appointed hour eighteen horses and eiglit ox teams were on 

 hand with their ploughs and plouglimen, and at tlie word of 

 command all went ahead without regard to mud or rain, 

 showing that the ploughmen were not disposed to look back, 

 and that they were not salt to be dissolved. In about forty 

 minutes they finished their work in good style, and all i-epaired 

 to the hall to see the lion, and hear the reports . and the 

 address. 



The president, Daniel B. Fenn, Esq., called to order and 

 introduced Stephen E. Burrall, Esq., of New York, who 

 extended a hearty welcome (in a speech said to be " of great 

 beauty and eloquence,") to Capt. Hudson of the U. S. navy ; 

 to which the gallant captain responded in a style characteristic 

 of the sailor, thanking them for the honor, and expressing his 

 pleasure at being present and participating in a farmers' festi- 

 val. Then Marshall Warren, Esq., delivered an address, full 

 of beauty and useful suggestions. Next followed the reading 

 of the reports and delivery of the awards in silver plate. This 

 to me was a new thing, and worthy of imitation. 



The whole show was highly successful, and all seemed 

 pleased and happy. To the president, Mr. Fenn, the chief 

 marshal, Mr. Dewey, Mr. Bushnell, and a host of others, farm- 

 ers of Berkshire, I am greatly indebted for a hearty welcome, 

 and kind attentions at the fair and elsewhere ; and I shall 

 always remember my visit to the Housatonic amongst the 

 pleasant occasions of my life. 



E. W. Gardner. 



NORFOLK. 



As the regularly appointed delegate from the State Board of 

 Agriculture, I attended the Cattle Show and Fair of the Norfolk 

 County Agricultural Society, holden at Dedham, September 

 28 and 29, 1858. 



The weather being most delightful gave free scope for a full 

 manifestation of the interest felt in the society's exhibition, by 



