REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 145 



the crowding thousands who poured into the town by every 

 avenue and by all means of locomotion. 



This society, although only in its tenth year, has in the Hon. 

 M. P. Wilder, its president, and some of its members, such 

 essential elements of success as to have placed it in position far 

 beyond many of the other societies, numbering over 1,300 

 members. 



The ploughing match was largely attended, and was contested 

 by eleven competitors, most of whom performed their work in 

 a creditable manner. 



The spading match which succeeded, and which afforded 

 much amusement, was entered into by some half dozen of our 

 adopted fellow citizens with characteristic impetuosity ; the sod 

 was thoroughly inverted, and the ground left in handsome 

 condition. 



Lacking the attribute of ubiquity, I did not see the drawing 

 match which took place about the same time, but proceeded to 

 the examination of the stock in general. The display of horses 

 was very fine, said to be' the best ever made in the county ; in 

 number over one hundred and twenty-five. 



Several very stylish and well built horses were entered as 

 " thorough-bred ; " some of which might have been, and others 

 were not. The committee properly withheld the first and second 

 premiums. I think there is too often a laxity on the part of 

 committees in not strictly requiring an authentic pedigree of 

 animals entered as " thorough-bred." 



Men enter " thorough-bred " stock at our shows to add to 

 the notoriety of the animals and themselves, and to make 

 money from the services and progeny of such animals. On the 

 strength of the award of the committee, which is a guaranty of 

 the animal, they get great prices and reputation. Committees, 

 therefore, should see to it that their warranties are made good 

 by satisfactory evidence, and not merely by the assurance of an 

 obliging neighbor, or to gratify a personal friend who may be 

 quite sure the thing is all right, but doesn't happen to have 

 the proof. 



Several pairs of very handsome matched horses were driven 

 round the track and numerous good roadsters. 



Of the " neat stock " there was a large number ; some pure 

 blooded stock, some grades judiciously crossed, and some quite 



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