MARKET DAYS. 345 



shine, brisk times or dull. As the fairs are started, in respect 

 of place and day, so they should be continued, for the reason 

 that a change would be difficult; but more especially that 

 the habit of attending a particular market at a regularly recur- 

 ring time, would thus become fixed in the life of the farmer. 

 And in order to accommodate the whole county by a larger 

 display of stock, let some central town, such as Topsfield or 

 Georgetown, having good railroad facilities — be the place for 

 holding a market day for neat stock and horses in the spring 

 and fall, the first Friday in May and October being suitable 

 days for that purpose, and not interfering with the other 

 markets. 



And in order to encourage this whole enterprise in its infancy, 

 it might be advisable for the agricultural societies or public 

 spirited individuals to offer premiums for certain farm products, 

 that cannot so well be presented at the regular cattle shows, 

 and do not receive any encouragement from them. For 

 example, the best poultry in all its varieties, dressed for the 

 market, mutton, pork, veal and other meats, might thus be 

 noticed. The best lot of honey and eggs, of butter and cheese, 

 of cranberries, quinces and apples, and of fruits and vegetables 

 generally, might also receive the fostering aid of the societies. 

 The advantage of this mode of bestowing premiums is, that it 

 would be the best lot of a given product, as prepared for market 

 and exposed to sale, that would receive them, and not the best 

 specimens, culled and fitted for parade, as is too often the case 

 at our fairs. 



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