REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 281 



There were twenty-ciuht entries of fowls. In this depart- 

 ment the sliow was excellent, and seemed to possess more 

 interest than in stock-raising localities. 



The show in the hall was large, and the articles various and 

 of good quality. 



The show of fruit was large and excellent, and the varieties 

 and specimens of the same variety were altogether too numer- 

 ous to particularize. They consisted of two hundred and forty- 

 six entries. 



The show of vegetables was also large, comprising one hun- 

 dred and sixty entries. The specimens shown by Mr. Lewis, 

 of Framingham, showed he had a happy faculty in persuading 

 Mother Earth to bestow her bounty upon him. 



The show of bread was the largest, I think, I ever saw, and 

 the quality appeared good. 



One thing I noticed, in connection with the show of bread, 

 that was peculiarly gratifying. This was, that a large number 

 of the specimens on exhibition were made by girls from eight 

 to sixteen years of age, showing that they were brought up to 

 one good thing, at least, and such accomplishments are not apt 

 to be alone. It is one that can be appreciated by at least the 

 male portion of the community, and one of the utmost impor- 

 tance to the health of mankind. 



Fancy articles were numerous and beautiful, consisting of 

 one hundred and six entries, which showed that the female 

 portion of the community had sufficient taste for the beautiful 

 and elegant, which is a pretty sure index of refinement. 



Of miscellaneous articles there were seventeen entries, among 

 which were some splendid paintings. 



Of articles manufactured from leather, there were nine 

 entries. Jellies and preserves thirty-four, some of which looked 

 very tempting to the palate. 



Also, four varieties of fruit seedlings. The seedling grapes 

 of Mr. Clark were delicious, as I can testify from a specimen 

 he presented me. 



Agricultural implements entered, seventeen, besides several 

 professedly labor-saving machines. 



Grain, three entries. Reclaimed meadow, one. 



There were six entries for ploughing, which took place the 

 morning of the second day, of which I cannot spoak, as it was 

 performed before I arrived. 



