REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 285 



Owing to the prevalence of the cattle disease, there was no 

 exhibition of the fine cattle of which the farmers of this vicinity 

 are so justly proud, this part of the State having a great repu- 

 tation in this respect ; but there was exhibited a large quantity 

 of the finest cheese, which 1 know by experience brings the 

 highest price in the market. There was not so much butter 

 shown, nor was it of the same superior quality as the cheese, 

 although good. I promised myself the pleasure of visiting some 

 of the fine herds owned in this vicinity, but want of time com- 

 pelled me to postpone this gratification to the future. 



Three or four military bands had come into town and enliv- 

 ened the occasion with their fine music, and, in my judgment, 

 added very much to the pleasures of the fair. I would suggest 

 to other societies the propriety of adding this feature to their 

 exhibitions, both as cultivating the love of music in the people 

 and satisfying that love of excitement incident to such occa- 

 sions, which is prone to seek other and more objectionable 

 modes of gratification. 



Having given up the exhibition of cattle, a large premium 

 had been ofif'ered for the best cavalcade of horses. Large num- 

 bers came in from the neighboring towns, and it is not perhaps 

 too much to say that a large proportion of them could not have 

 been excelled in any part of the State ; this was especially true 

 of horses owned by the president of the society and ridden by 

 ladies of his family. 



Your delegate would especially commend this feature — riding 

 by the ladies — to the notice of our agricultural soci^ies. 

 Nothing tends more to promote health, vigor of body, self- 

 reliance and courage in sudden emergencies, than riding on 

 horseback. If this habit — coupled with the cultivation of flow- 

 ers and fruits, so appropriate to the female sex — prevailed 

 among our ladies, we should hear less of spine complaints, and 

 the host of other real and imaginary diseases which rob our 

 ladies of half their charms and most of their usefulness. Many 

 of our societies do now offer premiums for the best riding by 

 ladies ; let us hope all of them will adopt the practice. 



Some excellent draught horses were exhibited, of which I 

 noticed a sjjan belonging to the ^Massachusetts Powder Company, 

 which exhibited great power and excellent training, especially 



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