294 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



before tlie next census sliall be taken. Not only is the reputa- 

 tion of tbc farmers for intelligence, industry, and thrift con- 

 cerned, but, as the fticts become part of the published statistics 

 of tlie whole country, they help to form that general autlicntic 

 information, of which, — if in any respect unfavorable, — com- 

 mercial agents and eagle-eyed statesmen abroad will avail 

 themselves, for decrying our climate and soil, or interfering, by 

 legislative enactments, or by largo importations of produce, 

 with the labor and income of our people. 



The exhibition of this society was held on the 11th and 12th 

 days of October, and was highly creditable and successful, and 

 tbe whole aspect of the society is indicative of vigor and pros- 

 perity. It is only just, however, to say, that the character of 

 the exhibition, and the present vigorous and prosperous 

 condition of tlie society are owing, in a great measure, to the 

 energy and efficiency of the President, and Executive Com- 

 mittee. By their united efforts, the society had been safely 

 carried through a sharp contest, exhibiting at one time, peculiar 

 asjjcrity, — a tract of land embracing sixteen acres, had been 

 purchased, graded and fenced ; and, within about three weeks 

 before tho exhibi ion, a large, well-constructed building had, 

 by almost superhuman efifort«, been erected and finished 

 throughout. It was peculiarly gratifying to observe with what 

 a generous spirit these efforts were appreciated by the people, 

 and how strong was the disposition to sustain a policy which 

 liad resulted so advantageously to the society ; and if any 

 di affect on yet remains, we cannot doubt that entire una- 

 ni.nity of feeling and action will soon be restored. 



The grounds of the society are situated in the south-eastern 

 part of the beautiful village of Amherst, at a distance of less 

 than two miles from the centre, where the exhibitions were 

 formerly held, and are well adapted to their purpose. They 

 afford ample room for large exhibitions of stock; for ploughing, 

 drawing and s})ading matches; and for various gymnastic exer- 

 cises, which have here been introduced with general satisfac- 

 UcAi. There is also a perfectly graded and well-pro})oi'tioncd 

 track for such exhibition and trial of horses as is demanded by 

 the spirit of the times. Comfortable and elevated seats are 

 arranged for tlie occupancy of ladies, who may thus have a 



