REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 311 



occasion seemed to excite the usual degree of interest among 

 the people of the county. The attendance on the second day 

 was large. 



Tlie show of articles of domestic manufacture was creditable 

 to tiie ladies of Norfolk County. The exhibition of fruits was 

 large, especially of pears. The collection of articles of heavy 

 manufacture was small. The variety and character of vege- 

 tables, and samples of farm products, was excellent. The per- 

 vading fear of the cattle disease prevented the general exhibition 

 of cattle ; but Mr. Austin, of West Roxbury, presented his 

 importation of Kerry cattle, which was especially interesting. 

 Mr. E. R. Andrews exhibited an Ayrshire bull ; and there were 

 a number of the " Jamestown" stock, descended from a cow im- 

 ported by R, B. Forbes, Esq., in tiie United States ship James- 

 town, on her return from lier cliaritable mission to Ireland. 

 These cattle are regarded with much favor. 



The collection of horses was good, and the exhibition of 

 them upon the track was one of the most attractive features of 

 the occasion. Among other animals, Mr. Shaw's Thorough- 

 bred stallion, Balrownie, was exhibited and led around the 

 track by his groom. His perfect development and unblemished 

 beauty made him for the time the " bright particular star" of 

 the hour. 



The spading match was vigorously contested, and a ploughing 

 match with horses was well sustained. 



The dinner was served in the hall of tlie society ; after which 

 the annual address was delivered, at the table, by Hon. George 

 S. Hillard. It was a finely written discourse on the reasons 

 why a Massachusetts farmer should be contented with his lot, 

 and is worthy of publication as an exhibition of some of the 

 finer aspects of agricultural life. Other brief addresses were 

 made by president Felton, your delegate, and others. 



The grounds of the society are not spacious enough for its 

 purposes, and the separation of the hall from the field enclosing 

 the track is unfortunate. It is desirable, of course, that all the 

 operations of the annual exhibitions and shows of our societies 

 should be carried on within one enclosure, in such a manner as 

 to be at all times under the immediate inspection and guidance 

 of the officers. 



