SECRETARY'S REPORT. 325 



Vineyard allow their sheep to run in the pastures all winter, 

 occasionally fcedini? them at their barns, but not enclosing 

 them ; they say the sheep are fond of the kelp which is thrown 

 upon the beach. 



It does seem to me that there is more need of improvement, 

 and more profit to bo realized from sheep than any other pro- 

 duction of Martha's Vineyard. No pure-bred sheep were ex- 

 hibited — some natives, with a dash of Merino, and a grade Cots- 

 wold ram. There were some eight entries of swine, very good, 

 including a pair of " Earl of Sefton and Berkshire " pigs, im- 

 ported at large expense, by Charles B. Allen, Esq. Arriving 

 on the day of the fair, after a long passage from Liverpool, they 

 looked a little hard ; but will, no doubt, greatly improve the 

 stock of the county, which needs it. Poultry there was none, 

 except a coop of ducks. In the hall I was disappointed at the 

 very meagre show of domestic manufactures. I had supposed 

 the Vineyard ladies would display tlieir handiwork more 

 extensively. 



There was some very superior fruit displayed, of Island growth. 

 There was a very nice show of bread, butter and cheese, 

 preserves and pickles ; fine specimens of vegetables and grains. 

 Some very handsome specimens of wheat ; and I see no reason 

 why they should not raise good crops of spring wheat. I was 

 again disappointed in another crop, which sliould be a staple on 

 the Island : of cranberries, there were but three entries, all 

 good fruit, too. They ought to be largely grown ; and yet in 

 1855, there were but fourteen acres on the Island. 



The second day opened as brightly as the first, and the 

 people came early to see the horses and ploughing match, 

 which last was not. only one team appearing. 



There were about twenty entries of horses — some very good 

 roadsters and family horses. A handsome four-year-old stallion, 

 and some very fine colts attracted much attention. They have 

 a class of horses which they call " ftay Headers," tough, hardy 

 little creatures, about twelve hands high, bred among the 

 Indians on the "Gay Head" reservation, never seeing any 

 shelter but the lee side of a barn or rock, from the beginning 

 to the end of the year. 



The exhibition being closed, the members of the society 

 dined together in the hall. On account of a change of 



41* 



