APPENDIX. iii 



has disbursed large sums in premiums, — has drawn crowds of 

 people to its annual fairs (it was estimated that 10,000 witnessed 

 its last exhibition), — has a fund of over $25,000, and it stands to- 

 da}* second to few, if an} T , in the Commonwealth in what constitutes 

 a model agricultural society. 



The show of animals was somewhat smaller than usual, but the 

 quality was creditable. 



The ploughing-match was spirited, being participated in by 23 

 teams, and viewed by a large crowd of interested witnesses. 



The exhibition of fruits, flowers, and fancy-work, in the hall of 

 the Peabody Institute, was exceptionally fine and attractive. 



As we glanced over the beautiful hall and its contents, — the tables 

 loaded with tempting fruits, the walls adorned with varied colored 

 fabrics of utility and beauty, — the handiwork of the fair daughters of 

 Essex Count}-, — all being embellished with a profusion of flowers and 

 rare plants, skilfully arranged, — the display produced a scene pleas- 

 ant to view, and profitable to contemplate. 



The portrait of one of the founders of the Society, that adorned 

 the walls, seemed to look with complacenc}' on the results which he 

 initiated. 



The vegetable department was full, and of first qualit}\ And it 

 was claimed that, although some were of mammoth size, there was 

 not a "dead beat" in the collection. 



The annual address was made by C. M. Tracy, Esq., of Lynn, 

 on the relation of agriculture to the best and highest civilization. 

 The close attention of the intelligent audience was a true test of its 

 interesting character and excellence. 



Last, but not least, was the public dinner of the Society, which 

 was ample in quantity and excellent in quality, as evinced by the 

 alacrity with which some 500 persons partook of the repast. Of 

 the intellectual dessert that followed, it is sufficient to say that His 

 Excellency Governor Rice, Geo. B. Loring, Charles P. Thompson, 

 Allen W. Dodge, and others, furnished each a choice offering for the 

 occasion ; at the close of which your delegate left, well pleased 

 with what he had witnessed, and thankful for kind attentions and 

 courtesies received. 



Geo. M. Baker. 



MIDDLESEX. 



The Middlesex Society held its fair on the 28th and 29th of 

 September. I had the honor to attend it as a delegate, and take 

 pleasure in bearing witness to its excellence, in most respects. The 



