xiv REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



objectionable feature was the dryness of the ground, — the sward 

 would break ; still, the work was well done, and the match was 

 sharply contested. Six premiums were awarded to the veterans 

 in this art, and three to the boys. If more farmers would thus 

 encourage their sons, there would be less occasion for complaining 

 that the boys rush to the cities, leaving the old homesteads deserted 

 when the present generation passes off the stage, or to return to the 

 primeval forest. 



The working-cattle were shown in three classes, — working-oxen, 

 working-oxen four years old, and working-steers. These several 

 classes did themselves, their owners, and their drivers credit. 



The exhibition of stock, trained for the yoke, was of a high order, 

 and seldom excelled in any part of the State. 



The milking-stock consisted of Ayrshire, Durham, Jersey, Devon, 

 and their grades. Some of these were good dairy-cows, a few deep 

 milkers ; but, as a whole, the cows were inferior to the oxen. 



Seven pairs of steers and calves contested for the premiums 

 offered for those best trained. Why this class should 'be styled 

 " fanc} r trained," I am at a loss to conjecture. The propriety 

 thereof I question. It is a class of cattle that alwaj-s attracts atten- 

 tion and excites interest. While such training of the calf and steer, 

 by the word and motion of the bo} r , tends to benefit and perfect both 

 trainer and trained, to amuse and entertain the beholder, the great, 

 paramount good arising therefrom comes from the fact, that, a more 

 docile, confiding, and obedient team is provided for the tillers of the 

 soil, and carries proof positive to the keepers of all kinds of stock, 

 that gentleness with decision, and docility with firmness, are traits 

 necessary for the best control of our domestic animals. If every, 

 dairy-cow were thus trained, cared for, and caressed, the tendency 

 of her udder would be more toward butter globules and less toward 

 garget. 



The Society has a large and commodious hall, and it was well 

 filled with the fruits of the orchards and gardens, the vegetables of 

 the fields, the handiwork of matrons, and the needle-work of the 

 maiden. 



The show of swine proved that this class is appreciated in this 

 region. 



In the class of sheep, the cossets, bucks, and ewes carried off six 

 prizes, and were respectable specimens of their kind. 



In poultry, the specimens were not numerous, although there were 

 good birds on exhibition. 



The bread, butter and cheese were good and attractive. 



The flowers in the hall, artificial and cut, — those naturally grown 

 and those in pots, — made an attractive show ; while the productions 



