xvi REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



commenced with the ploughing-match, a mile from the fair-grounds. 

 It was contested with skill and spirit by the ploughmen, and was 

 witnessed by a large number of spectators, with apparently much 

 interest. Twenty-four teams in all were entered. Six of these 

 were spans of horses. Of oxen, seven were double, and eleven 

 were single yokes. 



The grand line of march leading through Main Street, was then 

 taken up, with marshals and music. Arriving at the fair-grounds, 

 the trials with working-oxen and steers commenced, and occupied 

 a large part of the day. There were over thirt} T , in five classes. 

 A number of ox-wagons appeared, loaded with stairs, wheels, stools, 

 hoops, etc., with which to exhibit trained steers. This novel exhi- 

 bition was quite successful ; many of the feats were as remarkable 

 as those of trained circus-horses. I saw much in this to admire, 

 and nothing to censure. Persevering firmness and kindness were 

 the means used. I think the large and admiring crowd of spectators 

 must have had a better appreciation of the brute animals than 

 before. Good working-oxen and trained steers seem to be a spe- 

 cialty in some towns in this vicinity. What was offered in pre- 

 miums for oxen and trained steers, in their several classes, indicates 

 more interest taken by the farmers in these than in other classes of 

 stock. There were, however, about 50 head of cows and heifers, of 

 fair quality, but not quite up to what should be the standard in this 

 part of Worcester Count} 7 . A few sheep and swine were present in 

 their various classes. A due amount of interest, in the poultry 

 department was manifest by the number and qualit} r shown. The 

 horses and colts were mostly reserved for the third day. I did not 

 witness this day's proceedings, and cannot report. 



The hall was well filled with a good displa}' of apples, pears, 

 grapes, vegetables, and other farm products, witnessing to the full and 

 ample fruitfulness of the year, and the industry and interest of the 

 farmers therein. The hall was not wanting in the miscellaneous 

 articles which usually make up this part of the fair, and was a scene 

 of much interest. 



The dinner in the upper hall of the Society's building was well 

 appointed and served. Hon. William Knowlton, President of the 

 Society, presided, with appropriate ceremonies. The music was of 

 high order, by the Milford band. Here followed a good farmers' 

 talk. Addresses were made by Rev. George S. Ball of Upton, Hon. 

 Valorous Taft, also of Upton, Dr. Pratt of Hopkinton, B. D. 

 Godfrey of Milford. Chaplain Ball's address was well calculated to 

 move the farmers to a better appreciation of their privileges and 

 duties. Mr. Taft, and others, referred to the marked success which 

 w r as attending the use of Professor Stockbrido'e's mineral fertilizers 



