xx REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



HIGHLAND. 



The annual show of the Highland Agricultural Society was held 

 at Middlefield on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of September. 



The first day the weather was fine, and the number of people in 

 attendance compared favorably with previous years. 



About 200 cattle were on exhibition, consisting of thoroughbred, 

 grades, and natives, — all in good condition, especially the 'working- 

 oxen, which had received unusual care and attention. 



The drawing-match was a severe and exciting contest, and was 

 won by a pair of grade Herefords, owned and driven by W. H. 

 Hawley, of Sandisfield. 



The show of sheep was larger than usual ; that of swine small, 

 but it included some animals of marked excellence. 



In the hall was to be seen the usual display of domestic manufact- 

 ures, paintings, and fancy-work, samples of butter, cheese, maple 

 sugar, and grain. Also a generous share of fruit of all kinds 

 which can be grown in the vicinity, and an abundant supply of 

 vegetables. 



The exhibition of potatoes made by Mr. C. C. Thompson de- 

 served and received special attention. There were more than 20 

 varieties of his own growing, and among them the native South 

 American, which the contributor said was the original stock from 

 which all our cultivated varieties came. 



In the evening there was a gathering in the town hall, which was 

 filled to its utmost capacity. President Bowen successfully called 

 for music, song, and speeches, which kept the company in a pleasant 

 mood till a late hour. 



On the second day the exhibition continued at the hall ; but the 

 attraction of the day was the collection of horses on and about a 

 rough, uneven, rocky track, where a large number of fine ani- 

 mals, representing all classes, were to be seen, and their merits 

 discussed. 



The trials of speed, which are so frequently connected with " sin- 

 ful games," appeared to be conducted by the managers with an 

 honesty and a fairness which would do credit to a board of school 

 committee. 



The annual address was made by L. H. Gam well, Esq., of Pitts- 

 field, and was a strong plea for industry, economy, and simple tastes. 

 At its close, the Secretary of the Society read the list of premiums, 

 and the Treasurer paid the awards. 



This cattle-show day is the gala day of all the year for the people 

 of the country round about. The farmers come and bring their 



