128 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



the Board. The first day was occupied by the committees in 

 making their examinations — spectators not being admitted to 

 the grounds. The second day was fair and pleasant ; a vast 

 number of people were drawn together, and all seemed well 

 pleased. About twenty teams were entered for the ploughing 

 match, which was well contested on a piece of ground well 

 adapted to such a trial, and the work was well done. 



A gentleman who has resided in Cuba was there with his 

 Cuban plough and oxen, driven by a " darkie." He was 

 dressed in the style of the planters of Cuba, and gave us a 

 ludicrous specimen of the manner in which ploughing is done 

 in that " gem of the sea," and an opportunity of comparing 

 their mode of doing such work with the Yankee mode, which 

 was amusing and instructive. 



The spading match was well contested by some of the sons 

 of the " Emerald Isle." The drawing, both with oxen and 

 horses, was good ; but in some instances there was lack of 

 good training, and quite too much use was made of the whip, 

 especially in backing the loads with oxen. There was a long 

 " town team " of fine oxen from Marlboro', which took the 

 first premium ; and another from Sherborn, to which the second 

 was awarded. Much attention has been paid to the improve- 

 ment of stock by the wealthy and enterprising farmers of this 

 vicinity; and this exhibition proves that they have been suc- 

 cessful. The show of stock was very superior. 



The Jerseys, the Ayrshire s, the Durhams, the Devons, and the 

 natives were all represented, and all were creditable to their 

 owners. Messrs. W. G-. & A. S. Lewis are doing much to im- 

 prove the stock in Framingham ; and it is worth the cost of a 

 journey from any part of the State to see the fine stock of 

 Devons owned by the president of this society. There was 

 a good show of swine. 



The geese, ducks, turkeys, and hens were there. There was 

 a good display of vegetables, and a very fine one of fruit, 

 especially of apples and grapes. 



Wright's large tent was used — one part of it for the display 

 of vegetables, fruit, needlework, flowers, implements of hus- 

 bandry, etc., and the other part for a dining hall. A plain, 

 practicable, common-sense address was delivered in the Bap- 



