138 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Russell, which was listened to with great interest by a crowd- 

 ed and attentive audience. After the address the Society 

 again met, and reports of committees were made and premiums 

 awarded. 



I attended the cattle show in the same county a few years 

 ago, and, except in the ploughing match, a decided improve- 

 ment was observable at this time. The interest of the people in 

 agriculture and the agricultural exhibition is increasing in that 

 county as elsewhere. The farmers of Barnstable county have 

 the ability to make the annual agricultural exhibition the fes- 

 tival of the county. The inhabitants of Cape Cod are more 

 devoted to ploughing the sea than the land ; but they have much 

 excellent tillage land ; and if they will bring to the show what 

 they can, they have the power in that county to make a very 

 attractive exhibition in agricultural products, manufactures, and 

 mechanic arts, fruits, flowers, and especially in domestic manu- 

 factures. 



I would respectfully notice one or two matters in which im- 

 provement is required. 



The effect of the exhibition was frittered away by dividing 

 the articles into three separate rooms, no one of which was 

 suitable for the purpose. The articles exhibited this year, if 

 concentrated in one hall and properly displayed, would have 

 made an effective and gratifying show. It is to be hoped that 

 in future that subject will receive attention, and that greater 

 justice will be done to the society, contributors, and spectators. 



As the exhibition was held only one day, there was much 

 hurry, and some confusion, as has been the experience else- 

 where. Much of the evil and inconvenience would have been 

 avoided if members of committees had been promptly at their 

 posts and attended faithfully to their duties. The society, 

 judiciously as it seems to me, decided to hold the exhibition 

 next year through two days. 



Respectfully submitted, 



J. II. W. Page. 



