348 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



HAMPDEN. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



The committee feel warranted in the assertion, that scarcely 

 a single part of an agricultural exhibition is calculated to excite 

 more attention, or is in itself more worthy of it, than long lines 

 of thrifty and noble-looking working oxen. Town teams fur- 

 nish one of the tangible indications of the standard of enter- 

 prise and improvement attained by the farmers of a town, ex- 

 hibiting their progress in the same ratio that single entries of 

 oxen show that of individuals. If it be an honor for one farmer 

 in a town to excel in the exhibition of oxen worthy of premium, 

 your committee deem it a far greater credit for a town to win 

 public award, inasmuch as it gives pleasing evidence that the 

 worth and valuable labors of the ox are suitably appreciated. 



Alvin Fowler, Chairman. 



FRANKLIN. 



Report of the Committee. 



The Committee on Teams have to report that but four teams 

 were exhibited, and only three of those came within the rules 

 of the society as competitors for premiums — that is, numbering 

 twenty yoke. 



The rain storm doubtless prevented other towns from par- 

 ticipating in the chances for premiums, thus adding greater in- 

 terest to the exhibition. 



The one hundred and twelve yoke from Dccrficld, Shclburne. 

 Bernardston, and Montague, all showed great excellence ; many 

 yoke were very superior, and doubtless received due praise 

 from the various committees on cattle for the stall and for fat 

 cattle. 



Your committee arc unanimous in the opinion that the soci- 

 ety is now old enough and strong cnougli to class the neat 

 cattle equitably and satisfactorily; and they would most re- 

 spectfully suggest the propriety of lessening the number of 

 yoke to draw premiums, and, in future, of classing town teams as 



