358 ' MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



HOUSATONIC. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



The exhibition of this year in our department was better 

 than ever before. The entries were far more numerous than 

 usual ; and, in point of quality, we think our horses will suc- 

 cessfully compete with those of more pretentious exhibitions. 



In awarding premiums upon the fine display of carriage 

 horses, we have regarded age, style, speed, size, action, train- 

 ing, and general movement. Many pairs of horses may show 

 finely in a half day's exhibition, and still give manifest evi- 

 dence of the want of essential excellence and value. Of car- 

 riage horses there were six entries ; and your committee had 

 much difficulty in coming to a satisfactory result when called 

 upon to select for superior excellence. 



Of farm horses there were sixteen entries, many of the span 

 of marked superiority. We regarded all those combined 

 qualities which to some extent, independent of merely showy 

 characteristics, would render them practically useful and valu- 

 able harnessed to the wagon, the plough, the sled, or the car- 

 riage, for market or meeting. We ask, for easy and manage- 

 able action, strength and endurance, combined with the well- 

 known points which give value to the matched team, whether 

 designed for the uses of pleasure, convenience, or simply agri- 

 cultural labor. 



Of single horses there were seven, and of single marcs eight, 

 entries. 



The beautiful and convenient grounds now provided for the 

 exhibition, and, we are proud to say, the property of the 

 society, afforded the best opportunity to display horses ; while 

 the race track gave " ample room and verge enough " to show 

 their speed and movement. We doubt not that many of the 

 horses exhibited to which we have awarded no premiums might 

 make "better time" than some more successful; but, with all 

 deference to the sports of the turf, we shall not be called upon 

 to make that clement alone our criterion until our friends and 

 brother farmers exchange their day books for betting books ; 

 which may Ileavcn forbid. 



Joel Baldwin, Chairman. 



