ill 1821, the premium list consisted of oJBers for man- 

 agement of a farm — green crops for cows, Indian corn 

 and other crops, sumac, the dairy, cider, live stock and 

 forest trees. 



Premiums for domestic manufactures were first offered 

 in 1822, and the women of the country were enlisted in 

 the enterprise. 



It was not until 1832 that premiums were offered for 

 horses, and as follows : 



For the best horse raised in the county, not less than three nor 



more than five years old, $20 00 



For the second best, 15 00 



For the third best, 10 00 



In their report the committee say — '-^ they regard the 

 improvements in the breed of horses as an object of util- 

 ity and importance; * * * and their value and 

 beauty should excite more attention than has hitherto 

 been given to the rearing of them in this county." There 

 were many entries ; and the first premium ever given to 

 a horse by this Society, was bestowed on the Iron Gray 

 Colt, three years old, of John 0. W. Brown, of Newbury. 



In striking contrast with the simplicity and necessary 

 smallness of the early premiums offered, stands the lib- 

 erality of the last. In 1857, the society paid $1,111.50 

 in premiums as follows : 



Farms, etc., S299 00 



Farm stock 324 00 



Farm produce, 488 50 



The manner of conducting the exhibitions has not 

 changed since the first show was held at Topsfield. 



The introduction of improved breeds of cattle in the 

 county, by members of the Society, has been carried on 

 5 



