38 HAMPSHIRE, FRANKLIN AND 



number of competitors. Only twelve teams entered the lists, — 

 eleven horse-teams and one ox-team. But the regret of the 

 committee, in this regard, was in part compensated by the ex- 

 cellence of the ploughing. It was all good, and deserves the 

 highest commendation. 



That the committee might judge as impartially as possible, 

 they did not visit the ground until the ploughing was done ; 

 and they awarded the premiums to the lots, without knowing, 

 at the time, by whom they were ploughed. The committee were 

 generally of the opinion, that the ploughing which best pre- 

 pared the soil for tillage was entitled to the highest consideration. 

 They, therefore, paid less regard to the external appearance of 

 the work than may have been customary heretofore. Agreeably 

 to the principle here mentioned, the committee were, without 

 consuhation, nearly unanimous in awarding the first premium 

 to lot No. 10. One of the committee, however, thought lot No. 

 13 entitled to this award. All admitted that the ploughman, in 

 the latter, displayed great skill ; the furrows were straight and 

 well turned, and the last, or ''clearing out," furrow, was finely 

 done, but the soil was not left so friable as in lot No. 10. Lot 

 26 was also well turned, but the last furrow was too deep. 

 The same fault was observable in lot 25. 



In conclusion, the committee would earnestly recommend to 

 the society to oflfer, for the next anniversary, a portion of the 

 premiums on the best Stubble Plough. They are of opinion, 

 that the farmers generally are now in great need of a good 

 plough of this description. 



For the committee, 



W. A. HAWLEY. 



Fruits and Vegetables. 



With the exception of apples, the exhibition was exceedingly 

 meagre, and unworthy of this large and intelligent society. 

 The crowd of people was immense, and it was interesting to 



