176 HAMPDEN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



every previous exhibition, in every essential particular. There 

 were fifteen competitors, more than ever before, and the work 

 was performed excellently well, to the admiration of the crowds 

 who witnessed it. Four of the teams were oxen, and the rest 

 horses. 



The show at the hall was quite attractive, and embraced 

 some very beautiful articles, but was less extensive than on 

 preceding years. The greatest diminution was in domestic and 

 fancy articles, while, in vegetables, mechanical productions, and 

 the products of the dairy, there was as extensive a display as 

 ever. The vegetables excelled, both in number and character, 

 any similar collection ever witnessed here. The whole number 

 of entries in this department was Gl, (last year but 45,) each 

 entry embracing several and often very many different articles. 

 Of fruits, there was a large and excellent variety. 



The weather continued favorable during the second day, and 

 its effect was manifested in a largely increased attendance from 

 the country. Our streets were crowded during the whole day, 

 yet there was no noise or confusion. Every thing was pleasant, 

 peaceable and quiet. These are the gvaiifying characteristics 

 of this animal festival. It is an eminently social gathering, to 

 which all ages, and both sexes come, and in which all can par- 

 ticipate, not only with pleasure, but with profit. Aside from 

 the more direct objects and effects of the society's meetings, we 

 would have them cherished for this alone. The kindly influ- 

 ences exerted, and the social spirit inspired on such occasions, 

 are of themselves worth all the pains taken to get up the exhi- 

 bitions. It is this view of the subject, that should secure, in be- 

 half of the prosperity of the society, the efforts of all classes and 

 all occupations. 



The show of horses very much exceeded any former one. We 

 do not believe there is a county in the State, where there is more 

 ambition in the way of horses, that in this. Carriage and work 

 horses were very numerous, and looked well. Nineteen pairs, 

 in different vehicles, came together from West Longmeadow. 



The address was delivered by the Hon. John Mills, the president 

 of the society. He spoke of the agricultural fair for this year, 

 as, in all respects, superior to what had been anticipated after 



