65 



active operation, attracted much attention, the special merit of 

 the machines being well displayed by their accomplished opera- 

 tors. A fine case of calf boots from the manufactory of Fogg, 

 Houghton & Co. of Weymouth, was much admired. 



The Plowing Match took place at 2 o'clock, P. M., on the 

 land of Mr. Sheriff on East Street. There were five double 

 horse teams (four of which were with Michigan plows,) three 

 double ox teams, and two single horse teams. The work was 

 well done. 



On Friday morning the first exercise was the exhibition of 

 horses on the track, which was witnessed by a large concourse 

 of spectators. At 12 o'clock, M., a procession was formed on 

 the grounds, under the direction of Col. John W. Thomas, 

 sheriff of the county and chief marshal of the day, assisted by 

 his aids, Messrs. R. C. Wood of Canton, Charles G. Mackintosh 

 of West Roxbury, Hiram Gay of Stoughton, Washington M. 

 French of Qiiincy, Wm. T. Thacher of Hyde Park and Lorenzo 

 Smith of West Roxbury. Preceded by the Union Cornet 

 Band of South Dedham, which furnished admirable music for 

 the day, the procession marched to the upper hall, where, after 

 a blessing had been invoked by Rev. George Hill of South Ded- 

 ham, the company partook of an excellent collation, prepared 

 by Mr. George E. Morse of Dedham, under the direction of the 

 committee of arrangements. Dinner having been finished, the 

 President made a brief introductory and congratulatory address, 

 after which he introduced to the audience as the orator of the 

 occasion. Rev. James W. Thompson, D. D., of Jamaica Plain, 

 who gave an admirable address upon topics connected with 

 agricultural pursuits, and which may be found on pages 5-16, 

 of this volume. 



The following selected hymn was then sung by the audience 

 to the tune of Saint Marlines : 



Fountain of life, and God of love ! 



How rich Thy bounties are ! 

 The rolling seasons, as they move, 



Proclaim Thy constant care. 



When in the bosom of the earth 



The sower hid the grain, 

 Thy goodness marked its secret birth, 



And sent the early rain. 



9 



