PLOUGHING. 27 



Dodge, of Beverly could not obtain a Michigan plough, and was 

 obliged to use the common plough, which was to be judged by the 

 other committee. The teams of Joseph Mason, of Marblehead, 

 and W. B. Rejnalds and James Nason, of North Andover, — 

 their teams being united, — were promptly on the ground in good and 

 efficient order, well equipped, and with men well skilled in teaming 

 the horses and in the use of the plough. Both teams, it may be 

 remarked, were managed in a very quiet manner, and did the 

 work much to the satisfaction of the Committee, considering the 

 soil being so rocky. The directions were to cut the furrows nine 

 inches deep, which, in all cases where it could be done, were com- 

 phed with. The Committee Avere of the opinion that the work was 

 done much better with the Michigan than it could have been done 

 with the common plough, in such rocky soil. The land alotted to each 

 was one-sixth of an acre. The ploughmen were requested not to 

 hurry their teams, as there would be more regard to the manner in 

 which the work was done than to the time of doing it. The team 

 of W. B. Reynalds and James Nason completed the work with 

 Buggies, Nourse & Mason's Eagle plough. No. 33, in 45 minutes, 

 28 furrows, and that of Joseph Mason with Prouty & Mear's 

 plough. No. 84, in 51 minutes, 31 furrows. After a careful exami- 

 nation of the work, the Committee were unanimous in awarding to 

 Joseph Mason the first premium, |^7.00, and to W. B. Reynalds and 

 James Nason the second premium, ^5.00. 



The Committee were pleased to note the multitude so promptly 

 on the ground, and so intently watching the progress of the plough- 

 ing, wholly regardless of the rain. It always appears to us at a 

 ploughing match that all, whether men or women, wish to have hold 

 of the plough or reins, so exciting is the work. Even the sluggish 

 ox gets excited to an almost two-forty gait. For his own part, the 

 chairman can say that he seldom feels so much regret that he has 

 past the active part of his life, as when he witnesses the excite- 

 ment of a ploughing match. He longs to have hold of the plough, 

 though he knows that his strength is not equal to it. If all loved 

 this work as well as he does, the rough places would soon be made 

 smooth. If any doubt his will in the work, he would be most 

 happy to show them what has been done by him, if they will call 

 on him at his place in Lynn. 



WM. OSBORNE, Chairman. 



