ON PLOUGHING. 33 



no means feel confident, that had all the circumstances 

 been fully brought before them, but they might have 

 been led to a different result. They feel happy in say- 

 ing, that a very good and gentlemanly feeling was man- 

 ifested by the competitors on this subject, and are cer- 

 tain that they may expect from such men no other than 

 upright intentions accredited to them. Of those, who, 

 in consequence of this deficiency of lots, had no means 

 of taking a regular part in the contest, were Sylvanus 

 B. Sw^an, and Richard T. Jaques. These gentlemen, 

 finding, after the ploughing had commenced, that there 

 was a lot designed as we suppose for the single teams, 

 unoccupied, proposed to divide it between them. To 

 which proposal your Committee consented. This lot 

 was unfavorably situated, and the ploughing commenced 

 under unpromising circumstances ; but it is no more than 

 justice to say, that from the manner in which the w^ork 

 was done, the Committee were left under the thorough 

 impression, that had the gentlemen concerned enjoyed 

 equal opportunities with the others, they would have 

 found few equals, if they had any superior, in this most 

 important and interesting part of agricultural operations. 

 There was very little, if any difference in the skill man- 

 ifested in the work, and none in the time taken in per- 

 forming it. We hope they may have on a future occa- 

 sion an opportunity to work with advantages equal 

 to those who shall strive with them for the victory. 



In regard to the whole trial, the Committee are glad 

 to say, there prevailed a good spirit and great propriety 

 of conduct, that the teams gave manifest evidence of 

 being well trained, that there w^as very little use made of 

 the whip or goad, and but a slight resort to forcing the 

 oxen along in any way. The ox seemed to know, and 

 feel willing to obey and serve his master, and the dri- 

 vers, to realize and act under the influence, that a right- 

 eous man is merciful also to his beast. 



.Respectfully submitted. 

 For the committee, 



G. B. PERRY. 

 Georgetown, Sept. 29, 1841. 



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