86 



But it is time for us in nautical parlance to go about on the 

 other tack, run in for the land, look out for a safe harbor, bring 

 our truant bark to anchor, carry our pigs to a good or a bad mar- 

 ket, and abide the result. 



It is with a feeling of pride and exultation which we know Avill 

 be shared by every member of this association, that your Com- 

 mittee on Swine announce that the number of entries for premi- 

 ums at the late agricultural exhibition exceeded the number of 

 entries in 18G0. And the angry snort or contented grunt which 

 struck so sweetly and musically on the ear of every person of 

 judgment and taste, and like a magic charmer attracted crowds of 

 brave men and fair women to a particular portion of the grounds, 

 gave evidence that the pens were well filled, and that there existed 

 a laudable and increasing interest, and that there exists a com- 

 mendable spirit of emulation, among the farmers of Norfolk County, 

 in relation to the raising and perfecting the breed of this sterhng 

 animal. 



And furthermore, the pigs on exhibition were not only numer- 

 ous, but their general appearance and noble bearing proved that 

 they were pigs of exalted rank. And although, for reasons al- 

 ready alluded to, we may not be able to state with precision the 

 fractions of different favorite breeds to which they may have the 

 honor to belong, yet we can say that they were all plump-looking, 

 clean-limbed, well-behaved pigs, presenting pictures of thrift and 

 contentment such as the eye delights to rest upon. The expres- 

 sion of their features was decidedly honest and prepossessing ; 

 their eyes twinkled like little stars ; their cheeks expanded with 

 good humor, and they gave promise of attaining in good time, and 

 without any great pains or expense, all the noble qualities of the 

 race, so far SiS pork is concerned. 



In a word, these pigs, without resembling in form, figure or 

 character, like some others of the tribe, the gaunt, osseous, rest- 

 less, quarrelsome, saturnine Don Quixote, Avere counterparts of his 

 jolly, fat, gluttonous, and self-satisfied Squire, the renowned and 

 philosophical Sancho Panza. * * * * 



Among the animals exhibited on this occasion were three pigs 

 partaking largely of the Essex breed, and belonging to E. R. 

 Andrews, of West Roxbury. These pigs Avere of the colored 

 race, or rather of no color, being decidedly black, and strongly 

 reminded your Committee of hving contraband articles of war at 

 the South. They were " looked down upon" by the inmates of 

 the other pens, notwithstanding they were modest in their deport- 

 ment, humble as Uriah Keep, and altogether unaspiring, neither 

 asking or expecting a premium. They gave promise of future 

 excellence, and although they were awarded no prize, your Com- 



