66 



only on his manifold virtues and noble characteristics, but have 

 also laid before the world his weaknesses and failings ; and have 

 shown by facts and figures and incontrovertible arguments, that 

 this animal, in his improved condition, ministers vastly to the in- 

 terest and comfort of mankind, and particularly to that portion of 

 mankind comprised within the limits of Norfolk County, we pro- 

 pose to add nothing to this part of a great and inexhaustible sub- 

 ject. We would rather, in a paean of gratitude, direct the atten- 

 tion of this grave assembly to those enterprising men who make 

 it their study and delight to develop the exellencies of this favor- 

 ite animal, and render him more able to fulfil his important mis- 

 sion. We cannot avoid, however, saying a word in relation to 

 the swine on exhibition at the late Fair. 



But comparatively a few years ago, owing to the praiseworthy 

 exertions and example of a few public-spirited individuals, the 

 hogs of Norfolk County, exhibited on public occasions, were splen- 

 did specimens of swinehood, and furnished a noble illustration — so 

 far as looks, actions, habits and delicacy of flavor are concerned — 

 of the true character and appearance of a genuine /«;; hog. Prob- 

 ably no finer animals for the table were ever raised in any part 

 of the world, than such as were raised in this county, and exhib- 

 ited at our Fairs, causing the mouths of epicures to water at their 

 sight, and planting the seeds of envy in the bosoms of public-spir- 

 ited agriculturists in other counties and in other states. 



Our superiority, however, in this important department, we re- 

 gret to say, was short-lived. The exhibitions of swine gradually 

 fell off, and in 1860 there were but four entries ; and the hogs 

 exhibited, although respectable in quality, and, it may be, supe- 

 rior to the best specimens exhibited at other Agricultural Fairs in 

 the Commonwealth, were — we blush to record it — of a very infe- 

 rior grade compared with their illustrious predecessors. In the 

 following year, 18G1, however, there was a marked improvement. 

 The number of entries was largely increased ; showing, beyond 

 cavil, that the public were again awakening, after a long nap, to 

 the importance of the subject of pork ; and among the pigs exhib- 

 ited were some specimens worthy of all praise, and which com- 

 manded the admiration of all beholders. 



In 1802, the present year, your Committee are rejoiced to find 

 that the march of swine is still onward. " Excelsior !" is the 

 motto ; and although, for obvious reasons, the number of entries 

 has not been increased, yet a round dozen of noble-looking animals 

 have been exhibited, some of which were curiosities in their way ; 

 and crowds of spectators, beautiful women and brave men, with 

 sparkling eyes and smiling features, pressed towards the pens, 

 attracted by the voice of Fame, which, louder than the lowing of 

 the oxen and the neighing of steeds, had trumpeted forth the 



