io6 



The show of horses, especially of colts, was good ; but 

 the exhibitors were mostly " horsey '' men. Why docs the 

 breeding of horses make a man a jockey, whether he be 

 farmer or merchant, minister or layman. ? 



There was a very good show of swine, and an excellent 

 display of poultry which was shown under a tent. There 

 was one exhibition of perhaps one hundred fowls, made in 

 the open ground, in a yard surrounded by wire fence, and 

 this was the prettiest sight of all. Is it not possible, 

 where the grounds are large enough, to display poultry in 

 this way? There was but one pen of sheep exhibited, 

 but they were good ones. It is said " that every dog has 

 his da}^" the dogs are evidently having their day in Essex 

 County. 



The exhibit of fruit and vegetables was made in the 

 Town hall, and in a tent just outside. The exhibit in 

 these departments was full and satisfactory. 1 never saw 

 finer vegetables nor better fruit for the season. Mr. 

 Gregory made an exhibit of vegetables, or rather of types, 

 which was exceedingly interesting. He gave one valua- 

 ble suggestion to me, which I want to repeat and empha- 

 size in this report, namely, that there should be standards 

 fixed for the various kinds of vegetables and fruits, and 

 that overgrown as well as undersized specimens should 

 be ruled out ; also that in the judging we should 

 establish a scale of points, and that so many points should 

 be given for size, so many for color and so many for text- 

 ure, or any other qualities which it is desirable to take 

 into consideration. I would add to his suggestion that 

 the vegetables should be cooked, and their quality tested 

 on the grounds. 



There was an art department wliich was not unlike the 

 art department of every other agricultural fair. I suppose 

 that it is necessary for agricultural shows to have an art 

 department. There were many works of art, especially 

 in the needle department, that were beautiful and worthy 

 of exhibition anywhere ; but in the way of patchwork 



