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to get C. H. Warren & Co., of Danvers, to exhibit their 

 fine team horses, but the demands of business prevented. 

 Perhaps in no direction is the change in farming more 

 noticeable than in the displacement of oxen by horses, on 

 most of the farms of the county. This affects our show 

 more and more each year, until it is possible that at no 

 distant date, the ox-team will disappear from our show en- 

 tirely. In view of this, the enterprise of our Middleton 

 friends is to be commended, in showing eleven yoke of 

 fairly good oxen, — not very large nor fancy, but honest 

 workers, and, in the opinion of the committee, worthy of 

 the first premium. 



We were pleased with the skill with which Mr. Lyman 

 Wilkins and Mr. William Christopher handled the long- 

 string of oxen, for in these days, a good ox-teamer is hard 

 to find. 



We should like the experience of some farmer who has 

 changed from oxen to horses, as to the expense of keep- 

 ing in working condition, wear of outfit, value at end of 

 five years, and value of work done in that time, — if it 

 could be obtained for publication. Mr. Day of this com- 

 mittee, is certain that even at the present low price of 

 beef, and with all its slowness, the ox-team is the most 

 profitable for the farmer. His long experience gives his 

 opinion weight and value. 



Could the fact be brought out I think we should find 

 that one reason why horses are so much more popular at 

 present is, that the driver can ride all the time, thus es- 

 caping much fatigue, and saving some time on the journey. 

 Respectfully submitted, 



Chakles J. Peabody, for Committee. 



Charles J. Peabody, Royal Day, E. B. Perley — Com- 

 mittee. 



STEERS. 



The Committee on Steers have attended to their duty, 

 and respectfully report to the Secretaiy that they have 

 made the following awards: 



