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listed the services of some of our most useful, influential and 

 public-spirited citizens, we have now two town associations, 

 both in flourishing condition, and three farmers' clubs, diligent- 

 ly devoted to the investigation of topics belonging to practical 

 agriculture. Various sections of Massachusetts, and of other 

 New England states, have supplied themselves with many val- 

 uable cattle of pure blood, particularly Ayrshires for the dairy, 

 from the breeders of Essex. The three-year-old stallion, which 

 took the first premium this season at one of the largest exhibi- 

 tions in Vermont, was bred in this county, as were his sire and 

 grandsii-e before him. Some fine specimens of Shorthorn blood 

 have been brought to our notice this year ; descended from one 

 of the best bulls of this class in New England, and introduced 

 into our section of the county two years since. The interest in 

 sheep-husbandry has materially increased; and, for the first 

 time for many years, fine-wooled sheep have been introduced 

 among us from the various families of Vermont Merinos. 



We mention these facts, as proofs that our agricultural enter- 

 prise is not on the wane. The various root-crops of our coun- 

 ty still hold the high position they have so long held among 

 the cultivated crops of Massachusetts. The cultivation of fruit 

 is still pursued with untiring diligence. The hay crop of Es- 

 sex county fills its usually important place in the market. And 

 in addition to all this well-known and recognized industry, we 

 add with pleasure the new evidence of skill and attention which 

 has been brought to our notice. 



Much, however, remains to be done ; and to a few points of 

 improvement we propose to refer in this report. 



MACHINERY. 

 if 



One great obstacle in the way of profitable agriculture at the 

 present time, is the scarcity of labor. Wages of farm hands 

 have increased to such a degree, during the past year, that it 

 seemed at one time as if the earth must be abandoned to its 



