96 HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 



They have paid to the Treasurer a sum which, with the premi- 

 ums allowed by the Society, is equal to seven premiums of the 

 first class, and now proceed to award to each of the competitors, 

 Benjamin Belcher, Horace Smith, Justin Ely, Richard Bagg, Jr., 

 Samuel Warner, Walter Cooley, and Justus Bagg, a first pre- 

 mium of seven dollars. 



JOHN MILLS, Chairman. 



Working Oxen. 



Sixty-six pairs of working oxen were exhibited. This num- 

 ber is less than it was last year, but the specimens of the oxen 

 of this year are far superior to those of the last. This opinion 

 is made up from the general appearance of the animals, without 

 any other test of its correctness than is made by the eye. We 

 judge of their qualities as working cattle, from their symmetry 

 of form and proportions, their being well mated, their size, their 

 apparent strength and adaptation to perform labor. The Com- 

 mittee did not find an inferior or imperfect pair of oxen on the 

 ground, or a single ox who could not stand erect in praise of 

 the New England farmer. 



Opinions made up from mere external appearances may be 

 deceptive, and often lead to error. We are called upon to judge 

 of the merits of working oxen from the mere outward appear- 

 ance, when the real proof, and the best evidence of their com- 

 petency to perform labor and endure fatigue in the business of 

 the farmer, may be beyond our reach. In view of this matter, 

 ' the Committee suggest whether it would not be well, in future 

 exhibitions, to have such arrangements made that the qualities 

 and capacities of working oxen should be tried, in the perform- 

 ance of some labor. 



HEMAN DAY, Chairman. 



Milch Cows. 



The whole number exhibited is twelve. All the competitors, 

 except two, have failed to comply with the rules of the Society. 



