30 



ing" of the second day, suddenly, as if by the -wand of an en- 

 chanter, dissipated all these fearful apprehensions. Not one of 

 the ploughing matches, from the commencement to the present 

 time, has been better or more fully represented, and the scene on 

 that glorious morning presented a picture like a festival of happy 

 people met to enjoy a holiday that would not soon again return. 



One hour before the time appointed for the spading match, but 

 one entry had been made ; but at the expiration of the time, every 

 lot that had been staked out was occupied by the heroes of the 

 spade, most of whom had their homes across the ocean wave. 



The place where the spading matches are held is formed like 

 an amphitheatre. The contestants have their place in the centre, 

 while the spectators look down on them from standing or sitting 

 positions, elevated one above another, and as the sound of music 

 calls to action, and ceases not until the contest is decided, the 

 scene, from its picturesqueness, becomes at once interesting and 

 exciting. This Society was the first, we believe, in Massachusetts, 

 to introduce the trial of the spade, that important instrument in 

 husbandry. 



The exhibition of " Thorough Bred " stock in cattle and horses 

 was an indication of the happy results of that care and liberahty, 

 on the part of the Commoawealth, which has contributed so much 

 to the cause of agriculture. It shows not only that the wealthy 

 men of cities, but the farmers of the country towns, are equally en- 

 gaged in propagating those pure breeds of animals, which are not 

 only profitable to wealthy proprietors, but to farmers in moderate 

 circumstances and to the people at large. The following towns 

 and cities were represented by Thorough Bred stock in cattle, which 

 received premiums in number as follows : — Roxbury 5, Canton 2, 

 Needham 3, Dedham 3, Braintree 3, Dover 1, West Roxbury 3, 

 Quincy 2, Dorchester 1. These do not constitute but a small part 

 of those that were exhibited. 



The exhibition of horses was not quite up to the show of 

 last year, owing to the circumstance that not so many were 

 present from beyond the limits of the county ; but the display 

 added much to the interest of the occasion, and was witness- 

 ed by a large concourse of spectators. The exhibition of swine 

 and poultry was very commendable, but neither of them would 

 compare with the same department in the early days of the 



