>>hM 51:^:3^.2^" :>:3^' 5 3 >5-^ LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE SOUR«- V DATE.ibJSSk '^iiocirAc.n \SCC 10 <• TI^A.:tTSJk.0TI03^S ■^i?- OF THE WORCESTER NORTH AaRICULTURAL SOCIETY, FOR 1866. PREPARED BY THE SECRETARY. FITCHBUEG: PRINTED BY J. GARFIELD & CO, 1866. I %U(^-'JO INTRODUCTORY. On Tuesday, the 25th day of September, 1866, the town of Fitch- burg was overflowing with visitors to the Fourteenth Annual Exhibi- tion of the Worcester North Agricultural Society. The weather early in the morning looked dark and threatening, but gradually the clouds^ cleared away, affording a much pleasanter day than was expected. The members of the Society may well congratulate themselves upon the success of their Exhibition this year, bringing out as it did branch- es of industry which sometimes are not so fully represented as we may w;ish ; thanks are due the mechanical portion of the community for their hearty cooperation in making this one of the most successful fabs ever held by the Society. Much credit is due Mr. Edwki P. Munroe, the leading spirit in the arrangement of the Hall. Disregarding the set form of past years, he originated a new order of things, thus securing more room for tables and also for the public. In the centre, tables were placed in a cruciform, and covered with fruit and flowers. Other stands in the shape of an ellipse surrounded this, on which were displayed fruit and vegetables. On the outside were arrayed machinery, dry goods, furniture, musical instruments, millinery, confectionery, specimens of art, etc. The display of grapes was inferior to previous years, owing to the fact that that fruit had not attained its maturity. Some very superior vegetables were produced ; and the quality of the fruit, though not so large a display as in some previous years, was superior, and it is a pleasing fact to notice that the selections and quality increase from year to year. Monday was the preparation day; articles were required to be depos- ited in tlie Hall previous to two o'clock P. M., when the several committees, called together at that time, attended to their duties. x\t six o'clock the doors were thrown oj)en to the public. The music furnished by Putnam Brothers' full Band added not a little to the evening's entertainment. At nine o'clock on Tuesday the plowing match took place on the 4 INTRODUCTORY. t;u-m of Mr. Abel F. Adams on Blossom Street. There were thirteen teams — six double, three siugie and four horse teams. The ground was well chosen and though the teams were required to go up and down upon a side hill, it all the better exhibited their work. Next came the organizing of the committees on stock, drawing, t^c. The trial of working oxen and draught horses took place at ten o'clock, immediately followed by the trial of working steers upon the usual ground near the Unitarian Church. A cavalcade of family horses and stallions upon exhibition pas'sed around the Common at eleven o'clock, soon followed by a town team of twenty-two yoke of oxen from Leominster, the only one entered. Seldom among the hills of the *' Old Bay State" do we find a better display of swine than was in the pens on the Common. The exhibi- tion of sheep and neat stock was excellent. The Winchendon Cornet Band was in attendance through the day. For once the Society were not "' late to dinner" but promptly at lialf-past twelve o'clock sat down to tables bountifully spread at the ■Fitchburg Hotel. At two o'clock the usual business meeting of the Society was held in the Lower Town Hall. With three exceptions speeches were made by the past presidents of the Society, and one of those was represented by a letter. They compared the past condition of the Society with the present, expressing also happy anticipations for the futiu*e. Remarks were also made by M. T. Watkins, Esq., of Hinsdale, member of the State Boai'd of Agriculture. Hon. Alvah Crocker, of Fitchbiu-g. Messrs Cyrus Kilburn, of Lunenburg, J. T. Everett, of East Princeton, and Rev. R. W. Fuller. of Stowe. Some were of opinion that premi- ums for corn ought not "to be offered, but that farmers should be induced rather to cultivate as staple products hay and stock, which is much more profitable for the soil of the State than any kind of grain. This idea provoked animated discussion, and the subject was at length laid on the table till the annual meeting of the Society. The entries under Grain, Root Crops and Cabbages. :ire more tJian last year but there seems to be a sad neglect in tliis department. The premiums offered for grain are liberal, and yet the money goes in the same direction year after yetu'. There were this ye:ir only five entries of corn, four of wheat, two of rye. three of barley, fom- of oats, and two of field beans : twelve of these twenty entries came from the town of Lunenburg. Last vear ten out of sixteen entries under the same head came from that town. Xow if in Princeton, Leominster, Fitchburg and the towns adjoining, as gt)od crops cannot be raised, then let our friends in Lunenburg have the premimns ; but why yield all the premiums and the credit just because so very few of our best farmers compete'.' Will not the agriculturists of Worcester North give a careful reading of the statements made by the successful competitors upon grain, found in the rept^rt of last year (it is impossible to give the statements made this year for i-ea.^ons stated elsewhere. ") and if INTRODUCTORY. 5 their crops compare favorably wliy not compete for the premium themselves in 1807 ? Entries must l)e made on or before June 1st. Attention should be called to the fact that not a single farm was entered this year. Are there no frood farms in this vicinity ? In the last report before the Society attention was called to the careless manner of making entries by letter ; much improvement has been made in this respect, still there is room for more. No one can be ^too explicit in stating age, breed and class of their animals ; the entry for milch kine should be accompanied by a written statement of facts and not handed in on the morning of exhibition or omitted altogether. One other difficulty hinders tha success and influence of tjie Society more than most people are aware of, and that is a sad want of punctu- ality on the part of many members of the several committees. For instance, the committee are notified to meet at the Chapel on Kollstone Street at a certain hour. Promptly at that time the roll is called, one, two, perhaps three persons will answer to the call for their committee, it is a marvel if Jour are there and an almost unheard of affair if the list is complete, and it is not strange if no response is made till the second or third call, fifteen or twenty minutes later. If the Society place confidence in a man's judgment and appoint him on a committee, he receiving a special notice of said appointment from the Secretary a week or ten days before the Fair, is it not reasonable, if the gentleman cannot serve, to expect a note declining the appointment so that the vacancy may be filled beforehand ? There have been noble exceptions to this rule but very many more keep their appointments in their pockets and " if it comes right" they will report at the place appointed otherwise, they " don't go near them," tlius leaving their committee to proceed to its duties without its full complement. Difficult points are perhaps to be decided, the time wasted in waiting or perhaps filling vacancies makes the committee in a hurry, a hasty decision is arrived at, the competitors are dissatisfied and the result is deleterious to the usefulness of the Society. Our "Transactions" this year appears in reduced size for various reasons; one is that notwithstanding the offer of three premiums of ten, six, and four dollars to induce the Chairmen of the several committees to elaborate their reports, but very few liave dared to compete. Again while in 1804 we had two prize essays to print, this year we have none. Will not some one take up tlie pen in 1807 ? Efforts have been made, and arc still being put forth to purchase grounds on which to hold our exhibitions. The necessity and wisdom of such a step becomes more and more evident from year to year. ^ As the Society increases, our means and premiums increase, and it is earnestly hoped that ere many years shall pass, we shall not be behind similar societies in facilities for holding our Annual Exhibition. ALVIN M. SAWYER, Secretary. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. PEAR ORCHARDS. The Committee on Pear Orchards would respectfully submit the following Report : Tliis Committee consisted of five members. Two members not be- longing to Fitcliburg were not present. But one Orchard was entered for premium — that of Doctor Thomas Palmer, situated on Summer Street, in Fitchburg. Therefore the duties of this committee were not burdensome, and they very readily came to the conclusion to award to Doct. Palmer the highest premium awarded by the Society. We found in this orchard many things to commend ; the location, prepar- ation of the land, plan and order of setting, the varieties, manure, trimming, &c. The statement of Doct. Palmer being found herewith, we recommend a careful reading to those who are interested in this department of fruit-growing, as we believe that he deserves much praise for having carried out so -faithfully his plan for a good pear or- chard, and only hope that it may be an incentive for others to com- mence in a like good work. Who does not like a well ripened, deli- cious pear ? — an Early Summer, Eartlett, Seckel, Flemish Beauty, Louise Bon De Jersey ? All doubtless confess the beauty of fine trees and the luxury of good fruit. Yet but few who can do so, are wilHng to put forth the necessary exertion and pains-taking to raise it. The idea may have been somewhat prevalent that raising Pears was only to be indulged in by a few, and could not come into general cultiva- tion, like the Apple. This, we believe, is not correct ; but that the Pear tree is as hardy in New England as the Apple tree, and for the past five years the raising of Pears in Massachusetts has been quite as profitable as raising apples, and requiring no more care than ought to be given to otiier fruits in this climate. Your Committee would reconnnend setting out good Pear trees, and no otlier. It certainly does not pay to set poor trees. Look at the i-oots and the hcalthfulness of the l)ark, which will tell whether the THOMAS palmer's STATEMENT. 7 tree is two years old, or has been rejected over and over, by good judges, and finally packed ofF to be sold to new beginners, and with- out doubt thousands of such trees have been sold by travelling dealers in this vicinity, that were worthless, and have therefore disappoint- ed the buyer, as it has pleased the dealer to get rid of them. Again, we say set Pear trees, but set good ones or none ; and when set, do not think the work is done. Nurse them, dig about them, and take as much care of them each year, as a good farmer would take, and must take, in getting a good crop of corn, and we believe that your labors will be rewarded. JAMES. M. WOODBURY, Chairman. STATEMENT OF DR. THOMAS PALMER, • OF FITCHBURG. My Pear Orchard is set on the Moderii Quincunx plan of mixed Standards and Dwarfs, qontaining three hundred twenty-six trees, one hundred sixteen on pear stocks and two hundred ten on quince stocks, standing on thui^y thousand square feet of land, being less than three- fourths of an acre, and is located on my Fruitland farm on Summer street near the village of Fitchburg. This orchard was set in the Spring of 1863. The soil is a deep yellow, with clay subsoil, sloping to the Southeast. It had formerly been used for grass crops. It was ploughed in the Spring. The trees were set fifteen inches deep, and all stones removed. After setting the trees, it was planted with, potatoes, with the usual amount of ma- nure for potato crop, spread on, and no manure put under the trees, when set. Each year since there has been as much manure spread on and ploughed in as is usually put on corn ground, and cropped with squashes, tomatoes, onions and strawberries, as much as though there were no trees. The trees were two years old when set, and were obtained from the Geneva Nurseries, New York. An orchard set on the Quincunx plan, forms rows and alleys run- ning in every direction, rendering it advantagious in cultivating^ the ground with the horse hoe, leaving the Standard trees in a position one in the centre of four, eighteen feet apart, with dwarfs between, in such a manner that all the trees are ten feet four ^ inches from each other, giving sufficient room for growth and cultivation. T. PALMER. Fitchburg, October 1, 1866. 8 . APPLES, PEACHES, PLUMS, &C. APPLES, PEACHES, PLUMS, &c. Your Committee on Apples, &c., have awarded the following Prem- iums and Gratuities : APPLES. For the best and largest variety. 1st, to Benj. Snow, Jr., of Fitchburg, $4 00 2nd, E. Moore, of Leominister, Harris on Insects, Best twelve varieties. 1st premium, to C. C. Boyden, Leominster, Harris on Insects. 2nd, S. R. Damon, Ashby, 2 00 3d, Cyrus Thurston, Fitchburg, 1 00 Best six varieties, five specimens each : 1st premium, to Levi Kendall, Fitchburg, 2 00 2nd, Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 1 50 3d, A. S. Dole, Fitchburg, ' 1 00 Best three varieties, five specimens each : 1st premium, L. Stock well, Fitchburg, 1 50 2nd, F. E. Cleaves, Fitchburg, 1 00 3d, James Mclntire, Fitchburg, 50 Best exhibition of twelve specimens of Baldwins : 1st premium, to James Mclntire, Fitchburg, 1 00 2nd, Alfred Whiting, Oakdale, 50 Best exhibition of twelve specimens Hubbardstons : 1st premium, to E. D. Works, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d, to L. Stockwell, Fitchburg, 5^ Best exhibition of twelve specimens Greenings : 1st premium, to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d, to James Mclntire, Fitchburg, 50 Best exhibition of twelve specimns Roxbury Russets : 1st premium, to Alvah Crocker,. Fitchburg, 1 00 2d, not awarded. PEACHES. None on exhibition. PEARS AND GRAPES. PLUMS. For best collection : 1st premium, to Ohio Whitney, Jr., Ashburnham, 1 00 For the best plate : Ist premium, Jacob Haskell, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d, Dennis Fay, Ashby, 50 QUINCES. 1st premium, to Thos. Upton, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d, to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 50 GRATUITIES. Dr. J. A. Marshall, Fitchburg, 1 00 J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 1 00 J. F. Munrce, 1 00 S. A. Childs, Fitchburg, 1 00 Ezra Kendall, Sterling, ' 1 00 Silas C. Waters, Fitchburg, 1 00 Horace Wood, Fitchburg, 50 Alfred Whiting, Oakdale, for plate Crab Apples, 50 M. T. GARDNER, Chairman. PEARS AND GRAPES. The Committee on Pears and Grapes make the following awards : PEARS. For the best and largest display of named varieties of three specimens each : 1st premium, to Dr. Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 4 00 2d, to A. Crocker, Fitchburg, Harris on Insects. For twelve varieties of five specimens each : Ist premium, to B. Snow, Jr., Fitchburg, Harris on Insects. 2d, to Jonas A. Marshall, Fitchburg, 2 00 3d, not awarded. 10 PEARS AND GRAPES. For six varieties of five specimens each : 1st premium, to Mrs Jeruslia Sawyer, Fitcliburg, 2 00 2d, to Gardner P. Hawkins, " 1 50 3d, to J. M. Twichell, Fitchbui'g, 1 00 For three varieties of five specimens each : 1st premium, to Z. F. Young, Fitchburg, 1 50 2d, to Dennis Fay, Ashby, ^ 1 00 3d, to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 50 For best exhibition of twelve specimens of Bartletts : 1st premium, to C. C. Boyden, Leominster, 1 00 2d, to Mrs. J. H. Fakbanks, Fitchburg, 50 Seckel : 1st premium, to Asa Partridge, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d, to Cyrus Thurston, Fitchbui-g, 50 Flemish Beauty: None answered the condition of awards of Premiums except those included in the above classes. Phebe A. Steele, gratuity, 1 00 Duchess de Angouleine : 1st premium, to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 1 00 Alvah Crocker, Fitchburg, gratuity, 1 00 Louise Bonne de Jersey : 1st premium, to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d, not awarded. N. Upham, Fitchburg, for two plates of superior Gamd's Bergamot and Beui-ede Anjou, gratuity, 1 00 A. W. Sidney, gratuity, 50 J. M. Twichell, Fitchburg, two plates, gratuity, 1 00 GKAPES. No Foreign Grapes exhibited. For the best displays of Native Grapes : 1st premium, to Geo. Jewett, M. D., Fitchb'g, Harris on Insects. 2d, to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 2 00 3d, to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, 1 00 For best six varieties of five specimens each : 1st premium, to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d, to A. Crocker, Fitchburg, 60 ASSORTED TKUITS AND FLOWERS. « Delaware : t 1st premium, to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d, to Mrs. Jerusha Sawyer, Fitchburg, 50 A. Miller, Fitchburg, for one plate of Isabellas, gratuity, 1 00 Geo. Reed, Fitchburg, for one plate of Isabellas, gratuity, 60 Lawrin Pratt, Fitchburg, for one plate Concord, gratuity, 50 R. W. FULLER, Chairman. ASSORTED FRUITS AND FLOWERS. The Committee on Assorted Fruits and Flowers, award as follows : ASSORTED FRUIT. 1st premium, to B. Snow, Jr., Fitchburg, 2 00 2d, to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 1 00 FLOWERS. J. M. Sawtell, plants in pots, 2 00 Jabez Fisher, plants in pots, 1 00 •Ellen A. Younglove, parlor bouquets. 2 00 Mrs. L. Nichols, parlor bouquets. 1 00 J. M. Sawtell, hand bouquets. 2 00 Milton E. Fiske, hand bouquets. 1 00 J. M. Sawtell, cut flowers. 2 00 Mrs. Geo. Jewett, cut flowers, 1 00 GRATUITIES. J. M. Sawtell, 1 00 F. E . Delahanty, 50 Mrs. Sylvanus Wood, 75 Mrs. A. M. Clark, 50 Jabez Fisher, 50 Abbie F. Battles, 60 Mrs Geo. Jewett, 50 Iritin la SafFord, 25 Milton E. Fiske, 60 Mrs. Oliver Brown, 25 Mrs. L. N. Fairbanks, 50 Carrie F. Brown, 50 Mrs. F. B. Harrington, 25 Lizzie L. Barrett, 25 Jennie A. Henshaw, 25 Mrs ; N. H. Aldrich, 25 J. M. Sawtell, 50 Mrs. Lorenzo Blodojett, 25 E. T. Miles, 1 00 Miss Josic Eaton, 25 Other contributors deserve especial commendation for their display of flowers, but entered too late to compete for preiniums. II. L. JONES, Chairman. 12 VEGETABLES. VEGETABLES. The display of Vegetables this year, although not unusually large, in respect to size and quality has, in the opinion of the committee, been rarely excelled. The collection of vegetables by J. M. Sawtell, and the exhibition of potatoes, of twenty-five varieties, and of the finest quality, furnished by Nathan Caswell, especially attracted the notice of the committee. If equal pains were taken by the raisers of these, the most important products of our Northern soil, our exhibitions would be much more attractive and valuable than they are. The committee have awarded the premiums under their department as follows : Best collections of vegetables : 1st premium, to J. M. Sawtell, 7 00 2d, not awarded. 3d, to Alvah Crocker, 3 00 Potatoes : 1st premium, to Nathan Caswell, 2 00 2d, to James Mclntire, 1 00 3d, to Joseph Upton, 50 GRATUITIES. Walter Whitney, 25 D. S. Eaton, 25 Fred. Oakman, 25 Humphrey Harris, 50 T. S. Eaton, 25 S. H. Bailey, 25 Gardner Merriam, 50 Marrow Squashes: 1st premium, to Joseph Cushing, , 1 00 2d, not awarded. J. T. Everett, gratuity, 50 Pavid H. Merriam, gratuity, 50 Hubbard Squashes : 1st premium, to Joseph Cushing, 1 00 Crookneck Squashes : 1st premium, to J. Haskell, 1 00 Cyrus Kilburn, gratuity, 25 E. T. Miles, gratuity, 25 Cabbages : 1st premium, to David H. Merriam, 75 VEGETABLES. 13( Cauliflowers : 1st premium, to E. T. Miles, 75 Gt. P. Hawkins, (splendid specimens, but not tlie required number,) gratuity, 75 Onions. 1st premium, to A. B. Day, 75 2d, to Lawrin Pratt, 50 David H. Merriam, gratuity, 50 J. M. Porter, gratuity, 50 Turnip Beets : 1st premium, to Dennis Fay, 75 2d, to David Battles, 50 Walter Whitney, gratuity, / 25 English Turnips : 1st premium, to J. G. Woodward, 50 2d, to T. S. Eaton, 25 Tomatoes : 1st premium, to Jabez Fisher, 50 2d, to Lawrin Pratt, 25 Field Beans : 1st premium, to David Battles, 50 2d, to D. S. Eaton, 25 J. G. Woodward, gratuity, 26 Seed Com in Traces : 1st premium, to J. G-. Woodward, 1 00 2d, to C. Kilburn, 75 Sd, Levi Kendall, 50 J. P. Beed, gratuity, *" 25 Levi White, gratuity, 25 L. Stockwell, gratuity, 25 J. Haskell, gratuity, 25 In addition to the above the following gratuities were awarded : C. E. Woodward, for cranberries, 25 S. H. Bailey, peppers, 25 Benjamin Wheeler, peppers, * 25 John Minott, turnips, 25 Ezra Kendall, rutta bagas, 25 E. T. Miles, parsnips, carrots, egg plant fruit, &c., 50 Joseph Cushing, turban squashes, 1 00 14 BREAD, BUTTER, CHEESE, &C. Silas E. Waters, acorn squashes, 76 E. T. Miles, variety of squashes, 50 J. Haskell, turban squashes, 50 T. S. Brown, mammoth squash, 50 E. Kendall, mammoth squash, 50 E. Kendall, collection of squashes, 50 J. Haskell, blood beets, 25 F. Oakman, seed cucumbers, 25 Pumpkins : 1st premium, to James Mclntire, 75 2d, to Isaac B. Woodward, 50 Joseph Green, gratuity, 75 David H. Merriam, gratuity, 25 T. K. WARE, Chairman. BREAD, BUTTER, CHEESE, PICKLES, &c. The Committee on Bread, Butter, Cheese, Pickles, &c., make the following awards : White Bread : 1st premium, to Mrs T. C. Kenyor, Fitchburg, 2 00 2d, to M}Ta E. Richardson, Fitchburg, 1 00 3d, to Sarah J. Haskell, Fitchburg, 50 Miss Ida Abbott, thirteen years old, gratuity, 50 Miss Etta Alexander, thirteen years old, gratuity, 50 Unbolted Wheat Bread : Hattie Wetherbee, Fitchburg, gi-atuity, 1 00 Bolted Rye Bread : 1st premium, to Mary C. Gates, Ashby, 1 00 Rye and Indian Bread : 1st premium, to Alice S. Wilkes, Fitchburg, 2 00 2d, to Sarah J. Haskell, Fitchburg, 1 00 3d, to A. H. Newton, Fitchburg, 50 Wheat and Indian Bread : Hattie Wetherbee, Fitcliburg, gratuity, 50 Miss Sarah Oakham, eleven years old, gratuity, 50 FANCY ARTICLES. Lump Butter : 1st premium, to Mrs. Lucy Kendall, Fitchburg, 1st, to Mrs. J. M. Porter, Lunenburg, 2d, to Mrs. Nathan Caswell, Fitchburg, 3d, to Mrs. D. Fay, Mrs. J. P. Keed, Princeton, gratuity, Mrs. F. Nourse, Sterling, gratuity. 4 00 4 00 2 00 1 50 1 00 1 00 Cheese : 1st premium, to George Miles, Westminster, 2d, to David C. Page, Petersham, 3d, to F. B. Harrington, Leominster, 2 00 1 60 1 00 Pickles : 1st premium, to Mrs. N. S. Boutelle, Fitchburg, 2d, to Mrs. I. B. Woodward, Fitchburg, 3d, to M. F. Farwell, Fitchburg, 75 50 25 Honey : 1st premium, to S. H. Sprague, Westminster, 2d, to Gardner Merriam, Leominster, 2 00 1 00 Preserved Tomatoes : Miss Hattie Wetherbee, Fitchburg, gratuity, • 60 Crab-Apple Jelly. J. T. 'Everett, Princeton, gratuity. 1 00 Preserved Peaches : Mary J. Hadley, gratuity, 60 16 L. J. BROWN, Chairman. FANCY ARTICLES. The Committee on Fancy Articles make the following awards ; Afghans.— Mrs W. B. Arnold, 76; Mrs. J. Arnold, 62; Mrs. Susie Mansfield, 50 ; Mrs. George F Wallace, 37. . Breakfast Shawls. — Mrs. Susie Mansfield, 75 ; Mrs. George F. Wallace, 60. Bead Work.— Mary M. Downer, 60 ; Mrs. K. Burney, a bhnd lady, 37 ; John Marble, a blind boy, 25. 16 FANCY ARTICLES. Case of Bonnets.— Mrs. Thos. Trees, 2 00 ; Mrs. I. K. Gilbert, 1 00. Case of Bonnets and Flowers. — James F. Stiles, 2 00. Crotchet Work.— Mrs. C. A. Lowe, 75; Miss H. Wetherbee, 37 ; S. C. Alexander, 25 ; E. Alexander, 20. Ottomans. — Mrs. J. C. Freeland, 1 00 ; Mrs. John Simonds, 75. Ottoman Covers.— Mrs. S. E. Lowe, 50 ; Mrs. E. H. Sabin, 38 j Florence Nash, 30. Bead and Worsted Work.— Mrs. M. A. Beckwith, 1 50 ; Mrs. J. Joel, 38 ; Mrs. J. Upton, 25. Sofa Covers.— Mrs. J. Joel, 1 00 ; Mrs. Beckwith, 50. Sofa Pillows.— Mary L. Snow, 38 ; Mrs. A. E. Miles, 25. Worsted Sacks. — Hattie D. Upton, 75 ; Jessie Eaton, 50 ; Miss L. Howe, 25 ; a lady 68 years old, name unknown, 25. Embroidered Skirt.— Mrs. D. B. Whittier, 75; Mary E. Pierce, 50. Worsted Flowers.— Mrs. J. H. Fairbanks, 50; Miss Josie Eaton, 38. Hair Work.— Mrs. G. F. Wallace, 50 ; Mrs. S. M. Ware, 38. Wax Work.— Mrs. W. Ashton, 75 ; Mrs. Fairbanks, 1 00 ; Miss Nancy Goodrich, 75. Picture Frames. — H. J. Knight, 25. Silk Patch Work.— Mrs. C. L. Fairbanks, 25. Toy Chairs.— Ward E. Allen, 25 ; Robert Rogers, 20. Charms.— W. E. Allen, 38. Fancis House. — Charles W. Martin, 75. Case of Insects. — Edwin P. Munroe, 50. Moss Work.— Miss M. S. Allen, 25. Chamois Skin Gloves. — Mrs. A. Storer, 38. Worsted Tidy. — Lucian Sawyer, 25 ; Florence M. Cowes, 25. Fancy Paintings. — Mrs. F. Mclntire, 75 ; Mrs. F. Mclntire, 50. Worsted Work. — Sarah A. Graham, 75. Worsted Slippers.— Miss H. Wetherbee, 20. Toilet Cushion.— C. E. Woodward, 25. Lamp Mat.— C. E. Woodward, 25. Sofa Pillow. — Mary A. Wyman, 25. Palm Leaf Hat. — Mrs. Harrington, 30. Embroidery.— Ellen E. Pitts, 1 00 ; Mrs. H. W. Pitts, 30. Leggins.— Mrs. C. S. Tileston, 25. Ladies' Hose —Alma D. Henry, 25 ; Miss Jewett, 96 yrs old, 30;' Mrs. Wetherbee, 20. Mittens.— E. M. Huntly, 25. GEORGE JEWETT, Chairman. FINE ARTS. ijf FINE ARTS. Tho Committee on Fine Arts award as follows : Oil Paintings. 1st premium, to G. A. Harwood, 4 00 2d, to Mrs. F. Mclntirc, 2 00 Mrs. Dr. Freoland, gratuity, 1 00 Mrs. II. A. Barden, gratuity, 1 00 Miss E. F. Stevens, gratuity, 1 00 Crayon Drawings. 1st premium, to Mrs. C. L. Fairbanks, 3 00 2d, to Mrs. H. A. Barden, 2 00 Miss E. F. Stevens, for pastel, gratuity, 2 00 Pencil Drawings. 1st premium, to Miss Annie Hay ward, 2 00 2d, to Miss Mary E. Lane, 1 00 Miss Annie A. Emerson, gratuity, 1 00 Miss Edna M. Lowe, gratuity, 75 Miss Ella Wright, gratuity, 75 Charlie P. Dickinson, gratuity, 50 To Sylvanus Sawyer, for drawings of projectiles, gratuity, 1 00 Penmanship. 1st premium, Miss Lora E. Alger, 1 00 • Gratuities. Miss Emma F. Danhy, 75 Miss Maria M. Chandler, 50 Miss Mary Hannigan, 50 Frederic W. Eager, • 50 George E. Smith, 25 Miss Nellie F. Moore, 25 Miss Emma L. Lane, 25 Miss Eva Doe, 25 Miss Jennie A, Becker, 25 Margarett L. Flynn, 25 ALFRED EMERSON, Chairman, 18 MECHANICS AND MANUFACTURES. ESSAYS. There has heen but one Essay submitted to your Committee for their examination ; and after a careful examination thereof, although there are some excellent ideas and principles expressed therein, worthy of adoption, your Committee have come to the decision that said Essay is not of that high order of merit which entitles it to a premium. For the Committee, NATH'L WOOD, Chairman. MECHANICS AND MANUFACTURES. The Committee on Mechanics and Manufactures have performed the duty assigned them, and submit the following as their report ; The number of contributors in this department was unusually large this year, and the sum placed at the disposal of the Committee being the same as that of the two past years, our awai'ds in some instances are not as we would like to have them, and the Committee would recommend that a larger sum be appropriated for this department in future. Your Conunittee have awarded as follows : Sylvanus Sawyer, centre punch, dividers and jack screw, 3 00 Foster & Coggshall, improved furnace, 3 00 J. H. Fairbanks, hardware and cutlery, 1 00 Weston & Place, reeds and harness, 1 00 Munroe, apple parer and Qgg beater, 2 00 S. C. Wright & Co., one engine lathe, 3 00 Putnam Machine Co., air-drill, machine work, forging, and tools, 7 00 B. F. Proctor, specimens of wood turning, 1 00 Joseph Peirce, 2d, specimens of curried leather, 2 00 Wright, Woodward & Co., hardware and tools, 1 00 Spalding & Pratt, machines for cutting meat and vegetables, 2 00 M. J. Morse, furniture, coffins and caskets, 1 00 William Briggs, rocking chair and brackets, 2 00 J. F. Stiles, sewing machines, 1 00 Hartwell & Reed, marble work, 2 00 Simeon Fuller, portable organs and melodeons, 1 00 O. Collester, piano and melodeon, 1 00 Starkey & Fuller, a fine variety of brackets, 3 00 AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. )^ A. Whitney, piano and musical instruments, Cleveland & Davidson, chamber sets, S. D. Willis, furniture and coffins, Partridge & Sawyer, boots and shoes, Hogan & Co., boots and shoes, G. B. Proctor, boots and shoes, Mrs. F. B. Harrington, one palmleaf hat, W. Ball, dental work, Beoli Co., beavers, tricot and silk mixed. Hart & Bach, clothing, C. J. Delahanty & Co., broadcloth, ribb coating and ladies sacking, L. J. Brown, ladies' garments, Allen & Co., stoves, JBateman & Parkhurst, stoves, Jewett & Allen, pianos, ' JFrederick Hildreth, two canes, Whole amount of awards, ' 75 00 WAED M. COTTON, Chairman, 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 2 00 1 50 50 2 00 5 00 1 00 5 00 3 50 3 00 2 00 6 00 50 AGRICULTUEAL IMPLEMENTS. The Committee on Agricultural Implements award the foUowing^ premiums : To the Buckeye Mowing Machine Co., West Fitchburg, for the best mowing machine, 10 00 To the Buckeye Mowing Machine Co., for the best horse rake. 5 00 Luther Thayer, Brighton, for the best hay and straw cutter, 3 00 To Wright, Woodward & Co., for the best churn, 2 00 To Wright, Woodward & Co., for best cultivator, 3 00 To J. H. Fairbanks, for best collection of agricultural implements, 7 00 To Wright, Woodward & Co., for breaking up plow, 5 00 J. H Fairbanks, for Clipper mowing machine, gratuity, 5 00 W. E. Barrett & Co., for collection of plows, &c. gratuity, 6 00 WM. WOODBURY, Chairman. 20 GRADE OR NATIVE BULLS. BLOOD STOCK. Your Committee on Blood Stock have attended to their duty and make the following brief rejjort : On the books of the Society we find five Shorthorns entered for premiums, also, five Ayreshires and one for exhibition ; but your Com- mittee were unable to find but three of the animals, one of which being destitute of any authentic pedigree, to the knowledge of the Commit- tee,we were obliged to pass her by, although the Committee were unan- imously of the opinion that she might be thoroughbred. The Committee were unanimous in the following awards : SHORTHORNS. To the Town of Fitchburg, 1st premium, S6.00, on Bull more than two years old, for their superior bull 6th Earl of Carlisle. The bull Prince of Hartford, owned by Lyman Nichols of Fitch- burg, was deemed by your Committee a very fine animal, but as he was awarded the 2d premium last year could not take the same this year. YEARLINGS. To Augustus Whitman of Fitchburg, 1st premium, $6.00, for his bull Wachusett Chief. "We also recommend a gratuity of $3.00 to Mr. Whitman for his thoroughbred Shorthorn cow and calf. AYRESHIRES. To J. W. Gates of Leominster, 1st premium for his two years old Ayreshire bull. To Lyman Nichols of Fitchbui'g, 2d premium, $3.00, for his year- ling bull. ALDERNEYS. To Nathan Caswell of Fitchbiu-g, 1st premium, $6.00, for his three years old Alderney bull. All of which is respectfully submitted. A. 0. CUMMINGS, Chairman. GRADE OR NATIVE BULLS. BULLS MORE THAN TWO YEARS OLD. To Lyman Nichols of Fitchburg, 1st premium, - $5 00 To F. B, Harrington, Leominster, 2d premium, 3 00 MILCH IvINE. 21 BULLS MOKE THAN ONE YEAH OLD. To Joel Page of Fitclibiirg, 1st premium, 4 00 To Nathan Caswell of Fitchburg, 2d premium, 2 00 BULLS MORE THAN FOUR MONTHS OLD. To A. J. Hubbard of Ashby, 1st premium, 4 00 To N. B. Keed of Princeton, 2d premium, 3 00 For the Committee, SOLON CAllTER, Chairman. MILCH KINE. ON HERD OP FOUR COWS. To F. B. Harrington of Leominster, 2d premium, 7 00 cows FOR BUTTER. To N. B. Reed of Princeton, 1st premium, 5 00 To J. P. Reed of Princeton, 2d *' 4 00 THREE YEARS OLD HEIFERS FOR BUTTER. To H. M. Caswell of Fitcliburg, 1st premium, 5 00 To I. B. Woodward of Fitchburg, 2d " ' 4 00 TWO YEARS OLD HEIFERS FOR BUTTER. To J. E. Merriam of Princeton, 1st premium, 4 00 THREE YEARS OLD HEIFERS FOR MILK. To J. P. Reed of Princeton, 1st premium, 5 00 To Augustus Gates of Leominster, 3d premium, 3 00 COWS FOR MILK. To N. B. Reed of Princeton, 1st premium, 5 00 To Augustus Gates of Leominster, 2d premium, 4 00 To J. P. Reed of Princeton, 3d premium, 3 00 The cow offered by J. P. Sabin of Fitchburg, we consider a very extra one and should have taken the first premium but entered without a full statement. Other extra cows were offered for premium whicli would have se- cured the special notice of your Committee had the entrees been made 22 MILCH KINE. in season. One by E. T. Miles, anotlier by B. Prentiss, botli of Fitcliburg. The two heifers oiFerecl by F. B. Harrington of Leominster, were extra heifers, l)ut tlie statement being made of the two together we could not find the real merits of either. Tlie lieifer and calf offered by G. S. Merriam, of Westminster, were fine looking animals, the calf especially looking as though he had fared sumptuously every day for four weeks. JOEL DAYIS, Chairman. Statement of F. B. Harrington. Gentlemen : The herd of four eows which I offer for premium, are of the Durham breed. Their ages are nine, eight, seven and six. The weiglit of milk at the June trial was 798 lbs. ; butter from the same 36 lbs. The corresponding days in September, weight of milk 575 lbs. ; butter from the same 26^ lbs. Total milk 1873 lbs. ; total butter C2J lbs. Keeping in June common pasture ; in Sept, pasture with corn fod- der once a day. FRED. B. HARRINGTON. Leominster, Sept. 19th, 1866. Statement of Nathan B. Reed. To the Committee on Milch Kine : I offer one cow 11 years old for the best milch cow. She gave during the trial in June 264 lbs. of milk, an average of 20 quarts ; in September she gave 210 lbs., averaging 15 J qts. Also, one cow 8 years old for butter. She gave in June 210 lbs. of milk which made 9 pounds of butter. In September she gave 180 ll)s. of milk which made 7 lbs. of butter. Their keeping has been pasture, with fodder corn since the first of August. NATHAN B. REED. Statement of J. P. Reed. To the Committee on Milch Kine : Gentlemen : — I offer for premium two milch cows and one milch heifer, as follows : one cow six years old, Holdcrness breed, calved MILCH KINE. 23 Jan. 18, 18GC) ; is to calve again Jan. 18G7. T offia- lier as a itiildi cow. She gave at the June trial '2'2S^ lbs. of milk ; Septcinlior trial 192 lbs. Keeping in June trial nothing but pnsture ; in Septeniljer an addition of corn fodder and one quart of meal per day. I offer for premium one butter cow, five years old, Molderness and Native. Her produce in butter, June trial, was 8 pounds and 10 ounces; September trial 6 pounds and 3 ounces. Keeping as before stated. Calved March 8d, 186G ; calves again Feb. 8th, 1SG7. I offer for premium one milch heifer, 3 years old, Holderness breed. She gave in June trial 203^ pounds of milk ; September trial 107^ pounds of milk. She calved April 24th, 18GG, and is to calve again the 1st of next April. Keeping as before stated. J. P. REED. Princeton, September 18th, 18G6. Statement of Hosea M. Caswell. This three years old heifer made 8g pounds of Butter the first week in June conmiencing the first Monday ; also, the six corresponding days in September made 7^ pounds of butter. She had no feed but the summer pasture. HOSEA M. CASWELL. Statement of I. B. Woodward. The heifer which I offer for premium is grade Durham, three j^ears old last March. Amount of Butter made from her milk for six days commencing the first Monday in June, was six pounds and ten ounces (6 lbs. 10 oz.) The corresponding time in September, six jwunds (6 lbs.) In June she had one quart of meal per day over her pas- ture feed ; in September none. ISAAC B. WOODWABD. Statement of J. E. Merriam. To the Committee on Milch Kine : Sirs : — -The heifer which I offer for premium is two years and seven months old. Breed Holderness. She dropped her calf Ajn-il 9th ; time of next calving March 13th, 18G7. Quantity of milk first six days in June, 148 lbs.; quantity of milk first six days in September, 24 HEIFERS. 123 lbs. Quantity of butter first six days in June, 6f lbs. of very yellow and waxy butter ; quantity of butter in September, 5 J lbs. She had no feed excepting what she got in a commom pasture. She was yarded nights. Kespectfully yours, J. E. MERRIAM. Princeton, Sept. 8th, 1866. Statement of Augustus Gates. To the Committee on Milch Kine : This tln-ee years old heifer, *' Star," breed Native, dropped her first calf May 5th. June trial her milk weighed 211 lbs,, her keeping common pasture with two quarts of shorts per day. September trial her milk weighed 138 lbs., her keeping the same with corn fodder night and morning. 1 offer for premium one cow for milk, eight years old, breed native. She dropped her calf April 2d. June trial she gave 262 lbs. milk, her kee])ing common pasture and two quarts shorts mornings ; Septem- ber trial 192 lbs. milk, her keeping two quarts shorts and corn fodder niglit and morning. AUGUSTUS GATES. North Leominster, Sept. 17th, 18G6. HEIFEKS. Trie Committee on Heifers make the following report : TVrO YEAES OLD. To D. C. Miles of Westminster, 1st premium, To J. P. Reed of Princeton, 2d premium, To F. B. Harrington of Leominster, 3d premium," ONE YEAll OLD. To N. B. Becd of Princeton. 1st premium. To A. P. Adams of Pitchburg, 2d premium, To J. P. Kecd of Princeton, 3d premium, 0. P. WOODBURY, /or ^/«e Committee. $4 00 3 00 2 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 WORKING OXEN. 26- HEIFER CALVES. The Committee on Heifer Calves have attended to their duty and make the following awards : CALVES MORE THAN FOUR MONTHS OLD. To Walter Whitney of Fitchburg, 1st premium, $4 00 To E. T. Miles of Fitchburg, gratuity, 2 00 CALVES RAISED BY HAND. To E. D. Works of Fitchburg, 1st premium, 4 00 To J. E. Merriam of Princeton, 2d premium, 3 00 To N. B. Eeed of Princeton, 3d premium, 2 00 All of which is respectfully submitted. J. M. SAWYER, Chairman, WORKING OXEN. The Committee on Working Oxen have attended to their duty and make the following awards : To N. B. Reed of Princeton, 1st premium, $7 00 To J. P. Reed of Princeton, 2d premium, 6 00 To Warren W. Shattuck of Fitchburg, 3d premium, 6 00 To A. Gr. Thompson, of Princeton, 4th premium, 4 00 To Loriston Stock well, of Fitchburg, 5th premium, 3 00 The Committee also recommend a gratuity to F. B. Harring- ton of Leominster, of 2 00 Also to Mr. Young of Leominster, a gTatuity of 2 00 To Chas. H. Thompson of Princeton, as teamster, 1st prem., 5 00 EZRA KENDALL, Chairman. STEERS2M0RE THAN TWO YEARS OLD. The Committee charged with the duty of assigning premiums on Steers more than two years old, (including Trained two years old Steers, and Minor Teamsters, respectively,) having attended to their duty, respectfully submit the following report : 5 00 4 00 3 00 4 00 2 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 26 STEERS MORE THAN TWO YEARS OLD. THREE YEARS OLD SREERS. To J. P. Reed of Princeton, 1st premium, To P. M. Myrick of Princeton, 2d premium. To W. E. Beaman of Princeton, od premium, MINOR TEAMSTERS. To Myron Beaman of Princeton, 1st premium, To Merton Beaman of Princeton, 2d premium, TWO YEARS OLD STEERS. To N. B. Reed of Princeton, 1st premium. To Franklin Nourse of Sterling*, 2d premium, To J. P. Reed of Princeton,. 3d premium, STEERS TRAINED, TWO YEARS OLD. To J. P. Reed of Princeton, 1st premium, 4 00 2d premium — None to compete. To the Society, to competitors and tlie general public, it is believed committees owe a fair statement of all the points wbicli have borne any considerable weight in tlieir decisions ; and with the presentation of these, and a few incidental suggestions, your Committee will hope to receive " an honorable discharg'e." If any spectator had doubted the practicabihty of ox-training, or the wisdom of appropriating a part of the Society's funds to stimulate efforts towards a higher standard, this year's exhibition of working cattle was well calculated to remove those doubts and to elicit approval. Of the several trials of working steers it is but just to say that the several pairs appeared to fairly represent the character and degree of then' training ; but at the same time your Committee cannot refrain from expressing regret that the performance of the pairs belonging to J. P. Reed was so much superior to that which received the second premium, that the making a just award was an easy matter. As your Committee define their province, awards in this class have very little reference to points which would be regarded if the cattle were entered only as standing stock ; yet as really superior training is so largely dependent on good matching and symmetrical build, we take pleasure in citing as an illustration the before-mentioned steers of J. P. Reed. Lest our awards and report should fall under the suspicion of flowing from the tastes and predilections of "fancy men," and "gentlemen farmers," (in view of some fanciful feats which our friend Reed's steers were made to exhibit, subsequent to their legitimate trials,) we would state that our decisions were made up without reference to such exploits, as we were in duty bound. Indeed, it is on purely utilitarian grounds that we award the highest STEERS MORE TITAN TWO YEARS OLD. 27 premium and praise to the kind and degree of training exhibited in these cattle. It is not so much mere capacity for draught, as an educated nimbleness in performing light work, that farmers in general require. The peculiar use and advantage of this quality is often experienced in jobs where much turning, halting, backing, etc., is required ; as pulling stones, stumps and tlie like, from the ground, and hauHng logs together in the woods. In winter work the constant liability t!) injury, which all working cattle are more or less under, is also rerluced nearly to the point of safety. When we reflect how generally cattle in these employments are grossly abused, it seems hardly possible to overestimate the value of those habits which tend to avprt, if tliey do not actually insure them against the accidents which impend, and the abuses of teamstership which befall. How have our hearts bled with pity, and alternately burned with indignation and shame, at the sight of those sad wrecks of once noble structures of meat, muscle and bone, while reflecting how great a por- tion of the lost strength was a wasteful expenditure incident to their lack of training, their awkwardness, and the cruelties thereby entailed. By the rules of the Society, all persons are excluded from compe- tition as teamsters, except those under age ; and your committee felt somewhat embarrassed in the performance of their duties as arbiters in the matter of teamstership, from the fact that while they did not feel bound by any law of the Society to award an undeserved premium, they did feel bound to act in deference to the apparently indifferent standard created and recognized by preceding committees. It is hoped, therefore, that competitors, and all others concerned, will by these qualifying remarks, be able to discern the standard which your committee recognize and feel bound to uphold. The good teamster must have an apprehensive mind, a clearly de- fined purpose, and a strong will. Cattle that have been educated under the influence of these qualities can be relied on to put forth their utmost strength, from a habit of voluntary obedience — without the stimulation of whip, or any noisy demonstrations. No being, human or quadruped, can do its best under stress of violence — it precludes confidence and courage, which are the truest guarantees of the highest endeavor in man or beast. Who knows but a glimmering belief that ha can do a thing, must, even in the animal, precede the actual exploit 'i In the exercise of backing there was, with a single exception, a failure to run the load back rapidly and straight, which we attributed chiefly to a single cause, viz : the driver's standing too near the cattle's heads, forward, and rather scaring them back by a fussy, impetuous manner, and vigorous whipping, than setting them the example by baching himself. W^e never saw a pair so managed but would make unequal exertions in spite of the anxious driver, and iving out so as to 28 STEERS MORE THAN TWO YEARS OLD. thwart his earnest purpose. Common men, crossed in their expecta- tions under such circumstances, are not likely to complacently ** accept the situation," and are extremely liable, under the mortification of failure, to involve themselves in a complication of difficulties, for which, in justice they have only themselves to blame. Failure to comprehend the " modus operandi " of driving is the defect of the common run of teamsters. Whoever clearly comprehends what he wishes his team to do — the how of doing it — is usually possessed of tact and force to realize its execution. We are often led to believe that teamsters, like poets, are "born, not made;" and yet- teamstership is an art which can be acquired wherever there is that passionate devotion which makes adepts in other arts. Such devotion we verily believe its importance demands. For the information of any who may be in doubt, we would say that of the two pairs of working steers entered as W. E. Bea- man's, the third premium was awarded to the pair whose trial came off first. In view of the annoyance we experienced, in consideration of the greater duties devolving upon committees on this class of stock, your committee beg leave to suggest the propriety of allowing the trial of working steers to precede that of working oxen, in future exhibitions. We also respectfully suggest that the Society create an office like that of sergeantrat-arms, and fill it with a committee empowered to compel ^attendance from owners of stock. While wearily traversing up and down the line of "two-year-olds'^ — those seemingly immobile masses of youthful beef on legs, negligently tethered to the Common-fence — with anxious intent to do full justice to absent competitors, your committee could not but wish that they had been on the ground to show that the said youthful beeves were not merely reluctantly and awkwardly standing two by two, for the occa- sion, but were capable of activities which might help to decide the question of degrees of merit — below the superlative. Of the eight pairs whose owners' names appeared under this class in the entry book, your committee succeeded in finding but seven, until a few moments before retiring. The missing pair was found in one of the pens ; but unhappily (?) was not of a character to necessitate an alteration of the verdict which your committee had pronounced on the others. Respectfully submitted in behalf of the Committee, A. B. DAVIS, Chairman. CALVES. 29 YEARLING STEERS AND STEER CALVES. The Committee on Yearling Steers and Steer Calves, award tlie following premiums : YEARLING STEERS. To J. P. Reed of Princeton, 1st premium, $3 00 To A. G. Thompson, of Princeton, 2d premium, ' 2 00 TRAINED YEARLINGS. To J. P. Reed of Princeton, 1st premium, 3 00 STEER CALVES. To Abel F. Adams of Fitchburg, 1st premium, $6 00 ToN. B. Reed of Princeton, 2d premium, 4 00 To Charles Flagg, of Sterling, 3d premium, 2 00 CALVES RAISED BY HAND. To E. D. Works of Fitchburg, 1st premium, 6 00 To Josiah Page of Westminster, 2d premium, 4 00 To J. P. Reed of Princeton, 3d premium, 2 00 TRAINED CALVES. To Alfred 1^. Skinner of Princeton, 1st premium, 4 00 To J. P. Reed of Princeton, 2d premium, 3 00 Your Committee found many other calves raised by hand which were worthy of premium, but their limits would not admit of it. For the Committee, JOEL PAGE, Chairman. CALVES. The Committee on the best pen of Calves not less than four, having attended to their duty, award the following premiums : To Lyman Nichols of Fitchburg, 1st premium, $10 00 We would recommend a gratuity of $5.00 to Abijah G. Thompson of Princeton. JOEL MERRIAM, Jr., Chairman. 30 SWINE. FAT CATTLE. Your Committee on Fat Cattle report : That only two oxen were offered for premium ; one by J. P. Ileed of Princeton, and one by N. B. Reed of Princeton. Each of the oxen was also one of a pair that were entered as working oxen. They were grass-fed, and good of the kind, but we did not think either of them entitled to the first pre- mium offered by the Society for a fat ox. We have therefore awarded To N. B. Reed of Princeton, the 2d premium of $5 00 To J. P. Reed of Princeton, the 3d premium of 3 00 Your Committee feel constrained to express' their regret that the farmers in a district where there are so many fat cattle, should neglect to compete for the premiums of the Society. We saw fat oxen upon the ground not entered for premium which in our opinion were better than those to which we have awarded them. There were six fat cows entered for premium — all grass-fed, and most of them very good. Joshua T. Everett of Princeton, entered three, weighing respectively 1405 lbs., 1325 and 1265 lbs. Joel Page of Fitchburg, entered a cow weighing 1175 lbs. We bave awarded To Joshua T. Everett of Princeton, the 1st premium of $6 00 To Joshua T. Everett of Princeton, the 2d premium of 3 OO To Joel Page of Fitchburg, the 3d premium of 2 00 There were seven three years old steers and a heifer entered for premium, and your Committee regret that they had but two premiums at their disposal. All were grass-fed. We have awarded To Lyman Nichols of Fitchburg, the 1st premium of $6 00 To John W. Hale of Royalston, the 2d premium of 4 00 We recommend a gratuity of $2.00 to B. F. Proctor of Fitchburg, for his heifer, the only one entered. Per order of the Committee, IVERS PHILLIPS, Chairman. SWINE. The Committee on Swine have attended to their duty, ^nd would respectfully subnut the following report : Justice to a much abused family of the animal kingdom, as well as a proper regard for the best interests of the human race, demand that SWINE. 31 WG should do more than meitily .spocify our awards of the premiums offered. We propose to take issue witli tliose persons who have (especially since the supposed advent of Hog Cholera and Trichinae) been so bitter in their denunciations of this useful and respectable animal ; to present, briefly, some of the points they make, and- to remove as much of the effect produced, as we fairly can. You say that by special command of God the Jews were forbidden to eat the flesh of swine, or to have anything to do with them, and therefore we should follow their example. Are there not many of our habits and customs which differ widely from theirs, equally ordained of God, and yet we glory and feel justi- fied in taking a different course 'i Unless, then, there is some peculiar reason why we should keep this part of tlie IMosaic Law, we may as well b7^eak it as a hundred other parts which we do break continually and think ourselves blameless. But let us talk a little about the Hog of the present day. You say *'he is stubborn, bent on having his own way; that if you wish to drive him to one place you must start him vigorously towards one in the opposite direction, and then he will be sure to go where you want him to." Granted, at once, but do you know any men who manifest the same disposition, and do you like or respect them any the less for it? In fact do'nt you rather object to being driven yourself? Wouldn't you rather have your neighbors make it for your interest to take a certain coui'se, and pleasantly call your attention to the fact, than to have them say " There is your road, now travel in it, or we '11 sprout you, pull your ears, or twist your tail ! " Friends, when next you wish your best hog to move, suppose you take a little measure of corn, and after giving him a few grains (just by way of sample, you know all things are sold by sample in these days) start along on the road you wish him to follow, occasionally dropping a kernel to encour- age his faith that you still have a few more left, and see if you can't pull him by his teeth and love of corn better than you could by his ears and tail. You say " his table manners are insufferable, both in regard to what he eats and how he eats it." In regard to what we eat, drink, or wear, tastes differ. You make no objection to a feast upon the carcase of one of your Shanghais, although the same garbage which you say makes the pork unfit for food, is seized with avidity by your favorite crower, or pullet. Did you ever know of a hog that would touch whiskey, or lager beer, or tobacco ? Suppose he does hurry somewhat in taking his meals. Are there not men and women of your acquaintance who make a " Fast Freight Line" of their throats at meal tune, and beat the "New York Central," or Baltimore & Ohio" out of sight? Suppose he does sometimes seem determined to have all he wants, whether Mrs. P. and the little Pigs and Pigesses got a bite or no. 32 SWINE. Did you ever go to a human " Picnic," or social '* Gathering," and see conduct somewhat similar ? You say pork is not fit to eat, because so many hogs die of the Cholera. Why not refuse to eat beef because thousands upon thou- sands of cattle die annually from Murrain, Spanish Fever, or Pleuro Pneumonia ? *' But pork is full of Trichinse, little thread-like animals, invisible to the naked eye, and yet capable of riddling the man who swallows them, like a piece of perforated card board, and making him die the most horrible death it is possible to imagine ; being burnt at the stake is nothing to it !" Friends, do your know that such thread-like, parasitic animals are to be found in all organized living beings — man not excepted ? It is a fact ; but if you think you have enough already, just have your pork as thoroughly cooked as you do your beef, and you will make no additions from either source, for the degree of heat necessary to cook meat is fatal to all animal life. Only such persons as have eaten large quantities of ham or other pork raw, have suffered from Trichinas. Perhaps you think you don't like to eat them after they are cooked. Why not eat such small animals as well as large ones ? And then too why not refuse to drink water, because careful microscopic observations and calculations prove that a single drop of what looks and tastes like pure water, sometimes contains millions of living animals ? Rather small, to be sure, but then, think of the number ! Having shown you the absurdity of some of your objections to the Hog and his flesh, which we call pork, let us gently remind you of a few arguments in their favor. He (the hog) is emphatically the poor man's beast. How many an otherwise waste morsel is claimed and relished by him, and in due time transmuted into delicious pork, ready to be eaten as spare-rib, steak, or cutlet, or turned into savory ham or sausages that have no bark nor wag ! He extracts roots as readily as the greatest mathematician in the world, and makes more use of them when they are out. Noxious weeds he either eats and reduces them to a state in which they may contribute to the increase of nobler growths, or mixes them at once into the man- ure heap, the Farmer's mine of wealth. Almost his whole support till the last few weeks of his life may be drawn from what must otherwise be wholly wasted in a family or the kitchen garden. To have two or three hundred pounds of meat at such trifling cost, is no mean item \xx a poor man's income. It is a powerful help in making the two ends meet. But we all know how great is the demand, and how profitable the business of raising pork for market. Some farmers, we know, say there is no profit in keeping them, but with their management something is wrong, or they do not tell us a true story. Perhaps they have no such stock as was exhibited in our pens to-day. A man who in these days SWINE. 813 is satisfied witli bogs tliat have no trace of Suffolk, Leicester, Chester County, or some other superior blood in them, would use his great grandfiitber's old wooden plow, with a few straps of tin or sheet iron on it, and it wouldn't be strange if he were to do liis courting with his father's old love-letters. In focdin<2; all animals, some farmers make a mistake in not d(jing it well, liberalhj, and regularly. Tliey act almost as if a pint of grain pinched out of an animal, was so much stived. Tliis is a sad blunder, for if you give your beast but just enough to repair tlie waste which is continually going on in Ids system, ho has nothing from which to produce nuiscle, bone, or fat. Some go to the opposite extreme of feeding very highly for a long time, and thus make hogs tliat weigh six or seven hundred, and beeves in proportion. Such meat, altlxnigh it looks tempting to the eye, is unfit for food, and it may be from witnessing, or experiencing the bad effects of over-indulgence in the like, that you have become prejudiced against pork. As much injury will result from gorging one's self with very fat beef, or mutton, or poultry, as from very fat pork. It is the abuse of God's gifts, and not their proper use, which causes suffer- ing to His children. We are glad to say from the appearance of the stock to-day exhibited, that some of the farmers of Worcester North know how^ to produce, and properly care for, animals of .this class. There were fourteen lots entered, all but one of which w^ere on exhi- bition. The Committee had some difficulty in deciding on the compar- ative merits of some of the lots of weaned pigs, but finally decided unanimously to award the following premiums : BOARS MORE THAN ONE YEAR OLD. To Geo. R. Carter of Leominster, 1st premium, $4 00 BOARS LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD. To J. M. Sawtell of Fitchburg, gratuity of 3 00 FAT HOGS MORE THAN EIGHT MONTHS OLD. To Dennis Fay of Ash by, 1st premium. To Seth Tw^ichell of Fitchlmrg, gratuity, FAT PIGS MORE THAN I'OUR MONTHS OLD. To B. F. Proctor of Fitchburg, 2d premium. To B. F. Proctor of Fitchburg, 3d premium, ■ BREEDING SOWS. To Isaac B. Woodward of Fitchburg, 2d premium, To J. M. Sawtell of Fitchlmrg, gratuity, To J. M. Sawtell of Fitchburg, gratuity, 8 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 2 00 (} 00 1 00 34 STALLIONS. WEANED PIGS NOT LESS THAN FOUR. To James Mclntire of Fitchburg, 1st premium, 3 00 To Levi Kendall of Fitchburg, 2d premium, 2 00 To Walter Whitney of Fitchburg, 3d premium, 1 00 To W. W. Shattuck of Fitchburg, (2 lots) gratuity $1 each, 2 00 The Committee regret that some of the best stock was not entered in season to receive a premium according to the rules of the Society. Mr. J. M. Sawtell's Leicester sow would have received the first prem- ium, and his Chester White the second, had they been properly entered. His Leicester Boar, less than one year old, was well worthy the first premium in his class. Mr. Seth Twichell's Fat Hog would have received the second premium had it been entered in season. GEO. S. HOUGHTON, Chairman. STALLIONS. The Committee on Stallions have attended to the duties assigned them, and make the following awards : STALLIONS FIVE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. *To G. E. Maynard of Lowell, " Gen. Sherman," 1st prem., $12 00 To E. T. Miles of Fitchburg, " King Phillip," 2d premium, 8 00 STALLIONS FOUR YEARS OLD. To Warren Simonds of Templeton, 1st premium, 6 00 tTo Thomas Lane of Fitchburg, 2d premium, 4 00 ALFKED IJITCHCOCK, Chairman. * The award of the 1st premium was not accepted by the Society, but referred to a com- mittee and subsequently brought before the Trustees, who decided that the money should not be paid, inasmuch as the stallion was stabled two miles away and not brought upon the ground at all on the day of exhibition. t After this premium was paid it appeared that Mr. Lane had deceived as to the time he had owned the horse, and he was made by the Trustees to refund the money and debarred the privileges of the Society, according to the rules in such cases. Sic, DRAUGHT HORSES. 95 MARES AND SUCKING COLTS. The Committee on Marcs and Sucking Colts having attended to the duty assigned to them' make their report as follows : BREEDING MARES. To William Gould of Fitchburg, 1st premium, $6 00 To Zopher Taylor of Harvard, 2d premium, 4 00 To George Miles of Westminster, 3d premium, 2 00 COL^S. To J. W. Gibson of Ashburnham, 3d premium, 1 00 WILLIAM M. PRIDE, Chairman, DRAUGHT HORSES. The Committee on Draught and Family Horses having attended to their duty, report the following premiums : DRAUGHT HORSES PAIRS. To James P. Putnam, Fitchburg, 2d premium, $4 00 SINGLE HORSES. To Herbert D., Goodrich, Fitchburg, 1st premium, 5 00 To A. S. Dole, Fitchburg, 2d premium, 3 00 MINOR TEAMSTERS. To T. R. B. Dole (15 years old,) Fitchburg, 2d premium, 2 00 FAMILY HORSES PAIRS. To James Sawyer, Templeton, 1st premium, 7 00 To F. W. Wright, Ashby, 2d, premium, 5 00 FAMILY HORSES — SINGLE. To George E. Towne, Fitchburg, 1st premium, 5 00 To Augustus Whitman, Fitchburg, 2d premium, 3 00 OHIO WHITNEY, Jr. Chairrmn, 36 • SHEEP. COLTS. Your Committee have attended to the duty assigned them. They found eleven Colts entered according to the rules of the Society. Of these four were owned in Fitchburg, two were from Ashburnham, and one from each of the following towns : Princeton, Sterling, Leominster, Lunenburg and Harvard. Four were three years old, one two years, and six one year old. The committee were unanimous in awarding their premiums to the three year olds, but the others were not so good as we had hoped to see. We hope the members of this Society will give this part of the Show more attention, and that another year we shall see a better show of young colts. The Committee have awarded the following premiums : THREE YEARS OLD FILLIES, To John B. Proctor of Fitchburg, 1st premium, 4 00 To Josiah Puffer of Harvard, 2d premium, 2 00 TWO YEARS OLD FILLIES. To Joseph Cushing of Fitchburg, 1st premium, 4 00 YEARLING COLTS. To Levi White of Lunenburg, 1st premium, 4 00 To Benjamin Wheeler of Fitchburg, 2d premium, 2 00 JOHN M. HARRIS, Chairman. SHEEP. The Committee on Sheep have attended to their duty and award the following premiums : BEST FLOCK. To John W. Hale of Royalston, 1st premium, $10 00 To Calvin Whitney of Westminster, 2d premium* 5 00 BUCKS. To George R. Carter of Leominster, 1st premium, 5 00 To James H. Laws of Westminster, 2d premium, ^ 3 00 They also recommend gratuities as follows : To C. W. Gibson, on Cossets, 1 00 To P. M. Mirick, on Buck, 1 00 To A. G. Thompson, on Buck, 1 00 W. H. VOSE, Chairman. TOWX TKAMS, DOUBLl-] TEAMS. 37 POULTRY. V The Gmiimitteo on Poultry liavo attendotl to tlio duty assigned them and award the following preniiunjs : TURKEYS. To I. B. Woodward of Fitch1)uro-, 1st [)remiuni, $15 00 To Otis Plagg of Westminster, 'id premium, 2 00 BARN YARD FOWLS. To Otis Flagg of Westminster, 1st premium, 3 00 They also reeommend tlie following gratuities : To S. 11. Damon of Ashby, on his Turkey, 1 00 To F. A. Smith of Fitcliburg, on his Fowls, 1 00 To F. Kilburn of Lunenburg, on his Wild wood Ducks raised • by hand, 2 00 To B. F. Proctor of Fitchburg, on his Doves, 50 To Herbert J. Monroe of Fitchburg, on his Doves, 50 To B. W. Pitts of Fitchburg, on his Fowls, 50 To Geo. A. Johnson on his Guinea Pigs, (which in our opinion should have been entered at the other end of the Common,) 1 00 C. S. 3IE11RIAM, Choirman. TOWN TEAMS. There was but one Town Team upon exhibition, and the Connnittee unanimously agree in awarding to the Town of Leominster the 1st premium of $25.00. WILLIAM WOODBURY, CJiairman. PLOWING— DOUBLE TEAMS. The Committee on Double Teams having attended to the duty assigned them, make the following awards : To Moses Saw}^er, 2d, of Sterling, 1st premium, $7 00 To Charles Flagg of Sterling, 2d premium, 5 00 To Charles C. Boyden of Leominster, 3d premium, ^ 3 00 The Committee recommend to Joseph Upton of Fitchburg, a gratuity of ^00 GEORGE WOOD, Cha'mnmi. 38 HORSE TEAMS, GARDEJ^S. PLOWING— SINGLE TEAMS. The Committee on Plowing (Single Teams) have 'attended to the duty assigned them, and report as follows : Number of teams entered, three, and the Committee were unani- mous in awarding To Warren W. Shattuck of Fitchburg, 1st premium, $7 00 To Hubbard B. Fuller, of Fitchburg, 2d premium, 6 00 To F. B. Harrington of Leominster, 3d premium, 3 00 JOEL HAYWARD, Chairman. PLOWING— HOUSE TEAMS. The Committee on Horse Teams, having attended to the duty assigned them, award as follows : To Warren B. Page (Minor) of Fitchburg, 1st premium, $7 00 To James P. Putnam of Fitchburg, 2d premium, 5 00 To S. M. Dole of Fitchburg, 3d premium, 3 00 JOHN M. FORRISTALL, Chairman. GARDENS. The Committee on Gardens would report that one of their number, Mr. Oliver Kendall, was removed by death, early in the season, and before they had organized for business, and they will be pardoned if, in this report, they drop the tear of tenderness and kind remembrance, for one of their number removed from his sphere of usefulness as a citizen and public servant, in the prime of his manhood. This vacancy was filled by the appointment of Mr. B. F. Wallis of Ashby. Three gardens were entered by citizens from three different towns, viz., Alvah Crocker of Fitchburg, Martin Johnson of Lunenburg, and Ebenezer Bird of Leominster : these were visited from time to time by your committee and found well cultivated and generally free from weeds. Mr. Crocker's garden was managed by Mr. Joseph Dyke, an accom- plished gardener, who showed marked ability in the arrangement and rotation of his crops, which commenced in mid winter and continued un- til late autumn. Among some of the earlier products were lettuce ROOTS. 39 for the table on the 4th of March, radishes on the 15th of April, cucum- bers May 4th, and potatoes on the 4th of July. The number of varieties of vegetables through the season, of which he gave us a list, was Jifty-elght, comprising numerous varieties of the more common garden productions as well as many kinds classed with the luxuries of their season, and which are too seldom cultivated by the farmer. We have awarded him the first premium of Six Dollars. Mr. Johnson was a member of the Committee, and attended well to his duties until we came to make our final awards, and, being withal a modest gentleman, he then withdrew. He raises large quantities of the more common garden vegetables for the market, and his garden is con- ducted with a view to profit (and successfully, as we should infer,) as well as a means of supply to his own table. So far as quantity was concerned he has no competitor, we believe, in Worcester North, and the quality of his productions is well known to many of our citizens, and besides he annually grows large quantities of garden seeds for other sec- tions of the country, and we decided that he was entitled to the second premium of Four Dollars. Mr. Bird's garden was better than the average of kitchen gardens, and we have awarded him the third premium of Two Dollars. L. H. BRADFORD, ) />,^^,v,,, •B. F. WALLIS, f ^^^^''^''' ROOTS. > The committee on Root crops submit the following Report and award the following premiums. ONIONS. We regret to say that only one field of onions was entered in due sea- son to compete for the society's premium ; and that, by Mr, Lawrin Pratt, South Fitchburg, to whom we award the first premium, Harris on Insects. The product on the average rod selected weighed 277 J lbs. = 4^^^^^^ bushels, or 792 4-5 bushels per acre. The field on which Mr. Pratt grew his onions is alluvial soil on the bank of a branch of the Nashua river ; the surface soil is quite sandy or such as has been made from the surrounding hills for centuries, caused by the overflowing of the stream ; consequently a great variety of soil. The mode of cultivation may be found on another page of the Transactions. The crop was a very excellent one ; never have we witnessed a field of 40 EOOTJs. of so even size , or better quality ; scarcely a root on the whole field was worthy the name of scullion. We think Mr. Pratt made a great mistake in the operation of his crop, as the cultivation was by no means clean ; i3ut weeds, weeds, WEEDS, were allowed to grow as well as onions ; we are of the opinion, had he expended 8100 worth of extra labor, " kept down the weeds," he might have had 1000 bushels instead of 800 which would well have paid ihe expense, in future crops as well as in the present. Mr. Pratt in this matter perhaps should be excused as it is well known to one of the members of the committee that he has bee'n quite ill for the most part of the season and was obliged to trust his onion bed to such help as he cou'd get, not such as he would have had. SANDY SOILS. This kind cf soil has generally been considered not worthy of culti- vation ; but every farmer well knows the mode that has been adopted for the last fifty years in working light sanfly soils. It is simply to plow very light and shallow, and crop with winter rye year after year, or in alternate years, as the soil will hold out, or grow wiry grass for poor sheep to graze upon, and without the application of manure or fertiliz- ers ; and under such cultivation wlio can expect a good return of any crop from such soils ? Dr. Dana says : " Of all the soils to be cultivated or to be restored, none are to be preferred to the sandy light soils." It is obvious that light soils may be improved in various ways, and we must be governed by the surrounding circumstances. Tf they are in the immediate vicin- ity of a clay pit or fresh meadow, either clay, muck, or both, may be used with good results ; the writer of these remarks has experimented with muck upon soils of this character for the last three years where a» young apple orchard has been transplanted, and is satisfied that twenty loads of muck, one load of leached ashes and one load of horse manure are of more value to the trees and hoed crops than the same number of loads of barn manure; as this treatment serves not only to maJce but very much to improve the soil. Another mode of operation is to plow in green crops, such as oats, buckwheat or clover ; as soon as the crop is in blossom turn it in and re-seed, thus plowing in two crops the same year ; in case the soil has been dressed with muck, this method serves to has- ten the work of reclaimation. It is the experience of some practical farmers that the crop be allowed to perfect itself and die where it grew, and turned in in a dry state, and the dry crop is of more value than two crops of green. Evidently the dry crop gives more " geine " (earth) than the green ; the one acts as a quick consuming fire, the other a slow mouldering ember giving off gases that serve to feed plants and decompose the sand and quartz. These hard silicates in the soil have their parts to perform, and it is for the cultivator of the soils to supply them with vegetable matter, such as muck, meadow Bay, straw, &c., and their decay causes an evolution of ROOTS. 41 gas that decomposes the silicates of potash in the sand ; and the potash converts the insoluble into soluble manure, which produces the crop. A word to our young farmers or farmer's boys. Take a few square rods of your light soil, if any you have, and try the experiment as suggested and we believe with an outlay of ;?20 on ^ of an acre in labor,°wiU in due time produce from 50 to 100 bushels of onions, or its equivalent in Eome other crop ; will you try it ? CABBAGE. Of this crop three entries were made : one by Lawrin Pratt of So. Fitchburg, the others by Ephraim Graham and Martin Johnson of Lunenburg. The product fropa the squre rod selected from L. Pratt's field weigh- ed 248 J lbs., to whom we award the first premium, S2.00. The product from the rod on E. Graham's field was 248 lbs., to whom we award the 2d premium, $1.00. Evidently this crop can be grown on almost any soil where a crop of corn can be cultivated with success. Generally, however, in this sec- tion, we get the best return where the surface soil is black loam, approaching muck, and a clay subsoil, or on reclaimed meadow ; in case the surface soil is sandy, a compost of muck, night soil and leached ashes will produce a stronger and more remunerative crop than the same amount of barn manure. The best variety for fall and winter use doubtless is the " Stone Mason"; heads have been grown from plants the present year weighing from twenty to twenty-five pounds, equal in flavor to the " Savoy," and selling in some sections at a higher rate. The 10th af June is the proper time to plant for winter use ; if planted earlier they are liable to crack and decay. The best and more successful crops are usually grown by preparing the soil as for a field of corn, manuring in the hill, dropping the seed and covering from one-half an inch to three- fourths in depth, without transplanting. From the circumstance that such extensive crops have been grown the past year, the growers have been obliged to sell at comparatively low prices, yet "i'ankee skill has guessed it out" that we may "have a home market " for the crop. A very extensive milk producer in this section having purchased some ten tons to feed out to cows, says, to quote his own language ; " My cows, since feeding with cabbage, have increased their milk from fifteen to twenty per cent.'' Says another, " My ex- perience is that cabbage produces flesh, as well as milk," which facts go to show that we can at any time find ready sale for the crop. CARROTS. "All vegetation, in various stages of growth, requires warmth, air and moisture to support life and health. Below the surface of the ground there is a body of stagnant water, sometimes to great depth, but in 4i ROOTS. retentive soils usually within a foot or two of the surface. This stagnant water not only excludes the air, but renders the soil much colder, and being •in itself of no value, its removal to a greater depth is very desirable." And to accomplish the object, under-draining must be resorted to. Evidently some soils require more expense than others ; a clayey sub-soil requires much deeper, and a greater number of drains than in fields where the soil is of a more loamy character ; again, we must be governed by the surrounding lands ; if the field has the wash of adja- cent fields, it is plain that a drain should be constructed to receive the water that flows from the lands above, and cross drains from the same. The cost of making drains in this neighborhood, from two and one-half to three feet deep, and stoned with common field stone, is about one dollar a rod where the work is done by hand labor alone ; but the same amount may be done at much less expense by using oxen and plows ; throe furrows are first cut about six inches deep, and the sod removed ; two plowings more may be made with the same plow, and the earth removed at each plowing, thus making the excavation about fifteen inches deep ; after which the sub-soil plow may be used by having a yoke of sufficient length that the team may walk on both sides the drain, and two plowings more can be made in most of our soils ; by this means a great amount of labor is saved in the excavation, — at least one-half. The work of under-draining and the use of the sub-soil plow is as yet but little known. Properly draining and removing the stagnant water, renders the soil drier, warmer, and more friable ; it leaves the pores and fissures open, thus affording a free circulation of air ; and the rains that fall carry the fertilizing substances to the roots of the plants, thus causing a vigorous growth. How many farmers have noticed — or rather how many have not noticed low, wet, sunken cavities when working these fields, and who has ever noticed in such locations a good crop of any plant cultivated ? It is also noticeable that when the field is seeded to grass the cultivated grass roots are soon " worked out " and a poorer quality occupies the place. Now when this water is once removed, those parts of the field produce more abundantly of any crop that may be grown ; proving pretty conclusively — on a small scale — the effects of field drainage. It is also known where deep rooted plants are cultivated on reclaimed meadow, if the water in the ditches stand within six or eight inches of the surface, thus far will the roots extend, but they refuse to go farther, which indicates that the standing water is pernicious to the plant. THE SUB-SOIL PLOW. This farm-implement, — although not very extensively used, — may be considered a co-worker with under-draining ; those who have used it, best know its results ; — it serves to mellow and loosen the soil ROOTS. 41 to almost any desirable depth we choose — at least in very many of our fields. A member of this committee having used it the past autumn on his fields, is well satisfied of its good effects ; the positive proof of its use however is yet to be seen in after crops ; most authors on fruit culture speak of it in high terms, — consider it almost an indispensable utensil in preparing the soil for the growth of fruit trees ; if so, the rule may follow that it should be in use for many other purposes, especially so for those crops that grow deep in the soil. Of the carrot crop only two entries were made, one by Mr. Ebenezer Bird of Leominster, whose field produced at the rate of one thousand bushels per acre, to whom we award the first premium, $4.00. The other field, by Mr. Martin Johnson of Lunenburg ; the product from this field was eight hundred bushels per acre ; the root we consid- er of a superior kind. Mr. Johnson, however, failed to make his return and statement to the committee at the time appointed, conse- quently we were obliged to withhold a premium. TURNIPS. Three fields of this root were entered, one of which wag withdrawn ; of the others we did not consider either worthy a premium. POTATOES. Of this crop five entries were made; two of the same were withdrawn. The product from the field entered by C. Kilburn of Lunenburg, was sixty four and one-third bushels to one-fourth acre, as estimated from the square rod selected ; the whole cost of cultivation seventeen dollars. The product from Mr. E. Bird's field of Leominster, was seventy- four and two-third bushels ; whole cost of cultivation twenty-two dollars. And that of Mr. H. Harris of North Ashburnham, one hundred seven and two-third bushels ; cost of cultivation forty. five dollars. As the committee, in accordance with the Society's rules, are to award premi- ums for the most profitable crops instead of the greatest, we give them as follows : To Cyrus Kilburn, Lunenburg, 1st premium, $8 00 To Ebenezer Bird, Leominster, 2d premium, 5 00 To Humphrey Harris, N. Ashburnham, 3d prem., Grasses ^ Forage. As it respects the cultivation of this very useful and profitable root, many expeDipents have been made, and various suggestions offered. The experiment made by a member of the committee is to seed with whole potatoes, instead of cuttings, and the result was a large per cent, above those that were cut,— rows standing side by side in the same field. Another member has also tried the experiment, — only, however, to a limited extent, — by cutting off" the seed end," or the part having 44 ROOTS. the greater number of eyes, and planting the other section, that is the smooth part, and found these potatoes superior both in quantity and quality, the cultivation being the same. Doubtless the best j&avored potatoes are grown upon '* old pasture land," or lands that have never tjeen cultivated, using a light dressing of plaster. The climate also, has much to do with the potato crop ; probably the potatoes grown in the north of Ireland, are superior in quality to those in any other quarter of the world, while the same crop cultivated in France and Spain is very insipid. The northern counties of Scotland, it is said, produces this crop to much greater perfection than in the south of England and Wales ; so also, those grown in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, are preferred to those cultivated as far south as forty degrees North latitude, or in Massachusetts, even ; all of which may be attributed to the different degrees of climate. Hence the location best adapted to this plant is between forty-five and fifty-five degrees North latitude. In Worcester County the soil that produces the greatest return is on *• meadow land reclaimed." We are informed that very extensive fields have been grown in Worcester North the past year on soils of this character, produoingf at the rate of four hundred bushels per acre. It is pretty generally conceded that this soil does not produce a crop equal in flavor to many others, yet the quantity is much greater. The cost of reclaiming peat lands varies according to location, usually, however, at about one hundred dollars per acre. Now a farmer that makes it a leading pursuit to supply milk for the market, and is in possession of lands of this character that does not pay the interest of ten dollars per acre, what farm work can he pursue to better advantage than reclaim and cultivate a portion of his " old meadows ? " Milch cows fed with this root probably produce a greater quantity of milk than from any other root cultivated. Having discussed the root crop thus far, the main question may be raised. Which is the more profitable business for a farmer in the north of Worcester County to pursue, to cultivate those perishable articles for the market that he must push from off the farm at a certain time and suffer a loss of a large per cent. , or make it his main object to cultivate such crops as he is not obliged to dispose of when the markets are full ? Probably by cultivating root crops he may have more ready money at hand, and in a series of years be in possession of more bank stock and Treasury notes, but, that he is in possession of more or better property than to cultivate such crops as can usually be expended on the farm, and thus improve the same from year to year, your committee doubt. In behalf of the Committee, EPHM. GRAHAM. ROOTS. 4S LAWRIN PRATT'S STATEMENTS. ONIONS. The soil is sandy, and T raised onions on the same piece of land in 1864 and 1865, applying stable manure. For the present crop plowed twice, three inches deep, used horse hoe and brush harrow, spread over the ground three loads of manure and 36 lbs. guano. Planted April 26th, 10 oz. yellow Danvers onion seed, cultivated with hoe and fingers six times, pulled the 27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th days of August. Cost of seed and planting, ^2 40 Plowing, 75 " Cultivating, 8 00 Harvesting, 1 50 Value of manure, 8 00 S20 65 Weight of crop as certified by Ephraim Graham, Septtember 12th, 5550 lbs. CABBAGES. Soil, sandy ; have raised grass upon the same land several years, plowed May 29th six inches deep, then harrowed, and spread on two loads of manure. The last day Of April sowed the stone mason variety in a small bed and transplanted the first week in June, hoed three times, and harvested the last of October. Cost of seed and planting, ** Plowing and the number. of vessels or baskets full noted. The weight of its contents once, multiplied by the number of times it is filled by the crop of ripened ears shall be consid- ered the gross weight of harvested corn in the ears. One of said vessels full of /ipened ears, of the average quality and condition of the crop, shall be kept to Dec. 1st, and weighed in the ear, and also after it is shelled, and the amount of merchantable shelled corn, as well as the amount of shrinkage thus ascertained. '' The certificate shall state the weight of all crops only in a merchant- able state. In measuring the land, any competent person may be employed, whether a sworn surveyor or not. In ascertaining the amount of a hay crop entered for premium, the measurement of the hay in the barn may be employed. Committees on crops, either of themselves or by vote of the Society to which they belong, are authorized to select such number of crops 60 lbs. to the bushel. 56 (t 32 (( 48 t( 50 (( 45 It 55 «« 52 <( 72 PREMIUMS. from those entered, as may, hi their judgment, be entitled to the pre- miums offered, and apply the foregoing rules to these crops only ; — but in all cases as many crops shall be examined under these rules, as there are premiums offered, if the number of entries comes up to the number of premiums. RULES OF MEASURE, Practiced and adopted by the State Board of Agriculture. Wheat, Potatoes, Sugar Beets, Mangel Wurzel, Kuta Bagas, White Beans and Peas, Corn, Bye, Oats, Barley, Buckwheat, Cracked Corn, Corn and Rye and other meal, except Oat, and English Turnips, Parsnips, Carrots, Onions, DC/^These forms must be returned to the Secretary on or before November 10th, with each question concerning the crop answered, and the certificates properly signed. GRAIN. Committee. — John Cutter, Winchendon ; Daniel S. Eaton, Fitcb- burg ; Otis Bemis, Royalston ; Wm. Baker, Lunenburg ; Edward Burpee, Sterhng. Samples must be exhibited at the Fair. The committee (nay award gratuities for valuable new varieties of grain. For the largest crop of herds grass seed, not less than three bushels. Two premiums — ^5, 3. Red top, not less than six bushels. Two premiums — ^5, 3. For the most profitable crops of corn, wheat, rye, barley and oats, one acre each ; of cabbages, beans and flax, one- eighth acre each ; the product of corn to be not less than 4320 lbs. on the cob ; that of wheat, rye, barley and oats, not less than 1200 lbs. of grain each. Corn. Three premiums— $ I.'), 10, 8. Wheat. Three premiums— SI 5, 10, 8. Flax. Three premiums — $10,5, Grasses and Forage Plants. Rye. Three premiums — S6. 4, Grasses and Forage Plants. Barley. Three premiums — $G, 4, Grasses and Forage Plants. Oats. Three premiums — $6, 4, Grasses and Forage Paints. Buckwheat. Three premiums — S6, 4, Grasses and Forage Plants. Field beans. Three premiums — $1, 2, Grasses and Forage Plants. PREMIUMS. • 73 ROOT CROPS AND CABBAGES. Committee. — Cyrus Kilburn, Lunenburg ; George Sampson, Ash- burnham ; Benjamin Safford; Fitchburg ; Ebenezer Bird, Leominster ; Hobart Spencer, Ashby. For the most profitable crops of potatoes, one-fourth acre each ; of carrots, onions, beets and turnips, one eighth acre each. Potatoes, not less than 3000 lbs. Three premiums — $8, 5, Grasses and Forage Plants. Carrots, not less than 55o0 lbs. Two premiums — $4, 3. Onions, not less than 2000 lbs. Two pr'ms — Harris on Insects^ $2. Sugar beets. Two premiums — $2, 1. Mangel wurzel. Two premiums — $2, 1. English turnips. Two premiums — Harris on Insects ^ $2. Turnips of any other variety. Two prem's — Harris on Insects^ $2. Cabbages. Two premiuras^$2, 1. FARMS. Committee. — Abel F. Adams, Nathan Upham, Fitchburg ; Thomas Billings, Lunenburg. All competitors must make their entries on or before the first day of May. Each farm will be open to the inspection of the committee during the entire season. For the best cultivated & managed farm. Three pr'ms — $25, 16, 10. GARDENS. Committee. — Jonas A. Marshall, Charles A. Emory, Fitchburg ; James Bennett, Leominster. No person having received a premium for a farm, kitchen or mixed garden, shall be allowed to compete for another with the same land, within five years, except for a higher one. Entries must be made on or before June 1st. Kitchen or mixed gardens. Three premiums — $6, 4, 2. Flower gardens. Two premiums — $2, 1. EXPERIMENTS. Committee. — Jabez Fisher, John M. Harris, Loriston Stockwell, Fitchburg. All entries must be made at least one week before commencing the experiments. For the best experiment to determine the best and most profitable time and condition in which to cut grass for hay, having regard to the total annual product. Two premiums — $15. 10. 74 • PREMIUMS. Best experiment testing the value of corn and cob for fattening pur- poses, with the cob or otherwise. One premium — $15. Best experiment in steaming food for cattle and horses. One pr. — $10. Best experiment testing the comparative value of drilHng wheat or other grain, to broadcast sowing. One premium — $5. There will be placed at the disposal of the committee, for the best and most reliable agricultural experiments, made in J 866, the sum of twenty dollars. EXHIBITION AT THE HALL. No article intended for the hall will be entitled to a premium, unless it shall have been deposited by two o'clock, P. M., on Monday, from which time the hall will be occupied by the committees exclusively, until half past six o'clock, when it will be opened to the public for the evening. All articles must have been grown, manufactured or produced by the person entering the same for premium, and should be plainly marked with the name and residence of the exhibitor. A strict compliance with these regulations will be absolutely necessary. APPLES, PEACHES, PLUMS AND QUINCES. Committee. — Trumbull Bull, Harvard; Jerome Gardner, Shirley; E. W. Bullard, Royalston ; Rodney Wallace, Fitchburg; Amos B, Holden, Westminster. APPLES. For ^he best and largest exhibition of named varieties of five specimens each, and no more. Two premiums — $4, Harris on Insects. For twelve varieties of five specimens each, and no more. Three pre- miums— Harris on Insects, $2, 1. For six varieties of five specimens each, and no more. Three prebai- ums— $2, 1.50, 1. For three varieties of five specimens each, and no more,. Three pre- miums—$1.50, 1, .50. For the best exhibition of twelve specimens and no more, of Baldwins. Two premiums — $ 1 , . 50. . Hubbardston Non-such do. Two premiums — $1, .50. R. I. Greenings do. Two premiums— ^$ I, .50. Roxbury Russets do. Two premiums — $1, .50. No person will be allowed to compete for a premiurai in more than one of the above classes, with the same specimens of fruit ; and if the number of specimens exhibited docs not correspond with these regula- tions, the fruit will be excluded from competition for the premiums. TREMIUMS. 75 PEACHES. For tbe best collections. One premium — Harris on Insects. For the best dishes or baskets. Three premiums — $2, 1, .50. PLUMS. For the best collection. One premium — $2. For the best plates. Two premiums — $1, .50. QUINCES. For the best dishes or baskets. Two premiums — $1, .50. In addition to the above premiums, there will be placed at the dispo- sal of the committee for gratuities, ten dollars. pears; AND GRAPES. Committee. — Cyrus Thurston," Fitchburg ; Francis W. Whitney, Leominster ; Alfred A. Whitney, Oakdale ; M. T. Gardner, Shir- ley Village ; Wm. D. Peck, Sterling. PEARS. For the best and largest exhibition of named varieties, of three speci- mens each. Two premiums — $4, Harris on Insects. For twelve varieties of five specimens each. Three premiums — Harris on Insects, $2, 1. For six varieties of five specimens each. Three pr'ms — $2, 1.50, 1. For three varieties of five specimens each. Three pr'ms — $1.50, 1, .50. For the best exhibition cf twelve specimens of Bartlett. Two pre- miums— $1, .50. Seckel. Two premiums — $1, .50. Flemish Beauty. Two premiums — $1, .50. Duchess. Two premiums — $1, .50. Louise Bonne de Jersey. Two premiunis — SI, .50. No person will be allowed to compete for a premium in more than one of the above classes, with the same specimens of fruit ; and if the number of specimens exhibited does not correspond with these regula- tions, the fruit will be excluded from competition for the premium., GRAPES. For the best displays of Foreign Grapes. Three premiums — 13, 2, 1. For the best displays of Native Grapes. Three premiums — Harris on Insects, $,2, 1. Best six clusters of Concord. Two premiums — $1, .50. Delaware. Two premiums— $1, .50- Hartford Prolific. Two premiums— $1, .50. In addition to the above premiums there will be placed at the dispo- sal of the committee for gratuities, ten dollars. 76 PREMIUMS ASSORTED FRUITS AND FLOWERS. Committee — T. K. Ware, Fitchburg ; Mrs. 0. Whitney, Jr., Ash- burnham ; Mrs. L. H. Bradford, Fitchburg ; Mrs. M. T. Gardner, Shirley Village ; Mrs. J. T. Everett, Princeton. ERUIT. For the best dishes or baskets. Two premiums — $2, 1. FLOWERS. For best displays of named plants in pots. Two premiums — $2, 1. Best pair of parlor bouquets. Two premiums — $2, 1. Best pair of hand bouquets. Two premiums — $2, 1. For the best displays of cut flowers. Two premiums — $2, 1. In addition to the above premiums, there will be placed at the dis- posal of the committee for gratuities, ten dollars. VEGETABLES. Committee. — Stephen Shepley, Joseph Dyke, Walter Hey wood, Fitchburg; Abram Everett, East Princeton ^ Gardner Merriam, Leominster. Of squashes, pumpkins, cabbages and celery there should be six specimens in each lot ; of cauliflower, three ; of onions, beets, turnips and tomatoes, one peck in each lot ; of field beans, one half peck ; and of Lima beans, two quarts. For best collections of kitchen vegetables. Three premiums — $7, 5, 3. Best collections of garden seeds. Two premiums — $5, 3. Collections of potatoes. Three premiums — $2, 1, .50. Marrow squashes. Two premiums — $1, .50. Hubbard squashes. Two premiums — $1, .50. Crookneck squashes. Two premiums — $1, .50. Pumpkins, Two premiums — .75, .50. Cabbages. Two premiums — .75, 50. Cauliflowers. Two premiums — .75, .50. Celery. Two premiums — .75, .50. Onions. Two premiums — .75, .50. Turnip beets. Two premiums — .75, .50. English turnips. Two premiums — .50, .25. Tomatoes. Two premiums — .50, .25. Field beans. Two premiums — .50, .25. Lima beans. Two premiums — .50, .25. Seed corn, in traces. Three premiums — $1, .75, .50. In addition to the above, there will be allowed for gratuities, ten dollars. PREMIUMS. 77 No person will bo allowed to receive more than one copy of Harris on Insects] if more than one is awarded, cash will be paid instead, ac the rate of three dollars per copy ; and if any to whom a copy is award- ed already has one, he may receive the copy awarded, or the cash as above, at his option. BREAD, BUTTER, CHEESE, PICKLES. PRESERVES AND JELLIES. Committee. — George A. Torrey, C. H. B. Snow, Mrs. Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg ; Mrs. Ephraim Graham, Lunenburg ; Mrs. Dr. Whitney, Harvard. Competitors will be required to furnish a detailed statement in wri- ting, of the process of manufacturing butter, cheese and pickles . White bread. Three premiums — $2, 1, .50. Unbolted wheat bread. One premium — $1. Bolted rye bread. Two premiums — $1, .50. Rye and Indian bread. Three premiums — S2, 1, .50. Lump butter, not less than 12 lbs. Four premiums — $4, .3, 2, 1.50. June tub butter, not less than 25 lbs. Three premiums — $3, 2, 1. Cheese, not less than 50 lbs.. Three premiums — $2, 1.50, 1. Pickles. Three premiums — .75, .50, .25. Virgin Honey in the comb. Throe premiums — $2, I, .50. In addition to the above, there will be allowed for gratultes, $10. MECHANICS AND MANUFACTURES. Committee.—BQxi]. Snow, Jr., George Robbing, Charles Burleigh, Fitchburg; Wm. H. Brown, East Princeton; Aaron Wilkins, Fitch- burg. Specimens exhibited must be manufactured by the competitor. For the best specimens of mechanic and manufactured articles, exclu- sive of ladies' home manufacture, there will be placed at the disposal of the committee, the sum of $75. AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. Committee. — Asaph Wood, South Gardner; Edwin A. Hitchcock, Harvard ; George B. Knowlton, Gardner P. Hawkins, Joseph Pierce, Fitchburg ; Specimens exhibited must be manufactured by the competitor. Best mowing machine. — $10. Best farm wagon, for one or two horses.— $10. Best ox cart.— $5. 78 PREMIUMS. Best horse rake. — $5. Best team harness. — $5. Best hay or straw cutter. — $3. Best ox yoke complete. — $3. Best churn. — S2. Best set of horse shoes. — $2. For implements not specified, to be awarded by the committee — $25. FINE ARTS. Committee. — Joseph Crehore, Edwin P. Munroe, Fifechburg ; Mrs. Farrington Mclntire, Mrs Samuel Whitney, Fitchburg; Mrs. Thomas Billings, Lunenburg. Best collection by a daguerreian artist. Two premiums — $4, 2, Oil paintings. Two premiums — $4, 2. Best crayon drawing. Two premiums — $3, 2. Pencil drawing. Two premiums — $2, 1. Best specimen of penmanship, by a non-professional. — $1. Specimens exhibited must be actually executed by the competitors. In addition there will be placed at the disposal of the committee, the &um of twenty dollars. FANCY ARTICLES. Committee. — Henry L. Jones, Fitchburg; Mrs. Cyrus Kilburn, Lunenburg; Mrs. Charles Mason, Mrs. George A. Torrey, Mrs. Joseph Upton, Fitchburg. For the best specimens of Ladies' Useful and Fancy Articles, of their own manufacture, including specimens of nice mending and darning, there will be placed at the disposal of the committee, the sum of thirty dollars. ESSAYS., Committee. — Charles Mason, Alvin M. Sawyer, Alfred Emerson, Fitchburg. All persons competing for those premiums must file their Essays with the Secretary on or before the 1st of September. Each Essay is to be marked with a motto or design, and accompanied with a sealed envelope containing a corresponding motto or design, and also the name of the author. The envelopes of the successfal competitors will be opened on the day of the exhibition, immediately upon the announcement of the awards. For the best essays on some practical subject connected with agriculture, deemed worthy of publication in the Society's *' Transactions." Two premiums — $20, 15. PREMIUMS. 7^ COMMITTEES' REPORTS. Committee. — The President, two Vice Presidents, and Secretary. For the purpose of inducing the chairmen of the several committees to take upon themselves more labor and care in elaborating their reports, the following premiums will be paid : — 810, 6, 4. Reports in connection with awards made on the day of exhibition, must be delivered to -the Secretary on or before October 25th. All others on or before November 15th. Total amount of premiums offered for 1S67. $1706.75. PROSPECTIVE. Committee. — Jabez Fisher, Joel Page, Fitch urg ; Cyrus Kilburn, Lunenburg. For the best experiment to determine the economy of growing Indian corn as a part of a rotation, compared with grass, through a series of six years, the amount of manure applied being the same in both cases. Three premiums — 850, 25, 15. Entries must be made on or before July 1st, 1867. APPLE AND PEAR ORCHARDS. Committee. — Ephraim Graham, Lunenburg ; Jonas A. Marshall, Alfred Marshall, Fitchburg. APPLE ORCHARDS. For the best orchards of not less than fifty trees, all having been set after January 1st, 1866, to be awarded in 1870. Two premi- ums—$25, 10. PEAR ORCHARDS. For the best orchards of not less than fifty trees, all having been set after January 1st, 1866, to be awarded in 1871. Two premiums —$25, 10. ■ POTATOES. For the best seedling potatoes, to be tested for not less than three suc- cessive years. — 825. FOREST TREES. Entries must be made on or before the first day of Jun'e. For the best plantation of any kind of Forest Trees, suitable for fuel or timber, raised from the seed, not less than five hundred in number, which shall be in the most flourishing condition in the fall of 1868. Three premiums — $25, 15, 10. 80 ' RULES. LIVE FENCE. Committee. — A. F. Adams, J. A. Marshall, Fitchburg; Daniel Putnam, Lunenburg. For the best experiment demonstratino; the feasibility of substituting live farm fence for those in common, use ; the entries to be made on or before May 1st, 1863, or whenever afterwards planted, and the premiums to be paid in 1S68. Three premiums — $25, 15, 5. ICE HOUSES. For the best constructed Ice House for family purposes, to be tested at least twelve months. — $5. All teams entered for draught must have been owned by the person entering the same, for at least three months next previous. All teams entered for plowing must be owned by the per- son entering the same, and the team must be driven, and the plow managed by him or by some one usually in his employ. Different persons owning single teams may combine them for the purpose of plowing. Any person competing for a premium, who shall serve on the committee having charge of the department in which he competes, shall retire from the committee while his own competition is in question. The several committees will not consider themselves bound by the terms of the above offers, to award a premium for anything which they shall deem inferior. No animal for which a premium has been awarded by this Society shall ever compete again in the same class, except for a higher premium. Any person lo whom a premium shall have been awarded, in consequence of any deception or misrepresentation used by him, shall not only forfeit such premium, but afterward be incapable of competing for the Society's premiums. All persons, (ladies and minors excepted,) not members of the Society, to whom maj^ be awarded a premium or pre- miums amounting to five dollars or upward, shall receive a certificate of membership for five dollars and the balance in cash. If the amount shall be less than five dollars, a deduc- tion of fifty per cent, will be made, unless the individual chooses to make the amount up to that sum, and receive a certificate of membership. All premiums not demanded on or before November 30th, will revert to the Society. OFFICERS. 81 OPFICERS OP THE SOCIETY FOR 1867, t ELECTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 5, 1806. JOSmiA T ISAAC B EVEEETT of Vvmceion, President. > Vice Presidents. LEWIS H. BRADFOED of Fitchburg, Secretary. T. C. CALDWELL of Fitchburg, Treasurer. WOODWAED of Fitchburg, CYEUS KILBUEN of Lunenburg, r ^ U S T JE £! S : O. Whitney, jr., Ashburnham. J. C. Davis, Ashburnham. Joel Hayward, Ashby. Dennis Fay, Ashby. Asaph Wood, So. Gardner. David Parker, Gardner. JosiAH Puffer, Harvard. Hiram Whitney, Harvard. W. B. Hosmer, Leominster. Whiting Gates, Leominster. Solon Carter, Leominster. L. BuRRAGE, Leominster. Thomas Billings, Lunenb'rg. Daniel Putnam, Lunenburg. Ephm. Graham, Lunenburg. J. E. Merriam, Princeton. Harlow Skinner, Princeton. J. P. Eeed, Princeton. A. Stockwell, S. Eoyalston. J. O. Parker, Shirley. M. T. Gardner, Shir. Village. Chas. Flagg, Sterling. Ezra Kendall, Sterling. Franklin I^Tourse, Sterling. J. M. Sawyer, Sterling. Warren SiMONDS,Templeton, D. C. Miles, Westminster. John Minot, Westminster. Benj. Wyman, Westminster. Tim. D. Wood, Westminster. J. M. FoRRiSTALL, Winch'iid'n. Paul Raymond, Winchendon. A. F. Adams, Fitchburg. T. E. BouTELLE, Fitchburg. Alvah Crocker, Fitchburg. JabezFisher, Fitchburg. Abel Marshall, Fitchburg. J. A. Marshall, Fitchburg. Joel Page, Fitchburg. Nathan Upham, Fitchburg. Wm. Woodbury, Fitchburg. Edwin D. Works, Fitchburg. Benj. Snow, Jr., Fitchburg. John P. Sarin, Fitchburg. Joseph Upton, Fitchburg. Alvin M. Sawyer, Fitchburg. THOS. BILLINGS, of Lunenburg, elected Memler of the State Board of Agriculture, Dec. 6, 1865, for three years. TK;^isrs^OTioisrs OF THE If I iTlK Mil AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, FOR 1867. FITCHBURG: PRINTED AT THE SENTINEL OFFICE, 1867. SECRETARY'S REPORT. The Fifteenth Annual Exhibition of the Worcester North Agricultural Society, and the first on their own grounds, was held on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 24th and 25th, 1867. The Trustees took possession of their grounds June 1st ; the first purchase being from the Fitchburg Riding Park Associa- tion, containing about fourteen acres, other land was added after- wards, until the whole comprised about twenty-five acres, and is enclosed with a substantial board fence. The last purchases were partly woodland, and give us beautiful groves on the north- ern and southern portions of the enclosure, suitable for pic-nics and parties in the warm season. The improvements which have been made since the purchase, have been done under the super- intendence of Mr. Abel Marshall, and were completed previous to the day of exhibition, and when that day arrived, everything favored the opening. Tuesday was a fine autumnal day, all that could be desired. The Railroads had reduced their fare, and came in with full trains, so that everything had a gala day appearance, and some four or five thousand persons visited the grounds. The exercises for the first day commenced with the Plowing Match, at 9 1-2 o'clock, A. M.,— of Working Oxen at 10, and of Steers at 11 o'clock, all of which done their work satisfactory to the crowds of spectators, and showed great skill and dexterity in subduing these useful animals to the purposes of man. Much regret was manifested that no Town Teams of Oxen, as in latter years, had entered for the premiums of the Society, but secretary's report. a fine Town Team of Steers from Princeton were present and took possession of the track and carried off the sweepstakes. At 1 o'clock, the officers and members of the society, with their ladies and invited guests, sat down to a bountiful dinner, prepared by the Messrs. Tilton of Leominster. The divine blessing was invoked by the Rev. Mr. Jenks of Fitchburg, pas- tor of the Unitarian Church, and after justice had been done to the loaded tables, the intellectual entertainment was opened by the President, who congratulated the Society on the happy auspices under which they celebrated this its fifteenth anniver- sary. Short speeches were made by Alex. Hyde, Esq., of Lee, delegate from the State Board of Agriculture ; Rev. Mr. Jenks, and George E. Towne, Esq., of Fitchburg, and Gen. James A. Cunningham, Adj. General of the Commonwealth. After which the following original poem, written by Mrs. Caroline A. Mason, of Fitchburg, was read by the President of the Society. THE HEIR. I am not poor ; I own the sens, The earth, and all its boundaries. These happy skies, that o'er my head Serenely float, for me were spread. For me this sun goes blazing through Its path of light ; for me the dew Fills, morn and eve, its chalice up; The tulip paints for me its cup. Mine every flower that decks the glade ; For me the singing birds were made ; The winds that blow, blew soft for me, For me they pipe their stormy glee. The great woods hang their banners out To hail my coming thereabout. / At my poor feet, all sweet and brown They drop their nutty treasures down. The squirrel — honest fellow he, For all his tricks, — goes halves with me ; — He shares my nuts, and I his glee. secretary's report. I fool a very millionaire, Such wealth have I ! The earth and air Pay tribute to me everywhere. To feed me, Nature hangs her store Of summer fruit about my door. See where her loaded trees incline Their fruited boughs ; — to pluck is mine. I ask not how her plums unfold Their globes of purple and of gold. Nor how her sun-bright cherries grow, — Whether they toil and spin or no. Small thought have I ; I but outreach My hand, and lo ! the golden peach. Sweet with the sweetness of the south, Drops honeyed ripeness on my mouth ! Nature, kind mother, — I her heir, — She cares for me without my care. For me her rosy apples blush, Her perfumed pears grow sweet and lush. From every vine her fing-er drapes With green, she pulls me purple grapes ; She makes the ground I walk on sweet With blackberries beneath my feet I She plants my path with flowers ; she nods And smiles to me in golden-rods And painted buttercups ; she throws Kich odors round the musky rose ; Or, coyer grown, hides faint perfumes In violets and arbutus-blooms. And laughs, through all her realms, to see How sweet her breath is unto me ! She syllables in meadow-brooks And sunny glades and sylvan nooks, Lore such as never was in books ! Sweet priestess, too, — she reads to me Her liturgies from every tree ; She chants her solemn service where Her bluebells call to praise and prayer, SECRETARY S REPORT. And breathes, througli lier eternal calms. Her inarticulate, sweet psalms ! She makes me earnest, grave, or gay. As suits her mood ; and yet, alway She ministers to mine ; she knows I love all bright things ; so with shows Of glittering gold and crimson sheen, And purple, draped with richest green ^ She lights for me her solitudes And paints my way adown he^r woods- She calls her scpirrels out to greet My coming with their frisky feet ; Her merry crickets, too, to stir The silence Ynth their tuneful whirr. She bids her birds with jocund song Pipe music to me all day long ; For me their prodigal, sweet notes Leap, liquid, from their golden throats !; Thus fare I st l^r hands, — and so. With feast and song and royal show,. She waits ob me wheiVer I go I E'en Winter pays his tithe of joy Into my lap. I love the boy I He comes with boisterous, honest mirth„ And lights the fire upon my hearth ; And wliile the blazing embers shine^ I crack my nuts and drink mj vdne Of sweet content, rejoicing still To let the urchin have his will. What though he piles ray path with &x^w^(- I take my shovel down and go To earn my meal of morning air ; (The veriest clown with me nsay share, Nor pay a farthing for bis fare.) And then I take it back in coin Of health and strength, — this toil of miiae- I get, in payment for my pains, A healthier flow tbrougji all my vems ; secretary's report. My cheeks a richer carmine show Than French cosmetics conld bestow ; A subtle grat3e my lithe limbs gain, That rules of art might teach in vain. Jfor this alone the urchin pays To offset his uncanny ways ; For, look you ! every frosty mom He comes with jewels to adorn Each tree and shrub beside my door : I gaze ; I -am no longer poor ; I walk a king ! My cottage shed No longer shelters me ; instead, A palace roofs me, rich and grand, Bizened with gems of every land. A thousand glittering rubies shine, Like great, rich drops of frozen wine. Beneath this royal roof of mine ! The diamond and the opal flame Anear me ; jewels wanting name, — ■So bright they be, so rich and rare, — - Flash splendor round me everywhere. I shut my gloi-y blinded eyes For sheer relief; and straight arise Thoughts of that glorious vision told By John : the city made of gold Stands open to my gaze ; I see That too was built for m«, — for me 3 I hear the angels singing sweet, I see them cast at Jesus' feet Their buraing crowns, — 0 ecstacy 1 I see my crown laid up for me 1 I see the palm that I shall bear ; The white, white robe that I shall wear •; And while my spirit faints away For very pj, sweet voices say, * ' Thine is the fair, fruit-bearing tree ; Thine is the burning jasper sea ; Thine the white robe, the crown, the palm ; 8 sedretaet's report. Thine Heaven's serene, eternal calm ! The vision fades ; 1 take again Life's duties up, like other men. But 0 the perfect calm, the peace That wraps me, and shall still increase, Until, this happy journey o'er. My feet shall touch that shining shore, — Shall touch, and leave it nevermore ! So live I on, — contented still To go or stay, as suits His will ; And singing in my heart this song Of sweetness as I pass along : — Great God of nature and of me ! If such my earthly legacy, And such the glorious glimpses even. The faint foreshadowings of heaven. The taste of sweets in store for me. What shall the full fruition be ? — And what the treasures of thy love And grace laid up for me above ? I cannot tell ; I but believe No tongue can speak nor heart conceive The sweetness, the surpassing bliss, Of that world, far transcending this! I cannot tell ; I only know I own all things, — above, below : — All things, — and still, through gain and loss. Through hero's crown and martyr's cross, I see but one bright promise shin-e, I read but one illumined line, I know but this : — all things are mine ! At 2 o'clock, a friendly game of Base Ball by the Summit Club of Athol, and the Rollstone Club of Fitcliburg, was played, attracting a large crowd of spectators, tlie latter coming oflF victors. secretary's report. 9 At 3 o'clock, the Trustees held a meeting in the Secretary's tent, and the subject of offering premiums for the speed of horses, was discussed by gentlemen present. Members as well as Trustees, and the latter voted that the Committee of Arran'^^e- ments be instructed to offer Premiums for the Fastest Horses to-morrow afternoon. Wednesday, the second day of the exhibition, opened with a high wind, which raised clouds of dust on the grounds, making it very uncomfortable until the middle of the forenoon, when the gale abated. After this the day was quite passable to the throngs of spectators arriving by carriages and cars, to the number of seven or eight thousand. This day was mainly devoted to Horses, and much disappoint- ment was expressed, that the Neat Stock, Sheep, SAvine and Poultry had been removed from the pens the night previous, and I would respectfully suggest that in our future exhibitions, we continue the show of these animals until its close. The dinner hour brought large numbers to the tent, but many were disappointed in not being able to get tickets, the sale of which had been closed for the want of material^ the number exceeding the preparation. After dinner, the address, which is published in our Trans- actions, was dehvered by Geo. E. Towne, Esq., of Eitchburg, Remarks were made by the President, by Hon. Thomas Billings of Lunenburg, and by John Johnson, Jr., Esq., of Framingham, both members of the State Board of Agriculture. Another friendly game of Base ball came off this afternoon, between the Star Club of Greenfield, and the Rollstone Club of Fitchburg, the former of whom won the game. The receipts for the two days, amounted to over Nineteen Hundred Dollars^ triumphantly sustaining those who had long felt that with land enough to show cattle and horses, we would be sure of success. L. H. BRADFORD, Secretary. ADDRESS. I liave observed, and I speak of it here slmpty as a fact, not especially remarkable, that men iisuall}' appear to the best advan- tage when, in. talking, they confine themselves to those things concerning wliich thej know something. I cerfcainlj dosice, here and elsewhere, to speak, if not well, as well as I can, and yet I find ni3^self standing before an audi- ence of larmers, in an atmo32:)here instinct with agricultura] life, surrounded bj all the /issociations of the farm, all seemingly uniting to forbid and interdict as out of place, any allusion but to one topic, and of that, at least in its details, I am. perhaps as ignorant as any one ^vell caQ be. In this dilemm?.i it has occurred to me, that instead of inviting you CO the repast of ill selected, and worse arranged facts which I might glean from the encyclopedias and agricultural reports, making of myself a, sort of moral coffee mill, gathering my materials, as it were, ir* the berry, and coasting aiid grindin,^;; ;hem out for your .refreshmeni; and nomin?.!,! edification — it mlgin be far better ti> invite your attention, in the few moments daring which I may safely speak, without running the risk of seri- ously wearying your patience, to that general view of .uirm- ing, which a business training and experience of tvrenty-flve years most naturally inchnes, as it has best fitted me to take. And [ am impelled in this direction, hardly more by inclinar tion and n, sense of fitness, than by a profound conviction, (for an expression of which I trust I shall not be deemed presump- tuous,) that while in a general way, every farmer understands that farming is a business, comparatively few seem to fully appreciate, that equally with the merchant and the manufacturer, the tarmer is dependent; fo)- success upon a strict observance of certaivi general rules which also govern them — or that farming is really and truly a business, resting upon the same underlying principles, subject generally to the same conditions, and governed by tb.e same general laws, which are operative and essential in other branches of business. ADDRESS. 11 I propose, then, very briefly to speak of these general princi- ples, maxims, and rules, in their application to farming, thus giving you what I may call a business man's view of farming as a business. There are three grand divisions or classes of biisiness men — merchants who simplj'- buy and sell, delivering to on(^ man, with out substantial change of form, what they received of another ; manufacturers who bu^^ in one form, and, by the apphcation of labor, change to another, usually more complex, before selling; and agriculturists, who, without change of form or nature, inul- tiply their products by skilfully subjecting the originals to the operations of natural causes. To one of these three classes, every business man either belongs, or is directly or i)idirectly subsidiary. It is quite curious to reflect upon the magnitude of some of these dependent branches. Thus the merchant needs monej', occasion- ally in large quantities, and beyond his immediate resources. The banking interest, witli its untold millions of capital, has for its sole work the ministering to these wants, and the facilitation of exchanges between individuals and nations. The bunker is, so to speak, simply the cashier of the merchant. The transportation interest, employing an almost incalculable capital, including as it does, the railroads whose trains are trav- ersing the country in every direction, and the numberless steam and sailing vessels whose smoke and whose sails, alterucitely blacken and whiten the surface of Ocean, is based upon the necessities of trade. The manufacturer of one country must have the raw material of another brought to liim, and tlie mer- chant who sells the goods, must have some means of delivering them to the customers who buy them. Thus vast and overshadow- ing as is this interest, railroads and steamships are but job wagons on a large scale. The countrj^ trader who sends his one horse wagon into the farming districts with a barrel of flour whicli he exchanges for a load of potatoes, differs only in degree, not at all in principle, from the shipping merchant, who sends his ves- sels to all quarters of the globe, v/ith lumber, cotton cloth, and Yankee notions, and loads them home 'vith products of countries foreign to his own. The commission business, whicli has attained collossal propor- tions, grows out of the necessities of the manufacturer,who, locating his factory with reference to cheapness of labor, nearness of raw material and general economy of management, rather than con- tiguity to his customers, is forced to employ an agent to hunt up 12 ADDRESS. purchasers for his commoclitios. The commission merchant who does this, is thus but a salesman — nothing more. We have spoken of capital; by this we mean simply, the amount and value of property in possession of, and owned by, any one doing business. Deduct from this his indebtedness, and you have left his own net capital — that is, the amount of his own invest- ment. Still, the gross amount of valuation is the proper capital, and the^ debts owed, merely show how much of other people's capital is being used. What we call business, is merely the changing of capital from one form to another. For instance, a man starts with 810,000 in cash ; he buys and sells merchan- dise ; with the cash thus returned, he buys a factory and raw material, which latter, in time, he sells in the form of manufactured goods ; he sells his factory, and buys lands, or cattle, or ships, or any form of property. These are all business operations, the object of which, or rather, the inducement of him who conducts them, is simply to make money, and this result is attained when the various changes to which capital is subjected, are made, so as to leave in the hands of the seller, more than he paid as a purchaser. That is, the seller must get more than his goods cost him, or he loses money, and each loss, to just its extent, great or small, diminishes his capital ; and thus we come logically to the necessity on which is based one of the golden rules of a prudent business man : Always know the exact cost of what you have to sell. This may or may not be easy ; circumstances vary. Of a thing bought to-day and sold to-morrow, the cost is easily ascer- tained. The merchant can easily keep a record of the cost of his wares, so far as the mere monej^ paid for them is concerned, but there is his rent, fuel, taxes, clerk hire, &c., &c., all of which have to be paid, and must be added to the money cost of his merchandise. The exact percentage of this is not easily and exactly ascertained. The manufacturer finds even greater diffi- culty in keeping the record of cost, tracing it through all the various stages of manufacture and making the proper allowance for waste, yield, and shrinkage. Still it is a necessity, and the prudent business man never feels easy unless he knows what his goods cost him. So far then the process of money-making seems easy. It is just to know exactly the cost, and then to be sure and sell for a little more, and the result is certain. Alas ! here we come to a difficulty which business men have to encounter, and which is accepted not as a rule for government, but as a truism, a fact not to be disregarded. Any article for ADDRESS. 13 sale, is worth just what it can be sold for, and no more ; no matter what it has cost, it must take the market. The laws of supply and demand fix prices. What then is the use of ascer- taining the cost so exactly ? Because it is well to know from day to day, if you are making or losing money ; because if a price below your cost, is to be permanently the ruling price of the market, and is not the temporary result of a spasmodic action, one of three things must happen : you must reduce the cost, or stop producing or supplying yourself with the article to be sold, or see your capital daily diminish and grow smaller. It happens fre- quently, from exceptional causes, as a tight money market and con- sequent pressure to sell, or an over production and glut, that prices will temporarily lurch downwards, and rule below cost of produc- tion. This is an evil which cures itself, as, to a great extent, production ceases, and the natural consumption soon clears the market. In such an event a wise business man hesitates to sell, as he knows that prices will soon advance by the operation of natural causes ; and thus we see, not only the necessity of ascer- taining, as near as may be, the cost of merchandize, but, by the course of our reasoning, are brought to another essential to busi- ness success. The business man must have plenty of capital. Otherwise, regardless of circumstances, he must convert his products into cash as soon as possible, taking the market as he finds it, regardless of cost, in order to meet his obligations. While, with capital in abundance, he can pay his debts, and hold his goods, till the markets are favorable. I have already defined the term capital. Theoretically it makes no difference whether a man owns his capital, or bor- rows it. It is in both cases, a mere matter of interest. Please understand me here ; I do not mean to say that if a man borrows !$5000, it is just the same as though he owned it, but that in either case, the business ought to pay the interest, before reckon- ing any profit. That is, if you have .^5000 of your own, you can loan it on security so as to make it absolutely safe, and get, say •i>800 per year, without incurring any trouble or risk. If instead of this, you invest it in business, you must deduct f 300 from the profits, for interest on the capital, and you would do no more, if you borrowed the money, and actually paid the interest to another party. The same thing, let me say in passing, is true of one's own per- sonal services. Whatever could be fairly earned in the employ of another, with the same devotion of time and attention which one would give to his own business, is fairly chargeable to the busi- ness, and should be deducted from the earnings, before setting 14 ADDRESS. aside anytMng for profits. But you will say, what is the use of all lids ? why not let it all go right in, and call it all profit ? Be- cause the anxiety and risk and responsibility of a business life is too great to be undergone, without a chance of corresponding gain,and any business which does not yield a profit, over and above interest on the capital, and fair compensation for the services of him who conducts it, is not wortli following, and should be closed up as soon as possible. But to return to the matter of capital. The absence of difier- ence between owning and borrowing capital is theoretical, and exists only in the matter of reckoning profits. Practically, of course, it is a very good thing to own capital ; so good, indeed, that the practice ought to be encouraged. The man who owns his capital, merely loses what he might have had, if he fails to so conduct his business that it pays the interest, while, if he owes for it, the interest has actuall}^ to be paid, let the embarrassment be what it may, or whether he earns it or not. Still, the neces- sity of absolute control of adequate capital is an overruUng one, an essential to success, and if it is not owned, it had better be borrowed ; I mean, of course, borrowed permanently, that is, with no necessity of paying the principal so long as the interest is dul^^ cared for. Possession of it gives the business man control of circumstances. The want of it gives circumstances the control of him. There was more than wit, there was sound financial philosophy in the remark of the late Artemus Ward : " I mean to keep square with the world, and pay my debts, if I have to borrow money to do it with." I have not time, nor is it necessary to dwell upon the neces- sity of a correct knowledge of the details of the particular busi- ness to be followed, general economy of management, shrewdness in buying and selling, industry, careful attention to business and the like. These are all essential to success, but so universally acknowledged to be so, that to urge them upon your considera- tion would be a work of supererogation. Thus, then, I have endeavored to give you, in a hurried man- ner, my idea of the main essentials to success in business, and so much faith have I in the general soundness of the suggestions, that I should not fear the result, were I to guarantee satisfac- tion to all who would put them in practice. Let us set up an imaginary business man, stuffed with the rules and maxims I have sketched. lie is acquainted with his business, shrewd and economical in its management, systematic and exact, so that he can estimate as near as may be, the cost of his productions ; has ADDRESS. 15 plenty of capital, so as to control and not be controlled by the market, and is industrious and devoted t(» his business. Tolera- bly fair proportions these, and to sucli an one, while occasional years of ill luck and disaster may possibly come, decade after decade brings Avith absolute certainty, prosperity and increased capital. Having thus laid down general principles , let us apply them to the business of farming. I have, it will have been noticed, in following down the general principles and evolving these rules, made special reference only to manufacturers and merchants. I wished to speak of farming, at length, and by itself. The dis tinctive feature of agriculture, as I have said, is the multiplication of products by subjecting them to the action of natural causes. This is true of the production of field crops. The farmer is also a manufacturer, to the extent of his butter, cheese, cider., curing of hay and general preservation of his crops. Indeed, it seems to me, that really scientific farming, requires a knowledge of more things, than does any other branch of business. Mineralogy, so far as is concerned the nature and treatment of soils ; chemistry, at least the simpler forms of chemical action and combination governing the laws of growth ; . botany, at least the botanical structure of the plants he wishes to grow ; the habits, wants and diseases of all kinds of domestic animals ; a httle about insects, and a good deal about getting rid of them, are but a few of the forms of knowledge essential to the farmer. I do not say that all farmers know all these things, I only say they ought to. Something ver}^ like instinct, convictions boni of observation, precedent, and necessity, and developed, it must be confessed, to a condition of remarkable accuracy and correctness, have gen- erally supplied the place of science to the farmer, and served as his guide to action. But I am speaking in the belief that, as in mechanics, so in farming, the day of estimates, guesswork, allowances, and " working by the eye," has gone, or is going by, and in place of these, scientific rules, based upon known prin- ciples, are to govern and lead to precision, and absolute certainty of results. Besides these features in farming, there is one important differ- ence between it and most other kinds of business. While with the manufacturer and the merchant, home and all the expenses of living, are usually entirely separate from the business, and easily kept so, with the farmer, home and its expenses are so closely united and blended with the farm and the business, and SO many of the products of the latter enter directly into the con- 16 ABDaESS. sumption of the former, without passing, as in the other case, through the intermediate stage of bank bills, which are easily kept account of, that entire accuracy of accounts, to show the exact product or result of the year's or quarter's operations, is rendered extremely difficult. Here again, you will likely say, what difference does it make ? Why not let expenses and income all go right in together, and if there is anything left at the end of the year, call it profit ? Simply because, while income and expense should bear a certain relation to each other, they are two separate and distinct things, and should be kept so, to the end that the amount of each may be always ascertainable. For instance, if the two are jumbled up together, and no record kept of either, who can tell if a possi- ble deficiency, is due to the diminutiveness of one, or extrava- gance in the other. I submit that as often, at least, as once in each year, every business man should, by careful inventory and estimate of value, ascertain the exact result of the year's opera- tions. The value of the business and the feasibility of continuing it, depend entirely upon the amount of income arising from it, and this can not be determined, unless expenses are kept by themselves and entirely separate. I may be wrong when I say that perhaps not one in ten among^farmers, ever takes a regular account of stock, w^iile nine out of ten merchants and manufac- turers, do it annually as a matter of course. I may at any rate, safely assert that it is as uncommon in the one class as it is com- mon in the other. Now why is this ? Is there necessity existing in one case and not in the other ? Is it not as important for the farmer as for the manufacturer, to know if he is making or losing money ? The manufacturer not only makes it his constant study to know the cost of his various products, but, at least once in each year, verifies his estimates of cost, by ascertaining actual results. He is thus enabled to control his losses, and make his gains larger, by reducing or increasing his business, in this or that direction, accord- ing as he may find this or that article among his products, more or less profitable. Is there any earthly reason why the farmer should not follow this example ? Yet I am much mistaken if he does to any great extent. The manufacturer, when he sends his cloth to market, knows within a fraction of a cent per yard, what it has cost him ; he thus knoAvs at just what price he can afford to sell it. The farmer goes with a load of hay, apples, potatoes or wood, and, possibly^ guesses they cost about so much — prohahly he neither knows, thinks, or cares anything about it. ADDRESS. 17 lie sells it for wliat he Ccan get, and never knows how much that particular article contributed to, or possibly diminished, his yearly gains. I recollect a discussion, at one of our Society meetings, upon the question of the profitableness of raising com. One of the most intelligent farmers of Worcester North, and one, from his experience in that direction, best fitted to tell all about it, rose to the defence of King Corn. The best thing that he could find to say was, in effect, that he had raised corn for many years ; had produced so many bushels to the acre ; had developed a new and choice variety, and had generally thriven ; and he should continue to raise corn, as he had no doubt many of his brother farmers would, unless they could be shown something better to do. All very well, but not convincing, as the question would arise in my mind, whether he had thriven by the aid of corn, or in spite of it. The fact was that he, hke others, raised corn with the other crops, and they all went in together, and so long as at the end of the year, there was seemingly a balance on the right side, all was satisfactory. I doubt if in any other business but farming, that same gentleman would have been satisfied, unless he knew not only his aggregate annual gains, but the exact pro- portion which each of his products had contributed towards the result. Let us now invest an imaginary farmer, with a farm equally so, and hastily follow him along, and apply the rules and princi- ples we have tried to enunciate. We will be generous with him, and give him a good farm, well stocked, and money enough to carry it on easily and well. He first divides his farm into sec- tions, numbering or naming his wood lots, fields, pastures, and dwelling house and lot, for convenience sake. He then estimates the value of each, fixing the same, proportionate to the whole. He opens an account with each one, charging to each its valuation. He also opens an account with his barn, his stock, his vehicles and tools, charging to each its value. He must of course keep a cash account, and charge and credit to some one of his various accounts, every cent he pays out or receives. He charges to each field expenditures for seed, manure, and labor, for share of tool account, and each day's work of himself or his oxen, for planting, cultivating and harvesting. If he sells his crop, he credits the cash received. If he stores it for family use, or to feed to his animals, he charges it to family expense, 18 ADDRESS. or to the barn account, at whatever he could have sold it for. After the crop is cleared, he estimates the value of the field, making allow- ance for whatever gain or loss in its condition, and crop-bearing capac- ity may have occurred since the previous valuation, and the balance of the account, shows what has been made or lost, from that section of his farm. His wood-lot, he treats in the same manner ; starting with the cost valuation, he charges the expense of clearing, thinning out, cutting and hauling, even though he does it himself, and credits all cash received for sales of wood or timber, and all wood cut for his own family use, which he charges to family expense account at the current rate. True, this is merely taking from one pocket, and putting into another, but he is desirous of ascertaining the exact cost of every product, and if there be aggregate gain, or loss, where it comes from, or goes to. Accord- ingly, he treats for instance, wood taken for his own use, so far as the wood-lot is concerned, precisely as though he had sold it to somebody else ; so far as family expense account goes, just as if he harl bought it of somebody else. At the close of the year he credits the value of the wood-lot, making due allowance for wood cut on the one hand, and the growth on the other, and the balance of the account, is the gain or loss, as the case may be, arising from that portion of his farm. The barn account is charged with valuation and with every thing that goes into it, hay, grain, straw &c. at what it is worth; at the time of delivery, just as though it had been sold ; with all labor, taking care of stock &c,, and all repairs upon buildings, even though done with his own hands. It is credited with all sales of produce made from it, with manure sold or delivered to various parts of the farm, (which latter is at the same time charged to various sections or fields, at a fair current price,) and with the valuation of the barn and contents at the close of the fiscal year, which should be about the 1st of March. The balance of this account, of course would represent the net cost of whatever the animals had consumed, and should be charged lo their account. The reason for charging the valuation at the commencement of the year, and crediting it at the close, is to show in the account the depre- ciation and repairs. For instance, a barn is valued at first at $1000. It needs repairing, and you expend $250 in shingling ^c. It is hardly fair to charge the whole of this to the repairs for the year of its payment, as the barn is worth more for the expenditure. By charg- ing, first the original value $1000, then the repairs $250, and at the close of the year crediting a fair valuation, which under all the cir- cumstances, improved as it is by the repairs, may be properly called say $1200, you have a balance of $50, which very nearly represents the depreciation and wear of the building. The stock account should be charged with the value of the animals at the outset, and with cash paid for additions and for food, with bal- ance of barn account as shown previously, and credited with sales of ADDRESS. 19 animals, milk, or meat, with milk and meat consumed by the family, with labor performed by the teams, either for others, or for the differ- ent sections of the farm, to which it is to be charged as shown, and finally, with a fairly estimated valuation of stock on hand at close of year. The balance shows the gain or loss, arising from the keeping of stock. The value of such an account would be sometliing surpris- ing. For instance, a simple calculation and sifting of the details, would show the exact cost of feeding, or rearing any animal. Vehicles and tools should be charged with valuation at outset, with repairs and renewals, including cash actually paid and labor perfoi med by the farmer himself, or his men, and credited with value at end of year. The balance would show cost of use of tools and vehicles, which should be properly di\ided up, and charged off to the various sections of the farm. The Homestead and lot should be charged with valua- tion, with interest, and its share of taxes and insurance, (as indeed should every other section of the farm) with repairs and labor expended, and credited with valuation at close of year. The balance would show the cost of rent, properly chargeable to family expenses. Family expense account should be charged with valuation of furni- ture, with cash paid duiing the year for additions to the same, with balance of homestead account, representing the rent, with all expen- ditures for food, clothing and the supply of all the miscellaneous wants of the family, and with everything produced upon the farm, which is consumed by them, estimating as nearly as may be, in cases where entire accuracy cannot be attained, and credited at close of year, with valuation of furniture, increased as it may be by additions, or dimin- ished by breakage, wear and depreciation. The balance of this account, would show the exact expense of living, for the year. Here then you have, very roughly sketched, a system of accounts for a farmer. The balances of his various accounts, taken in detail, show just where he has made or lost money, and if the same or similar result follow the operation of successive years, he is thereby warned, and can profit by the experience. From these accounts he can calcu- late with unerring certainty, the exact cost of everything produced, including even interest, taxes, and repairs of tools. He has the entire business tabularized, and can at his leisure, during winter evenings, march his columns in review before him, and study to some purpose, to reduce costs, and save expenses. Of course the first thought that arises in reference to all this, is that it is too complicated, and thoughts perhaps not complimentary to the speaker, will flit through your minds, to the effect that it is absurd to expect the farmer, at the close of a hot day's hard work, to devote the necessary time to book-keeping ; and I fancy I can trace on the coun- tenances of some, evidence of a feeling near akin to this ; that it is well to talk about having plenty of capital, but how is one to get it, if he does not happen to have it; and another, moved by the holy horror of being in debt, which almost universally actuates the New England farmer, 20 ADDRESS. repudiates any system or plan for improvement, which includes that among its possibilities. Well, I cannot wonder at this, as new ideas, urged upon the consid- eration of any class of men, by one confessedly not practically acquainted with the details of their calling, might naturally be received by them with suspicion ; but bear in mind, that if these suggestions seem new and untried, they are only so in their application to farming. They constitute the chart by which every man engaged in every other business, steers his course ; and in the very considerable thought I have given to the subject, I fail to see wherein you differ essentially from other business men, or why the system and method, found to be necessary to success in other branches of business, are not equally so, in farming. You may not, but I do, believe that a system of accounts similar to what I have suggested, would save to the farmer, ten times the trouble and time of keeping them, by showing him just where he makes, and how he loses money, thus enabling him to save the days of drudgery, and exhausting toil, expended upon crops which hardly return a new dollar for an old one. Perhaps I have elaborated too much, and sug- gested classification, to an extent greater than would be found desirable ; but I believe, to use a homely phrase, that every tub should stand upon its own bottom ; and that if a farmer does not make as much money as he thinks he ought, he should be able to trace the loss to its proper localit3% and let corn, fruit, hay, animals, or family expense, bear the burden which belongs to each. Without the accounts, he can only " kinder guess" that he did not cut so much hay as usual, or it didn't seem to go so far, or his cattle didn't sell well, or his labor cost too much. Now would it not bo much more satisfactory to the farmer, to bo able to turn to actual results expressed in figures, and by reference to account with field No. 10 for instance, find that it cut so many tons of hay by actual weight, or estimate sutHciontly accurate, worth so many dollars per ton. and that it actually cost, — including interest and taxes, labor, depreciation of productive capacity by the exhaustion of manure &c.. — so much money, showing for field No. 10 a good fair profit. He then turns to the Stock account, and finds that part of his loss occurred there, by the low price of beef perhaps ; (" this is writ sarcastical, A. W.") and he takes courage, as he reflects that it probably will not occur again, (and it doesn't,) and he looks further, and finds that his family expen- ses have be3n large ; that after reckoning the interest and taxes and insurance on his house, his rent is pretty heavy, and that on the whole his farm paid a fair income, but that his expenses have eaten up too large a share of it, and then he studies expense account, to see if retrenchment can be effected there ; and possibly he fancies that his wife might get along with one less bonnet or shawl or dress, and if he is a bold man he holds a consultation with her upon the subject, and probably retires from the interview, musing deeply upon human weak- ness, and liability to error. ADDRESS. 21 So much for the idea of a system of accounts in farming, and now lot lis briefly consider the question of capital. What is a banner to do, who lias not got it of his own, and cannot or does not dare to borrow it? Well, this is a fair question, and deserves an answer equally so. You shall have it. He must farm at a great disadvantage all his life, or until he acquires it, as compared with one who has it. Is this hard and discourao;inf>: ? If it seems so, recollect if you please, that no one is to blame. It is true, and we arc bound to state facts as we find tliem. Farming in this particular, does not differ essentially from any other business. Here at least, the conditions are the same ; and if it seems discoura- ging to a young man just starting in life, to be told that capital is essen- tial to success, let him bear in mind, that it is not so in farming only. What would you think of a man who should hire a store, and buy on credit a large stock of goods, and start a largo business, without any capital? You say at once he would fail, and whether you say so or not, he would. There would hardly be one chance in a thousand for him, and when the crash came, the unanimity with which the community would decide that he was a fool, if not something worse, would be such as is seldom seen, outside of a political caucus, or a parish sewing circle. Is it then reasonable to expect that a young man can buy a fjirm, and stock it, and carry it on. without money ? Is there any guardian angel who presides over the destinies of agriculturalists, and exempts them from the common lot of humanity ? Are they not subject to the same laws, based upon principles as simple and immutable as that two and two make four, that govern other business men ? Let us see. A young man buys a farm, and owes for the whole of it, agreeing to pay interest, and a certain share of the principal, each year. He perhaps has money enough barely to stock it. The farm is in good condition, and produces for him full crops, but he has his family expenses to pro- vide for, and his payments, and these must all come out of his products. He tugs and sweats, and studies to save, but his want of money is ever pressing. He is obliged to sell a portion of his hay to raise money. Then he reduces his cattle in number, to make up further possible defi- ciencies, and because he has not hay for them, and perhaps finally makes up in full the needed sum, by selling wood and timber which is growing, and increasing rapidly in value. In the spring he finds he has lived through the year, and met his payments, but he also finds that selling his hay, stock, and growing timber, was equivalent to paying a ruinous rate of interest for his money. He finds that could he have retained his hay and cattle, and converted the former into beef and milk, he would have netted nearly twice as much for it, as he actually received, and he would have had besides, a plentiful stock of manure, with which to keep up the pro- ductive capacity of his farm. He also estimates that the rapidly grow- ing timber, cut to meet his payments, would have nearly doubled its 22 ADDRESS. value, in three years. Thus his second year is started, with the same thing to be done again, which so severely taxed his resources, and under circumstances not as favorable as at first : and so on ; there is no need to follow him further. The story of his toils, his struggles, his privations, are better known, possibly to many of you, than to me. For there are very few New England farmers, whose lives have not been a realization of the same story, told over and over again, of hard work, and severe economy, and labor but poorly requited. Insufficient capital is very largely at the bottom of this. A pressing need of money, too often chronic, and a consec|uent necessity for skinning the farm to raise it, tells the sad story of impoverished lands, and dimin- ished products. A word here, explanatory of a seeming inconsistency, may not be amiss. I have advised borrowing capital, in preference to going with- out it, and it may be said that owing for one's farm, is but borrowing capital. This is true ; but a debt for money borrowed permanently, that is, with no immediate necessity for paying the principal or any part of it, so long as the interest is duly eared for, is a very different thing, from the mere temporary indebtedness of one, who buys a farm or merchandise, agreeing to pay at a fixed time, or contracts to pay at stated periods. If the farmer owes money permanently, be has only the interest to care for, and the business ought to earn, and enable hinj to pay it easily. If it does not do this, it is not worth pursuing. If it does, the payment will not embarrass him, and thus comparatively at hiS' ease, he lays broad and deep, the foundations for a productive farm, which in later years, will eiiable him easily to pay his debts, and own his capital. In the case we have cited, it was not the payment of inter- est, but of a portion of the principal, which compelled, by premature sales of hay, stock and timber, the virtual payment of from twenty-five to fifty per cent, for the raising and use of money. Still you will say it is hard and discouraging if true, that success in farming, depends upon possession of capital. I grant it, but must still adhere to my prop- osition, that the full measure of success is not to be accorded, to him who starts any business, without the absolute command, (either by own- ing or permanently borrowing,) of sufficient capital. But is there nO' remedy ? Most assuredly ; and here we are brought face to face, with what seem^; a great mistake in the education and training of our young men, and an idea developed thereby, which has done, and is doing great mis- chief in their minds. The error is in trying to make mature men of them too early, and the false idea thus developed, is that they must do or try to do, every thing that full grown men attempt. In accordance with this idea, they must commonco business on their own account, at the earliest dawn of man- hood, and be ready to retire and enjoy themselves in entire freedom from care, before they are forty. Too often they recover from their delusion, to find themselves bankrupt at thirty. It might afford an i nstructive lesson to such, could we ascertain by careful inquiry, what ADDRESS. 23 proportion of raen who find themselves rich at sixty, were even " square with the world," at thirty. I may be mistalieu, but I have an impres- sion, that very little of the property owned by men, is acquired during the deca le succeeding their majority. A large proportion of successful men, either engage in business for themselves, after they are thirty, or are forced to build up success upon the ruins of a failure, and in either case, profit by their experience. And most assuredly is it the best policy to make haste slowly, when delay may bring capital, in the form of accumulated earnings. The demand for skilled and intelligent labor, is and must be for years to come, in our growing country, in excess of the supply, and the first few years of early manhood cannot be regarded as misspent, nor can the labor crowded into them be as hard, or the anxiety of life so wearing, if given to that mechanical employment, which most naturally and easily promises a fair return, as would surely be the case, if in the haste to embark on his own account, the over zealous young man were to plunge into farming, or other business, destitute alike of experience, and cap- ital. I might dwell upon these topics almost indefinitely, for they are directly in the channel, in which the thoughts of a business man most naturally run ; but alas ! there is a limit even to the patience of a. farmer, and there must be a corresponding one, to an agricultural ad- dress. The suggestions which have been made are such as have seemed to me best calculated to serve the farmer, and lighten his cares and toil. They have been applied, and their value tested, in all directions save perhaps in farming ; and I can see no reason why system and accu- racy are not equally applicable to that, as to other branches of business. Agriculture is the most important interest in the world, because it is the basis upon which all others rest. Ask a shrewd merchant as to the prospects of business, in days to come, and he points to the crop reports for his reply. Improvement and progress in agriculture then, is improve- ment and progress in all directions ; and it really seems that it is or would be, a long stride forward in the direction of progress, at least, could the farmer. — bj the introduction of the system and method, which in other branches of business are found indispensable to success, but which in farming are, to say the least, not common, — be enabled to see and know, th&t labor which in this direction, means success and rich returns, in that, h utterly wasted and thrown away, or worse. Complaint is often made that the boys leave the farm — that other modes of life have greater attraction for them. I doubt not that it is so, and I know it will continue to be so, till you reverse the conditions, and make the attractions of a farm life, greater than can be found else- where This you can only do, by giving the brains more, and the hands less, to do. We live in an a(»;e of thouo-ht, and we must not expect, after lavishing money upon the schools and colleges, to which we send our boys to learn things their fathers never dreamed of, that they will be satisfied to be fitted to the old time grooves, to accept eon- 24 ADDRESS. victions a half century old, or to settle down contentedly to the raising of a dull routine of crops in regular rotation, and for no particular reason, save that their fathers and grandfathers did the same before tbem. It seems to me that the discovery and application of steam to loco- motion and transportation, has imparted to the age something of its own fastness and rapidity, and that even as the employment of this tremen- dous agent in mechanics, has revolutionized all mechanism, so the swift- ness which it has somehow imparted as a characteristic feature to the age, has rendered accessary to the farmer, as to others, new modes of thinking and acting, new methods and new manners. I beheve that the New England farmer of the future, must be a very different man from the New England farmer of the past, in order to do the work that the future calls for, as well as it has been done in the past ; — that the keen, shrewd, bard-working man of instinct, guess and obser- vation, must give way to the man of system, science and exact knowl- edge ; — that in short, agriculture in the near future, is to be conducted upon the same principles, and governed by the same rules, which under- lie and control all other business interests. Pardon me if in this belief, and actuated by a desire to be of such use as I might, in speeding a change which seems to me inevitable and necessary, I have seemed too freely to offer advice and suggestions, to men of capacity and intelligence, fully equal, if not superior to my own. REPOIITS OF COMMITTEES. BLOOD STOCK. The Committee on Blood Stock have attended to the duty assigned theiu and submit the foHowing report : SHORTHORNS. . 1st premium on bulls to A. Whitman, FJtchburg, for " Wachusett Chief": S6 00 Milch Cows, 1st premium to A. Whitman, Fitchburg, for -Hope 7th," 3 00 Milch Cows, 2d premium to A. Whitman, Fitchburg, for "Mjra Belle 2d," 2 00 Heifers, 1st premium to A. Whitman, Fitchburg, "AVinonah," 3 00 Calves, 1st premium to x\. Whitman. Fitchburo;, for "Ladv ^hicli, though in some respects objectionable, was free from the defect mentioned as pertaining to the other place. The present would seem to be a fitting occasion to express regret that there should have been so much cause for the dissatisfaction, WORKING OXEN. 31 which was felt and expressed in regard to the ground on which com- petitors were called to exhibit their teams this year ; and also to rec- ommend a new and more suitable theatre for future exhibitions. Bat the Committee are reminded that further criticism would be su])ereroga- torj ; believing, as they do, that the executive officers, and all who may be responsible in the premises, will readily anticipate what mio-ht otherwise with propriety be said. Called to dictate " rewards of merit " in one of the most important departments of our annual exhibitions, your Committee feel that they owe it to the Society to invite attention to the ends sought to be reached by the system of premiums, and to enlarge somewhat upon the value of those ends, and the advantages appertaining thereunto. Men have recognized the truth of the saying that merit, sooner or later, finds recognition and reward. We are inclined to indorse this in refutation of stateujcnts which wc sometimes hear, (or overhear,) to wit: That certain men, with certain pet and premium animals, ivill prejudice the merit of other stock in the same class. Now it is possible that the real feeling which sometimes underlies the foregoing complaint, may be the cause of failure ; but from what we have observed, we are led to believe that the greater number of those who fail to take the premiums for trained cattle, do not clearly realize the true object of those premiums; and, shall we say? — fail to comprehend the qualitications necessary to compete with honor. If we rightly understand the Society's position, it would raise the standard of usefulness — it would stimulate efforts to render the ox more serviceable; to enhance his executive capacity, and thereby his money value. There are those who regard the point of efficiency which is reached through special training as one of fancy rather than utility. But is it not true that all special physical culture and development is available for cdl purposes for which muscle is requi- site ? Are not the Ward brothers more efficient and profitable laborers, other things being equal, for their special training as oarsmen ? Another class of objectors admit the advantages of discipline, but are wont to declare they cannot afford the time and attention required. In reply- ing to this objection we call to mind a certain direction for acquiring a polite demeanor, given in a manual of politeness. '* The young reader may practice the politeness which will ndvance him in the most elegant society, in every hut and workshop. He may show it every time he speaks to any person, and test it in every act in which another is con- cerned." So the farmer can give his team the training here recom- mended while prosecuting his business, i-n all cases where ox labor can be employed; and the good results will speedily appear in augmented capacity to perform every task required. But to still another class we desire to present a few considerations — a class who, unfortunately, pre- sume to bring unworthy and untrained teams into competition, at our exhibitions, with those who have received '' a finished education." Far be it from us to dampen or depress, by word or otherwise, a laudable 32 WORKING OXEN. ambition to enter the lists where honor always, and premiams often-, inaj be won. But certainly no one who reads this report will fail to realize that all things are excellen^t or unworthy as they stand in a cctnparative scale with the best. It is easy to see, therefore, that below a certairi- standard, dishonor, and not honor, results from competition with the highest attainments in teamstership. We are aware the question may be asked how the highest result of individual human ef&rt, (thougb tbat result should bo comparatively inferior,) can possibly incur dis- k)nor. We answer that tlie Committee assume that competitors under- stand our recognized standard of merit, and that we are called upon to witness and to decide the comparative merits of actual aUainments — not to witness or decide processes of training. Kn absence of the power to comprehend whsit we have indicated, would we should think, amount to a disqualification to compete — otherwise want of knowledge, as- above, would amount to dishonor. '' Excelsior " should be our motto ; and the Society enjoins it u])0ii Committees not to consider themselves bound by any by-law to award a p/reniium i» any ease where, in their opinion, it is not deserved. Not to be scrupulous and conservative oi> this point would be to lower the existing standard, whieh the interests- of the Society, and of agricultural science at large make it our duty to raise, so much as may lie in our power. If any reader fails to see the need and pertinency of tl>e foregoing strictures, as applied to eomjXititions for premiums on trained oxon, we can only pronounce our belief that his observations have been too shal- low or too narrow. In justice, however, to a large and flourishing Society, (of which this is, we believe^ one of the oldest children,) we should say that there were forty yoke of cattle entered as trained, most of which did their work vroll, approxi^^ating to the prennuin standard. But in general the compiititions in this class form an exception to ani- mals or articles in other classes. Pardon a few illustrations. What owner of a horse incapable of ferotting a mile in less than five minutes wwild think of putting him io eompetition, for a purse, with horses that could make a n>ile in 2.22 or 2..30 'I Generally a man competing for ;^ pn-emium on horses that have never trotted faster then 2.40, n^akes sure tlxit his a'n-iii>;il can make aj mile in three minutes, before he presun}es to njake an entry. The judges v/'ouU consider it an imposition to be obli2;ed to vntnc-is speci- mens of the easy jogging common to farm and family horses. Doubtless the proprietor of the Perry mower hnewr that be had a machine as effi-cient and vfell fra-nished as the celebrated Wood, and hazarded nothinix in competing for the prize and championship (»f the world y at the great Exposition. It is understood that the judges es'ceemed the cf>lebrated Steinway Piano very nearly er|ual in power and purity of tone, and artistic finish, to the world renowned '• Chick- ering,"and so of four other candidates for the World's honors. But it may bo retorted that shiuld the Society fi'P.d itself inconvenienced by inferior WORKING OXEN. 33 contributions, (which it will bo seen is not the case this year, there being but eight ctitries to five premiums,) there exists a remedy in requiring competitors to deposit a small sum, as a sort of entrance fee, to be forfeited only in case of failure to come up to a standard approximating to tliat of the lowest premium. The above remarks touch a very unsatisfactory condition of things, upon which it becomes our duty now to comment. We recall instances where a spectator, after witnessing some inferior performance of working cattle at our shows, has suddenly turned on his heel, ejaculating, with an air of the utmost contempt, — " Pshaw I I could heat that all hollow with my Buck and Star," N"ovv, while not doubting the assertion of such persons, we always feel inclined to ask, "Why, in the name of all that is public spirited and progressive, don't you bring ' Buck and Star' forward V" We will not be persuaded that there are not good and well trained working cattle in those towns co-mprised within the limits of the Worcester North Society, which still suffer themselves to be unrepre- sented in this class of stock Glancing at the last census, we see that Ashburnhain, for instance, is credited with lo9 yoke of working oxen ; yet she contributes none to our Fair. Leominster had 205 pairs ; yet not one of them all is put in competition — are there no good working cattle in Leominster? Shirley, again, vv'liieh is supposed to own 90 pairs, sends none ; while Fitchburg, out of 184 pairs sends only two; and Lunenburg out of 179 sends only one. Princeton, on the contrary, sends almost one half the number of pairs entered. Are the enterprising farmers of Worcester North wdling to see themselve.^ excelled, in this respect, by u)embers of younger and smaller Societies? At one of the ToLvn fairs in this county there were entered sixteen pairs of working oxen, and twenty-three yoke of steers. lleilccting upon the foregoing facts, and all which those facts sug- gest— considering the prominent and indispensable part which working cattle sustain in agriculture and kindred pursuits, the popular indiffer- ence or ignorance vvhicli prevails with regard to a high standard of ox- training, must strike a close observer as strange and almost inexplicable. The census, to which we are indebted for previously quoted figures, informs us that Massachusetts boasts about 38,000 pairs of working oxen. Of these we should not dare to say that above one-ten ih deserved to be called well-trained. Now. vsetting aside all other con- siderations, have our stock irien considered how inadequate is this pro- jjortion to the demand for finely matched and trained cattle? To shrewd •stock raisers it is pretty clear that breeding and growing superior work- ers is the most lui;rative branch of the business. If a thoroughly broke and finished pair of cattle will command three Inndml dollars, readily, while a pair of the same weight and build, but indifferently trained, will conntiand but two hundi-ed, can any one refuse to admit the above assertion ? YoX facts justifying this view come within our knowledge continually. Hence the time and attention necessary to bioak young 34 WORKING OXEN cattle is better paid than any labor wbich the farmer or his sons can bestow. But let it not bo overlooked that the high pecuniary advantages we speak of flow only from certain primary conditions. We shall be borne out in saying that it is morally impossible to attain that height of profi- ciency which the best oxen have shown, except upon the conditions of exact likeness of temperament, " spirit," size, physical strength and intelliojence. The matching; of cattle designed for work should take place early — primarily for purposes of training, but if it proves imper- fect should not be adhered to — divorce and re-mating will often be wise ; without it, indeed, we cannot often secure the desired conditions. But as responsible moral agents who " Live to iiail that season, B,v gifted minds foretold, When man shall live by reason, And not alone for gold," It becomes us to consider, as a final argument, the moral advantages which flow from the proper education of the ox. One of the gieat prerogatives of man is his mastership of the inferior animals — the power to make them subserve first his lower needs, his comfort, and redound to the glory of the Creator. It seems to be a law of the moral universe that the virtues are largely the product of education. In a state of nature, animals have few, if any, what may be called moral virtues, and rather rule than are ruled hy, man. Take the useful domestic animals, as the horse and ox, if their strength and activities are not available for the needs of a high state of morals and science, u not man needlessly defrauded of his due, and in some sort a dupe and dependent ? We have in mind a striking illustration of this :view, in the case of a man driving a pair of oxen woefully addictad to hauling, by reason of which, alone, they could not be made to travel more than one third as fast as an ordinary walk. The man bad no choice but to walk on ahead of them, say five or six rods, wait till his patience gave out, then go back and whip them till patience gave out, and — repeat the performance as before. lie was completely at the mercy of an inveterate habit in his team. Juit here let us glance, for one moment, at the looses which ao ill trained pair is liable to. Has it never occurred to those who are so apiit'ietic resjDCCting the discipline of oxen that the entailed expense from accidents to carts, yokes, plows, &c., and the greater cost for shoeing awkward cattle, is usually so great as to make the cost of training tliem properly bat a mere trifle V We know a man who has never considered this matter in its true light, whose expenses froni the breakage of farai implements are truly appall- Bat we cannot refrain from making what we conceive to be a great point here, viz : Bg neglecting to train the ox. we become responsible for the sufferings and cruelties which fall to the animaVs lot. Scores of working oxen are broken down, or else maimed seriously, where one STEERS. 35 pair is injured by legitimate labor. Christian grace is scarcely proof against provocation to wrath and con-sequent abuse to an ill favored, incorrigibly vicious pair of cattle. For our part we cannot conceive a less inviting or more irksome task than that of trying to manage such a pair. We can only educate, elevate and redeem human nature through its better part ; but the task we spoak of furnishes no appeals to the sense of beauty — there are no incitements to carefulness — no quicken- ing of a latent love for improvement — but only occasions for misman- agement, or cruelty, on the part of the hireling teamster. Farmers, educate your sons to know the true principle of matching and training, and put them to school to the best teamsters. If the Agricultural College, now being established at Amherst, shall endow a professorship of ox training, it will answer one of the ends of progressive agriculture. In closing, your Committee would add, that, in view of the energetic and commendable driving shown by the only minor teatnster competing, we concluded to grant him the Society's first premium of five dollars. All which is respectfully submitted, for the Committee, ALPHEUS B. DAVIS, Chairman. STEERS MORE THAN TWO YEARS OLD. The Committee on Steers more than two years old, have awarded as follows : THREE YEAKS OLD. 1st premium to J. P. Reed, Princeton, $5 00 2d premium to G-. 0. Skinner, Princecon, 4 00 BEST MINOR TEAMSTER. 1st premium, G. 0. Skinner, Princeton, 4 00 TWO YEARS OLD. 1st premium to J. E. Merriam, Princeton, 2d premium to A. Gr. Thompson, Princeton, 8d premium to J. P. Eced, Princeton, TRAINED TWO TEARS OLD. 1st premium to J. P. Reed, Princeton, Gratuity to A. G. Thompson, Princeton, 4 00 3 00 2 00 4 00 2 00 CHARLES K. SAWYER, Chairman. o' 0 FAT CATTLE. yeakltnCt steers and steek calves. The Coinmittoo on Yearling Stcors award the premiums as follows Isi premium to E. D. Works, Fitcliburg 2(1 premium to N. B. Keed, Princeton od premium to Geo. 0. Skinner, Princeton, TRAINED YEARLING STEERS. 1st p5'cmium to Geo. 0. Skinner, Princeton, 2d premium to J. P. Pveed, Princeton, STEER CALVES RAISED BY HAND. 1st premium to Alfred E. Skinner, Princeton, 2d premium to N. H. Reed, Princeton, 3d premium to J. P. Pveed, Princeton, TRAINED CALVES. 1st premium to Alfred E. Skinner, Princeton, 2d premiun to J. P. Reed, Princeton, N. B. REED, Chairman. S3 00 2 00 1 00 3 00 2 00 G 00 4 00 2 00 4 00 3 00 CALVES. The Committee found no entries for a pen of Calves, but found four Calves belonging to Augustus Whitman, Fitchburg, and awarded tlic 1st premium, $10.00, to him. JOSIAII PUFFER, Chairman. FAT CATTLE. The Conrmitteo on Fat Cattle, have attended to tliat duty, and beg leave to make the following report : Mr. A. W. Benjamin of Westminster, entered one pair of oxen, f(mr years old, weight 3iO0 llis. Mr. J. W. Hale of South Royalston, entered one pair of oxen four years old, weio-lit 3310 lbs. Mr. J. P. Reed of Princeton, entered one pair of oxen, six years old, weiirht 2753 lbs. SWINE. 37 We award to A. W. Bcnjamia the 1st prGiiiiiim, S8 00 J. P. Roed, 2d premium, 5 00 J. AV. Hale, 3d prcaiium, 3 00 Mr. J. T. Everett of rrinccton, entered one cow, weiglit 1654 lbs. One cow weight 1170 lbs. One cow weight 1000 lbs. Joel Page of Fitchburg, one cow weight 1170 lbs. We award to J. T. Everett, for his heaviest cow, 1st premium, $G 00 J. T. Everett, for cow weighing 101)0 ll)s., 2d premium, 3 00 Joel Page, for his covv^ weighing 1170 lbs., 3d premium, 2 00 Mr. J. W. Hale of South Royalston, entered one pair three years old steers, weight 2454 lbs. Mr. A. Gates of Leominster, one white steer three years old, weight 1320 lbs. Mr. A. G. Thompson, Prince- ton, two steers three years old, weight 2300 lbs. A. WetherbcD, entered one three year old lieifer, weiglit 980 lbs. We award to A. Gates, for his white steer, 1st premium, S6 00 A. G, Thompson, 2d premium, 4 00 Mr, Wetherboe had a very nice lieifer, and wo would recommend a gratuity of 84.00. The Committee very much regret there were no more entries. Sev- eral animals present were worthy of a premium, and probably would "Jiave drawn it if they had been properly entered. Among those we would make honorable mention of a pair of four years old oxen, owned by Mr. E. T. Miles of Fitchburg — large, handsome and well matcdied, and withal sufficiently fat for the epicure. One three years old heifer, owned by Mr. Augustus Wliitman of Fitchburg, was by far the fattest animal discovered by the Committee. DENNIS FAY, Chairman. SWINE. The Committee on Swine, make the following awards : BOARS. 1st premium to A. Whitman, Fitchburg, $4 00 FAT noGS. 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 8 00 2d premium to Wm. Woodbury, Fitchburg, 5 00 3d premium to \V. H. Lowe, Fitchburg, 2 00 MIRES AND SUCKING COLTS. BREEDING SOAVS. 1st premium to I. B. Woodward, Fitchburg, 3 00 2d premium to Josepli Miller, Westminster, 2 00 8d premium to A. Whitman, Fitchburg, 1 00 J. 8. Burdett, Leominster, for his breeding sow and pigs, a gratuity of $2.00 ; being late on the ground but worthy of consideration. J. U, SAWTELL, Chairman. STALLIONS. The Committee on Stallions, award the 1st premium of SI 2. 00, to E. T. Miles of Fitchburg, for his horse " King Philip." The 2d premium of $8.00 to Jones & Perkins of Wilton, N. H., fjr their horse " Abdallah." Had suHicient s])ecimens of tlio stock of " Abdallah " been exhib- ited to the Committee, perhaps the awards might have been reversed. JAMES 0. PARKER, for the Committee. MARES AND SUCKING COLTS. The Connnittcc on Mares and Colts, having attended to their duties, make their report as follov/s : We find there were entered for premi- um ten mares, and all were on exhibition, and we have awarded the premiums as follows : 1st premium to J. II. Whitcomb, Littleton, $6 00 2d premium to V. Buttrick, Fiteh1)urg, 4 00 8d premium to Joel Page, Fitchburg, 2 00 SUCKING COLTS. On Sucking Colts there were nine entries and all exhibited, and we award the premiums as follows : 1st premium to F. Buttrick, Fitchburg, 3 00 XoTK.— The owner of '*Gen. Grant " failed to exhibit any specimens of Iiis stock, and " Black Hawk " took the tirst premium of this Society in 1865, hence neither of these horses were, under the rules, entitled to premium. COLTS. 39 2(1 prcnnum to J. 11. Whitcomb, Littleton, 2 00 8(1 premium to Oliio Whitney, A&hburnham, 1 00 All of whicb is respectfully submitted, JOSEPH GUSHING, Chairman. DRAUGHT AND FAMILY HOUSES. The Committee on Draught and Family Horses, would make tlie following report : DRAUGHT HORSES PAIRS. \^t premium to Timothy D. Wood, Westminster, $G 00 2d premium to A. II. Wiley, Fitchburg, 4 00 SINCiLE HORSES. 1st premium to Jacob 11. Fairbanks, Fitchburg, .5 00 2d premium to A. Whitman, Fitchburg, 3 OO MINOR TEAMSTER. 1st premium to Wilbur F. Wood, Westminster, 4 00 2d premium not awarded. FAMILY HORSES PAIRS. 1st premium to Rodney Wallace, Fitchburg, 7 0(> 2d premium, J. L, Chapman, Fitchburg, 5 00 FAMILY HORSES SINGLE. 1st premium to 0. T. Ruggles, Fitchburg, 5 00 2d premium to G. P. Hawkins, Fitchburg, 3 00 F. W. W^RIGHT, Chairman. COLTS. em, s. Your Committee having attended to the duty assigned th make the following report, accompanied with a few practical remark ^ We found a much larger number of entries than usual at our exhibi- tion, showing an increased interest in raising good horses, and all that were exhibited were fine specimens of that noble animal, the horse. 40 POULTRY. But your Committe(3 believe there is much improvement in raising I'olts, which should be kept in mind by all persons engaged in raising good horsos. First, good care and good keeping are two very essential rules to be observed. We believe the colt should have at least two (quarts of new milk tln-ough the first winter, or if they do not have milk, the colt should have one quart of carrots and one quart of oats each day, which are much improved by scalding, and will pa\^ well for the extra trouble. Good, nutritious food is very necessary to give the colt the muscle wliich is indispensable for a good horse. We would prefer at all times to have the colt have a box stall with earth to stand upon, and have a plenty of exercise in the juvd. in pleasant weather. THREE YEAR OLD GELDINGS. 1st premium to Ohio Whitney, Ashburnham, $4 00 THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES. 2d premium to Geo, Miles, Westminster, 2 00 TAVO YEAR OLD GELDINGS. 1st premium to Ohio Whitne}", Ashburnham, 4 00 2d premium to J. E. White, Fitchburg, 2 00 We recommend a gratuity of $2.00 to Levi White of Lunenburg, and to J. Sanderson of Lunenburg. COLTS ONE YEAR OLD. 1st premium to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg. 4 00 2d premium to J. M, Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2 00 We reconunend a gratuity of $2.00 to K. W. Goodale of Leomin- ster, and also a gratuity of $2.00 to James Hannegan of Fitchburg. WARREN SIMONDS, for the Committee. POULTRY. GEESE. 1st premium to R. G. Chesmore, Westminster, $3 00 TURKEYS. 2d premium to Joseph Miller, Westminster, 2 00 BARN YARD FOWLS. 1st premium to Jabez Fisher. Fitchburg, 3 00 2d premium to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, 2 00 SHEEP. 41 DUCKS. 2J premium to Wm. H. Fuller, Leominster, 2 00 GRATUITIES. Otis Flagg, Westminster, 1 00 Benj. Snow, Jr., Fitchburg. 1 00 SHEEP. The Committee on Sheep find a great misunderstanding on the part of competitors in this department. The Society offers two premiums for flocks of sheep not less than ten. Some competitors are careful to count out the lambs and offer ten sheep — none younger than yearlings — others select six or eight of their best sheep and make out the number by putting in lambs from three to eight jnonths old. The best two flocks offered for premium were by Mr. George Miles of Westminster, and Mr. James Mclntire of Fitchburg. The former counted in his lambs, to make the number ten, and the latter scrupulously counted his lambs out. This brought the question : " Is a lamb a sheep ?" directly before the Committee. One declares that a lamb is a sheep, while anotherqueries, ''Is a yearling colt a hoi-se. or a heifer calf a cowV^ It is not proposed in this report, to discuss this question, but simply to call attention to the matter, hoping that another year the Trustees will remove all chances for future misunderstanding or hard feelings, by making a separate class of premiums for lambs, if only of a few dollars. Mr, Miles' sheep were not quite up to the standard to which sonie members of the Committee thought a first premium flock should attain, but he had some nice lambs in his flock, and would doubtless have received the first premium, had the Cou^mittee all agreed to call a lamh a sheep. After discussing the matter for over two hours, we are agreed in recommending the following premiums and gratuities : FLOCKS. 2d premium to James Mclntire, Fitchburg, Gratuity to Geo. Miles, Westminster, Gratuity to John W. Halo, So. Royalston, $•3 00 5 00 .3 00 5 00 3 00 1st premium to Paul M. Mirick. Princeton, 2d premium to Geo. Miles, Westminster, COSSETS. 1st premium to J. P. Keed, Princeton, 2 00 2d premium to Joel Page, Fitchburg, 1 00 Your Committee also recommend a gratuity to C. W. Gibson, (minor) Fitchburg. for cosset sheep, $1.00; and James Mclntire, Fitchburg, for cosset, gratuity $1.00. ALVIN M. SAWYER, Chairman, 42 BLOOD STOCK. BLOOD STOCK. * The Committee appointed on this class of animals, consisted of Sara" uel Osgood, J. Gr. Wood, Joel Page, Anan Stockwell and N. C. Day. The two first named gentlemen could not be found, and the other three spent some time in trying to enlist another as good for Chairman, with- out any success, and finally engaged the services of Mr. Foristall of Winchendon, and went to work without a Chairman, and found entered on the Society's book, for premiums, the fine herd of Shorthorns owned by Augustus Whitman of Fitchburg, consisting of one bull and five cows, and as many more for exhibition ; and they make the following awards, f Bull and heifer, by Edwin D. Works, as ''thoroughbred," but no pedigree or statement was furnished, and your Committee can only say that they were very fine looking animals. AYRSniRES. E. T. Miles of Fitchburg, had one bull, four cows and two calves. For exhibition, bull, "Comet 2d," by J. W. Gates of Leominster, which would have had justice done him, were it not well known that *' his cup already runneth o'er." Cow " Daisy," by Fred B. Harrington of Leominster, without ped- igree or statement. This cow appeared to be a very good dairy cow, but without the distinctive marks of the breed. ALDEllNEYS. The celebrated herd of John Brooks of Princeton, consisting of one bull, four cows and four heifers. By Thomas Gibson of Fitchburg, a fine bull of this breed, which would have been entitled to the second premium, had a pedigree been furnished, and your Committee recommend a gratuity of $3 00 to Mr. Gibson. By George E. Towne, one heifer, without pedigree. Mr. Wm. H. Fuller of Leominster, exhibited a young bull of this breed, with pedigree, but no entry of him could be found on the book, and no award was made for him. Your Committee found entered in their list by J. P. Reed of Prince- ton, one bull, one cow and one calf of the Holderness breed, and a pedigree of them on file. Members of this Society will recollect, that stock under the name of Holderness, from a single town in this county, have been exhibited at their fairs for many years, but your Committee have no knowledge that the Society's highest prizes for blood stock have been claimed for this breed previous to this year. Farmers who were so unfortunate as not to attend the fair this season, but were so fortunate as to obtain a copy of the " Worcester Daily Spy," published the next morning, might have been filled with regrets that they had not availed themselves of the opportunity of attending the show and seeing these * This report was received too late to be inserted in its proper place, t For list of premiums, sec i'5th page. STOCK FOR EXHIBITION. 43 three animals, which one might be led to believe from reading that paper, were so far superior to all other breeds for dairy purposes ; and your Committee may have violated the rules of the Society in not awarding premiums to Mr. Reed for them, but the reason why they did not, was because they were unanimous in the opinion that no such breed pure exists. If there is any such breed of cattle, possessing superior dairy qualities, owned in the town of Princeton, have they been spread beyond the borders of that town ? Was there ever any such breed of catile anywhere? If so, where can any history or description of them be i'.)und ? Youatt, in describing more than twenty-five breeds, or dif- ferent families of breeds belonging to Great Britain, gives no history or description of any such breed as the Holderness. Loudon says in des- cribing the different families of short horned cattle, page 964 : " Thus difJIn-ent families of this race are distinguished by the name of the Hol- derness, the Teeswater, the Yorkshire, Durham, Northumberland and other breeds." The presumption is, that this Princeton stock was named after the short horned or Teeswater bull, by the name of Holderness, imported into this country from a place in England of the same name, many years ago. This bull, without doubt, was a fine animal, and improved the stock of his time, which was so long ago, that if every one of his lineal descendants now living should, by accident or otherwise, lose every drop of Ms blood in their veins, their lives would not he endan- gered, their fame degraded, or their qualities impaired. That there was no other animals of pure breed entered for premium, except the Burmese bull and heifer belonging to Benjamin Snow, Jr., of Fitchburg, which the Secretary says were entered " too late ;" but an award of S5.00 is recommended to Mr. Snow for them, as rare curi- ositi.^s, trusting that for the next exhibition he will see that they are well done, and entitled to premium. Submitted as report of N. C. DAY, A. STOCKWELL, JOEL PAGE. STOCK FOPv EXHIBITION. The Committee on Stock for Exhibition, found the following ani- mai-; assigned to them : Sis full blood and seven grade Durhams, entered by Augustus Whit- man of Fitchburg ; one grade Durham cow and heifer, entered by Abel F. Adams of Fitchburg, and one full blood Ayrshire bull, '* Comet 2d,' entered by J. W. Gates of Leominster. Tile Committee were ghd to find that it is not in all cases the offer of premiums which is the inducement requisite to bring out a show of M PLOWING DOUBLE TEAMS. superior animals. These several gentlemen have thus exbibiied their interest in the success of the Society, by contributing valuable animals for the benefit of the examining public. They deserve the thanks of all lovers of fine stock, and we trust that their example will be more generally followed hereafter. JABEZ FISHER, for the Committee. PLOWING—DOUBLE TEAMS. Before speaking of the subject of plowing, we woiild allude to anoth- er that underlies it, to wit : field drainage. As food enters all plants through the medium of water, a proper regulation of it is of paramount importance. Rain water is not only a powerful solvent, hut it extracts ammonia from the atmosphere which increases and elaborates those elements of fertility in the soil on which vegetation depends for health and fruit- fulness. We quote the following from Mr. Freneh's Farm Drainage. He says : " Although we usually regard drainage as a means of render- ing land sufficiently dry for cultivation, that is by no means a compre- hensive view of the object of the operation. Rain is the principal source of moisture and a surplus of moisture is the evil against which we contend in draining. But rain water is also the principal source of fertility ; not only because it affords the necessary moisture to dissolve the elements of fertility, but also because it contains in itself, or brings with it from the atmosphere, valuable fertilizing substances. About forty inches of rain water may be taken ^s a fair general average of the rain f\iU in the United States, If this supplies as much ammonia to the soil as three hundred weight of Peruvian guano to the acre, ^ which is considered a liberal manuring, and which is valuable principally for its ammonia, we at once see the importance of retaining the rain water long enough at least upon our fields to rob it of its treas- ure. But it has a further value than has yet been suggested : ' Rain water always contains in solution air, carbonic acid, and ammonia ; the two first are among the most powerful disintegrators of the soil ; the oxygen and carbonic acid being both in a highly condensed form by being dissolved, possess very powerful affinities for the ingredients of the ^ soil ; the oxygen attacks and oxidizes the iron, the carbonic acid seizing the Hme and potash and other alkaline ingredients of the soil, produces a further separation and renders available the locked up ingredients of this magazine of nutriment ; before those can be used by plants they must be rendered soluble, and this is only effiicted by the tree and renewed access of rain and air. The ready passage of both of these, therefore, enables the soil to yield up its latent nutriment.' PLOWING DOUBLE TEAMS. 45 Hence, we see that the rains of Heaven bring us not only water, but food for our plants, and that, while we would remove by proper drain- age, the surplus moisture, we should take care first to conduct it through the soil far enough to fulfil its mission of fertility. We cannot suppose that rain water brings to our fields precisely the same proportion of the elements of fertility, because the foreign properties with which it is charged must continually vary with the condition of the atmosphere through which it falls, whether it be a thick and murky clou.d which overhangs the coal-burning city, [or the transparent ether of the moun- tain tops." Now the question arises, What lands need drainage? Evidently those lands that retain the surface water until late in spring or early summer, so that teams cannot work upon them to good advantage, require at least, superficial drainage ; it is frequently necessary as well as convenient, to be able to cultivate a field a week or ten days earlier ; by so doing the extra crop in one season would, in many cases, pay the expense ; fields that are known to grow willows, rushes and alders indi- cate deep drainage, as these aquatic plants would not grow and flourish were it not for the water in the subsoil that encourages their growth ; again, where trees or grain heave badly in spring, or when the foliage presents a sickly appearance, it is a strong index of stagnant water in the subsoil. A member of this Committee having decided to transplant a Pear Orchard at some future day, and having learned that the roots of pear trees have a great aversion to standing water, the field was first drained as was supposed, sufficiently ; but to make a sure thing of it, about one years ago a shaft three feet deep was sunk in the field and stoned in the form of a well, and the movement of the water noticed during the win- ter and spring following. Now, as the water at the highest point was found to rise only one and a half feet, and to remain at that height not more than forty-eight hours, it is conclusive that pear trees may be transplanted with safety. As the expense is small it may be a safe cri- terion for other plants. THE PLOW. Of all implements used upon the farm, the plow stands first and foremost ; yet, strange to say, that, in the majority of cases, its use is not yet appreciated. It is also equally strange that we find so many young men at the present day so totally inefiicient in this work. If a farmer has a field that lequires anything above and beyond mere super- ficial plowing, he is himself obliged to take the plow into his own hands or call upon some middle-aged or old man to perform the task, other- wise be satisfied with very inefficient plowing. It has been truthfully said that it requires more mechanical skill and ingenuity to govern, gauge and give proper draft to the plow, than it does for the mechanic to build one. And all this must be acquired from practice and obser- vation, and taking an interest in the work ; and to this end your Com- mittee would recommend a higher rate of premiums, r.nd a greater 46 PLOWING! DOUBLE TEAMS. number ; make It an inducement for our young men and boys to pre- sent themselves in the field and com)3ete for the premiums. In preparing a field for a corn crop many plans are suggested, and as many adopted, but in the minds of your Committee, who have had some experience and made some experiments, we would adopt the fol- lowing, not only for the corn crop, but for those crops that follow : turn the sod in August as light as it can possibly be done, say three inches deep, and before the " setting in of winter," turn the furrows back or " tilt them up edgewise" ; by this process the action of frost in winter and the thawing in spring causes the sod to yield easily to the harrow ; the field is now ready for thorough plowing, which should be done on our best lands with a heavy team equal to that of four oxen ; and for very good reasons the swivel or side hill plow should be used, whether our fields are side hill or comparatively level ; by this opera- tion our fields are left without dead furrows, and are made level and in good preparation for the Horse Mower, which very uaeful farm imple- ment is fast coming into use. If the field has never before been plowed more than six inches, it is now the proper time to sink the plow to the depth of seven or more inches, thus giving the surfiico soil one inch more of depth, which is in effect, adding about one hundred loads of thirty bushels each ; this may be considered sufficient both for the corn crop and for those crops that follow for the next seven, eight, or ten years, as the case may be. The use of the subsoil plough we believe would prove a valuable acquisition to many of our fields ; the operation is expensive but effec- tual in the end, as is field drainage ; it requires the same amount of team and the same time to subsoil a field as it does to plow a grass field seven inches deep on our best grain and grass lands, that is, in soils where it can be used ; it serves to loosen the soil to almost any desirable depth, thereby making a pasture ground for the smaller roots to feed upon. It has, heretofore, been the popular doctrine that cere- als did not extend only a few inches below the surface. But this theory now being strongly confuted by those that have examined it, is pretty well conceded that the roots and smaii fibers extend several feet. Hence, if this theory be true, it Is manifest that by loosening and pul- verizing the soil to the depth of one and a half feet or more, it will produce a much stronger root and stalk, consequently, a greater yield. In case however, where field drainage is necessary and the work has not been done, perhaps subsoiling in many cases would not be effectual, as this treatment would serve to make channels in the subsoil, and cause the stagnant water to remain, or not find so ready passage as it otherwise would have done ; and thereby making the soils more perni- cious to the plant. The more effectual method of preparing the soil for plants doubtless, is by spading, but this mode of cultivation is far too expensive to war- rant the outlay to a very great extent, except to that class of farmers that have a floating capital and are satisfied in adopting the principle of sowing dollars and reaping dimes, perhaps for a series of years. PLOWING DOUBLE TEAMS. 47 Yankees generally favor the maxim of quick returns, although the profits are small. If green sward is to be turned up for winter wheat, it should be plowed in August with a good team and an expert plowman ; the soils should not be turned at a less depth than seven and one-half inches, and the furrows laid as flat as circumstancos will permit ; that is, the furrows should not lap upon each other, as this would cause extra labor in making a smooth surface. About twenty-five loads of compost manure incorporated with seventy-five or one hundred bushels of leached ashes or its value in some other fertilizer, will produce an amount of wheat equal in value to seventy-five bushels of corn ; by turning the sod to a proper depth, or about an inch deeper than at former plow- ings, we have a surface soil of seven or eight inches ; the manure and fertilizers produce a strong growth of the young plant in the autumn after sowing ; and as the roots of all grains extend to comparatively great depths below the surface, in the course of the next summer they find a rich pasture ground in the sod that is constantly decaying, to feed upon ; besides, through the influence of solar heat there is constantly a " sucking or drawing up" of the nourishment of the decomposed vege- table matter that encourages the growth of the young plant. We recommend comparatively deep plowing in all cases, in order to give a deeper and more friable soil for the small rootlets to make their researches. It is noticeable in fields where the stumps of trees have stood for a long time, and where we should expect to see the stronger plants, we notice the very opposite, and the cause may be attributed to inefficient plowing. If spring wheat is to be sown " on stubble," we recommend not only deep, but frequent plowing ; a thorough pulveriza- tion of the soil, and the last plowing to be cut so fine that the field may have the appearance of being harrowed. The writer of these remarks became satisfied of this operation from being obliged to plow a field three times in consequence of frequent rains in spring, where one plowing in the majority of cases would have been considered sufficient ; the result was, when it became time to cul- tivate and hoe the field, with a very little eflfort upon the handles of the horse-hoe, the teeth or cutters could be penetrated into the soil to the depth of the wood work, and the whole field was very similar " to an ash heap," or garden mould. A deep pulverization of the soil is nec- essary to the germination of the seed and the ready extension of the roots, to the free circulation in it of moisture and air and the admission of solar heat, all combining to prepare and transmit food to the growing plant. If the soil is lumpy or coarse, and does not come in close contact with the seed to keep it moist, the seed cannot germinate ; the roots cannot freely extend in search of food nor can this food be properly prepared and transmitted to the plant unless the soil is so pulverized as to permit the free circulation of air and moisture through its inter- stices and through its mass. The air and dews are charged with ele- ments of fertility, and the more freely they are permitted to penetrate the soil the more benefit will they impart to the crop. In closing our report, we regret to say that only one Double Team 48 WORKING OXEN AND HORSE. was entered, and that by' Messrs. S. G. & P. M. Mirick, Princeton, to whom the Committee are obliged to award only the 2d premium, $5.00, and this decision was arrived at from the circumstance alone that a very insignificant plow was used, and totalli/ unfit for the work. For the Committee, EPH'M GRAHAM, Chairman. PLOWING— SINGLE TEAMS. The Committee on Plowing with Single Teams, offer the following report : 1st premium to N. B. Heed, Princeton, $7 00 2d premium to Joseph Miller, Westminster, 5 00 T. B. WORKS, for the Committee. PLOWING— HORSE TEAMS. Your Committee award the following premiums : 1st premium to Walter F. Page, Fitchburg, $7 00 2d premium to Thomas Palmer, Fitchburg, 5 00 WM. WOODBURY, Chairman. WORKING OXEN AND HORSE. The Committee appointed by the Worcester North Agricultural So- ciety, to report upon the work of teams composed of one yoke of oxen and one horse, have attended to that duty and submit the following report : There was but one team entered for our examination, which was owned by Mr. N. B. Reed of Princeton The weight of the oxen was 2738 lbs., and the weight of the horse 1000 lbs. They drew a load of 37S1 lbs upon a drag, (more than their entire weight,) and did the work to the entire satisfaction of the Committee. We unanimously award hiin the first premium of 87.00. AVe hope hereafter to see mora teams of that class entered for premium, as many such teams are u.sed in Worcester North, and when properly trained, are more valuable for many purposes than teams of all oxen or horses. ABEL F. ADAMS, for the Committee. TROTTING HORSES. 49 TOWN TEAMS OF STEERS. The Committee on Town Teams of Steers, have attended to tho duty assigned them, and instruct me to submit tho following report : There was but one entry, and that by Mr. J. P. Reed, for the town of Princeton. The Committee are of opinion that this team would have been every way worthy of a premium, but for the deficiency in number of pairs, there being fourteen instead of fifteen. This was occasioned, as the Committee understand, by the failure of one indi- vidual from some cause to furnish one pair, agreeable to previous arrangement. From the failure to comply with the rules in this regard, the Committee can award no premium, but cheerfully recommend that the Trustees award for this team a liberal gratuity (*10.00) As this is a novel feature in these exhibitions, although a partial failure at this time, they would recommend further efFart. Should these efforts be contin- ued, no small advantage is to be derived by the younger portion of our farmers — of course the boys train the steers and prepare them for exhibition, and the interest it will awaken in them can be none other than a decided advantage. The Committee regret that there were no more competitors, but hope for better success in the future. S. S. HASTINGS, Chairman, TROTTING HORSES. In the first class two entries were made. Samuel Weston entered *'Maj. Dearborn," and 0. T. Ruggles entered "Capt. Lawrence," who won in three straight heats. During the second heat, "Maj. Dearborn," while goingr at a 2. 40 gait, caught one of his fore legs in his harness, throwing him completely over, with driver and sulky, without the least injury to either. The Committee decided that the "Major" by this per- formance, had now made himself one of the most valuable animals in the country. 1st premium awarded to "Capt. Lawrence," $40 00 2d premium to "Major Dearborn," 20 00 In the second class there were three entries. A. Whitman entered "Lady Margaret"; S. Weston, Jenny Chandler ; L. Patch, ''Commodore Nutt." "Jenny Chandler" won in three straight heats. 1st premium to "Jenny Chandler," $25 00 2d premium to "Commodore Nutt," 15 00 In the third class there were five entries. T. B. Cook entered ^'Lady Goodale"; J.M. Sawtell, "Baltimore Belle"; L Carleton, "Black Mare"; * Awarded by the Trustees. 50 FARMS. Jerome Burditt, "Brown Horse"; K-. L. fGoddard, "Black Horse.'' "Baltimore Belle" won in three straight heats. 1st premium to "Bahimore Belle," $15 00 2d premium to "Black Horse," 10 00 Your Committee would take this occasion to say that this class did more for the entertainment of the large number present than any other, at the same time adding large receipts to the treasury. SOLOMON H. HOWE, Chairmcm. FARMS. The Committee on Farms have attended to their duty, and submit the following report : There was but one farm entered for our inspection, and that was by Cyrus Kilburn of Lunenburg. On the 26th of June, the Committee visited Mr. Kilburn's farm, and found him engaged in his hay field, as he thinks his earliest cut bay is the most valuable for making milk. His farm contains 122 acres, about 20 of which is wood land. His crops were looking well, and had been well tended. One acre of win- ter wheat upon land broken up the previous August, and upon which he spread 16 loads compost manure and 160 lbs. phosphate, gave prom- ise of a large yield. He has been very successful in raising winter wheat, and thinks it worth ten per cent, more than spring wheat. For corn he spreads his manure, and applies 250 lbs. phosphate to the acre, in the hill, and intends to put just 25 bills to the square rod. He has some low land subject to early frosts, upon which he raises buckwheat, and considers it a valuable grain, particularly for fowls. He has a large amount of muck, which he uses in various ways for manure, and thinks it valuable. One feature in Mr. Kilburn's farming is worthy of note. He has kept no swine for five years, thinks it costs him twenty cents per lb. to make pork; and that the refuse from the kitchen pays much better when fed to poultry. He has six swarms of bees, and one spring took from his hives 200 lbs. of nice honey. Mr. Kilburn is a working man, and although three score and six yeais old, is full of enthusiasm for the future, and we think him one of the men who make farming pay. AVe also called on Mr. Simon Black, who has a farm of 112 acres not entered for premium, but by request we visited it. and although it has been in his possession only about three years, has made some val- uable improvements. He thinks he has doubled the capacity of his pastures by the use of plaster, and the appearance of his ten cows showed that it was a paying operation. He has also improved his low grounds by ditching, plowing, removing stones, pulling willows and top dressing, and the Committee think that if his zeal for improvement does GAlfDElSrS. -51 ?iot abate sGon, ho will be under the necessity of providing more barn rootii in which to store his crops. His cows are stabled at night, and as he uses sand for an absorbent, they are comparatively clean. They were Jooking well, and some of them had the appearance of being deep milkers. On the 4th of October we again visited .Mr. Kilburn, and' | /• found that his acre of winter wheal:, (by the estimation^ tl^e Cpni,mit- ■ "^ tee on grain,) yielded 34 bushels, and the grain, as we ciih^jJftM ifc- ii the bin, appeared to be a drst rate article. His corn was most ot it cut and stocked in the field, which he thinks is much the best way, and usually gets from 60 to 80 bushels of shelled corn to the acre. He is making some experiments in topping corn, and also stripping off the leaves, which we hope the Society will get the benefit of at some future day. He raises no roots for his stock, thinks it does not pay. He keeps 60 hens and realizes a profit of two dollars each, annually. He keeps no account of the total sales from his farm, but from the proceeds of the same, pays for his labor, and other necessary expenses, and is constantly making improvements upon his farm. We accordingly rec- ommend that the first premium of -1J25.00 be awarded to Mr. Kilburn, for the best cultivated farm^ ABEL F. ADAMS, NATHAN UPHAM, THOMAS BILLINGS. GARDENS. Your Committee have been unfortunate in their efforts to be all together at any one time until their final meeting la.st week, when they compared notes, and were unanimous in their award of premiums. Of Kitchen Gardens, there were three entries, one by Eb'r Bird of Leominster, who was awarded the third premium last year ; one by Geo. S. Houghton of Fitchburg, and one by our worthy Secretary, L. H. Bradford, Esq. We found in these several gardens the usual variety of vegetables grown in good Kitchen Gardens, We also found what are considered the choicest and best varieties of each class of the vege- table family. The owners seemed quite familiar with Mr. Gregory of Marblehead, and have profited by the acquaintance. The best varieties are generally as easy of cultivation as the poor. It is true the Horti- cultural bean is a more sure crop than the Lima, but it is not as good, so you may cultivate both if you like, especially the Lima. Wo found all these gardens in good healthy condition whenever we visited them. The season has been a wet one, and some vegetables have not succeeded as well as usual, but some have better, and weeds have in some instances grown to an extraordinary size, but we did not find them in any of these gardens of sufficient luxuriance to entitle them to premiums for that crop, but we would say that everything indi- cated good clean cultivation, and as a whole, a good result. 52 GARDENS. Mr Bradford's garden is terraced on a side hill, sloping easfc and south. Most of the ground has been moved deeply, and is in good condition for any crop, especially roots. He cultivates for bis own fam- ily use. We also noticed that his pleasant house was tastefully adorned with many beautiful flowers. Here I thought I could see the better taste of Mrs B. The other two gardens were more extensive, and cultivated in part for a market garden, from which they have derived a good profit for their labor, we understand, and contemplate a more extended cultiva- tion next year. Mr. Houghton's garden is level, or nearly so ; his grounds are laid out with great regularity, and his plants are arranged with almost math- ematical exactnesa. PREMIUMS FOR KITCHEN GARDENS. Wc have awarded to Mr. Geo. S. Houghton of Fitchburg, the 1st premium of $6.00. To Mr. Ebenezer Bird of Leominster, the 2d premium of $4 00. To L. H, Bradford of Fitchburg, the 3d premium of $2.00. There was but one Flower Garden entered for premium, and that by John M. Sawtell of Fitchburg. This garden, as might be expected by all who know Mr. Sawtell, was kept in the most perfect order. He has a large and varied collection of plants, many of the newest and choicest varieties ; they were tastefully arranged and thoroughly culti- vated. In the summer he had a mo.^t beautiful display of flowers in his grounds, which I wish every member of our Society could have seen ; it would not only have pleased his eye, but improved his heart and refined his feelings, and made him a better man. The plants in this garden are not all to perish by the frosts of Autumn, but will be removed to the green house near by, where they will live and bloom through the winter. Mr. S. has a choice collection of plants, and any one wishing for flowers or flowering plants to ornament their homes at any time, can procure them at this green house, for a very reasonable compensation. The Committee unanimously award to Mr. John M. Sawtell, for hi? Flower Garden, the 1st premium of $2.00. Respectfully submitted, JONAS A, MARSHALL, for the Committee. $7 00 5 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 50 VEGETABLES. 53 VEGETABLES. The Committee on Vegetables award as follows : BEST COLLECTION. 1st premium to W. H, Wetherbee, 2(1 premium to J, M. Sawtell, 3d premium to E. Bird, POTATOES, 1st premium to Nathan CaswelL zld premium to James Mclntire, 3d prcniium to F. B. Harrington, CABBAGES. 1st premium to Lawrin Pratt, 75 CELERY, 1st premium to E. T. Miles, 75 CROOK NECK SQUASH. ist premium to A. P. Whitney, 1 00 MARROW SQUASH. 1st premium to J. S. Houghton, 1 00 2d premium to Lawrin Pratt, ^0 HUBBARD SQUASH. 1st premium to E. T. Miles, 1 00 2d premium to J. S. Houghtoia, 50 TURS^IP BEETS, 1st premiiam to J. Haskell, 75 '2d premimm to L. Pratt, 50 TOMATOES. £st premium to L. Pratt, 50 2d premium to J. S. Houghton, ^5 ENGLISH TURNIPS. 1st premium to A. P. Whitney, 50 FIELD BEANS, 1st premium to David Battles. 50 54 APPLES SEED COTvN', 1st premium to Thomas Gibson, $1 ^^ 2d premium to L. Stoekwell, 75 od premiiiw to Iicvi Wiiite, 50^ GARDEN &EEB3^. 2'd premiom to W. H. Wetherbe^, 3 CO ONI0Ng% 1st premium to L. Pratfc, 75 2d premium to A. ?. Wbitnej, 50 GRATUITIES J. S. Hotff^htoD, Potatoes, 50 L. Pratt. Hubbard Squash, 5@ James McTntire, Seed Coro, 25 Cyras Kilburn, Seed Corn, 25 F. B. Harrington, Seed Corn, 25 J. S. Hou(>;kon, Turban Squashy 50 L. Pratt, Turban Squash, 50 A. P'. Whitney, Turban Squasli, ^5 E. T. Miles, Variety of Vegetablesv 1 50 J. S. Houghton, Melons,, 50 L. Pratt, Melons, 50* L. Pratt, Peppers, 25 A. Whitman, Peppers, 25 N, Caswell, Cranberries, %5 A. Ravmond, Cranberries-v 25 E. T. Miles, Cranberries, 25 L. Kendall, Cranberries, 25> T. S. Eaton, Pop Corn, 25 JACOB HASlvELL, for the Oorm^nttec-. APPLES, PEACHES, PLUMS AN-D QUINCES. The Committee on Apples, P'eaehos, Plun>s and QuiDCGs-, have made the following awards ; APPLES. For the best and largest exhibition of named varieties, of five specimens each : 1st premium to C. C. Boyden, Leominster, $4 00 2d premium to T. S. Eaton, Fitehburg, Hariis on Insects. PEACHES, PLUMS. 55 For twelve varieties, of five .specimens each : ist proaiinm to Leonard Barrage, Leominster, Harris on Insects. iid premimii G. P. Hawkins, Fitchburg, $2 00 od premium J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 1 00 For six varieties, of five specimens each : 1st premium to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 2 00 2i\ premium to Levi Kendall. Fitchburg, 1 50 Sd premium to Nathan Caswell, Fitchburg, 1 00 For three varieties, of five specimens each : 1st premium to Levi Kendall, Fitchburg, 1 50 :2d premium to Nathan Caswell, Fitchburg, J 00 od premium to Loriston Stockwell, 50 GRATUITIES. E. D. Works. Fitchburg, 50 A. Crocker, Fitchburg, 50 B'3st exhibition of twelve specimens of Baldwins : L^t premium to Ohio Whitney, Jr., Ashburnham, 1 00 IM premium to Leonard Barrage, Leominster. 50 Best exhibition of twelve specimens of Hubbardston Nonsuch : 1st premium to C. C. Boyden, Leominster, 1 00 l?d premium to A. Crocker, Fitchburg, 50 Best exhibition of twelve specimens of B. I. Greenings : 1st premium to C. C Boyden, Leominster, I 00 2d premium to Ohio Whitney, Jr., Ashburnham, 50 Best exhil)ition of twelve specimens lloxbury Russets : ist prcnium to J. T. Everett, Princeton, I 00 2d premium to Loriston Stockwell. Fitchburg, 50 PEACHES. For the best collection- Jst premium to Augustus Whitman, Fitchburg, Harris on Insects. For the best dishes : 1st premium to E, T. ^Fdes. Fitchburg, 2 00 2d premium to Benj. Saffbrd, Fitchburg, 1 00 3d premium to Cyrus Kilburn, Lunenburg, 50 I'LUMS. For the best collections : 1st prciiiium to Ohio Whitney, Jr , Ashburnham, 2 00 For the best plate : 1st premium to S. Banister. Fitchburg. 1 00 2d premium to Jacob Haskell, Fitchburg, 50 56 PEARS AND GRAPES. QUINCES. 1st premium to Augustus Whitman. Fitcbburg, $1 OO 2d premium to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 50 GRATUITIES. Eber Gibson, Ashburnham, for a plate of splendid Presi- dent (not Johnson,) apples, 1 00 John Kilgore, Fitchburg, for a plate of Ohio Pippins. 50 C. C. Boyden, Leominster, for a plate of superior Garden Royals, 1 00 B. Snow. Jr., Fitchburg. for collection of Apples. 1 00 W. H. Wetherbae, Shirley, for collection of Apples, 50 LOmSTON STOGKWELL,/or^/^e Committee, PEARS AND GRAPES. The Committee on Pears and Grapes have made the following awards PEARS, For the best and largest exhibition of named varieties : 1st premium to Jabez, Fisher, Fitchburg, $4 00 2d premium to Benj. Snow, Jr., Fitchburg, Harris on Insects. For twelve varieties, five S|>eeimens each : 1st premium to Alvali Crocker, Fitchburg, Harris on Insects. 2d premium, G. P. Hawkins, Fitchburg, 3d premium, L. Burrage, Leominster, For six varieties, five specimens eacb : 1st premium to Thomas Palmer, Fitchburg, 2d premium to W. H. Wetherbee, Shirley, 3d pron^ium to Benj. SafFord, Fitchburg, For three varieties, five specim*ens eacb : 1st premium to Alonzo Gould, 2d premium to Ohio Whitney, Jr., Ashburnbanj, 3d premium to J. T. Everett, PriniCctoDi, For the best exhibition of twe-lv« specimens of Bartletts. 1st premium to F. W. Whitney. Leominster, 2d premium to C. C. Boyden, Leomiiister, SECKEL^ 1st premium to Geo. Jewett, Fitchburg,. 1 OO 2d premium t© Z. Young,. Fitchburg, 50 1 OO 2 00 1 ,50 1 00 1 50 1 OO 50 1 00 50 PEARS AND GRAPES. 57 FLEMISH BEAUTY. 1st premium to A. Whitman, Fitchburg, 2d premium to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, LOUISE BONNE DE JERSEY. 1st premium to Alvah Crocker, Fitchburg, 2d premium to Thomas Palmer, Fitchburg, DUCHESS DE ANGOULEINE. $1 00 50 1 00 50 1 00 50 1 00 50 1 00 50 50 50 50 1 00 2 00 50 1st premium to Z Young, Fitchburg, 2d premium to Thomas Palmer, Fitchburg, GRATUITIES. N. Upham, Geo. Jewett, Gibson Pear, Mrs. J. Sawyer, Beurre Deil and Bonne de Jersey, A. P. Goodrich. Bartlett, Lawrin Pratt, tive varieties. 3Irs. Steele, two plates Pears, N. S. Boutelle, Beurre Brec, J. M. Sawtell, three varieties, A. Whitman, twenty-five specimens, five each, A. Crocker, Flemii^h Beauty, GRAPES. For the best dis))lay of Native Grapes. 1st premium to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg. Harris on Insects. 2d premium to W. H Wetherbee, Shirley, 2 Oi) 3d premium to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg. 1 00 For the best six clusters Concord. 1st premium to Geo. Jewett, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d premium to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 50 DELAWAia:. ]^t premium to Geo. Jewett. Fitchburg, 1 00 2d preuiium to Alfred Whiting, Oakdale, 50 HARTFORD PROLIFIC. 1st premium, Geo. Jewett, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d premium, Thomas Palmer, Fitchburg, 50 GRATUITIES. Alfred Whiting, for Native Grapes, 60 Mrs. J. Sawyer, for Hamburg Grapes, 50 Geo. Jewett, plate of different varieties. 50 L. Burrage, Hartford Prolific and Delaware, 50 CYRUS THUBSTON, Chairman. 05 ROOTS. EOOT CROPS. The Committee appointed ])y tlic Worcester North Agricultural Society to examine and award Pi-emiums on Root Crops and Cabljages, report tliat a large number of entries were made, but, owing to the unpropitious season for such crops, most of them were withdrawn. And ti) the owners of such as were not wltiidrawn, we have made the following awards : POTATOES. No one appeared to have the requisite quantity of Potatoes for the one-fourth of an acre, 3000 Djs. ; but we reconnnend a gratuity to Cyrus Kilburn of Lunenburg, of a sum C([ual to the 2d premium, ^5.00. Also, a gTiituity to Mr. Abel iMarshall of Fitchburg, equal to the od premium, Grasses and Forage Plants. CAKROTS. No one appeared to have the requisite sjuantity. ONIONS. We award the 1st premium on Onions, to Mr. Lawrin Pratt of Fitchburg. To Martin Johnson of Lunenburg, we recommend a gra- tuity equal to tlie 2d premium, fu' his crop of onions. KUTA nAdAS. We award the Lst premium on Ruta l^aga Turnips, to Mr Ebenezcr Bird of Leominster, Harris on Insects. CABBAGES. We award the Lst premium on Cabbages, to Mr. Lawrin Pratt of Fitcliburg, >^2.00. The question whether economy will allow ftirmers in this section to expenil their manure and labor in raising Root crops for the marlvCt, or to feed out to th(iir domestic animals, admits of a practical discussioii. We would take the potato from that question, it being one of the subter- ranean indispensables, and chai-ge upon the others collectively or sepa- rately ; viz : carrots, ruta bag;is, onions, ])eets, and turnips of many varielies. Upon this su])ject your Committee are divided. CYRUS KlUl\]K^, forthe Committee. LAAVRLV PRATT'S STATEMENT. ONIONS. 1\\ LSo5 the crop raised on this piece of land was onions; the dres- sing was horse manure, 3|- loa^ls of thirty bushels each. In 1800 the dressing was the same. Soil sandy loam ; plowed twice four inclies deep; harrowed and brushed with brush harrow; dressing used, KOOTS. 59 Uradley's Super Plios])li[ito of Linio, 100 lbs. I pbritctl, the last week in April, throe four tlis of a lb. of Dauvers onion seed, eultiva- ted six times; harvested, pullin.o;, ami cutting off the tops, in October. The piece of land where my onions grew contains 20 s^quarc rods. Cost of seed and planting, $1 50 " Plowing, &c.y 70 Manure, ^ 3 00 *' GLiltivatinir and harvestin<2:, T 50 12 TO Weigiifc of crop as ccrtiSad by Henry Jackson, Oct. 8th, 2800 lbs. MARTIN JOHNSON'S STATEMENT. ONIONS. Tn 1865 and 18GG the crops raised on this land were onio-ns ; the dressing used, horse and hog manure, about twenty-five loads to tho acre. Soil, sandy loam ; noi plowed but cultivated before planting in the spring; harrowed, and leveled witli tlie back of the harrow; used about twenty-five loads of manure to the acre. Planted April 1 0th, with machine, yellow Danvers and another yellow variety, name- unknown. I hoed with Wheeler hoe three times, and weeded three times by hand. Harvested the first of October. The land on which my cnions gi-ew nneasiired forty-four rods at the outlines; there were 1C> fruit trees on the land which I think would reduce the measure to about thirty-five rods, there being no onions under the trees. I havo measured the onions and have 102 bushels of sound onions; about two b'ushels are small. Cost of seed and planting, Plowing, &c., " Manure, " Cultivatinc: and hi Weight of crop as certified by C} 'esting. U 50 2 00 10 00 20 00 )j Cyrus Kilburn, oo 50 Nov. Gth, 5804 lbs. EBENEZER BIRD\S STATEMENT. KUTA BAOAS. Tlio crops of 1865 and 1866 were grass ; no manure used. Light- ish gravelly soil ; plowed six indies deep, the 21st of June, after mow- ino- the grass off. Four loads of manure, of fifteen })ushels each, and tw'o of thirty bushels, were applied in drills. I planted, the 21st^ of June, four lbs. of Ruta Baga soedin drills; cultivated and hoed twice. Harvested, pulled, and cut tops, the 2d of November. The piece of land where my turnips grew contains 1^0 sf^uare rods. 60 ROOTS. Cost of seed and planting, " Plowing, &c., ' * Manure, " Cultivating: and harvestinor, $2 00 75 2 00 5 00 Weiglit of crop, 2745 lbs. 9 75 LAWKIN PRATT'S STATEMENT. CABBAGES. The crop of 1865 on this piece of land, was hay ; no manure was used. In 1866 the crop was squashes. The dressing used was com- post of mud and horse manure, three-fourths of a cord, Soil, sandy loam ; plowed in the spring ; harrowed and plowed. Three loads of manure were used, one-half broadcast and one-half in the hill. I sowed my seed the first of May ; set out my plants the first of June. Hoed twice with a common hoc. Harvested from 8th of October to the 1st of Nov. ; cut the heads as I wanted to sell. The leaves for cows, $2. The piece of land wlierc my cabbages grew contains 20 square rods. Cost of seed and planting, $1 50 " Plowing, 75 Manure, 6 00 '* Cultivating and harvesting, 2 00 10 25 Weight of crop as certified by Henry Jackson, Oct. 8th, 3500 lbs. ABEL MARSHALL'S STATEMENT. POTATOES. The crops of 1865 and 1866 were grass; no manure was used. Soil, black and yellow loam. Plowed, May 28th, five inches deep, with a common plow. Applied twelve loads of manure spread evenly on the grass before it was plowed, and then turned under the sod with the grass. I planted, June 1st, nine bushels of potatoes, the " Garnet Chele" variety, cut in pieces and dropped in betw^een the furrows as deep as was plowed. Harrowed once, and hoed once. Harvested Oct. 18th. The piece of land where my potatoes grew contains 40 square rods. Cost of seed and planting, $9 50 Plowing, &c., 2 00 Manure, 25 00 ** Cultivating and harvesting, 11 00 47 50 Weight of crop as certified by Cyrus Kilburn, Oct. 18th, 2880 lbs. GRAIN. 61 GRAIN. The Committee on Grain having attended to tlic duty assigned tliem. now report, and proceed to make their avrards : ■WHEAT. 1st premium to Luther Page of Lunenbnrg, weight 13^ lbs., $15 00 2d premium to Cyrus Kilburn of Lunenbnrg, weight lolbs., 10 00 3d premium to 8. R. Damon of Ashby, weight 13^^ ^^-*s-» 8 OO CORN. Isfc premium to Joseph Goodrich of Lunenburg, weiglit 38^ lbs. , 1 5 00 2d premium to Luther Page of Lunenburg, weight 39^ lbs., 10 00 3d premium to Albert Sa-atton of Leominster, weight 33 lbs. 8 00 RYE. 1st premium to Luther Page of Lunenburg, weight 15^ lbs., 6 00 2d premium to Cyrus Kilburn of Lunenburg, weight S\-^ lbs. 4 00 FIELD BEANS. 1st premium to Cyrus Kilburn of Lunenburg, weight 9^^^ lbs. 4 OO We recommend a gratuity of $4.00 to George S. Boutwell of Lunen- burg, for a sample of White Swedish Oats. J. HASKELL, fo7' the Committee, LUTHER PAGKS STATEMENT, SPRING WHEAT. The crop on this land in 186G was grass ; no dressing used. This year the crop was spring wheat. The soil is yellow loam with rough clay bottom. I broke up from five to six inches deep the last of Sept° ; spread fifteen loads of manure from the barn cellar upon the soil ; har- rowed it well. The last of May I sowed two bushels of wheat which came from Canada, the name of which I do not know ; it makes nice bread. I harrowed it in well, and rolled it ; commenced to cut and stook about August 1st. Raised 1| tons straw valued at $14. The piece of land on which my wheat grew contains 160 square rods. Cost of seed and sowing, $7 50 Plowing, &c., 2 83 '* 3Ianure, 2b OU '* Cultivating and harvesting, 9 50 44 83 Weight of crop as certified by W. Baker, 6th of Nov., 2120 lbs. 62 GRAIN. CYRUS KILBURX'S STATEMENT. WINTER WHEAT. The crops of 1865 and 1866 on this piece of land were Iiay ; no dressing. The soil is clayey loam. I plowed in August, 1866, only once six or seven inches deep ; applied 16 loads of compost manure and about 250 lbs. Super Phosphate of Lime ; manure and Super Phos- phate spread and harrowed in with wheat. On the 27th of August I sowed two bushels of Blue-Stem winter wheat. I mowed the lodged part, cradled what I could and reaped the remainder. Raised two tom of straw. The piece of land on which my acre. Cost of seed and planting, '• Plowing, &c., " Manure, " Cultivating and harvesting, 55 00 Weight of crop as certified by Thomas Billings, Nov. 5th, 2040 lbs. ^ly wheat sells readily for seed, or flour, at $4 per bushel. I have sowed the Blue-Stem wheat j'early, for twenty years and there is no deterioration. I raised the same amount on the same acre soven years ago. I find by experience, that the last week in August or first week in September is the best time to sow. T mowed the above acre six years, then plowed and sowed on the sod. I think this is the better way to sow. If we wait for the corn to come off it makes it late for wheat sowing. I sow my grass seed on the wheat land in the spring. If it is sown with the wheat, it gets the start of the wheat in the spring and chokes it. I wash and lime, or ash my seed wheat, thinking it necessary to prevent any tendency to smut, whi^h tendency may possi- bly be produced by using manure composed partly of chafF of smutty grain. If we sow smut, we reap smut. wheat grew measures one $9 00 6 00 25 00 15 00 S. R. DAMON'S STATEMENT. WHEAT. The crop on this land in 1865 was corn and potatoes; in 1866 it was corn. The dressing used for botli these crops was stable manure, twenty-five loads to the acre. Soil, yellow lo;im. I plowed once. May 3d, seven inches deep ; cultivated and harrowed three times ; applied twen- ty loads of manure spread broadcast after plowing. I sowed, May 9th, two and one-half bushels. Cradled the last week in August ; stooked in the field till dry. Straw, 34 cwt. The land on which my wheat crew measures 1 acre, 5 rods, 40 feet. GRAIN. 03 S 8 00 Cost of seed and planting, " Plo^Ying, kd-, Manure, p^ <^*^ Cultivatinf;- and harvesting, i^l 00 o 51) 00 Wc'igiit of crop as certified by Win. Baker, Nov. Gtli. 201)3 lljs. JOSEPH GOODRICirS STATEMENT. CORN. In 1865 and 186G the crops on this hind were grass; no dressing used. Soil clayey loam. Plowed first, Sept., 18G(3, from six to eight inches deep ; cross plo\Yed the following spring; harrowed and furrowed one way. Applied fifteen loads of manure spread and plowed in ; also, 2o0 weight of Super Phosphate applied to the hill, and about the same of plaster. Planted, May 6th, six qts. seed, called Carter corn. Cultivated twice with the cultivator one way ; hand hoed twice. Cut stalks Sept. 12th, gathered corn Oct. 24th. Two tons stover, Cost of seed and planting, Plowing, &c., 10 00 " Manure, '^^ '^^ " Cultivating and harvesting, 18 50 70 75 Weif^hfc of crop as certified by W. Baker, Nov. Gth, G240 lbs. $3 00 LUTHER PAGE'S STATEMENT. CORN. In 1866 the crop was grass ; no dressing used. This ycra* iha crop was corn. Soil, black loam, clay subsoil. I broke up the land about the 1st of October, six inches deep ; harrowed well ; applied eighteen loads compost from the barn cellar, broadcast. Planted by hand nine fiuarts, six or eight kernels to the hill, of eight-rowed corn of yellow and red mixed kind. Cultivated twice, both times the same way ; har- vested the 5th of Oct ; cut stalks the middle of Sept. Three tons stover, value, $27.00. The land on which my corn grew measures 160 square rods. C(5st of seed and planting. ^^ 00 Piowino;, &c., 1 ^0 " Manur?, _ 27 00 " CultivatinGj and harvesting, 1° 00 Weiglit of crop as certified by W. Baker, Nov. Gth, 6240 lbs 49 50 64 GRAIN. The above acre of corn which I entered for a premium was broken up Oct. 1st, 1866, about six inches deep. The following spring I -put on eighteen loads of compost from the barn cellar ; gave it a good harrowing ; furrowed lightly one way only ; put a small handful of 'Bradley's Sup. Phosphate in the hill, usedabout 800 lbs., hills about 3 f jet apart each way ; put from six to eight kernels in each hill ; thinned at the last hoeino: to five stalks, — I think five better than four. ALBERT STRATTON'S STATEMENT. CORN. The crops on this piece of land in 1865 and 1866 were grass; no dressing used. Soil, gravelly loam. Plowed one-half the last of Nov. , 1866, and one-half in iVpril, 1867, seven inches deep; harrowed and furrowed both ways ; applied twenty-two loads barn manure, spread, and 250 lbs. Super Phosphate, in the hill. Planted with corn planter, May 28d and 24th, twelve qts. Carter corn. Cultivated with cultiva- tor and hand hoe twice ; cue stalks the last of Sept. and harvested lOtli of October. Cost of seed and planting, " Plowing, &c., '• Manure, " Cultivatinjr and harvesting. -o' $3 08 12 00 58 50 20 00 93 58 Weight of crop as certified by W. Baker, Nov. 6th, 5280 lbs. The field was plowed part late last fall, the other part early in the spring. I could see no difference. LUTHER PAGE'S STATEMENT. WINTER RYK. The crop on this piece of ground in 1866 was grass ; sixteen loads of manure from the barn cellar was used. The crop of this year is rye. No dressing used. Soil, black loam, clay bottom. I broke up the land six inches deep, the last of Sept. ; harrrowed thoroughly ; spread broadcast, sixteen loads of manure from the barn cellar. Sowed the last of Sept., one and a half bushels of the White rye ; seeded down to grass again. Harrowed thoroughly three times and rolled. Com- menced cutting and stooking the 20th of July ; carried to the barn the last of August. If tons straw, value, $17.87. The land on which my winter rye grew measures 160 rods. Cost of seed and planting, $2 50 Plowing, c^c, 2 00 Manure, 24 00 Cultivating and harvesting, 12 25 40 75 Weight of crop as certified by W. Baker, Nov. 6th, 2400 lbs. GRAIN. 65 CYRUS KILBURN'S STATEMENT. WINTER RYE. The crop of 1865 on this land was potatoes, and in 1866, corn. In 1865 ten cart loads of compost manure was used, and in 1866, twelve. Soil, sandy loam. Plowed once, six or seven inches deep, in Sept. ; no other preparation for the seed ; no dressing for the rye crop. Sowed the last of September ; harvested about the 25th of July. 1 ton straw. The land on which my winter rye grew measures 159 square rods. Cost of seed and planting, $5 00 Plowing, &c., 6 00 " Cultivating and harvesting, 10 00 21 00 Weight of crop as certified by Thomas Billings, Nov. 5th, 1370 lbs. to the acre. I had another acre in the same enclosure sowed to winter wheat and treated in a similar way as to manuring and cropping, and the wheat crop was much more valuable than the rye. CYRUS KILBURN'S STATEMENT. WHITE BEANS. On this land the crop in 1865 was grass ; no dressing was used- In 1866 it was Horticultural beans ; used two cart loads of composted manure. Soil, gravelly loam. Plowed once in May, six or seven inches deep ; applied two loads compost manure and 40 lbs. Super Phosphate of Lime. Planted, the first of June, in the drill, three qts. of the early White Pea bean ; pulled and stacked the beans the first of September. Raised four or five cwt. of Bean straw. The quantity of land on which I raised my beans measures 20 square rods. Cost of seed and planting, $2 00 Plowing, &c., 50 Manure, 4 00 Cultivating and harvesting, 5 00 11 50 Weight of crop as certified by Thomas Billings, Nov. 5th, 183| lbs. I find that White beans planted on a light sandy loam are less liable to blast than those planted on black moist land. A blast on the pod occasionally injures the crop. 66 AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. AaEICULTUEAL I]iIPLE:MENTS. The Committee ou Agricultural Implements respectfully report: Of the Committee originally appointed, two only, besides the Chairman, George B. Knowlton and Gardner P. Ha\Ykins, were present at the meeting ; Wm. Baker, Esq., of Lunenburg was added to our number; we then proceeded to business with only four members. The Buckeye, Kniffen. Perry and Pony-Clipper Mowing Machines, were presented by their respective manufacturers or agents, to compete for the premium. We had no oppor- tunity of testing their working qualities, and could not de- termine which was the best, but were of the opinion that all of them are good machines, and therefore make the fol- lowing awards : To Buckeye Mowing Machine Company, AVest Fitchburg, for Buckeye"' Mowing Machine. ' §5 00 To "W^right. AVoodward i?c Co., Fitchburg, for Eniffen Mowing Machine, 5 00 To Ames'Plow Co.. Boston. Perry 3Iowing Machine, gratuity. 5 00 To JT H. Fairbanks, Fitchburg. Pony-Clipper Mowing Machine, gratuity, 4 00 To Buckeye'Mowino- Machine Co.. Bav State Horse Eake, ' ^ " 5 00 To Ames Plow Co., Burt's Self- Adjusting Horse Hay Eake and American Hav Tedder, o-ratuitv, 4 CO ToT. H. Gill. Fitchburg. best Team Harness, 5 00 To J. D. Bur dick. Xew Haven. Conn., best Hav or Straw Cutter. " 3 GO To "Wright. Woodward c^' Co., best Churn. 2 00 To Gardner P. Hawkins. Fitchburg. best Horse Shoes, 2 00 To Wright. Woodward*.^- Co.. collection of Plows and other Agricultural Implements, gratuity. 6 00 To J. H. Fairbanks, collection of Plows and other Agricultural Implements, gratuity. G 00 To H. G. Davis t!t Co.. Leominster. Hand Thrashing Machine, gratuity. 2 00 To L. M. Parker, Shirley. Fruit Gatherer, gratuity, 25 When the Committee, in the afternoon of Sept. 23d, had completed the examination of all the Agricultural Imple- ments exhibited, and made up their awards, they considered their labors as closed, and separated without further appoint- ment. On the subsequent day, the Chairman was not present MECHANICS AND MANUFACTURES. 67 at the fair until late in the forenoon, and then found in addition to those which were there when the awards were made, the Union Mowing Machine, and Whitcomb's Horse Hay Eake, exhibited by Alziriis Brown, AYorcester; John- son's Horse Ha}" Eake, by W. H. Johnson & Co., j^orthboro, and a new Horse Hay Eake, manufactured by Kniffen Mow- ing Machine Co. In regard to the Mowing Machine and Horse Hay Eakes, whicli were not on exhibition until too late for examination l)y the Committee, previous to making their awards of pre- miums, I will say, that in regard to testimonials of their working qualities, they are all highly recommended by prac- tical farmers, and I consider all of them, so far perfected in their manufacture, as to merit a share of patronage from the farming community. ASAPH WOOD, Chairman. MECHANICS AND MANUFACTURES. For Mechanics and Manufactures the following awards have been ?nade : N. M. Lowe, Boston, for a " Hygrodeik," an instrument for showing the moisture of the atmosphere by a Dial, $2 00 W. B. Ball, Fitchburg, for Case Artificial Teeth, 2 00 A. P. Adams, Fitchburg, for Improved Vise, 1 00 Sabin & Foster, Fitchburg, Patent Improved Pipe Cutter, 2 00 Wilbur & Tyler, Fitchburg, for Case of Plated Ware, 5 00 S. G-. Frost, Fitchburg, for Buggy Harness, 2 50 Thomas H. Gill, Fitchburg, for Buggy Harness, 2 50 Ira Carleton & Co., Fitchburg, for Barrel Flour, 1 00 Geo. Bobbins, Fitchburg, for collection of Stoves, Whistle and Steam Valves, 2 00 Hogau & Co.;, Fitchburg, for Case of Boots and Shoes, 1 50 L. J. Brown, Fitchburg, for collection Ladies' Cloaks, 3 50 S. A. Boothby, Boston, Lamb Knitting Machine, 6 00 J. Pence, 2d, Fitchburg, collection of Calf Skins, 1 50 Wright, Woodward & Co., Fitchburg, for Champion Cog Wheel Clothes Wringer, 50 E. C. Cleaves, Fitchburg, for Fancy Ball, 1 00 C. A. Foster, Leominster, for Vegetable and Meat Cutter, 1 00 American Bread Kneader Co., Boston, for Bread Kneader, 1 00 J. D. Robinson & Co., Leominster, for Footlight and Lan- tern combined, and Union Window BHnd Fastener, 1 00 W. A. Macurda & Co., Fitchburg, Case of Toilet Arti- cles, &c., Gertijicate of membership . JOHN F. HA SKINS, Chairman. 68 ASSOETED FRUITS AND FLOWERS. ASSORTED FRUITS AND FLOWERS. FRUIT. 1st premium to A. Whitman, Fitchburg, 2d premium to B. Snow, Jr., FLOWERS. Best display of named Plants in Pots : 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2d premium to Mrs. N. C. Day, Leominster, PARLOR BOUQUETS. 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2d premium to Mrs. Geo. S. Houghton, HAND BOUQUETS. 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2d premium to Mrs. N. C. Day, Leominster, CUT FLOWERS. 1st premium to Mrs. J. F. Munroe, 2d premium to Miss Ellen A. Younglove, GRATUITIES. E. T. Miles, Display of Plants in Pots, George Jewett, cut Flowers (Verbenas,) J. Fisher, cut Flowers annd Hand Bouquets, Mrs. N. C. Day, Dish of Cut Flowers, J. M. Sawtell, Design of Cut Flowers, J. M. Sawtell, Cut Flowers in Bottles, Mrs. N. C. Day, Display of Asters, F. E- L. Beal, Display of Ferns and Flowers, Mrs. N. C. Day, Hand Bouquets, George Jewett, Asters, Mrs. N. C. Day, several small bouquets. Miss Anna J. Wood, Amaranths, Mrs. N. C, Day, Ivy in Pots, Miss Abbie F. Battles, Asters and Cut Flowers, 75 The Committee were particularly pleased with the display of named plants in pots made by Mrs. N. C. Day, to which they have awarded the second premium. Many of the plants were exceedingly rare, and all gave evidence of watchful care. The Committee were not satisfied sim- ply to award a premium to this collection, without adding this brief expression of their gratification. HENRY F. JENKS, Chairman. %2 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 75 75 50 50 50 75 1 00 1 50 25 25 50 25 25 FINE ARTS. '69 FINE ARTS. The Committee on Fine Arts award as follows : OIL PAINTINGS. GRATUITIES, Mrs. B. F. Wkittemore, $2 00 Fred. Monroe, 50 CUAYON BRAWINGS, tst premium to Mrs. B. F. Whittemore, $3 00 2d premium to Mrs. Kimball, 2 00 Mrs B. F. Whittemore, gratuity, 75 FEATHER WREATfe. Mrs. W. A. Fairbanks, gratuity, $3 00 PENCIL DRAWINGS, 1st premium to Mrs. C. L. Fairbanks, $2 00 -2d premium to Ida Howard, ' 1 00 GRATUITIES. Myra B. Ricliardson, ' 75 Mary E. Lane, 75 Mrs. C. L. Fairbanks, 75 Katie y, Trimnell, 50 Ella L. Brown, 50 Minnie Browning. 25 Oarrie Works, 25 Abbie Conn, "25 A. D. Smith, 25 Jennie Drew, 25 Ida M. Sabin, 25 Ella Wright 25 PENMANSHIP, Premium to L Johnson, $1 00 GRATUITIES. Kuros Kilburnii, 50 E, Louisa Smith, 25 Jennie A, Becker, 25 A colored photograph entered by Thomas Upton, executed by €ombeofN. Y., deserves honorable mention, and would have been awarded a premium were it admissible to the same by the rules of the •Society. JOSEPH CBEHOBE, CMirimm^ 70 BREAD, BUTTER, CHEESE, ETC BKEAB, BUTTER, CHEESE, PICKLES, &c. The Committee on Bread, Butter, Cheese, Pickles, Pre-- serves and Jellies, make the following awards : LUMP BUTTER. l&t premium to Mrs. J. P. Reed, Princeton, |4 00 2d premium to Geo. Miles, Westminster, 3 00 3d premium to ISTathan Caswell, Fitchburg;, 2 00 4th premium to Mrs. S. G. Mirick, Princeton, 1 50 JUNE TUB BUTTER. 1st premium to Mrs. F. B. Harrington, Leominster, 3 00 2d and 3d premiums not awarded. WHITE BREAD. Ist premium to L. Etta Alexander, Fitchburg, 2 00 2d premium to Mary Connor, Lunenburg, 1 00 3d premium to Mary Morrissey, Fitchburg, 50 UNBOLTED WHEAT BREAD. 1st premium to Mrs. C. Kilburn, Lunenburg, 1 00 RYE AND INDIAN BREAD. 1st premium to S. M. Proctor, Lunenburg, 2 00 2d premium to Mrs. C. Kilburn, '^ 1 00 1st premium to Mrs. F. B. Harrington, Leominster, 2 00 2d premium to Geo. Miles, Westminster, 1 50 PICKLES. 1st premium to Mi*s. I. B. Woodward, Fitchburg, 75 2d and 3d premiums not awarded. VIRGIN HONEY IN THE COMB. 1st premium to Gardner Merriam, Leominster, 2 00 2d premium to S. H. Sprague, Westminster, 1 00 STRAINED HONEY. Gratuity to S. H. Sprague, Westminster, 75 CRAB APPLE JELLY. Gratuity to Mrs. J. T. Everett, Princeton, 50 PRESERVED PEACHES. Gratuity to Mrs. Lawrin Pratt, Fitch])urg, 75 Gratuity to Miss Susan Proctor, Lunenburg, 50 FANCY ARTICLES. 71 CANNED PEARS. Cxratuity to G. P. Hawkins, Fitchburg, 75 Gratuity to Mrs. J. T. Everett, Princeton, 75 APPLE JELLY. Gratiiit}' to Miss Susan Proctor, Lunenburg, 50 CURRANT JELLY. Gratuity to Mrs. G. P. Hawkins, Fitcliburg, 50 rRESERVED TOMATO. Gratuity to Eosa Hughes, 50 C. H. B. SNOW, for the Committee. FAIS^CY AETICLES. Tlie Committee on Fancy Articles make the following awards : Ao-ricultural Wreath— Miss Fales, Fitchburg, $3 00 Hair Wreath— Mrs. AV. B. S. Drew, Fitchburg, 1 00 '' Mrs. H. A. Lesure, Fitchburg,' 1 00 Tidies — I^^ellie E. Gleason, Fitchburg, 75 Tidy— Mary M. Sabin, Fitchburg, 75 " L. Etta Alexander, Fitchburg, 37 j " S. Emma Alexander, Fitchburg, 25 " Jennie Patton, Fitchburg, 50 Tidy and Pincushions — Sarah Graham, Lunenburg, 75 Cushion Cover — S. A. Mirick, Princeton, 1 00 " " Clara J. Mirick, Princeton, 75 " " M. C. Mirick, Princeton, 50 Tabouret Cover — Mrs. I^ellie F. Eico, Fitchburg, 50 Chair Seat — Mrs. Eay, Fitchburg, 50 Lamp Mat — Mrs. Eay, Fitchburg, 1 00 " " Mrs. Thomas Costello, Fitchburg, 50 '' '• Mrs. Wm. Drew, Fitchburg, 25 Toilet Cushion and Mat — Mrs. Walter A. Fairbanks, Fitchburg, 75 Pin Cushions— Mrs. J. T. Farwell, Fitchburg, 25 Yv'ax Work — Miss Fannie E. LoAve, •' 1 00 " Louise E. Gilford, West Fitchburg, 50 " " S. D. Kewton, Leominster, 50 Toilet Cushions — Jennie Drew, Fitchburg, 50 Children's Sacks — Hat tie D. Upton, Fitchburg, 75 Worsted Scarfs — Joanna D. Kinsman, Fitchburg, 50 Worsted Work — Josie Eaton, Fitchburg, 50 Bead Work — Mrs. E. Joel, Fitchburg, 50 Train of Cars— C. E. Copeland, (13 yrs.) Fitchburg, 1 00 72 ESSAYS. Bracket Eorder~Mrs. N'ellie F. Eice, Fitchburg, 75 Crotchet and Bead Work— J. B. Smith, (12 yrs.) Fitchburg, 75 Worsted Work — Mrs. M. M. Longley, Fitchburg, 50 Card Cross^-E. Louise Smith, Fitchburg, 25 Work Basket — John Barclay, (76 yrs.) Leominster, 75 Ladies' Cloak— Mrs. E. A. Crosby, Fitchburg, 1 00 Cradle Quilt— J. B. Smith, Fitchburg, 50 Eug — Mrs. Eice, (76 yrs.) I^orthboro, 1 00 " Mrs. Sarah Eice, Fitchburg, 100 " Mrs. Susan H. Underwood, Fitchburg, 75 Sofa Pillow— Marietta S. Allen, Fitchburg, 50 Crochet Band — Marietta S., Allen, Fitchburg, 75 Eug — Mrs. Levi Morgan, Fitchburg, 75 Eugs — Mrs. B. Sanders, Fitchburg, 1 00 JABEZ FISHEE, for the Committee. ESSAYS. The Committee on Essays respectfully report — That no Essay was offered which they deem entitled to a premium. For the Committee, CHAELES MASON, Chairman. EEPOETS. We have examined Eeports submitted to the Seciety, for 1867, and find three only that are worthy of any special notice or commendation. The report of Mr. A. B. Davis of Shirley, on Working Oxen and Single Teams, was written with a good deal of care, and embodies sound thought, and practical suggestions of value to teamsters of every grade, and especially to all drivers of the noble ox ; and we award to him the Society's first premium of $10.00. Mr. Ephraim Graham's report on Plowing and Double Teams, while it includes one or two errors in chemical law as applied to plowing, in our opinion, and recommends a practice which the committee have always found detrimental, is, nevertheless, a valuable report and will well repay a careful perusal by every member of the Society ; and we award to him the Society's second premium of $6.00. Mr. N. C. Day's report on Blood Stock, though not written with an eye to the award, is a plain, concise, common sense report worthy of imitation; and we award him the Society's third premium of $4.00. In behalf of the Committee, J. T. EVEEETT. NEW MEMBERS. 73 NEW MEMBERS FOR 18G7. PITCHBURG. Adams, Erastus, Battles, Oscar A., Burleigh, Charles, Buniey, John, Comee, Leaiider P., Comee, Charles H., Crocker, Daniel P., Crocker, Charles T., Cushing, Charles G., Dadmun, Charles E., Derby, Gilbert H., Dyer, Henry B., Eager, William L., Emory, William C, Emory, Sidney P., Farrar, Gardner, Fay, George F., Freeland, James C, Gerry, E. J., Gill Thomas H., Goddard.R. L., Goodwin, William H., Green, Henry G., Hadley, Nathan B., Hannegan, James, Hardy, William A., Haynes, Stillman, Hay ward, E. T., Hitchcock, Hiland C, Hodges, George L., Holmes, EHas, Houghton, Josiah S., Jaquith, Caleb W., Joel, Reuben, Johnson, George A., Johnson & Macy, Kenney, William F., Lawrence, George L., Mack, John, Macui-da, W. A. & Co., Partridge, H. P., Piper, Joseph L., Place, J. D., Porter, E. C, Richardson, Edwin, Rug-o-les, Walter W., Sherman, Andrew B., Stoddard, Charles B., Trees, Thomas, Tuttle, D. Waterman, Waterhouse, Joseph, Waymoth, A. D., West, Benjamin W., Weston, S. J. M., Wetherbee, Alfred, Wheelock, George, Wright, J. Q. A., Whitney, Edwin A. LUNENBURG. Baker, William, Ball, Varnum, Emory, Edward F, Page, Luther, Pratt, Thomas D., Whitney, Aaron P. LEOMINSTER. Burditt, A. L., Burditt, J. S., Cozzens, Joseph. WESTMINSTER. Carter, E. H., Miller, Joseph. EAST PRINCETON. jMirick, Moses H. BOLTON. Howe, S. H. BOSTON. Boothby, S. A. LITTLETON. Whitcomb, J. H. ASHBURNHAM. Adams, Ivers. 74 TREASURER S REPORT. Dr. 1866. Dec. 5. 1867. Apr. 9. (( 11 May 28 29 (( li li a June 1 1 . July 5. Sept. 2. "25. "26. (( a (( i( Oct. . 8. Oct. 26. Nov. 30. THOMAS 0. CALDWELL, Treasurer, To amount on hand as per last statement^ $5,586 24 dividend of Washington National Bank, North " '' First " National Bank of Commerce, premium on 10 sh's Wash. Nat. B'k stock sold, 195 5 " First " " " " 225 10 " Nat. B'k Com'ce " " 152 50 3 " North Nat. B'k " " 30 00 United States Bonds, " " 91 50 cash for subscription to aid in purchasing land, 2,032 50 of Wm. Hale, i Season Tickets to Track, 54 50 for use of Table Cloths, of Greo. Boyle for building sold, of L. H. Bradford, Dinner Tickets sold, 60 00 15 00 30 00 50 00 00 00 40 75 00 for admission to Fair Grounds, of Rental Committee, for Horse Entrance Fees, of State for Bounty, of Base Bali Club for use of Park, for Interest on money loaned, for Memberships, 126 75 ,819 58 94 00 15 50 600 00 1 00 183 03 370 00 $11,757 50 Dec. 4, 1867, Amount in hands of Treasui'cr, $270 44 THOMAS C. CALDWELL, Treasurer. The undersigned have examined the foregoing account of the Treas- urer, and find the items properly vouched, and the amount correctly cast. JABEZ FISHER, ") Committee ABEL F. ADAMS, [ on THOS. R. B0UTELLE,3 Finance. treasurer's report. 75 in acct. with AVorcester North Agricultural Society. Or, 186G. Dec. 5. By paying J. J. Piper's bill for printing, $8 GO " " " " premiums on Grain Crops, GO 00 *' 26. " " C. Kilburn, grat. on report pr vote Trus. 4 00 1867. Jan. 26. '* " J. Garfield & Co., printing Tran., &c., 260 50 May 27. " " Thos. Upton, obtaining subscriptions to aid in purchasing land, 100 00 June 1. " " Riding Park Assoc'n for real estate, 5,500 00 " " " " interest on the above from Dec. 12, '66, 154 00 *' " " "J. Cusliing for real estate, 374 40 " " *♦ " interest on above from Feb. 20, 1867, 6 22 •' " " •' Geo. A. Johnson mort. note, int. on land, 330 82 " " " " Wm. Baker for land, 500 00 " '' " " Tyler Younglove for land, 500 00 " " " " A. P. Goodrich land and passway, 100 00 " deeds and st'ps, Cushing and Younglove, 4 50 • " recording deed from Phelps to Cushing, 88 " Wm. Hale for dinners, &c., for Trustees, 24 69 ' " Fitchburg Ins. Co., insuring buildings, 25 50 " G. W. Phelps, labor on grounds, 5 30 " R. B. Potter, " " 13 60 - Timothy Lynch, " " 23 20 " Robert Bean, " " 3 bills, 101 20 " Fairbanks, Brown & Co., hay scales, 180 15 " S. A. Wheeler & Son, labor on scales, 12 75 '' Hill & Kimball, 3 tubular wells & pumps, 87 00 " S. Shattuck for wooden pump, 17 50 " J. J. Piper, advertising and printing, 9 50 " Jos. Pinnough, labor on grounds, 60 70 '' Wm. Murray, " " 63 80 " T. M. Himes, painting, 87 47 " W. & E. Tilton, 370 dinners at Fair, 277 50 '^ R. M. Yale, use of Tents 167 20 " Wm. Hale, 40 meals at Fair, ^ 16 00 •* H. Jackson, selling tickets 2 d's at Fair, 6 00 " T. Upton, 4 days labor at Fair, 14 00 *' Town and County taxes on real estate, 39 10 *' L. Barker, labor, lumber, &c., 59 89 " F. Works, 1^ days labor tending gate, 4 50 " D. F. Mclntile, lumber, 42 31 " J. W. Doe, 3 days labor at Fair, 9 00 " town Lunenburg taxes on Younglove land, 3 75 Amount carried forward, 9,254 S3 '' 5. -' 14 " 21. July "2". " 6. (( :< " 29. Aug. 7. "17. Sept.l4. " 27. '' 28. (( li '' 30. Oct. 1. V6 treasurer's report. Amount brought up, 9,254 83 Oct. 5. By paying A. W Joslin, 2 clays as police at Fair, 5 00 . 7. '* " A. Jewett, selling tickets 2 d's at Fair, 7 50 " ** *' L. H. Bradford, services as Secretary, 75 00 " '* " " " postage, stationery &c., 38 75 '* '* ^' W. F. Bay, boarding B.B. Club at Fair, 24 00 " " " A. P. Goodridge, labor on Fair grounds, 64 25 " *' ** T. B. Pratt, stone for hay scales, 5 00 *' *' " W. A. Fames, services as Asst. Sec'y, 10 50 " " " F. Nourse, forage for 6 cattle at Fair, 1 50 '' '* '' J. Proctor, " 18 " *' 3 50 •* *' '* E. Graham, labor at grounds & forage, 20 00 ** " '' A. A. Beckwith & Co., lumber, 11 39 ** *' *' J. F. Monroe, tending gate 2 days, 6 00 '' ** " W. B. Battles, services as police 1 day, 2 00 10. ** " James Kane, labor on Fair grounds, 8 25 '* *' '* Boston Journal for advertising Fair, 30 00 " " *' AVorcester Spy '' *' 14 00 " ♦* *• Clinton Courant, " " 4 00 11. " "" Wright, Woodward & Co., sundries. • 7 20 " '^ " Leominster Brass Band, services at Fair, 108 50 " ** " J. F. Stiles, flag and ribbon, 11 16 ** " *' Lewis & Sawtelle, use crockery at Fair, 3 28 " A. Marshall, labor on Fair grounds 180 10 *' •* " Alfred Marshall, labor on Fair grounds, 16 00 12. '* " W. Wyman, " " " 45 25 " " '' J. H. Fairbanks, hardware, &c., 39 38 24. ♦' '* T. Younglove & Son, labor at Fair, 15 50 25. '* " M. E. Bay, services police 2 d's at Fair, 5 00 Nov. 9. •' " P. G. Barton, tending gate 2 d's at Fair, 5 00 *' ** *^ J. Haskell, postage and envelopes, 32 12. " «' W. H. Lowe, services as police, &c., 3 75 13. " '* C. H. Benton, semces at Fair and wash- ing table cloths, 28 75 18. '' '' J. C. Kilgore, blacksraithing, 11 85 19. " *' Fitchburg Post Office for stamps, 14 00 " '' '' B. F. McLitire, 400 ft. hemlock boards, 7 50 22. *' ** A. Stockwell, labor on Fair grounds, 13 00- " " *• TownFitchb'g, labor on grounds & forage, 25 50 29, " " S. Shepley & Co., stationery, 4 15 30. " " Wm. Hale, labor on Fair grounds, 5 bills, 202 08 ♦* " *' Premiums awarded Sept. 24th and 25th, Oct 7th and Nov. 16th, 1051 87 «* '^ " for 74 Certificate stamps, 3 70 Amount carried forward, 11,3S8 31 ANALYSIS OF PREMIUMS. 77 Amount brought forward, 11,388 31 Nov. 30 By paying W. A. Eamos, postage and stationery, 1 25 ** " ** *• Wm. Baker, use of oxen 2 d's in Sept. 4 00 " " " " D. Stearns, recording premiums, 3 00- '* " " 'S Garfield & Stratton, printing, 90 50 Amount in hands of Treasurer, 270 44 ANALYSIS OF ■ $11,757 50 PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES AWARDED. Amount awarded for Plowino- at the Exhibition, $29 00 ' Farm Management, 25 00 ' Neat Stock, 312 00 ' Horses, 229 00 ' Sheep, 26 00 ' Swine, 27 00 Poultry, 14 00 ' Grain and Eoot Crops, 108 25 ' Fruits, 87 50 ' Flowers, 20 50 ' Other Crops, 28 50 ' Butter, 13 50 ' Cheese, 3 50 ' Honey, 3 75 ' Bread, 7 50 ' Agricultural Implements, 51 75 ' Domestic Manufactures, 92 62 ' Other Objects, 24 00 Amount of premiums awarded, 1,103 37 Premiums and gratuities were paid to two hundred and thirty-six persons, and the amounts distributed as follows : Fitchburg, $536 37 Ashby, $8 00 Princeton, 217 50 Littleton, 8 00 Lunenburg, 113 75 Boston, 7 00 Leominster, 64 25 Eoyalston, 6 00 Westminster, 47 50 Lancaster, 2 00 Shirley, . 14 00 New Haven, 1 50 Ashburnham, 13 00 Northboro, 1 00 Stcrl ing, 11 00 Oakdale, 1 00 1867. $1051 87 (Amount of premiums offered, $1706 75 Amount of prem's and gratuities awarded, 1103 37 Amount of premiums and gratuities paid, 1051 87 Amount of permanent fund, 9000 00 PAST PRESIDENTS, ORATORS AND SECRETARIES OP THE WORCESTER NORTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. PRESIDENTS* 1850-1.— ABEL F. ADAMS, Esq., of Fitchburg. 1852-3.— Hon. IVERS PHILLIPS of Fitcliburg. 1854-5.— Hon. MOSES WOOD of Fitchburg. 1856-7.— THOMAS R. BOUTELLE, M. D., of Fitchburg, 1858-9.— Hon. JABEZ FISHER of Fitchburg. 1860-1— THOMAS BILLINGS, Esq., of Fitchburg. 1862-8.— LEWIS H. BRx\DFORD, Esq., of Fitchburg. 1864-5.— Hon. OHIO WHITNEY, Jk., of Ashburnham. 1866. — Capt. JOSEPH UPTON of Fitchburg. 1867. —JOSHUA T. EVERETT, Esq., of Princeton. 1868. —EUGENE T. MILES, Esq., of Fitchburg. ORATORS. 1850.— Hon. CHARLES HUDSON of Lexington. 1851.— Hon. ROBERT RANTOUL, (appointment not filled.) 1852.— THOMAS E. PAYSON, Esq., of Rowley. 1853.— Rev. HORATIO STEBBINS of Fitchburg. 1854.— Gov. EMORY WASHBURN of AYorcester. 1855.— Hon. N. P. BANKS of AYaltham. 1856.— CHARLES L. FLINT, Esq., of Boston. 1857.— JUSTUS TOWER, Esq., of Lanesborough. 1859.— Hon. GEORGE S. BOUTWELL of Groton. I860.— Dr. GEORGE B. LORING of Salem. 1861.— Hon. A. H. BULLOCK of Worcester. 1862.— Rev. A. N. ARNOLD. D. D., of Westboro. 1863.— LUTHER H. TUCKER, Esq., of Albany, N. Y. 1867.— GEORGE E. TOWNE Esq., of Fitchburg. SECRETARIES. 1850-1— NATHAN UPHAM of Fitchburg. 1852. —JOSEPH PIERCE of Fitchburg. 1853. —CHARLES W. WILDER of Fitchburg. 1854-5.— THOMAS R. BOUTELLE of Fitchburg. 1856-7.— JABEZ FISHER of Fitchburg. 1858-9.— WILLIAM G. WYMAN of Fitchburg. 1860-1.— WILLIAM G. WYMAN of Fitchburg. 1862-3.— WILLIAM G. WYMAN of Fitcliburg. 1864. —LEWIS H. BRADFORD of Fitchburg. 1865-6.— ALVIN 31. SAAVYER of West Fitchburg. 1867-8.— LEWIS H. BRADFORD of Fitchburg. COMMITTEES AND PREMIUMS FOR THE SIXTEENTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION, TO BE HELD AT FITCHBURG, Tuesday and Wednesday. September 29tli and 30tli, 1868. No person will be allowed to become a competitor for any of the Premiums herein offered, unless he shall have made an entry for the same, with the Secretary, within the time prescribed for each class, nor unless he shall also have furnished all required statements relating thereto, within the specified time. For the convenience of those who live at a distance, entries may be made by Mail ; and all entries so made must be delivered at some post-office one day previous to the expiration of the time specified, and must bear proof of having been so delivered, either by postmark, or a 'Certificate of registry from the Postmaster. ^" Communications for the Secretary should be sent to Fitchbm-g. STOCK. All entries for premiums under this head, must be made on, or before the Friday previous to the Show, except Horses and Poultry, which may be as late as the day previous, and all stock must be owned by the person who enters it. All persons who are required to furnish a statement, must do so to the Secretary at the time of making the entry. All live stock must have been raised by the person entering the same, or owned by him at least three months next previously, except in the case of mis-mating oxen and horses, rendered necessary by injury ')r disease. Each entry of stock for the ])cns must specify the hvQcd of the ani- mal, if known, and the age. 80 PREMIUMS. Fat cattle, working cattle, and draught horses must be weighed on the scales on the grounds of the Society, and a certificate furnished the Secretary. The weight of all other stock will not be required. All Stock must be in attendance on both days of the Show. All Stock taken from the grounds before one o'clock P. M., on Wednesday, without permission from the proper authority, shall forfeit all premiums that may have been awarded to it. The committees on Neat Stock, Sheep, Swine, and Poultry, and on the Trials of Working Oxen, and the Plowing Match, shall make their awards previous to three o'clock P. M., on Tuesday, and shall make their reports to the Secretary previous to twelve o'clock M., on Wednesday. The Society will provide good hay for all Stock entered for premium or exhibition during the time of the Show, and will furnish grain at cost to all who may require it. Forage Committee. — Abel Marshall, Abram S. Dole, Leonard S. Downe of Fitchburg. BLOOD STOCK. Committee. — A. F. xidams, Fitchburg; Joseph Upton, Fitchburg; F. W. Wright, Ashby ; N. C. Day, Leominster ; Warren Simonds, Templeton. Durham Bulls, more than two years old. Two premiums — $6, 4. Yearlings. Two premiums — $5, 3. Calves. Two premiums — $4, 2. Cows or Heifers in milk. Two premiums — $3, 2. Dry Heifers. Two premiums — $3, 2. Heifer Calves. Two premiums — S3, 2. North Devon Bulls, more than two years old. Two prem's. — $6, 4. Yearlings. Two premiums — $5, 3. Calves. Two premiums — $4, 2. Cows or Heifers in milk. Two premiums — $3, 2. Dry Heifers. Two premiums — $3, 2. Heifer Calves. Two premiums — S3, 2. Ayrshire Bulls, more than two years old. — ^Two premiums — $6, 4. Yearlings. Two premiums — $5, 3. Calves. Two premiums — $4, 2. Cows or Heifers in milk. Two premiums — $3, 2. Dry Heifers. Two premiums — $3, 2. Heifer Calves. Two premiums — $3, 2. Aldcrney Bulls, more than two years old. Two premiums — $6, 4, Yearlings. Two premiums — $5, 3. PREMIUMS. 81 Calves. Two premiums — $4, 2, Cows or Heifers in milk. Two premiums — S3, 2. Dry Heifers. Two premiums — $3, 2. Heifer Calves. Two premiums — s?3, 2. Any other breed, pure blood, more than two yrs. Two pr'ms — $6, 4. Yearlings. Two premiums — S5, 3. Calves. Two premiums — ^4, 2. Cows or Heifers in milk. Two premiums — S3, 2. Dry Heifers. Two premiums — $3, 2. Heifer Calves. Two premiums — $3, 2. xVutheiitic pedigrees will be required. GRADE OR NATIVE BULLS. Committee. — I vers Adams, Ashburnham; Geo. Woods, Leomin- ster ; Joel Page, Fitchburg ; Geo. W. Houghton, Princeton ; Joseph Whitney, Sterling. More than two years old. Two premiums — $5, 3. YearHngs. Two premiums — $4, 2. Calves. Two premiums — $4, 2. These may be of any breed more than four months old. MILCH KINE. Committee. — Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg; T. D.Wood, Westminster; Augustus Gates, Leominster; Geo. M. Gregory, Princeton; Joseph Whitney, Sterling. Herds of four cows or heifers, each. Three premiums — $10, 7, 4. The person receiving these premiums will not be allowed to compete for any other, with the same animals. The committee will regard age, expense of keeping, &c. Cows for butter. Three premiums — %b, 4, 3. Heifers, three years old, for butter. Three premiums — S5, 4, 3, Heifers, two years old, for butter. Three premiums — $4, 3, 2. Cows, for milk. Three premiums — $5, 4, 3. Heifers, three years old, for milk. Three premiums — $5, 4, 3. Heifers, two years old, for milk. Three premiums — $4, 3, 2. Competitors for premiums on milch cows, whether for herds or single animals, and milch heifers, will be required to certify in writing, at the time of entry, to the weight of the milk, or to the weight of butter, as the case may be, during the six days commencing with the first Monday in June, and the corresponding six days in September ; and 82 PREMIUMS. to the manner of keeping and general management. Cows tliat calve near or after the first Monday in June, may be tried at another time. Competitors will be required to state the time of last calving of their rrra cows. HEIFERS. Cojumittee, — S. S. Hastings, Princeton; E. B. Works, Fitchburg; T. D. Pratt, Lunenburg; Josiah Page, Westminster; Timothy Lin- coln, Leominster. Intended to be kept for the Dairy. Two years old. Three premiums — $4, 3, 2. Yearlings. Three premiums — $3, 2, 1. HEIFER CALVES. Committee. — Cyrus Kilburn, Lunenburg; Thomas Gibson, Fitch- burg ; James Houghton, Oakdale ; Walter F. Page, Fitchburg ; J J. P. Heywood, Sterling. Calves more than four months old. Three premiums — $4, 3, 2. Calves more than four months old, raised by hand. Three pre- miums,— $4, 3, 2. WORKING OXEN— SINGLE TEAMS. Committee. — C. C. Boyden, Leominster; Dennis Fay, Ashby; Charles Flagg, Sterling; A. P. Goodridge, Fitchburg; Edward Bacon, Westminster. Working Oxen. Five premiums — $7, 6, 5, 4, 3. Best Teamster, if a minor. Two premiums — S5, 3. The working oxen will be tried, attached to loads weighing, includ- ing the cart, one-third more than themselves. WORKING OXEN AND HORSE. Committee. — Charles Kilburn, Lunenburg ; Geo. Woods, Leomin- ster; Porter F. Page, Westminster ; James Sawyer, East Templeton ; David F. Mclutire, Fitchburg. Working Oxen and Horse. Five premiums — $7, 6, 5, 4, 3. Best Teamster, if a minor. Two premiums — $5, 3. Tlic working oxen and horse teams will be tried attached to a stone boat, loaded to equal, including the stone boat, the weight of the team. This team cannot compete for draught separately. PREMIUMS. 83 STEERS MORE THAN TWO YEARS OLD. Committee. — A. B. Davis, Shirley ; Emroy Farmer, Harvard ; Jackson Burr, Ashby; Warren Siiuonds, Templeton ; Moses B. Hey- wood, Sterling. Three years old. Three premiums — $5, 4, 3. Best teamster, if a minor. Two premiums — $4, 2. The three years old steers will be attached to carts, and tried like the oxen, on the same ground ; the cart and load to equal the steers in weight. Two years old. Three premiums — $4, 3, 2, Trained, two years old. Two premiums — $4, 2. YEARLING STEERS AND STEER CALVES. Committee. — Loriston Stockwell, Fitchburg; J. M. Forristall, Winchendon; A. W. Benjamin, Westminster; Maynard Loring, Ster- ling ; Charles Hastings, Lunenburg. Yearlings. Three premiums — $3, 2, 1. Trained Yearlings. Two premiums — $3, 2. Calves. Three premiums — $6, 4, 2. Calves, raised by hand. Three premiums — $6, 4, 2. Trained Calves. Three premiums — $4, 3, 2. PENS OF CALVES. Committee. — Geo. 0. Skinner, Princeton ; Samuel Hay ward, Ashby; E. E. Boyden, Leominster; D. S. Eaton, S. M. Caswell, Fitchburg. Best pen of Calves, not less than four. Two premiums — $10, 5. Calves entered for this premium cannot compete for any other. FAT CATTLE. Committee. — Hiram Whitney, Harvard; E. Moore, Leominster; Howard Gates, Ashby ; Abel Derby, John Lowe, Fitchburg, Oxen. Three premiums — S8, 6, 3. Cows. Three premiums — $6, 3, 2. Three years old steers or heifers. Two premiums — $6, 4. All competitors with fat cattle must furnish a statement to the Sec- retary, of the mode and expense of feeding. 84 PREMIUMS. SWINE. Committee. — J. 0. Parker, Shirley; Joseph Cozzens, Leominster; S. Gr. Mirick, Princeton; John Davis, Ashby; Marshall White, Westminster. Must be entered like other stock. Boars, more than one year old. Two premiums — $4, 3. Less than one year old. Two premiums — $3, 2. , Best Fat Hog, having regard to age. Two premiums — SIO, 5. Fat Pigs, less than eight months old. Two premiums — $4, 2. Breeding Sows. Two jDremiums — S4, 2. Weaned Pigs, not less than four. Two premiums — $4, 2. All Swine, and each litter of Pigs will be allowed fifteen cents mile- age for each mile more than two, that they are brought. GENTLEMEN'S DRIVINa HORSES— SINGLE. Committee. — Joseph Cozzens, Leominster ; S. W. A. Stevens ; Gardner; S. J. M. Weston, W. W. Comee, Fitchburg; D, W. Salis- bury, Leominster. Gentlemen's Driving Horses. Two premiums — $25, 10. MATCHED DRIVING HORSES. Committee.— :i. 0. Parker, Shirley ; F, W. Wright, Ashby; S. H. Howe, Bolton; Ohio Whitney, Jr., Ashburnham; John Fairbanks, Lunenburg. Matched Driving Horses. Two premiums — S12, 8. WALKING HORSES. Horses entered in this class will be required to walk one mile, car- rying a load to equal their own weight, including the carriage. Committee. — Ohio Whitney, Jr., Ashburnham ; Alfred Whiting, Oakdale ; Lewis Ware, Lunenburg ; Warren Simonds, Templeton ; J. Cushing, Fitchburg. Walking Horses. One premium-— $10. FAMILY HORSES— SINGLE. Committee. — M. T. Gardner, Shirley ; John Brooks, Princeton ; A. B. Gale, Harvard; Daniel Putnam, Lunenburg; Jonas A. Mar- shall, Fitchburg. Family Horses — Single. Two premiums — $12, 8. PREMIUMS. 85 COLTS. Committee. — Solon Carter, Leominster; W. M. Pride, Alfred Marshall, H, A. Willis, Fitcbburg; W. L. Brown, Lunenburg. Stallions, three years old. Two premiums — $10, 5, Geldings, three years old. Two premiitras — $10, 5. Fillies, three years old. Two premiums — $10, 5. Stallions or Geldings, two years old. Two premiums — $6, 3. Fillies, two years old. Two premiums — $6, 3. In addition to the above premiums, there will be offered two pre- miums of $15.00 and S5.00, open to all three years old colts, speed to be considered. The sum of $500.00 will be placed at the disposal of a committee consisting of E. T. Miles, Jabez Fisher, Joseph Cushing, Abel Mar- shall, F. Buttrick, Jr., and L. P. Comee of Fitchburg, to be used in offering inducements to noted horses to be present on the second day of the Exhibition. Entries for all horses where entrance fee is required to be paid, must be made before 9 o'clock A. M., of the day on which they are exhibited. HORSES. In all classes where speed is considered, three entries must be made to entitle any horse to a premium. All thus entered will be required to pay ten per cent, of the highest premium as an entrance fee. STALLIONS. Committee. — Joseph Cushing, Lyman Patch, Herbert Goodrich, Fitchburg; Josiah Puffer, Harvard; W. B. Hosmer, Leominster. Stallions entered for speed will not be required to exhibit specimens of their stock. All others over five years old will be required to do so. Best Stallion, speed considered, five years old and upwards. Two premiums — $25, 10. Best Stallion for general use, five years old and upwards. One pre- mium— $10. Best Stallion, three or four years old, speed considered. Two 23re- miums — $15, 10. Three years old Stallions entered in this class will be allowed to compete for premiums as Colts. MAKES AND SUCKING COLTS. Committee. — Joel Hayward, Ashby: Oliver Patch, Leominster; Zopher Taylor, Harvard; Wm. Woodbnry, Fitchburg; C. S. Mer- riam, Westminster. 86 PREMIUMS. Tli(3 marcH rnu.st bo four ycur.s old .and upwards and accompanied by their colts. Breeding Marcs. Tlircc j)rcrninnis — $G, 4, 2. Colts, less than one year old. Tliree premiums — $3, 2, 1. DRAUGHT HOUSES. Committee. — ITarlow Skinner, Princeton; E.A.Goodrich, .Tames P. Putnam, Fitch})urf5 ; Levi Burr, Ashby; Edwin Gates, Leominster. Drau<^]it horses will 1)0 tried attached to a stone-boat loaded to weigh, including the stone-boat, one-fburtli more than the horses. The same draught horse cannot receive a premium as a single horso and also onc^ of a i)air, but a draught horse may compete as a family hors(!. These; must be four years old and upwards. Draught Horses — JVirs. Two j)remiums — $G, 4. Draught Horses — Singh;. Two ])remiums — $5, J3. Best Tcsamster, if a minor. Two premiums — %-i, 2. SITEEP. Committee. — A. M. Sawyer, Win. Gould, Eit(!h))urg; J. E. Mcr- riam, Princeton ; A. J. Sawyer, Harvard ; fXohn Minot, Westminster. Flocks of sheep must contain at least six, owned by one person, four (tf whicli nuist be exhibited. Lambs less than six months old cannot compete as sheep. Flocks. Two y)remi(mis — $10, 5. Bucks. IVo pHMniumis — 5ii;5, 3. (/osscts. Two j)r(;miums — $2, 1. Flocks of Lambs. Two premiums — $4, 2. POULTRY. Committee. — James Bennett, Leominster; Otis Flagg, Westmin- ster; (/yrus Kilburn, ]iunenburg; C. H. Brown, Ashburnham ; Abei Simonds Fitchburg. Must bo entered like other sto(;k. Barn-yard fowls, not l(;ss than six. Two premiums — $3, 2. Tiu'keys, not less than six. Two premiums — 5$3, 2. (ie(!S(3, not less than six. Two pnnniums — 3, 2. Ducks, not less than six. Two premiums — $3, 2. PREMIUMS. 87 TOWN TEAMS. Committee. — Geo. O. Skinner, Princeton ; Porter Piper, Leomin- ster ; S. II. Spraguc, Westminster; Natt Cowdin, Fitchburg; Leon- ard Burrago, Leominster. Best Town Team, not less than fifteen yoke from any one town. Two premiums — $15, 10. These teams may consist of either oxen or steers, or both. PLOWING MATCH. All entries for plowing must be made on or before the Thursday previous to tlic exhibition, and one dollar must be deposited with each entry, to be returned to the competitor, if he plows, otherwise forfeited to the Society. No teams, or parts of teams, will be allowed to compete for more than one premium on plowing. DOUBLE TEAMS. Committee. — Asaph Wood, Gardner ; Paul Gates, Ashby ; Benj. Wyman, Westminster ; T. B. Works, Lewis G. Tuttle, Fitchburg. Double Teams. Three premiums — $10, 7, 5. Minors, with Steers. Three premiums — $6, 4, 2. SINGLE TEAMS. Com,mittec. — Thomas Billings, Lunenburg; Daniel Works, I. B. Woodward, Sliepard T. Record, Fitchburg; W. W. Benson, Princeton. Single Teams. Three premiums — $10, 7, 5. Minors, with Steers, Three premiums — $G, 4, 2, HORSE TEAMS. Committee. — D. C. Miles, S. W. Forbush, Westminster ; Ira Carle- ton, Thomas Sheldon, Fitchburg; A. G. Tliompson, Princeton. Horse or Mule Teams. Three premiums— $10, 7, 5. CROPS. All entries for Premiums in this department must be made with the Secretary, on or before June 1st, with the exception of English turnips and cabbages, whicli must be entered on or Ijcfore August 1st. Imme- diately after these dates, the Secretary will transmit to all competitors a copy of the following blank form, adopted by the Trustees, to cor- respond with the requirements of the Board of Agriculture, 88 PREMIUMS. In pursuance of authority delegated to the Board of Agriculture, hj chap. 24 of the Acts of 1862, Agricultural Societies receiving, the bounty of the State, are required to make use of the following form, and be governed by its conditions, in the mode of ascertaining the amount of crops entered for premium : Worcester North Agricultural Society. Statement concerning a crop of , raised by Mr. , in the town of , 1867. What was the crop of 1865 ? "What manure was used, and how much that year? What was the crop of 1866 ? What manure was used, and how much that year ? What is the nature of the soil 1 When, and how many times plowed, and how deep, for the present crop ? What other preparation for the seed ? Cost of plowing and other j^reparation ? Amount of manure, in loads of thirty bushels, and how applied for the present crop ? Value of manure upon the ground ? When and how planted, and the amount and kind of seed ? Cost of seed and planting? How cultivated, and how many times ? Cost of cultivation, including weeding and thinning ? Time and manner of harvesting ? Cost of harvesting, including the storing and husking, or threshing? Amount of straw, stover, or other product ? REMARKS. Signed by Competitor. From actual measurement , I hereby certify that the land which the above crop of covered, contained rods, and no more. Acting Surveyor. I hereby certify that y appointed for that purpose by the Com- mittee on crop, appeared before me, and took oath that he has ascertained the weight of the above crop, according to the regulations of the State Board of Agriculture, on the day of and that it was Justice of the Peace. In ascertaining the amount of crop, any vessel may be used, and the weight of its contents once, multiplied by the number of times it is filled by the crop. To ascertain the amount of a corn crop, any vessel containing not less than a bushel of ripened ears may be used, and the weight of the PREMIUMS. 89 contents of one of said vessels taken, and the number of vessels or . baskets full noted. The weight of its contents once, multiplied by the number of times it is filled by the crop of ripened ears, shall be consid- ered the gross weight of harvested corn in the ears. One of said ves- sels full of ripened ears, of the average fjuality and condition of the crop, shall be kept to Dec. 1st, and weighed in the ear, and also after it is shelled, and the amount of merchantable shelled corn, as well as the amount of shrinkage, thus ascertained. The certificate shall state the weight of all crops only in a merchaat- able state. In measuring the land, any competent person may be employed, "whether a sworn surveyor or not. In ascCl-taining the amount of a hay crop entered for premium, the measurement of the hay in the barn may be employed. Committees on crops, either of themselves or by vote of the Society to which they belong, are authorized to select such number of crops from those entered, as may, in their judgment, be entitled to the pre- miums offered, and apply the foregoing rules to these crops only ; — but in all cases, as many crops shall be examined under these rules, as there are premiums offered, if the number of entries comes up to the number of premiums. IIULES OF 3IEASUrvE Practised and adopted hy the State Board of Agriculture. Wheat, Potatoes, Sugar Beets, Mangel Wurzel, Ruta Bagas, "White Beans and Peas, Corn, Rye, Oats, Barley, Buckwheat, Cracked Corn, Corn and Rye and other meal, except Oat, and English Turnips, Parsnips, Carrots, Onions, ^^'These forms must be returned to the Secretary on or before November 10th, with each question concerning the crop answered, and the certificates properly signed. GRAIN. Committee. — Ephraim Graham, Chas. Kilburn, Lunenburg; Solon Carter, Leominster ; Lyman H. Fairbanks, Fitchburg ; Charles Flagg, Sterlino;. 60 lbs. to the bushel 56 (( " 32 " (C 48 (; (( 50 C( i< 45 (< ii. 55 << li 52 f.i l( Samples must be exhibited at the Fair. ^>0 IMIEMTUMS. Tlic (•(»miMill(M) iriiiy :i\v;ii', iiol, I(JHS than Hix bn.sliolii. Two pn'miuniK — $l\, .'>. Vor tlio most itrofitahhi (M-ops of (^oni, wlicjit, ry(5, I)arl(!y, and oats, OIK) jKini nt;d>b:iges. Two pr(>miums — $2, 1. FAllMS. Conumttev. — St)lon (^Mrttn*, liiMJininslcM" ; Paniel Piitnam, Luneu- burg ; A. F. Adams, P'itehburg. Host managed and cidtivaled h'arni, (o be awarded and paltl in 1870- Two prinniums — tlrOO, 25. JOnlries nuisl bu maih* on or before July 1st, 1808. PREMIUMS. 91 GAllDENS. Committee. — T. R. IJoutollo, Fitclil)urg; Ebcnozor JJird, Lcomin- stcr; S. Jl. Bailoy, Lunenburg. No jMjr.son l);ivinfi; r(3(;(!ive(l ii pnnniuin for u f;irrn, kitc-licn or inixcd garden, sliall be allowed to eoin))ete for another vvitb tlie K-'uric land, •within five years, except for a hi^^her one. Entries muHt })e made on or ]>efore June Int. Kitchen or Mixed Gardens. Three premiums — $0, 4, 2. Flower Gardens. Two premiums — $2, L EXPERIMENTS. Committee. — Joel Page, .Jooepli Cusljing, Levi Kendall, Filcldiurg. All entries must be made at l(;a,st one week Ifofore commeneing the experiments. Best Experiment to determine the best and most profitable time and condition in which to cut grass for hay, having regard to the total annual product. 'J' wo premiums — J^15, 10. Best Exijeriment testing the value of corn and cob for fattening pur- poses, with the col) or otherwise. ()n(; premium — $15. Best Experiment in steaming food for cattle and horses. One pre- mium— $10. Best Experiment testing the comparative value of drilling wheat or other grain, to broadcast sowing. One premium — $5. There will be placed at the disposal of the commitUu!, for the best and most reliable agricultural experiments, made in 1^508, the sum of twenty dollars. EXHIBITrON AT THE HALL. No article intended for th<; Hall will be entithid to a premium, unless it shall have been deposited by ten o'clock A. M., on Tu(;sday. All articles must have been grown, m;i,nufaf;tured, or produced by the pfjrson entering the same for |)remium, and should be plainly marked with the name and residence of the exhibitor. A strict compliance with these regulations will be absolutely necessary. APPLES, PEACHES, PLUMS AND QUINCES. Committee.— ^iivoma Gardner, Shirley; Trumbull Ball, Harvard; E. F. Bailey, II. W. Page, Fitchburg; Martin .John;ion, Lunenburg. 92 PREMIUMS. APPLES. Best and largest exhibition of named varieties of three specimens each. Two premiums — $4=, Harris on Insects. Twelve varieties of five specimens eacli. Three premiums — Harris on Insects, $2, 1. Six varieties of five specimens each. Three premiums — $2, 1.50, 1. Three varieties of five specimens each. Three pr'ms— $1.50, 1, .50. Best exliibition of twelve specimens of Baldwins. Two pr'ms — SI, .50. Hubbardston Non-such. Two premiums — SI, .50. R. I. Greenings. Two premiums — $1, .50. Roxbury llusscts. Two premiums — $1, .50. No person will be allowed to compete for a premium in more than one of the above classes, with the same specimens of fruit ; and if tlie number of specimens exliibited does not correspond with these regula- tions, the fruit will be excluded from competition for the premiums, PEACHES. Best Collections. One premium — Harris on Insects. Best Dishes or Baskets. Three premiums — $2, 1, .50. PLUMS. Best Collection. One premium — $2. Best Plates. Two premiums— SI, .50 QUINCES. Best Dishes or Baskets. Two premiums — $1, .50. In addition to the above premiums, there will be placed at the dis posal of the committee, for gratuities, ten dollars. PEAKS AND GRAPES. Committee. — Stephen Shepley, G. P. Hawkins, George Jewett, Cyrus Thurston, Fitchburg ; A. B. Holden, Westminster. PEARS. Best and largest exhibition of named varieties, of three specimens each. Two premiums — S4, Harris on Insects. Twelve varieties of five specimens eacli. Three premiums — Harris on Insects, $2, 1. Six varieties of five specimens each. Three Premiums — $2, 1.50, 1. Tlu-ec varieties of five specimens each. Three pre'ms — $1 .50, 1, .50. Best exhibition of twelve specim's of Bartlett. Two prem's— $1, .50. Seckel. Two premiums — $1, .50. J)( PREMIUMS. 93 Flemish Beauty. Two premiums — $1, .50. Duchess. Two premiums — $1, .50. Louise Bonne tie Jersey. Two premiums — $1, No person will be allowed to compete for a premium in more than one of the above classes, with the same specimens of fruit ; and if the number of specimens exliibited does not correspond with these regula- tions, the fruit will be excluded from competition for the premiums. GRAPES. Best displays of Foreign Grapes. Three i)reraiums — $3, 2, 1. Best displays of Native Grapes. Three premiums — Harris on Insects. S2, 1. Best six clusters of Concord. Two premiums — SI, .50. Delaware. Two premiums — $1, .50. Hartford Prolific. Two premiums — $1, .50. In addition to the above premiums, there will be placed at the dis- posal of the committee, for gratuities, ten dollars. ASSORTED FKUITS AND FLOWERS. Committee.— 'B. Snow, Jr., Miss Mary Adams, Mrs. E. T. Miles, Fitchburg; Mrs. M. T. Gardner, Shirley; Mrs. N. C. Day, Leom- inster. FRUIT. Best Dishes or Baskets. Two premiums — $2, 1. FLOWERS. Best displays of named Plants in pots. Two premiums — $2, 1. Best pair of Parlor Bouquets. Two premiums — $2, 1. Best pair of Hand Bouquets. Two premiums — $2, 1. Best displays of Cut Flowers. Two premiums~$2, 1. In addition to the above premiums, there will be placed at the dis- posal of the committee, for gratuities, ten dollars. VEGETABLES. Committee.— J. T. Everett, Princeton; Lawrin Pratt, Joseph Dike, Bcnj. Safford, Fitchburg; Gardner Merriam, Leominster. Of squashes, pumpkins, cabbages and celery, there should be six specimens in each lot ; of cauliflowers, three ; of onions, beets, turnips and tomatoes, one peck in each lot ; of field beans, one-half peck ; and of Lima beans, two quarts. 94 x-KEMIUMS. Best collections of Kitchen Vegetables. Three premiums — $7, 5, 3. Best collections of Garden Seeds. Two premiums — 85, 3. Collections of Potatoes. Three premiums — $2, 1, .50. Marrow Squashes. Two premiums — SI, .50. Hubbard Squashes. Two premiums — $1, .50. Crookneck Squashes. Two premiums — $1, .50. Pumpkins. Two premiums — .75, .50. Cabbages. Two premiums — .75, .50. Cauliflowers. Two premiums — .75, 50. Celery. Two premiums — .75, .50. Onions. Two premiums — .75, .50. Turnip Beets. Two premiums — .75, .50. English Turnips. Two premiums — .50, .25. Tomatoes. Two premiums — .50, 25. Field Beans. Two premiums — .50, 25. Lima Beans. Two premiums — .50, .25. Seed Corn, in traces. Three premiums — $1, .75, .50. In addition to the above, there will be allowed for gratuities, ten dollars. No person will be allowed to receive more than one copy of Harris on Insects ; if more than one is awarded, cash will be paid instead, at the rate of three dollars per copy ; and if any to whom a copy is awarded, already has one, he may receive the copy awarded, or the cash as above, at his option. BBSAD, BUTTEB, CHEESE, PICKLES, PKESERYES, AND JELLIES. Committee. — H. L. Jones, Mrs. Wm. Woodbury, Fitchburg ; Mrs. J. 0. Parker, Shirley; Mrs. Geo. Miles, Westminster; Mrs. J. T. Everett, Princeton. Sa:nples of Bread and Bu:^ter must be designated by numbers, instead of the names of the competitors. AH bread offered for premi- ums must have been baked on the Monday preceding the exhibition. Competitors will be required to furnish a detailed statement in wri- ting, of the process of manufacturing butter, cheese and pickles. White Bread. Three premiums — $2, 1, .50. Unbolted Wheat Bread. One premium — SI. Boh( d Rye Bread. Two premiums — $1, .50. Eye and Indian Bread. Three premiums — $2, 1, .50. Lump Butter, not less than 12 lbs. Four premiums — $4, 3, 2, 1.50. June tub Butter, not less than 25 lbs. Three premiums — $3, 2, 1. Cheese, not less than 50 lbs. Three premiums — ^2, 1.50, 1. PREMIUMS. 95 Pickles. Three premiums — .75, .50, .25. Virgin Honey in the comb. Three premiums — $2, 1, .50. In addition to the above, there will be allowed for gratuities, ten dollars. MECHANICS AND MANUFACTURES. Committee. — Rodney Wallace, Charles Burleigh, Alonzo Davis Fitchburg; H. W. Pitts, Leominster; Asaph Wood, Gardner. , Specimens exhibited must be manufactured by the competitor. For the best specimens of mechanic and manufactured articles, exclu- sive of ladies' home manufacture, there will be placed at the disposal of the committee, the sum of seventy-five dollars. AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. Committee. — Geo. E. Towne, Joseph Pierce, Fitchburg; Joseph Goodrich, John H. Lockey, Leominster; Aretas Raymond, Westmin- ster. Specimens exhibited must be manufactured by the competitor. Best Mowing Machine. One premium — ^10. Best Farm Wagon, for one or two horses. One premium — $10. Best Ox Cart. One premium — S5. Best Horse Rake. One premium — $5. Best Team Harness. One premium — $5. Best Hay or Straw Cutter. One premium — $3. Best Ox Yoke complete. One premium — $3. Best Churn. One premium — $2. Best set of Horse Shoes. One premium — $2. Implements not specified, to be awarded by the committee. One premium — $25. FINE ARTS. Committee — Alfred Emerson, Mrs. Charles Mason, Mrs. Charles L Fairbanks, Mrs. Samuel Whitney, Fitchburg ; G. H. Loomis, Boston' Best collection by a Daguerreian Artist. Two premiums — 84, 2. Oil Paintings. Two premiums — S4, 2. / Best Crayon Drawing. Two premiums — $3, 2. Pencil Drawing. Two premiums — S2, 1. Best specimen of Penmanship, by a non-professional. One pr. — $1. Specimens exhibited must be actually executed by the competitors. In addition there will be placed at the disposal of the committee, the sum of twenty dollars. 96 PREMIUMS. FANCY ARTICLES. Committee — E. F. Jonks, Mrs J. F. Monroe, Mrs. Benj. Snow, Jr., Fitcbburg; Miss Hannah Black, Lunenburg; Miss Mary E. Whiting, Oakdale. For the best specimens of Ladies' Useful and Fancy Articles, of their own manufacture, including specimens of nice mending and darn- ing, there will be placed at the disposal of the committee, the sura of thirty dollars. ESSAYS. Committee. — Jabez Eisher, T. K. Ware, S. B. Grant, Fitchburg. All persons competing for these premiums must file their Essays with the Secretary on or before the 1st of September. Each Essay is to be marked with a motto or design, and accompanied with a sealed envelope bearing a corresponding motto or design, and containing the name of the author. The envelopes of the successful competitors will be opened on the day of the exhibition, immediately upon the announcement of the awards. Best Essays on some practical subject connected with agricultui-e, deemed worthy of publication in the Society's " Transactions." Two premiums — $25, 15. COMMITTEES' REPORTS. Committee. — The President, two Vice Presidents, and Secretary. For the purpose of inducing the chairmen of the. several committees to take upon themselves more labor and care in elaborating their reports, the following premiums will be paid : — $10, 6, 4. Reports in connection with awards made on the day of exhibition, must be delivered to the Secretary on or before October 25th. All others on or before November 15th. Total Amoumt of Premiums offered for 1868, 82154.75. PROSPECTIVE. Committee. — Jabez Fisher, Joel Page, Fitchburg; Cyrus Kilburn, Lunenburg. For the best experiment to determine the economy of growing Indian corn as a part of a rotation, compared with grass, through a series of six years, the amount of manure applied being the same in both cases. Three premiums — 850, 25, 15. Entries must be made on or before July 1st, 1868. PRijAlIUMS. 97 APPLE AND PEAR ORCHARDS. Committee. — Ephraim Graham, Lunenburg; Jonas A, Marshall, Alfred Marshall, Fitcbburg. APPLE ORCHARDS. For the best Orchards of not less than fifty trees, all having been set after January 1st, 1866, to be awarded in 1870. Two premi- ums—$25, 10. I'EAR ORCHARDS. For the best Orchards of not less than fifty trees, all having been set after January 1st, 1866, to be awarded in 1871. Two premiums —$25. 10. POTATOES. Committee . — Ephraim (iraham, Lunenburg: Benj. SafFord, Fitch- burg; Cyrus Kilburn, Lunenburg. For the best Seedling Potatoes, to be tested for not fess than three successive years. One premium — S25. FOREST TREES. Committee. — Wra. Woodbury, Abel Marshall, A. F. Adamd. Fitchburg. Entries must be made on or before the first day of June, For the best plantation of any kind of Forest Trees, suitable for fuel or timber, raised from the seed, not less than five hundred in number, which shall be in the most flourishing condition in the fall of 1868. ■.:.: Three premiums— §25, 15, 10. LIVE FENCE. Committee. — A. F. Adams. J, A. Marshall. Fitchburg; Daniel Putnam, Lunenburg. For the best Experiment demonstrating the feasibility of substituting Live Farm Fence for those in common use ; the entries to be made on or before May 1st, 1863, or whenever afterwards planted, and the premiums to be paid in 1868 Three premiums — 125, 15, 5. ICE HOUSES. Committee. — Wm. Woodbury, Abel Marshall, A. F. Adams, Fitchburg. For the best constructed Ice House for family purposes, to be tested at least twelve months. One premium — $5. 9S RUtfiS. RULES. All teams entered for draught must have been owned by the person entering the same, for at least three months next previous. All teams entered for plowing must be owned by the per- son entering the same, and the team must be driven, and the plow managed by him, or by some one usually in his employ. Diiferent persons owning single teams may combine them for the purpose of plowing. Any person competing for a premium, who shall serve on the committee having charge of the department in which he competes, shall retire from the committee while his own competition is in question. The several committees will not consider themselves bound by the terms of the above offers, to award a premium for anything which they shall deem inferior. Any person to whom a premium shall have been awarded, in consequence of any deception or misrepresentation used by him, shall not only forfeit such premium, but afterward be incapable of competing for the Society's premiums. All persons, (ladies and minors excepted.) not members of the Society, to whom may be awarded a premium, or premi- ums, amounting to five dollars or upward, shall receive a certificate of membership for five dollars, and the balance in cash. If the amount shall be less than five dollars, a deduc- tion of fifty per cent, will be made, unless the individual chooses to make the amount up to that sum, and receive a certificate of membership. All premiums not demanded on or before November 30th. will revert to the Society. OFFICERS. 99 OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY FOR 1868. ELECTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1867. EUGENE T. MILES of Fitchburg, President. SAMUEL OSGOOD of Sterling,) y President, J. P. REED of Princeton, J ^'""^ President,. LEWIS H. BEADFORD of Fitchburg, Secretary. T. C. CALDWELL of Fitchburg. Treasurer. TRUSTEES: O. Whitney, Jr., Ashburohara. I VERS Adams, Ashburuliam. Joel Hayward, Ashby. P. W. Wright, Ashby. Dennis Fay, Ashby. Asaph Wood, Gardner. S. W. A. Stevens, Gardner. JosiAH Puffer, Harvard. Edward Lane, Harvard. W. B. HosMER, Leominster. C. C. Boyden, Leominster. Porter Pipkk, Leominster. Solon Carter, Leominster. Joseph Cozzens, Leominster. Charles Kilburn, Lunenburg. Ephraim Graham, Lunenburg. Bradley Simonds, Lunenburg. J. P. Reed, Princeton. Harlow Skinner, Princeton. J. E. Merriam, Princeton. John Brooks, Princeton. A. Stockwell, Royalston. J. 0. Parker, Shirlev- M. T. Gardner, Shirley Charles Flagg, Sterhng Ezra Kendall, Sterhng. Franklin Nourse, Sterling. J. M. Sawyer, Sterling. Samuel Osgood, Sterling. J. P. Heywood, Sterling. Warren Simonds, Templeton. Gilman Day, Te upleton. D. C. Miles, Westminster. John Minot, Westminster. Benj. Wyman, Westminster. Edward Bacon, Westminster. Porter F. Page, Westminster. Reuben Vose, Winchendon. A. F. Adams, Fitchburg. Joseph Cushing, Fitchburg. Geo F. Fay, Fitchburg. Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg. Abel Marshall,]- Fitchburg L. E. DowNE, Fitchburg. Joel Page, Fitchburg. Nathan Upham, Fitchburg. Wm. Woodbury, Fitchburg. E. D.WoRKS, Fitchburg. Lyman Patch, Fitchburg. Chas. Burleigh, Fitchburg. Joseph Upton, Fitchburg. A. M. Sawyer, Fitchburg. Francis Buttrick, Fitchburg. S. Henrv Howe, Bolton. Alfred Whiting. Oakdale. THOMAS BH.LINGS of Lunenburg, elected Member of the Stat4 Board of Apiculture. Dec. 6, 1865. for three years. TI^Jk-ITSJLOTIOl^S OP THE WtRiliTIE liE' Agricultural Society, FOR 1868. PITCHBURG: PRINTED AT THB flTOHBUEG SENTINEL OFFIO 1869. SECRETARY'S REPORT. The sixteenth annual Exhibition of the Worcester North Agricultural Society Avas held in conformity to the laws of the Commonwealth, on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 29th and 30th, 1868. The weather was all that we could have desired, and much better than our fears, as several of the county Societies preced- ing our Show, had stormy weather, and consequently, but a thin attendance and small "gross receipts," while we had more in number than on any previous year, and it was generally con- ceded that we made our best exhibition. One marked feature was the large number of fine cattle and horses on exhibition, showing conclusively, the good influence exerted by these annual gatherings, upon our farmers and others engaged in agriculture. Since last year the Building Committee have erected a large Agricultural Hall for the exhibition of articles usually brought together on these occasions, the upper story having been fitted up for a Trustees' Room, and with the necessary arrangements for a Dining Hall, where the members of the Society, and all others who wish, may annually meet around the festive board, and enjoy " the feast of reason and the flow of soul" to- gether. Besides the Hall, nearly two hundred covered cattle pens have been erected, and these, with our previous other buildings, give the Society great facilities for exhibiting the stock competing for its annual premiums. The show of blood stock from Princeton, Leominster, Fitch- burg, and other towns in our vicinity, was finer than on any form- er year, and previous to the day of exhibition, seemed to require of the committee of arrangements the appointment of a " com- mittee on pedigrees ^^^ — accordingly John Brooks of Princeton, Augustus Whitman and Edwin D. Works of Fitchburg, were appointed. The Hall Exhibition was under the general superintendence of Edwin P. Monroe, Esq., who did himself and the Society and exhibitors great credit by his fine taste in arranging the various articles and trades which adorned the Lower Hall on this occa- . sion, every available space being occupied by Fruit, Flowers, Vegetables, and other productions and handiwork of our citizens. Dinner w^as provided by a Committee of the Society, of which . William Woodbury, Esq., was chairman, w^ho certainly are de- serving of much credit for the substantial material provided and for the prompt manner in which it was served. On the first day of the Exhibition, after the tables were filled by the ladies and gentlemen present, the President of the Soci- ety, E. T. Miles, Esq., invited the Rev. S. B. Grant, D. D., of Fitchburg, to invoke the Divine blessing, and after all were sat- isfied with the good things provided, he introduced Charles C. Bassett, Esq., of Athol, Delegate of the State Board of Agricul- ture, who said on rising, that he was not a speech maker ; " my mission, Mr. President, here to-day, is not to inflict upon you any thing of this kind, and permit me now to say, that I was quite sorry to notice my name among ' distinguished' men as one to make remarks upon this occasion. Neither am I here to pre- sume to impart information or instruction to the farmers and others of your Society. The Worcester Northwest Agricultural Society having honored me with a seat at the State Board of Agriculture — your Society has been assigned me, to visit your Fair, for the purpose of obtaining information in regard to your doings, and to gather statistics which may be of some use to the secretary's report. 6 general interest of Agriculture. I am happj to be here to-day, Mr. President,and to find such a vast amount of material where- by I shall be enabled favorably to report your progress. Seldom, I apprehend, do we witness a better display of the products of the earth — the fruits of the tree and the vine — the ■flock — the foal— cattle and horses — the wisdom and ingenuity of man displayed in implements calculated to lighten and facilitate the labor of the farm — than we find presented here to-day. I congratulate you and your associates, Mr. President, upon the apparent and evident prosperity of your Society, and the increasing intelligence and interest every where noticeable in the honorable vocation of tiUing the ground. Excuse me from at- tempting further remarks, and permit me to offer as a sentiment — ' The Worcester North Agricultural Society^ firmly sustained and liberally supported by the loyal and patriotic sentiment of the agriculturists and mechanics of Worcester North ; may it continue to be in the future what it has been in the past, a valu- able aid to the science of agriculture, and also the pride of the Commonwealth.' " Remarks were also made by Hon. Thomas Billings of Lunen- burg, a member of the State Board of Agriculture, also by Cyrus Kilburn, Esq., of Lunenburg, and George E. Towne, Esq. of Fitchburg. The second day was mainly devoted to the show of horses, a large number of this noble animal being present, the track and grounds being alive with the stylish horses and teams of this and the surrounding towns. The exhibition of cattle continued through both days ; this arrangement was tried for the first time, and gave great satis- faction to visitors, especially those not present on the first day of the exhibition. The Dinner hour to-day brought a large number to the table. The Divine blessing being invoked by the Rev. Joseph Crehore of Fitchburg — and after all were again satisfied — the President introduced the orator of the day, Col. Daniel Needham of Groton, Secretary of the New England Agricultural Society, who deliv- 6 secretary's report. cred the practical and convincing address which is printed in our Transactions and follows these reports, a vote of thanks havmg 1)ecn given at the suggestion of Hon. Ebenezer Torrey, and a copy requested for publication. Other remarks were made by Eliphalet Stone, Esq., of Dedham, member of the State Board of Agriculture, by Capt. Farwell F. Fay of Athol, President of the Worcester North- west Agricultural Society, Solon Carter, Esq., of Leominster, and George E. ToAvne, Esq., of Fitchburg. Gen. John W. Kimball served as Chief Marshal and is enti- tled to great credit for the prompt manner in which his duties were performed, and all of his assistants, and the police necessary for a large gathering, are heartily commended by those who had the responsibility and success of the Society in their hearts and on their shoulders. The duties of Secretar}^, who is expected to be at several places at the same moment and to be able to decide every mat- ter which may come up, no matter hoAv intricate, were happily relieved by our worthy President, who was indefatigable m his endeavors to make the annual Exhibition a decided success. REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. At the last annual meeting of this Society, it was voted that xhe Trustees be instructed to erect a suitable building for the use of the Society, upon the grounds purchased of the Fitchburg Riding Park Association and others, substantially in accordance with plans submitted by Lucius Aldrich. At a meeting of the Board of Trustees, subsequent to the an- nual meeting, E. T. Miles, J. P. Reed, Jabez Fisher, Wm. Woodbury and Joseph Gushing were made a building committee and authorized to cause to be erected a suitable hall building, and sufficient sheds or shelter for cattle, and horses, offered for -exhibition or premium at the annual Fair of the Society. In accordance with this authority your committee beg leave to make the following report : Your committee, after duly advertising for proposals, con- tracted with Messrs. Parkhurst & Aldrich for the erection of this building at a cost of Fifty-two Hundred and Forty-five Dol- lars (15245,) excepting the covering of the roof, upon which there was a question whether shingles or slate should be used. It was finally decided to use shingles, and they were purchased at a cost of Two Hundred Ninety Two and 50-100 dollars (1292.50.) This much is deemed necessary in way of explana- tion, and our statement of cost of buildings is as follows : Amount of Aldrich & Parkhurst's contract, $5245 00 " " Fitchburg Lumber Co., 292 50 " Due E. T. Miles for making contracts, 5 00 " " L. Aldrich, making plans and I ^^ qq examining buildings , & c . , j " ^' Wm. Woodbury exp. to Frammgliam, 4 00 8 REPORT OP THE BUILDING COMMMITTEE. Amount due J. B. Marsh, numbering stalls, 6 25 " " E.Richardson, grading, 25 00 Estimated cost of Cattle Sheds, 1400 00 Amount due Wliite for Pump, 46 00 Estimated cost of Water Closet, 40 00 Total cost of permanent improvements made by the committee. Seven Thousand Seventy-three and T5-100 Dollars (#7073.75.) All of which is respectfully submitted. E. T. MILES, J. P. REED, Wm. WOODBURY, JABEZ FISHER, JOS. CUSHING, y Building Com. ADDRESS OF COL. DANIEL NEEDIIAM, OF GROTON, BEFORE TUE WORCESTER NORTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, AT FITCIIBURG. Mr. President, and Gentlemen op the Society. — The few minutes of time which I shall occupy, will be devoted to the consideration of the subject of labor. Not labor as it is under- stood and appreciated in England and Ireland, or on the Conti- nent of Europe ; but labor as understood and appreciated in the nineteenth century, in this Western World, which it is our mis- sion to aid in Christianizing. Labor as Americanized, or Amer- ican labor, may be more properly termed the subject of my ad- dress. We, as Americans, have nationalized labor. From the product of the centuries we have created a system differing widely from all previous systems of labor, and which seems to me with great significance can be denominated the American system. Origi- nal with us ; finding neither its counterpart or resemblance in any system heretofore in operation either in the Mother Coun- try or in the older nations of the East. A system which has given a dignity and character to labor — which has not only robbed it of its ugly features so repellant in the history of the past, but given to it a charm and a power making it both desir- able and attractive. When the Fathers landed and colonized Plymouth and es- tablished on these far-off western shores a new home, they estab- lished also a new civilization. They broke off not only from the conventionalisms of European and Eastern Governments, but from the established usages of organized society. In fact they became new men ; — a new race of men ; — differing Avidely in opinion, in habit of life, in thought, motive and action from all who had preceded them. They had new ideas of life ; — of so- 10 ADDRESS. cial and domestic life, as well as government. They saw in man a different being from what had been seen or recognized in the Old World. They saw man as God made him ; above the fowls of the air, the fish of the seas, the beasts of the field and the prod- ucts of the earth, for God had given him dominion over all these, and they endeavored to establish a government which would rec- ognize their inalienable rights which had so long been denied to the majority of men. Therefore, while still on board the little vessel which had safely borne them from the fatherland, they en- tered into a solemn compact to recognize in their social and pub- lic hfe, the manhood of man. In the estabhshment of all European Society, this had been entirely overlooked ; and not a nation on the footstool had ever recognized the manhood of man- In founding the Colony, then, from which we originated and from whose laws our own have to a large extent been formed, the founders endeavored to put aside all prejudice of birth or fortune and elevate all men to the high plane of Christian man- hood. In the history of the world, this was the first time that such a principle had been recognized as the corner stone of na- tional existence. Recognizing this great principle, labor became not only digni- fied and respectable, but intelligent and skillful. Capital was made the handmaid of labor and not its master. Capital grew out of labor, was its product, and therefore should not be its su- perior. Capital was assigned its legitimate sphere and the laws of the new colony were made to protect the men of the colony ; for when the men of the colony were protected, the substance of the colonists was secure. The idea, therefore, of educating labor and dignifying it and making it superior to capital, was a novel idea — grew out of the necessities of the situation, and became nationalized as pecu- liarly American. Growing out of this general education of the people, came inventions, lessening the labor of the hands and contributing to the comfort and convenience and wealth of the world. So rapidly ADDRESS. 11 was invention succeeded by invention, that it seemed as though the world had been standing still for centuries. In one hundred years of our American labor, civilization had been forwarded more than during a thousand years preceding. It seemed a triumphal march, as the genius and skill of man were turning the crudest and most worthless productions of nature into sources of wealth and luxury. The Puritans reasoned thus : " The more labor is dignified, the more man is ennobled ; the more labor is respected, the more elevated the character of the labor and the more elevated the character of him who performed it." As a nation, we began at the beginning ; — we began with man. We said, man had rights as man, and that before the law the rights of all men should be equal. We made the government for the man. To protect, not to distress him ; to lessen his care and anxiety, not to increase it ; and we made the rulers for the benefit of the ruled ; not for their own aggrandizement ; not to feed upon the people ; not to look down upon them, but to look up to them and to serve them. Thus America had in its national existence a new element ; — the element of manhood. And the rulers were elected for the people ; and the laws were made for the people ; and the wealth of the people was turned to the good account of all men in the nation. And the good work thus inaugurated by the Fathers has not been repudiated by the children. We still cling to the idea that the government was created for the people, and not the peo- ple for the government. Yet, there is a tendency to follow in the ruts of the olden time. There is something fascinating about roy- alty and knighthood and coats of arms and the power of wealth which seeks to enthral and enslave the weak and the feeble. And in America we find the conflict still going on between labor and capital as though the fundamental law of the land and the lives of the fathers had not fully settled the question of priority of right. 12 ADDRESS. In our Southern States the conflict has been very severe, and the question is not yet fully determined. The men who founded Jamestown, believed in money, and family and blood ; — the men who established themselves at Plymouth, believed in the man more than in money ; — in the man more than in his ancestry ; in the man more than in his blood. And the conflict has been waxing warmer and warmer for more than seventy years, which of the descendants of the two races should be recognized as American. The conflict culminated in a resort to arms, in which the Puritan race was triumphant and man Avas recognized above the fortunes of birth or the influences of wealth. Thus the American government, in the breaking up of the insti- tution of slavery and in recognizing the equality of men, nation- alized labor and gave it the preference of capital. It said to the world in a language of no doubtful interpretation, " a man is a man," no matter for birth ; no matter for wealth ; no matter for lands or titles ; manhood is the criterion by which man shall be tested, and in the race for wealth, for honors, for emolu- ments, there shall be no drawbacks because fortune failed to smile on the infant brow that was kissed for the first time by the air of this Western World. In America, for the first time in the history of the world, cap- ital has failed to dictate the wages of labor. The laborer has for the first time, been able to meet the capitalist on a common ground, and arrange his own terms and place" his own estimate on the value of his services. This recognized right, has given a dignity to labor, which has elevated the laborer by making common to him the rio;ht to knowledo;e and the uses of knowl- edge. Labor, — American Labor, — has thus made subservi- ent to its uses, the school ; the academy ; the college and the uni- versity. It has commanded and received protection from the Legislature, the Executive and the Judicial departments of the government. It has adorned not only these departments of the government, but all the professions and the industries which are developed by the cultivation and study of the most intricate of the arts and sciences. The lumberman of the Mississippi Valley ADDRESS. 13 and tlio honored Executive of the nation have found embodi- ment in the same person. American labor, then, is educated labor ; is free, independent labor ; is cultivated labor. Thinks for itself; reasons for itself; makes its own terms and fixes the value for its production. It is well fed ; well housed ; well clothed. It is a necessity to the development of the moral, intellectual and physical man ; it is a growth of civilization and Christianity. Compare for a single mojnent the condition of an English la- borer with that of an American laborer. Until very recently the rate of wages paid an English laborer was two dollars a week ; it is now about two dollars and a half. Out of this, the laborer must pay from one to two shillings for house rent, and live in a hovel at that ; provide food, clothing and fuel for himself and his fam- ily. Not allowed to keep even a pig or a fowl for fear that he may steal food for them from his employer. He works twelve hours a day, and frequently sixteen and seventeen, and is never paid for extra hours of work except by some present or gift which is comparatively of trifling value. Says a paper, recently read before the British Association for the advancement of sci- ence, " The women earn seven or eight pence a day for out-door work, and boys, small sums in proportion; the men breakfast be- fore they leave home on tea-kettle-broth, which consists of an infusion of bread and water, with a httle milk if they can get it. For luncheon and dinner, which they can take with them, they have coarse bread and a little hard, dry skim-milk cheese. For supper, on their return home, they have potatoes and cabbage with a small slice of bacon cooked with it, to give it seasoning. Butcher's meat they seldom if ever see. They never lay by anything. They are not long lived ; but often in their prime are feeble, and at the age of fifty are generally past labor ; the result of poor living, sour cider, a damp chmate, hard work and anxiety combined. There remains for them nothing but parish pay and the workhouse." This is a statement made be- fore one of the leading Associations of Great Britain and is en- dorsed by the Association as in accordance with the facts. This is 14 ADDRESS. the condition of the English system of labor, which is far supe- rior to many of the systems of nations on the continent of Europe. To say nothing of the intellectual and social and moral condition of such men, how fearful is the physical. Eor these men, for their children and their children's children, there is little hope, except from the rays of light thrown across the trackless Atlantic by our American labor which is struggling still for complete eman- cipation from the tyrannical hands of aristocracy, monopoly and capital. You need no statement from me of the condition of the Amer- ican laborer to enable you to compare the one with the other. Our laborer, with equal rights with all other men, at the ballot box, in the school room, in the halls of legislation, in the chair of state, in the learned professions, in the mechanic arts, every where, he may rise or fall as his own energy, ambition, industry and prudence are developed. It is upon his own and not another's will that his success depends. I have spoken briefly upon this great question of nationalized labor in America. If I have succeeded in convincing you that American labor has always, and will hereafter always, depend upon the recognition of manhood, I have not failed in my pur- pose. This has been the secret of our success as a nation. And so long as we continue to keep capital subservient to labor, so long will we preserve the peculiar characteristics which cluster around and adorn our American labor. But when capital, if it ever shall, gets the mastery of labor ; when birth and ancestry become of more account than the man, then farewell to the rich growth of American civilization and farewell to the great princi- ples of our government which have enabled it to be an asylum to the oppressed of all nations. KEPORTS OF COMMITTEES. BLOOD STOCK. The Committee on Blood Stock have attended to the duty assigned them and submit the following report : SHORTHORN OR DURHAM — BULLS, 1st premium to E. D. Works, Fitchburg, for Yearling Bull, $5 00 BULL CALVES. 1st prem. to A.Whitman, Fitch., for "Barron of Fairview," 4 OQ 2d prem. to Joel Page, Fitch., for " Duke of Mansfield," 2 00 cows IN MILK. 1st prem. to Joel Page, Fitchburg, for " Yorick 35th," 3 00 2d prem. to A. Whitman, Fitch., for " Mountain Belle," 2 00 DR^ HEIFERS. 1st prem. to A. Whitman, Fitchburg, for •' Rosette," 3 00 2d prem. to A. Whitman, Fitchburg, for " Lady Carlisle," 2 00 HEIFER CALVES. 1st prem. to A. Whitman, Fitchburg, for " Nameoka," 3 00 2d prem. to A. Whitman, Fitchburg, for "Lady Grace," 2d, 2 00 AYRSHIRE — YEARLING BULLS. 1st prem. to L. H. Rice, West Boylston, for " Oswald," 2d, 5 00 BULL CALVES. 1st prem. to Edmund Houghton, Lunenh'g, for " Gen. Grant," 4 00 2d prem. to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, for " Charles Dickens," 2 00 cows IN MILK. 1st prem. to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, for " Emma," 3 00 2d prem. to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, for " Miller," 2d, 2 00 DRY HEIFERS. 1st prem. to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, for " Maud Muller," 3 00 2d prem. to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, for " Lady Burns," 2 00 16 GRADE OR NATIVE BULLS. ALDERNEY BULLS. 1st prem. to John Brooks, Princeton, for '* Grant," 6 00 2(1 prem. to W. H. Fuller, Leominster, for " Champion," 4 00 BULL CALVES. 1st prem. to John Brooks, Princeton, for " Herbert," 4 00 cows. 1st prem. to John Brooks, Princeton, for " Jersey Bill," 3 00 2d prem. to John Brooks, Princeton, for " Butter Cup," 2 00 YEARLINGS. 1st prem. to John Brooks, Princeton, for " Cora," 3 00 2d prem., to John Brooks, Princeton, for '' Jessamine," 2 00 CALVES. 1st prem. to John Brooks, Princeton, for " Dott," 3 00 2d prem. to John Brooks, Princeton, for " Aprilla," 2 00 F. W. WEIGHT, for the Committee. GRADE OR NATIVE BULLS. The Committee on Grade Bulls have attended to the duty assigned them and report premiums as follows : BULLS MORE THAN TWO YEARS OLD. 1st prem. to Edmund Houghton, Lunenburg, 5 00 2d prem. to A. G. Thompson, Princeton, 3 00 Your Committee recommend a gratuity of S2.00 to Joseph Upton of Fitchburg, for his 7-8 Ayrshire. Also, a gratuity of $2.00 to A. J. Hubbard of Ashby, for his Grade Durham. YEARLINGS. 1st prem. to Joel Page, Fitchburg, 4 00 2d premium not awarded. CALVES. 1st prem. to Franklin Nourse, Sterling. 4 00 2d premium not awarded. EZRA SAWYER, for the Committee. MILCH KINE. IT MILCH KINE. Your Committee were much pleased with the animals in this department, and think that collectively they have never been surpassed at any of our previous exhibitions. We had no difficulty in making the awards, except in the case of Mr. Whitman's cows. Instead of entering four cows for a herd, as the offer of premiums required, he Wintered seven. We gave him the second herd premium for four of them without making a selection, but when we came to the class of single milch cows, we could not say which one was entitled to a pre- mium, not having had four selected out for the herd. Under the cir- cumstances we could give him no premium, but feeling that there were cows enough present qualified to take both herd and single premiums, had a proper division been made, we recommend a gratuity equal to the second premium for an undesignated cow. A little closer atten- tion to the rule would have obviated all difficulty. The list of awards are as follows : HERD OP FOUR COWS, OR HEIFERS. 1st prera. to J. P. Eeed, Princeton, 10 00 2d prem. to A. Whitman, Fitchburg, 7 00 3d prem. to N. B. Reed, Princeton, 4 00 cows FOR BUTTER. 1st prem. to J. P. Reed, Princeton, 5 00 2d prem. to I. B. Woodward, Fitchburg, 4 00 3(1 prem. to J. P. Reed. Princeton, 3 00 cows FOR MILK. Tst prera. to J. P. Reed, Princeton, 5 00 A. Whitman, Fitchburg, a gratuity of 4 00 THREE YEARS OLD HEIFERS FOR MILKl.^ 1st prem. to J. P. Reed, Princeton, ' 5 00 2d prem. to Joel Page, Fitchburg, 4 00 TWO YEARS OLD HEIFERS FOR MILK. 1st premium to Paul M. Mirick, Princeton, 4 00 TWO YEARS OLD HEIFERS FOR BUTTER. 1st prem. to Franklin Nourse, Sterling. 4 00 The writer has been led to inquire, in view of the exhibition just closed, if the offer of premiums for Milch Kine accomplishes all that is intended or desired V The competing animals are required to be upon the ground ostensibly that the public may have the benefit of an 18. MILCH KINE. examination, but no one knows from first to last, except the committee and a few anxiously inquiring competitors, which of the many present are superior, or what their good points may be so far as the opinion of the judges is concerned. The peculiar value of a milch cow is made manifest in and through the milk pail. This record can only be known when the published report and statements are distributed, some three months subsequent to the exhibition. That portion of the public which is interested in such matters has no opportunity at that time to to make any comparisons, and has so far lost definite recollection of the subject, that the advantages which the exhibition might and ought to have furnished have come to be of comparatively little importance. If an exhibition of this sort is worth anything, its value is to be found mainly in its power to educate the people who attend. The young dairy farmer, more particularly, visits the exhibition to see the best cows, learn what they have done, and to make such comparisons between the best and inferior ones as will enable him more successful- ly to select for rearing or purchase, a class of animals that will be likely to give improved results. If however, the record is not to be found, and the judgment of the committee cannot be ascertaine.d, the whole affair has for him little more value than a painting or a collec- tion of photographs of the animals. To obviate these objections, I venture to suggest the propriety of posting the statements, or copies of them, in connection with the de- scriptive cards, and that the judges be instructed to designate in some manner the prize animals as soon as the awards are completed. The question was asked by a number of different people, committee- men and others, why grade cows should be compelled to furnish a rec- ord of their doings, while any and all of thoroughbreds were required to show only who their ancestors were ? A cow giving too little milk to fairly nourish her calf might, if her pedigree was all right, obtain the preference over another nearly as perfect in all other respects, and very much superior in this one. If a milch cow has any particular value as such, she ought not to be permitted to thrust her pedigree in our face as the jjrfily answer, when we inquire what quantity of milk she gives, or how much butter or cheese can be obtained from it. It need not be inferred that a grade cow should compete with a thorough- bred, but all the cows of any one of the different breeds ought to com- pete with all others of the same breed that can properly be classed to- gether, and they should each tell the whole story of their qualities and accomplishments as milch cows. The accompanying statements give ' pasture,' in most cases, as the staple food of the animals. This term does not convey a very defi- nite meaning. Pastures vary very much in the quantity and quality of food which they furnish. Some are noted for their power to fatten ani- mals rapidly, while others have an undesirable reputation in that respect. Varying soils and different grasses have diverse influences over the milk pail, and though it is probably an unprofitable method of keep- MILCH KINE. 19 ing cows, yet they will undoubtedly continue to be pastured until a denser population and an increased demand for land shall bring about a less wasteful and more enterprising and satisfactory plan. No farmer can fold his hands and justly claim to have mastered his business so long as he holds an acre of land that is not producing all that it is profitably capable of. The application of this rule would at once convert all of our pastures into either mowing, tillage or wood- land. No one will contend that a pasture requiring from two to eight acres to keep one cow, bears favorable comparison with a piece of mowing land producing three tons, at two crops, even at the valua- tion usually placed upon each, and yet very much of our pasture land is made up of as good soil, and is as favorably situated as the best mowing, requiring only proper working and manuring to make them equal. If a pasture is too rocky, or by reason of its location or oth- erwise, it is found to be impracticable to work it, the jjlanting of forest trees offers a very much more remunerative return to the holder than pasturage. The price of wood and timber promises in the near future to command a relatively higher price than it bears even now. It may be said that cows do much better when pastured than when confined, either upon the system of green soiling, or what may be de- nominated dry soiling. This however is never asserted by those who have tried both methods, the whole of such testimony being the other way. We feel convinced, from our own limited experience, that it is perfectly feasible, and that no valid argument can be brought against the system of keeping milch cows in the barn, with perhaps an hour or two occasionally in a yard. They are perfectly contented under such circumstances and thrive as well, and in a year will give more milk than when allowed to range in ordinary pasture. It is not by any means necessary to raise green food for soiling, but they may be kept upon early cut grass made into hay. This has been our custom for two years past, the cows not getting a bite of grass, nor indeed be- ing allowed to be once outside the barn. A writer in the Scottish Farmer mentions four cows that he reared from calves that had never set foot in a pasture, and in fact had never stepped out of the stall ex- cept when sent to the bull. He fed with mown grass during the sum- mer season and upon hay in the winter. The result of such a system of feeding is an accumulation of ma- nure that will easily hold the grass land up to a high point of produc- tiveness, in comparison with which pasture land grows more and more unsightly and unremunerative. The relative prices which dairy pro- ducts bear in the market, and which they must continue to maintain, for tht) reason that the limited dairy region is constantly becoming less in proportion to the increasing consumption and demand, ought to sug- gest to the farming interest on all suitable lands, that its success lies in making the most of its opportunities ; that its great leading staple should be grass, to which other crops are only adjuncts or secondary ; that the best crop of grass is not to be obtained by a system of culture 20 MILCH KIISTI, whicli only feeds it with manure previously strained tBrongli a crop of potatoes, followed by corn and grain, and as a final curse, turns the cows upon the mowing fields in October and November, to starve upon dead stubble that affords no nutriment to the animal, but deprives the grass of that natural protection which is one of the best guaranties of a succeeding crop. JABEZ FISHER, Chairman. Statement of J. P. Reed. To the Committee on Milch Kine : Gentlemen :— I offer for premium one herd of four cows, aged re- spectively, four, five, six and seven years, grade Holderness breed. Their produce in milk, at the June trial, was 984 lbs., their keeping only pasture feed. At the September trial it was 756 lbs., their keep- ing, in addition to pasture, was two bundles of corn fodder and one qt. of Indian meal each, per day. Time of last calving, as follows ; 4- years-old, March 24th, 1868; 5-years-old, March 30th, 1868; 6-years- old, April, 1867 ; 7-years-old, March 25th, 1868. I also offer for premium one milch cow, age, seven years, breed, grade Holderness. She gave at June trial, 314 lbs. of milk ; in Sep- tember (six days,) 234 lbs of milk, keeping as before stated . Time of last calving, April 8th, 1868. I also offer for premium one cow for butter, aged seven years, breed mixed. She produced in six days (June trial,) ten lbs. of butter; in September (six days,) seven and one-fourth lbs. Time of last calving, February 11th, 1868, keeping as before stated. I offer another cow, 8 years old, Holderness breed, for premium for butter. Her produce in butter in six days, in June, was eleven lbs. fourteen ounces; at September trial, ten and one-fourth lbs., keeping as above stated. Time of last calving, February 29th, 1868. I offer one heifer, age, three years, breed, grade Holderness, for premium as a milk heifer. She gave, first six days in June, 240 lbs. of milk; corresponding days in September, 192 lbs., keeping as has been stated. Time of last calving. May 8th, 1868. My cows have always been milked in the stable, and almost without exception, by the same persons ; time of milking, has been very uni- form. They have remained in the stable every night, and all the feed they have had in addition to pasture has been given to them there. J. P. REED. Princeton, Sept. 21st, 1868. MILCH KINE. 21 Augustus WJiitman^s Statement. GRADE SnORT-IIOKNS. Name. . _ Date of last ^Se. Calving. weight of milk \Vei Tliere being but one competitor, the second was not awarded. M. B. HEYWOOD, for the Committee. YEARLING STEEES AND STEER CALVES. Your Committee on Yearlings and Steer Calves, make the follow- ing awards : YEARLING STEERS. 1st premium to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, Devons, 2d "^ N. B. Reed, Princeton, Grade Devons, 3d " E. E. Boyden, Leominster, Grade Devons, TRAINED YEARLINGS. 1st premium to A. E. Skinner, Princeton, 2d " N. B. Reed, Princeton, STEER CALVES. 1st premium to N. B. Reed, Princeton, 2d '' Thomas Sheldon, Fitchburir, 3d " J. P. Reed, Princeton, o' RAISED BY HAND. 1st premium to Geo. 0. Skinner, Princeton, 2d '' J. P. Reed, Princeton, 3d " Thomas Sheldon, Fitchburg, $3 00 2 00 1 00 3 00 2 00 6 00 4 00 2 00 6 00 4 00 2 00 TRAINED STEER CALVES. 1st premium to A. E. Skinner, Princeton, 4 00 2d " N. B. Reed, Princeton, 3 00 3d ** Harlow Skinner, Princeton, 2 00 LORISTON STOCKWELL, /or^/^e Committee. CALVES. The Committee on the best pen of Calves not less than four, having attended to their duty, award the following premiums : 1st premium to A. G. Thompson, Princeton, $10 00 2d " A. Whitman, Fitchburg, 5 00 GEO. 0. SKINNER, for the Committee. 26 ' FAT COWS. FAT CATTLE. The Committee on Fat Cattle have attended to their duty and sub- mit their report. There were ten entries — seven oxen, two cows, one heifer and five steers, and they have awarded premiums as follows : FAT OXEN. 1st premium to E. More, Leominster, (weight 3781) $8 00 2d '' J. Cushing, Fitchburg, (weight 3739) 5 00 3d " J. P. Reed, Princeton, 3 00 FAT cows. 1st premium to Cozzens & More, Leominster, 6 00 2d " J. P. Putnam, Fitchburg, 3 00 STEERS AND HEIFERS THREE YEARS OLD. 1st premium to J. P. Reed, Princeton, steers, 6 00 2d '* S. G. Myrick, Princeton, heifer, 4 00 Mr. D. S. Eaton, Fitchburg, entered one steer not present for exam- ination. HIRAM WHITNEY, for the Committee. SWINE. FAT HOGS. The Committee on Swine, award premiums as follows : 1st premium to C. C. Boyden, Leominster, best Fat Hog, $10 00 2d '* " " 2d best, 5 00 BOARS. 1st premium to Waterhouse & Dadmun, Fitchburg, 4 00 They also recommend a gratuity of S5.00 to Warren Shattuck of Fitchburg, for his Fat Hog. J. 0. PARKER, for the Committee. STALLIONS. The Committee on Stallions, (speed considered) award the 1st pre- mium of $25.00, to Gr. M. Smith of Fitchburg, for his horse "Major Henderson." The 2d premium of SIO.OO, (speed considered) to Jones & Perkins of Wilton, N. H., for their horse " Abdallah." They award Jones & Perkins of Wilton, N. H., for the best Stallion for general use, $10.00 for their horse " Abdallah." JOSEPH CUSHING, for the Committee. HORSES. - 27 MARES AND SUCKING COLTS. The Committee on Mares and Sucking Colts, make the following report : MARES. 1st premium to J. H. Marshall, Leominster, $6 00 2d '* Geo. S. Gilchrist, Lunenburg, 4 00 3d " xVug. Whitman, Fitchburg, 2 00 COLTS. 1st premium to J. H. Marshall, Leominster, ' 3 00 2d " Jos. Cushing, Fitchburg, 2 00 3d " Geo. S. Gilchrist, Lunenburg, 1 00 JOEL HAYWARD, for the Committee DRAUGHT HORSES. The Committee on Draught Horses make the following awards : DRAUGHT HORSES — PAIRS. 1st premium to George E. Towne. Fitchburg, $6 00 2d ** C. B. Nutting, Groton, 4 00 Also, a gratuity to Levi Kendall, Fitchburg, 4 00 SINGLE HORSES. 1st premium to N. B. Reed, Princeton, 5 00 2d '* S. G. Mirick, Princeton, 3 00 E. A. GOODRICH, for the Commmittee. FAMILY HORSES— SINGLE The Committee on Family Horses, Single, report thirteen Horses entered for premium, all deserving of premium. Considering age, weight, size and color, your Committee report : 1st premium to L. Sprague, Fitchburg, $12 00 2d " Chas. H. Brown, Fitchburg, 8 00 M. T. GARDNER, Chairman, 28 TWO YEARS OLD GELDINGS. COLTS. The Committee on Colts have examined those presented and submit the following report : COLTS THRES YEARS OLD, SPEED CONSIDERED. 1st premium to D. Green, Worcester, 2d " C. H. Brown, Fitchburg, THREE YEARS OLD GELDINGS. 1st premium to Levi White, Lunenburg, 2d " Ohio Whitney, Ashburnhara, THREE YEARS OLD FILLIES. 1st premium to Adam Thompson, Harvard, TWO YEARS OLD GELDINGS. 1st premium to A. K. Willard, Harvard, 2d " E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, Also, a gratuity to George Miles, Westminster, , TWO YEARS OLD FILLIES. 1st premium to H. M. Heywood, Sterling, 6 00 The Committee found five entries of Yearling Colts on the book but no premium offered. The Committee therefore recommend a gratu- ity of 86.00 to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg. SOLON CARTER, for the Committee. $15 5 00 00 10 5 00 00 * 10 00 6 00 3 00 3 00 POULTRY. The Committee on Poultry have examined the offerings and make the following awards : TURKEYS. 1st premium to Wm. H. Fuller, Leominster, 3 00 2d " T. D. Yfood, Westminster, 2 00 BARN YARD FOWLS, 1st premium to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 3 00 2d '^ Benj. Safford, Fitchburg, 2 00 PLOWING. 29 We also recommend the following gratuities : To E. T. Miles, Fitcbburg, for his Bralmia fowls, 1 00 5 Rouen Ducks, 2 00 To A. P. Whitney, for his 6 Native Fowls, 1 00 To B. F. Proctor, Fitcbburg, for his 4 Fan Tail Doves, 50 All which is submitted. GYRUS KILBURN, for the Committee. SHEEP. The Committee on Sheep, award as follows : FLOCKS SHEEP. 1st premium to J. P. Reed, Princeton, SIO 00 2d " Geo. Miles, Westminster, 5 00 FLOCKS — LAMBS. 1st premium to Geo. Miles, Westminster, 4 00 2d " James Mclntire, Fitcbburg, 2 00 BUCKS. 1st premium to Josiah Puffer, Harvard, 5 00 2d " N. B. Reed, Princeton, 3 00. COSSETS. 1st premium to Edward Bacon, Westminster, 2 00 2d " N. B. Reed, Princeton, 1 00 Your Committee also recommend the following gratuities : To James Mclntire, Fitcbburg, for Flock Sheep, 3 00 To Calvin Whitney, Westminster, for Buck, 2 00 ALVIN M. SAWYER, Chairman. PLOWING— DOUBLE TEAMS. The Committee on plowing with double teams, having attend- ed to their duty, report as follows : There were six teams entered to compete for the premiums. Four of them were composed of two yoke of oxen each ; the oth- 30 PLOWING. er two, of one yoke of oxen and one horse each. All of them were on the ground at the appointed time. The Committee be- ing full, arrangements were immediately made for starting the teams. The several competitors completed their respective allotments of work as follows : 13, Armsby " 14 14, Dou. swiv. " 34 15, Michigan " 41 16, Dou. swiv. " 33 17, 39 E. A. Goodrich, Lot No. 12, Michigan plow, in 12 minutes. Jonas Corey, " M. B. Heywood, " Mirick & Gregory, " Charles Flagg, " Moses Sawyer, 2d, " Your Committee award the 1st premium to Moses Sawyer, 2d, Sterling, |10 00 2d " M. B. Heywood, " 7 00 3d " Charles Flagg, • " 5 00 To E. A. Goodrich and Jonas Corey of Fitchburg, we recom mend a gratuity of $3.00 each; also, a gratuity of 13.00 to- Mirick & Gregory of Princeton. The several plows used were not brought to a uniform gauge, therefore the depth of plowing varied from seven and one4ialf to nine inches. The controlling principle in the award of premiums was this — that competitors in the plowing match, to merit a premium, must arrange their teams in a quiet and teamster4ike manner, and perform their work with care and skill. The four teams composed of two yoke of oxen each, were managed with a quietness and skill highly creditable to their teamsters, performing their respective allot- ments of labor in a thorough and workmanlike manner, and with so slight a difference in the quality of their work and the man- ner of accomplishing it, that the Committee were not unanimous in their award of either of the premiums. The teamsters hav- ing in charge the other two teams, hurried them up as though they were impressed with an honest belief that the faster they drove, the stronger their claim to the award of a premium. But whether or not that was their belief, the manner of managing their teams failed to make an impression on the Committee suf- ficiently favorable to award them a premium, yet they were unanimous in recommending them a gratuity. ASAPH WOOD, for the Committee. PLOWING. 31 PLOWING— SINGLE TEAMS. The Committee on Plowing with Single Teams, offer the followino' report : 1st premium to N. B. Reed, Princeton, SIO 00 2d •' S. G. Myrick, Princeton, 7 00 3d " Warren Shattuck, Fitchburg, 5 00 I. B. WOODWARD, for the Committee. PLOWING— HORSE TEAMS. Your Committee make the following awards : 1st premium to Joel Page, Fitchburg, $10 00 2d " Joseph Gushing, Fitchburg, 7 00 3d '' E. A. Goodrich, Fitchburg, , 5 00 Also, a gratuity to Walter F. Page, Fitchburg, . ' 5 00 D. C. MILES, /or the Committee. WORKING OXEN AND HORSE. The Committee on Working Oxen and Horse, have to report their regret that only one team was entered and on the ground to compete for the Society's premiums, and that by Mr. Jonas Corey of Fitchburg. His oxen are " Grade" — five years old, and weigh 2,551 lbs., horse weighing 1000 lbs. Mr. Corey's team complied with the rules by hauling a stone drag, that with load, equalled weight of Team. The team performed its work beautifully and gracefully, winning the praises of all who saw it, and your Committee were unanimous in awarding the first premium of $7.00 k) Mr. Jonas Corey of Fitchburg. Your Committee are debarred the privilege of awarding any pre- mium to Teamster, since his appearance indicated twenty one summers ; however we take pleasure in giving him great credit for kindness and skill in performing his part. Respectfully submitted. CHAS. KILBURN, for the Committee. 32 TOWN TEAMS. TOWN TEAMS. There were three entries of Town Teams, either of which would do credit to any town. The Committee make the following awards : 1st premium to Town of Leominster, $15 00 2d " " Sterling, 10 00 We would recommend a gratuity of $10.00 to Princeton, for her well-matched and uniform colored thrifty oxen and steers. The Com- mittee think the Trustees of the Society made a mistake when they cut the premiums down on Town Teams. We would recommend the Trustees hereafter to offer three premi- ums, $25.00, $15.00, and $10.00 for Town Teams. PORTER PIPER, for the Committee. MATCHED DRIVING HORSES. The Committee on Matched Driving Horses, award as follows : 1st premium to Geo. E. Towne, Fitchburg. $12 00 2d >' J. P. Reed, Princeton, 8 00 JAMES 0. PARKER, Chairman. GENTLEMEN'S DRIVING HORSES— SINGLE. SPEED CONSIDERED. The Committee on Gentlemen's Driving Horses, having attended to the duty assigned them, make the following report : The number of Horses entered was twelve, and we award premiums; as follows : 1st premium to Augustus Whitman, Fitchburg, $25 00 2d " Chas. J. Delahanty, Fitchburg, 10 00 S. W. A. STEVENS, Chairman. WALKING HORSES. The Committee on Walking Horses, award the premium of $10.00 offered by the Society, to J. Gushing, Fitchburg. OHIO WHITNEY, JR , Chairman, HORSE* FOR SPEED. 33 HORSES FOR SX^EED. Report of the Committee on Horses for Speed : By vote of the Trustees of the Worcester Nortli Agricultural Soci- ety, Five Hundred Dollars ($500) was placed at the disposal of a Committee consisting of E. T. Miles, Jabez Fisher, Joseph Cushino-, Abel 3[arshall, Francis Buttrick and L. P. Gomee, to be used in offer- ing inducements to noted horses to be present on the second day of the Sixtcentli Annual Fair. At a meeting of this Committee prior to the time of holding the Fair, the sum above named was divided and offered as premiums in trials of Speed, as follows : One premium of S25. $10 to the second best Horse. 50. 15 " 75. 20 " " . ■' 150. 35 '^ :li){). 50 " " " The condition of the offer of those premiums was an entrance fee for ten per cent., and not less than three to enter and two to start for each ])remium. These conditions were fully complied with, as will be seen by the following statement of the entries : For the premium of $25, $10 to second best Horse, there were three entries, viz : V. Barber entered '•' Fanny Fern." J. Fabyan " "Tom." D.A. Upton " ''Black Ralph." Black Ralph won the race and is entitled to the premium for the best horse. Fanny Fern was declared the second best in the race and entitled to the premium of $10, offered for the second best horse. For the premium of $50, $15 to second best horse, there were five entries, as follows : S. Hayes entered " Cassius." S. J. M. Weston entered •' Commodore Nutfc." C. Ordway entered "Eli." Geo. M. Smith entered " 3faj. Henderson." The judges declared Commodore Nutt winner of the race, with Cas- sius, second, and these two horses named are entitled to the premium of Fifty Dollars ($50) divided as offered. 34 STOCK FOR EXHIBITIOX. For the premium of $75, $20 to second best, there were five en- tries, viz : S. F. Lyon entered " Lady Lyon." Sherman Fletcher entered -'L'a xVdams." Dix & Upton entered " Abdallah Maid.', S. Hayes entered "Black Ben." C. Ordway, entered " Chamberlain." The judges declared Ira Adams winner of the race, with Lady Lyon second, and we believe these two horses should receive the pre- miums in this class, divided in accordance with the Society's offer. l^*For the premium of S150, $35 to second best horse, there were three entries, viz : C. Ordway entered " Eli." W. W. Comee entered " Cassius." S. Hayes entered "White Stocking." "White Stocking was declared the winner of the race, with Eli sec- ond, and your Committee know of no reason why they are not entitled to this premium with the advertised division. For the premium of $200, $50 to second best horse, there were three entries, viz : S. Hayes entered " Capt. Lawrence." S. J. M. Weston entered " Maj. Dearborn." Jos. Gushing entered " Benj. Higdon." Capt. Lawrence was declared the winner of the race, with Ben Hig- don in the second place. They are therefore entitled to receive the premium, divided as named above. Your Committee believe the experiment of offering premiums for Speed to have been reasonably successful, and while they admit that hardly due notice was given by them of the division made of the sum of money entrusted to them for this purpose, they would recommend the Society to continue to make judicious appropriations for this object in the future. E. T. MILES, Chairman. STOCK FOR EXHIBITION. The Committee on Stock for Exhibition, found on the grounds the foUowino; animals : BREAD, BUTTER, CHEESE, PICKLES. 35 DURIIAMS. Entered, by Augustus Whitman, E.^q., of Fitcbburg, " Wachusett Chief," a very fine ammal. Also, " Hope 7th." AYRSIIIRES. Entered by Eugene T. Miles, Esq., of Fitchburg, " Roderick Dhu," not surpassed, in the opinion of the Committee, by any animal of his class in the Show, and " Beauty." These animals all received the high- est premiums in their respective classes at the Fair in 1867, and are therefore debarred from competing in future for any premium in the gift of the Society. They are not debarred from leaving traces of their superior excellence in the young stock presented for our examination at the present Show. May the Soqiety long have the advantages of their good qualities. HOLDERNESS. Entered by Jos. P. Reed, Esq., of Princeton, one Cow, one Bull, one Yearling Heifer and one Bull Calf. These animals are repre- sented by Mr. Reed as thorough-bred Holderness stock. The cow is the mother of the three, and the bull the father of the youngest two. Accompanying his report is the -statement of Mr. Reed answering some questions in the report of the Committee on Blood Stock for 1867; also, giving the pedigree of his own stock. We are not acquainted with the merits of this stock, but if the spec- imens which Mr. Reed has presented at this and at our former Shows, are fair, and if their 3IiJk and Batter qualities compare at all with their good appearance and their aptness to take on flesh, we think it must be very de-sirable stock to own and a breed destined to be extensively spread. Respectfully submitted. SOLON CARTER, for the Committee. BREAD, BUTTER, CHEESE, PICKLES, &C. Facts have come to my observation since the late annual Fair of your Society, that prompt me to make to the Trustees what is called in their circular, an "elaborate or further report" of the Committee on Bread, Butter, Cheese, &c. Justice to myself as chairman of said Committee, not less than to many contributors of articles to said FaiTj seems to demand that somethinpj more be said. 36 BREAD, BUTTER, CHEESE, PICKLES. I find that errors Tvere committed on our part, or rather that there were oversights in making out our report, which may do injustice to par- ties whose articles deserve consideration, and consequently injury may come upon your Society. We thought we were going strictly according to the letter of our in- structions,but on looking over the matter with the See. , I find we devia- ted somewhat. AVe found assigned to us for examination. Jellies, Pre- serves and Sweet Pickles, none of which, as we thought, were entitled to a premium, because said articles were not entertained by the Society as eligible to premiums. But we find the case was otherwise, that a sum of money was appropriated as a gratuity reward for meritorious ar- ticles in this line. We regret this exceedingly because parties will not understand why their articles really so meritorious, are passed by in silence. Such silence savors of contempt, and is more grievous than positive disapprobation. In the hurry of the occasion your chairman looked at the wrong page of his instructions, and he alone is responsible in the premises. To make all the restitution he can, he would recommend that all the said articles, viz, the preserves, jellies, sweet pickles and honey, have an award of a gratuity ranging from SI. 00 down to twenty-five cents each. All of said articles were meritorious, but as there were no two alike, of course there could be no competition or comparison for premiums. In a matter which concerns the bread and butter of us all, more par- ticularity and minuteness should b*e exercised than we were able to be- stow at the time we made our awards. The trustees will pardon me if I say our instructions were not quite so full as they should have been. You will answer, what use of instructions if they are not read, but in reply to this, we thought we were reading them, and trust that in most particulars we fulfilled the whole law. For instance, in Bread, we found one loaf which the lady members of the Committee ruled out because made of " milk emjityings." By what authority this ruling was made I am not aware. The bread was certainly good and if there was no rule of the Society excluding it, it should have been considered. Then in the matter of cheese, I doubt if our award was strictly cor-' rect. One premium was given to a sage cheese. Now in strict no- menclature, we believe this should have had a gratuity as sage cheese, as there was no other entry to compete with it. In regard to trying the different articles, I would say, that we had to make some ugly gashes in the cheese for want of a borer, and that the owners of preserves and jellies had more left to carry home with them than they would have had if we had had spoons to try them with instead of the blades of penknives. While making our examinations, crowds of people gathered around, some of them parties in interest, and by their interfence and commentaries, had a tendency to impede the prompt and impartial discharge of our duties. BREAD, BUTTER, CHEESE, TICKLES. 37 Believing you will receive suggestions from any <|uarter, and act up- on such as are worthy, we respectfully submit whether it would not be better for all concerned, that the hall be closed on the forenoon of the first day of the Fair, to all persons except to the officers of the So- ciety and the duly appointed Committees. While we regret the errors of the past, we can assure you they were not of the heart, and pledge ourselves to greater fidelity in the future, if our services are ever again required. We award the following premiums : WHEAT BREAD. 1st premium to Miss Mary A. Boyden, Leominster, $2 00 2d " *' S. N. Proctor, Lunenburg, 1 00 3d *' " L. Ella Lawrence, Fitchburg, 50 Mrs. S. J. Lawrence, gratuity, 50 RYE AND INDIAN BREAD. 1st premium to Mrs. C Kilburn, Lunenburg, 2 00 2d " " G. S. Houghton, Fitchburg, 1 00 3d " Miss Mary Wellington, Ashby, 50 UNBOLTED WHEAT BREAD. Premium to Miss S. N. Proctor, Lunenburg, 1 00 BUTTER. 1st premium to Mrs. Geo. Miles, Westminster, 4 00 2d " " S. G. Mirick, Princeton, 3 00 3d " " H. W. Porter, Lunenburg. 2 00 4th '' '* J. P. Beed, Princeton, 1 50 JUNE BUTTER. 2d premium to F. B. Harrington, Leominster, 2 00 CHEESE. 1st premium to Mrs. Geo. Miles, Westminster, 2 00 2d " *' Edward Bacon, Westminster, 1 50 3d *' *' F. B. Harrington, Leominster, 1 00 PICKLES. Ist premium to A. P. Whitney, Lunenburg, 75 2d " J. M. Whitney, Fitchburg, 50 3d " I. B. Woodward, " 25 E. P. LORING. Chaiman. oS STATEMENTS. State )nent of George Allies. To the Committee : The box of Butter I enter for premium was made from a dairy of eight cows. The process of mamilacture was in uo respect different from what every dairy- woman understands. In salting we use about one lb. of salt and a cup of powdered sugar to sixteen lbs. of butter. GEORGE MILES. Westminster. Sept. 2Sth, 1S68. . Stateme/it of Mrs. S. G. Jlirick. To the Committee : My process of Butter-making is : Set the milk in tin pans, letting'.it remain thirty-six hours ; then skim, and keep in a tin pail, occasionally stirring in a little salt. After churning (which is done once a week,) the butter is washed in cold water, and salted to taste. • 3Iks. S. G. MIEICK. Princeton. Statement of JJrs. H. W. Porter. To the Committee : Fifteen lbs. Butter : The product of three cows six days ; cows came into milk in April ; milk set in six quart tin pans, about half full ; churned in a common crank churn ; one oz. ground rock salt to two lbs. Besides selling more than twenty dollars worth of new milk, have made four hundred and four lbs. of Butter this season, from three cows. Mrs. H. W. PORTEB. Statement of George Miles. ^ To the Committee : This Cheese was made from the milk of eight cows ; the night's milk warmed and added to the morning's milk, and set for the curd. When come, the whey is dipped off and drained. Then the curd is cut pretty fine and salted, one-half oz. to the lb. ; then submitted to the press for two days ; then covered with cotton cloth and dressed with fat and turned daily. GEORGE MILES. Westminster, Sept. 28, 1868. GARDENS. 39 GARDENS. Only two Kitchen or Mixed Gardens have been offered this season, and not one flower garden, for the examination of your Committee. This evidence of want of interest in the garden, which is so easily made to contribute largely to the comforts of the table, and to the health of those who may partake of its fruits, is much to be regretted. We are aware that the premiums, $6, $4, $2, offer but small inducement for an effort, but the best, most highly cultivated garden, containing a va- riety of vegetables and fruits in their season, of excellent quality, this is worth trying for. How many might enjoy the luxuries of the gar- den— asparagus, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, tomatoes, &c. — not to say anything about the superior excellence of articles grown in your own garden, above those of the same kind when found in the market, half-wilted and almost tasteless. How would it do to take a little from the big premiums for fast hor- ses and add it to the small ones offered for gardens and other useful things. The two gardens entered for premium, were one by Ebenezer Bird of Leominster, the other by Benjamin F. Proctor of Fitchburg. Mr. Bird, who was one of your Committee, absented himself during all our conversation about premiums. In the two preceding years he had been awarded the second and third premiums on Kitchen Gardens. In both gardens examined by your Committee, there was a good variety of the usual vegetables raised for the table, in good condition as to cultiva- tion. In addition to a variety and abundance of vegetables, we found in one, dwarf pears, and peaches not yet in bearing, and in both straw- berries and grapes. Your Committee have awarded : 1st premium to Ebenezer Bird of Leominster, $6 00 2d " Benj. F. Proctor of Fitchburg, 4 00 Respectfully submitted, T. R. BOUTELLE, for the Committee. 40 ■ VEGETABLES. VEGETABLES. The Committee on Vegetables make the following awards : BEST COLLECTION. 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell. $7 00 2d " Augustus Whitman, 5 00 3d " Ebenezer Bird, 3 00 POTATOES. ^ 1st premium to Alden Derby, 2 00 2d " E. T. Miles, 1 00 3d " James Mclntire, 50 MARROW SQUASH. 1st premium to Geo. S. Houghton, 1 00 2d '^ Alvah Crocker, 50 HUBBARD SQUASH. 1st premium to Geo. S. Houghton, 1 00 2d '' A. P. Whitney, 50 CROOKNECK SQUASHES. 2d premium to A. P. Whitney, 50 PUMPKINS. 1st premium to FrankHn Nourse, 75 CABBAGES. 1st premium to Lawrin Pratt, 75 2d " J. F. Monroe, 50 CELERY. 1st premium to Alvah Crocker, 75 ONIONS. 1st premium to Lawrin Pratt, 75 2d " B. Safford, 50 VEGETABLES. 41 TURNIP BEETS. '1st premium to Goo. S. Houghton, FLAT TURNIPS. VO 1st premium to I. 13. Woodward, 50 2d " J. Haskell, 25 TOMATOES. 1st premium to Georgi} S. Houghton, 50 CORN. 1st premium to Daniel S.Eaton, 1 00 2d " Loriston Stock well, 75 3d " Luther Page, 50 LIMA BEANS. 1st premium to B. F. Proctor, 50 GRATUITIES. J. A. Monroe, Squashes, 50 Jeremiah Kinsman, Squashes, 50 B. F. Proctor, " 25 Charles Flagg, " 25 Lawrin Pratt " 50 Joseph Goodrich, Crookneck Squashes, 25 J. Haskell, Corn, 25 Joseph Goodrich, Corn, 25 Franklin Nourse, " 25 A. P. Whitney, «' 25 B. F. Harrington, " 25 B. Wheeler, " 25 James Mclntire, ** 25 Worcester North Agricultural Society Potatoes, 50 A. P. Whitney, " 25 M. S. Heath, Watermelons, 25 Chas. Flagg, " 50 B. F Proctor, Citrons, 25 Cyrus Kilburn, Watermelons, 25 Geo. S. Houghton, Cabbages, 50 Thomas Ui)ton, Cucumbers, 25 LAWRIN PRATT, for the Committee. 42 ROOT CROPS. EOOT CROPS. The Committee on Root Crops have attended to the duty assigned them, and would submit the following report : There were twelve entries of Root Crops and Cabbages, only one of which reached the required standard, all others having been withdrawn or failed to reach the standard recjuired. To Cyrus Kilburn of Lunenburg, for his crop of Potatoes, we award the 1st premium of $8 00 To Ebenezer Bird of Leominster, for his crop of Carrots, we award a gratuity of Grasses and Forage Plants. Your Committee would inquire, does the cultivation of Roots re- ceive that attention which its importance demands ? We believe that every one who knows the value of Roots for Stock, will answer in the negative. This being true, would it not be well for every farmer ta look about him, and not let another seed-time pass without attending to this important branch of husbandry. All who find it necessary to winter store cattle on rather inferior fodder, have become satisfied that the root crop can do more than anything else to increase the nutritive qualities of hard fare. We doubt whether any man among us who has learned these facts by experience, could be made to believe that twen- ty-five tons of Carrots on an acre of land, or twenty tons of Ruta Ba- gas, are not a profitable crop. But beyond all this there is the prac- tical fact, known to every farmer, that the health of his animals, and their capacity to digest other kinds of food, is greatly benefitted by the use of roots. Aside from the actual nourishment which the roots con- tain, they possess the faculty of so combining with the acids of the stomach and with the chemical constituents of hay, grain, straw, &c., as to aid very materially the business of feeding. ABEL MARSHALL, Chairman. Statement of Cyrus Kilhi POTATOES. My Potatoes grew on a reclaimed swamp, formerly covered with brush, trees and stumps, and water running across the whole of it, be- ing about one acre in this lot. The crop in 18G6 and 1867, was hay, and not any manure used ; the nature of the soil is vegetable muck. It was not plowed but inverted with a prong or tined hoe ; cost of the GRAIN. 43 same, ten dollars ; applied equal to fifteen loads horse manure and straw to the bill, the value being twelve dollars ; planted, the middle of May, in rows four feet apart, the hills two feet apart, with about ten bushels Jackson White, Orono, Garnet Chili, Early Goodrich and Early Stearns jiotatoes ; cost of the same and planting, twenty dollars' The weeds were pulled by hand and no other cultivation ; the cost of same was five dollars ; harvested the last of October, at an expense of tvvelve dollars. Cost of Seed and Planting, " Inverting the Sod, " Manure, for fifteen loads, " Cultivatino- and harvesting, 59 00 $20 00 10 (?0 12 00 17 00 GRAIN. The Committee on Grain, submit the following Report, and award the premiums as follows, to wit ; The whole number of fields entered to compete for the Soci- ty's premium was Twenty-one, many of which were withdrawn before being examined; others being so meager that they. could not come in competition. CORN. The field entered by Solon Carter of Leominster, had twenty- two hills per square rod — 3520 hills per acre ; Aveight of shelled corn per square rod, 41 1-2 lbs. — 118 4-7 bushels per acre, the greatest yield ever reported to this Society. "Weight of cob to the square rod, 6 1-2 lbs. To this field we award the Society's 1st premium, 815 00 The field entered by Joseph Goodrich, Lunenburg, numbered 28 1-2 hills per square rod — 4560'hills per square acre. Weight of shelled corn to the rod, Dec. 1st, 33 lbs.— 94 2-7 bushels per acre. Weight of cob per square rod, 5 lbs. To this field we award the Society's 2d premium, 110 00 44 GRAIN. The field entered by J. P. Reed, Princeton, numbered twenty- six hills per square rod — 4160 hills per acre. Weight shelled corn per square rod, 31 lbs— 88 4-7 bushels per acre. Weight of cob to the square rod, 4 3-4 lbs. Two other fields were entered, each comparing favorably with the last mentioned, and highly creditable to the proprietors for the farm-like manner of cultivation, proving that weeds were not allowed to grow or had been taken up and removed previous to gathering the crops, all of which is very essential not only for the present crop but for those that follow. AVIIEAT. Of this crop five fields were entered : only two competitors. The field entered by Cyrus Kilburn weighed 10 1-4 lbs. to the square rod, or 27 1-3 bushels per acre, and the field by J. P. Reed, weighed and measured exactly the same. The field en- tered by Mr. Kilburn being Winter Wheat, the Committee were unanimous in awarding him the 1st premium, 815 00 We consider winter wheat, especially the kind grawn in this section, the Blue Stem, worth more for family use by at least ten per cent., than any kind of spring wheat. We also award the 2d premium to J. P. Reed, Princeton, 810 00 A field entered by Joseph Goodrich was well-strawed, but in consequence of being planted at a late season did not yield grain in proportion to the straw. It is the opinion and experience of the Committee that if spring wheat can not be planted as early as the 20th of April, the field should be cultivated with other crops. Two other fields were withdrawn, one of which was gath- ered in its green state for fodder. RYE. Two fields entered, one of which was withdrawn. The field entered by Luther Page, Lunenburg, measured 31 3-7 bushels per acre, to whom we award thetfirst premium, $6 00 BUCKWHEAT. Cyrus Kilburn, Lunenburg, entered the only field, for which the Society awarded a gratuity of |3 00 t;!!\!V. 4i) 1st premium to Kphraim (h-aham, LuiKMi))Mrir, '1154 00 '2d premium to CVrus KilV)urii, liUiieiihuri;-, 2 0(1 l^his may be considered, ratlier tliaii otherwise, a profitable crop to tliose that have Hght, sandy soils. A small quantity of compost spread broadcast, and a small amoinit of some fertilizei* in the hills will ;j;ive comparatively a ])rofitable crop. Field ))eans can be ])lanted from 18 to 20 inches apart, and in drills, or hills 10 or 12 inches asunder in the rows. Fields thus cultivated have retiu-iied from 20 to 25 bushels per acre. A field of Oats was entered by'Jose})h (loodrich, very heavily strawed, but not sufficient weiiih' of irrain to compete for the So- ciety's pi-emium. For further information the reader is referi-ed to the cil. Hence, it is suggested that a more ecDnomical operation would be to plow our grass fields after being cro})ped eight or ten years, spread compost manure, and seed down with winter wlieat the last of August or first of September, and in the majority of ca- ses the wheat crop is of as much value as the corn, with tliree-f )urths the labor and three-fourths the value of manure ; aside from this, another gain is made by having the field out of grass one year only instead of two. It is the experience of the writer of these remarks, wlio lias grown fields of wheat nearly every year for the last thirty, tliat when sown at this season and in this way, it is more sure than at any other season, or of any other })reparation of the soil. The compost manure, being near the surface affi)rds an excel- lent pasture ground for the seed to germinate before the '' setting in of winter ;" and in case the ground heaves with frost in win- ter or spring, the whole sod is moved, consecpiently the roots of the plant are not distur])ed very materially by the action, and as GRAIN. 47 • soon as the ground begins to vegetate in spring the wheat roots find another rich feeding ground in the decayed grass turned under the autumn previous. All of which serves to hasten the crop and have it ready for an early harvest. Fields managed in this way have been ready to cut the twelfth of July, thereby escaping both weavil and blight. Night soil is an excellent manure and fertilizer for wheat. In September last a part of a field of wheat was manured with night soil mixed with peat ; that part of the field thus treated has now (Dec. 1st,) the appearance of being, to say the least, equal to any part of the field. Now if every farmer would save the waste by being at the expense of making tight vaults and using peat, a sufiicient quantity of manure or fertilizing substance might be made each year for at least from one-half to an acre of wheat or some other crop. Salt a fertilizer for wheat and rye. Although a member of this committee has used salt for potatoes without any good re- sults, but rather an injury, yet we find the following article in the "Country Gentleman," by a Michigan farmer. He says : -' In 1865 I sowed about eleven acres of wheat which had been entirely impoverished, consisting mostly of light sandy soil, with rye, two bushels of seed per acre. The field had been in white beans the year before, and had not returned the cost of the seed and labor. For the rye it w^as plowed in July, and buckwheat sown, which was turned over when in blossom and rolled down. The rye was sown broadcast in October, and after harrowing, ten bushels refuse salt was sown over the field, (eleven acres.) The result was in some respects extraordinary. Before germi- nation a tremendous gale, lasting through several days, carried volumes of sand off the field, reminding one of the Simoons of Sahara. The following winter was open, without snow sufiicient to cover the rye. During the succeeding summer and fall sev- eral severe gales prostrated the corn in the neighboring fields, but did no injury to this rye, which was of very rank growth and attained an unusual height, yielding thirty bushels per acre, The rye crop in my vicinity was almost a total failure. In the spruig of 1866, clover was sown by a machine on the young rye and produced as even a lay and good yield as could be desired. My deductions from this experiment are that the salt gave in- <;r eased growth and stoutness of straw and an increase of yield 48 GRAIN. and plumpness of berry, fully confirming, to my . mind, the soundness of our revered friend, John Johnson's views on the use of salt as a fertilizer for wheat and rye." Throughout the northern part of Worcester County w^e find any amount of dry sandy, spongy soils, such as are surface dry in a few hours after a heavy rain, consequently produce only meager crops, or no crops at all, unless the season proves wet. On such soils in ({uite dry seasons an extra layer of manure seems to be lost ; it dries up and is taken into the atmosphere. When lands are too Avet and retain surface water, the remedy is either surface or thorough drainage. It is expensive but ef- fectual in the end. Now what can be done to improve those soils where crops entirely dry up ? In wet summers soils of this char- acter are quite productive, if well manured. It is plain if we could add something to them to retain the moisture of the dews and gentle rains, we might get very fair crops from them, even in dry seasons. The reason that dry lands require so much more manure than loamy soils, is that the rains wash all the fer- tilizing properties of the manures through the porous soil and out of reach of vegetation ; and from the porosity of the soil the air has too great access, so that vegetation decays rapidly and the ammonia 'is carried ofi'into the atmosphere and is nearly all lost to the crop. Now what is the remedy ? Meadow muck or peat is generally most accessible and comes within the reach of most farms. It is well known that when peat has been thrown into piles to season, for months after it is still wet. It absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and retains it similar to that of a sponge, and will hold from 50 to 100 per cent, of its own weight of water, according to its porosity, nor does it part with it very rapidly ; it dries almost as slowly as clay. Now if twenty loads of muck to the acre be spread and plowed in for three successive years, it will make about one inch more of soil and a sufficient quantity for the purpose of retaining the moisture and preventing the escape of ammonia. Soils of this character and thus treated, as they are easily cultivated, would probably pay a better per cent, in some hoed crop than to remain in pasture and get no return from them except wiry grass, hard-hack and mul- lein. It is weU known to farmers generally that light sandy soils are subject to frequent and rapid changes of temperature, that is, thej STATEMENTS. 49 follow the changes of the atmosphere from hot to cold and from cold to hot ; in a hot summer's day they are hardly endurable to the touch, yet on these soils the frost makes its first appear- ance. If to soils thus subject to quick changes, a heavy dress- ing of meadow muck be applied, they will not, on the one hand become so warm in a hot day, nor on the other cool so rapidly nor so much in the night. The temperature becomes more even and consequently more conducive to vegetation. This regula- ting power is due in a measure to the stores of water held by the peat. In a hot day this water is constantly evaporating, causing a cooling process. At night the peat absorbs moisture from the air and condenses it in its pores producing an accumulation of heat. It is the opinion of those that have used peat, that twenty loads of it, with one load of leached ashes and one load of yard manure, are of more value than the same amount of barn manure ; and one part of Pacific Guano mixed with eight or ten of peat, is an excellent fertilizer if placed in the hill, for beans or potatoes. If our vaults, pig-pens, hen-roosts and horse stables were con- stantly deodorized with peat it would add greatly to our manure heaps and well pay the expense. Will some of our young farmers or farmers' boys look to this and try it on a small scale ? The above are abstracts from Prof. Johnson's Peat Book, as nearly as can be remembered, and put in practice by the writer and others. Hence the remedy for dry sandy soils is the use of peat, and for our wet heavy soils or those that retain water, field drainage ; as the roots of all field plants have a great aversion to stagnant water. Says Prof. French, the author of a work on farm drain- age, that should be in the hands of every farmer, " the roots of plants will go anywhere rather than into stagnant water, but re- move the water by drains and the soil becomes sweeter and more friable, affording ample means for the roots to extend their re- searches, thus giving vigor, health and strength to the plant." EPH'M GRAHAM, for the Committee. Statement of Solon Carter, CORN. In 1866 and 1867, the crop was grass, no manure being used. The soil was a deep loam with a clayey subsoil ; it was plowed 50 STATEMENTS. once, six or seven inches deep, June 2d, 3d and 4th ; harrowed thoroughly and marked out three and one-half feet each way ; the cost of preparing the same, nine dollars ; appHed twenty-five loads of manure, about one-half of which was spread upon the grass and plowed under, and the remainder spread upon the fur- rows, the cost being seventy-five dollars ; planted the same, June 6th, with Randall & Jones' Double Corn Planter, using six or eight quarts of Carter corn, which cost for seed and planting, one dollar and thirty cents ; cultivated with Horse Hoe, both ways twice, and hoed by hand twice. After haying I went through with Horse Hoe each way, which cost twelve dollars for cultivation, including weeding and thinning ; cut stalks in Octo- ber, bound and hung up in barn ; to load them, laid in heaps of eight hills each and loaded with corn fork ; harvested the Corn in November, the cost for same, including storing, husking or threshing, ten dollars ; the stover was estimated at two and one- half tons. Should we not get a more accurate estimate of the cost of plow- ing and other preparation, the value of manure, the cost of cul- tivation, weeding and thinning and the cost of harvesting, if the Committee having the grain crop in charge should estimate all on the same scale, than we do where the various competitors es- timate their own, each on a difierent scale. In ascertaining the amount of crop I do not understand that the competitor has anything to do either in measuring or weigh- ing. The Committee enters the field, exercises his judgment in selecting an average rod of the grain, takes it home, and when in a merchantable state, shells, weighs, and reports, and the action of the Committee is based on this report. To refer to my own case, if I should weigh the entire crop, and when dry, shell and weigh again, the Committee would not ibe governed by my figures but by their own. Cost of Seed and Planting, 11 30 " Plowing and Preparation, 9 00 " Manure twenty-five loads, 75 00 ^' Cultivating and Harvesting, 22 00 lOT 30 Statement of Joseph Goodrich. CORN. » In 1866 and 1867, my land was in grass and not manured ; the soil is a clayey loam ; plowed once eight inches deep, the STATEMENTS. 51 last of April, harrowed and furrowed out one way about three and a half feet apart ; cost of same, twelve dollars ; spread on eighteen loads manure after plowing, and harrowed in, and two hundred and fifty lbs. of Super Phosphate applied to the hills, the value of same, thirty-seven dollars fifty cents ; planted the last of May, in rows three feet apart, furrowed three and one half feet, and planted about eight quarts Carter Corn ; cost of seed and planting, five dollars and fifty cents ; cultivated and hoed twice ; cost of same, including weeding, ten dollars ; har- vested the twentieth day of October ; corn was topped and af- ter cut up ; the cost of harvesting, nine dollars ; got two and one-half tons stover valued at twenty dollars. Cost of Seed and Planting, Plowing, &c.. Manure, &c.. Cultivating, &;c. 15 50 12 00 37 50 19 00 74 00 Statement of J. P. Reed. CORN. "'. In 1866, the crop was grass ; in 1867, corn, on which was spread fifteen loads of stable manure and fifteen loads compost in the hill ; the soil is a deep sandy loam upon a gravelly subsoil ; plowed the second day of June, five inches deep, and cultivated once with a Horse Cultivator ; the cost of plowing and other preparation was about six dollars. Thirty loads of manure was applied, fifteen of which were spread, and fifteen in the hill, at a cost of forty dollars ; planted the 5th and 6th of June, by hand, the value of seed being six dollars ; cultivated with Horse Culti- vator once each way, and hoed with hand hoe, the same being repeated in one week ; cost of same, seven dollars. Harvested by cutting stalks, in September and first of October, and got in last of October, at an expense of six dollars ; the amount of sto- ver, three tons. I consider one-half the value of the manure applied this season still left for the use of succeeding crops. Cost of Seed and Planting, 86 00 " Plowing, -&c., 6 00 " Manure, thirty loads, 40 00 Cultivating, 7 00 u " Harvesting, 6 00 65 00 52 STATEMENTS. Statement of Cyrus Kilhurn. WHEAT. In 1866, the crop was haj, in 1867, it was wheat, using sixteen loads of compost manure. The soil was a clayey loam, plowed once only, about six or seven inches deep, harrowed once, the expense being five dollars for both ; applied twenty cart loads (of thirty bush, each,) of compost manure, valued at twenty dol- lars ; sowed to Winter Wheat the fore part of September, two bushels ; the seed and planting cost ten dollars ; reaped about the 20th of July, which cost, including threshing, twelve dollars. Some portions of the field were injured by the extremely wet weather. I sold most of my wheat for seed at four dollars per bushel. Cost of Seed and Planting, '' Manure, twenty loads, " Plowing, &c., " Harvesting, 47 00 Statement of J. P. Reed, WHEAT. The crop of 1866, was corn with twenty loads of stable manure applied ; of 1867, it was corn with twenty-five loads of the same kind of manure ; the soil was a deep loam resting on a clayey subsoil ; plowed once the last day of April, five inches deep, and leveled with a bush harrow, at a cost of three dollars ; sowed two bushels of Java Wheat the last day of April, the cost of seed and planting being six dollars ; harvested August 15th ; mowed and carted from the field to the threshing mill ; cost of same, fourteen dollars ; the amomit of straw was one and a half tons. The field measures one acre. Cost of Seed and Planting, $9 00 '' Plowing, &c., 3 00 '' Harvesting, 14 00 $10 00 20 00 5 00 12 00 26 00 Statement of Luther Page. RYE. The crop in 1866 and 1867, was com, no manure being used STATEMENTS. 53 except phosphate and plaster, a handful of equal parts in each hill ; the soil is clay bottom, and was plowed once, six inches deep; harrowed once, sowed and cultivated twice, once each way ; the cost of plowing and other preparation, two dollars and fifty cents, no other manure being applied ; sowed the last of August, one and a quarter bushels White Winter Rye ; cut and stooked the last of July, and threshed the last of August ; cost of harvesting, including the storing and threshing, thirteen dol- lars fifty cents ; the amount of straAV, one and a half tons. Statement of Cyrus Kilhurn. BUCKWHEAT. The crop of 1866, was potatoes, twelve loads of compost to the acre ; the crop of 1867, was buckwheat, one hundred lbs., of Su- perphosphate of Lime having been applied to the acre, at a cost of three dollars ; the soil is a black loam and was plowed but once only, six or seven inches deep ; cost of plowing and other preparation, three dollars ; applied nothing but one hundred lbs. of Pacific Guano, at a cost of three dollars ; sowed about twenty quarts of Buckwheat about the 25th of June, and harrowed and rolled the same ; cost of seed and planting, three dollars ; cra- dled about the middle of September and set up in stooks ; cost of harvesting and threshing, four dollars ; amount of straw about one-half ton. Buckwheat is a valuable grain and worth as much for fowls as Indian Corn. It is not unpalatable when it is floured, in griddle cakes, stove cake baked in a sheet iron pan, or pudding a la mush. The labor in raising a crop of buckwheat is much less than in any other crop of gram, and as above stated, three dollars worth of fertilizer is sufficient for a crop. The square rod of buckwheat selected by the Committee, stood eight days in the stook till the rest of the field was harvested, and a predatory bird, the small grossbeak, plundered a part of this sample and a great deal of the field crop after leaving the corn field. Statement of Ephraim G-raham, WHITE BEANS. The crop of 1866 and 1867, was White Beans, with about twenty loads of compost to the acre ; the soil is sandy loam, and was plowed once in June, quite shallow ; it was harrowed once ; the cost of plowing and other preparation, fifty cents for the 54 APPLES, PEACHES, PLUMS AND QUINCES. eighth of an acre, and no manure used in 1868 ; planted the same about the first of June, in rows two and one-half feet apart, the hills one foot ; planted one peck small Pea Beans ; the cost of seed and planting, two dollars fifty cents ; used horse and hand hoe once, and pulled weeds by hand ; the cost of cultivation, two dollars ; harvested early in September at a cost of one dol- lar fifty cents : the vines for litter worth fifty cents. Statement of Cyrus Kilhurn. WHITE BEANS. The crop in 1866, was grass ; in 1867, corn, with twenty loads manure to the acre ; the soil is a sandy loam ; plowed once in June, and also harrowed once, the cost of plowing and other prep- aration being five dollars ; applied twelve loads of compost to the acre, put on, spread and plowed under, with about three hundred lbs. Pacific Guano in the hill, the manure valued at twenty dollars ; planted about the 10th of June, with Pea Beans, which cost for seed and planting, five dollars, and hand hoed once ; the cost of cultivating, five dollars ; harvested about the middle of Sept., pulled and stacked ; the cost of harvesting, «fec., eight dollars ; amount of vines about five hundred lbs. The season was very unpropitious for harvesting the beans and for curing them, on account of the frequent warm and copious showers. I measured twenty-six and one-half bushels of White Beans well-dried, to the acre. APPLES, PEACHES, PLUMS, AND QUINCES. The Committee on Apples, Peaches, Plums and Quinces have attended to their duty and make the following awards, viz : APPLES. Best and largest exhibition of named varieties of three specimens each : 1st premium to Ward M. Cotton, Leominster, |4 00 Twelve varieties of five specimens each : 1st premium to C. C. Boyden, Leominster, Harris on Ins. 2d " A. Whitman, Fitchburg, 2 00 3d " Cyrus Thurston, Fitchburg, 1 00 Also, a gratuity to G. P. Hawkins, Fitchburg, 1 00 APPLES, PEACHES, PLUMS AND QUINCES. 55* Six varieties of five specimens each : 1st premium to E. T. Miles, Fitchb.urg, 2 00 2d " Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 1 50 3d " N. Caswell, Fitchburg, 1 00 Also, a gratuity to James Mclntire, 50 " " Thos. Upton, 50 Three varieties of five specimens each : 1st premium to Jacob Haskell, Fitchburg, 1 50 Best exhibition of twelve specimens of Baldwins : 1st premium to E. More, Leominster, 1 00 2d " G. P. Hawkins, Fitchburg, 50 Also, a gratuity to E. Graham, Lunenburg, 50 Hubbardston Non-Such : 1st premium to Cyrus Thurston, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d " Z. F. Young, Fitchburg, 50 Also, a gratuity to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 50 N. Caswell, Fitchburg, 50 a a Rhode Island Greenings : 1st premium to Otis Lawrence, 1 00 2d " Alfred Whiting, W. Boylston, 50 Roxbury Russets : 1st premium to A. B. Caswell, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d " Benj. Safford, Fitchburg, 50 Gratuity to H. Edgarton, Shirley, for plate of 12 Apples, 50 This Plate of Apples was particularly noticed by the Commit- tee and its excellent quality tested. We would recommend all farmers and all who have a garden, to have one tree at least, of the above fruit, called the Riva or FoundHng Apple. GRATUITIES. Ward M. Cotton, Leominster, for Plate of 12 Apples, called 20 oz. Apple, ^^ Thos. Upton, Fitchburg, for one Dish of seven vari- eties Apples, ^^ 56 PEARS AND GRAPES. PEACHES. For best Collection : 1st premium to E. More, Leominster, Harris on Insects. BEST DISHES OR BASKETS. 1st premium to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, 2 00 2d " Joel Page, Fitchburg, 1 00 3d " Benj. Safford, Fitchburg, 50 PLUMS. None on exhibition. QUINCES. For best Dishes or Baskets : 1st premium to Jacob Haskell, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d " Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 50 Also, a gratuity to Chas. Flagg, Sterling, 50 Respectfully submitted, JEROME GARDNER, Chairman. PEARS AND GRAPES. The Committee on Pears and Grapes, make the following awards r PEARS. For the best and largest exhibition of named varieties, three specimens each : 1st premium to Alvah Crocker, Fitchburg, $4 00 Six varieties, five specimens each : 1st premium to Augustus Whitman, Fitchburg, 2 00 2d premium to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 1 50 Three varieties, five specimens each : 1st premium to Jacob Haskell, Fitchburg, 1 50 SECKEL. 1st premium to Eph'm Graham, Lunenburg, 1 00 2d •* Z. F. Young, Fitchburg, 50 PEARS AND GRAPES. 67 FLEMISH BEAUTY. 1st premium to Thomas Farnsworth, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d '* Z. F. Young, Fitchburg, 60 DUCHESS. 1st premium to Thomas Farnsworth, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d *' Z. F. Young, Fitchburg, 50 LOUISE BONNE DE JERSEY. list premium to Alfred Whiting, West Boylston, 1 00 2d premium to J. M. Porter, Lunenburg, 50 GRATUITIES. Alvah Crocker, Fitchburg, Dogene Bossurk, 1 00 Augustus Whitman, Fitchburg, Lawrence Pear, 1 00 Cyrus Thurston, Fitchburg, 1 plate Dix, 1 plate Golden, 1 00 George Jewett, Fitchburg, Five varieties Golden, 1 50 Mrs. Wm. Steele, Fitchburg, Flemish Beauty, 75 L. Stockwell, Fitchburg, Bartlett, 75 J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, Five varieties, 1 50 0 GRAPES. For best display of Native Grapes : 1st premium to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, Harris on Insects. 2d premium to Jabez Fisher, *' 2 00 3d •' George Jewett, Fitchburg, 1 00 For best six clusters Concord : 1st premium to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 1 00 5d " George Jewett, " 50 DELAWARE. 1st premium to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, 1 00 21d *' Jabez Fisher " 50 HARTFORD PROLIFIC. 1st premium to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, 1 00 •2d " Jabez Fisher, " 50 GRATUITIES. , Alvah Crocker, Fitchburg, Three varieties Native, 1 00 -Alfred Whiting, West Boylston, Native, 1 00 M. S, Heath, Lunenburg, Four varieties Native, 1 00 Elijah Myrick, Groton Junction, Two varieties Native, 1 00 STEPHEN SHEPLEY, Chairman. 58 AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS ASSORTED FRUITS AND FLOWERS. The Committee on Assorted Fruits and Flowers, report the follow- ing Premiums ; FRUIT. 1st premium to A. Whitman, for best Dish Assorted Fruits, $2 00 FLOWERS. For best display of Plants in Pots : 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2 00 PARLOR BOUQUETS. 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2 00 HAND BOUQUETS. 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2 00 CUT FLOWERS. 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2 00 GRATUITIES. Mrs. George S. Houghton, Dish of Cut Flowers, 1 00 " " Two Bouquets Immortelles, 1 00 J. M. Sawtell, Initials arranged from Amaranths, 1 00 Your Committee regret to say that the little interest manifested by members of the Society in contributing Fruits and Flowers, rendered their duties very light. Their thanks are especially due to Mr. J. M. Sawtell for redeeming this department from almost an entire failure, by contributing a very fine assortment of Flowers. SILAS HOLMAN, Chairman AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. In the decision as to the relative merits of Mowing Machines, your Committee were governed by the general appearance of them, and by their previous knowledge of their qualities rather than by actual test, which they did not have by any trial. They award To the KnifFen Machine entered by the Company who man- ufacture them, $5 00 To Newhall & Stebbins, for machine called " Granite State," 4 00 To the Buckeye Mowing Machine Co., for the machine made by them, 3 00 MECHANICS AND MANUFACTURES. 59 To J. H. Fairbanks, for the Clipper, 3 00 To Buckeye Mowing Machine Co., for best Horse Rake, 3 00 To Kniffeu Mowing Machine Co., for Horse Rake, 2 00 To Ames Plow Co., for Hay Tedder, 3 00 To A. J. Green, for Hand Rake, 2 00 To J. H. Fairbanks, for best assortment of Agricultural Im- plements, 5 00 To Wright, Woodward & Co., for Assortment of Agricultu- ral Implements, 2 00 To C. E. Hinds, for Root Cutter, 2 00 To Partridge Fork Works, for Forks, 5 00 To H. W. White, for Best Churn, 2 00 SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT. Geo. E. Brett had an improved attachment to Mowing Machines, by which the weight of the cutting bar is partially balanced by the weight of the driver, by which the lifting of the bar is made so much easier that it may be done by the foot, leaving both hands free to man- age the horses. Also, he exhibited a Horse Power combining several novel and valuable features. We award him $5 00 GEO. E. TOWNE, for the Committee. MECHANICS AND MANUFACTURES. The Committee on Mechanics and Manufactures, make the follow- in sr awards : o C. J. Delahanty, agent, Cloakings and Coatings, $4 00 Arlington Piano Co., Leominster, Piano, 4 00 W. H. Jewett& Co., Piano, 2 00 L. J. Brown, Fitchburg, Shawls, Cloaks and Dress Goods, 3 00 " Am. Button-hole Machine, 1 00 D. A. Corey, " Carpets, Shawls and Silk Goods, 3 00 Johnson & Macy, " Shawls, Cloak and Dress Goods, 3 00 L. Sprague & Co., Fitch., Carpets, China and Plated Ware, 3 00 Jos. E. Manning, Fitchburg, Assortment Clothing. 3 00 E. H. Spencer, Fitchburg, Hats, Caps, Bags and Furs, 2 00 Merrill Carlton & Co., Fitchburg, Case Clothing, 2 00 Kittredge & Saxton, Fitchburg, Variety of Woolen Goods, 2 00 A. B. Sherman, Fitchburg, Florence Sewing Machine, 2 00 A. H. Newton, Leominster, Coat and Patent Cuff, 1 00 W. A. Macurda & Co., Fitchburg, Case Toilet Articles, 2 00 60 LIVE FENCE. Chas. Fessenden, Fitchburg, Fine Harnesses, T. H. Gill, S. G. Frost, '' Geo. B. Proctor, Fitchburg, Custom Boots and Shoes, Walter W-. Hogan, " Case Boots and Shoes, H. R. Barker & Co., Fitchburg, Springfield Gas Machine Gas and Steam Fittings, Dow & Starbuck, Fitchburg, Stoves, Geo. Bobbins & Co., Fitchburg, Stoves, F. A. Whitney, Leominster, Children's Carriages, S. D. Willis & Co., Fitchburg, Furniture, B. F. Proctor, " Specimen Wood Turning, A. D. Waymoth, J. T. Peck, Fitchburg, Spring Bed, J. D. Wyman, Fitchburg, Patent Soldering Iron, A. D. Sweetland, Fitchburg, Banjo, Jos. Peirce, 2d, " Calfskins, S, N. French, ** Carpet Fastener, L. Butler & Co., Winchendon, Wooden Ware, Elnathan Davis, Lunenburg, Tanite Emery Wheel, L. F. Thompson, Fitchburg, Patent Hub Borer, H. Thrasher & Co., Fitchburg, Brackets, Frank Grey, Fitchburg, Bread Cutting Machine, Chas. Fessenden, Fitchburoj, Covered Wao;on, J. H. Littlefield, " Grease Press and Strainer, Joel Brothers, " Cigars, Frank Reed, Fitchburg, Patent Door Knob, Door and French Window Fastener and Pt. Water Closet, $74 00 RODNEY WALLACE, Chairman. 3 00 2 50 1 50 2 00 1 50 3 00 2 00 1 50 1 50 1 50 1 00 1 00 1 00 50 1 00 1 00 50 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 2 00 LIVE FENCE. The Committee on Live Fence have attended to their duty and make the following report : There were but two entries, one of the Buckthorn and one of the Three-thorned Acacia, both entered by Chas. Mason, Esq., of Fitch- burg. Owing to the lightness of the soil, the Hedge had in some pla- ces made but little growth, in others,where the soil was better, it gave promise of soon being suflficient to prevent the passage of cattle. The Committee think the experiment was well conducted, and therefore award to Chas. Mason, Esq., the 2d premium of $15. For further particulars we would refer to the statement made by Mr. Mason. ABEL F. ADAMS, for tht Committee. LIVE FENCE. 61 Statement of Charles Mason. The Live Fence or Hedge, entered by me for a premium, in its whole length extends about sixty rods. About one- half of it is Buckthorn, the rest Three-thorned Acacia, — some- times called Honey Locust. The experiment was made under considerable disadvan- tages. The ground, naturally not of the best in respect to the quality of the soil, had not been put into proper condi- tion to insure the most successful result. The Hedge was planted on the line of a public road, recently built, the grad- ing of Avhich required more or less cutting and filling ; and to bring the hedge-bed to conform to the grade of the road, it was necessary to raise or lower the ground in places, to suit the case. The consequence was a great diversity in the soil along the line; and this has occasioned a corresponding ine- quality in the growth of the plants. The preparation, such as it was, consisted in ploughing up, the 3'ear previous, a narrow strip along w^iere the Hedge was to stand, and in digging, at the time of transplanting, a trench about a foot deep and two feet wide, whicii was filled up with such loam, but indifferent in quality, as could con- veniently be obtained for the purpose ; and in this the plants were set. The Buckthorn Hedge was set out mostly in 1859, the res- idue in 1861. The plants were raised from seed sown by myself in 1858. When transplanted for the Hedge they were set in two parallel rows, the rows being a foot apart, the plants sixteen inches apart in each row, a plant in one row being opposite the middle of the space between two plants in the opposite row. So far as my observation extends, this arrangement, for the Buckthorn, in respect to the location and distance apart of the plants, is satisfactory, and suited to produce a close, compact and effective hedge. The plants when set were cut back to the length of three or four inches above the ground, and planted at about the same depth as they originall}^ grew. If, as happened in very rare instances, a plant failed, another was substituted in its place as soon as the failure was apparent. After the Hedge was set out, no special labor was bestowed upon it, except to keep it hoed and clear of weeds until the plants had come to occupy the ground; to enrich any spots where the soil was poorer, and the plants consequently weaker, so as to effect a more equal and even growth ; and to trim the Hedge. The trimming has consisted in cutting the shoots back, once in a year, commonly in the spring, rarely in the autumn, to within two, three or four inches of the last cutting. In this way the Hedge has come forward 62 LIVE FENCE. but slowly, — which I have regarded of less consequence than the securing, eventually, of a well conditioned, effective barrier. I have allowed the plants the unbroken season's growth, under the idea of securing thereby a stronger growth of the roots, and have cut them back thus severely in order to get a thick and close screen at the bottom. I have de- signed to let the lateral shoots grow so as to make the hedge about two and a half or three feet wide on the ground, and to clip the twigs, on either side, from the bottom, on a curved line, to the ridge. The Acacia Hedge was set out, chiefly in 1863, the rest the succeeding year. The plants were raised from seed sown the year previous. This w^as set in a single line, the plants three feet apart in the row. I consider this sufficiently near for this kind of plant, as it is a strong and vigorous grower ; and by the time the hedge has attained a sufficient growth to serve as a fence, the lateral shoots in the line of the fence will have effectually closed up the openings between the plants. This Hedge has been treated much the same as the Buck- thorn. The growth of the Acacias has not been as uniform and even as of the Buckthorns. Besides the diversity prop- erly due to the inequalities of the soil, some of the plants have seemed much less free in their starting and growth than others. Moreover, in some seasons, certain of the plants have been injuriously affected by the cold of the win- ter or spring, the twigs having in some instances been killed back nearly to the bodies, — thus requiring, in those cases, a fresh growth of shoots from the trunk, and putting them back a season behind their neighbors ; and finally they have, . in spots, been shaded to some extent by trees that have sprung up and been suft'ered to grow, along the roadside, and thereby their growth has been retarded in those places. As the result of my limited experience and observation, I apprehend it is practicable to grow a hedge which will make a good and serviceable fence, w4th either of the plants in question. The Buckthorn is more slender in its growth. It has, properly speaking, no thorns, but in its more advanced age it puts forth hard, stiff spines, which, standing out in a thick bottom growth, are calculated to deter any animal from attempting to pass through the hedge. It has the ad- vantage of being, so far as I have observed, perfectly hardy. The sharp, strong thorns of the Acacia, — one main thorn and two opposite laterals, — render a hedge of this plant, when of suitable growth for a fence, a truly formidable barrier ; and though the acacia cannot be considered as entirely hardy, it is so far hardy that with proper care in starting the hedge, it may be made to answer the purpose effectually. To this LIVE FENCE. 63 end a liberal reserve of plants should be kept growing and cut back in like manner with those standing in the hedge, so that when one of these, for any cause, drops out or falls greatly behind its neighbors, its. place may be supplied with one of those of equal age and growth with the body of the hedge, which have been thus reserved and trained. As to the time required to rear a hedge to be adequate to serve as a fence, the Books speak of three or four years as sufficient. That may be so in the rich soil of the West, with the Osage Orange or Madura, a far more rapid and vigorous grower, but which, according to the prevailing impression, is not sufficiently hardy to be relied upon for this climate. But with the Buckthorn, or the Acacia, which is of somewhat more rapid growth, it would be idle to expect, in any aver- age soil, to effect this result in less than six or eight years, at the least. Whoever wishes to make trial of raising a hedge, can read- ily do it. The plants, of either of these two kinds, are raised from the seed Avith great facility. The seed should be sown in well prepared soil, in drills or rows, two feet apart or thereabouts, and the plants thinned out in the row, so as to allow each plant left a fair opportunity for a start. If care- fully cultivated through the season, the plants will be suita- ble to transfer to the hedge row the next spring. When set out, it is desirable that they be as nearly as possible of uni- form size and strength, and be all good, strong, vigorous plants. The bed in which the hedge row is to stand, should, of course, be suitably prepared in advance. For this purpose a strip of ground at least eight or ten feet in width should be ploughed to a liberal depth, and, unless the soil is par- ticularly good, generously enriched ; and this cultivation and preparation should be continued until the soil has be- come well mellowed and enriched, and as nearly as may be, of uniform quality and condition along the whole line ; and when the plants are to be set, a bed, say three feet in width, should be spaded or otherwise thoroughly mellowed up, along where they are to stand. CHAELES MASON. 64 FANCY ARTICLES. FANCY ARTICLES. The Committee on Fancy Articles report the following awards : Mrs. Joel Page, Fitchburg, Floor Mat, $ 50 Mrs. H. C. Green, " Worsted Wreath, 25 Mrs. E. Gerry, " Human Hair, 50 M. B. & C. E. Houghton, Fitchburg, Hair Work, 2 00 Mrs. Prevear, Leominster, Wax Flowers, 1 00 Mrs. E. Bartlett, " *' Lilies, 75 Miss Lizzie L. Adams, Fitchburg, Wax Flowers, 50^ Mrs. J. H. Richardson, . " '* 50 Miss Fanny M. Lowe, " " 50 Miss Nellie Grey, Fitchburg, Tidy, 25 Miriam Sargent, Lunenburg, Socks, 80 Mrs. J. Farwell, Fitchburg, Tidy, 25 Mrs. J. S. Ray, " Sofa Tidy, 25 Mrs. E. Ray, " Morning Glory Mat, 25 Mrs. S. J. Wheeler, Fitchburg, Bead Toilet Cushion, 30 Mary Downer, Fitchburg, Bead Work, 50 Mrs. D. H. Merriam, Fitchburg, Infant's Carriage Blanket, 30 S. J. Wyman, Westminster, Chair Seat, 60 Mrs. S. J. Wheeler, Fitchburg, Chair Seat and Mat, 25 Mrs. L. Stockwell, " Mittens, 20 Toilet Cushion and Watch Case, unknown, 40 Mrs. E. L. Gilchrist, Lunenburg, Fancy Work, 30 Ella E. Garland, Fitchburg, Book Marks, ^ 20 Mrs. E. Lane, Fitchburg, Mats and Tidies, 25 Hattie Upton, " Crocheted Sacks, 75 Mrs. J. D. Kinsman, Fitchburg, Crotcheted Shawl, 25 Mrs. H. D. Butterfield, " Cushion and Mat, 30 M. B. Houghton, Fitchburg, Slippers, 25 Ida J. Moore, Leominster, Tidy, 10 C. E. Houghton, Fitchburg, Tatting, 30 Mrs. Tourtellotte, " Needlework, 30 Miss Cleaves, Fitchburg, Toilet Set, 50 Mary E. Dennis, Fitchburg, Wax Cross, 75 Fannie M. Lowe, *' ^< 50, Mary L. Lowe, Fitchburg, Tidy, 20 L. Boyden, Leominster, " 30 Mrs. Tourtellotte, Fitchburg, Wax Flowers, 40 Mrs. Prevear, Leominster, Skeleton Leaves, 75> Miss E. M. Gates, Leominster, Lamp Mat, 25 Mrs. Harriet Smith, Fitchburg, Cone Work, 50 S. A. Gates, Leominster, Handkerchief Box, 25 Mrs. Harriet Smith, Fitchburg, Basket and Bracket, 25* S. M. Pratt, Fitchburg, Wax Flowers, 25- Ellen L. Smith, Fitchburg, Tidy, 25- FINE ARTS. 65 Mrs. B. Snow, Fitchburg, Butterflies, 20 Nellie E. Gleason, Fitchburg, Crocheted Tidy, 50 Mrs. Thos, Trees, Fitch., Handsomest Bonnet on exhibition, 1 GO J. F. Stiles, " " Collection of Bonnets and Millinery, 4 00 Mrs. Thos Trees, Fitchburg, 2d best Collection of Bonnets, 1 50 Mrs. Joy, Fitchburg, Collection of Bonnets, 125 Jewell & Magee, Fitchburg, Collection of Bonnets, 1 00 HENRY F. JENKS. for the Committee. FINE ABTS. The Secretary was instructed by vote of the Trustees, to insert un- der this head, cui apolocju to the ladies and gentlemen who contributed to this department of our annual exhibition, and in their behalf he sin- cerely regrets that no awards were made, and this fact was not known to the officers of the Society until the articles had been removed from the Hall, consequently too late to rectify the mistake. Only one of those originally appointed on this Committee, appeared to act upon the arti- cles presented, and two others were designated, both interested in the success of the Society, but through a misunderstanding between them, each supposing the other would act as Chairman of the Committee, the omission was made. The following letter from Col. Loring, will ex- plain his connection with the matter. L. H. BRADFORD, Secretary. To THE Secretary : My Dear Sir : — In view of all the circumstances of the case, I deem it proper to lay before you a detailed statement of the facts as I understand them, relating to my connection with the Committee on Fine Arts, at your late Fair. At about 10 o'clock A. M., Tuesday, the 29th inst., Mr. Monroe, Superintendent of the Hall, came to me and asked me to serve on that Committee. I declined to serve for three reasons, Jirst, because I did not feel competent to act ; second, I was already engaged on another Committee ; third, my wife had entered some oil paintings, which fact I thought should render me incompetent. But all my objections were overruled, and I consented to act on said Committee, as soon as I was discharged from the Bread and But- ter, Cora. Accordingly I was introduced to Mrs. Mason and another member of the Committee on Fine Arts, finding thera busy as I sup- posed, in examining the various articles which came within their prov- 66 SCHOLARSHIP. ince. In about an hour after this, the ladies came to me while in the very midst of my labors upon the other Committee, and insisted upon my going at once to their rescue. I could not comply with their re- quest, but promised to assist them as soon as I could. Soon after, Rev. Mr. Davis came and urged me to join the Committee on Fine Arts, * but Mr. Monroe had previously informed me that Mr. Davis had con- sented to act as chairman, and so I felt that my services were not need- ed in the line of Fine Arts. But at noon, after having completed my duties upon the Bread and Batter Committee, I went in quest of the Fine Arts Committee, but could find no one of them. I was then obliged to return home for my family, and on returning to the Hall I examined the book on Fine Arts, and found no report made. I again went to Mr. Monroe and told him I was ready to act on said Commit- tee, but he said Rev. Mr. Davis would make out the report, and so the matter rested. Wednesday morning I made the same inquiry, and received the. same answer. "While I am sorry there should have been any misunderstanding in the matter, and am wiUing a portion of the blame should be laid at my door, at the same time, I feel that I performed my whole duty, and am not blameworthy in any particular. Very respectfully yours, E. P. LORING. SCHOLARSHIP. The Committee to which was intrusted the duty of awarding the Scholarship established in the Massachusetts Agricultural College by the Trustees of this Society, sent a copy of the following circular to each member of the Board of Trustees. To the Trustees of the Worcester North Agricultural Society : You are hereby notified that the undersigned will be in session at the Hall on the Grounds of the Society, on Tuesday, the 4th day of August, at half-past one o'clock, P. M., for the purpose of awardino- the Scholarship of the Society in the Massachusetts Agricultural Cof lege. Students proposing to compete for the scholarship must be 15 years old, of good moral character, and will be examined in English Gram- mar, Geography, Arithmetic, and in Algebra, to Quadratic Equations. It is earnestly desired that the Trustees in each town will induce at least one young man to present himself as a candidate. We believe FOREST TREES. 67 that no educational institution offers a better general and special edu- cation to its students than the Massacliusetts Agricultural College. As agriculturists we should desire to give it such aid and encourage- ment in its infancy as to place its permanent success beyond question. In making your selections, it will be proper to give a preference to persons of limited means, and particularly to such as propose to devote themselves to agricultural pursuits. JABEZ FISHER, ) Committee JOHN BROOKS, [ on SOLON CARTER, ) Scholarship. Fitchburg, July 20th, 1868. At the date therein named, three candidates presented themselves, and after a written, competitive examination, lasting five hours, the scholarship was awarded to Wm. E. C. Whitney of Harvard. He has since passed a satisfactory examination at the College and is now pursuing his studies as a member of the Freshman class. JABEZ FISHER, (Jhairman. FOREST TREES. The Committee on Forest Trees, submit the following report : There was but one entry for the premiums offered. That was by W. B. Hosmer of Leominster. Your Committee examined the Grove of Mr. Hosmer, and were pleased with the thrifty appearance of the pines he had raised. Those that were transplanted were the most uniform in size and distance. Your Committee think Mr. Hosmer made a mistake by setting his trees so far apart, allowing them to grow bushy and then trimming them. We think a White Pine should not have live limbs trimmed from it, as this causes the tree to bleed, and that makes a black spot in the lumber. We award to Mr. Hosmer, the 2d premium, $15 00 AYm. WOODBURY, Chairman. Statement of W. B. Hosmer. The lot of Forest Trees that I enter for premium, contains some over one acre, and is planted with white pine. I commenced. May 16th, 1857, by sowing the seed and transplanting about one-half of the lot in rows. I found it much the cheapest and surest to transplant the 68 committees' reports. small pines rather than to sow the seed. In 1861 I set out the re- mainder of the lot the first of June. The land on which I have plant- ed is good plain land. My method of planting is to take up the small pines with some soil ; the roots being numerous it will easily remain. In setting them out it requires but little care or skill, as they are most certain to live. After experimenting on the trimming of the pine, I have come to the conclusion that it is important to trim ; think they make better growth than to leave the limbs to die out as they always do. I know most persons think it will not do to trim, and have heard it remarked that it would kill trees. The Committee can judge wheth- er they think any injury resulted from the trimming of mine. In trimming it will not do to cut the limbs off close to the body but some three inches from it. The trimming should be done in the winter when the limbs are frozen, and never at any time should a tree be trimmed so that the remaining limbs will not shade the trunk of the tree. It is evident to me that the rays of the sun frilling directly on the trunk of the tree is what causes it to die, and not the cutting off the limbs. I am satisfied that a source of great profit can be realized from the plant- ing of pines, and if the many acres of waste land we now see were con- Terted into a growth of pines it would be a profitable investment. COMMITTEES' REPORTS. The Committee on Reports for 1868, regret that so few of the Chairmen of the various committees have made detailed or elab- orate reports, and while those to whom we have aw^arded the premiums do not come fully up to the measure or standard of their former efforts, yet, that we may render every encourage- ment to those who have written, Ave feel justified in making the following awards : The report on Milch Kine, by Dr. Jabez Fisher, although evi- dently not written with a view of obtaining a premium, yet the suggestions therein made, and the good common sense imparted, fairly entitle it to the 1st premium of ^10 00 The report on Grain Crops, by Mr. Ephraim Graham of Lunen- burg, is carefully written, and like every thing which comes from his well balanced mind, is practically of great importance to every farmer, and we have awarded him the 2d premium of 16 00 The report on Root Crops, by Mr. Abel Marshall, is quite brief, but every word can be comprehended, and held in the mind, I NEW MEMBERS. 69 and acted upon as occasion may require ; consequently we award him the 3d premium of $4 00 EUGENE T. MILES, ) JOSEPH P. REED, \ Committee. LEWIS H. BRADFORD, \ NEW MEMBERS FOR 1868. riTCIIBURG. Bascoiu, Silas, Barker, Mrs. Lorenzo, Corey, Jonas, Damon, George, Garfield, John, Jackson, Henry, Kilgore, John C, Litchfield, James D., Murnane, WiUiam. Page, Walter F., ' Page, Warren B., Proctor, Sullivan G.. Sheldon, Samuel D., Stratton, Charles C, Whitman, Ephraim. LUNENBURG. Gilchrist, George S., Stone, Stillman. STERLING. Pratt, James A. STILL RIVER. Houghton, Edward W, WORCESTER, ^Vhitman, Jared Jr. WEST BOYLSTON. Rice, L. H. ASUBY. Damon, Ebenezer, Foster, Joel, Hayward, Homer J. HARVARD. Burt, George E., Fletcher, Sherman, Hosmer, Samuel, Lane, Edwin, Willard, Alfred R., Whitney, Samuel F. LEOMINSTER. Derby, Alden, Haws, Manson D., Joslin, Charles L., Lockey, John IL, Tilton, Emory. 70 Dr. THOMAS 0. CALDWELL, Treasurer, 1867. Dec. 4. To amount on hand as per last statement, " 13. " cash for use of Table Cloths, " 27. " " of L. H. Bradford, for 1400 lbs. Hay, 1868. Apr. 16. " " for Contributions towards Land, June 15. " *' borrowed of Miles, Fisher and Cushing, Sept. 30. " " for Horse Entrance Fees, '* " of State for Annual Bounty, " " for Admissions to Exhibition, Sept. 29th, 949 14 '' *' '^ '^ " 30th, 1302 88 " " of Kental Committee, 210 00 " " for Interest of Money Loaned, 24 40 Nov. 30. " "' for 35 Memberships, 175 00 " " of L. H. Bradford, Sundries sold at auction, 7 60 " " of Committee in Care of Grounds, 340 45 S270 44 1 34 14 00 20 00 7000 00 221 50 600 00 $11,136 75 Dec. 2. Amount in hands of Treasurer, $634 1 5 THOMAS C. CALDWELL, Treasurer. The undersigned have examined the foregoing account of the Treas- urer and find it properly vouched and correctly cast. JABEZ FISHER, ^ ., ABEL MARSHALL, L ^^ommitfee JOS. CUSHING, \ on Finance, treasurer's report. 71 in acc't with Worcester North Agricultural Society. Or. 18G7. By cash paid S. W. Browning selling tickets 2 d'ys, $5 00 " J. T. Everett's note given up per vote of Trustees, 5 00 " R.R. Fares Base Ball Clubs to gr'ds Sep. 24 & 25, 4 60 " cash p'd Joseph Miller for mileage on Swine, 2 40 Prem's aw'rded Dec. 4, '67, Com. Rep., 20 00 J. H. Cobleigh, Services on Police 1 day, 2 00 " " J. E. Davis, Bill of labor at grounds, 14 75 " " J. J. Piper, adv'ng Notice to Builders, 3 50 Wm. Hale, 3 raos. salary to Mar. 1st, 62 50 TownFitch. lady's, pav.r'd Hay Scales, 3 38 *' " W. A. Fames, Services as ass't Sec'y, 25 00 H. D. Goodridge, Grass Seed and Labor, 27 58 " " Mortgage Deed & Stamps for the same, 12 50 Park. &Aldrich, Ex. build, per con't, 5187 00 " " Insurance on Building, 102 50 J. Ames & Co., 5 bound Stones, 1 25 J. W.Plunkett, labor, cut. grass & plant. 34 60 F. S.Coolidge, 500 Wooden Stools, 110 00 Fitchburg Lumber Co. for Shingles, 292 50 Garfield & Stratton for Printing, ^ 279 50 " " Clinton Courant, advertising Exhibition, 5 00 " " John Upton, selling Tickets 2 days, 8 00 Thomas Sargent " " 4 00 Jas. Daley, Tending Gate, &c., 2 days, 7 00 Thomas Upton " '' " 8 50 Wm. M. Willis, Services at Ex. 3 days, 7 50 W.A.Eames, Services as ass't Sec'y, 4" 12 00 '' " '' " Col. Daniel Needham for Address, 10 00 " 17. " " H. Jackson, selling Tickets, 2 days, 8 00 J. J. Piper, Printing, 16 75 " " " " W. Woodbury, Build. Com. exp. to Fr'm, 4 00 " .19. '' " E.P.Monroe, serv. at Fair & cash p'd out, 24 50 " " " " S. A. White for Tubular Pump, 46 00 " 20. " " J. H. Fairbanks for Padlock, 70 '* " '* " Park. & Aldrich, bill for Cattle Sheds, 1350 32 " '* " «' " Plans for Hall and. exp. to Worcester & Framingham, "21. •' '' for Recording 7 Deeds, •' 22. " " J. W. Plunkett for labor on Grounds, '' 23. " " S. Shepley & Co.'s bill for Stationery, " 24. " *' G. S. Houghton, Serv. at Ex. 3 days, *' 30. " ^' S. W. Edgell " 31. " " Fred. A. Britton, " Nov. 6. " " Joel Page for labor on Grounds, 1867, 5^00 Dec. 14. iC 16. << 19. (( 23. 18G8. Jan. 3. «< 13. Feb. 13. Mar. 6. (( 7. le 23. June > 2. " 10. a 15. it 30. July 3. " 13. << 20. Aug .10. Sep. 14. Oct. 8. 9. 10. (( 12. 14. 15. 10 00 4 17 26 00 6 30 9 00 6 00 6 00 72 ANALYSIS OF PREMIUMS. Nov, 6. 12. 17. 19. (( 21. (I 23. 25. 28- 30. By cash p'd E.Richardson, lab. Men & Teams on g'ds, 50 00 " W. Gould, 124 qts. Oats for Mar. horses, 6 20 L. B. Howe, labor at Grounds 41 days, 82 00 '' " Fitch. Lum. Co. for lumb'r to rep. Seats, 61 99 588 67 '' '' C. H. Benton for labor and cash p'd out, 15 00 «' " L.Sprague & Co. use Crock. Cutlery, &c. 68 03 S. D. Willis & Co., Chairs & Settees, 83 00 L.H.Bradford, Salary, Postage, Stat.&c. 121 32 W.Hale, Salary from Mar. 1, to Sep. 1, 125 00 '' W. W. Shattuck & C. C. Boyden, mileage on Swine, 1 65 ^' W. Baker for Sawing 532 ft. Boards, 2 09 " " J. F. Monroe, Tending Gate 2 days, 8 00 " " J. W. Doe, Services at Fair 2 days, 6 ,00 " •' A. P. Goodridge, Mowing Grass, 5 00 " '' Balance due Committee on Victualing, 58 10 Prem's and Grafs awar'd Sep. 29, 30, 1438 60 35 Certificate Stamps, 1 75 " Amount in hands of Treasurer, 634 15 $11,136 75 ANALYSIS OF PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES AWARDED. 3unt awarded for Plowino- at the Exhibition, 80 00 * Neat Stock, 334 00 ' Horses, 739 00 ' Sheep, 37 00 * Swine, 24 00 • Poultry, 14 50 ' Grain and Root Crops, 92' 50 Fruits, 71 50 ' Flowers, 11 50 ' Other Crops, 37 50 Butter, 12 50 ' Cheese, 4 50 ' Bread, 8 25 * Agricultural Implements, 46 00 ' Domestic Manufactures, 74 00 ' Other Objects, 84 10 Amount of premiums awarded, $1670 8 ANALYSIS OF PREMIUMS. 73 Premiums and gratuities were paid to two Iiundred and twenty-two persons, and the artaounts distributed as follows : Fitcliburg, Princeton, Lunenburg, Leominster, Westminster, Shirley, Ashburnham, Sterling, Antrim, 707 35 W. Boylston, 224 50 Ashby, 50 50 Littleton, 107 90 Winchendon, 16 00 Wilton, 10 00 Townsend, 5 00 Brighton, 48 25 Hubbardston, 2 00 Harvard, 1868. f Amount of premiums offered. Amount of premiums and gratuities awarded. Amount of premiums and gratuities paid, [ Value of Real Estate, 15 50 10 00 20 00 20 00 10 00 130 00 1 00 71 00 $1458 50 $2154 75 1670 85 1458 50 16,000 00 RETIRINa TREA.SURER. The Committee chosen at the last meeting to draft resolutions, make the following report : Whereas, Thomas C. Caldwell, Esq., has served as Treasurer of the Worcester North Agricultural Society, and faithfully performed the trust and duties of the office ever since its organization, for the term of nineteen years, to the acceptance of every member, and whenever any proposition has been made to pay for his invaluable services, he has refused to accept anything pecuniary, therefore. Resolved, that the thanks of this Society be tendered to him, and the same be a matter of record. Resolved, that the Secretary be instructed to prepare one or more bound volumes, containing the entire transactions of the Society, to be suitably inscribed and presented to Mr. Caldwell as a slight ac- knowledgement of the appreciation of the Society. THOMAS BILLINGS, ) JABEZ FISHER, [ Committee. JOHN BROOKS, ) PAST PRESIDENTS, ORATORS AND SECRETARIES OF THE WORCESTER NORTH AGRICULTURAL* SOCIETY, PRESIDENTS. 1850-1.— ABEL F. ADAMS, Esq., of Fitchburg. 1852_3.— Hon. IVERS PHILLIPS of Fitchburg. 1854-5.— Hon. MOSES WOOD of Fitchburg. 1856-7.— THOxMAS R. BOUTELLE, M. D., of Fitchburg. 1858-9.— Hon. JABEZ FISHER of Fitchburg. 1860-1.— THOMAS BILLINGS, Esq., of Lunenburg. 1862-3.— LEWIS H. BRADFORD, Esq., of Fitchburg. 1864-5.— Hon. OHIO WHITNEY, Jr., of Ashburnham. 1866. —JOSEPH UPTON, Esq., of Fitchburg. 1867. —JOSHUA T. EVERETT, Esq., of Princeton. 1868. —EUGENE T. MILES, Esq., of Fitchburg. 1869. —SAMUEL OSGOOD, Esq., of Sterling. ORATORS. 1850.— Hon. CHARLES HUDSON of Lexington. 1852.— THOMAS E. PAYSON, Esq., of Rowley. 1853.— Rev. HORATIO STEBBINS of Fitchburg. 1854.— Gov. EMORY WASHBURN of Worcester. 1855.— Hon. NATHANIEL P. BANKS of Waltham. 1856.— CHARLES L. FLINT, Esq., of Boston. 1857.— JUSTUS TOWER, Esq., of Lanesborough. 1859.— Hon. GEORGE S. BOUTWELL of Groton. I860.— Hon. GEORGE B. LORING of Salem. 1861.— Hon. A. H. BULLOCK of Worcester. 1862.— Rev. A. N. ARNOLD, D. D., of Westboro. 1963.— LUTHER H. TUCKER, Esq., of Albany, N. Y. 1867.— GEORGE E. TOWNE, Esq., of Fitchburg. 1868 —Hon. DANIEL NEEDHAM of Groton. SECRETARIES. 1850-1.— NATHAN UPHAM of Fitchburg. 1852. —JOSEPH PIERCE of Fitchburg. 1853. —CHARLES W. WILDER of Fitchburg. 1854-5.— THOMAS R. BOUTELLE of Fitchburg. 1856-7.— JABEZ FISHER of Fitchburg. 1858-63.-WILLIAM G. WYM AN of Fitchburg. 1864. —LEWIS H. BRADFORD of Fitchburg. 1865-6.— ALVIN M. SAWYER of Fitchburg. 1867-9.— LEWIS H. BRADFORD of Fitchburg. COMMITTEES AND PREMIUMS FOR THE SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION, TO BE HELD AT EITCIIBURG, Tuesday and Wednesday, September 28th and 29tli, 1869. No person will be allowed to become a competitor for any of tlie Premiums herein offered, unless lie shall have made an entry for the same, with the Secretary, within the time prescribed for each class, nor unless he shall also have furnished all required statements relating thereto, within the specified time. For the convenience of those who live at a distance, entries may be made by Mail ; and all entries so made must be delivered at some post-office one day previous to the expiration of the time specified, and must bear proof of having been so delivered, either by postmark, or a certificate of registry from the Postmaster. {^Communications for the Secretary should be sent to Fitchburg. STOCK. All entries for premiums under this head, must be made on, or before the Friday previous to the Show, except Horses and Poultry, which may be as late as the day previous, and all stock must be owned by the person who enters it. All persons who are required to furnish a statement, must do so to the Secretary at the time of making the entry, and he shall post copies on the days of exhibition. All live stock must have been raised by the person ^ entering the same, or owned by him at least three months next previously, except in the case of mis-mating oxen and horses, rendered necessary by injury or disease. Each entry of stock for the pens must specify the breed of the ani- mal, if known, and the age. 76 PREMIUMS. Fat cattle, working cattle, and draiiglit horses must be weighed on the scales on the grounds of the Society, and a certificate furnished the Secretary. The weight of all other stock will not be required. All Stock must be in attendance on both days of the Show. All Stock taken from the grounds before one o'clock P. M., on Wednesday, without permission from the proper authority, shall forfeit all premiums that may have been awarded to it. The committees on Neat Stock, Sheep, Swine, and Poultry, and on the Trials of Working Oxen, and the Plowing Match, shall make their awards previous to three o'clock P. M., on Tuesday. They shall des- ignate the premiums with ribbons or cards, and shall make their reports to the Secretary previous to twelve o'clock M. , on Wednesday. The Society will provide good hay for all Stock entered for premium or exhibition during the time of the Show, and will furnish grain at cost to all who may re qui re it. Hereafter the best animals exhibited, shall be entitled to the premi- ums without regard to former awards. Committee in charge of the Grounds. — Samuel Osgood of Sterling. Committee on Pedigrees. — John Brooks, Princeton ; Augustus Whitman, Joel Page, Fitchburg. Committee on Animals for Exhibition. — Solon Carter, Leominster; Joseph Upton, Isaac B. Woodward, Fitchburg. Committee on Forage. — Abel Marshall, Fitchburg. THOROUGH BRED STOCK. Committee. — Richard Goodman, Lenox ; William Birnie, Spring- field ; Joseph Burnett, Southboro ; Abel F. Adams, Joel Page, Fitch- burg ; Nathaniel C . Day, Leominster ; Francis W. Wright, Ashby. SHORT HORXS, AYRSIIIRES. JERSEYS, DEVONS. Herds consisting of One Bull and not less than Four Females, all one year old and upwards, and owned by the competitor for four months preceding the show. Two premiums — $12, 8, BULLS. Two years old and upwards. Two premiums — $8, 5. One year old and under two. Two premiums — S6, 4. Calves (under one year.) Two premiums — §5, 3. PREMIUMS. T7 COAVS. Four years old and upwards. Two premiums — $6, 4. Three years old and under four. Two premiums — $5, 3. Two years old and under three. Two premiums— $4, 2. One year old and under two. Two premiums — $3, 2. Calves (under one year.) Two premiums — $3, 2. Reference being had, both in Herds and Single Cows, to the prod- uct of the dairy, — when the animals are three years old and upwards. GRADE OR NATIVE BULLS. Committee.— J QiA-A\\ Puffer, Harvard; A. G. Thompson, Princeton ; George Howard, Ashburnham ; Franklin Nourse, Sterling; Joseph Upton, Fitchburg. More than two years old. Two premiums — S5, 3. Yearlings. Two premiums — $4, 2. Calves. Two premiums — $4, 2. These may be of any breed more than four months old. MILCH KINE. Committee. — Solon S. Hastings, Princeton ; Augustus Gates, Leom- mster; Thos. E. Whitney, Shirley ; Moses Sawyer 2d, Sterling ; Sam- uel F. Whitney, Harvard. Herds of four cows or heifers, each. Three premiums— $10, 7, 4. The committee will regard age, expense of keeping, &c. Cows for butter. Three premiums — $5, 4, 3. Heifers, three years old, for butter. Three premiums — $5, 4, 3. Heifers, two years old, for butter. Three premiums — $4, 3, 2. Cows, for milk. Three premiums. S5, 4, 3. Heifers, three years old, for milk. Three premiums — 5, 4, 3. Heifers, two years old, for milk. Three premiums — $4, 3, 2. Competitors for premiums on milch cows, whether for herds or single animals, and milch heifers, will be required to certify in writing, at the time of entry, to the weight of the milk, or to the weight of butter, as the case may be, during the six days commencing with the first Monday in June, and the corresponding six days in September ; and to the manner of keeping and general management. Cows that calve near or after the first Monday in June, may be tried at another time. Competitors will be required to state the time of last calving of their cows. 78 PREMIUMS. HEIFERS. Committee. — Benj. F. Wallis, Asbby ; Joseph Whitney, Sterling; Edwin Gates, Leominster; Horace M. Cambell, Fitehbiirg; Sewall Richardson, Princeton. Intended to be kept for the Dairy. Two years old. Three premiums — $4, 3, 2. Yearlings. Three premiiuus— 83, 2, 1. HEIFER CALVES. Committee. — Isaac B. Woodward, Lyman X. Fairbanks, Fitehbiirg; Wm. S. Brooks, Princeton ; Charles B. Fitch, Sterling ; Samuel Hay ward, Ashby. Calves more than four months old. Throe premiums — $4, 3, 2. Calves more than four months old, raised by hand. Three pre- miums— $4, 3, 2. Persons exhibiting calves raised b}' hand, sliall furnish statements to the Secretary. WORKIXa OXEN— SINGLE TEAMS. Committee. — Thomas Billings, Lunenburg ; W. W. Benson, Prince- ton ; Silas Pratt, Fitchburg ; George Wood, Leominster; 3Ioses B. Heywood, Sterling. Working Oxen. Five premiums — $7, 6, 5, 4, 3. Best Minor Teamster. Two premiums — 85, 3. The working oxen will be tried, attached to loads \feighing, includ- ing the cart, one third more than themselves. WORKING OXEN AND HORSE. Committee. — Asaph Wood, Gardner; Charles Flagg, Sterling; Thos. Sheldon, Fitchburg ; Wm. Sawyer, Shirley ; Edward Houghton, Lunenburg. Working Oxen and Horse. Two premiums — $7. 5. Best Minor Teamster. Two premiums — $5, o. The working oxen and horse teams will be tried, attached to a stone boat loaded to equal, including the stone boat, the weight of the team. STEERS MORE THAN TWO YEARS OLD. Committee. — Chas. K. Sawyer, Loriston Stockwell, Fitchburg; John C. Davis. Ashburnham ; Maynard Loring, Sterling; Joel Hay- ward, Ashby. PREMIUMS. 79 Three years old. Three premiums — $5, 4, 3, Best Minor Teamster. Two premiums — $4, 2. The three years old steers will be attached to carts, and tried like the oxen, on the same ground ; the cart and load to equal the steers in weight. Two years old. Three premiums — $4, 3, 2. Trained two years old. Two premiums — $4, 2. Best Minor Trainers. Three premiums — S3, 2, 1. YEARLING STEERS AND STEER CALVES. Committee. — Benj. Wyman, Westminster ; Merrick Whitney, Ash- burnham; T. Benton Works, Fitchburg; J. M. Forristall, Westmin- ster ; Emroy Farmer, Harvard. Yearlings. Three premiums — 83, 2, 1. Trained Yearlings. Two premiums — $3, 2. Calves. Three premiums — 36, 4, 2. Calves raised by hand. Three premiums — $6, 4, 2. Trained Calves. Three premiums — S4, 3, 2. Best Minor Trainers. Three premiums — $3, 2, 1. Persons exhibiting calves raised by hand, shall furnish a stateoient to the Secretary. PENS OF CALYES. Committee — J. E. Merriam, Princeton; Daniel S. Eaton, Walter Page, Fitchburg; A. W. Benjamin, Westminster; George Kendall, Sterling. Best pen of Calves, not less than four. Two premiums — $10, 5. FAT CATTLE, Committee. — Joseph Whitcomb, East Princeton ; Reuben Yose, Jr., Winchendon; Warren C. Upton, Fitchburg; Joseph Cozzens, Leom- inster ; George Page, Shirley. Oxen. Three premiums — $8, 5, 3. Cows. Three premiums — $6, 3, 2. Three years old steers or heifers. Two premiums — $0, 4. All competitors with fat cattle, must furnish a statement to the Sec- retary, of the mode and expense of feeding. 80 PREMIUMS. SWINE. Committee. — Seth Chandler, Shirley; John Lowe, Wm. M. Pride, Fitchburg ; Bradley Simonds, Lunenburg ; Elliot E. Boyden, Leom- inster. Must be entered like other stock. Boars, more than one year old. Two premiums — 84, 3. Less than one year old. Two preminms — $3, 2. Best Fat Hog, having regard to age. Two premiums — $8, 4. Fat Pigs, less than eight months old. Two premiums — $4, 2. Breeding Sows. — Two premiums — $8, 4. Weaned Pigs, not less than four. Two premiums, — $4, 2. All Swine, and each litter of Pigs will be allowed fifteen cents mile- age for each mile more than two. that they are brought. GENTLEMEN'S DRIVING HORSES-SINGLE. Committee. — Alfred L. Burditt, Leominster ; Samuel M. Dole, John M. Sawtell, Fitchburg ; Daniel Putnam, Lunenburg ; John L. Cummings, Ashburnham. , Gentlemen's Driving Horses. Two premiums — $25, 8. Speed considered, but not to govern. MATCHED DRIVING HORSES. Committee. — Ohio Whitney, Jr., Ashburnham ; Ira Carleton, Fitch- burg ; M. T. Gardner, Shirley ; D. W. Salisbury, Leominster ; Chas. Heywood, Gardner. Matched Driving Horses. Two premiums — $12, 8. WALKING HORSES. Committee. — Harlow Skinner, Princeton ; Joel Davis, Leander Sprague, Fitchburg ; Clarence M. Proctor, Ashburnham; Oliver Patch, Leominster. Walking Horses. Two premiums — $10, 5. Horses entered in this class will be required to walk one mile, car- rying a load to equal their own weight, including the carriage. PREMIUMS. 81 FAMILY HORSES— SINGLE. Committee. — Alfred Miller, Fitchburg ; James 0. Parker, Shirley; Franklin Wyman, Westminster ; Austin Whitney, Ashburnham ; Charles H. Lorino;, Sterling. Family Horses Single. Two premiums — $12, 8. MARES AND SUCKING COLTS. Committee. — Warren Simonds, Templeton ; Albert B. Damon, Fitchburg; James H. Marshall, Leominster; Zopher Taylor, Har- vard ; Wm. L. Brown, Lunenburg, Breeding Mares. Three premiums — S6, 4, 2. Colts, less than one year old. Three premiums — $3, 2, 1. The mares must be four years old and upwards, and accompanied by their colts. COLTS. Committee. — Henry Chase. Leominster; Antipas Maynard, Ash- burnham ; James Sawyer, Templeton ; George Jewett, Fitchburg ; Abner Wight, West Sterling. Stallions, three years old. Two premiums — $10, 5. Geldings, three years old. Two premiums — $10, 5. Fillies, three years old. Two premiums — $10, 5. Stallions or Geldings, two years old. Two premiums — $6, 3c Fillies, two years old. Two premiums — S6, 3. Yearling Colts. Two premiums — S5, 3. In addition to the above premiums, there will be offered two premi- ums of $15.00 and $5.00, open to all three years old colts ; speed to be considered, but not to govern. HORSES. In all classes where speed is considered, three entries must be made to entitle any horse to a premium. All thus entered will be required to pay ten per cent, of the highest premium as an entrance fee. The sum of $500.00 will be placed at the disposal of a committee consisting of E. T. Miles, Jabez Fisher, Joseph Gushing, Abel Mar shall, F. Buttrick, and L. P. Comee of Fitchburg, to be used in offering inducements to noted horses to be present on the secohd day of the Exhibition. Entries for all horses where entrance fee is required to be paid, mus be made before 9 o'clock A. M., of the day on which they ar-e exhibited. 82 PREMIUMS. STALLIONS. Committee. — Eugene T. Miles, John F. Brown, Fitchburg ; Chas. A. Edgarton, Shirley ; S. W. A. Stevens, So. Gardner ; Mirick Wallace, Ashburnham. Best Stallion, speed considered, five years old and upwards. Two premiums — $25, 10. Best Stallion for general use, five years old and upwards. One pre- mium— $10. Best Stallion, three or four years old, speed considered. Two pre- miums— $15, 10. Stallions entered for speed will not be required to exhibit specimens of their stock. All others over five years old will be required to do so . Three years old Stallions entered in this class will be allowed to compete for premiums as Colts. DRAUGHT HORSES. Committee. — Ezra Kendall, Sterling ; Joseph Gushing, Willard H. Lowe, Fitchburg ; Artemas Merriam, Westminster : Z, W. Gill, Princeton. Draught Horses — Pairs. Two premiums — $6, 4. Draught Horses — Single. Two premiums — S5, 3. Best Minor Teamster Two premiums — $4, 2. Draught horses will be tried attached to a stone-boat loaded to weigh, including the stone-boat, one-fourth more than the horses. The same draught horse cannot receive a premium as a single horse and also one of a pair, but a draught horse may compete as a family horse. These must be four years old and upwards. SHEEP. Committee. — Ezra Sawyer, Sterling ; John G. Woodward, Ash" burnham ; Leonard, Chandler, Princeton ; John Smith, Timothy D. Wood, Westminster. Flocks. Two premiums — $10, 5. Bucks. Two premiums — $5, S. Cossets. Two premiums— $2, 1. Flocks of Lambs. Two premiums — $1, 2. Flocks of sheep must contain at least six, owned by one person. Lambs less than six months old cannot compote as sheep. POULTRY. Committee. — A. B. Davis, Shirley; S. G. Mirick, Princeton; Benj. SafFord, J. F. Monroe, Fitchburg; P. W. Whitney, Leominster. PREMIUMS. 83 Barn-yard fowls, not less than three. Two premiums — $3, 2. Turkeys, not less than three. Two premiums — $3, 2. Geese, not less than three. Two premiums — $3, 2. Ducks, not less than three. Two premiums — $3, 2. Must be entered like other stock. TOWN TEAMS. Committee. — Dennis Fay, Ashby; J. M. Sawyer, Sterling; Ohio Whitney, Ashburnham ; Estabrook Moore, Leominster ; Wm. Wood- bury, Fitchburg. Best Town Team, not less than fifteen yoke from any one town. Three premiums — $25, 15, 10. These teams may consist of either oxen or steers, or both. PLOWING MATCH. All entries for plowing must be made on or before the Thursday previous to the exhibition, and one dollar must be deposited with each entry, to be returned to the competitor, if he plows, otherwise forfeited to the Society. No teams, or parts of teams, will be allowed to compete for more than one premium on plowing. DOUBLE TEAMS. Committee. — James P. Putnam, Jonathan Whitman, Fitchburg ; Edward Burpee, Sterling; John Minot, Westminster; Chas. C. Boy- den, Leominster. Double Teams. Three premiums — $10, 7, 5. Minors, with Steers. Three premiums — $6, 4, 2. SINGLE TEAMS. Committee. — Solon Carter, Leominster; Fred. Parker, Geo. W. Houghton, Princeton ; Geo. G. Sampson, Ashburnham ; Edward Smith, Fitc4iburg. Single Teams. Three premiums — 810, 7, 5. Minors, with Steers. Three premiums — $6, 4, 2. HORSE TEAMS. Committee.— J olmJjmoVii, Princeton; Edwin D. Works, Fitchburg; Fred. B. Hajrfington, Leominster; Wm. 0. Snow, Lunenburg; Lib- erty Wellington, Ashby. Horse or Mule Teams. Three premiums — $10, 7, 5. 84 PREMIUMS. FOOT RACE. Committee. — Joel Page, Z. F. Young, Fitchburg ; Abel L. Stan- ton, Shirley ; James Fitch, Sterling ; Artemas S. Andrews, Ashby. Half mile heats. Two premiums — $5, 3. Three entries to be made. CROPS. All entries for premiums in this department must be made with the Secretary, on or before June 15th, with the exception of English tur- nips and cabbages, which must be entered on or before August 15th. Immediately after these dates, the Secretary will transmit to all com- petitors a copy of the following blank form, adopted by the Trustees, to correspond with the requirements of the Board of Agriculture. In pursuance of authority delegated to the Board of Agriculture, by chap. 24 of the Acts of 1862, Agricultural Societies receiving the bounty of the State, are required to make use of the following form, and be governed by its conditions, in the mode of ascertaining the amount of crops entered for premium : Worcester North Agricultural Society. Statement concerning a crop of , raised by Mr. , in the town of , 1869. What was the crop of 1867 ? What manure was used, and how much '? What was the crop of 1868 ? What manure was used, and how much ? What is the nature of the soil ? When, and how many times plowed, and 1iow deep? What other preparation for the seed ? Cost of plowing and other preparation ? Amount of manure, in loads of thirty bushels, and how applied ? Value of manure upon the ground ? When and how planted, and the amount and kind of seed ? Cost of seed and planting ? How cultivated, and how many times ? Cost of cultivation, including weeding and thinning? Time and manner of harvesting ? Cost of harvesting, including the storing and husking or threshing ? Amount of straw, stover, or other product ? Competitors for premium are particularly requested to make any statements or suggestions not elicited by the above questions, andj which may be valuable as contributions. to agricultural inforcjatiou. PREMIUMT. 85 REMARKS. The Committee to whom is intrusted the award of premiums on field crops, may award the premiums according to their judgment ; but, for the purpose of furnishing accurate statistics for the benefit of agricul- ture, shall select certain of the crops, and ref(uire the owners thereof to measure the land and weigh the crops accurately, and give all pos- sible information thereon over their signatures, and return the same to the Secretary of the Society, to be published in the annual transactions. In ascertaining the amount of crop, any vessel may be used, and the weight of its contents once, multiplied by the number of times it is filled by the crop. The certificate shall state the waight of all crop? only in a merchant- able state. In measuring the land, any competent person may be employed, whether a sworn surveyor or not. In ascertaining the amount of a hay crop, entered for premium, the measurement of the hay in the barn may be employed. KULES OF MEASURE. Practised and adopted hy the State Board of Agriculture. Wheat, Potatoes, Sugar Beets, Mangel Wurzel, Ruta Bagas, White Beans and Peas, 60 lbs. to the bnshel. Corn, Rye, 56 - Oats, 32 - Barley, Buckwheat, 48 " Cracked Corn, Corn and Rye and other meal, except Oat, and English Turnips, 50 " " Parsnips, 45 '* Carrots, 55 '^ Onions, 52 " GRAIN. Committee. — Jos. P. Reed, Princeton ; Caleb S. Merriam, West- minster; Leonard Burrage, Leominster ; Martin Johnson, Lunenburg; Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg. For the largest crop of herds-grass seed, not less than three bushels. Two premiums — $5, 3. Red top, not less than six bushels. Two premiums— S5, 3. The committee may award gratuities for valuable new varieties of grain. 86 PREMIUMS. For the most profitable crops of corn, wheat, rye, barley, and oats, one acre each ; of cabbages, beans, and flax, one-eighth acre each ; the product of corn to be not less than 4320 lbs., on the cob; that of wheat, rye, barley, and oats, not less than 1200 lbs. of grain each. Corn. Three premiums — S15, 10, 8. Wheat. Three premiums— $15, 10, 8. Flax. Three premiums — $10, 5, Grasses and Forage Plants. Rye. Three premiums — $6, 4, Grasses and Forage Plants. Barley. Three premiums — $6, 4, Grasses and Forage Plants, Oats. Three premiums — $6, 4, Grasses and Forage Plants. Field Beans. Three premiums — $4, 2, Grasses and Forage Plants. Samples must be exhibited at the Fair. ROOT CROPS AND CABBAGES. Committee. — George S. Houghton, John M. Sawtell, Fitchburg ; Geo. H. Grout, Leominster; Aretas Raymond, Westminster; Hobart Spencer, Ashby. For the most profitable crops of potatoes, one-fourth acre each ; of carrots, onions, beets, and turnips, one-eighth acre each. Potatoes, not less than 3000 lbs. Three premiums — $8, 5, Grasses and Forage Plants. Carrots, not less than 5500 lbs. Two premiums — $4, 3. Onions, not less than 2000 lbs Two premiums — Harris on Ins., $2. Sugar Beets. Two premiums — $2, 1. Mangel Wurzel. Two premiums — $2, 1. English Turnips. Two premiums — Han-is on Bisects, $2. Turnips of any other variety. Two premiums — Harris on Insects, $2. Cabbages. Two premiums — $2, 1. FARMS. Committee. — Solon Carter, Leominster; Daniel Putnam, Lunen- burg ; Abel F. Adams, Fitchburg. Best managed and cultivated Farm, to be awarded and paid in 1870. Two premiums — $50, 25. Entries must be made on or before July 1st, 1868. Three farms are entered for these premiums, viz : Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg; Cyrus Kilburn, Lunenburg; Eph'm Graham, Lunenburg. FARMS. Committee.— Qyx\xs Kilburn, Eph'm Graham, Lunenburg; Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg. PREMIUMS. 87 Best managed and cultivated Farm, to be awarded and paid in 1871. Two premiums — $50, 25. Entries must be made on or before July 1, 1869. GARDENS. Committee. — Ward M. Cotton, Leominster; Joseph Dyke, George Jewett, Fitchburg. Kitchen or Mixed Gardens. Three premiums — $12, 8, 4. Flower Gardens. Two premiums — $4, 2. No person having received a premium for a farm, kitchen or mixed garden, shall be allowed to compete for another with the same land, within five years, except for a higher one. Entries must ba made on or before June 15th. EXPERIMENTS. Committee. — Joel Page, Joseph Gushing, Levi Kendall, Fitchburg. Best Experiment to determine the best and most profitable time and condition in which to cut grass for hay, having regard to the total annual product. Two premiums — SI 5, 10. Best Experiment testing the value of corn and cob for fattening pur- poses, with the cob or otherwise. One premium — $15. Best Experiment in steaming food for cattle and horses. One pre- mium— $10. Best Experiment testing the comparative value of drilling wheat or other grain, to broadcast sowing. One premium — $5. There will be placed at the disposal of tha committee, for the best and most reliable agricultural experiments of any kind, made in 1869, the sum of twenty dollars. All entries must be made at least one week before commencing the experiments. EXHIBITION AT THE HALL. No article intended for the Hall will be entitled to a premium, un- less it shall have been deposited by ten o'clock A. M., on Tuesday. All articles should be plainly marked with the name and residence of the exhibitor. A strict compliance with these regulations will be absolutely necessary is PREMIUMS. APPLES, PEACHES, PLUMS AND QUINCES. •^ Committee. — Daniel Wight, Ashburnham ; James M. Woodbury, David H. Merriam, Fitcbburg ; Wm. B. Hosmer, Leominster ; Wm. H. Jones, Lunenburp;. APPLES. Best and largest exhibition of named varieties of three specimens each. Two premiums — $4, Hai-ris on Insects. Twelve varieties of five specimens each. Three premiums — Harris on Insects, $2, 1. Six varieties of five specimens each. Three premiums — S2, 1.50, 1. Three varieties of five specimens each. Three pr'ms — $1.50, 1, .50 Best exhibition of twelve specimens of Baldwins. Two pr'ms — $1, .50. Hubbardston Non-such. Two premiums — $1, .50. E. L Greenings. Two premiums — $1, .50. Roxbury Russets. Two premiums — $1, 50. No person will be allowed to compete for a premium in more than one of the above classes, with the same specimens of fruit ; and if the number of specimens exhibited does not correspond with these regula- tions, the fruit will bo excluded from'competition for the premiums. PEACHES. Best Collections. One premium — Harris on Insects. Best Dishes or Baskets. Three premiums— $2, 1, .50. PLUMS. Best Collection. One premium — 82. Best Plates. Two premiums— SI, .50. QUINCES. Best Dishes or Baskets. Two premiums— $1, .50. In addition to the above premiums, there will be placed at the dis- posal of the committee, for gratuities, ten dollars. PEARS AND GRAPES. Committee. — Jabez Fisher, Benj. Snow, Jr., George Jewett, Fitch- burg ; Trumbull Bull, Harvard ; James Bennett, Leominster. PEARS. Best and largest exhibition of named varieties, of three specimens each. Two premiums — $4, Harris on Insects. Twelve varieties of five specimens each. Three premiums — Ha?ris on Insects, $2, 1. PREMIUMS. 89 Six varieties of five specimens each. Three premiums — $2, 1.50, 1. Threcvarietiesof five specimens each. Three prem's — $1.50, 1, .50. Best exhibition of twelve specim's of Bartlett. Two prem's — $1, .50, Seckel. Two premiums — $1, .50. Flemish Beauty. Two premiums — $1, .50. Duchess. Two premiums — $1, .50. Louise Bonne de Jersey. Two premiums — SI, .50. GRAPES. Best displays of Foreign Grapes. Three premiums — S3, 2, 1. Best displays of Native Grapes. Three premiums — Harris on Insects, S2, 1. Best six clusters Diana. Two premiums — $1, .50. Best six clusters Israella. Two premiums — $1, .50. Best six clusters lona. Two premiums — SI, .50. Best six clusters Concord. Two j^remiums — $1, .50. Best six clusters Delaware. Two premiums — $1, .50. Best six clusters Hartford Prolific. Two premiums — SI, .50 In addition to the above premiums, there will be placed at the dis- posal of the committee, for gratuities, ten dollars. No person will be allowed to compete for a premium in more than one of the above classes, with the same specimens of fruit ; and if the number of specimens exhibited does not correspond with these regula- tions, the fruit will be excluded from competition for the premiums. ASSORTED FRUITS AND FLOWERS. Ooinmittee. — Stillman B. Grant, Mrs. L.H. Bradford, Mrs. Artemas R. Smith, Mrs. Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg ; Mrs. J. P. Reed, Princeton. ASSORTED FRUITS, Best Dish or Basket. Two premiums — $2, 1. PLANTS IN POTS. Best displays of named Plants in pots. Two premiums — $2, 1. Best six named Plants in pots. Two premiums — $2, 1. CUT FLOWERS. Best display of Cut Flowers. Two premiums — $2, 1. Best ten named Asters, Two premiums — $2, 1 . Best ten named Dahlias. Two premiums — $2, 1. Best ten named Verbenas. Two premiums — $2, 1. Best pair of Parlor Bouquets. Two premiums — S2, 1. Best pair of Hand Bouquets. Two premiums — $2, 1. 90 PREMIUMS. The same plants in pots cannot compete for both the best display and the best six ; nor can the same Asters, Dahlias, or Verbenas, compete for the best display and the best ten. In addition to the above premiums, there will be placed at the dis- posal of the committee, for gratuities, ten dollars, No person will be allowed to receive more than one copy of Harris on Insects ; if more than one is awarded, cash will be paid instead, at the rate of three dollars per copy; and if any to whom a copy is awarded, already has one, he may receive the copy awarded, or the cash as above, at his option. VEGETABLES. Committee. — William Baker, Lunenburg; B. Frank Lewis, Edwin D. Atherton, Hale W. Page, Fitchburg ; John Davis, Ashby. Best collections of Kitchen Vegetables. Three premiums — $7, 5, 3. Best collections of Garden Seeds. Two premiums — $5, 3. Collections of Potatoes. Three premiums — $2, 1, .50. Marrow Sqiftishes. Two premiums — $1, .50. Hubbard Squashes. Two premiums — SI, .50. Crookneck Squashes. Two premiums — $1, .50. Pumpkins. Two premiums — .75, .50. Cabbages. Two premiums — .75, .50. Cauliflowers. Two premiums — $.75, 50. Celery. Two premiums — .75, .50. Onions. Two premiums — .75, .50. Turnip Beets. Two premiums — .75, .50. English Turnips. Two premiums — .50, .25. Tomatoes. Two premiums — .50, .25* Field Beans. Two premiums — .50, .25. Lima Beans. Two premiums — .50, .25. Seed Com, in traces. Three premiums — $1, .75, .50. Th3 committee will regard quality rather than size. In addition to the above, there will be allowed for gratuities, ten dollars. Of squashes, pumpkins, cabbages and celery, there should be six specimens in each lot ; of cauliflowers, three ; of onions, beets, turnips and tomatoes, one peck in each lot ; of field beans, one-half peck ; and of Lima beans, two quarts. BREAD, BUTTER, CHEESE, PICKLES, PRESERVES, AND JELLIES. Committee.— AWm M. Sawyer, Mrs. E. T. Miles, Mrs. Silas Hos- mer, Fitchburg; Mrs. Porter Piper, Leominster; Mrs. D. C. Miles,. Westminster. PREMIUMS. 91 Premiums on Bread shall only be awarded to unmarried ladies. Samples of Bread and Butter must be designated by numbers in- stead of the names of the competitors. All bread offered for premiums- must have been baked on the Monday preceding the exhibition. Competitors will be required to furnish, to the Secretary, a detailed statement in writing, of the process of manufacturing butter, cheese,, and pickles ; and no others shall be considered. BREAD. White Bread. Three premiums — $2, 1, .50. Unbolted Wheat Bread. Three premiums— $2, 1, .50. Bolted Rye Bread. Three premiums— $2, 1, .50. Rye and Indian Bread. Three premiums — $2, 1, .50. BUTTER AND CHEESE. LumpButter, not less than 12 lbs. Four premiums — $4, 3, 2, 1.50. June tub Butter, not less than 25 lbs. Three premiums — $3, 2, 1. Cheese, not less than 50 lbs. Three premiums — $2, 1.50, 1. PICKLES AND HONEY. Pickles. Three premiums — .75, .50, .25. Virgin Honey in the comb. Three premiums — S2, 1, .50. In addition to the above, there will be allowed for gratuities, ten dollars. MECHANICS AND MANUFACTURES. Committee. — Wm. H. Yose, Chas. Burleigh, Francis Sheldon,. Fitchburg; Wm.JH. Brown, East Princeton; F. A. Whitney, Leom- inster. Specimens exhibited must be manufactured by the competitor. For the best specimens of mechanic and manufactured articles, ex- clusive of ladies' home manufacture, there will be placed at i\\Q disposal of the committee, the sum of seventy-five dollars. AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. Committee. — Eph'm Graham, Lunenburg; Joel Merriam, West- minster ; J. T. Everett, Princeton ; George Robbins, Fitchburg ; Wm. Brown, 2d, Winchendon. Best Mowing Machine. One premium — SlO Best Farm Wagon, for one or two horses. One premium— $10- 92 PREMIUMS. Best Ox Cart. One premium — $5. Best Horse Rake. One premium — $5. Best Team Harness. One premium — $5. Best Hay or Straw Cutter. One premium — i3. Best Ox Yoke complete. One premium — $3. Best Churn. One premium — $2. Best set of Horse Shoes. One premium — $2. In addition to the above, there will be allowed for gratuities, twen- ty-five dollars. Specimens exhibited must be manufactured by the competitor. FINE ARTS. Committee- — L. W. Spring, Mrs. George Jewett, Miss Ruth Trask, Fitchburg ; Miss Caroline Cushing, Lunenburg ; Miss Ann Eliza White, Ashburnham. Best collection by a Photographic Artist. Two premiums — $4, 2. Oil Paintings. Two premiums — $4, 2. Best Crayon Drawing. Two premiums — $3, 2. Pencil Drawing. Two premiums — $2, 1. Best specimen of Penmanship, by a non-professional. One prem. — 1. In addition there will be placed at the disposal of the committee, the sum of twenty dollars. Specimens exhibited must be actually executed by the competitors. FANCY ARTICLES. Committee. — Joseph Crehore, Mis3 Mary Adams, Mrs. George A. Torrey, Mrs. T. C. Caldwell, Fitchburg; Miss Abby Boutwell, Groton. For the best specimens of Ladies' Useful and Fancy Articles, of their own manufacture, including specimens of nice mending and darning, there will be placed at the disposal of the committee, the sum of thirty dollars. ESSAYS. Committee. — E. P. Loring, H. L. Jones, Fitchburg; Ohio Whit- ney, Jr., Ashburnham. Best Essays on some practical subject connected with agriculture, deemed worthy of publication in the Society's " Transactions." Two premiums — $25, 15. All persons competing for these premiums must file their Essays with the Secretary on or before the 1st of September. Each Essay is to be PREMIUMS. 93 marked with a motto or design, and accompanied with a sealed envel- ope bearing a corresponding motto or design, and containing the name of the author. The envelopes of the successful competitors will be opened on the day of the exhibition, immediately upon the announcement of the awards. COiMMITTEES' REPORTS. Committee. — The President, Vice President and Secretary. For the purpose of inducing the chairmen of the several committees to take upon themselves more labor and care in elaborating their re- ports, the following premiums will be paid : — $10, 6, 4. Detailed reports in connection with awards (except on Grain,) must be delivered to the Secretary on or before Nov. 15th. Total amount of premiums offered for 1869, $2309.75 PROSPECTIVE. Committee. — Jabez Fisher, Joel Page, Fitchburg ; Cyrus Kilburn, Lunenburg. For the best experiment going to show the economy of growing grass constantly through a period of six years, on one acre or more of land, as compared with a rotation in which grass shall be grown three or four years only, the remainder being grain or hoed crops, of which one at least, shall be Indian corn. The total amount and kind of manure in "n. li case must be the same per acre, but the time and mode of application may be different. Three premiums — $50, 25, 15. Entries must be made on or before July 1st, 1869. APPLE AND PEAR ORCHARDS. Committee. — Ephraira Graham, Lunenbuig; Jonas A. Marshall Alfred Marshall, Fitchburg. APPLE ORCHARDS. For the best Orchards of not less than fifty trees, all having been set after January 1st, 1866, to be awarded in 1870. Two premi- ums—$25, 10. -94 PREMIUMS. PEAR ORCHARDS. I'd the best Orchards of not less than fifty trees, all having been set after January 1st, 1866, to be awarded in 1871. Two premi- ums—$25, 10. Two Pear Orchards were entered for these premiums in 1868, by Eph'm Graham, Lunenburg, and Geo. S. Houghton, Fitchburg. POTATOES. Committee. — Ephraim Graham, Lunenburg ; Benj. Safford, Fitch - ■burg ; Cyrus Kilburn, Lunenburg. For the best Seedling Potatoes, to be tested for not less than three successive years. One premium — $25. FOEEST TREES. Committee. — W. B. Hosmer, Geo. Merriam, Leominster, J. P. Putnam, Fitchburg. For the best plantation of any kind of Forest Trees, suitable for fuel or timber, raised from the seed, not less than five hundred in number, which shall be in the most flourishing condition in the fall of 1875. Three premiums— $25, 15, 10. Entries must be made on or before the 1st day of June. ICE HOUSES. Committee. — Wm, Woodbury, Abel Marshall, A. F. Adams, Fitch- l)urg. For the best constructed Ice House for family purposes, to be tested at least twelve months. One premium^— $5. CBANBERRIES. Committee. — Joseph Upton, L. H. Bradford, Leonard Downe. Eitchburg. For the best experiment in raising Cranberries on upland to be paid in 1873. One premium — $5. RULES. 95 COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS. SAMUEL OSGOOD, of Sterling. J. P. EEED, of Fitchhurg. JABEZ FISHEE, of Fitchhurg. ABEL MAESIIALL, LEONAED DOWNE, " B. WEBSTEE EDDY, '' LEWLS H. BEADFOED, " RULES. All teams entered for draught must have been owned by the person entering the same, for at least three months next previous. All teams entered for plowing must be owned b}^ the per- son entering the same, and the team must be driven, and the plow managed by him, or by some one usually in his employ. Different persons owning single teams, may combine them for the purpose of plowing. An}" person competing for a premium, who shall serve on the committee having charge of the department in which he competes, shall retire from the committee Avhile his own competition is in question. The several committees will not consider themselves bound by the terms of the above offers, to award a premium for an^'thing which they shall deem inferior. Any person to whom a premium shall have been awarded, in consequence of any deception or misrepresentation used by him, shall not only forfeit such premium, but afterward be incapable of competing for the Society's premiums. All persons, (ladies and minors excepted,) not members of the Society, to whom may be awarded a premium, or premi- ums, amounting to five dollars or upward, shall receive a certificate of membership for five dollars, and the balance in cash. If the amount shall be less than five dollars, a de- duction of fifty per cent, will be made, unless the individual chooses to make the amount up to tliat sum, and receive a certificate of membership. All premiums not demanded on or before jS'ovember oOtb, will revert to the Society. 96 OFFICERS. OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY FOR 1869. Blected at the A7muat Meeti7ig, 1>ec, 2d and f6t/i, 7868, SAMUEL OSGOOD, of Sterling, President. JOSEPH P. EEED, of Princeton, Vice President. LEWIS H. BEADFOED, of Fitchburg, Secretary. B. WEBSTEE EDDY, of Fitchburg, Treasurer. TRLTSTEES. O. Whitney, Jr. Ashburnh'mJ J. P. Heywood, Sterling. Joel Hayward, Ashby. F. W. Wright, " Dennis Fay, " Asaph Wood, Gardner. S. W. A. Stevens,'' JosiAH Puffer, Harvard. Hiram Whitney, " W. B. Hosmer, Leominster. C. C. Boyden, Porter Piper, Solon Carter, Joseph Cozzens, Daniel Putnam. - Cyrus Kilburn, William Baker, " Eph'm Graham, " Geo. O. Skinner, Princeton N. B. Eeed, " John Brooks, " A. Stockwell, R^yalston. \\ ' J. O. Parker, Shirley. ^^ M. T. Gardner, '' Chas. Flagg, Sterling. Ezra Kendall, " ^ F. Nourse, ;ov Lunenburg, J. M. Sawyer, W. SiMONDS, Templeton. Oilman Day, " D. C. Miles, Westminster. JoftN MiNOT, " Benj. Wyman, " Edw'd Bacon, " K;;F^:4»me, Eeuben Yose, Winchendon. ^?=6feteztM8, Fitchburg. Joseph Cushing, " Geo. F. Fay, Jabez Fisher, " Abel Marshall, " L. DOWNE, " Joel Page, " J. M. Sawtell, " Wm. Woodbury, " E. D. Works, " Lyman Patch, " Aug. Whitman, " Joseph Upton, '' A. M. Sawyer, " F. Buttrick, " E. T. Miles, " S. H. Howe, Bolton. A. Whiting, Oakdale. LEWIS H. BRADFOED, of Fitchburg, elected Member of the State Board of Agriculture, Dec. 2, 1868, for three years. TR^N^SACTIOIsrS OF THE WORCESTER NORTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, M'BB i8@&. FITCHBUEG SENTINEL OFFICE POWER PRESS PRINT, 18 0 9. SECRETARY'S REPORT. The annual Meeting of the Society was held on the 28fch and 29th days of September, and they were uncommonly pleasant and propitious autumnal days. The first day opened with the Plowing Match, nine teams contending for the premiums, and following this introductory and sturdy exercise, came the Trial of Working Oxen and Steers, and the Exhibition of Town Teams on the track, all of these reminding us of the beautiful and expressive lines of one of England's sweetest poets, when he says : " Hvnv jocund did they drive tlieir teams a-field." Leominster and Princeton each contributed Town Teams that would have done honor to any part of our beloved and ven- erated Commonwealth. The show of Blood Stock, which numbered seventy-five ani- mals, and a still larger number of Grade and Native, never was surpassed in quality at any previous exhibition of this Society. The Dinner of the Society was ready at the good old-fashioned hour of 12 o'clock, and prepared under the direction of Mr. Joseph Waterhouse, formerly " mine host" of the ''Americaii.'''' After all were satisfied with the common and uncommon bounties of a kind Providence, the President of the Society, Samuel Osgood, Esq., introduced to the ladies and gentlemen present, the Hon. WiUiam Birnie of Springfield, the Delegate from the State Board of Agriculture, who made a few appropri- ate remarks, congratulating the Society upon the success which has attended their efforts. Remarks were also made by Richard Goodman, Esq., President of the Berkshire Society, who had worked with a will all through the forenoon as Chairman of the Committee on Blood Stock, having been assisted by the Honor- able delegate, and Dr. Joseph Burnett of Southboro', all of whom and the other members, labored like veterans, to impar- tially bestow the awards. Remarks congratulatory and of an encouraging spirit, were also made by Solomon H. Howe, Esq., of Bolton, President of the Worcester Society. The Secretary of the Society presented a brief" memorial^^^ eulogistic, and in honor of four of our former Presidents, who all died this summer, in the short period of less than ninety days. Col. Ivors Phillips, of Worcester, followed the reading of the memorial and paid a merited tribute to the memory of his coad- jutors in the formation of the Society. The second day w^as devoted to an " Agricultural Horse Trot," a part of the Stock having been summarily removed to exhibit at the Worcester West Exhibition at Barre. Dinner was served at 11-2 o'clock P. M., and an address dehvered by the Honorable AVilham Sprague, Senator in Con- gress from Rhode Island, a synopsis of which, copied from the Boston Daily Journal of Sept. 30th, we give in these Transac- tions. After the address, the Society voted unanimously to print the memorial read Sept. 28th, by the Secretary, in their annual Transactions. They also referred all of the reports of the various commit- tees, to the Trustees of the Society for acceptance. Gen. John W. Kimball acted as Chief Marshal, and with his valuable assistants, everything passed off like clock work. The Fitchburg Cornet Band was present on both days and enlivened the exhibition with beautiful and appropriate music. L. H. BRADFORD, Secretary. IN MEMORIAM. Since the last annual meeting, Death has been busy among our members, and several of the founders of the Worcester North Agricultural Society, esteemed while in life and honored in death, are not with us to-day, as has been their annual custom — they rest from their labors, and we are in their places. Such is life ! We are here to-day, and to-morrow we are gone. Let us heed the lesson ; let us do our life-work, standing at the post of duty, so when death comes, '* Wc may wrap the drapery of our couch about us, And lie down as one to pleasant dreams." Three of our former Presidents, and one of our Vice Presi- dents, are numbered among the dead of 1869 ; they all died '•^ with their harness on" — active in life, loved and revered by their fellow-citizens, and we hope to embalm their virtues and their memories in our hearts, and while we record their names, we wish to stimulate and incite the living to more ardent effort, not only for the cause of agriculture, but for the brotherhood of man. ABEL FOX ADAMS, ESQ., The first President of this Society, under the town organization, died August 6th, 1869. He was born in the neighboring town of Lunenburg, February 20th, 1807, and at his death was in his sixty-third year. Mr. Adams was the second son of Zabdiel Boylston Adams, Esq., Counsellor at Law, of Charlestown, Mass., familiarly called " the Honest Lawyer ^^ and Martha 6 IN MEMORIAM. Fox Adams, and a grandson of that eccentric but eminent divine, Rev. Zabdiel Adams, so long settled over the church in Lunenburg. He lost his father by death when but seven years old ; this in a great measure threw him upon his own resources, which probably disciplined him for the work of after life. From sixteen to the age of tAventy he spent in the em- ploy of that well known farmer, Col. Stephen Fay of New Brain- tree ; from that place he came to Fitchburg, and his whole jiiature life was passed here — always an ardent laborer for the spread of agricultural knowledge, the farm on which he lived for nearly forty years, and on which he died, is a monument to his skill and industry. Mr. Adams was one of the principal founders of this Society, and always an efficient worker for its prosperity. Those of us who have long been connected vy'ith him, know the value of the assistance which he has so cheerfully rendered to the Society, and to the cause of agriculture, and we can hardly measure the influence which we have derived from his mature judgment and counsels, and to-day, without his honest sunburnt countenance and manly presence, we feel the loss of one of our best friends and officers. Mr. Adams was your delegate at the State Board of Agriculture for three years from 18G3, and wc doubt not but that he has left the impress of his own ardent endeavors on those connected with him on that Board. Here in Fitchburg, in our social meetings of the Farmers' Club, of which he was the principal originator, he took an active part in the discussions ; and v/as always a leading spirit in our meetings. As an officer in the prudential affairs of the town for a num- ber of years, he exercised a most salutary influence, always bringing to the performance of every duty, persistent and un- flinching honesty and integrity united to indomitable industry. " In character he was upright, conscientious and reliable, humane in his feelings, and strict in his words. He Avas early attached to the cause of temperance, and became at the start IN MEMORIAM. i an earnest worker in the cause of the slave. In busmess he was prompt, systematic and efficient, of good judgment and practical in results. As a member of a christian church he adorned his profession of nearly forty years by a consistent and exemplary life." Mr. Adams was President of the Society in 1850 and 1851, while a Town Society and called '' The Agricultural and Indus- trial Association of Fitchburg." The first President under the acts of Incorporation as the -' Fitcliburg Agricultural Society^^ in 1852, and the " Worcester North Agricultural Society ^'^ in 1853, was Col. Ivers Phillips, and we are happy to welcome him here as our guest to-day in renewed and venerable years. Long may he be spared to tlie activities of busy life. GENERAL MOSES WOOD, Your third President, vras born in Gardner, April 3d, 1803, and died in this town, !*day 8th, 1869, aged sixty-six years. He was a son of Aaron and Bethia Beard Wood. His father was one of the early settlers, and a leading citizen of that town. He died when the subject of this brief sketch was ten years old, and all of his early years were spent upon the paternal home- stead in anxious and careful industry for the support of his younger brothers and sisters and his widov^cd mother. In his twenty-first year he commenced business as a merchant in Gardner, which he successfully prosecuted until 1832, when he removed to Providence, B. L, and there he was connected with the mercantile firm of Child, Yial k Wood, engaged exten- sively in the sale of Wooden Ware and Chairs, and afterwards as dealers in Cotton and Western produce, and while a member of this firm he was a leading Director and financier in the Arcade Bank, long known as one of the " Government lyets,^- as depository of the funds of the United States. In the year 1838, the General Assembly of PJiodc Island elected him Brigadier General of Militia of Providence County. O IN MEMORIAM. General Wood removed to Fitchburg in the year 1850, hav- ing been elected the year previous, while residing in Gardner, the first President of the Rollstone Bank. While residing for a few previous years in Gardner, to which place he removed from Providence in 1843, he was a partner with Levi Hey wood, Esq., engaged extensively in the manufac- ture of chairs, and holding meanwhile the position of a Director in the old Fitchburg Bank. Before his removal from this State he was honored by his fel- low citizens with several public trusts, having been chosen a Delegate to the National Democratic Convention which nomi- nated the President and Vice President of the United States. After his return, in the years 1851 and 1852, he represented this Senatorial District, in the Senate of Massachusetts, with marked ability and devotion. While holding this office, the well remembered contest to elect Charles Sumner to the Senate of the United States occurred, and it was well known and con- ceded at the time, that no single individual, except perhaps Henry Wilson, who was President of the Massachusetts Senate, exercised so commanding an influence to shape the result as 'General Wood. While Gen. Wood was President of this Society he made successful eftbrts to place our finances on a good foundation, enabling us to draw the full bounty of the Commonwealth, equal w^ith the older and more favored Societies, and mainly through his exertions, one hundred and fifty-six names were added to our list of members. His character was marked -with unflinching honesty, and devotion of purpose, united with uncommon courtesy, and these fully symbolized by a commanding personal presence, and added to these, rare conscientiousness in the discharge of every duty — adding his testimony when brought to the dying hour, " That IN MEMOKIAM. 9 the chamber where the good man meets his fate is privileged above the common walks of life, quite on the verge of heaven." For more than thirty years I was favored with the intimate friendship of Gen. AYood, and I esteem those years as some of the happiest of my life. As a co-partner in business, and as an associate in several of our successful corporations, I do his mem- ory but common justice, when I affirm tliat he w^as " the noblest work of God — an honest man." DR. THOMAS R. BOUTELLE, Your fourth President, serving in that office in 1856 and 1857, having the two previous years been your accomplished Secre- tary, was born in the town of Leominster, June 9th, 1795 ; he died in Fitchburg, July lo, 1809, aged 74 years. He was the son of David and Demaris Boutelle. He studied medicine with Dr. Amos Twitchell of Keene, N. H., and Dr. Peter Snow, Senior, of this town, and received his medical degree from Yale Medical School. Dr. Boutelle first commenced the practice of his profession in the town of New Braintrec, but soon removed to his native place, and after a short period, to Fitchburg, iden- tifying himself with the toAvn of his adoption, and passing hero the whole of his mature life in the constant practice of his pro- fession, and at his death, the oldest physician, not only in town but in the surrounding neighborhood. My acquaintance Avith Dr. Boutelle commenced more than twenty years ago, and added years increased our friendship. During the Rebellion it was our duty as almoners for our citi- zens, to administer to the needy famiUes of our patriotic sons and brothers in their absence in the field, and I can bear testi- mony to his delicacy and faithfulness in the discharge of that duty. Having spent the largest part of his life in this tov>n, he has been a witness of its growth and prosperity, and has come to be identified with us in many ways. His honest, upright charac- 10 IN memoria:m. ter, his sterling integrity, his consistent adhesion to principle, have won the respect even of those who iiiay have differed from him in opinion, and secured him the confidence and esteem of the vfhole community. In his death, the profession which he loved and which he has followed for nearly half a century, has lost an honored member; one who worthily deserved the confidence which was reposed in him, and a place has been made vacant which will not be easily filled. In his attentions to the sick chamber he well deserved the title of the " beloved pliyslcian.''^ His last illness, protracted for many months, was borne with unfaltering patience, with a perfect trust in God, and finally he passed peacefully away to the rest which remaineth to the righteous, leaving no incompleteness in his character, and as we survey his life, we feel that his work has been well done. For three years from 1862, Dr. Boutelle was one of the Trus- tees of the State Industrial School at Lancaster, having been appointed by Governor John A. Andrew. Dr. Boutelle's professional brethren recognized liis worth by electing him to the Presidency of their District ]\Iedical Society, and to the Vice Presidency of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Dr. Boutelle made public profession of his faith and united with the Unitarian Church in 1835, and in 1839, was elected Deacon. In our towns which he has so long traversed, in our homes, so many of which he has familiarly entered as he pursued his calling, in the house of God where he devoutly worshipped, his presence v/ill be missed — but we would not call liim back, for our faith teaches us that it is well with him, that he has gone to rest in the bosom of God. The Master called him and he passed on to his reward, but he left behind, the memory of the just which is precious, and furnishes the assurance that it is not by great deeds, but by sincere faith, by modest merit, by faithful discharge of duty, that Ave become entitled to the approval of Heaven. IN MEMORIAM 11 By the kindness of Rev. Mr. Jenks, his pastor, I have copied the principal part of this sketch from the funeral sermon preached bj him, Aug. 1st, 18G9, in the Unitarian Church. The last name on our list is ISAAC B. WOODWARD, ESQ., Who for fifteen years was one of the Trustees, and for three years. Vice President of this Society, and like the others, -was one of the original members of the Society. ]Mr. AVoodward Avas born in the town of Westminster, March 11th, 1801, and was the son of Abel and Tabitha AVoodward : he died in this town. May 9th, 1860, aged 68 years. Until he was eighteen years old, he lived at home, and with- out any particular advantages for schooling, except a few weeks of the winter term ; so well did he improve the time that his education was inferior to none, of those times, who were not lib- erally educated. At the age of eighteen years, he left home for a situation in- Boston, and I have heard the members of the family with whom he resided, speak in the highest terms of his industry and integ- rity while connected with them, and his good name has been handed down as a household Avord to children's children in this family. The last year of his minority was spent upon the farm of Col. Lane of Lancaster, and on attaining his twenty-first year was married to Eliza AYetherbee, who still survives him. lu the year 1828 he removed to Fitchburg, and this town was ever after his home. By prudence and industry while engaged at the trade of a brick maker, he was able to purchase the farm on Alpine Hill, on vrhich he died. On this farm he spent the happiest days of his life, honored and respected by his fellow- townsmen, who repeatedly elected him to the municipal offices of the town ; for four years he was one of the Selectmen, and. eleven years, one of the Assessors of the town of Fitchburg. In disposition, ]Mr. AVoodward was the most cheerful of men, 12 IN MEMORIAM. always looking for a bright lining to every cloud, and whenever misfortune came he would say, " It's lucky that it's no worse/' His heart was always open to the cry of suffering, nor did he ever turn the needy from his door. In his family he was one of the best of fathers, always striv- ing for the good of his household. A neighbor who thought more of money than of the cultivation of the mind, thought it Ills duty to remonstrate with him for sending his boys to school when he was obliged to hire men to take their places on the farm ; his reply was, " I want my boys to have an education. I had rather give them a good education than broad acres, or thousands of gold." The members of the Fitchburg Farmers' Club always had a standing invitation to meet with him through the winter months, and he took a deep interest in all of their discussions. For thirty years he was a prominent member of the Unita- rian church in Fitchburg, ever maintaining a good name which is better than great riches, and coming down to the grave like a shock of corn fully ripe. The members of this Society owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Woodward for the interest he always manifested in their endeav- ors, and for their prosperity, and while we miss his kindly greet- ings, let us revere his memory and thank God for his upright- ness and integrity of life. It is worthy of notice that these prominent constituent mem- bers of this Society, all passed away within the space of three calendar months. The first who died was Mr. \yoodward. May 9th, and the last, Mr. Adams, August (3th. " Leaves have their time to fall. And flowers to wither at the north wind's breath, And stars to set— but all, Thou hast all seasons for tliine own, O', Death !" IN MEMORIAM. 13 In conclusion, as wc review the lives of our honored asso- ciates, we have great reason for gratitude for their good exam- ple, their high integrity, and for their unspotted lives. Let us feel that they give inspiration to our hopes, and so let us go forward on life's mission and do our part to bless the world, with faith in the future as in the past, an approving conscience, and the blessing of Heaven. OOV. SPBAGUE'S ADDRESS, Ex-Governor Wrn. Sprague of Rhode Island, the orator of the day, was received with three hearty cheers. He began his address by thanking the company for the response they had given to his name, and also expressed his great pleasure in meeting the men and women of New England, who had per- formed such wondrous services in inspiring the men of the Union to works of wondrous performance, as had just been accomplished in the overthrow of the greatest attempt to sup- plant Constitutional government and liberty that the world had ever witnessed. Civilization owed its thanks and gratitude to the men and women of Ma^saohusetts, of whom the company present were its worthy representatives. But it was not his purpose to dwell that afternoon on any matters connected witii the past ; it was the present and the future to which he wished to draw their attention. And it was because Massachusetts people had exercised such influence in the past in the interpre- tation of the present, that he called their attention that after- noon to the present and to the future. Not in any political sense, however, was he going to address them ; his subject was above poUtics. It had for its aim and object the perfection of mankind, and the establishment of a government of the people, strong, pure, substantial, incorporated with everything that was progressive, civilizing and noble. He always spoke with great reluctance, but having in his mind an idea which had for its effect more of interest to the people of this country than any they had ever considered, he did not feel called upon ever to refuse to give utterance to words indicating the thoughts that were in him. It might be remembered that it was his good for- tune first to utter the words that led to the movement on to GOV. SPRAUUE S ADDRESS. ib Washington early in the rebellion. It was not known to all, but he could freely say in that place anil elsewhere that when he discovered the power which was waging successfully its efforts against ours, he determined there was but one plan out of which success could be obtained to accomplish the results desired, and that was by arming the power which gave strength to the Southern rebellion — by placing the blue cloth and the musket on the shoulder and on the body of the black man. He paid a brief tribute of respect to the memory of Governor Andrew, who he said he greatly esteemed whilst living. Mr. Sprague said that most public speakers were in the habit of pointing to the progress and distinction of the American people, and in every way endeavoring to show to their audiences that they were unequalled by the people of any nation in anything whatever. It was his intention to reverse that picture, and to call their attention to a condition of things which indicated that America was not in a state of progress, but rather the reverse, and to point out the cause and the remedy. Statistics had shown in reference to farming that the productiveness of the soil of the country had been gradually decreasing from the ear- liest founders to the present time. Statistics on the other hand indicated that in France, Germany, Ireland and Scotland the productiveness of the soil had increased. When he ascertained that the average product of wheat per acre in this country was ') bushels on the old land and 11 bushels upon the new land, on the average, and ascertained in comparison that the productive- ness of the lands on the other side of the Atlantic, was from 27 to 30 bushels to the acre, he asked himself if it were possible that the farmer of this country could compete with the farmer of the Old World under such disadvantages. When he exam- ined into the position in which the farming interest of New England was to-day, and learned that it was a question where a farmer could be found that could produce a crop and obtain a profit thereon ; and ascertained further that farms in New Eng- land were for sale at less and less value from time to time ; 16 GOV. sprague's address. when he saw that ahnost the whole population of the country were seeking other avenues of employment, he was curious to understand the reason, if a reason could be found. Trades, commerce, manufactures, mechanics, tempted the whole popula- tion toward them. It had been his duty also to examine into the condition of subjects in which the nation itself was interested, and he found it was impossible for an American ship to compete on the ocean with the ships of any foreign country. These facts impressed upon his mind a conviction that there was some- thing out of order, something w^rong in the condition of our affairs. Then the question arose, what is the difficulty ? He had ascertained that the cost to the farmer for the use of the money he employed in the crops he produced was more than half its value. That cost was found in the prices he paid for his farm, his tools, in the transportation of the crops and in the expense of his buildings. In consequence of the extreme cost of money it was impossible for him to introduce strengthening elements to keep up the value of his land, in order that he might continue its productiveness. In Rhode Island, where hardly a generation since they w^ere able to produce on the farm that he (Mr. Sprague) occupied as much as four or five hundred bush els of potatoes per acre, they could not to-day raise a bushel, owing to the deteriorated condition of the soil. The land which gave subsistence to an energetic and educated population in former years was hardly to-day any better than the desert lands of Sahara. The reason for all this was that the stream of money which heretofore flowed into the hands of the farmer, and enabled him to benefit his land and himself, had departed, and was not likely to return. It had been ascertained that all the employments in which the people were engaged and that required the use of this material, the ones that wanted it longest were the first to be deprived of it. Farming would sink first, as not being able to make quick returns ; commerce next. The encroacher was already visiting manufacturing and the trades, and banking, or dealing in money, Avould be the last. He had GOV. sprague's address. 17 previously spoken in regard to these and other things, and was held up to the public as speaking of things of which he knew nothing. Those persons who had criticised those remarks to-day held their faces to the ground and acknowledged the truthful- ness of the predictions he then made. He did not, there or elsewhere, point a finger of blame to any man or combination of men, for the aspect afiairs at present wore ; but he wanted to know, when the interests of the people had been deprived of their productiveness, what would be the picture ? This matter of money was one of the most interesting subjects that ever occu- pied the brain of thoughtful and considerate men or women. The principle of money, which was an elementary one, was at present unchecked, unbalanced, unquestioned ; no thought was given to it. Mr. Sprague referred to the recent New York gold panic, and said it must be patent to every thoughtful man that the condition of things which enabled a few operators to perform such dealings in gold was dangerous to liberty and to civilization. The speaker alluded at some length to the national questions of America, and contrasted them with the national questions of other peoples. Referring to the stability and strength of EngUsh trade led Mr. Sprague to again glance at American industries. He said that when he could procure the equilibrium of the money question, and force it back to the productive employments of the people, he should consider that it could no longer prove dangerous. What was it lost Rome her power ? Monopolies. What was it that gave England her present power? The counteracting of monopolies. The centraHzation of money, the monopoly of capital impoverished American farms, destroyed her commerce and performed but one service, the temporary enhancement of the value of the cities and railroads and special interests. The American people must soon recognize that there was an ele- mentary principle at work that was destroying her great inter- ests. They must exercise upon it care, and determine its regu- 18 GOV. sprague's address. lation, its subordination to their interests. Unless tlaej did that they were as certainly on the road to the present poor existence of Mexico as that they existed. In conclusion, Mr. Sprague said that there was brought into the United States Treasury, from the people of the country, from customs and internal reve- nue, a volume of money equal to about ^40,000,000 a month. In that process of bringing in and retaining the money the whole population engaged in the business of money united in measures of sympathy with the Government, and hoarded that which was so necessary to the business, the trades and the living of the people. They hoard when the treasury hoarded, they unloose when the treasury unloosed, and their aim was to buy and sell the gold and stocks. That was destroying every trade and business in the country, and sapping the very foundations of its liberty and prosperity. The principle established to cor- rect this was simply as foUoAvs : That this $40,000,000, poured into the treasury (and in our system it remained there some time), had to pass through the hands of 20,000 or 30,000 peo- ple employed as collecting agents. How long it remained in their hands remained for them to determine and not for the peo- ple. In the governments of the Old World every dollar was brought in at the moment of its collection ; it was then parted with at the market prices, at the proper security ; it thus acts as a balance to the market, holding it in check, preventing any combination of powers united to uphold or to affect it. The ex- ample of Great Britain in this respect was well worth imitating, for that system that withdrew so much mo^ey for so long a time, and without regularly returning it, weakened the life of busi- ness, trade and manhood of the country. The handling of the Government revenues in such a manner was not only dangerous to the community, but was unsafe, in his opinion, as regarded the money itself. It was better that that regulation should be ab- rogated. With their eyes wide open in the observation of the clear day the American people would carefully watch and guard the great powers and principles^ and so advance progress and GOV. sprague's address. 19 civilization. Unless the power that was now rioting over the land without check and hindrance was defeated, there would be no prosperity, no progress for this people. The men and women of Massachusetts had been foremost in the contest to establish liberty and constitutional government ; let them to-day meet this greater trial, and do the greater work of perpetuating it. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. THOROUGH-BRED STOCK. Your committee, having made its awards, can not forbear some remarks growing out of the occasion of its coming together. Its members were fehcitously chosen for the impartial perform- ance of its duties, four of them being non-residents of the county, and one of them being a breeder of Short-horn, or Durham stock ; another of Ayrshires, and another of Jerseys, and strangers to the particular stock exhibited at Fitchburg. The arrangements iov the examination of the stock cannot be too highly commended, differing, as they did, from most of those at our County Fairs, and allowing the committee to pursue their labors without mo- lestation, and without the necessity of hunting on the field for the cattle desired. We were very agreeably surprised by the show of Short-horns and Ayrshires, owned in Fitchburg, and could hardly realize that amid the incessant toil and watchful- ness consequent upon the employments of so prosperous a man- ufacturing community, sufficient attention could be given to the raising up of such noble herds. As the foundation of all our national prosperity is based upon ao'ricultural pursuits, nothing can be more commendable in our merchants and manufacturers than their encouragement, and as all branches of protective industry are mutually related and mu- tually dependent — as every laborer who is employed at the forge, in the mill or factory, must be provided with food and raiment, — it conduces to the convenience and prosperity of the whole to THOROUGH BRED STOCK. 21 gather about the factory villages and towns a little circle of farms from which the daily supplies for the table can be furnished. In addition to these material benefits, the manufacturer or mechanic who cultivates his farm or little patch, is more likely to improve his health by a change of employments, to expand his mind by an observance of the laws of nature as they affect the growth of animals and vegetables, and to acquire that love for outdoor pur- suits which will enable him, in the decline of life, to enjoy them as pleasures which meet with no obstruction even from old age, and seem to approach nearest to those of true wisdom. There is scarcely any one who does not sometimes please himself in the prospect of rural labors and engagements ; who does not hope, some day, to adorn his garden or cultivate his own farm, and to sit down, in repose, under his own vine and fruit trees, and the greatest persons, of every age, have found, in the shade of retirement and agricultural occupations, that sweet satisfaction which they had failed to experience amid the splendors of a court, or in the triumphs of victories, or in amassment of wealth. And how much more reasonable, instead of waiting until they have become rich, and have exhausted aft the well-springs of youth, to combine the pursuits of farming, or of horticulture, with their ordinary avocations, and thus ameliorate the harshness of mere gainful toil, by the soothing attentions required by mother earth. There is a great deal of sentimental puerility afloat about the love of nature, and its ability to afford, at all times, a permanent and pure delight, but common experience shows that, to exchange the bustle of business and the gay amusements of society, for fields and woods, silence and solitude, is not sufficient to insure a life of contentment, and it is necessary for all who meditate a retreat, ultimately, from the cares of business or gaiety of the world, to cultivate, beforehand, those qualities and habits which may add life and interest to the calm prospects and silent exhi- bitions of rural nature. This is done now in America, and espe- cially in the Eastern States, more sedulously than anywhere else in the world, and there is, probably, nowhere, more earthly felicity 22 THOROUGH BRED STOCK. than in our suburban villages and manufacturing towns, where the man of culture, the toiling citizen, the daily harnessed la- borer, can exchange the "carking cares" of hourly existence in the counting room, the shop, and the factory, for the pure air, the repose and pleasurable employments of the country. It was the remark of one, (General Washington), who sel- dom said an unconsidered thing, that in the multiplication of an- imals the greatest blessing w^as being conferred upon the coun- try, so far as its material prosperity was affected. Many of our amateur farmers are coinciding in this view, and, of late years, great attention has been paid to the breeding of pure stock, and the most noted breeds — those which find higher favor among us — the Short-horns, the Ayrshires, and the Jerseys have attained great prominence in New England. It is claimed by the adhe- rents of each class that it, alone, is more especially adapted to our wants; but, as Uncle Toby said to the fly, "the w^orld is large enough for all," and their merits are so sul generis, that neither breed should conflict with the other. The Ayrshires are especially valuable where milk alone is desired, and the pastures are rough and short ; the Jerseys, where butter is the main con- sideration, and on the gentleman's lawn ; the Short-horns, as a general farming stock, and in localities where, in addition to a fair allowance of milk and quality of butter, carcass is needed for w^orking cattle and for beef. We need not fear being over- stocked with too many good animals of either kind, and the in- dustry of careful breeders will be severely taxed to meet the wants of the more intelligent farmers, and fill up the voids aris- ing from the neglect of the less intelligent, who purchase fine stock and fail to take proper care of it. The Short-horn cattle, as is now well kno^vn, came from the original stock, brought into England by the Danes prior to the Norman conquest, and were improvements made by careful breeding, commencing about the year 1780. Importations came to this country as early as 1815, and into Massachusetts in 1818, and the fine milking stock, now so prominent throughout New TIIOROUQII-BRED STOCK. 23 England, is owing to the efforts of breeders yet living in our State and those contiguous to it. The successful efforts of the Messrs. Lathrop, of South Hadlej Falls, Mass., and Benjamin Sumner, of Woodstock, Connecticut, to breed this %e stock to flesh and milk are worthy of the highest commendation, and we see, with pleasure, that Mr. Whitman, of Fitchburg, whose fine herd of over 50 head came under our consideration, is vieing with other good breeders to restore to our Short-horns their milk- ing qualities, of which, by continuous breeding for beef pur- poses they have, in a measure, been despoiled. The origin of the Ayrshire cow is even yet a matter of dis- pute, but is comparatively recent, as writers on cattle, not long previous to the beginning of the present century, do not mention the Ayrshire as one of the recognized breeds of Scotland, but they undoubtedly arose from an admixture of the native cattle with some improved breeds. Tradition refers to an early im- portation of Alderneys to the parish of Dunlop, which first be- came distinguished for its cows and produce of its dairy, and tradition appears to be confirmed in the minds of some, by what is considered a similarity between the Alderney breed and the modern Ayrshire ; but more recent criticism leads to the conclu- sion that the improvements in the Ayrshire stock was effected by a cross with compact Short-horn bulls, descended from good milking families, and from this cross came the shape, color, and milking qualities of the modern Ayrshire cow. They first be- gan to be imported here in 1831, and have not lost by contact with our climate in stamina and form, though probably they do not yield as much milk as in the moister air of Scotland. The best importations have been into Massa-chusetts, none exceeding those of Mr. Gushing, of Watertown, near Boston, prior to 183T; and the herd of Mr. Birnie, of Springfield^ has disseminated its progeny all over the country, and stands, at present, unrivalled for excellence. We are glad to see the fine herd of Capt. Miles, at Fitchburg, and among it animals second to none in the country. The Alderneys — or as they are now designated, the /(??*««y5 — 24 THOROUGH-BRED STOCK. though a recent favorite among ns, are an old importation into England — are mentioned incidentally in volumes of the last cen- tury, and have been brought to this country by captains of ves- sels, for use on the voyage, for more than thirty years. This breed is derived from the group of beautiful islands pertaining to the British crown, which He near the shores of France, in the bay formed by the coasts of Normandy and Brittany. The islands are four : Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey, and Sack ; and from the largest and richest, (Jersey), our more recent importa- tions have arrived ; and, as by a law of that island, no cow, heifer, calf, or bull can be taken into it from elsewhere, the indi- genous breed must be pure. The breed of Guernsey differs from the others, having more spreading horns, size of the ani mal larger, form rounder, and bones less prominent, and the whole carcass coarser, and presenting but few of the peculiarities of the graceful Alderney or Jersey cow. As is well known, these cows are now great favorites, are increasing in numbers, and sell for good prices, and estimated as well for their diminutive size, and deer-like head, body, and limbs, as for their richness of but- ter. The late John A. Tainter, of Hartford, Ct., as early as 1850, made the first large importations, and their descendants have always been highly esteemed ; but in all probability the finest animals of this breed in the world are now owned in the eastern part of Massachusetts. The herd of Mr. Brooks, of Princeton, was well represented at Fitchburg, and there were several other fine animals belonging to other owners. It is not necessary for us to refer to the Devons, another fa- vorite in special localities; nor to the Holsteins, now coming into notice, through the exertions of Mr. Chenery, of Belmont, as they were not represented on this occasion. Perhaps we have dwelt too long on the subject of improved stock ; but when it is considered that in England, by improved breeding, the capital of the country invested in bovine stock has increased in value two-fold during the present century, merely by the earlier maturity of the young intended for beef — a steer THOKOUGII-BRED STOCK. 25 or heifer weighing as much now at two years as formerly at four — the two years' feeding being thus saved, among other consid- erations— and that we have an aggregate value of nearly 07ie thousand millions of dollars invested in neat cattle of all de- scriptions, in this country, we cannot but think no employment is more worthy of the men of resources and taste, than the car- ing for, and the improvement of, our stock ; and we rejoice in the activity of the thousand and more agricultural associations throughout the land — owing their origin to the Berkshire sys- tem, introduced by Elkanah Watson, in Pittsfield, in 1810 — by which the competitors in growing the best stock of all kinds are so generously fostered. If all these associations are as well man- aged, and present as good a show as that at Fitchburg, we are on the high road to great results, not only in improved stock, but improved farming. The Committee on Torougb-bred Stock make the following awards : SHORTHORN HERDS. 1st premium to A. Whitman, Fitchburg, $12 00 BULLS ONE YEAR OLD. 1st prem. to A. Whitman, Fitch., for *' Baron of Fairview," 6 00 2d '• *' '' " Prince Dale," 4 00 BULL CALVES. 1st prem. to A. Whitman, Fitch., for " Thomas Carlisle," 5 00 2d •* " '' ''Jennie's Carlisle," 3 00 cows FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARDS. 1st prem. to A. Whitman, Fitch., for '* Jennie," 6 00 2d '* '• " "Bellflower," 4 00 cows THREE YEARS OLD AND UNDER FOUR. 1st prem. to A. Whitman, Fitch., for " Wenonah." 5 00 2d '' " " "Ada 6th," 3 00 26 THOROUGH- BRED STOCK. COWS TWO YEARS OLD AND UNDER THREE. 1st prem. to A. Whitman, Fitch., for " Lady Carlisle 2d," 4 00 2d " " " " Autumn Flower 2d,' ' 2 00 cows ONE YEAR OLD AND UNDER TWO. 1st prem. to A. Whitman, Fitch., for ''Rose of Oxford," 3 00 2d " Joel Page, '' " Twinkle 2d," 2 00 CALVES UNDER ONE YEAR OLD. 1st prem. to A. Whitman, Fitch., for *' Avon Belle," 3 00 2d " Joel Page, " '' Kitty Clyde," 2 00 AYRSHIRES HERDS. 1st prem. to E. T. Miles, Fitch., 12 00 BULLS TWO YEARS OLD AND UPWARDS. 1st prem. to L. H. Rice, W. Boylston, for " Oswald 2d," 8 00 2d " E. T. Miles, Fitch., for ''Roderick Dhu," 5 00 BULLS ONE YEAR OLD. 1st prem. to E. T. Miles, Fitch., for " Scott," 6 00 BULL CALVES. 1st prem. to E. T. Miles, Fitch., for '* Highlander," 5 00 2d '* '' " "Roderick Dhu 2d," 3 00 COWS FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARDS. 1st prem. to E. T. Miles, Fitch., for *' Emma," 6 00 2d " " " ''Beauty," 4 00 cows TWO YEARS OLD. 1st prem. to E. T. Miles, Fitch., for " Lady Burns," 4 00 2d ** " " "Myrtle 1st," 2 00 cows ONE YEAR OLD. 1st prem. to L. H. Rice, W. Boylston, for " Effie Morton," 3 00 2d " E. T. Miles, Fitch., for " Ellen Douglas," 2 00 CALVES. 1st prem. to E. T. Miles, Fitch., for " Myrtle 2d," 3 00 THOROUGH-BRED STOCK. 27 JERSEYS — IIEIIDS. 1st prem. to John Brooks, Princeton, 12 00 BULLS TWO YEARS OLD. 1st prem. to John Brooks, Princeton, for " Grant," 8 00 BULL CALVES. 1st prem. to J. F. Brown, Lunenburg, for " Julius Caesar," 5 00 2d '* John Brooks, Princeton, "Meh'ose," 3 00 cows FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARDS. 1st prem. to John Brooks, Princeton, for " Jersey Belle," 6 00 2d " " '' ** Buttercup," 4 00 cows THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARDS. 1st prem. to John Brooks. Princeton, for " Gluna," 5 00 2d " *' " ''Grace," 3 00 cows TWO YEARS OLD AND UPWARDS. 1st prem. to J. F. Brown, Lunenburg, for " Clare," 4 00 2d '' J. Brooks, Princeton, for " Cora," 2 00 COWS ONE YEAR OLD AND UPWARDS. 1st prem. to John Brooks, Princeton, for " Bott," 3 00 2d " J. F. Brown, Lunenburg, for '' Grazialla," 2 00 CALVES. 1st prem. to J. F. Brown, Lunenburg, for " Dinah 3d," 3 00 2d " J. Brooks, Princeton, for '* Highland Maid," 2 00 B. GOODMAN, Lenox, Chairman. N. B. The Committee would recommend a gratuity of $5 00 to S. Stone of Lunenburg, for his Bull, "Jamestown," upon which the Committee could not, under the rules, pass. 28 MILCH KINE. GRADE OR NATIVE BULLS. The Committee on Grade or Native Bulls, have attended to that duty and make the following awards : BULLS MORE THAN TWO YEARS OLD. 1st prem. to Joel Page, Fitchburg, $5 00 YEARLING BULLS. 1st prem. to Franklin Nourse, Sterling, 4 00 2d " Levi Kendall, Fitchburg, 2 00 BULL CALVES. 1st prem. to Sewall G. Mirick, Princeton, 4 00 2d '' E. W. Gill, Princeton, 2 00 JOSEPH UPTON, for the Committee. MILCH KINE. The Committee on Milch Kine, having attended to the duty assigned them, submit the following report, viz : There were many very fine animals exhibited, some within the rules, and others not complying, consequently,, your Committee were obliged to leave unawarded several premiums ; but in the exercise of their best judgment, from the means of judging afforded them, they make the following awards, viz : HERDS. 1st prem. to Joseph P. Reed, Princeton, $10 00 cows FOR BUTTER. 1st prem. to Emory W. Gill, Princeton, 5 00 2d " Joseph P. Reed, " 4 00 3d " ♦* " 3 00 cows FOR MILK. 1st prem. to Joel Page, Fitchburg, 5 00 2d '' Emory W. Gill, Princeton, 4 00 3d " Joseph P. Reed, " 3 00 MILCH KINB. 29 HEIFERS THREE YEARS OLD, FOR BUTTER. 1st prem. to Emory W. Gill, Princeton, 5 00 HEIFERS .THREE YEARS OLD, FOR MILK. 1st prem. to Nathan B. Reed, Princeton, 5 00 HEIFERS TWO YEARS OLD, FOR BUTTER. 1st prem. to Franklin Nourse, Sterling, 4 00 HEIFERS TWO YEARS OLD^ FOR MILK. 1st prem. to Joseph P. Reed, Princeton, 4 00 Respectfully submitted, S. S. HASTINGS, Chairman. Statement of J. P. Reed. I offer for premium one herd of four cows, aged respectively, four, seven, eight and six years ; breed, grade Holderness ; the weight of their milk six days in June, was 1068 lbs. In September, six days, 810 lbs. Time of last calving, as follows : April lOth, 1869 ; Feb. 11th, 1869; March 18th, 1869; Feb. 17th, 1869. They had at June trial, in addition to pasture, two qts. meal each, at a cost of 38^ cts. per quart. At Sept. trial, two qts. corn and cob meal each. I offer for premium, one cow for milk, age, eight years ; grade Hol- derness ; her milk at June trial, weighed 318 lbs. ; six days in Sept., 228 lbs. Time of last calving, March 18th, 1869 ; keeping as before stated. I also offer for premium another cow (six years old, grade Holder- ness) for milk. She gave, the six days in June, 314 lbs. ; six days in Sept., 230 lbs. Time of last calving, May 1st, 1869 ; keeping as before stated. I offer for premium for butter, one cow, nine years old ; Holder- ness breed; from her milk the six days in June, was made 12 lbs. 4 oz. of butter ; the six days in Sept., 10 lbs 7 oz. of butter. Time of last calving, Feb. 2d, 1869. She brought two heifer calves, copies of herself; keeping as before stated. 30 MILCH KINE. I offer another cow for premium for butter ; age, five years ; grade. From her milk at June trial was made 10 lbs. of butter; Sept., 8 lbs. 8 oz. Time of last calving, Feb. 17th, 1869; keeping same as the others. I offer for premium one heifer, age, two years^ Holderness, for milk; she gave, six days in June, 156 lbs of milk; Sept., six days, 120 lbs. of milk. Time of last calving, Feb. 4th, 1869. I also offer the same for premium for butter. From her milk, six days in June, was made 6 lbs. 10 oz. ; six days in Sept., 5 lbs 8 oz. ; her keeping as the other cows. I offer for premium one herd of four cows, for butter, aged nine, eight, five and two years, Holderness. Their produce in butter at June trial, was o8 lbs. 14 oz. Time of last calving, Feb. 2d, 1869 ; March 18th, 18G9; Feb. 17th, 1869; Feb. 4th, 1869. Keeping the same as the others. Sept. trial, 32 lbs. 15 oz. J. P. REED. Princeton, Sept. 20th, 1869. Statement of Emory W. Gill. I offer for premium one cow (11 years old, grade Devon) for milk. She gave, June trial 2.82;^ lbs. of milk; Sept. trial, 184i lbs. Calved Feb. 1st, 1869. I offer for premium for butter, one cow, eight years, grade Short Horn ; from her milk, June trial, was made 12 lbs. 6 oz! of butter; Sept. trial, 10 lbs, 3 oz. of butter. Time of last calving, June 10th, 1869. I offer for premium one three-years-old heifer (grade Short Horn) for butter. From her milk, six days in June, was made 8 lbs. 9 oz. ; six days in Sept., 7 lbs. 7 oz. Time of last calving, April 7th, 1869. Their keeping at June trial was only pasture ; Sept. trial, an additio n of two quarts of corn and cob meal per day. EMORY W. GILL. Princeton, Sept. 1869. Statement of Joel Page. I offer for premium one cow, three-quarters grade Durham, six years old. The June trial of six days, was 49 1-2 lbs. per day ; her MILCH KINE. ol keeping, pasture only ; September trial of six days, was 36 | lbs. per day ; her keeping was pasture and green corn once a day, and four quarts shorts per day. I offer for premium, one cow, Thorough-bred Shorthorn, six years old, for milk. Her six days trial in June was 40| lbs. per day; her keeping, pasture onfy. At the Sept. trial it was 31 lbs. per day; her keej)ing, pasture with fodder corn once a day and four quarts shorts per day. Her time of last calving was March 22d, 1809. Name of cow, -Yarico28." JOEL PAGE. Statement of Nathan B. Reed. I offer for premium, one Heifer for milk, age, three years ; breed, grade. Calved March 15, 1869. She gave, during the June trial, 234 lbs. of milk ; in Sept. she gave 204 lbs ; her keeping has been common pasture, with fodder corn. NATHAN B. REED. Statement of Franklin Nourse.^ In compliance with the rules of our Society, I furnish you with the following statement in regard to the butter production of my two-years- old heifer, " Lady White-face." She calved about the first of March and fatted a noble calf of her own, and at the same time suckled another which was short, for the first three weeks. Her milk was set and churned by itself the first week in June, and the yield was 7 ^|- Ibs. of lump butter. She was also tried the first week in Sept., and the yield was then 5^ lbs. of splendid lump butter. ^ She is one of a herd of ten cows, and their keeping as yet has been nothing but com- mon pasturing. They are brought in and yarded every night. I salt them twice a week invariably. FRANKLIN NOURSE. HEIFERS. The Committee on one and two years old Heifers, report that t^iere were but three entries of two-years-old, and six entries of yearling 32 • HEIFER CALVES. Heifers. Of the Yearlings, but four were found on the grounds ; all the Two-years-olds entered were exhibited. The awards were as follows : TWO YEARS OLD. 1st prem. to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, $4 00 3d '* S. G. Mirick, Princeton, 2 00 YEARLING S. 1st prem. to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, 3 00 2d '* N. B. Reed, Princeton, 2 00 3d " B. F. Proctor, Fitchburg, 1 00 Respectfully submitted, B. F. WALLIS, for the Committee. HEIFER CALVES. The Committee appointed on Heifer Calves not reporting for duty, a substitute was set to work who submit the following as their report: RAISED BY HAND. 1st prem. to Warren W. Shattuck, Fitchburg, $4 00 2d " Loriston Stockwell, " 3 00 The calf entered by Rufus Litchfield, not coming within the "Rules," could not compete for premium. Your Committee, however, feel jus- tified in recommending a gratuity to equal the 3d premium, $2 00. WALTER A. EAMES, for the Committee. Statement of W. W. Shattuck. The calf which I offer for premium, was dropped the 12th of March ; remained with the cow four days, was then learned to drink , having one-third new milk for one week, afterwards, nothing but skimmed milk and hay till the first of July, then one quart oats per day with hay. W. W. SHATTUCK. Fitchburg, Sept. 25th, 1869. WORKING OXEN. 33 Statement of Loriston Stochwell, The calf I offer for premium was raised by hand ; sucked the cow ab out ten days ; learned to drink on new milk, a few days after on skim-milk, with at first a small handful of barley meal scalded, in the space of ten days increased to one-half pint; fed in this way until about three months old ; since, her living mostly grass. LORISTON STOCKWELL. Fitchburg, Sept. 24th, 1869. WOREINa OXEN. » The Committee on Working Oxen make the following awards : FOUR YEARS OLDS. 1st prem. to J. P. Reed, Princeton, $7 00 2d '' W. H. Sawyer, Sterling, 6 00 3d " S. Gr. Mirick, Princeton, 5 00 FIVE YEARS OLDS. 4th prem. to J. P. Reed, Princeton, 4 00 5th " Augustus Whitman, Fitchburg, 3 00 AlsQ, a grat. to W. Shattuck, Fitch., for draw, over weight, 3 00 BEST MINOR TEAMSTER. 1st prem. to S. G. Mirick's son, Princeton, 5 00 THOMAS BILLINGS, for the Committee. STEERS MORE THAN TWO YEARS OLD. The Committee on Steers, more than two years old award the fol- owing premiums : THREE YEARS OLD STEERS. 1st prem. to Nathan B. Reed, Princeton, $5 00 2d ♦* J. P. Reed, Princeton, 4 00 3d " A. Whitman, Fitchburg, 3 00 34 YEARLING STEERS AND STEER CALVES. TWO' YEARS OLD STEERS. 1st prem. to Nathan B. Reed, Princeton, 4 00 2d " J. P. Reed, Princeton, 3 00 TRAINED STEERS. 1st prem. to N. B. Reed, Princeton, 4 00 2d " J. P. Reed, " 3 00 BEST MINOR TRAINER. 1st prem. to Walter S. Howe, Princeton, 3 00 LORISTON STOCKWELL, for the Committee. YEARLING STEERS AND STEER CALVES. The Committee on Yearling Steers and Steer Calves, make the fol- lowing awards : YEARLING STEERS. 1st prem. to N. B. Reed, Princeton, $3 00 2d - J. P. Reed, - 2 00 3d " " " 1 00 TRAINED YEARLINGS. 1st prem. to N. B. Reed, Princeton, 3 00 2d " J. P. Reed, " 2 00 STEER CALVES. 2d prem, to J. P. Reed, Princeton, 4 00 CALVES RAISED BY HAND. 1st prem. to E. W. Gill of Princeton, 6 00 2d " D. S. Eaton, Fitchburg, 4 00 TRAINED CALVES. 1st prem. to J. P. Reed, Princeton, 4 00 ]. ; BEST MINOR TRAINER. * ' 1st prem. to Waiter S. Howe, Princeton, . • 3 00 2d " Theodore A. Miriek, Princeton, * 2 00 BENJAMIN WYMAN, Chairman. PENS OF CALVES. 36 Statement of Emory W. Gill. I offer for premium one pair of steer calves, five months old, grade, raised by liiind. Tliey were taken from the cow at the age of one week and learned to drink skimmed milk which they have had to the 2)resent time, with the addition of a little scalded corn and cob meal for the last two or three weeks. EMORY W. GILL. Princeton, Sept. 20th, 1860. Statement of J. P. Reed. The calves which I enter as raised by hand, were treated in the fol- lowing manner : were allowed to suck the cow from one to two weeks, as the condition of the cow's bag might be ; were then learned to drink skimmed milk thirty-six hours old ; have been fed with it through the summer, in addition to pasture ; it has been fed to them in all condi- tions, fi.'om svreet to loppered. No meal or roots are fed to them. J. P. REED. Princeton, Sept., 1869. PENS OF CALVES. Tlie Committee on Pens of Calves, have attended to the duty assigned them. • Two entries were made, one by Levi Kendall, Fitcliburg, and one by J. P. Reed, Princeton. Mr. Kendall's were not found by your Committee upon the grounds. A fine pen of the " Holderness Breed," offered by Mr. Reed were examined by your Committee and tliey were unanimous in awarding him the first premium of ten dollars. PENS OF CALVES. Istprem. to J.. P. Reed, Princeton, $10 00 , . - -, J. E. MERRIAM, Chairman. 36 FAT CATTLE. FAT CATTLE. The Committee on Fat Cattle have attended to the duty assigned them, and report as follows : There were eleven entries — ten oxen and one three-years-old steer. Only six of the oxen were the Committee able to find. The Committee award the following premiums : FAT OXEN. 1st prem. to J. Cushing, Fitchburg, 8 00 2d " E. Moore, Leominster, 5 00 3d '' " '' 3 00 THREE YEARS OLD STEERS. 1st prem. to S. G. Mirick, Princeton, 6 00 JOSEPH COZZENS, for the Committee. Statement of J. Cushing. These oxen were fed two quarts corn meal, two quarts shorts from December 15th, 18G7, until May 20th, 1868. Nothing but grass and hay from that time until now, doing the work o^i the farm. J. CUSHING. Fitchburg, Sept. 28th, 1869. Statement of E. Moore. 1 have owned the yoke of Fat Oxen I enter for premium, since last March. They have been kept on hay, with two quarts mrjal each per day; they have done all the ox work on my farm during the time, to this date. E. MOORE. Leominster, Sept. 10th, 1869. STALLIONS. The Committee on Stallions submit the following report : The premiums for Stallions were offered in three classes ; — Ist. Best Stallion, speed considered, five years old and upwards j two premiums — $25, and $10. STALLIONS. 37 2cl. Best Stallion for general use, five years old and upwards, one premium — $10. 3d. Best Stallion, three or four years old, speed considered, two premiums — S15, and $10. In tiie first class there was but one entry, and as the rules of the Society provide that in all cases where speed is considered, (without qualifications,) there must be at least three entries; therefore, no pre- mium could be awarded in this class, but your Committee recommend that a gratuity of $10 be paid to Wm. M. Mandell of BaiTe, for the Stallion '' Brown Dick." In the second class there were two entries. One premium only be- ing offered, it was unanimously awarded to Messrs. Jones & Perkins for their Stallion '' Abdallah." It is proper to remark that the other Stallion offered in this class, exhibited none of his stock in accordance with the conditions of the offer for premiums. In the third class there was but one entry — three being required, no premium could be awarded. We recommend that a gratuity of $5 be paid to Mr. Kansom Rich of Fitchburg, for his " Hiram Drew" colt. Your Committee believe that the present classification of Stallions can be improved upon, and they respectfully invite the attention of the Trustees of the Society and those immediately interested, to its consid- eration. E. T. MILES, Chamnaih MARES AND SUCKING COLTS. Your Committee on Mares and Colts, having attended to the duties assigned them, beg leave to make the following report : We find eleven entries, and all but one were present. After exam- ining them, have awarded as follows : BREEDING MARES. 1st prem. to Joel Page, Fitchburg, $6 00 2d " L. Patch, Fitchburg, 4 00 3d " J. H. Whitcomb, Littleton, 2 00 STALLIONS. SUCKING COLTS. 1st prem. to M. S. Heath, Lunenburg, 3 00 2d '' L. Patch, Fitchburg, 2 00 3d "J. H. Whitcomb, Littleton, 1 00 Your Committee, feeling that much might be said in relation to Mares for Breeding purposes, which we are quite too incompetent to give at this time, yet will venture to give a few of the ideas we have of those which are profitable to raise stock from, so that our breed of Horses might be much improved. Select the best mares you can find, sound, and from five to twelve years old, and secure the ser- vice of some good horse, whose stock tell of his value as a stock horse. Do not overtax her with hard labor while with foal, but use her gently, expecting she will ere long reward you for your kindness to her, and she will do it, on her part. But, alas ! how few of our* best mares, while in their prime, are allowed to raise a colt ; her owner prizes her so high for work or driving, that he cannot spare her for this purpose until broken down and become unfit for his use as a driver ; then, for the good service she has done, thinks her of value to breed from, and begins to look for some horse which he has heard of that has made quick time, or is in some way a kin to " Flora Temple," "Ethan Allen," or "Dexter," anticipating that by securing his service he shall raise a colt that will go in two-forty or less, in hopes when matured, that he will beat " Dexter" himself. But he has fancied all this and finds himself sadly mistaken at last, for he was not governed by the horse having all the fine points which a stock horse should pos- sess, but by what some said of his speed, and not of his beauty. Speed is all, whether he has a large clumsy head, with sunken eyes, and ears after the fashion of the animal that Balaam rode , or with nearly twice the length there should be from his withers to his loin, which is very narrow and is no good mark of strength or endurance, which is, really, the value of any horse. We believe many good colts are spoiled by stinted keeping which is not regarded in the light it should be. If you would raise a horse that will command a high price in market, he must have beauty and muscle ; and if you would raise such an one, you must give the colt something that will produce muscle, which cannot be made by feeding meadow hay or oats. From other stock, the best English hay and a HORSES. 39 few oats ia winter, and good pasture in summer, will generally give you all that is desirable for service, which will be the owner's pride. In this report we have given only the brief ideas of your Committee on breeding, and raising our stock of horses to the standard they should hold, and if you consider it worthy of your consideration, please follow the suggestions made; if not, please give us your opinion another year, and you will greatly oblige. All of which is respectfully submitted, WARREN SIMONDS, for the Committee. DRAUGHT HORSES. The Committee on Draught Horses, have attended to their duty and report as folio \ys : There was only one entry for pairs, that of Levi Kendall. There were five entries for single horses. DRAUGHT HORSES. PAIRS. 1st prem. to Levi Kendall, Fitchburg, $6 00 SINGLE HORSES. 1st prem. to G. W. Wheelwright, Fitchburg, 5 00 2d " F. B. Harrington, Leominster, 3 00 MINOR TEAMSTER, 1st prem. to Theodore A. Mirick, Princeton, 2 00 EZRA KENDALL, for the Committee. FAMILY HORSES— SINGLE. The Committee on Family Horses, Single, report : There were sixteen horses entered, thirteen of them present. All of them good horses, though in our judgment some of them did not exhibit qualities which entitle the.m to be called " Family Horses." The Committee are unanimous in awarding the premiums as follows : 1st prem. to Augustus Whitman, Fitchburg, $12 00 2d " George F. Battles, Fitchburg,; 800 ALFRED MILLER, Chairman. 40 HORSES. COLTS. The Committee on Colts, have examined those presented and sub- mit the following report : THREE YEARS OLD GELDINGS. 1st prem. to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, ^10 00 THREE YEARS OLD FILLIRS. 1st prem. to John Clifford, Leominster, 10 00 2d *' H. M. Heywood, Westminster, 5 00 THREE YEARS OLD STALLIONS. 2d prem, to George Miles, Westminster, 5 00 TWO YEARS OLD GELDINGS. 1st prem. to Ohio Whitney, Ashburnham, • 6 00 TWO YEARS OLD FILLIES. 1st prem. to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, 6 00 2d •' John Clifford, Leominster, S 00 YEARLING COLTS. 1st prem. to Asia F. Jefts, Fitchburg, 5 00 2d " Augustus Whitman, Fitchburg, 3 00 HENRY CHASE, for the Committee. i i MATCHED DRIVING HORSES. The Committee on Matched Driving Horses, award as follows : 1st prem. to C. H. Brown, Fitchburg, $12 00 2d "A. Hitchcock, Fitchburg, 8 00 OHIO WHITNEY, JR., Chairman. 1 GENTLEMEN'S DRIVING HORSES— SINGLE. The Committee on Gentlemen's Driving Horses, have attended to the duty assigned them, and submit the following report : The number of entries in this class is seven. We award as follows : 1st prem. to L. Sprague, Fitchburg. $25 00 2d '* C. J. Delahanty, Fitchburg, 8 00 Respectfully submitted, A. L. BURDITT, Chairman, HORSES. 41 HORSES FOE SPEED. The Committee on Horses for Speed, award as follows : IIOr.SES TUAT NEVER BEAT 2.30 PuRSE $225. 1st prem. to B. Royce, Boston, for " Eli," SI 50 00 2d " W. M. Mandell, Barre, for "Trifle," 50 00 3d " M. Lark, Boston, for " Vermont Boy," 25 00 HORSES THAT NEVER BEAT 3 MINUTES — PURSE $50. 1st prem. to J. H. Snell, Shirley, for *'Gipsy," 35 00 2d " Geo. Davis, *' *'Tom Dick," 15 00 HORSES THAT NEVER BEAT 2,50 PURSE $75. 1st prem. to J. H.Whitcomb, Littleton, for "Baltimore Belle," 50 00 2d " Wm. M. Mandell, Barre, for " Navigator," 25 00 HORSES OWNED IN THE SOCIETY — PURSE $100. 1st prem. to B. Royce, Boston, for " Eli," 60 00 2d " Lyman Patch, Fitchburg, for " Kentucky Boy," 80 00 3d " J. H.Whitcomb, Littleton, for "Baltimore Belle," 10 00 DOUBLE TEAM RACE PURSE $50. Istjprem. to Wm. M. Mandell, Barre, for " Trifle " & mate, 35 00 2d " S. J. M. Weston, Fitchburg, for "Ben" & mate, 15 00 J. GUSHING, for the Committee. WALKING HORSES. The, Committee on Walking Horses, award as follows : 1st prem. to Joseph Gushing, Fitchburg, $10 00 2d " J. Choate, Fitchburg, 5 00 L. SPRAGUE, Chairman. FOOT RAGE. The Committee on Foot Race, award as follows : 1st prem. to John Roddy, Fithburg, $5 00 2d " Robert Horn, " 3 00 JOEL PAGE, Chairman. 42 PLOWING. PLOWING— SINGLE TEAMS. The Committee appointed to award the Society's premiums, for plowing with single teams, have attended to the duty, and report as follows : 1st prem. to Alden Derby, Leominster, $10 00 2d '' ■ Nathan B. lieed, Princeton, 7 00 3d " Joseph Gushing, Fitchburg, 5 00 The Committee recommend a gratuity to George Billings, Lunen- burg, of $3 00. * Mr. Sewall G. Mirick entered one pair of oxen five years old^ which were managed by a Minor, 19 years old, and we award to him the first premium offered to minors. MINOR TEAMSTER. 1st prem. to Sewall G. Mirick's son, Princeton, 6 00 Submitted by SOLON CARTER, Gliairman. PLOWING— HORSE TEAMS. The Committee on Horse Teams, have attended to their duty, and report as follows : There were but two entries. E. A. Goodrich, of Fitchburg, did his work with a double plough in first-rate style, and your Committee were unanimous in awarding him the first premium. Joel Page was the other competitor, and well deserves the second premium, which the Committee award him. 1st prem. to E. A. Goodrich, Fitchburg, $10 00 2d , " Joel Page, Fitchburg, 7 00 JOHN BROOKS, for the Committee. WORKING OXEN AND HORSE. The Committee on Working Oxen and Horse, haying attended to their duty, submit the following report : There were but two entries in this department, one by Sewall G . Mirick, Princeton, and the other by Nathan B. Reed of Princeton. PLOAVINQ. 48 Your Committee were unanimous in awarding as follows : Is prem. to N. 13. Reed, Princeton, |7 00 2d " Sewall G. Mirick, Princeton, 5 00 MINOR TEAMSTER. 2d prem. to Theodore N. Mirick, Princeton, 3 00 Your Committee noticed a little too free use of the whip, which probably prevented Mr. Mirick from receiving the first premium as minor teamster. All of which is respectfully submitted, THOMAS SHELDON, for the Vommittee. PLOWING— DOUBLE TEAMS. Your Committee on Plowing with Double Teams, make the follow- ing report : There was but one entry of double teams, and that by William H. Sawyer of Sterling. He accomplished his work in a very superior manner, and your Committee award as follows : 1st prem. to William H. Sawyer, Sterling, $10 00 Messrs. Marshall & Shattuck of Fitchburg, owing to the dearth of double teams, hastily arranged one for the occasion, and plowed, and your Committee would recommend that a gratuity of $5 be paid them. JAMES P. PUTNAM, Chairman. TOWN TEAMS. The Committee on Town Teams, report as follows : There were but two entries of Town Teams. The town of Leominster exhibited eighteen yoke of large, thrifty oxen, generally well matched, and with the appearance of being well broke, or handy, and every way in order for work. The town of Princeton exhibited fifteen yoke of oxen and steers, good, bright, and generally uniform red color, well matched, and very well trained, an honor to any town. The Committee award as follows : 1st prem. to Town of Leominster, $'25 00 2d " " Princeton, 15 00 DENNIS FAY, Chairman. 44 SHEEP AND SWINE. SWINE. The Committee on Swine report as follows : BOARS MORE THAN ONE YEAR OLD. 1st prera. to White & Carter, Westminster, $4 00 BOARS LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD. 1st prem. to White & Carter, Westminster, 3 00 2d " Daniel North, " 2 00 BEST FAT HOG. 1st prem. to Cowdin & Walker, Fitchburg, 8 00 2d " D. North, Westminster, 4 00 Also, a gratuity to C. E. Sawtelle, Fitchburg, 2 00 BREEDING SOW. 1st prem. to White & Carter, Westminster, 8 00 2d '' Daniel North, '* 4 00 Also, a gratuity to Franklin Nourse, Sterling, 2 00 WEANED PIGS. 1st prem. to Warren Shattuck, Fitchburg, 4 00 Also, a gratuity to White & Carter, Westminster, 2 00 SETH CHANDLER, Chairman. SHEEP. The Committee on Sheep, award as follows : FLOCKS. 2d prem. to J. P. Reed, of Princeton, $5 00 BUCKS. * Ist prem. to Nathan B. Reed, Princeton, 5 00 2d " Daniel North, Westminster, 3 00 # COS8ET3. 1st prem. to Nathan B. Reed, Princeton. 2 00 2d " ** " 1 00 LEONARD CHANDLER, Chairrmn. POULTRY. 45 POULTRY. The show of Poultry this year was not up to that made in former years, either in point of numbers or quality. This fact the Committee very much regret. There were but fifty fowls, of all species, present- ed for inspection, and of such quality that your Committee's awards were made rather to encourage the public spirit of the exhibitors than as a compliment to the intrinsic merits of the exhibited. It is hardly a mitigation of the Committee's disappointment to believe that this show did not begin to do justice to the actual poultry product of this region. A genuine and healthy interest in our exhibitions is the want we all have to deplore, and that interest can only be kept alive and on the increase among the faithful few who believe in the thing and jus- tify their faith by works, by persisting to " let their light shine." We firmly believe that in giving our influence to encourage the im- provement of Poultry, we are contributing largely to the support of the agricultural interest of the State. Unfortunately, there are not, so far as we know, reliable general statistics existing to show what is the proportion which poultry bears to the other farm products of the Commonwealth, but it is believed that neither producers or consum- ers, are fully aware of the magnitude of the interest and product. The demand for both the meat and eggs of fowls, is steady, and the supply is never in excess of it. There is no branch of the farmer's interest where science can be applied with better pecuniary results than poultry raising. We believe that all failures are traceable either to blindly divorcing nature from science, or to a non-application of sci- ence in the management of fowls. All developments of permanent value are only possible by conform- ing to the special law of the quadruped or biped sought to be improved. We think our poultry men would do well to observe closely the law of nature in even the feeding of poultry. Let them not lose sight of the fact that the fowl is physically constituted to live on whoh grains, and that to ignore or disregard this necessity of the fowl, is to invite failure in some, if not in many points. All domestic fowls require green herbage, and if deprived of it for any considerable time they inevitably decline. Hens, during the laying period, require animal substance in some form, and it is absurd to expect a good crop of eggs unless this condition is supplied. In the agricultural papers we find a good deal 46 POULTRY. beariug on the subject of supplying the shell-producing substances, and although too much stress can scarcely be laid on this point, we think that science will yet demonstrate the impropriety of presenting limey material in a crude state. Scientific farmers, and others, are o-ettino; indoctrinated with the fact that our lands lack lime, and that, consequently, there is a deficiency of that material in our grains. At present our wheat contains but about 45.2 in 1000 parts, of lime, cal- cium (the metallic base of lime), magnesia, soda and phosphoric acid. Providing this is sufficient for the osseous tissues, there is still too little to make the shell of the egg ; but the question is, how shall we remedy the deficiency ? We argue that if the land is deficient in phosphates, lime, salt, &c., should be administered only to the land, in crude state, thus supplying the want in plants and fruits, they supplying it to ani- mals which consume such fruits. Some years ago, the writer made some experiments in administering limey substance to fowls. Haying a quantity of air-slaked lime, it was mixed with the dough in the propor- tion of about half a pint to six quarts of meal, and fed to hens, while laying, with most excellent results. Later, the writer has had his at- tention called to the propriety of administering the egg-producing ma- terial in the form of bone meal. . A correspondent writes as follows : "Last winter I procured two barrels of bone meal, intending to use it for L'ish potatoes, and other garden crops ; my wife, however, appro- priated some of it to manuring her roses in the flower garden, by sim- ply strewing it on the surface of the ground around the bushes. The fowls have free access to the garden, and were discovered eating the meal very eagerly. Thinking it might be of service to them, we gave them some for several weeks, and I assure you it was but a short time before the eggs began to come in such numbers as we had never before known I If a nest was broken up to prevent a hen from hatching, it was but a few days before she was laying again, and thus it continues until the present time. "One hen has taken possession of a barrel which has some bone meal in it. and is laying in the meal. Whether she intends to lay the barrel full or not, time alone will determine. "My- wife thinks that care and bone meal are great instittitions for her poultry yard, and .very extraordinary in their effect ; but- as the hens have an unusual amount of cackling to do, fears they may bring POULTRY. 47 on bronchitis ! This manuring of hens to make them lay, we think is original, but we have no idea of taking out a patent for it, and hence leave the discovery open to the use of all who may choose to try it." ii closing this report, your committee would further urge upon the attention of all our farmers the value of the dung-hill fowl, both as an always marketable product of the farm, and for the virtue of its excre- ments as manure. In these days, when beef claims such high prices, and pork is liable to the charge of unwholesomeness, we can fall back upon poultry, with the certainty of living as well, if not better; while that we should be as well off, pecuniarily, we think does not admit of a doubt. After thoroughly canvassing the merits of the several coops on exhibition, your committee award as follows : HENS. 2d prem. to T. D. Wood, Westminster, $2 00 The Committee recommend the following gratuities : Dr. J. Fisher, Fitchburg, for his White Leghorns, J. A. Marshall, " " Bramahs, " " " Black Spanish, TUEKEYS. 1st prem. to T. D. Wood, Westminster, 2d ''J. Mclntire, Fitchburg, Also, a grat. to W. H. Fuller, Leominster, GEESE. 2d prem. to T. D. Wood, Westminster, 2 00 Your Ci)mmittee regret that, owing to absence of competition, they were unable to satisfy themselves in the matter of awards, but they hope that these gratuities will be recognized as at least an approxima- tion to justice. 1 00 50 50 3 00 2 00 1 00 Repectfully submitted, A. B. DAVIS, Chairman. 48 VEGETABLES. VEGETABLES. The Committee on Vegetables, would report as follows : BEST COLLECTION KITCHEN VEGETABLES. 1st prem. to J. S. & G. S. Houghton, Fitchburg, $7 00 2d " A. Whitman, Fitchburg, 5 00 3d " E. Bird, Leominster, 3 00 BEST COLLECTION OF POTATOES. 1st prem. to Alden Derby, Leominster, 2 00 2d '' Jas. Mclntire, Fitchburg, 1 00 Also, a gratuity to L. K. Jewett, 50 MAEROW SQUASH. 1st prem. to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d " A. Crocker, '^ 50 HUBBARD SQUASH. 1st prem. to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d " W. W. Shattuck, '' 50 Also, a grat. to " " 25 PUMPKINS. 1st prem. to Edwin Kichardson, Fitchburg, 75 2d " W. M. Gould, " 50 Also, a gratuity to Geo. Miles, Westminster, 25 CABBAGES. 2d prem. to A. Crocker, Fitchburg^ 50 CELERY. 1st prem. to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 75 ONIONS, 1st prem. to Thomas Upton, Fitchburg, 75 TURNIP BEETS. 1st prem. to B. F. Proctor, Fitchburg, 75 2d '* Geo. Miles, Westminster, 50 TOMATOBS. 1st premium to A. Crocker, Fitchburg, . 60 GARDENS. 49 LIMA BEANS. 2d prem. to B. F. Proctor, Fitchburg, 25 SEED CORN. 1st prcQi. to F. B. Harrington, Leominster, 1 00 2d " L. Stockwell, Fitchburg, 75 3d " F. Nourse, Sterling, 50 Also, the following gratuities : Geo. Miles, for Potatoes, 25 J. M. Sawtell, " 50 Turban Squashes, 50 C. E. Sawtell, Pop Corn, 50 A. P. Goodrich, Potatoes, 25 Cyrus Kilbupi, Melons, 50 Geo. Allen, Potatoes, 25 WM. BAKER, Chairman. GARDENS, The Committee on Gardens submit the following as their report : Three Gardens were duly entered for premiums, but one was with- drawn on account of a blight that came upon a portion of it before the Committee viewed it. Your Committee viewed the others about the middle of July ; one by Mr. Benjamin F. Proctor, of Fitchburg, the other by Mr. Cyrus Kilburn, of Lunenburg. The condition of Mr. Proctor's Garden, as it regards culture, and the arrangement of the different varieties of vegetables, was such that your Committee did not think him entitled to a premium for a first class Garden, and as he received the Society's second premium last year, the Committee felt bound, by the rules of the Society, to withhold any award. The Committee called upon Mr. Cyrus Kilburn, and viewed what he entered as a Kitchen Garden, and found it to consist of detached pieces, planted with vegetables, varying in size from J to | of an acre each, and located at different points on his farm. After due consideration, your Committee were unanimous in the 4 50 APPLES. opinion that this could not properly come within the sphere allotted them, and that it should come under the head of field culture, and that Mr. Kilburn's entry should hare been directed to the Committee on Koots and Vegetables . There were no Flower Gardens entered . Your Committee notice, with much satisfaction, that the Society has doubled the amount offered as premiums on Gardens the present year, and express the hope that it may be continued, or further increased, and that it may be an inducement to give more attention to this im- portant part of husbandry. Respectfully submitted for the Committee. WARD M. COTTON, Chairman. APPLES, PEACHES. PLUMS, AND QUINCES. The Committee on Apples, Peaches, Plums, and Quinces, having attended to the duty assigned, make the following awards, viz : APPLES. For the best and largest exhibition of named varieties of three specimens each : 1st premium to C. C. Boyden, Leominster, 30 varieties, $4 00 2cl *' E. E. Boyden, " 31 " Harris on Ins. A o-ratuity to E. Houghton, Lunenburg, for the largest, and a very fine exhibiton of 32 varieties of 5 specimens each, 2 00 For twelve varieties of five specimens each : 1st premium, to E. Moore, Leominster, Harris on Insects. 2d " G. P. Hawkins, Fitchburg, 2 00 3(1 " J. H.Fairbanks, " 1 00 For six varieties of five specimens each : 1st premium to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, 2 00 2d " Jabez Fisher, '' 1 50 3d " Levi Kendall, '* 1 00 For three varieties of five specimens each : 1st premium to L. Stockwell, Fitchburg, 1 50 2d ** Alfred Whitney. Oakdalc, 1 00 3d " F. Nourse, Sterling, 50 PEACHES. 51 For the best exhibition of twelve specimens of Baldwins : 1st premium to E. Moore, Leominster, 1 00 2d '' J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 50 A gratuity to A. Crocker, Fitchburg, 25 " C. C. Boyden, Leominster, 25 E. E. Boyden, " 25 For the best exhibition of 12 specimens Hubbardston Non-such : 1st premium to C. C. Boyden, Leominster, 1 00 2d • '* E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, 50 For the best exhibition of 12 specimens of R. I. Greenings : 1st premium to C. C. Boyden, Leominster, 1 00 2d " E. E. Boyden, " 50 For best exhibition of 12 specimens of Roxbury Russets : 1st premium to C. C. Boyden, Leominster, 1 00 2d " E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, 50 In addition to the above, the Committee regard a few other dishes as worthy of mention and gratuity: E. E. Boyden, of Leominster, presents an excellent dish'of Graven- stenis, for which we award SI 00. C. C. Boyden, of Leominster, presents a dish of fine Royal Gar- dens, for which we also award $1 00. Ohio Whitney, Jr., of Ashburnham, presents what is regarded as a new and valuable variety of apple, without name, wishing the Com- mittee to give it one. Believing it worthy of cultivation and a name, we propose to call it the "Sardine," and award him a gratuity for the same, of $1 00. The Committee would here remark that the exhibition of apples has been unusually fine for so scarce a season, there being over 260 plates and dishes handsomely filled, many of them with specimens remarka- bly large and fair. Your Committee would have been pleased to ex- tend the awards to several other worthy contributors, had it been in their power. In several instances it has been difl5cult to decide ex- actly to whom the greater award was due, but, after careful and labori- ous amination, usually came to a unanimous decision. PEACHES. For the best collection, nine varieties, one premium to A. Whitman, of Fitchburg, Harris on Insects. 62 PEARS AND GRAPES. For the best dishes : 1st premium to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, $2 00 2d " E. Moore, Leominster, 1 00 3d " Gideon Harris, Westminster, 50 PLUMS. For the best collection three varieties, one j^remium to Ohio Whit- ney, Jr., Ashburnham, $2 00 For the best plates : • 1st premium to J. L. Piper, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d " Jacob Haskell, " 50 QUINCES. For the best dishes or baskets : 1st premium to J. S. & Gr. S. Houghton, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d " Augustus Whitman, '* 50 A gratuity to Jacob Haskell, " .25 Your Committee also present a gratuity of fifty cents to Jabez Fisher, of Fitchburg, for a box of fine Blackberries. This fruit, being out of season, is not assigned to any Committee, but wishing to encourage such exhibitions, we feel authorized to award the above gratuity. Respectfully submitted. DANIEL WIGHT, Chairman. PEARS AND GRAPES. The department assigned to this Committee is one which concerns a large and increasing number of cultivators, and a correspondingly large and rapidly multiplying body of consumers. The apple, which was formerly looked upon principally as a luxury, has become one of the indispensable comforts, if not indeed almost a necessity, of healthful existence. The pear and the grape have now taken the position that the apple once held as a luxury, and are fast approaching a position among the comforts of life that we can ill afford to be without. This change in their relations brings with it a corresponding change in the manner of cultivation. Where formerly an almost bewildering number of varieties were coddled and nursed as pets, and coaxed t<» PEARS AND GRAPES. 53 dole out a few specimens for our encouragement, wc now devote our labors in such a way as to secure in much larger quantity, a product, which, without any niatQrial sacrifice in quality, can yet be afforded at a price which promises eventually to bring it within the means of the great body of the people. We find, however, this apparent anomaly, that as the supply in- creases, the price advances, showing that the consumption increases at a greater rate than the production. This may not be at once evident if we compare any one year with that immediately preceding or suc- ceeding, but by comparing seasons of greater interval, it will be found to hold true, notwithstanding the fluctuations in currency values. This being the fact, there need be no fear of an over-production. A very slight reduction in the price of a luxury, calls in an additional class of purchasers, and increases the consumption of those already existing, and the fact that the larger part of community have yet to taste, to say nothing of eating freely, of these fruits, places the time at which fruit-growing will cease to be a remunerative occupation, fairly out of sight. Though this is true of the business when judiciously carried on, it is not true of all those that engage in it. While the growers in very many cases fail to get a new dollar for an old one, and their crops in some instances will, not pay the cost of marketing, good fruit is yet not brought within the means of a large portion of the people. This arises from various causes. The production of fruit is often embarked in merely as a means of making money, under the stimulus of occasional and unusual successes, without the requisite knowl- edge of the principles and practices essential to good results. It is as if one should, on the strength of a munificent price paid for some finished picture by a master, set himself up as an artist, and find that though his daubs were plenty enough, yet the price paid for pic- tures was tantalizingly high. Fruit growing is an art, and a science as well. The art must be learned, and the science comprehended and understood if we are to successfully compete in the race. One of the greatest drawbacks to success has been found in the multiplicity of varieties under cultiva- tion. While but a very few have been found to be uniformly success- ful in a commercial way, the time and efforts have been spent upon scores that were only a bill of expense to the owner from first to last. 54 PEARS AND GRAPES. This is eminently true of the Pear and to a large extent also of the Grape. The acquirement of this information has been a work of time, but the difficulty about it is, that almost no one is willing to accept such knowledge at second hand. Each one persists in gaining it through a personal experience, which brings with it, in many cases, disgust and retirement from the pursuit. Almost any grower with an experience extending over a period of more than ten years, will say that the fewer the varieties, if well chosen, the greater and more valuable will be the product. Among Pears, after naming the Bartlett as standing at the head of the list for productiveness and profit combined, we shall be obliged to look in vain to find a second, which in a series of years promises to supplant it, and if we are asked to name half a dozen approaching it in these regards, we shall be apt, after consideration, to class the ques- tion among the unsolved conundrums. Among Grapes, the Concord holds the same rank, only if possible, more emphatically. To render fruit-growing a successful matter for the country at large, it must be made a success both to the producer and consumer. The one should get fairly remunerated for his efforts, while the other should be supplied with an abundance of fruit at a reasonable price. This can only be done by selecting those varieties for cultivation that yield large and uniform crops, even though their quality may not be quite equal to that of others whose single specimens are the apology for pecks or bushels. We should demand quantity as a first essential, and be ready to exchange only when we are sure of a gain in quality without loss in productiveness. Another important obstacle in the way of success is to be found in the lack of knowledge among cultivators of the wants and requirements of their trees or vines ; a knowledge that comes only from long and thoughtful experience and observation, and can not be acquired from books or otherwise only in a partial degree. Dame Nature is appa- rently capricious. One day she will, and the next she won't. Now she promises to tell us a secret, and directly we find that she has not done it. She is ever talking in riddles, and just as we get ready to put our finger on a point we find that it has eluded our touch. The infinite variety of soils and conditions surrounding each plant, renders it extremely difficult — in most cases, impossible— to solve a problem PEARS AND GRAPES. 55 of culture so that it will stay solved. The second experience contra- dicts the first, and the third is opposed to both. There are, however, some general considerations that are not to be overlooked. A plant, like an animal, lives and grows by what it feeds upon, and can yield compensating returns only when generously fed. The requirements of each tree or vine, in its particular situation and surroundings, should be carefully studied and made the subject of in- telligent experiment. The empirical application of any manurial sub- stance is to be avoided, unless in such a way as will ensure a result meaning something. A great diflSculty is, that when we put a question, we ask it in such a way that nature can not answer it by a simple nega- tive or aflSrmative. She is compelled to use circumlocution, and the answer is valueless if it do not even mislead. The fault in such case is our own, and not hers. Compel her to say yes or no, and the an- swer is at once valuable. It is very common to hear cultivators allege, in cases where one occurrence follows another, that the first must be the cause and the second the effect. If, for instance, a particular tree has not blossomed for some years, and, following an application of some kind during the winter, it shows a full bloom, it is at once concluded that the application was the cause of the blossoming. A very little knowledge of the manner in which fruit buds are formed and matured during the previous season, would prevent the exposure of such igno- rance. It is as ridiculous as was the annually repeated assertion of an old gentleman who was a confirmed invalid, that he had always noticed that if he could manage to live through the month of March, he did not die that year. It is very satisfactory to notice, from year to year, the manifest im- provement that is exhibited in our display of fruits. Worthless and inferior varieties gradually disappear, and the collection grows more choice and select. It is getting to be understood that it requires no more labor or skill to produce only the desirable varieties, and in fact less of either, if the less be accompanied by increased knowledge how to begin. The writer has often taken the first premium for a display of the largest number of varieties of pears. Although he enjoyed the victory, he would dissuade others from attempting it, and it is doubtful if the so- ciety should encourage it. If any one thing has tended to dishearten 56 PEARS AND GRAPES. the cultivator and drive him from the pursuit, it is the failure arising from wasted time and money spent over a large number of varieties. As a matter of personal satisfaction it may answer, but the public can never be supplied with fruit in this way, and it requires a vast amount of enthusiasm to follow it up for a very great length of time. It is highly desirable that competitors should take a little more pains in arranging their fruits for premium. The rules are plain, simple, and easily understood, but for some reason, little or no attention is paid to them by many exhibitors, and then complaint is made that the Com- mittees are incompetent, unfair, and partial in making up their awards. If a rule requires twelve specimens to compete for a particular premium, plates will be found with from eleven to half a bushel, the competitor seeming to think that half a bushel is certainly twelve, and that the Committee can discard the surplus, which they have no right to do. Mr. Heath's Delaware Grapes, for instance, were very fine, and had he arranged his best six clusters as the rule specified, he would, without doubt, have taken the first premium ; and so in a number of other cases. Premiums ought to be offered for specific things, because they are de- sirable and worthy of encouragement. If a premium is not offered for any particular display, the inference should be, unless it is something new, that the Society do not care to encourage it. The mere piling up of bushels of fruit does not make an instructive or even interesting ex- hibition. The Society might, perhaps, extend its offers so as to cover more ground, and then allow but a very small amount for gratuities. The Committee labored under considerable embarrassment, from the fact that of the three members serving, two were, in several instances, competitors, each against the other, and were obliged to retire. The third member, however, did his duty valiantly, and to the satisfaction of both the others, although in one or two eases he was obliged to call for outside assistance to decide a delicate shade of difference. We have awarded premiums as follows : GRAPES. Best display Foreign Gra^pes : 2d premium to Joseph Waterhouse, WestmiuBter, $2 00 Best display Native Grapes : Isi premium to George Jewett, Fitchburg, Harris on Insects. 2d " E. T. Miles, " 2 00 PEARS AND GRAPES. 57 Best six clusters Diana : 1st premium to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, .1 00 2d premium to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 50 Best six clusters Israella : 1st premium to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, 1 00 Best six clusters lona : 1st premium to George Jewett, Fitchburg, 1 00 Best six clusters Concord : 1st premium to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d " E. T. Miles, " 50 Best six clusters Delaware : 1st premium to E, T. Miles, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d " Jabez Fisher, " 50 Best six clusters Hartford : 1st premium to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d '* E. T. Miles, '' 50 GRATUITIES. J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 50 E. E. Boyden, Leominster, 25 M. S. Heath, Lunenburg, 75 Alfred Whitney, Oakdale, 25 PEARS. Best and largest exhibition : 1st premium to A. Crocker, $4 00 2d " George Jewett, Harris on Insects. Best twelve varieties : 1st premium to Geo. Jewett, Harris on Insects. Best six varieties : 1st premium to George Jewett, 2 00 2d *' Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 1 50 Best three varieties : 1st premium to G. F. Nutting, 1 50 2d " Z. F. Young, 1 00 58 ASSORTED FRUITS AND FLOWERS. Best twelve specimens Bartlett : 1st premium to C. C. Bojden, Leominster, 1 OO Best twelve specimens Seckel : 1st premium to Asa Partridge, 1 00 2d " A. Crocker, 50^ Best twelve specimens Flemish Beautj : 1st premium to Jos. Peirce, 2d, 1 OO Best twelve specimens Duchess : 1st premium to Z. F. Young, 1 00 2d - G. P. Hawkins, 50 GRATUITIES I A. Whitman, 2 00 J. L. Piper, 1 00 J. M. Sawtell, 1 00 Jacob Haskell, 50 G. F. Nutting, 50 Alfred Whiting, Oakdale, 25- JABEZ FISHER, Chairman.. ASSORTED FRUITS AND FLOWERS. The Committee on Assorted Fruits and Flowers, award as follows FBUITS. 1st prem. to Augustus Whitman, Fitchburg, $2 00 FLOWERS — PLANTS IN POTS. 1st prem. to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2 00 BEST SIX NAMED PLANTS IN POTS. 1st prem. to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2 00 CUT FLOWERS. 1st prem. to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2 00 PARLOR BOUQUETS. 1st prem. to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2 00 BREAD, BUTTER, CHEESE, PICKLES. 59 UAND BOUQUETS. 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2 00 Also, the following gratuities : Mrs. Geo. S. Houghton, Fitchburg, best dish cut flowers, 1 00 Mrs. A. H. Proctor, " second best " 75 Mrs. H. F. Coggshall, " rustic vase, 2 00 Mrs. Geo. S. Houghton, " Immortelles, 75 S. B. GRANT, Chairman. , BREAD, BUTTER, CHEESE, PICKLES, &C. The Committee upon Bread, Butter, Cheese, Pickles, Preserves, and Jellies, make the following awards : WHITE BREAD. Isl prem. to Mary A. Collins, (15 yrs. old) Fitchburg, 2d " Cora A. Emory, (7 yrs. old) " 3d " Sarah Billings, Lunenburg, Also, the following, gratuities : Mary A. Boyden, Leominster, Anna J. Wood, Westminster, Miss Bella Alderson, for plain cake, LUMP BUTTEK. 1st prem. to Nathan B. Reed, Princeton, 2d "J. P. Reed, Princeton, 3d " T. S. Wood, Westminster, 4th " Nathan Caswell, Fitchburg, Also, the following gratuities : Geo. Miles, Westminster, Mrs. S. G. Mirick, Princeton, JUNE BUTTER. 1st prem. to Geo. Miles, Westminster, 2d " -Theodore S. Wood, Westminster, 3d " F. B. Harrington, Leominster, Also, a grat. to L. G. Moore, Worcester, for Sept. butter, 2 00 1 00 50 50 50 25 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 50 1 00 1 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 2 00 60 BREAD, BUTTER, CHEESE, PICKLES. CHEE3E. 1st prem. to Geo. Miles, Westminster, 2 00 2d " F. B. Harrington, Leominster, 1 50 PICKLES. 1st prem. to Mrs. J. L. Piper, Fitcbburg, 75 Also, the following gratuities : Mrs. G-. S. Houghton, Fitchburg, for peach preserves, 50 " '^ crab apple preserves, 50 IIONEY. 1st prem. to Liberty Mclntire, virgin honey in comb, 2 j)0 H. D. Lawrence, Fitchburg, gratuity for hulled corn, 25 Your Committee desire to notice the seeming neglect in this depart- ment. The exhibition came far short from what it ought to have been, and not up to previous years. The unmarried ladies are altogether too modest, and something ought to be done to bring out their contri- butions so that the bread table may be better filled in the future. The five young ladies who contributed white bread, whose names are found above, are deserving credit for their interest in this depart- ment and for the good quality of their bread. But why were there not ten times as many competitors? No samples of " Unbolted Wheat Bread, Bolted Bye Bread, or Rye and Indian Bread," were presented. It is thought by some that these premiums should be made in dupli- cates, that is, having a class of premiums for unmarried ladies, and a separate class for married ladies, the latter needing oftentimes practice and premiums quite as much as the former. Again, by the Society's rules, all bread must be numbered, &c. This does not give the child of seven an equal chance with those of more mature age unless the age of the younger competitors is specified with their number. Premiums are offered for June tub butter, but none for tub butter made in September. Your committee found one entry of superior merit of the latter class, to whom a gratuity was awarded for want of a premium to give. Only one specimen each of pickles, virgin honey, peach and crab apple preserves were offered, while jellies were wholly wanting. These suggestions and reflections upon the exhibition are hastily made with the hope that the friends of the Society may make this department more satisfactory in the future. ALYIN M. SAWYER, Chairman. BREAD, BUTTER, CHEESE, PICKLES. 61 Statement of Nathan B. Reed. This butter was made as follows : Milk strained in tin pans ; stands twenty-four hours ; cream kept in tin pails ; churned in dash churn ; buttermilk worked out by hand ; salted to suit the taste. Statement of J. P. Reed. My process in manufacturing butter is as follows : The milk is -trained in tin pans and set upon a table on the first floor, and allowed ^0 stand twenty-four hours before skimming ; the cream is put in tin jiails and placed where the temperature does not exceed sixty degrees Fahrenheit, and is churned in a dash churn ; the buttermilk is worked out by hand. The butter is salted, not to make it keep well, but to -uit the taste. Statement of T. S. Wood. ' The butter I enter for premium was made from a dairy of ten cows. The pans are filled about half full of milk, and stand from thirty to thirty-six hours before skimming. In warm weather the cream is hung in the well, thus keeping it at a temperature of about fifty-five degrees, never allowing it to rise above fifty-eight degrees while churning. In cool weather it needs to be sixty-two. Churn two or three times per week. Statement of Nathan Caswell. I present for your examination one box of lump butter with the fol- lowing statement of the process of manufacture : The milk is strained into tin pans and allowed to stand from twenty-four to thirty-six hours in a well ventilated room ; is then skimmed ; the cream is frequently stirred until enough is obtained for a churning. After churning, the butter is washed in cold water, then .salted with one ounce of salt to a pound of butter. After standing a sufiicient time for the salt to dis- solve, it is thoroughly worked over and lumped up. Statement of Mrs. F. B. Harrington. This cheese was made from the milk of seven cows. My process of making cheese is : Warm the night's milk and add to the morning's milk and set for the cheese. When it is come, the whey is dipped off, and when .sufficiently drained, the curd is cut fine, salted, one table- spoonfull to one pailfuU of milk ; then pressed two days, covered with cotton cloth, rubbed with butter and turned daily. 62 FARM IMPLEMENTS. Statement of George Miles. This cheese was manufactured from a dairy of eight cows. The night's milk was added to the morning's, then set for the cheese with rennet sufficient to make the curd in about forty minutes, then wheyed off, drained, chopped, salted and put to the press, then covered, and dressed with melted fat, and turned daily. FARM IMPLEMENTS. The Committee on "Farm Implements" would report : That hav- ing first examined the list of implements for which premiums were offered, we found -there was no prize to be awarded to the first and most important one now in use, to wit, — the Plow. Although im proventS; within the last few years, have been made in this department, yet we have seen nothing at our " Plowing Exhibitions " that supersedes, — for good work, — that of the the "old double Michigan." Now that still greater improvements should be made in this as well as in all other farming utensils, greater inducements should be offered by way of prizes ; and the Committee should judge of their merits or de- merits by the work they are capable of doing. No man or committee can properly deal out justice evenhanded, without a fair trial of them in the field. We fear that the practice already adopted of awarding prizes for farm implements without trial, may lead to unsatisfactory re- sults, to the inventor as well as the consumer. The swivel Plow is fast coming into use, but no faster than necessity demands ; we believe that all lands should be plowed without leaving those unsightly dead furrows and huge ridges upon them. We would therefore recommend that prizes be offered for Plows that will perform the best work. The question may be asked, Why do we plow ? This question being answered, we get a clue to the science of the work. The first object in plowing is to pulverize the soil, and make a deep, mellow seed-bed, capable of absorbing from the atmosphere those gases necessary for the growth and life of plants. The absorbing power of he soil is better understood than formerly, and the power depends very FARM IMPLEMENTS. ^ 63 much on the fineness of the particles. It is well known that if water, adulterated with barn manure, be strained through fine clay, it becomes partially pure ; if loam be used, it is less so ; if filtered through gravel or sand, the change is hardly perceptible ; — proving that the water di- minishes in purity, in proportion to the porosity of the soil, — sand, a poor absorbent. Hence if we wish our soils to retain the manure we put upon them and absorb from the atmosphere, the rains and dews, it is all important that we well pulverize our soils and make them porous. Clay is said to have more absorbing power than sand, not because of the affinity that exists between clay and ammonia, but because the parti- cles of dry clay are exceedingly fine, and the ammonia is retained by them. Although pulverization is not a complete substitute for manure, yet it materially aids the young rootlets in making their researches, and hastening the crop. One object then in plowing is, to turnHhe sod or stubble, so that the air and rains may penetrate the soils and deposit their fertilizing influ- ences. In plowing sod ground, two opinions seem to prevail. The first, that the furrow slice should be cut and laid independent by itself, and the whole field thus plowed should present a smooth, flat surface ; doubtless this method is preferable, if we intend to stock the field down to grass, either with or without small grain, as it then becomes an easy matter, with a cultivating harrow, to make a level, smooth field, fit for the mowinor machine the next season. But in case the field is to be o cultivated in some hoed crop, we prefer that the furrows should be somewhat shaken up, and lap a little upon each other, and their rela- tions to a certain extent disturbed. It will be found that the sod thus broken by the plow will much » .more readily yield to the harrow, than the field that presents the smooth and even surface ; and if it contains a large amount of clay, it soon becomes dry and hard, through the influence of solar heat, and is not easily pulverized. We know of no plow so well adapted for pul- verizing the soil, as that already alluded to. It requires a strong team before it and an expert behind it, but what is lost in the muscle of the animals is gained in the crop that follows. Another object in plowing is to mix the soils. It frequently hap. pens that the surface soil is sand, and the subsoil, clay, or the surface -abounds in vegetable matter and the subsoil wanting. Now it is all 64 . FARM IMPLEMENTS. important that these soils are mixed and reduced to a proper fineness before they are fit to give a strong growth to the virgin plant ; and the plow that accomplishes this work in the most effective and thorough manner, other things being equal, should be preferred. And how can the merits of it be determined except by actual trial ? Another object in plowing is, to increase the depth of soil, that the roots of the plants may have a more extensive range. Formerly it was supposed that the roots of all cereals extended only a few inches, but within a few years, it has been proved beyond doubt that they extend several feet ; these facts go to show that shallow plowing is all wrong. We would not, by the way, recommend to plow up a large amount of subsoil that never before had been removed ; but at each successive plowing, gauge the plow so that it may remove about one inch more in depth, than at the previous J)lowing. This will add an amount of subsoil to the surface, equal to about one hundred loads of thirty bush- els each to the acre, to be converted into surface soil. This method should be practiced till the required dej^th is obtained. MOWING MACIIIXES. The first farm implement that came to our notice for which a premi- um was offered, was the " Horse Mower." Only two entries were made. The probable reason for so meagre a show in this department, was in. consequence of the small amount of premiums offered, viz., $10. Whereas it should have been at least $40. If our grass fields are to be cut by horse power, our Agricultural Societies should be more lib- eral in offering premiums, that we may have greater competition, and bring out the best machines. Manifestly the horse mower is the greatest labor saving machine to the farmer that has yet "been got up." Itwas the prevailing opinion less than eight years ago, that there was not brain enough in New England to get up a mowing machine of one horse power, worthy the name of a horse mower. Yet at the present time there are probably more one horse machines used in Worcester North, . than of the other kind. Of the two machines entered, — the Buckeye and Clipper, — we have to say that the Committee were not unanimous in awarding the premium. About four years ago, these two machines were exhibited in the- SARM IMPLEMENTS. >d5 field, before a Committee for their 'preference. Hence the general movement of the machines was critically examined, and after the hay had been removed the Committee again examined the field and were not unanimous. This committee was composed of one 'professional gentleman and four practical farmers, each of whom was the owner of a horse mower ; yet they were equally divided in giving their prefer ence. The chairman not being a practical farmer, dechned giving an opinion. One member of the present Committee was also a member of the committee in the field where the machines were exhibited and had a fair trial. Hence from the experience we have had in using horse mowers, we are satisfied that the good work done is not all in the machine, — that it requires a good team before it, and a man of judgment and common sense behind it. Now we have simply to say, that we have seen just as good work done by the Clipper as by the Buckeye, and by the Wood machine as either, and Jos. Marshall of North Leominster performs first rate work with the Union, while Solon Carter, with the ** old Manny," will do as good work as the next man with any machine. To the Buckeye Mowing machine Co. we award the 1st premium, ^ $10 00 HORSE RAKES. Only one small premium being offered was probably the reason that only two rakes were offered, and To the Buckeye Mowing machine Co. we award the 1st and only premium, 5 00 As this farm implement has for so long a time been used in this sec- tion, it is hardly necessary to speak of its merits. Those who have used the old wooden revolver, very well know that one acre can be raked in less than an hour. Therefore, no farmer that owns a horse has a right to rake bis hay by hand and let his horse stand in the stable or run in the pasture. And no farmer that cuts hay sufficient for twenty head of cattle and a horse, can afford to be without one of the improved rakes mounted upon wheels ; it is a great labor-saving machine and should be in the hands of every practical farmer. Now as hay is the principal crop raised in New England, every farmer should be well armed with such farm implements as have been 5 66 FARM IMPLEMENTS^ invented, and still greater inducements should be given that greater improvements may be made. It is well known that a farmer cannot afford, at the present high prices of poor labor, to harvest his hay crop with manual labor alone ; hence horse power must come in. Moreover, we believe it morally wrong for men to undertake to do that kind of work that can so easily be done by horses. We believe that the great reason why farmers' boys are so anxious to leave the farm and go in pursuit of other business is in consequence of so much drudgery and hard work. The bone and muscle are too much exercised and the mind too much chained and narrowed down. Every farmer should endeavor to give his boys a good common school education, at least,and if his means are adequate to go beyond this, all the better. Why should not the boy who intends to become a farmer, be as well educated as though intended for mercantile or any other pursuit ? Boys should be taught in the school room as well as at home, that farming is healthy and honorable and independent, not low and degrading. But agriculture has not kept pace with other pi^i'suits in making improvements. It is not a science by itself, but is connected with other sciences, and the farmers have yet much to learn in the matter of reclaiming waste lands — the cultivation of fruit trees — the rotation of crops — tho application of manures and fertilizers — field drainage, &c. The Comnlittee also award the remaining premiums and gratuities as follows, viz : To the Buckeye Mowing machine Co., for the best Hay Tedder (Atlantic), gratuity, $10 00 To J. H. Fairbanks, for best Hay Cutter, 1st prem. 3 00 To C. E. Hinds, for Vegetable Cutter, gratuity, 2 00 To D. C Barrett, for best Churn (double dash), prem., 2 00 To Holden Brothers, for Lightning churn, gratuity, 1 00 To H. Gill, for best Team Harness, prem., 5 00 To Wright, Woodward & Co., for Agr'l Implenvents, grat., 2 00 To J. H. Fairbanks, for Agricultural Implements, grat., 2 00 E. GRAHAM, for the Committee. ^ FANCY ARTICLES. 67 f MECHANICS AND MANUFACTURES. The Committee on Mechanies and Manufactures make the following awards : * Arlington Piano Co., Leominster, piano, $5 00 Allen & Jewett, " " 4 00 W. W. Hogan, Fitcliburg, case boots and shoes, 2 00 Thomas H. Gill, Fitchburg, double and single harnesses, 3 00 Union comb Co., Leomirtster, one case combs, 3 00 E. Prescott, ** " 2 50 Dow & Starbuck, Fitchburg, stoves, &c., o 00 M. Carleton & Co., Fitchburg, assorted clothing, 4 00 " *' Singer sewing machine, 2 00 A. B. Sherman, " Florence " 3 00 " " Lamb knitting machine, 1 50 J. H. Fairbanks, " hardware, &c., 1 50 W. M. Leathe & Co., " stationery, &c., 1 50 W. H. Allen, " single harness 2 00 S. Gilman Frost, '' wagon and harness, 3 00 Thos. Sheldon, " ox yoke, 1 00 Sargent, Earls & Co., " variety globe valves, 2 00 Wright, "Woodward & Co., Fitchburg, hardware, 1 50 W. S. Gray, Lunenburg, clothes frame, 75 Geo. B. Proctor, Fitchburg, case boots and shoes,- 2 50 J. M. White, New Ipswich, N. H., brackets, 2 00 Joel Brothers, Fitchburg, cigars, 1 00 C. J. DELAHANTY, Chairman. FANCY ARTICLES. ^ The Committee on Fancy Articles make the following awards WORSTED WORK. Miss Hattie D. Upton, Fitchburg, children's sacks, Joanna D. Kinsman, *' scarfs and shawls, Mrs. M. D. Tolman, " socks and scarfs. Miss Hattie Lowe, " tidy, Miss Fannie Lowe, *' " M. C. Mirick, Princeton, book mark, Myra J. Upham,. Winchendon, rustic chamber set, $1 50 1 50 50 25 25 25 1 50 68 FINE ARTS. ^ f Miss Levie Harrington, picture frame, 25 3Irs. Albert Houghton, Mexican work and rug, ' 75 Mrs. B. F. Whitcomb, collar, 25 Miss Annie Boutwell, Lunenburg, tatting, 75 Miss E. L. Smith, Fitchburg, tidy, 25 Mrs. Joel Page, Fitchburg, tidy, • 25 Mrs. Hattie B, Dickson, Fitchburg, tidies, 1 50 Miss Addie Groodrich, Fitchburg, tidy, 25 Mrs. C. M. Proctor, Leom., (85 yrs. old), braided mat, 2 00 Mrs. D. B. Whittier, Fitchburg, drawn-in rug, 1 00 Mrs. Edwin S. Burnap, Fitchburg, woolen socks, 25 Miss Ella Leathe, Fitchburg, Lord's Prayer and Ten Com- mandments, '2o Mrs. A. H. Proctor, Fitchburg, lamp mats, 25 Miss L. E. Stevens, hose, 75 Mrs. E. Prevear, Leominster, skeleton leaves, 1 50 H. C. Tower, Leominster, hair jewelry, 1 50 T. B. Sawtelle, Ashland, worsted flowers, 1 00 Mrs. Joel Page, Fitchburg, seed wreath and bead basket, 1 00 Miss Mary Lawrence, Lunenburg, feather flowers. 125 WAX WORK. Mrs. B. F. Whittemore, Fitch., wax cross, flowers and lilies, 2 00 Miss M.L.Dennis, Fitch., wax monument, cross and flowers, 1 50 Mrs. J. Q. Barden, Fitchburg, wax wreath, 2 00 Mrs. J. H. Chapman, Fitchburg, wax cross, 50 Mrs. A. H. Fay, quilt, 1 50 Mrs. W. W. Shattuck, quilt, 1 00 Mrs. Polly D. Briggs, South Lancaster, quilt, 75 JOSEPH CREHORE, Chairman. FINE ARTS. The Committee on Fine Arts make the following awards : OIL PAINTINGS. 1st prem. to Mrs. John Q. Barden, $4 00 2d " Mrs. F. H. Allen, 2 00 CRAYON DRAWINGS. 1st prem. to 0. A. Libby, 3 00 2d '' Mrs. Henry Knight, 2 (X) ROOT CROPS. 69 PENCIL DRAWING. Istprem to Mrs. F. H. Allen, 2.00 2(1 " Miss Ella B. Wright, 1 00 GRATUITIES. Miss Ann Eliza White, India ink portraits, 2 00 Miss Fannie Tolman, oil paintings, 1 75 3Irs. B. P. Tiask, water-color paintings, 1 50 Mrs. B. F. Whittemore, pastel paintings, 1 50 Miss Annie M. T. Haynes, crayon drawing, 1 25 E. T. Rawson, colored ink birds, 1 25 R. T. Rawson, pen lettering, 75 Herbert Adams, pencil drawing, 75 Miss E. L. Smith, " '75 Miss M. L. Smith, " 75 W. Fred. White, sign pointing on glass, 50 L. W. SPRING, Chairman. ROOT CROPS. The Committee on Root Crops would submit the following report : There were but three entries in competition for the seventeen pre- miums offered in this department : one each of Potatoes, Carrots, and Ruta Bagas. The Potatoes, entered by Mr. Cyrus Kilburn, of Lunenburg, were withdrawn, because the plot of ground occupied by them was not large enough to meet the requirements of the Society. The Carrots entered by Mr. Ebenezer Bird, of Leominster, were of good size and shape, but the yield was less than three-fourths of the amount required by the Society's rule. The smallness of the crop was owing, in part, no doubt, to the great width between the rows, (which reduced the cost of cultivation as well as the product), and also, in some degree, to the severe drouth of mid-summer. The Ruta Bagas were also entered by Mr. E. Bird. This crop was not large, but the roots were very sound and handsome, and the crop, as appears from his statement, was raised at comparatively small expense. We award on Ruta Bagas : 2d premium to Ebenezer Bird, Leominster, $2 00 70 ROOT CROPS. CARROTS. We recommend to Ebenezer Bird, Leominster, a gratuity of 3 00 We fear that the small number of Root Crops entered but too truly represents the small number cultivated in Worcester North, and we are moved to ask, with our predecessors of last year, **Does the culti- vation of Roots receive that attention which its importance demands ?" and to answer, with them, in the negative. There are, doubtless, many farmers within the Society's limits who have tried raising them, and whose experience has been unfavorable, but why? Many answers may be given, probably true, wholly or in part. We can suggest but few. Perhaps the land was foul with weeds, coming from neglect in cultivating former crops, and, therefore, -the Root Crop was badly damaged by them, or made too expensive by the labor necessary to keep it clean. Thoroughly clean cultivation, with some more easily managed crop, is a very important preparation of the soil for a lloot Crop. Possibly the amount of manure applied was insufficient. "Three loads of thirty bushels each" is not sufficient for J of an acre. Three times that amount would give three times the amount of profit from the crop. If any man doubts this, let him try it carefully, (on a small scale, if he prefers not to risk a larger one), and he will be convinced of its truth. Poor preparation of the soil may have aided in producing a small crop. "Plowed once, harrowed, raked, and ridged," will not answer. No man should expect a full crop unless he plows and harrows twice, and three times would be better yet, especially if a good rolling comes after the first or second harrowing, to thoroughly break the lumps. Most Root Crops are, and should be, sown after corn planting is finish- ed, but generally nothing is done upon the plot till it is nearly time to put in the seed. Then the ground has become hard and lumpy, and probably covered with a very promising crop of weeds and grass, so large that, if well rotted, they may afford some plant food, but which, for lack of. time, will only be troublesome in working the land. > Instead of this manner of proceeding, let the ground be deeply plowed, very early, (turning the manure under), and when dry enough well harrowed. Weeds will soon start, and while they are yet in the seed leaf, work thcroughly with a steel cultivator or any imple- ROOT CROPS. 71 ment that will lighten the soil and kill the weeds. In ten days another crop of weeds will appear, which should be killed in the same way, and then the second deep plowing may immediately follow, bringing a large part of the manure to the surface. Harrowing, rolling, cultivating, and harrowing again, with short intervals between, will now fit the plot for ridging and raking, or for raking, if it is to be sown flat, while but few weeds will appear from the foulest land during the remainder of the season. The man who has raised Eoot Crops with but one plow- ing and harrowing before raking, will say that he can not afford such expensive preparation of the soil as this, but one careful trial of a method similar to this will convince him that he can not afford to sow without it. The hoed crops of this country are annually less profitable by millions of dollars, than they would be if there was more thorough previous preparation of the soil. A man and horse, or pair of horses, will do ten times as much weed killing and soil mellowing before a cix)p is planted, as they can afterward. The effect of such thorough prepa- ration of the soil will also be seen in many successive crops, as well as in the first. We would like to say much of the value of Roots, but have only space for a word. There is much labor in handling twenty- five or thirty tons, (a fair crop for an acre), it is true, but this amount will do much toward carrying a large stock through the winter with poor hay, in fine condition and good flesh, thus avoiding one of the most expensive mistakes made by farmers — that of allowing their stock to consume in winter the stock of fat accumulated from the rich feed of summer, and come out in spring mere skeletons. We hope that next year a large number of entries and a really sharp competition may attest the fact that the farmers of Worcester North are waking up to the importance of Root Crops, and determined to reap the benefit to be derived only from their thorough cultivation and high manuring. GEO. S. HOUGHTON, Chairman. Statement of Ehenezer Bird. RUTA EAGAS. The crop of 1867 was grass — no manure was used; in 1868, the ame ; the soil is lightest loam ; it was plowed once, 7 inches deep ; 72 GRAIN. harrowed, furrowed out tbree feet apart, and two loads of manure pu^ in the drills; expense of plowing, &c., $1.50; value of manure on the ground, $2; planted on the 19th of June, in drills, J lb. of Ruta Baga seed; cost of seed and planting, $1.50; cultivated and hoed twice, at an expense of $8; harvested 4th of November, cost $2. Cost of plowing, &c., • $1 50 " ^manure, 2 00 " seed and planting, 1 50 " cultivating and hoeing, 3 00 harvesting, 2 00 $10 00 Weight of Crop, as certified by the Committee, 3430 lbs. Statement of Ehenezer Bird. CARROTS. The crop of 18G7 was Carrots, with three loads of stable manure ; of 18G8, Carrots, with same quantity of manure; the soil is sandy loam ; it was plowed once, ten inches deep ; harrowed, ridged, and raked at an expense of $1; three loads of stable manure were applied, worth $3 ; planted June 5th, with one-half pound of Orange Carrot seed ; cost of seed and planting, $2 ; cultivated and hoed twice at an expense of $4; harvested from the 6th to the 8th of November, for which the tops are considered as payment. Cost of plowing, &c., " manure, " seed and planting, " cultivation, $10 00 Weight of Crop, as certified by the Committee, 3870 lbs. %l 00 3 00 2 00 4 00 GRAIN. . Your Committee on Grain have attended to their duty, and submit ^he following as their report. They recommend the award of premi- ums as follows.: CORN. There were four entries of this kind of grain, two of which were withdrawn. GRAIN. 73 2d premium of $10 to Joseph Goodrich, of Lunenburg. Weight of shelled corn per square rod, 24 lbs.; equal to G8 4-7 bushels per acre. 3d premium of $8 to Luther Page, of Lunenburg. Weight of shelled corn per square rod, 23| lbs.; equal to G7 G-7 bushels per acre. WHEAT. Five entries, two of which were withdrawn. 1st premium of $15 to Luther Page, of Lunenburg. Weight per square rod, 13 lbs. 5 oz., or 35^ bushels per acre. 2d premium of $10 to Cyrus Kilburn, of Lunenburg. Weight per square rod, 8 lbs. 1 oz., or 29 J bushels per acre. 3d premium of $8 to Joseph Goodrich, of Lunenburg. AVeight per square rod, 11 lb§., or 21^ bushels per acre. Although the crop of Mr. Goodrich was larger than that of Mr. Kilburn, yet your Committee had no hesitation in awarding Mr. Kil- burn the 2d premium, as his crop was entirely free from any mixture, and also was Blue Stem, which we considered worth more than any kind of spring wheat. OATS. Two entries, one withdrawn. 1st premium of $6 to Joseph Goodrich, of Lunenburg. Weight per square rod, 13 lbs. 12 oz., or 68| bushels per acre. RYE. One entry. 1st premium of $6 to Solon Carter, of Leominster. Weight per square rod, 11 lbs. 12 oz., or 33 4-7 bushels per acre. BEANS. Three entries, by two competitors. 1st premium of $4 to Cyrus Kilburn of Lunenburg. 2d of $2 to Ephraim Graham, of Lunenburg, and 3d, of Grasses and Forage Plants, to same. Mr. Kilburn raised 24 bushels to the acre; Mr. Graham raised 23 2-60 bushels, and 20J bushels per acre. BUCKWHEAT. One entry, but as the Society offers no premium, we could award none, but recommend a gratuity of $2 to Cyrus Kilbuin, of Lunen- burg, he having raised 23f bushels to the acre. 74 GRAIN. • « It is the opinion of at least a portion of your Committee, that the Society should discontinue the offer of premiums for grain, for the reasons : First, that it is not profitable as compared with other branches of farming, as dairying, stock-raising, and market-gardening. The de- mand for dairy products increases faster than the production, and will continue to do so as long as our population increases. On looking at statistics for 1867, we find that American dairying represented a cap- ital of $700,000,000 ; that the cheese product sold for $25,000,000; butter $100,000,000. It is estimated that the English consumption of cheese is 310,000,000 lbs. per year, while they produce only 179,- 000,000 lbs., and that the demand in Great Britain for our surplus largely exceeds the supply. Another reason is, we can not compete with the West. On account of the rocky and hilly nature of our country, we can not employ ma- chinery in the preparation and cultivation to as good advantage ; our soil is against us; it is old, and does not contain as much phosphate, and those who have had experience with the phosphates now manufac- tured, generally, do not have much faith in them ; and we can not re- store our soils with stable manure, if we raise grain, as it does not fur- nish the material like grass. Another reason, grain crops are so liable to failure. Of the four corn crops entered, two were withdrawn on account of failure to come up to the required standard. Of five fields of wheat, two were with- drawn for the same cause. Of two fields of oats, one was withdrawn; reason, failure. One practical farmer says h« has raised one hundred bushels of corn to the acre, and that it did not pay him as compared with grass. Stable manure applied to corn increases the amount of weeds, and consequently increases the expense of cultivation ; but ap- plied to grass, not only increases the quantity, but improves the qual- ity. The more manure, the more hay; and the more hay, the more manure. The awards of premiums were all, with one exception, recom- mended to competitors residing in the town of Lunenburg, and it is surprising to the writer of this report, when he considers the adapta- tion of the soil of that town to the raising of grass, dairying, and veg- etables, Avith what tenacity they cling to the raising of grain. J. P. REED, for the Committee. GRAIN. 75 Statement of Cyrus Kilhiim. WHITE BEANS. The crop of 1867 was rye. No manure used. The crop of 1868 was white beans — eight cart loads of manure to the acre. The soil is a sandy loam. Plowed once, six inches deep. No other preparation made for the seed. Cost of plowing, $4 per acre. No manure used for the present year, except two barrels of bone meal and three bar- rels of ashes to the acre, mixed and put in the hill. The value of the manure on the ground was $12.00. Planted pea beans about the 10th of June, in rows three feet apart; hills two feet apart. The cost of the seed and planting was $5.00 per acre. Hand hoed twice. Cost of cultivation, $10,00 per acre. Pulled and stacked, Sept. 1st. Cost of harvesting, $5.00 per acre. Straw of not much value. I should plant my beans in hills two feet apart each way, making 68 hills to the square rod; 10,880 hills to the acre. Not more than 4 beans should be planted in a hill. A small quantity of well rotted manure should be put in each hill, or enough spread and plowed in, so that each hill might have the benefit of some of the manure. Beans re- quire but a small quantity of manure. Statement of Ephraim Graham. ■ WHITE BEANS. The crop of 1867 was corn. Twelve loads of manure to the acre were used. The crop of 1868 was white beans. Used twelve loads of compost to the acre. Soil, sandy. Plowed once, quite shallow; harrowed once. Cost of plowing, &c., $2.75. No manure used. Planted June 1st, about one peck of seed, by hand. Cost of seed and planting, $2.75. Hoed twice. Cost of cultivation, $3.00. Pulled and spread, Sept. 10th. Cost of harvesting, $2.75. Value of straw, 50 cents. The field where I raised my beans, was a young orchard. The sur- face soil gravelly; the subsoil somewhat clayey. The field was plowed shallow, and no manure used. The seed was planted in drills. They were hoed and thinned twice. Statement of Joseph Goodrich. CORN. The crop of 1807 was grass. Of 1868, corn. Twenty-five loads of stable manure to the acre. Soil, clay. Plowed in November, from 8 to 10 inches de^p. Plowed the following spring. Furrowed one way, -and manured in the hills. Hills three feet apart. Cost of plow- ing, $10.00. Used about twenty-five loads of manure ; two-thirds 76 GRAIN. spread, and the balance applied to the hills. Value of manure $100. Planted first week in May, in hills three feet apart; half a shovel-full of manure to the hill. Dropped by hand, and covered with the hoe. Cultivated twice; hoed twice. Cost of cultivation, $10.00. Topped the first week in September ; cut up the last week of September. Cost of harvesting, $8.00. Amount of stover, three thousand pounds. Statement of Joseph Goodrich. OATS. The cro]3 of 1868 was corn. About 8 cords of stable manure used. The soil is clayey loam. Plowed once in the spring, from 6 to 8 inches deep. No other preparation for the seed. Cost of plowing, $3.00. No manure used. Sowed broadcast, the latter part of April, four bushels of common bush oats. Cradled the first of August, Cost of harvesting, $7.00. Amount of straw, 4000 lbs. Statement of Cyras Kilburn. WINTER WHEAT. The crop of 1867 was grass. The crop of 18G8, partly corn, partly grass. On the acre in corn, used 20 loads of manure ; on the ^ acre in grass, no manure. Soil, clayey loam. Plowed once in September, six inches deep. The seed was washed and ashed. Cost of plowing, $5.00 per acre. No manure applied on the corn land ; 10 cart loads on the sward land. Sowed the sward land the first of September. The corn land, 6th of October. Cost of seed and planting, $7.00. Cradled the last of July. Cost of harvesting, S8. 00 per acre. Amount of straw, about 3000 lbs. I have raised the Blue Stem Winter Wheat upwards of 20 years, and it shows no deterioration yet, and it makes the very best of flour. Winter wheat should be sowed as early as the first week in September, so that it may get a strong root and be well tubered before winter, and should be sowed on land not subject to frost heavings or inundations, A southern or southeastern exposure is the best. The land should have a generous dressing of some fertilizer. Statement of Joseph Goodrich. WHEAT. The crop of 1868 was corn. Twenty-five loads of stable manure used. Soil, clay loam. Plowed once, six or eight inches deep. Cost of plowing, $3.50. Planted, April 8th. Harrowed and rolled. Two 77 bushels of Houghton Spring Wheat used. Cost of seed and plantmg, $5.00. Cradled the first week in August. Cost of harvesting, $9.00. Amount of straw, one ton. ESSAYS. The Committee Wspectfully report that only two Essays have been furnished for their examination, the one entitled, "Agriculture and Education," the other, " How to keep the boys on the Farm." While both these are considered very meritorious, and worthy of special mention, it is thought by the Committee that they do not quite answer the requirements of the Society. To be awarded a premium, essays must be ** Deemed worthy of publication in the Society's 'Transactions.'" Now these essays are of such fearful length that the Society can scarcely afford to publish them. The Committee, therefore, award 'no premium. But to show the Society's appreciation of the efforts of those who have bestowed so much time and thought upon their productions, and to encourage them and others to contend hereafter, it is recommended that a gratuity of fifteen dollars be award- ed to the author of the Essay first mentioned, and a like gratuity of five dollars to the other. Agriculture and Education. " Labor is God's Education." By Alpheus Briggs Davis, of Shirley, $15 00 *' Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclined." By Mrs. George S. Houghton, of Fitchburg, $5 00 E. P. LORING, for the Committee. COMxMITTEES' REPORTS. The Committee to award premiums for reports, would respectfully say that, after due consideration, they have made the following awards : The report on Thorough Bred Stock, by Richard Goodman, of Lenox, 1st premium of $10 00 The report on Pears and Grapes, by Dr. Jabez Fisher, of Fitchburg, 2d premium of $6 00 The report on Root Crops, by George S. Houghton, Esq., of Fitch- burg, 3d premium of $4 00 L. H. BRADFORD, for the Committee. 78 ANALYSIS OF PREMIUMS. ANALYSIS OF PREMIUMS & GRATUITIES AWARDED. irded for Plowing, $ 63 00 " Town Teams, 40 00 " ^ Neat Stock, 412 00 " Horses, 698 00 " Swine, ^ *' Sheep, 43 00 16 00 '' Poultry, 12 00 " Fruits, 89 50 " Flowers, 14 50 " Vegetables, 32 25 Bread, 4 50 Butter, 20 50 '^ Cheese, 3 50 " Agricultural Implements, 42 00 " Manufactures, 51 75 " Other objects, 105 00 $1647 50 The Premiums and Gratuities paid to one hundred and seventy- nine persons, were distributed as follows : Fitchburg, Princeton, Leominster, Lunenburg, West Boylston. Sterling, Westminster, Littleton, Ashburnham, Boston, Bar re, 534 00 1 257 25 115 25 73 50 11 00 27 00 61 00 63 00 9 00 175 00 120 00 1 Shirley, 65 00 Wilton, 10 00 Oakdale 1 25 Worcester, 2 00 New Ipswich, 2 00 Winchendou, 1 50 Ashland, 1 00 Lancaster, 50 • $1529 25 1869. f Amount of Premiums offered, $2309 75 ) Amount of Premiums and Gratuities awarded, 1647 50 ^1 Amount of Premiums and Gratuities paid, 1529 25 . [ Value of Real Estate, 16,000 00 NEW MEMBERS. 79 NEW MEMBERS FOR 1869. FITCHBURG. Battles, George T., Boutelle, Frank L., Eddy, B. W., Eames, Walter A., - Ilolman, Silas, Jefts, Asia S., Piper, Henry F., Whittcmore, Mrs. B. F. WESTMINSTER. North, Daniel, Waterhouse, Joseph, Wood, T. S. LEOMINSTER. Prescott, Emerson, Tisdale, S. A. LUNENBURG. Billings, George, Heath, Malon S. STERLING. Marccllus H. Hey wood, SHIRLEY. Munson, Norman C. GARDNERS* Hey wood, Charles. BOLTON. Forbush, Jonathan. PRINCETON. Gill, W. Emory. BARRE. Mandell, W. M. WILTOW, N. H. Jones & Perkins. 78 treasurer's report. Dr. B. W. EDDY, Treasurer, 1868. Dec. 4. To amount on hand, $ 634 15 1869. June 24. Cash of E. T. Miles, from McKenzie, for keeping horses last year, 32 00 admissions to exhibition, Sept. 28th, 702 94 Sept. 29th, 1259 45 of Rental Committee, 143 70 for Horse Entrance Fees, 184 50 Oct. 23. " of State for Annual Bounty, 600 00 Nov. 30. " for 22 Memberships, 110 00 for Rent of Grounds, &c., 351 50 Dec. 1. S4018 24 Amount in hands of Treasurer, $144 74 B. W. EDDY, Treasurer. The undersigned have examined the foregoing account of the Treas- urer, and find it correctly cast and properly vouched. JABEZ FISHER, ABEL MARSHALL, •JOSEPH CUSHING, Committee on Finance. f * treasurer's report. 81 In Acc't with Worcester North Agricultural Society, Or. 18G8. By cash paid Robert Bean, 2 ds. feeding cattle, $ 4 00 " " W. M. Cotton, prem. pr. vote Soc. 4 50 " T.C.Caldwell, for A.S.BaA'on's note, 5 00 *' '* Thomas Gibson, IJ days work, 4 50 " Int on Miles, Cushing & Fisher note, 215 00 " Fitchburg Cornet Band, 125 00 " Certificate of membership sent H. Marcellus Hey wood, per vote Trustees, 5 00 " cash paid J. J. Piper, advertising prem' s ready, 3 00 *' cash paid Wright, Woodward & Co., bill, 11 18 " Certif. sent Jones & Perkins, pr vote Trus. 5 00 '' cash paidDr. J. Fisher s'pW.E. C.Whitney, 34 00 " Geo. Bobbins, bill stove, &c., 28 15 " J. D. Baldwin & Co., advertis'g, 4 50 - J.L.&H.F.Piper, " pr. 2 50 " 0. L. Field, mason work, 19 00 " Garfield & Stratton, printing, 340 50 " C. E. Sawtelle, labor, 22 11 *' ■ *' cutting hay, &c., ■ 52 50 *' " Magee & Spear, pump, &c., 5 75 " Dr.J.Fishers'pW.E.C. Whitney, 34 00 " J. D. Estabrook & Co., h'g paper, 5 30 " " Interest on money borrowed, 7 32 " J. D. Baldwin &Co.,adv.l7th ex., 11 00 " W. J. Coulter, " " 5 00 '• '' J. Waterhouse, bal. for dinners, 415 07 " Int. Miles,Cushing& Fisher's note 250 00 " Parkhurst & Aldrich, lumber, &c. 202 04 •" J. L.&H. F.Piper,adv.l7thex. 5 00 " Ira Carleton & Co., bill grain, 13 70 " C. E. Sawtelle, labor, 26 05 " Fitchburg Cornet Band, 2 days,* IGO 00 - J. L. &H. F. Piper, 200 i sheet b. 6 50 " J. H. Fairbanks, 18 lbs. nails, 1 00 " *' Stephen Shepley ■& Co., stationery, 8 15 '' T. C. Caldwell, 24 boxes, 1 44 '' L. H. Bradford, serv., stamps, &c. 116 09 " for selling tickets, tend'ggates&c. 149 05 " " mileage on swine, Dan'l North $1.80, W. W. Shattuck 45, F. Nourse $3, 5 25 ** " for 22 certificate stamps, 1 10 '* Prems. & Grat. aw'd Sept. 28, 29, 1529 25 " Amount in hands of Treasurer, 144 74 $4018 24 Dec. 5. (( 7. " 7. " 8. " 16. 1869. Jan. 2. »• 2. >< 2. " 11. '* 26. (( 26. Mar 13. Apr. 12. May 11. 3ulyl5. " 20. 4( 30. Aug 30. Sep. 1. 4. i' 6. »s 6. Oct. 1. s — $6, 4, 2. SINGLE TEAMS. Committee. — Joel Page, Fitchburg ; Geo. Woods, Leominster ; A. G. Thompson, E. W. Gill, Princeton ; John G. Woodward, Ashburn- ham. Single Teams. Three premiums — $10, 7, 5. Minors, with Steers. Three premiums— $6, 4, 2. HORSE TEAMS. Committee. — Estabrook Moore, Leominster ] John Davis, Ashby ; Sewall G. Mirick, Princeton ; Isaac D. Ward, Ashburnham ; Thomas Palmer, Fitchburg. Horse Teams. Three premiums — $10, 7, 5. PREMIUMS. 91 FOOT RACE. Committee. — Thomas Lannon, Dennis Keefe, James Daley, James Markham, Charles Timon, Jr., Fitchburg. Half mile heats. Two premiums — $5, 3. Thi*ee entries to be made. HORSES. In all classes where speed is considered, three entries must be made, to entitle any horse to a premium. All thus entered will be required to pay ten per cent, of the highest premium as an entrance fee. The sum of $500.00 will be placed at tlie disposal of a committee consisting of Joseph Cushing, S. J. M. "Weston, Lyman Patch, L. P. Comee, J. M. Sawtell of FitcBburg, to be used in offering induce- ments to noted horses to be present on the second day of the Exhibi- tion. Entries for all horses where entrance fee is required to be paid, must be made before 9 o'clock A. M., of the day on which they are exhibited. GENTLEMEN'S DRIVING HORSES— SINGLE. Committee. — Lyman Patch, Joseph Cushing, Fitchburg; Geo. G. Rockwood, Ashburnham ; M. T. Gardner, Shirley ; James Putnam, Lunenburg. Gentlemen's Driving Horses. Three premiums — S25, 10, 5. Speed considered, but not to govern. In tlie trial of horses in this class, they shall make a standing start from the Judges' stand. MATCHED DRIVING HORSES. Committee— v. W. Wright, Ashby, Rodney Wallace, L. P. Comee, Fitchburg, A. L. Burditt, Leominster, Geo. C. Winchester, Ashburn- ham. Matched Driving Horses. Two premiums — $12, 8. Matched Driving Horses, speed to govern. Two premiums — $35, 15. 92 ^ PREJMIUMS. Three to enter, two to start. Teams entered in this class, shall make a standing start from the Judges' stand. All Teams entered in this class, must pay an entrance fee of $5.00. FAMILY HORSES— SINGLE. Oonwiittee. ^-Ohio Whitney Jr., Ashburnham; Leander SpraguC' R. L. Goddard, Fitchburg; C. S. Greenwood, South Gardner ; Dan- iel Putnam, Lunenburg. Family Horses — Single. Three premiums — $8, G, 4. COLTS. Committee. — John F. Brown, William L. Brown, Lunenburg; Samuel H. Sprague, Westminster; William Brown 2nd, Winchendon ; S. W. A. Stevens, Gardner. Stallions, three years old. Two premiums — $10,5. Geldings, three years old. Two premiums — $10, 5. Fillies, three years old. Two premiums — $10, 5. Stallions or Geldings, two years old. Two premiums, — $G, 3. Fillies, two years old. Two premiums — $6, 3. Yearling Colts. Two premiums — $5, 3. In addition to the above premiums, there will be offered two premi- ums of $15.00 and $5.00, open to all three years old colts; speed to be considered, but not to govern. STALLIONS. Gommittee. — William W. Comee, Boston; Anan Stockwell, Royals- ton ; E. F. Perkins, East Wilton, N. H., Joel Hay ward, Ashby ; Reuben W. Snow, Lunenburg. Best Stallion, speed considered, five years old and upwards. Two premiums — $25, 10. Best Stallion for general use, five years old and upwards. One pre- mium— $10. Best Stallion, three or four years old, speed considered. •, Two pre- miums—$15, 10. Stallions entered for speed will not be required to exhibit specimens of their stock. All others over five years old will be required to do so. Three years old Stallions entered in this class will be allowed to compete for premiums as Colts. PREMIUiMS. 93 MARES AND SUCKING COLTS. Qommittee. — J. M. Sawtcll, Fitchbiirg ; Antipas Maynard, Ash- burnham ; Oliver Patch, Leominster; Charles H. Loring, Sterling; Charles H. Brown, Fitchbui-g. Breeding Mares. Three premiums — $6, 4, 2. Colts, less than one yea? old. Three premiums — $3, 2, 1. The Mares must be four years old and upwards, and accompanied by their colts. No premium shall be awarded to a marc known to be unsound. DRAUGHT HORSES. Committee. — Geo. Davis, Shirley ; Jesse Foster, Ashby ; D. 0. Whitcomb, Fitchburg ; Charles Flagg, Sterling : John Cutter, Winch- en don. Draught Horses — Pairs. Two premiums — $6, 4. Draught Horses — Single. Two premiums — $5, 3. Best Minor Teamster. Two premiums — $4, 2. Draught Horses will be tried attached to a stone-boat loaded to weigh, including the stone-boat, one-fourth more than the horses. The same draught horse cannot receive a premium as a single horse and also one of a pair, but a draught horse may compete as a family horse. These must be four years old and upwards. CROPS. All entries for premiums in this department must be made with the Secretary, on or before June 15th, with the exception of English tur- nips and cabbages, which must be entered on or before August 15th. Immediately after these dates, the Secretary will transmit to all com- petitors a copy of the following blank form, adopted by the Trustees, to correspond with the requirements of the Board of Agriculture. In 23ursuance of authority delegated to the Board of Agriculture, by chap. 24 of the Acts of 1862, Agricultural Societies receiving the bounty of the State, are required to make use of the following form, and be governed by its conditions, in the mode of ascertaining the amount of crops entered for premium : ^4 PREMIUMS. Worcester North Agricultural Society. Statement concerning a crop of , raised by Mr. , in the town of , 1870. What was the crop of 1868 ? What manure was used, and how much 'i What was the crop of 1869 ? What manure was used, and how much ? What is the nature of the soil ? When, and how many times plowed, and how deep 't What other preparation for the seed ? €ost of plowing and other preparation ? Amount of manure, in loads of thirty bushels, and how applied 't Value of manure upon the ground ? When and how planted, and the amount and kind of seed 'i Cost of seed and planting ? How cultivated, and how many times ? Cost of cultivation including weeding and thinning? Time and manner of harvesting ? Cost of harvesting, including the storing and husking or thresliing 'I Amount of straw, stover, or other product ? Competitors for premium are particularly requested to make any statements or suggestions not dieted by the above questions, and which may be valuable as contributions to agricultural information. REMARKS. The Committee to whom is entrusted the award of premiums on field crops, may award the premiums according to their judgment ; but, for the purpose of furnishing accurate statistics for the benefit of agricul- ture, shall select certain of the crops, and require the owners thereof to measure the land and weigh the crops accurately, and give all pos- sible information thereon over their signatures, and return the same to the Secretary of the Society, to be published in the annual Transactions. In ascertaining the amount of crop, any vessel may be used, and the weight of its contents once, multiplied by the number oi" times it is filled by the crop. The certificate shall state the weight of all crops only in a merchant- able state. In measuring the land, any competent person may be employed, whether a sworn surveyor or not. In ascertaining the amount of a hay crop, entered for premium, the measurement of the hay in the barn may be employed. PREMIUMS. 95 RULES OF MEASURE Practiced and adopted hy the State Board of Ar/riculture. Wheat, Potatoes, Sugar Beets, Mangel "Wurzel, Ruta Bagas, White Beans and Peas, Corn, Rje, Oats, Barley, Buckwheat, Cracked Corn, Corn and Rye and other meal, except Oat, and English Turnips, Parsnips, Carrots, Onions, 60 lbs . to the bushel, 56 C( 4J lbs. Average 34 14-100 lbs. per day. August 1st, she was taken from the I'arm to riteh])urg, lor liunily use, where she now gives a large flow. No record of weight 1ms been kept since July 31st. Greatest yield in one day, 44 lbs. AUTUMX FLOWER, 2d. Calved February 27, 1870, at 2 years and 5 months. The record commences March 4th. She has been kept in tlie barn upon the usual winter feed, excepting one' feed per day (since June,) of cut grass, oats or fodder corn, and has had four quarts of shorts, and two quarts of corn and cotton seed meal (mixed) per day. In March, 28 days, 92C)J lbs., average 33 9-100 lbs. per day. In April, 30 days, 792J lbs., average 20 42-100 lbs. per day. In May, 31 days, 749 lbs., average 24 lG-100 lbs. per day. In June, 30 days, 742 lbs., average 24 73-100 lbs. per day. In July, 31 days, 673| lbs., average 21 73-100 lbs. per day. In August, 31 days, 602f lbs., average 19 44-100 lbs. per day. In September, 15 days, 273 lbs., average 18 20-100 lbs. per dav. Total— 196 days, 4759| lbs. Average 24 28-100 lbs. per day. LADY CARLISLE, 2d. Calved February 21, 1870, at 2 years and 7 months. The re- cord commences March 6th. Keeping the same as Autumn Flower. 2d, above.- In March, 26 days, 656 lbs., average 25 23-100 lbs. per day. In April, 30 days, 705J lbs., average 23 52-100 lbs. per day. In May, 31 days, 659| lbs., average 21 28-100 lbs. per day. tn June, 30 days, 622| lbs., average 20 76-100 lbs. per da,y. In July, 31 days, 533| lbs., average 17 22-100 lbs. per day. In August, 31 days, 480 lbs. average 15 48-100 lbs. per day. In September, 15 days, 216 lbs., average 14 4-10 lbs. per dav. Total — 194 days, 3873J lbs., average 19 97-100 lbs. per day. CLARISSA, 2d. Statement of milk, in lbs., given by the Short Horn Cow, Clarissa, 2d (at 6 years), from May 27, 1869, to March 22, 1870, (inclusive) 300 days. Her feed from June to October was green oats, grass, and fodder corn, cut and fed in the barn, together with two quarts of 18 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. n eal, and four quarts of wheat shorts. The winter feed was ( hiefly steamed hay, straw and corn stover. She calved May 25, 1869. In May, 5 days, 203 lbs., average 40 6-10 lbs. per day. In Jane, 30 days, 1200 lbs,, avera<2;e 40 lbs. per day. In July, 31 cays, 1142 lbs., average 36 84-100 lbs. per day. In August, 31 c-ays, 950 lbs., average 30 64-100 lbs., per day. In September, ::0 days, 842 lbs., average 28 6-100 lbs. per day. In October, 31 days, 767 lbs., average 24 75-100 lbs. per day. In November, 30 days, 775 lbs., average 25 83-100 lbs. per day. In December, 31 days, 745i lbs., aAcrage 24 4-100 lbs. per day. In January, 31 days, 770^- lbs., average 24 84-100 lbs. per day. ^n February, 28 davs, 700^ lbs., averau'e 25 lbs. per day. In March, 22 days, 48*9i lbs., average 22^25-100 lbs. per day.^ Total — 300 days, 8584J lbs., average 28 61-100 lbs. per day. She continued to give milk until May 9th, giving to that date in addition to weight for the 300 days, 645 J lbs., making a total of 9229f lbs. during the year. She calved again July 26, 1870, and gave in August, 31 days, 11 95 J lbs., average 38 56-100 lbs. per day. In September, i5 days, 507| lbs., average 33 85-100 lbs. per dav. Total — 46 days, 1703^ lbs., average 37 3-100 lbs. per day. BELLFLOWER, 5tH. Statement of milk, in pounds, given by the Short Horn Cow, Bellflower 5th, at 8 years, from Nov. 9, 1869, to May 17, 1870, inclusive, 190 days. She had the usual steamed feed, together with two quarts of meal, and four quarts of shorts per day. She calved November 1, 1869. In November, 22 days, 885|- lbs., average 40 24-100 lbs. per day. In December, 31 clays, 976J lbs., average 31 49-100 lbs. per day. In January, 31 days, 1095 J lbs., average 35 33-100 lbs. per day. In February, 28 days, 962| lbs., average 34 38-100 lbs. per day. In March, 31 days^ 1067 lbs., average 34 42-100 lbs. per dav. In April, 30 days, 862 lbs., average 28 73-100 lbs. per day. InMav, 17 days, 457 lbs., average 26 92-100 lbs. per day. Total— 190 days, 6305-J lbs., average 33 18-100 lbs. per day. May 18, she was removed from the farm to Fitchburg for family use, and no record of weight kept afterwards. mountain belle. Calved August 1, 1870. Her feed 'has been dry hay, steamed feed and fodder coi'n, one feed of each per day, together with two quarts meal and four quarts of wheat shorts per day. In August, REPORTS OP COMMITTEES. lU 5th to 31st, 27 days, she ,Q:ave 971 J lbs of milk, avcraoje 3G ll)s. per day. In Scptenibor, to 15th, 15 days, she gave 4G8 lbs. of milk,* averao-e 31 20-100 lbs. per day. Her lar<>:est yield in one day, was 41 lbs., (Ani>:. 9th). Her record for 18G9, from March 7th, to December 31st, 300 days, is 61G2 lbs., an average of 20 54-100 lbs. per day. Statement of E. T. Miles. Beauty, No. 240 Ayrshire Herd Book, is nine years old, and dropped her last calf May 20, 1870. In six days, from the Gth to the 11th of June, 1870, inclusive, slie gave 193 lbs. of milk, and for the six corresponding days in September, 1870, the weight of her milk was 159 pounds. Miller, 2d, No. 145 Ayrshire Herd Book, is eleven years old. She dropped her last calf, September 9, 1870, since which time no record of her milk has been kept, as she is. still suckling her calf In 18G9, she calved November 2, and in six days, from the 25th to the 30th of the same month, her milk weighed 198 pounds. Three months later, the last six days in February, she gave 156 pounds. The weight of her milk for any other six days will be given if re- quired. Emma, No. 374 Ayrshire Herd Book, is nine years old, and dropped her last calf August 7, 1870. The weight of her milk for the prescribed six days in September was 183 pounds. Not being in milk in the month of June, no weiglit of her milk for any other six days is submitted. Her daily record is kept, and the weight of her milk for any six days that the Committee may desig- nate, will be furnished. Dai.sy, No. 330 Ayrshire Herd Book, is nine years old, and dropped her last calf, March IG, 1870. Her next calf is due Feb. 21, 1871. The weiglit of her milk for six days, from June 5th to 11th, inclusive, was 17G pounds. The corresponding six days in September, she gave 128 pounds. Myrtle, 1st, No. G48 Ayrshire Herd Book, will be four years old in October, next. She dropped her last calf, July 2G, 1870, and the weight of her milk for the specified six days in September, was 167} pounds. In 1869, she calved Sept. 8, and in six days, three months later, December 8th, to 13th, her milk weighed 125 pounds. 20 REPORTS OF COMMITTi^rS. Lady Burns, No. 524 Ayrshire Herd Book, was three years old, June 20, 1870. She calved January 18, 1870. Her yield of milk for the specified six days in June and September, was 106 and 73 pounds respectively. She is due to calve, December 30th, next. Cleopatra, No. 311 Ayrshire Herd Book, was three years old, May 20, 1870. She dropped her last calf, June 19, last, and her milk, for the last six days of the same month weighed 166 pounds. For the six designated days iii September, her milk weighed 135 pounds. The keeping of the cows, here entered for premiums, has been, in summer, such pasture as is afforded at Maplewood, with four quarts of " shorts," and from one to two quarts of corn meal per day. Occasionally, a little oil and cotton seed meal has been sub- stituted for an equal quantity of corn meal. In winter, good hay, with corn stover, and such fodder as is usual to ordinary farming, with a small feed of Mangolds or Swedes at noon. The same quantity of grain is fed as in summer. The feed of the different animals is varied by their condition and circumstances, but the above statement is sufficiently accurate for all practical purposes. In addition to the foregoing, I submit tabulated statements, show- ing the quantity of milk given by each cow and heifer entered for premiums, for the term of one year, to which the attention of the committee is respectfully called. E. T. MILES. ^ « o * a GRADE BULLS. The committee on Grade Bulls make the following report : BULLS MORE THAN TWO YEARS OLD. 1st premium to Thomas Gibson, of Fitchburg, for his Grade Alderney, 4 years old, $5 00 2d premium to Franklin Nourse, of Sterling, for his Na- tive Bull, 2 years old, 3 00 YEARLING BULLS. 2d premium to S. G. Mirick, Princeton, 2 00 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 21 CALVES. 1st preiniimi to S. G. Mirick, Princcitoii, for his extra fine bull calf, 6 months old, 4 00 Respectfully submitted, JOSIAH PUFFER, For the CommiUce. MILCH KINE. The committee chosen to report on Milch Kine have attended to that duty, and make the following report : They award to J. P. Reed, of Princeton, for the best herd of four cows, the 1st premium, $10 GO To Augustus Gates, of Leominster, for second best, the second premium, 7 00 No other entries under this head. They award to J. P. Reed, of Princeton, for the best cow for milk (5 years old, grade Holderness), 1st premium, 5 00 To Augustus Gates, Leominster, 2d premium, 4 00 " Geo. L.Rice, Leominster, (cow "Nellie,") 3d premium 3 00 They recommend a gratuity to Joel Page, Fitchburg, for his four-year-old cow, of 3 00 They award to J. P. Reed, of Princeton, for the best cow for butter, (5 years old) the 1st premium, 5 00 To J. P. Reed, Princeton, for second best, (7 years old) 2d premium, 4 00 To Franklin Nourse, Sterling, for " Lady Whiteface," 3d premium, 3 00 All of which is respectfully submitted, DENNIS FAY, Acting Clmirman. 22 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. Statement of J. P. Reed. I offer for premium, one lierd of four cows, aged 10, 9, 8 and 9 years. Breed, Holderness. They ixave at the June trial 1091 pounds of miik. September trial, 910 pounds. Keepina; in June, pasture, with two quarts of meal, with on3 exception, this cow had two quarts of shorts. The meal cost not more than four cents per quart. In September, pasture, tln-ee of them had four quarts ofmealper day. Meal cost not over 3^ cents per quart. The other cow had four quarts of shorts, and all o:* them as much fodder corn as they could eat. Time of last calving, last of February and first of March. I also offer for premium, one cow, 9 years old, for milk. She gave in the June trial, 303f pounds. At September trial, 19 6 J pounds; keeping same as above. Calved the last of Marc'i. I offer for premium, one cow 8 years old, for milk. Cave in June trial, 196^ pounds. At September trial, IkU* poundj. Sue had only 1 4 quarts of meal in June; in September, 3 quarts; calved in January. Also, one cow, 5 years old, for butter. She made in the June trial, 10 pounds ; in September trial, y pounds. Keeping as be- fore stated. Calved the last of February, and is to calve the last of February again. Also, one cow, 6 years old, for butter. She made in June trixi, 9| pounds ; in September trial, 9 pounds. Calved the last of Feb- ruary, and is to calve the same time next February. J. P. REED. Statement of Augustus Gates I offer for premium; one herd of four cows, all four years old. Breed, Native; time of last calving, two, last of February, 1870. At June trial, their milk weighed 486 lbs. At September trial, their milk weighed 280 lbs. Two calved Aug. 10, 1870. At June trial, their milk weighed 264 lbs. At September trial, their milk weighed 380 lbs. Keeping, common pasture, with 4 quarts of shorts. I also offer one cow, " Greyface," for milk ; age, 8 years. Breed, Native. Gave at June trial 148 lbs. of milk; at September trial, 280 lbs. Time of last calving, Aug. 15th, 1870. Keeping same as above. REPORTS OF C i . 1 rR.'OS. 23 Also, one Cow for milk, a<>;ed 7 years. She gave at June trial 250 lbs. ol milk. At September trial, 210 lbs. AUGUSTUS GATES. Statement of G, L. Rice. Cow, " Nellie," breed, Grade Ayrsliirc ; age, 8 years. Calved Sept. 4tli, 1870. She gave, in the^ first week in June, 144 lbs of milk, an average of 20 4-7 lbs. per day for seven days. In Sep- tember she gave 2 83 J lbs., an average of 40.^ lbs. per day. Her greatest yield in any one day in June was 21 f lbs; in September, 43^- lbs. Manner of keeping — In June, pasture feed; and in September, hay, 8 quarts of shorts and 2 quarts of meal. G. L. RICE. HEIFERS. The Committee award as follows : FOR TWO YEAR OLDS. To N. B. Reed, Princeton, 1st premium, $4 00 u u a 2d ^^ 3 00 FOR ONE YEAR OLDS. To J. P. Reed, Princeton, 1st premium. 3 00 L. Stockwell, Fitchburg, 2d 2 00 J. P. Reed, Princeton, 3d 1 00 CHARLES H. BROWN, Cliairman. HEIFER CALVES. The Committee on Heifer Calves make the following awards : 1st premium to J. P. Reed, Pi*inceton, $4 00 2d '• " L. Stockwell, Fitchburg, 3 00 WARREN MARBLE, Chairman. 24 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. YEARLING STEERS AND STEER CALVES. Your Committee on Yearling Steers and Steer Calves make thi following Report: YEARLING STEERS. 1st premium t3 E. W. Gill, Princeton, 2d " " J. P. Reed, '' 3d " '' N. B. Reed, TRAINED YEARLINGS. 1st premium to N. B. Reed, Princeton, 2d " " E. W. Gill, CALVES RAISED BY HAND. 1st premium to M. A. Beaman, Princeton, 2d " " J. P. Reed, " TRAINED STEER CALVES. 1st premium to M. A. Beaman, Princeton, 2d " " J. P. Reed, " BEST MINOR TRAINERS. 1st premium to M. A. Beaman, Princeton, 2d " " E.Hadley, " Your Committee are unanimous in their opinion that the less the whip is used, the better it is for the trained and the trainer. LORISTON STOCKWELL, Chairman. S3 00 2 00 1 00 •1 00 2 00 6 00 4 00 4 00 3 00 3 00 2 00 PENS OF CALVES. The Committee on Pens of Calves make the following Report : They award the 1st premium to Augustus Wliitman, Fitchburg, $10 00 2d " " J. P. Reed, Princeton, 5 00 PAUL W. MIRICK for the Committee, REPOllTS OF COMM'ITTEES. 25 WORKING OXEN, SINGLE TEAMS. The Committee on Working Oxen, Single Teams, make the fol- loAviiig awards : 1st premium to G. L. Rice, Leominster, $7 00 2d " " N. B. Reed, Princeton, G 00 3d " " J. P. Reed, " 5 00 4th " " W. AV. Shattuck, Fitchburg, 4 00 5th " " Silas Pratt, " 3 00 CHAS. C. BOYDEN,/or the Committee, WORKING OXEN AND HORSE. The Committee on AVorking Oxen and Horse, having attended to their duties, make the following awards : 1st premium to S. G. Mirick, of Princeton. $7 00 To George Woods of Leominster, a gratuity of $3 00 for the work of a yoke ot oxen. Your Committee would also wish to give favorable mention of one yoke of oxen driven by Mr. Eldin, belongi];ig to Messrs. An- drew's & Litchfield, of Fitchburg, as the manner in which the team was managed drew forth from all lookers-on the highest praise. And the Committee awai'd to Mr. Eldin a gratuity of $3 00 for his skillj and humanity to his beasts. D. C. MILES, /or the Committee. STEERS MORE THAN TWO YEARS OLD. The Committee on Steers more tlian Two Years old report : THREE YEARS OLD STEERS. 1st premium to N. B. Reed, Princeton, 5 00 2d " " J. P. Reed, " 4 00 3d " " John Brooks, " 3 00 26 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. BEST MINOR TEAIVISTER. 1st premium to Alfred Skinner, Princeton, $4 00 TWO YEARS OLD STEERS. 1st premium to John Brooks, Princeton, 4 00 2d " " N. B. Reed, " 3 00 3d '- " Franklin Nourse, Sterling, 2 00 TRAINED TWO YEARS OLD STEERS. 1st premium to N. B. Reed, Princeton, 4 00 2d " " J. P. Reed, " 2 00 BEST MINOR TRAINER. 1st premium to Edwin Hadley, Princeton, 3 00 The Committee feel it a duty to say that all the three and two years old steers that were entered were of the best kind. For the Committee, BENJAMIN WYMAN, Chairman. FAT CATTLE. The Committee on Fat Cattle regret much at finding so small a number of cattle entered for premiums, especially beef cows, — ^not one single cow to put a premium upon ; and we believe this might have been better if some of the fine cows and heifers could have been entered for premiums, from the fine herds of A. Whitman and others, and given us a chance to award the amount of money ap- propriated by the Society. As it is, all we can do is to award for : FAT OXEN. 1st premium to J. Cushing, Fitchburg, $8 00 2d " " " " 5 00 FAT STEERS. 1st premium to John Brooks, Princeton, 6 00 2d '' '' N. B. Reed, " 4 00 Respectfully submitted, JOHN LOWE, for the Committee. IIEPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 27 Statement of N. B. Reed. I enter for premium one pair Steers, 3 years old, Grade Devon. They were worked the past winter and spring ; wintered upon hay and husks, and turned out to pasture in May. They have been worked some this month, and never had extra keeping. N. B. REED. SWINE. The Committee on Swine have awarded the following pre- miums : sow AND PIGS. 1st premium to Franklin Nourse, Sterling, $8 00 2d " " Thomas Gibson, Fitchburg, 4 00 FAT HOGS. 1st premium to J. Gushing, Fitchburg, 8 00 2d - - Benj. Safford, " 4 00 BOARS MORE THAN ONE YEAR OLD., 1st premium to Luther Page, Lunenburg, 4 00 BOARS LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD. 2d premium to Daniel North, "Westminster, 2 00 Your Committee also recommend a gratuity of 4 00 to William Woodbury, of Fitchburg, for his fat hogs. CHARLES DAYIS, Chairman. SHEEP. The Committee on Sheep have attended to their duty, and have made the following awards : BUCKS. 1st premium to S. G. Mirick, Princeton, $5 00 2d " " John Brooks, " 3 00 To A. B. Wood, Westminster, for Cosset Buck, 2 00 28 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. COSSETS. ^d premium to N. B. Reed, Princeton, $1 00 J. P. Reed, Princeton, gratuity, 1 00 HUMPHREY HARRIS, /or the Committee. POULTRY. The labors of tlic Committee on Poultry were by no means ex- hausting. As usual, there was but very little competition or inter- est. It would hardly seem worth while to offer premiums, Avere it not that this class of farm stock is deserving of more attention than it receives. It has been demonstrated over and over again that no animals kept upon the ' farm are capable of yielding so great a return upon the capital employed. The writer has made something of a study of this matter for a series of years, and has invariably found, from actual recorded results, that there has never been less than one hundred per cent, profit realized upon the capital involved; and it has often gone as hii:h as one hundred and iifty or more. Of what other stock kept can such a result be shown? Although this state of things is freely admitted, yet there is a very general feeling that it is a small business, can only be pursued on a small scale, and will do for women, children, and a class of men whose time has but a limited value. There is also a very prevalent sentiment that poultry in any considerable numbers cannot be kept upon one farm, and there- fore the subject is unworthy of serious attention. It is quite true that poultry in large numbers together have never permanently succeeded ; but it is also a fact that a family of say a dozen in number can be kept in perfect condition, and with profitable results, Avhile partially or entirely confined to a move- able or even a stationary coop. This is frequently to be seen in villages where the fowls are necessarily kept from ranging at all. If a single dozen of fowls will succeed under such circumstances, there is no plausible reason that can be urged why another dozen cannot be kept at a small distance, and still another, and so on indefinitely ; the only question to be determined being the smallest space to which each family can be limited, and entire success fol- low. To make the keeping of a dozen or a score of hens a satis- factory operation under these conditions, we must become familiar IIEPOIITS OF COMMITTEES. 29 with their liabits and requirements. A few hens runnin,<:^ at lar^^e over a farm, will i2;et a fair livinj^ with little or no feedinn;, but will not yield the best results. There are two f>:reat essentials so lar as their food is eoncerned. One is that they shall have all that they can eonsuma in quantity, and the other is that they shall have a variety sufheient to supply all their needs. It is evident that if • they are to be confined to a larger or smaller space, it is feasible to supply them with food in unlimited ([uantities, and that it is entirely possible to give them all the variety necessary, if we only know what that is. The failures in feeding almost always grow out of the failure to supply an adequate variety rather than a suf- fieient quantity. A hen should be looked upon as an egg-factory, or as a machine for producing eggs. If the machine is in a proper state of repair, {i. e., if the hen is in good health), then the more raw material of which eggs are made up, that the machine can be made to consume, the greater will be the production of the manu- factured eggs. If a hen requires three ounces of grain per day to keep her in condition simply, without increase in any respect, then it follows that unless she can get more than three ounces, she can never produce an egg except at the expense of her own substance. Hence all the profit must come from the excess of the three ounces that are furnished and consumed. For this reason, every expedient that does not interfere with the health of the animal, should be made use of to induce her to consume all the raw material possible out of which eggs are formed. The appetite of a fowl is not al- ways a sure guide in these cases. Perhaps there is nothing that they will eat with greater avidity and apparent relish than hot, boiled potatoes, and yet if they are supplied with all that they will consume, it will surely diminish and even stop the production of eggs. This is also true of some other kinds of food. As far as our experience has taught us, up to the present time, their requirements for the largest production of eggs would be best supplied as follows : 1st. An unlimited supply of good wheat. It is very common to use the cheaper grains, and especially wheat screenings, for this purpose, but we are convinced that a given amount of money in- vested in first quality grain will yield a larger return in eggs than if anything inferior is substituted. 2d. An unlimited supply of sound corn. The same principle will apply here as regards inferior corn. It is also a fact that a hen will consume less of second quality corn, if it is poorly ripened 30 EEPORTS OF COMMITTEES. or has been injured by heating or otherwise ; and this, in addition to its poorer quality, at once tells against the production of eggs. 3d. A limited amount of animal food. This may be provided in the form of fresh meat or fish, better if cooked, beef or pork scrap-cake, ground ; or, what we have found to be a very good sub- stitute, skim-milk curd freed from whey. This last we supply to them without limit, as there is no risk of their consuming it in* injurious amounts, as they sometimes will fresh meat. 4th. Some form of vegetable fibre. Hens consume large quan- tities of clover and grass during the summer season, if they have access to it ; and in fact when it is often supposed from their mo- tions that they are feeding upon insects, it is only upon the leaves and blades of the grasses and clovers. In confinement a very good substitute may be found in dry shorts, which they will eat very freely. 5th. Lime. This may be fed in the condition of egg-shell, ground oyster shell, bones, or old mortar. 6th. Gravel stones. When confined, it will be necessary to give them a supply of gravel, or, in winter, we have found a good substitute in pounded anthracite coal, or the unburned bits of coal left in the ashes. Dry coal-ash is also one of the best absorbents of their droppings. An inch or two spread upon the floor of their house will keep everything dry and sweet for a long time. It will also afford a very good dusting material, that will be of great ser- vice in keeping them free from vermin, one of the most essential things in the whole management. For the best results, chickens should be hatched so early in spring that the pullets will commence laying in September or Octo- ber, and they ought not to be kept more than about a year from that time, as the number of eggs laid the second year will be slightly less than the first, and less of them will be laid in the time of the highest prices. The Committee have awarded premiums as follows. It may be proper to state that the first premium for White Leghorns was awarded over the second best on the ground that they were but three months old, as it appeared by the card, while the others were set down as five months, and the difference in their maturity ap- peared to be less than the difference in their ages. Subsequent investigation, however, has proved that there were only two or REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 31 three day difference in the date of their hatching. If this fact had been known, the awards would undoubtedly have been reversed : HENS. Brahma, 1st premium to J. A. Marshall, Lunenburg, $2 00 Black Spanish, " " " " 2 00 White Leghorn, " " " " 2 00 '•' 2d " " Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 1 00 TURKEYS. 1st premium, A. B. Wood, Westminster, 3 00 GEESE, (wild). 1st premium, John Wheeler, Fitchburg, 3 00 The Conmiittee also recommend a gratuity of $2 00 to Henry Grimes of Gardner, for five pairs of " Fancy Fowls." Also a gratuity of $1 00 to W. A. Carleton of Fitchburg, for a brood of ten Brahma chickens, one day old. JABEZ FISHEE, Chairmari. TOWN TEAMS. The Committee award the 1st premium to Leominster, $25 00 2d " " Princeton, 15 00 PORTER PIPER,°/or the Committee. PLOWING— DOUBLE TEAMS. The Committee appointed by the trustees to award the pre- miums for the best plowing with Double Teams, have superintended the work, and submit the following Report : Number of entries, 2. Number of Competitions, 2. The plow>s used were the Ames Co.'s Michigan Swivel, same size. Sewall G. Mirick plowed 22 furrows in 28| minutes. Team, one pair of oxen 32 - REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. and horse. Gould and Sliattuck plowed 25 furrows in 30 minutes. Team, two pairs of oxen. We award the 1st premium to Gould & Shattuck. Fitchburg, $10 00 2d " '' Sewall G. Mirick, Princeton, 7 00 SOLON CARTER, Chairman. PLOWING— SINGLE TEAMS. The Committee award the 1st premium to George Woods, Leominster, $10 00 2d " " J. Cushin,2:, Fitchburg, 7 00 3d " " George Billings, Lunenburg, 5 00 JOEL PAGE, for the Committee. PLOWING— HORSE TEAMS. Your Committee on Plowing with Horse Teams have attended to their duty, and report as follows : There was but one entry, by Mr. E. A. Goodrich of Fitchburg. He plowed his land with an Eagle Double Plow, in 19 minutes, to the depth of 10 inches. The work was done in good style, and the Committee were of the opinion that it was hard to beat, and were unanimous in awarding to him the first premium. $10 00. JOHN DAYIS, Chairman. FOOT RACE. Your Committee appointed on Foot Race submit the following report, and would suggest that a larger sum be offered in future as an inducement for some of the noted runners in the County to be. present : There wore five entries — ^Sidney Jackson, D. B. Booth, Eugene Flaherty, John Roddy and Anthony Forrest. Sidney Jackson won the race. Time, 2:21. D. B. Booth second. And we award the 1st premium to Sidnev Jackson, $5 00 2d " " D. B. Booth, 3 00 T. F. LENNON, for the Committee. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 33 [Note. — Several persons being present on the second day of the Fair, who desired to run for a premium, the Committee of Ar- rangements decided to offer two premiums of $10 00 and $5 00, to be contested for, and the following report gives the result of the race. — Secretary.] Sidney Jackson won the race and first money, $10 00 Charley Jones, 2d " 5 00 T. F. LENNON,/or the Committee. GENTLEMEN'S DRIVING HORSES— SINGLE. Your Committee have attended to their duty, and submit the following Report : 1st premium to 0. T. Ruggles, Fitchburg, $25 00 2d " " C. H. Brown, " 10 00 3d " " F. Buttrick, " 5 00 L. PATCH, Chairman. MATCHED DRIVING HORSES. The Committee on Matched Driving Horses award the following premiums : 1st premium to Alvah Crocker, Fitchburg, $12 00 2d " " Charles H. Brown, " 8 00 speed to govern. 1st premium to L. P. Comee, Fitchburg, 35 00 2d " « S. J. M. Weston, " 15 00 A. L. BURDITT, for the Committee. FAMILY HORSES— SINGLE. The Committee report as follows : 1st premium to H. G. Morse, Fitchburg, $8 00 34 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 2d premium to Geo. N. Proctor, Fitchburg, $6 00 3d " " Chas. H. Brown, " 4 00 OHIO WHITNEY, Chairman. COLTS. The Committee on Colts, all being present, submit the following Report : There being two classes of premiums offered, — viz : for Stal- lions, Geldings and Mares, also for speed to be considered but not to govern, — the Committee supposed to be two separate classes, and one entry eligible to one class only, a report was made which has since been revised. -^ THREE YEARS OLD STALLIONS, GELDINGS AND MARES. Stallions — None on exhibition. Geldings — But one was offered, and the first premium of $10 00 is awarded to L. P. Comee, Fitcliburg, for his " Black Frank." FILLIES. 1st prem. to L. P. Comee, Fitchburg, for " Belle Savage," $10 00 2d " " George 11. Grout, Leominster, 5 00 A gratuity of $5 00 is recommended to Thomas Upton, Fitch- burg. TWO YEARS OLD. Stallions — None on exhibition. GELDINGS. But one on exhibition, and the first premium is awarded to J. H. Marshall, Leominster, $6 00 FILLIES. 1st premium to J. Gushing, Fitchburg, 6 00 2d " " A. J. Stone, Lancaster, 3 00 • YEARLING COLTS. 1st premium to Lyman Patch, Fitchburg, 5 00 2d " " M. S. Heath, Lunenburg, 3 00 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 35 Your Committee are of the opinion that it will be expedient to dispense with the classes of Geldin.j^s and Marcs, making but one class, and would recommend an additional premium. In addition to the above, two premiums were offered, speed to b« considered, but not to govern. We award the 1st prem. to L. P. Comee, Fitchburg, for "Belle Savage," $15 00 2d " " " " '' "Frank," 5 00 JOHN F. BROWN, for the Committee. STALLIONS. The Committee offer the following report : There were only two Stallions presented to your Committee-— a fact which we greatly regret, as showing a decline of interest in the matter of horse-breeding. Messrs. Jones & Perkins of Wil- ton, N. H., offered their stallion " Abdallah," both as a stock horse and for speed. We consider him a good stock horse, of ^ good bone and muscle, as shown by his colts which were on exhibition, and his qualities for speed are excellent. We award the 1st premium to Jones & Perkins, Wilton, N. H., $25 00 STALLIONS FOUR YEARS OLD. 1st premium to George Miles, Westminster, 15 00 W. W. COMEE, Chairman. MARES AND SUCKING COLTS. The Committee on Mares and Colts make the following awards : MARES. 1st premium to Joel Hay ward, Ashby, $6 00 2d " " J. A. Marshall, Leominster, 4 00 3d " " J. H. Marshall, " 2 00 COLTS LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD. 1st premium to J. A. Marshall, Leominster, 3 00 36 EEPORTS OP COMMITTEES. 2d premium to Joel Hayward, Ashby, $2 00 3d " " John Wheeler, Fitchburg, 1 00 J. M. SAWTELL, for tU Committee. DRAUGHT HORSES. The Committee report as follows : PAIRS. 1st premium to J. Ames, Fitchburg, $6 00 2d '- E. T. Miles, " 4 00 SINGLE. 1st premium to D. F. Mclntire, Fitchburg, 5 00 2d " " H. P. Wheelock, " 3 00 GEORGE DAVIS, Chairman. HORSES FOR SPEED. The Committee on Horses for speed report as follows : HORSES THAT NEVER BEAT THREE MINUTES. PURSE $50 00. 1st prem. to George Davis, Shirley, for ^^Tom Dick," $35 00 2d " " Perley Holmes, Fitchburg, for "John Morrill," 10 00 3d '• " Waldo Whitne3^,Leominster, for "Brown Dick," 5 00 HORSES THAT NEVER BEAT 2:50. PURSE $200 00. 1st prem. to L. P. Comee, Fitchburg, for " Dan," 125 00 2d " " R. McKenzie, Boston, for "Kentucky Boy," 50 00 3d " " S.J.M.Weston,Fitchburg," Jennie Chandler," 25 00 OPEN TO ALL HORSES. PURSE $250 00. 1 st prem. to O.T. Ruggles, Fitchburg, for " Capt. Lawrence," 1 75 00 2d " " R. McKenzie, Boston, " " Com. Nutt," 50 00 J. CUSHING, for the Committee. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 37 ROOT CROPS. The Committee on Root Crops report as follows : Neither of those entering raised enough to receive a premium ; but your Committee were unanimous in awarding to each a gratuity- amounting to the first premium. Cyrus Kilburn, of Lunenburg, raised, on one rod of ground, 52 lbs. 10 oz. of Early Rose potatoes, and to him we award a gratuity of $8 00. Ebenezer Bird, of Leominster, raised, on one rod of ground, 86 pounds Orange Carrots, and to him we award a gratuity of $4 00. JOHN BROOKS, for the Committee. GARDENS. The Committee on Gardens submit the following Report : The gentleman who was appointed Chairman of the Committee was unable to serve, and neglected to notify the Secretary of the fact until quite late in the season, which fact prevented attention being given to the gardens entered, until a later time than usual for the Committees to visit them. There were only two gardens entered for premiums — one by Alvah Crocker of Fitchburg, and the other by Cyrus Kilburn of Lunenburg. The Committee, having visited and examined both, are unanimous in their opinion that to Mr. Crocker should be awarded the first premium of $12 00. The other premiums we do not award to any one. The Committee feel justified in saying that notwithstanding the extreme dryness of the season, the garden entered by Mr. Crocker seemed to them to be in every way entitled to the award they made. A good succession of Crops has been maintained, and it shows evidence of careful, clean cultivation. Besides supplying all the vegetables used by two or three families, there have been sold in market upwards of $100 worth during the season. T. S. WILSON, for the Commttee. 38 REPORTS OP COMMITTEES. GRAIN. Your Committee on Grain have attended to their duty, and sub- mit the following as their Report : Waole number of entries, 14. CORN. There were five entries of this grain; one withdrawn. We award the lirst premium, $15 00, to Joseph. Goodrich of Lunen- burg. WeiQ:]it of shelled corn per square rod, 27 lbs. ; equal to 77 bushels per acre. Second premium, $10 00, to Cyrus Kilburn, Lunenburg. Weight of shelled corn per square rod, 25 lbs.; equal to 71 5-24 bushels per acre. The crops of Luther Page of Lunenburg and Solon Carter of Leominster did not come up to the Society's standard weight. WHEAT. We award the first premium, $15 00, to Luther Page of Lunen- burg. Weight per square rod, 7f lbs. ; equal to 20f bushels per acre. The crop of Joseph Goodrich did not come up to the Society's standard weight. EYE. Three entries. Two withdrawn. The third did not come up to the Society's standard weight. OATS. Three entries. All withdrawn. BUCKWHEAT. One entry. Withdrawn. As the Grain crop is so uncertain in our vicinity, your Committee would recommend to the Society to abolish the standard weiglit of grain and other articles, for several reasons. We think we should have more competition, and be just as likely to get seventy-five or a hundred bushels of corn per acre, and other grains in proportion, as we are with the standard weight, as the seasons are so change- able that farmers can raise a third more grain in some years than others, with the same amount of labor and expense. REPORTS OP COMMITTEES. 39 Your Committee are satisfied tliat every piece of grain they ex- amined was injured more or less by the drought, with one exception. That was Cyrus Kilburn's corn, which was raised on what was formerly an old swamp. We may plant and water, but God givcth the increase. If a man happens to have a fast horse, he will get his premium whether the earth is burnt up by drought or flooded with water. Therefore we recommend that the Society offer premiums for the largest and best crops, without limitation. We ffive the weight of the several lots of corn; what they Li-„ „i,_:„i . Note. — The Conmiittee on Grain through mistake did not con- sider the crop of Wheat of Cyrus Kilburn. of Lunenburg, but their report being recommitted to them they now award the 1st premium of $15 to Cyrus Kilburn, of Lunenburg, who raised lOflbs. per rod or 28f bushels per acre. 2nd Premiiini of $10 to Luther Page, of Lunenburg, who raised 7f lbs. per rod or 20^ bushels per acre. . Joseph Goodrich's Statement. CORN. Crop of 1868, grass; no manure. Crop of 1869, grass; no manure. Soil, clay loam. Plowed once in November, six to eight inches deep ; harrowed and furrowed one way. Cost of plowing, $10 00. Amount and kind of manure, eighteen loads stable manure, spread on top of furrows, and 250 lbs. super-phosphate put in hills. Value of manure, $37 00. Planted second week in May, in rows 3J feet apart, and fur- rowed 3 J feet. Planted six quarts of Carter Corn. Cost of seed and planting, $4 00. Cultivated twice with horse cultivator and twice with hoe." Cost of cultivation, $12 00. Harvested last week in September, topped immediately before harvesting. Cost of harvesting, $8 00. Amount of 'stover, 1 J tons. 38 REPORTS OP COMMITTEES. GRAIN. Your Committee on Grain have attended to their duty, and sub- mit the following as their Report : Waole number of entries, 14. CORN. RYE. Three entries. Two withdrawn. The third did not come up to the Society's standard weight. OATS. Three entries. All withdrawn. BUCKWHEAT. One entry. Withdrawn. As the Grain crop is so uncertain in our vicinity, your Committee would recommend to the Society to abolish the standard weiglit of grain and other articles, for several reasons. We think we should have more competition, and be just as likely to get seventy-five or a hundred bushels of corn per acre, and other grains in proportion, as we are with the standard weight, as the seasons are so change- able that farmers can raise a third more grain in some years than others, with the same amount of labor and expense. REPORTS OP COMMITTEES. 39 Your Committee are satisfied that every piece of grain they ex- amined was injured more or less by the drought, with one exception. That was Cyrus Kilburn's corn, which was raised on what was formerly an old swamp. We may plant and water, but God givcth the increase. If a man happens to have a fast horse, he will get his premium whether the earth is burnt up by drought or flooded with water. Therefore we recommend that the Society offer premiums for the largest and best crops, without limitation. We give the weight of the several lots of corn; what they weighed when harvested, and also when shelled, and the shrinkage : Weight of Cyrus Kilburn's corn when gathered, August 31st, 50 J lbs.; when shelled, November 12th, 30 lbs. Shrinkage, 20J lbs. Joseph Goodrich's, when gathered, September 19th,37 lbs.; when shelled, November 12th, 30 lbs. Shrinkage, 7 lbs. Luther Page's, when gathered, September 19th, 32 lbs.; when shelled, November 12th, 23 lbs. Shrinkage, 9 lbs. Solon Carter's, when gathered, September 28th, 26 lbs.; when shelled, November 12th, 22 lbs. Shrinkage, 4 lbs. All of which is respectfully submitted, E. BIRD, for the Committee. • Joseph Goodrich's Statement. CORX. Crop of 1868, grass; no manure. Crop of 1869, grass; no manure. Soil, clay loam. Plowed once in November, six to eight inches deep ; harrowed and furrowed one way. Cost of plowing, $10 00. Amount and kind of manure, eighteen loads stable manure, spread on top of furrows, and 250 lbs. super-phosphate put in hills. Value of manure, $37 00. Planted second week in May, in rows 3J feet apart, and fur- rowed 3J feet. Planted six quarts of Carter Corn. Cost of seed and planting, $4 00. Cultivated twice with horse cultivator and twice with hoe.* Cost of cultivation, $12 00. Harvested last week in September, topped immediately before harvesting. Cost of harvesting, $8 00. Amount of stover, 1 J tons. 40 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. APPLES, PEACHES, PLUMS AND QUINCES. The Committee make the following awards : APPLES. For Twelve Varieties of Five Specimens Each 1st premium to C. C. Boyden, Leominster, Harris on Lis. 2d " " Geo. Woods, " 3d " " W. C. Emory, Lunenburg, For Six Varieties of Five Specimens Each, 1st premium to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, 2d " « Thos. Palmer, " 3d " " George Woods, Leominster, For Three Varieties of Five Specimens Each. 1st premium to Levi Kendall, Fitchburg, 2d " '' A. Whiting, Oakdale, 3d " " Thomas Palmer, Fitchburg, Baldwins. 1st premium to A. Whiting, Oakdale. 2d " " C. C. Boyden, Leominster. Huhhardston Nonesuch. 1st premium to George Woods, Leominster. 1 00 2d " " C. C. Boyden, " 50 Rhode Island Greenings. 1st premium to A. Whiting, Oakdale, 1 00 2d " " Nathan Caswell, Fitchburg, 50 Roxbury Russets. 1st premium to Alvah Crocker, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d " '' E. T. Miles, '^ 50 Gravenstein. 1st premium to C. C. Boyden, Leominster, 1 00 2d '' " Nathan Caswell, Fitchburg, 50 $2 00 1 00 2 00 1 50 1 00 1 50 1 00 50 REPORTS OP COMMITTEES. 41 Palmer Greeniiigs. 1st premium to C. C. Bojden, Leominster^ 1 00 GRATUITIES. « J. M. Sawtell, Benjamin Safford, Nathan Caswell, Alvah Crocker^ Levi Kendall, Thos. Upton, Fitcliburg ; Ephraim Graham, Lunenburg ; S. R. Damcm, Ashby ; Stillman Stone, Lunenburg ; Loriston Stockwell, Fitchburg, each 1 00 PLUMS. Best Plates. 1st premium to Ohio Whitney, Ashburnham, 1 i)i) 2d " " George Jewett, Fitchburg, 50 No premiums or gratuities awarded on Peaches or Quinces. For the Committee^ B. SNOW, Jr., Chairman. PEARS AND GRAPES. The Committee on Pears and Grapes having attended to the duty assigned them, respectfully submit the following Report : After a careful inspection and comparison, your Committee award premiums as follows : PEARS. For Ticelve Varieties of Five Specimens Each. 1st premium to Alvah Crocker, Fitchburg, Harris on Ins. 2d " " George Jewett, " $2 00 3d '' " Thomas Palmer, '' 1 00 For Six Varieties of Five Specimens Eat'h. 1st premium to George Jewett, Fitchburg, 2 00 2d " " Thomas Palmier, " 1 50 3d '^ " John Minot, Westminster, 50 42 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. For Three Varieties of Five Specimens Each. 1st premium to Thomas Palmer, Fitchburg, 1 50 Second and third not awarded. Best Exhibition of Twelve Specimens Bartletts. 1st premium to Alvah Crocker, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d " " C. C. Boyden, Leominster, 50 Seckels, 1st premium to Alvah Crocker, Fitchburg. 1 00 2d " " George Jewett, '' 50 Duchess D'Angonlcme. 1st premium to Ephraim Graham, Lunenburg, 1 00 2d " " H. H. Brigham, Fitchburg, 50 Louise Bonne de Jersey. 1st premium to Alvah Crocker, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d " " Thomas Palmer, " 50 Law rence. 1st premium to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d " '' Thos. Palmer, Fitchburg, 50 GRAPES. Best Display of Foreign Grapes. 2d premium to H. H. Brigham, Fitchburg, 2 00 First and third premiums not awarded. Best Six Clusters Diana. 1st premium to Jabez Fislier, Fitchburg, 2d " Not awarded. 1 00 Best Six Clusters Israella. 1st premium to James Houghton, Oakdale, 1 00 2d " " George Jewett, Fitchburg, 50 REPORTS OP COMMITTEES. 4.'> Best Six Clusters Concord. 1st premium to Jabez Fislier, Fitcliburg, I 00 2d " " A. Whiting, Oakdalo, 50 Best Six Clusters Delaware. 1st prcmimn to A. Whiting, Oakdalc, 1 00 2d " " M. S. Heath, Lunenburg, 50 Best Six Clusters Hartford Prolijic. 1st premium to Jabez Fisher, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d " Not awarded. Tlie Committee recommend to M. S. Heath of Lunen- burg, for his ^' lona," a gratuity of 1 00 To Jas. Houghton of Oakdale, for same variety, 50 To J. S. & G. S. Houghton of Fitchburg, for ^^Concord," 75 For the Committee, SAMUEL OSGOOD, Chairman. FRUITS AND FLOWEKS. The Committee report as follows : Best Dish or basket of Assorted Fruit — None exhibited. PLANTS IN POTS. For best display : 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, $2 00 Six Named Plants in Pots : 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2 00 CUT FLOWERS. Best display : 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2 00 Best 10 named Dahlias : 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2 00 44 BEPORTS OP COMMITTEES. Best 10 named "Verbenas : 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2 00 Best Pair Parlor Bouquets : 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2 00 2d " " Miss A. M. Hilton, " 1 00 Best Pair Hand Bouquets : 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2 00 GRATUITIES. Mrs. G. S. Houghton, Fitchburg, Dish Flowers, 1 75 Mrs. A. B. Damon, " Balsams, 1 50 Miss Augusta Wilcox, Leominster, Plate Flowers, 75 Mrs. G. S. Houghton, Fitchburg, Winter Bouquets, 1 00 J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, Rustic Stand of Flowers, 2 00 WM. B. HOSMER, for the Committee. VEGETABLES. The Committee report as follows : BEST COLLECTION. 1st premium to J. M. Sawtell, Fitchburg, 2d " " Alvah Crocker, Fitchburg, ad " " E. F. Wilder, Ashby, COLLECTIONS OP POTATOES. 1st premium to Alden Derby, Leominster, 2d " " S. R. Damon, Ashby, 3d "' " A. P. Goodrich, Fitchbui^, CROOKNECK SQUASHES. 1st premium to Abel Simonds, Fitchburg, 1 00 ONIONS. 1st premium to E. T. Miles, Fitchburg, 75 2d '' " B.Safford, " 50 $7 00 5 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 50 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. TOMATOES. 1st premium to J. S. & G. S. Houghton, Fitchburg, 50 2d " '' George Jewett, " 25 SEED CORN IN TRACES. 1st premium to Thomas Sheldon, Fitchburg, 1 00 2d ^' '' S. M. Caswell, 75 3d - " W. W. Shattuck, " 50 GRATUITIES. M. S. Heath, Lunenburg, Seed Corn, 75 L. Stockwell, Fitchburg, '' 50 For the Committee, ADDISON HOWE. MECHANICS AND MANUFACTURES. The Committee report the following awards of premiums for the best specimens of Mechanics and Manufactured articles : W. H. Jewett & Co., Leominster, Pianos, $15 00 Arlington Piano Company, '• " 14 00 Fitchburg Novelty Works, Fitchburg, Case of Tools, 12 00 Charles Fessenden, ^' Harnesses, 10 00 S. 0. Frost, '' " 8 00 Emerson Prescott, Leominster, Case of Horn Work, 6 00 L. D. Wheeler, Fitchburg, Fan Blowers, 4 00 Stratton Brothers, Greenfield, Spirit Levels, 3 00 Garfield & Stratton, Fitchburg, Books, 2 00 Allen & Co., Boston, Bayside Liquid Soap, 1 00 Best Exhibition of Mechanics and Manufactured Ai^ticles : A. E. Whitney, Fitchburg, Watches and Jewelry, $8 00 D.A.Corey,Fitchburg,Cutlery,Crockery and other articles, 7 00 Lawton & Goodnow,Fitchburg, Chamber Sets and Chairs, 6 00 Geo. Robbins & Co., " Stoves, Stove Shelves, &c., 6 00 Dow & Starbnck, '' Stoves, 4 00 46 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. L. J. Brown, Fitchburg, Sewing Machines, 4 00 E. B. Richardson, Boston, Horse Detaching Apparatus, 1 00 For the Committee, C. H. MERRIAM, Chairman. AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. The 'Committee make the following report: There were but two Mowing Machines entered, both Buckeye, for which we award the first premium, $10 00 There was no Farm Wagon or Cart entered. There were two Horse Rakes entered — the Bay State by A. B. Barnard, Fitchburg ; and the Ithica, by J. Breck & Sons, Boston. Both good rakes. We recommend a gratuity to each equal to one- half the premium offered. A. B. Barnard, Fitchburg, for Horse Rake, 2 50 *J. Breck & Sons, Boston"^ " '- ' 2 50 There was one Hay-Cutter entered by J. Breck & Sons, Boston, for which we award the first premium, 3 00 Best Team Harness, S. G. Frost, Fitchburg, 5 00 J. H. Fairbanks entered a Hay Tedder, of Bullard make, in the opinion of the Committee the best one out, for which we award a gratuity of 5 00 Fitchburg Novelty works entered a Water Elevator, a good article, for which we award a gratuity of 3 00 A. J. Stone entered a Bay State Horse Hay Pitchfork, for which we award a gratuity of 2 00 L. M. Parker enters an Apple picker, for which we award a gratuity of 1 00 JOHN BROOKS, Chairman, FINE ARTS. The Committee report as follows : OIL PAINTINGS. 1st premium to Mrs. Henry Kniglit, Fitchburg, $4 00 2d '' " G. H. Derwin, Leominster, 2 00 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 47 PENCIL DRAWINGS. 1 St premium to Herbert J. Monroe, Fitcliburg, 1 00 2d " " Carrie Works, '' ^ 1 00 GRATUITIES. Miss Louise M. Haskell, Fitchburg, Porcelain Portraits in Water Colors, ^ 4 00 Ivors White, Fitchburg, Lettering on Glass, ' 2 00 Didie Hudson, " "King David" in Worsted, 2^00 E. M. Bryant, " Floral Wreath, I^'OO Carrie Howarth, " Dog in Worsted, ^ 50 Mrs. C. Kenney, Leominster, Pastel Paintings, 2 00 M. D. Whittemore, " " '' 100 Mary L. Dennis, Fitchburg, Wax Cross, 2 00 " " '' Wax Pond Lily, 1 00 " '' " Wax Flowers, 50 Mrs. C. Kenney, Leominster, Wax Pond Lily, 50 " " " '' Wax Flowers, 50 Miss Flora Holt, Fitchburg, Wax Cross, 1 50 Mrs. C. Kenney, Leominster, Sea Mosses, 50 CEO. S. HOUGHTON, for the Committee. FANCY ARTICLES. The Committee report as follows : Master H. C. Burdett, Leominster, for Case of Insects, $1 00 Nettie G. Weston, Fitchburg, Tidy and Rustic Cottage, 1 00 Hattie D. Upton, Fitchburg, Worsted Sacks, 1 00 Mrs. T. S. Wood, Westminster, Quilt and Sofa Pillow, 1 00 F. S. Balcom, Fitchburg, Worsted Wreath, 75 Mrs. Nancy Snow, Leominster, Quilts and Cushions, 1 00 Mrs. M. B. Morse, Fitchburg, Toilet Cushions, 25 Mrs. G. M. Smith, " ' Cologne Mats and Tidy, 50 Carrie S. Lowe, " Worsted Work, 25 Mrs. Emma V.Williams," Toilet Cushions, 25 Mrs. C. A. Lord, Leominster, Tidy, 1 25 Miss A. Searles, " Rug, 75 Miss Jennie Goodrich, Fitchburg, Tidy, 50 48 REPORTS OP COMMITTEES. Mrs. J. D. Kinsman, Fitchburg, Affghans and Scarfs, 1 50 Miss Mary L. Dennis, " Embroidery and Tidy, 1 00 8. A. Mirick, Princeton, Breakfast Shawl and Tidy, 1 00 Mrs. Betsey Warren, Fitcliburg, Chair Seat, 75 Miss Sarah Graham, " Waiter Napkin and Mat, 50 Mrs. J. A. Scrow, " Rug, 75 Mrs. Stephen Carpenter, " Carpet and Rugs. 5 00 H. L. JONES, for the Committee. Note. — The Committee desire to make honorable mention of the display of Millinery Goods by George E. Moore, which was very fine. Some doubt existed whether this was the proper Committee to decide on its merits, and therefore no award was made. — Sec. BREAD, BUTTER, &c. The Committee report as follows : WHITE BREAD. 1st premium to Miss Mary A. Sullivan, $2 00 2d " " Miss Sarah F. Damon, Ashby, 1 00 3d '' " Miss Carrie Lee, 50 UNBOLTED WHEAT BREAD. 2d premium to Miss Mattie Lowe, Fitchburg, 1 00 LUMP BUTTER. 1st premium to George Miles, Westminster, 4 00 2d " " T. S. Wood, '^ 3 00 3d " '<' Franklin Nourse, Sterling, 2 00 4th " " N. Caswell, Fitchburg, 1 50 FARMS. 49 SEPTEMBER TUB BUTTER. 1st premium to S. G. Mirick, Princeton, 3 00 2d " " N. Caswell, Fitchburg, 2 00 CHEESE. 2d premium to George Miles, Westminster, $1 50 PRESERVES. The Committee recommend the following gratuities for collec- tions of Preserves : Mrs. William Woodbury, Fitchburg, $2 00 Mrs. 0. F. Woodbury, " 2 00 Mrs. S. R. Damon, Ashby, 1 50 Mrs. George S. Houghton, Fitchburg, 1 00 Mrs. George Smith, " 75 Mrs. A. P. Whitney, • " 25 JABEZ FISHER, Chairman. FARMS. The committee appointed by the trustees in 1868, to award the premiums of the society for the best cultivated farms for the years 1868, 69 and 70, submit the following as their report: In the spring of 1868 there were three farms entered to com- pete for the premiums of the Society, one by Dr. Jabez Fisher, of Fitchburg, one by Ephraim Graham, Esq., of Lunenburg, and one by Cyrus Kilburn, Esq., also of Lunenburg. These farms were visited by the committee in 1868, to ascertain their condition at that time, that they might the better judge of the improvements made during the trial. At this visit we learned that the farm of Dr. Fisher contained 34 acres, 9 of which are covered with the buildings and with growing wood ; 10 acres are in fruit, and the balance is in grass. The fruits cultivated are apples, 4J acres, with peaches and plums interspersed, 4J^ acres in standard pears with dwarfs between, and 1 acre in cherries with peaches. About 1§ acres of Concord grapes have been set in the pear orchard and are very productive. He proposes to set 2 acres more of the same variety 50 FARMS. where he has removed the apple trees, root and branch for that purpose. The farm of Mr. Ephrahn Graham contains 60 acres ; this, as is common, is divided into mowing and tillage, orcharding, pastur- age and woodland. Mr. Graham depends mainly on liis fruit for income, though not wholly, he has some very good grain and grass land not covered with orcharding. In May, 1869, I received a letter from Mr. Graham, stating that a road had been located across his fields in such manner as nearly to ruin his farm, consequently he should be obliged to withdraw his farm from competition. The farm of Mr. Cyrus Kilburn contains 120 acres, and as he writes me, is pretty well divided into tillage, mowing, pasturage, orcharding and woodland. Mr. Kilburn said to the committee, his object was not to amass dollars, but to make such improvements on his land as would afford him pleasure now, and by-and-by repay the labor. Mr. Kilburn is what might be termed a hopeful farmer, for much of his en- joyment seems to be in anticipation of what is to come. He has this year constructed a dam across a small stream west of his house, which will serve the double purpose of flowing his swamp, and thus killing the brush and fitting it to be set with cranberries, which he thinks will be very remunerative, and for a road and bridge to pass over, in conveying manure to the field and crops to the barn. He intended to build this dam in the autumn of 1868, but the excessive rains of that season, and also in 1869, rendered it impracticable until the present season. In the spring of 1869, Mr. Kilburn procured and set about 200 peach trees on land prepared and fenced for the purpose ; the land is elevated about 150 feet above the meadow bottom, and the trees look well. Mr. Kilb urn's reclaimed swamp by his statement has produced two good crops of corn with comparatively little manure, and he thinks it capable of producing many more with very little labor, arid that it will wear like the prairies of the West. The income from this farm consists of milk from six cows, with their calves, amounting to $300 yearly ; fruit, vegetables, of various kinds, hay and straw, eggs from 50 hens, and for his own services as a prac- tical surveyor, which he says goes far towards paying for the labor he employs on his farm. The improvements in making walls for the security of the crops, in reclaiming swamps and in clearing the pastures from brush, thus FARMS. 51 making them more productive, consequently more valuable. The most tlioroujili piece of work we have witnessed on tlie farm is the dam and In-idu^c across the stream before spoken of, tlie al)utmcnts resting on fiat stones reaching entirely across the stream to wliicli they were cemented, making them apparently secure for all time. April 3, 1869, the committee visited Dr. Fisher's place and found his green house at summer heat, and cucumbers growing, and being picked at the rate of seventy a day. Tliey were sent to New York twice every week, and up to that time had averaged 40 cents each. He had then received |700, and thought before their season closed he should receive $500 more, making $1200 for cucumbers alone. Adjoining the green house was a hand cider mill in use, and several casks for making vinegar. The Doctor stated to the com- mittee that if his fall and second quality of apples would not sell for $3 a barrel he made them into cider for vinegar. A door opened from the cider department into the lienner}^ where there were three coops of fowls, ten hens and one cock in each coop. The thirty hens had averaged about twenty eggs a day during the winter. The cider department and hennery were both made warm from the green house. After examining these we went into the house where we wit- nessed the hatching box in which about three hundred eggs were in process of hatching. Here also, we saw his method of setting milk for butter in deep pails rather than in shallow pans. The pails, as I remember them, were live or six inches in diameter and about ten deep, strained nearly full. He said the cream would rise equally as well as when strained in common pans. In the autumn of this year, we again visited this place, it was about two or three weeks before the vintage. We found the men harvesting apples, they thought they should have about 50 barrels but the main attraction was the vineyard where it was thought there were two or three tons of grapes, the earliest sent to market sold for 20 cents a pound ; how low the price would fall before the last picking, would depend very much upon the weather. At the barn we saw the cows he purchased in the fall for the purpose of consuming his hay and making butter, they were in fine condition, and had been sold for fattenning, they were to be taken away early in May. He thinks by the sale of his butter and the increased value of his cows, from fall to spring, that he realizes $20 a ton for his hav besides the manure. 52 STATEMENT OF JABEZ FISHER. After the appointment of the committee, and when half their labor had been performed, one of its members, Abel F. Adams, was removed by death, thus leaving a void in the committee and m the society, which has not and can not be filled. For a notice of his life and character we refer to the transactions of this society for 1869. In awarding the premiums for the best cultivated farms, the com- mittee could hardly make a comparison ; the farms competing were so dissimilar in every particular. In making a comparison we compare like with like, an ox with an ox, a horse with a horse, etc., and not an ox with a swine, or a sheep with a horse. Where is the comparison ? In deciding therefore, we were obliged to consider each farm separately, and award the first premium to that yielding the largest profit. We make the awards as follows, viz. : 1st premium to Jabez Fisher, - -. - $50.00 2d " " Cyrus Kilburn, - - - 25.00 Accompanying this report are the statements of the competitors which will make plain any facts which this report fails to exhibit : All of which is respectfully submitted, SOLON CARTEE, Committee on Farms, Statement of Jabez Fisher. To the Committee on Farms : — My farm, which was entered for the premium oficred in 1868, to be awarded during the present autumn, was purchased by me in 1854. It contains 34 acres, 9 of which are covered with grow- ino- wood and buildings, 10 are in fruit, and the remainder in grass. At the time of purchase, some ten acres were in pasture. My purpose originally, was to make of it a fruit farm. That plan has since been adhered to in the main, though the amount of land thus devoted proves to be less than at first intended. About 10 acres were set with orchard in the first two or three years, 4J in apples, with peaches and plums interspersed, 4J in STATEMENT OF JABEZ FISHER. 53 standard pears, with dwarfs^ between, and one acre in cherries, with peaches. The remainder of the tillai^e land was cultivated with the various farm crops ordinarily grown. After two year's experience, while living at the village, a mile and a-half distant, as a practicing physician, I came to the conclusion that if I was to make agriculture other than a plaything, I must give it my personal and constant supervision. I then moved to the farm where I now live, and have since that period allowed it to absorb nearly my en- tire time and attention. As time passed on, I found that certain products paid a profit, while certain other products either paid no profit or else cost more than they were worth. I had no alternative but to devote myself to the former and discard the latter, as my surplus capital was in- sufficient to permit me to pursue an unprofitable culture for mere gratification, even if I had been so disposed. Under this rule I have retained fruit and grass, and have given up the growing of corn, grain or root crops to any extent. I have learned that a field may be kept in grass profitably for twelve years at least with- out a falling off in productiveness, and without ploughing or re- sceding. All of my tillage land that is not in fruit, is kept in grass for hay, and is managed as follows : My barn is so constructed as to save every particle of the manure, both liquid and solid, in a water-tight cellar. A sufficient quantity of rain water is added to dilute the liquid portion. Each spring, about the time that the grass begins to look green, the liquid is raised by means of a chain pump and distributed by a simple box and spreader, upon that portion of the grass nearest the barn. So much of the solid portion as may be needed for any special purpose is removed, and the rest allowed to remain. At any convenient time in late summer or autumn, the accumulated liquid is again spread upon other grass. The solid residue is then entirely removed and spread upon grass more distant from the barn, choosing each year the portions least productive. This plan has given satisfactory results thus far, and will be continued. The farm is one field, having no interior fences or walls. Of the division walls standing at the time of the purchase, some 200 rods, I have removed the whole either into road-beds, underdrains, or into a vacant corner. The original pasture fields are now either in grass or fruit, and no stock is allowed to be at large u^on any part of the premises. In the summer season but one cow is kept, and she is fed in the barn upon early cut grass and meal. In winter, enough additional farrow cows are procured to consume 54 STATEMENT OF J ABES FISHER. all of the hay, and they are fed freely with grain, by which means through the butter made and the increase in the value of the ani- mals, I can realize about $20.00 per ton for the hay while retain- ing the manure. At the present time, the probable price for hay looks more promising than the price for butter, and this may change my plans for the coming winter. The purchase of grain to be fed on the farm is very much more likely to increase the pro- ductiveness of the soil, than the growing of the same grain in preference to grass ; at the present prices of labor, I can produce the price of a bushel of corn upon my land easier than I can pro- duce the bushel of corn. My experience with fruit has been very instructive, if not in all cases profitable pecuniarily. Of tlie 196 apple trees originally set, 132 have this fall been rooted out. They were 16 years old, set thirty feet apart, many of the branches meeting, and the trunks 14 inches in diameter, and less. In growth they have been ex- tremely satisfactory, but in productiveness, much less so. The fact that the canker worm has secured a lodgment makes the sacrilege less felt. The land thus cleared is to be planted with grapes. Of about 600 standard pear trees set, something like fifteen per cent, have died and been replaced by others. Two- thirds of the whole number have grown satisfactorily and look well for the future. Of about 800 pears on quince roots, nine- tenths have seen their day, and taken as a whole, they have not paid their cost. Nearly all have either blighted, died, thrown out pear roots, or have been removed, leaving the standards to occupy the ground. Three hundred peach trees survived from ten to twelve years and produced four very fine crops in that time. Eighty cherry trees stood ten years, grew very finely, but never produced a bushel of fruit for sale, and were then removed. Fifty plum trees stood the same length of time with the same results. Strawberries were grown in quantity a number of years and always at a handsome profit. The Concord Grape I began to set in 1856 and have increased the amount until I have an acre and two-thirds, and propose to add upwards of two acres where the 132 apple trees have just been removed. This fruit has been an eminently satisfactory pro- duct with me, yielding in good years a very large profit, and in the worst seasons giving a better return than anything else grown. In winter I find sufficient employment in the management of a forcing house used for growing cucumbers for the New York market; two horses are kept and about 50 hens are wintered. STATEMENT OF CYRUS KILBURN. 55 My gross sales for 1868, were .... $2,359 95 " " 1869, " - . . . 3,848 24 " " 1870, about - - - 3,400 00 Amount paid for labor in 1868, was - - - $632 10 " " " 1869, " - - - 685 66 " 1870, about - - 550 00 JABEZ FISHER. Fitcliburg, October 25, 1870. Statement of Cyrus Kiltaurn. To the Committee : — My farm contains 120 acres, is pretty well divided into till- age, mowing, pasturage, orcharding and woodland. I have not kept an accurate account in detail of my farming operations, so as to show a debit and credit side, and be able to strike a balance, and thus exhibit the loss and gain for the last three years; but, I will attempt to give some general account of my operations. In the first place, I raise wheat sufficient for my family, an average of 25 bushels a year; a winter wheat called the blue stem, which I have raised for about 25 years without any apparent deteriora- tion. Indian corn is my staple cereal; I raise from 100 to 150 bushels, a year; this year, but one hundred bushels, owing to the extreme heat and drought, the heat being almost as unfavorable for making a crop of corn, as the drought. I raise from 25 to 35 bushels of rye yearly; 35 bushels this year; the straw selling for $35 at my barn; potatoes yearly, about 200 bushels, 100 only this year, fifty of which are the Early Rose, a potato that fills the place so long needed, and early prolific, good eating potato ; also, one that can be taken from the ground before the potato malaria stalks abroad with destruction in its wake. I cultivate the various vegetables for culinary use, such as cab- bages, peas, beans, beets, onions, parsnips, squashes, tomatoes, etc. Also, melons of the various kinds ; and when I have a surplus of any of them, I dispose of them in the market. My squashes this year, for the first time, have proved a failure. My hay crop is usually good, sufficient for thirteen neat cattle and two horses, and frequently I sell my surplus hay after win- tering my stock. My corn forage is usually equal to three tons 56 STATEMENT OF CYRUS KILBURN. per acre, whicli is cured by cutting up as soon as the ears are well glazed, and stooked, and put in the barn as soon as it is cured enough to keep, although it may mold some, which I consider no detriment to it, thereby being more tender and palatable for the cattle. My orchard yields a good supply of apples, pears and peaches, for home consumption, and have a surplus which is sold yearly for about $75.00. In the spring of 1869, I procured 200 peach trees, which I set out on a piece of ground elevated about 150 feet above the meadow bottom, prepared for the purpose and fenced. They lived and grew well, and now look well, notwithstanding the drought of this year, and will commence bearing probably next year ; they were selected to raise peaches for the market, many of them being late varieties to supply our market after the Southern peaches have been exhausted. I keep six cows and sell the milk and calves for about $300 yearly. Also, 50 hens to lay eggs for the market, finding them more profitable than swine, especially as I sell my milk. I have this autumn constructed a dam across the brook flowing through my farm of sufficient width, for a road, to pass over it with my team, which road I very much need to have access to my field lying contiguous to the brook, for the purpose of hauling stones for a fence to enclose the field and to transport manure from my barn to the field, and crops the other way. My intention is to flow my meadow bottom above said dam, (containing five or six acres), admirably adapted for a cranberry meadow till the grass roots and bushes are killed out, which will take one or two years, and then draw down the water into its natural channel, and smooth the meadow and set it out to cranberries of the most approved varieties ; and then I can shut off an early frost, which is the bane of the cranberry culture, and as there is but little fall in the meadow, by shutting down the gate at night, will flow out the water among the vines and save them, and as soon as the weather moderates, raise the gate, and all will be well ; without which resort the cranberry culture is very precarious ; as a light early frost will ruin the crop. I suppose, gentlemen, that by this time, you will begin to think that my farming operations are not very lucrative ; but I have aimed to make such improvements that it will in a few years be much more so than at present. APPLE ORCHARDS. 57 My reclaimed swamp, wliicli you saw, has produced two excel- lent crops of corn last year and this, with comparatively little manure, and I think, is susceptible of producing many more crops with very little labor ; as it is well drained, and has a deep vegeta- ble mold, that will wear like the prairies of the West ; and which was, when I commenced, a desolate wilderness. My wood lot furnishes me with fuel and lumber by its annual growth, sufficient for our consumption and use ; and, I occasionally sell some. I have one and three-fourths acres of wheat on the ground, and two acres of rye ; and have sold this fall to the butcher, one beef creature, and I have three more fattening which will be ready soon for the shambles. My earnings off the farm go a good way to pay my hired help on it. You have visited my place, and that fact renders it unnecessary for me to say more. Yours, with high consideration, CYRUS KILBURN. APPLE ORCHARDS. The committee on Apple Orchards regret to say that during the last four years, only one orchard has been entered to com- pete for the society's premium, and that by Mr. Timothy Clark, of South Royalston. The committee examined this orchard last October, and found it transplanted in good soil and well adapted to the growth of fruit trees; yet, Mr. Clark, like many others, made mistakes in the transplanting and cultivation. The orchard is upon the summit of his farm, which slopes to the south-west and to the east, whereas, had it been set out farther to the east and south, it would have been much less exposed to the west wind which always gives an unsightly appearance to an orchard as well as a feeble growth. Again, when the trees were set they were only second class trees ; and by his statement, all due care was exercised in transplanting and cultivation for the two first years, after which time " it was turned out to grass," and as 58 APPLE ORCHARDS. may readily be supposed, the grass roots took possession of the fertilizino; substances and robbed the trees of the elements neces- sary for their growth ; notwithstanding the mistakes made, we con- sider Mr. Clark *' in his green old age," entitled to credit, that it may induce our young farmers to put out orchards and profit by the mistakes of those gone before them. To this orchard we award the society's second premium, $10.00. Every farmer should pursue some special branch in agriculture, best suited to his taste and circumstances ; if it is cono-enial with his taste and his farm be well adapted to stock growing, that is the branch for him to pursue ; if his farm is well adapted to grow- inir veoretables, and his mind leads to that branch of agriculture, it is for his interest to make it a Source of livelihood. Again, if he is interested in fruit growing, he should enter into it with his whole heart and make it his leading pursuit. Simply because Mr, Reid, of Westfbrd, or Captain Pierce, of Arlington, have acquired little fortunes in their orchards by their care, industry, and per- severance, it is no rule that another individual can, alter trans- planting the best selected trees in good soil, accomplish the same without farther effort on his part, — he may as well expect to grow a hundred bushels of corn to the acre without any cultivation. But how painful it is to pass through a section of the country where good thrifty trees have been transplanted in good soil, and in a few years afterwards to see that grass and weeds and the horer have taken possession of the field to such an extent that the money value of the trees is not as many dimes as it should be in dollars ; yet such is the fact, even in Worcester and Middlesex counties. Every farmer, however limited his acres, should cultivate a taste to grow fruit sufficient for his own family consumption, and to ac- complish the object he need not^ unless he pleases, set out more trees than there are months in the year. For summer use we would recommend the Early Harvest and Early Williams; the Red Astrachan, also begins to ripen about the 20th of July, and con- tinues to fall till September ; for fall a])ples, the Porter, Found- ling and Gravenstein ; of this class none supersedes the Foundling, especially for its long duration; the fruit ))egins to mature in August, and continues to November ; although this variety is not spoken of in the fruit books it may be thus described : Large;, greenish yellow, ribbed mostly, covered with bright red, calyx large, open in a narrow basin flesh yellowish, quite juicy and melting a sprightly sub-acid flavor ; supposed to have originated in APPLE ORCHARDS. 59 Groton, Mass. ; known in Middlesex county by the name of the Riv- er apple. Before these are all used, the New York Fi|)pin comes into use, a valuable fruit in November and December. The Mother apple, excellent for family use, large, red, flesh tender and melting, — November to January. For early winter use nothing supersedes the Hubbardston None- such, but it loses its flavor by long keeping; the Baldwin and Rox- bury Russett, are too well known to be mentioned ; the latter if proper care be taken will keep till June. There appears to be no variety to fill the space between the Russett and Early Harvest, except the Runnels. This variety originated in Andover, Essex county ; the best recommendation it has, however, is that it is fit for use when others are not to be found, and serves to take the same place in the apple department, as the Madeline, in the cata- logue of pears, very good when others are not to be had. Soil and Location. — The location for fruit trees as far north as Worcester County, should have a southern aspect ; if an orchard be transplanted upon the summit or north side of a hill, the " bleak winds " from the north and north-west cause the trees to have a bend in the opposite direction, so that it is impossible to train an orchard into such form, as to assume anything like a beautiful appearance ; aside irom this, it is noticed that orchards in such lo- cations are by no means prolific, and the fruit is of poor quality not unlike the form of the tree, rudely shaped and ill-balanced. A sandy soil has sometimes been looked upon as favorable for the growth of fruit trees ; the easy manner in which these soils are cultivated, and the rapidity with which some of the earlier crops come to maturity, have induced people to look upon this kind of soil with favor ; but reason as well as observation should teach every practical farmer that such soils are among the very worst for this purpose ; for under the hot sun of July and August, the moisture is absorbed and the roots robbed of one of the elements necessary for growth and sustenance ; hence, the tree soon begins to assume a sickly appearance, withers, droops, and finally dies, producing but little fruit while it lived,' and that of poor quality ; no ex- perienced farmer would expect to see a fine grass field on soil of this class. Hence, a sufficient reason why they should not be chosen for the cultivation of orchards. A gravelly loam is much better, especially so if the loam has the preponderance ; if the gravel is in excess, and this is a matter for the cultivator himself to decide, it will be for his interest to set this aside with the other. 60 APPLE ORCHARDS. Alluvial soils have been talked of, (ir soils composed of vegetable matter, found upon the banks of rivers, washed down from the hills. In this kind of soil trees make a rapid growth, but the fruit is said not to mature as well or be so highly flavored as in soils more calcarious. It may also be objectionable to put out orchards, in this soil where the valleys are deep as the late frosts of spring might de- stroy the fruit buds, or the early frosts of autumn injure the fruit. Soil of argillaceous formation and black surface soil are proba- bly among the best for apples and pears, although the trees may not make so rapid growth, yet they are more hardy and the fruit of higher flavor. It is said by some of our best orchardists that clay is almost indispensable for the growth of apples and pears ; it is probably for want of this ingredient in the subsoil that the Baldwin does not mature before the fruit falls from the trees ; therefore, in selecting fields for orchards, judgment should be exercised in relation to the subsoil as well as the surface : if the subsoil be of such character as to retain the water it should be underdrained before transplanting, for when water stands and becomes stagnant, as most certainly it will at the depth of twelve or fifteen inches, thus far will roots extend, but they refuse to go farther ; at this stage the tree assumes a sick- ly appearance ; now, if drains be cut to the depth of thirty or thir- ty-six inches, the water will be removed to that depth, thus open- ing passages in the soil for the roots to make their researches at pleasure, which again gives health and vigor to the tree. By drain- ing soils that are impervious to water is in effect giving a new soil to the tree ; for when once freed from constant pressure of stag- nant water causes the soil to become drier, sweeter, looser, and more friable. Preparation of Soil. — The year previous to transplanting, the field should be ploughed deep and well manured, and cultivated with some hoed crops ; at the time the trees are '^ set out," the field should again be well ploughed and manured. In laying out and staking the grounds the rows should be at least two rods distant, and the trees in the rows the same ; if placed at a less distance or only twenty-five feet, as has been done in many cases, in twenty years the branches will interlock and produce less fruit and of poorer quality ; and finally prove an injury to the orchard. Tlie holes for transplanting should not be less than two feet deep and six feet in diameter, and filled with compost made from APPLE ORCHARDS. 61 ricli loam, decayed wood and leaves, and only a small quantity of barn manure ; the object of makin^^ the holes extensive and filling with rich compost is to give a loose rich soil for the small roots to work in, the iirst year or two ; in planting out the trees, instead of making a hollow to place the roots m, construct a hillock to place tliem iqwn, and all mutilated roots should be cut off in a slanting direction on the under side before setting ; here again, care should be taken in placing the roots in their natural order, and the fine compost sprinkled in and about the roots through fingers till the tree will stand of itself; it is well to be thus careful in setting trees, as the roots send out fibers in all directions through the soil for food. Frequently great mistakes are made in selecting trees from the nursery ; trees of poor quality are purcliased for the reason that they are cheap, and the argument is used that they will do about as well in the end. Now it is more eco^^iomical to make a journey of twenty miles and purchase the best trees in a good nursery and pay 30 or even 40 cents than to have very indifferent ones brought to the field and given. It would also pay the expense to make this journey and take charge in removing the trees and spending hours in the work than have them taken up as they frequently are in as many minutes with broken and mutilated trunks and roots ; a large amount of good roots are of more consequence than fine looking trunks and heads ; and all trees should be set as soon as possible after being taken from the nursery, while their rootlets are yet soft and tender ; if trees can not be set out till the roots become dry and withered, some planters have recommended to bury trees root and branch for a day or two till the buds become plump and the roots soft ; and if the transplanting can be done in a cloudy or misty day " all the better ; " and above all we would say to the young farmer or or- chardist beware of itinerant tree pedlars who are able to make a good display and talk of new varieties, and perhaps give their large experience as orchardists, when they never cared for or set out the first tree. Mulching, says Mr. Barry, of Mount Hope nurseries, should be looked upon as an indispensable operation in all cases. It con- sists in laying on the surface of the ground around the trees to the distance of three feet or so, a covering of half decomposed manure, saw dust, spent tan bark, etc., two or three inches deep. This prevents the soil from evaporating and maintains a unilbrmity of heat and moisture which is highly favorable to the growth of 62 committees' report. new roots ; it also prevents the growth of weeds around the trees and obvdatcs the necessity of lioeing, dressing, or watering during the season; a deep mulching should always be given to fall plant- ing to prevent the frost penetrating the roots or drawing up the tree. Says Captain Pierce, of Arlington, I would rather pay forty dollars a ton for meadow hay to mulch my trees rather than do without it. Says the writer of these remarks, I have practiced mulching my trees for the two past years ; I begin in March to throw out my meadow^ hay into the barn yard ; my young cattle feed as much or as little as they please ; about the first of May the mulching is forked in heaps or ridges, and about the first of June it is applied to young trees ; it works so well that I shall continue the opera- tion ; for trees of older growth or those in bearing, the hay may be applied at any time at the rate of a load to the acre ; the opera- tion secures a four-fold object ; it prevent grass and weeds from growing, it keeps the ground moist in the dry part of the season ; in the end it makes manure ; the fruit is not in the least injured by falling from the trees. In behalf of the Committee, EPHRAIM GRAHAM. Fitchburg, Nov. 1, 1870. COMMITTEES' REPORT. The Committee to award premiums for reports, would say, that after due consideration, they have made the following awards : Report on apple orchards, by Ephraim Graham, of Lunenburg, Ist premium, of $10.00. Report on poultrv, by Dr. J. Fisher, of Fitchburg, 2d premium, of $6.00. At the Trustees' meeting, Dec. 17, 1870, it was Voted, that a gratuity of six dollars be awarded to Solon Carter, of Leominster, for his report as chairman of the Committee on Farms. WM. WOODBURY, fo?- the Committee. ANALYSIS OP PKEMIUMS. 63 ANALYSIS OF PEEMIUMS AND GRATUITIES AWAEDED. Amount awarded Ibr Plowin<2:, - $49 00 u a Town Teams, . 40 00 u u Neat Stock, - - 393 00 u u Horses, . 730 00 u ii Swine, - 34 00 4< n Sheep, - 12 00 a li Poultry, - 16 00 ii li Fruits, - (55 25 a li Flowers, • 22 00 a li Vegetables, - - 28 50 a u Bread, - 4 r^o li a Butter, - 15 50 li (I Cheese, - 1 50 a u Agricultural Impk jments, 34^00 u ti- Mam ikctures, - 111^ 00 a ll other objects, - 140 00 $1,696 25 The Premiums and Gratuities paid to one hundred and fifty-two persons were distributed as follows : Fitchburg, ..... Princeton, . . . . . Leominster, . . - - . Lunenburg, _ . . . . Sterling, ------ Westminster, . - . . Ashby, ..-.-- Boston, ------ Ashburnham, - - - - - Lancaster, . . . . . Greenfield, . . . _ . Oakdale, ------ Wilton, -.--.- Shirley, --..-- Amount of premiums offered, Amount of premiums and grauities awarded, Amount of premiums and gratuities paid, - Value of Real Estate, $793 25 199 00 207 50 - 78 50 10 00 28 50 15 50 105 50 2 50 5 00 3 00 6 00 25 00 35 00 $1,514 25 $2,441 24 1,696 25 1,514 25 16,000 00 64 treasurer's report. B. W. EDDY, Treasurer, in Account with Worcester North Agricultural Society. 1869. Dr. Dec. 1, To amount on hand, $144 74 1870. Jan. 24, a Interest of J. A. Marshall, 12 00 June 13, u Cash of F. Y. M. C. A. use of stools, 3 00 July 1, a u " Wm. Woodbury, use of grounds, 24 00 •"' 5, u u " '^ ^^ " 4th, 108 00 Sept. 6, u u " E. P. Downe, use of table covers, 50 " 16, u ii " Wm. Woodbury, use of ground, 8th, 25 00 " 27, u u Admissions to Exhibition, 530 00 " 28, (I ii " " " 837 00 {i a u u of State Police, ^ Taken from per- 1 00 a 11 li ,i " W. H. Lowe, > sons attempting 1 00 a u a ii '' Col. J. W. Kimball, )to run the lines. 50 Oct. 3, cc ii •'^ M. M. Cushing, rents, Sept. 27 & 28, 107 63 " 22, u ii " State Treasurer, 600 00 Nov. 12, u ii " Wm. Woodbury, use of grounds, 25 00 " 30, u ii Season Tickets sold, 35 00 Twenty-eight memberships, 140 00 Hay sold, Sept. 27tli, 18 Entrance fees, 227 50 Balance due B. W. Eddy, 45 72 $2,867 77 1869. C Dec. 2, By cash pa '^ 12. ii a a «' 20, 11 a a 1870. Jan. 7, a u u - 24, « a a Feb. 3, a u a a a a iC a ^' 14, ii u a June 14, a u a July 14, li n n By cash paid W. A. Eames, P. 0. Stamps, $3 00 Wright, W. & Co.. Lime, &c., 4 09 Beckwith Lumber Co., 42 W. H. Lowe, bill labor, 2 00 L. Sprague & Co., bill paper, &c., 6 54 W. A. Eames, '• postage, 9 65 Humphrey Harris, premium, 8 00 George Raymond, bill labor, 35 11 W. A. Eames, " stationery, 11 52 D. E. Campbell, " keys, D. North, 60c., B. Safford, 30c., 5 mileage on swine, 4 27 " " " Revenue and P. 0. stamps, 3 00 " " " Premiums and gratuities, awarded Dec, 1869, Sept. 27 and 28, 1870, 1,607 25 $2,867 77 The undersigned have examined the above account, and iind it properly vouched and correctly cast. JABEZ FISHER, ) Fi7iance ABEL MARSHALL, 5 CommiUee. PRESIDENTS, ORATORS AND SECRETARIES OF THE Worcester North Agricultural Society. — •■»■♦■»•• — PRESIDENTS. 1850-1— ABEL F. ADAMS, Esq., of Fitchburg. 1852-3.— Hon. IVERS PHILLIPS, of Fitchburg, 1854-5.— Hon. MOSES WOOD, of Fitchburg. 1856-7.— THOMAS R. BOUTELLE, M. D., of Fitchburg. 1858-9.— Hon. JABEZ FISHER, of Fitchburg. 1860-1.— THOMAS BILLINGS, Esq., of Lunenburg. 1862-3.— LEWIS H. BRADFORD, Esq,, of Fitchburg. 1864-5.— Hon. OHIO WHITNEY, Jr., of Ashburnham. 1866. —JOSEPH UPTON, Esq., of Fitchburg. 1867. —JOSHUA T. EVERETT, Esq., of Princeton. 1868. —EUGENE T. MILES, Esq., of Fitchburg. 1869. — SAMI3EL OSGOOD, Esq., of Sterling. 1870. —WILLIAM WOODBURY, of Fitchburg. 1871. —Hon. JOHN H. LOCKEY, of Leominster. ORATORS. 1850.— Hon. CHARLES HUDSON, of Lexington. 1852.— THOMAS E. PAYSON, Esq., of Rowley. 1853.— Rev. HORATIO STEBBINS, of Fitchburg. 1854.— Gov. EMORY WASHBURN, of Worcester. 1855.— Hon. NATHANIEL P. BANKS, of Waltham„ 1856.— CHARLES L. FLINT, Esq., of Boston. 1857.— JUSTUS TOWER, Esq., of Lanesborough. 1859.— Hon. GEORGE S. BOUT WELL, of Groton. I860.— Hon. GEORGE B. LORING, of Salem. 1861.— Hon. A. H. BULLOCK, of Worcester. 1862.— Rev. A. N. ARNOLD, D. D., of Westboro. 1863.— LUTHER H. TUCKER, Esq.. of Albanv, N. Y. 1867.— GEORGE E. TOWNE; Esq., of Fitchburg. 1868.— Hon. DANIEL NEEDHAM, of Groton. 1869.— Hon. WILLIAM SPRAGUE, of Rhode Island. 1870.— Hon. ALYAH CROCKER, of Fitchburg. SECRETARIES. 1850-1.— NATHAN UPHAM, of Fitcliburg. 1852. —JOSEPH PIERCE, of Fitchburg, 1853. —CHARLES W. WILDER, of Fitchburg. 1854-5.— THOMAS R. BOUTELLE, of Fitchburg. 1856-7 —JABEZ FISHER, of Fitcliburg. 1858-63.-WILLIAM G. WYMAN, of Fitchburg. LIFE MEMDERS. 67 1864. —LEWIS H. BRADP^ORD, of jmchburg, 18G5-G.— ALVIN M. SAWYER, of FitflLhurg. 1867-9.— LEWIS 11. BRADFORD, of ^itchburg. 1870. —WALTER A EAMES, of Fitch^urg. 1871. —GEO. S. HOUGHTON, of Fitc^burg. ) LIFE MEMBERS. In the following list the Post Olhce address, when it differs from the residence, is given in italics after the name; (r,) indicates that the person has removed, but that the present residence is un- known. ASHBY. Brown, C. H. Burr, John Damon, Samuel R. Damon, Ebenezer Davis, John Fay, Dennis Foster, Jesse Foster, Joseph Foster, Joel Gates, Howard Gates, Paul Hapgood, Wm. G. Hay ward. Homer J. Hayward, Joel Hay ward, Paul Hayward, Samuel Hayward, John Hodgman, Luther Hubbard, Augustus Hubbard, George B. Johnson, William Kendall, George Lawrence, David Smith, Levi Spencer, Hoba^ Wallis, Benjamin Wallis, B. Frank {Fitchhurg.) Wellington, Liberty Wright, Charles H. Wridit, Francis W. Wilder, E. F, ASHBURNHAM. Adams, Ivers Barrel 1, Nahum Cummings, John L. Davis, John C, Eaton, N. L. Ellis, Daniels, Jr., Foster, Jerome W, Green, Hosea Harris, Humphrey {Burra Best six clusters Concord. Two premiums — $1, .50. Best six clusters DoUnvare. Two ])n.'niiuiiis — $1, .50, lu addition to the above prLuniuuis, there will be placed at (hr disposal of the committee, lor gratuities, ten dollars. No person will be allowed to compote for a premium in more than one of the above classes, with the same specimens of fruit; and if the number of specimens exhibited does not correspond witli these regulations, the fruit will be excluded from competition for the premiums. ASSORTED FRUITS AND FLOWERS. Committee. — Geo. Jewett, Fitchburg; Mrs. J. fl. Lockey, Leom- inster; Miss Abby Boutwell, Lunenburg; Mrs. L. Downe, Fitch- burg ; Mrs. Geo. Wood, Leominster. ASSORTED FRUITS. Best Dishes or Baskets. Two premiums — $2, 1. PLANTS IN POTS. Best displays of named Plants in Pots. Two premiums — $2, \. Best three named Plants in pots. Two premiums — 2, \. CUT FLOWERS. Best display of Cut Flowers. Two premiums — $2, 1. Best five named Asters. Two premiums — $2, 1. Best five named Pahlias. Two premiums — $2, \. Best five named Verbenas. Two premiums — $2, 1. Best pairof Parlor Bouquets. Two premiums — $2, 1. Best pair of Hand Bouquets. Two premiums — $2, 1. The same plants in pots can not compete for both the best dis- play and the best three ; nor can the same Asters, Dahlias, or Ver- benas, compete for the best display and the best five. In addition to the above premiums, there will be placed at tha disposal of the committee, for gratuities, ten dollars. 94 PREMIUMS. No persDii will be allowed to receive more than one copy of Harris on Insects ; if more than one is awarded, cash will be paid instead, at the rate of three dollars per copy ; and if any to whom a copy is awarded, already has one, he may receive the copy awarded, or the cash, as above, at his option. VEGETABLES. Commiuee. — Rev. Seth Chandler, Shirley ; Porter Piper,. Leom- inster ; Paul M. Mirick, East Princeton ; John Prichard, Fitchburg ; Asaph Wood, South Gardner. Best collections Kitchen Vegetables. Two premiums — $7, 5. Best collections of Garden Seeds. Two premiums — $5, 3. Collections of Potatoes. Two premiums — $2, 1. Marrow Squashes. Two premiums — $1, .50. Hubbard Squashes. Two premiums— $1, .50. Crookneck Squashes. Two premiums — $1, .50. Pumpkins. Two premiums — $.75, 50. Cabbages. Two premiums — $.75. 50. Cauliflowers. Two premiums — $.75, .50. Celer3\ Two premiums- — $.75, .50. Onions. Two premiums — $.75, .50. Turnip Beets. Two premiums — $.75, 50. English Turnips. Two premiums — $.50, .25. Tomatoes. Two premiums — $.50, .25. Field Beans. Two premiums — $.50, .25. Lima Beans. Two premiums — $.50, .25. Seed Corn, in traces. Two premiums — $1, .75. The committee will regard perfection of growth and quality, and not size. In addition to the above, there will be allowed for gratuities, ten dollars. Of squashes, pumpkins, cabbages, and celery, there should be six specimens in each lot ; of cauliflowers, three ; of onions, beets, turnips, and tomatoes, one peck in each lot ; of field beans, one- lialf peck ; and of Lima beans, two quarts. PREMIUMS. 95 BREAD, BUTTER, CHEESE, PICKLES, PRESERVES, AND JELLIES. Commhtce. — C. L. Joslin, Mrs. C. C. Boydon, Loominstcr; Mrs. Edward Bacon, Westniiiister ; Mrs. Win. Baker, Lunenburg; Mrs. Wni. Woodbury, Fitchburg. Bread made by unmarried ladies. White Bread. Three premiums — 12, 1, .50. Unbolted Wheat Bread. Three premiums — $2, 1, .50. Bolted Rye Bread. Three premiums — $2, 1, .50. Rye and Indian Bread. Three premiums — $2, 1, .50. All bread offered for premiums must have been baked on the Monday preceeding the exhibition. BUTTER AND CHEESE. Lump Butter, not less than 12 lbs. Two premiums — $4, 3. June Tub Butter, not less than 25 lbs. Two premiums — $3, 2. Sept. " " ''- " Two premiums — $S,''Z. Cheese, not less than 50 lbs. Two premiums — $^, 1.50. PICKLES AND HONEY. Pickles. Three premiums — $.75, .50, .25. Virgin Honey in the comb. Three premiums — $2, 1, 50. In addition to the above, there will be allowed for gratuities, ten dollars. Competitors will be required to furnish, to the Secretary, a detailed statement in writing, of the process of manufacturing but- ter, cheese, and pickles ; and no others shall be considered. MECHANICS AND MANUFACTURES. Committee. — Joseph P. Lockey, Leominster ; Charles Fcssenden, Fitchburg ; Mark Wilder, East Princeton; Edward Burpee, Ster- ling; Joel Merriara, Westminster. Specimens exhibited must be manufactured by the competitor. 96 PREMIUMS. For the best specimens of mechanic and manufactured artic^Ie?^ ex- clusive of ladies' home manufacture, there will be placed at the disposal of the committee, the sum of seventj^-five dollars. For the best cxhihulon of manufactured articles, there will be placed at the disposal of the committee the sum of fifty dollars. AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. Committee. — Solon Carter, John Page, Leominster; Abel Mar- shall, Lawrin Pratt, Geo. Robbins, Fitchburg. Best Farm Wagon, for one or two horses. One premium — $10. Best Ox Cart. One premium — $5. Best Team Harness. One premium — $5. Best Flay or Straw Cutter. One premium — $3. Best Ox Yoke complete. One premium — $3. Best Set Horse Shoes. One premium — $2. In addition to the above, there will be allowed for gratuities, fifty dollars. FINE ARTS. Committee. — L. H. Bradford, Mrs. Joel Page, Fitchburg; Mrs. G. W. Peirce, Leominster; Miss Ann Eliza White, Ashburnham; Mrs. Wm. 0. Brown, Fitchburg. Best collection by a Photographic Artist. Two premiums — $4, 2. Oil Paintings. Two premiums — $4, 2. l>est Crayon Drawings. Two premiums — $3, 2. Pencil Drawings. Two premiums — $2, 1. Best specimen of Penmanship by anon-professional. One premium — $1. In addition there will be placed at the disposal of the committee, r)r gratuities, the sum of twenty dollars. Specimens exhibited must be actually executed by the competitor. PREMIUMS. 9T FANCY ARTICLES. CommiUrc. — Walter A. Eames, Mrs. Edwin Upton, Miss Lizzie Ciishing, Fitcliburg; Mrs. Cyrus Kilburn, Lunenburg; Miss Nellie Colburn, Leominster. For the best specimens of Ladies' Useful and Fancy Articles of their own manufacture, including specimens of nice mending and darning, there will be placed at the disposal of the committee, the sum of thirty dollars. ESSAYS. Committee. — Jabez Fisher, Charles Mason, Fitchburg; C. H. Merriam, Leominster. ]>est Essays on some practical subject connected with agriculture, deemed worthy of publication in the Society's '' Transactions." Two premiums. — $25, 15. All persons competing for these premiums must file their Essays with the Secretary on or before the 1st of September. Each Essay is to be marked with a motto or design, and accompanied with a sealed envelope bearing a corresponding motto or design, and con- taining the name of the author. The envelopes of the successful competitors will be opened on the day of the exhibition, immediately upon the announcement of the awards. COMMITTEES' REPORTS. Committee. — The President, Vice-Presidents and Secretary. For the purpose of inducing the chairmen of the several com- mittees to take upon themselves more labor and care in elabora- ting their reports, the following premiums will be paid — $10, 6, 4. Detailed reports in connection with awards, (except on Grain and Root Crops), must be delivered to the Secretary on or before Nov. 1st. 98 PREMIUMS. PROSPECTIVE— EXPERIMENTS. Comrtmttee, — Jabez Fisher, Joel Page, Fitchburg ; Cyrus Kilburn, Lunenburg. For the best experiment going to show the economy of growing grass constantly through a period of six years, on one acre or more of land, as compared with a rotation in which grass shall be grown three or four years only, the remainder being grain or hoed crops, of which one, at least, shall be Indian Corn. The total amount and kind of manure in each case must be the same per acre, but the time and mode of application may be different. Three premiums — $50, 25, 15. Entries must be made on or before July 1st, 1871. APPLE, PEAR, AND PEACH ORCHARDS. Committee. — Ephraim Graham, Lunenburg; Jonas A. Marshall, L. H. Bradford, Fitchburg. APPLE ORCHARDS. For the best Orchards of not less than fifty trees, all having been set after January 1st, 1871, to be awarded in 1875. Two premiums — $25, 10. PEAR ORCHARDS. For the best Orchards of not less than fifty trees, all having been set after January 1st, 1866, to be awarded in 1871. Two premiums — $25, 10. Two Pear Orchards were entered for these premiums, in 1868, by Ephraim Graham, Lunenburg, and Geo. S. Houghton, Fitchburg. PEACH ORCHARDS. For the best Orchards, of not less than thirty trees, set after April 1st, 1871, to be awarded and paid in 1874. Two pre- miums— $12, 8. PREMIUMS. ' 99 POTATOES. Committee. — Epliraim Giahain, Lunenburg; Benjamin Safford, Fitchburg ; Cyrus Kilburn, Lunenburg. For the best Seedling Potatoes, to be tested for not less than three successive years. One premium — $25. FOREST TREES. Committee. — W. B. Hosmer, George Merriam, Leominster ; J. P. Putnam, Fitchburg. For the best plantation of any kind of Forest Trees, suitable for fuel or timber, raised from the seed, not less than five hundred in number, which shall be in the most flourishing condition in the fall of 1876. Three premiums— $25, 15, 10. Entries must be made on or before the first day of June. ICE HOUSES. Committee. — William Woodbury^ Abel Marshall, Lyman N. Fair- banks, Fitchburg. For the best constructed Ice House for family purposes, to be tested at least twelve months. One premium — $5. 100 RULES. COMMITTEE OF AERANOEMENTB. Hon. JOHN. H. LOCKE Y, Leominster. LEONARD DOWNE, Fitchburg. JOSEPH COZZENS, Leominster. GEORGE S. HOUGHTON, Fitchburg. HENRY ALLISON, RULES All teams entered for draught must have been owned by the person entering the same, for at least three months next previous. Any person competing for a premium, who shall serve on the committee having charge of the department in which he competes shall retire from the committee while his own competition is in question. The several committees will not consider themselves bound by the terms of the above offers, to award a premium for anything which they shall deem inferior. Any person to whom a premium shall have, been awarded, in consequence of any deception or misrepresentation used by him, shall not only forfeit such premium, but afterward be incapable of competing for the Society's premiums. All persons, (ladies and minors excepted), not members of the Society, to whom may be awarded a premium, or premiums, amount- ing to live dollars or upward, shall receive a certificate of member- ship for five dollars, and the balance in cash. If the amount shall be less than five dollars, a deduction of fifty per cent, will be made, unless the individual chooses to make the amount up to that sum, and receive a certificate of membership. All premiums not demanded on or before November 30th, will revert to the Societv. OFFIOEES OF THE SOCIETY FOR 1871. Ulected at t?ie A7i7mat Meelmg, 2)ecember 7l/h ^870, Hon. J. H. LOCKE Y, of Leominster, President. LEONARD DOWNE, of Fitchlmrir, -^ tz- r» • 7 JOSEPH COZZENS, of Leominster, \ ^''' P'^''''^<^^^''- GEORGE S. HOUGHTON, of Fitcliburn-, Secretary. HENRY ALLISON, of Fitcliburg, Treasurer. TRUSTEES. 0. Whitney, Ashburnham. JoEi. Hayward, Ashby. F. W. Wright, " Dennis Fay, " S. W. A. Stevens, Gardner. Asaph Wood, '^ JosiAH Puffer, Harvard. S. F. Whitney, '' Hiram Whitney, " Augustus Whitman, Leominster. W. B. HOSMER, " C. C. BOYDEN, " Porter Piper, " Solon Carter, " a. l. burditt, " Daniel Putnam, Lunenburg. Cyrus Kilburn, " William Baker, " Eph'm Graham, " J. T. Everett, Princeton. J. E. Merriam, " N. B. Reed, '' John Brooks, " A. Stockwell, Royalston. J. 0. Parker, Shirley. M. T. Gardner, " George Davis, '^ Charles Flagg, Sterling. Samuel Osgood, " Ezra Kendall, " F. Nourse, " M. B. Heywood, Sterling. J. M. Sawyer, " W. SiMONDS, Templeton. Levi N. Smith, " D. C. Miles, Westminster. John Minot, " Benj. Wyman, " Edw'd Bacon, " Reuben Yose, Winchendon. John Cutter, " T. C. Caldwell, Fitchburg. L. H. Bradford, " Geo. E. Towne, " S. J. M. Weston, " Joseph Gushing, " Geo. F. Fay, " Jabez Fisher, " Abel Marshall, " L. DOWNE, " Joel Page, " J. M. Sawtell, " E. D. Works, " Lyman Patch, " A. M. Sawyer, « F. Buttrick, " E. T. Miles, " Wm. Woodbury, " Walter A. Eames, " Geo. Jewett, " J. W. Kimball, " S. H. Howe, Bolton. A. Whiting, Oakdale. LEWIS H. BRADFORD, of Fitchburg, elected Mcinhcr of the State Board of Agriculture, Dec. 2, 1868, for three years. ^r,j- ^: <2C ' ■esse ■^3 <^;ccsr.«:^^ seated tafc§G«ci W*