t< l^A**

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ADDRESS

PELIVERED BEFORE

THE

>

OCTOBER 13, 1824 ;

DEINC THEIR

a.\iv\\\evsavy Cattle S\\ow awd ExWibitlou
o£ Ma\\\\?aetv\re^.

BY ISAAC GOODWIN, ESQ.

Published by order of the Truetce?.

nlI^'TED B¥ WILLIAM MASNIiVG.

ADDRESS

PELIVERED BEFORE

THE

y

T^BwtmXtx afltlcuUuvi^l Society,

OCTO JB£i2 13, 1824;

££INC THEIB.

a.\im\evsavy Cattle S\\ow awd ExWiUtiou
o? Ma\\A\?actv\refe.

BY ISAAC GOODWIN, ESQ.

Published by order of the Trustees.

KlIKTED BY WILLIAM MA5NIIVG.

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
AT AMHERST

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Special Collections & Rare Books

ADDRESS.

THE cultivation of the earth is the employment des-
tined to man by his Creator. It is the occupation of all
others best fitted to promote his heallh, by alternate rest
and labour ; to preserve his virtue, by withdrawing him
from the contagion of the more busy world : and to ad-
vance his civilization, by calling him away from the scenes
of violence incident to a roaming life, to the cultivation
of the soft arts of peace. Hence it has been cherished
by the most enlightened of all nations. It has been the
source of sustenance alike to the palace and the cot-
tage, to the king and the beggar. In reviewing the his-
tory of mankind, we find their advancement and decline
in public virtue have kept concurrent progress with this
art. From Babylon^ from Greece and from Judea, Agri-
culture was transferred with every thing that served to
embellish life, to Rome, v/hcre it was the theme of her
statesmen and her poets. With the decline Siudfall of
civilization in that vast empire, the vineyards and the
gardens that overspread her almost illimitable domains
were converted either into wastes for wild beasts, or into
fields of slaughter and of war. The burdens and exac-
tions of the lords of the soil upon the products of the ten-
ants, were the great evils of the feudal system. Industry
consequently was discouraged and extinguished. Agri-
culture and the arts expired ; and the melancholy train
was followed by the downfal of learning and civilization.
For centaries. the fields and the workshops of Europe

yielded scarcely a product but " man and steel, the sol-
dier and his sword." That long and dreary night had
passed away, and, with the returning dawn of civilization
and letters, the earth was made to yield her increase. —
And the cultivation of the soil of Europe, and the proper
mode of encouraging her manufnctures, have for a long
time been the favourite topics that have employed her
statesmen and wisest scholars. Both the theory and
practice of tilling her soil, now employs the ablest of her
hands, the wisest of her heads, and the purest of her
hearts. All the knowledge that can be derived from
Chemistry and from Natural Philosophy is there daily
shedding new light upon this science. And in the pres-
ent period of peace, the comparatively small demand she
has for our products is the best evidence that the agricul-
tural exertions of Europe are not made in vain. Every
part of that interesting continent (if we except the penin-
sula) is nov/ probably making greater advances in every
branch of local improvement than at any former period.

Do we not also see the beneficial results of domestic
industry in every part of our own beloved nation ? We
witness it in the unexampled improvement of our public
canals, bridges and ways ; in the facilities for transporta-
tion to the most remote parts of the land ; in the superior
taste displayed in our public edifices and domestic dwell-
ings ; in the erection of spacious and permanent manufac-
tories in every branch of the arts ; in the general appear-
ance of the country, "green with the dew of heaven,"
and rejoicing in the labour of its inhabitants ; and in the
smiles of contentment that are so generally spread upon
the countenances of a grateful people. Nor need we
travel beyond the boundaries of our own County, to wit-
ness the rapid advances that have been made during the
short period of the existence of this Society, and which
furnish the best commentary upon the motives of its
founders. Yes, the spirit of improvement has gone forth.

through our vallies and over our plains : its march upon
our hill-tops is that of a giant in his strength : its course
is not to be obstructed by jealousy, by ignorance, or by
parsimony : it crushes beneath its feet alike the useless
traditions of our predecessors, and the ridiculous theories
of fanciful innovators : its progress is directed by science,
by reason, and by experience; and its footsteps may be
traced by fertility and by abundance. On every side,
the senses are regaled with all that is fragrant and de-
lightful. Fields of the highest culture, orchards of bend-
ing fruit, and barns of loaded treasures salute the eye. — •
In our streets, the ear is greeted with the sound of the
hammer, the spindle, and the loom ; and every breeze
is mingled with the lowingof our vallies, and the bleating
of the Jiocks upon a thousand hills.

At this sober season of the declining year, when our in^*
ordinate passions fade with the fading leaf — when our en-
vies, our little jealousies, and local prejudices should all
be buried in an overwhelming tide of thankfulness to the
Giver of all Good, for the many favours so bountifully
showered down upon our land — who does not feel his
patriotism revived ? Who does not feel encouraged to
renewed and more vigorous exertions in the great work
of encouraging domestic industry ?

But let us, Fellow-Citizens, recollect that for our advan-
tages we are not indebted to any peculiar excellence of
soil or climate. A large proportion of the globe, far
behind us in improvement, is more highly favoured in
these particulars than our native home. No : there are,
under Divine Providence, certain moral causes, our en-
lightened Institutions, that have given to our land a splen-
dour that Nature denied it. Without these, barrenness
and poverty would have still reigned in silent desolation
over these fields, that have so recently been reclaimed
from the wilderness. It is these causes, Citizens of the
County of Worcester, that have given to so many of your
sons their opulence and their elevated rank in this s"^^

G

many of our sister States. It is tliese, that enable so
many of jou to see " distinguished talent and liigh public
trust resting where your names rest."

And while reviewing the progress of our County in
Husbandry and the Arts, and with each returning year
finding more abundant causes for exulting in our success,
is not this anniversary a proper season to inquire whether
a correspondent advance has been made in those greater
objects that are equally under our control, and which are
the causes of these blessings ? With our increased popu-
lation, and the means of doing good, have we done more
towards the education of our children and youth ? Have
we been more liberal in the support of our public and
private Schools ? Are our Social Libraries increased ?
Have School Books and copies of the Holy Scriptures
been placed in the hands of our destitute neighbours ?
Are the institutions of the Lord's day, those Schools for
children of a larger groicth, been better supported and
more generally attended ? Are our municipal concerns
free from embarrassment, and under proper regulation ?

Is the standard of public morals more elevated ? 1

know that, from many of our towns, these questions would
receive favourable responses ; but if negligence any where
exists, it peculiarly behoves the possessors of the soil to
see that a remedy is provided. The character of your
towns is determined by these things : your own respecta-
bility and happiness and that of your children depend up-
on them. The tenure of our lands is allodial : we our-
selves hold the fee-simple^ and are accountable to no liege
lord. But not so the institutions of our fathers : of them
we are in the line of transmission — we are barely tenants
for life, and posterity will hold us impeachable for ivaste
or for alienation.

The system of furnishing public instruction to the whole
population, by a tax upon the estates, has been practised
here for two ccnturie?, and has been followed by the most
happy results. It is considered by our most distinguish-

ed statesmen as *• a wise and liberal system of police, by
which property and hfe and the peace of society are best
secured." It renders unnecessary those more violent
and expensive methods to which other governments have
been compelled to resort, to restrain the licentious pas-
sions of their subjects. Notwithstanding the great in-
crease of our numbers, and the varied employments that
they are constantly pursuing, it is comparatively rare that
ihe penal code is called to exert itself upon one of our na-
tive citizens. Who is more interested in a continuance of
this state of things than the landholders of New-England,
"where the meanest labourer is far from being a slave, and
to whose integrity and moral principle and intelligence we
are often obliged to trust ? A degree of mental cultiva-
tion is essential to the happiness of a Farmer, as well as a
security for his rights. His occupation is furnishing him
with constant opporti!inities to reflect upon the dignity of
his moral nature. The smiles and the frowns of Provi-
dence affect his interests immediately, without the inter-
vention of second causes. Every object around him leads
to the most sublime and interesting contemplations ; and
if pursued with proper feelings, must lead to the most
"beneficial effects to his character. Let our hterary insti-
tutions decay, (as appears to be the wish of modern inno-
vators) and but a few generations will pass before our de-
scendants from the Hesperian gardens of the West will
look in vain for the neat School-Houses, for the Temples
of Religion, and for the decent Grave-Yards of their an-
cestors. The traveller may indeed find a bloated popu-
lation— he may find fields of rank luxuriance — he may
hear the noise of the Mechanic, and see the busy stir of
commerce ; but it will be a ' barren splendour,'' a ' sicJdy
greatness,'' a ^florid vigour,'' betokening disease, decay
and death. Instead of the present happy distribution of
property, he will find the lands and the wealth engrossed
by a few supercilious lordlings, looking down upon the
labouring Farmer and the Mechanic as an inferior ra,ce of

e

"beings. Instead of the Church-going hell, summoning h?n»
to the house of prayer, he will find the Sabbath hailed as
a day of luxurious festivity, of noisy mirth, and of vulgar
dissipation. Instead of the general diffusion of learning,
he will find a chosen few appropriating to themselves all
the valued treasures of science ; but their knowledge will
be too lofty or too refined to pass current among the pec*
pie, and ignorance and darkness will overspread the land.
Instead of domestic security, the travelfer will find those
homes, where once was enjoyed "" undisturbed sleep with-
in unbarred doors," beset by excisemen and gens d'^armes
by day, and in the hours of darkness surrounded by the
prowlings of the thief, the lurkings of the robber, and the
whispers of the assassin. The spy and informer will
glide into every retreat, and follow your descendant even
among the birches and shrub-oaks that will conceal the
neoflected tombstones of his fathers. " Corruption, like
a general flood," will desolate the land, and sweep away
in its progress all that is peculiar and valuable in our
equal laws. Discontent and misery will sit brooding up-
on the countenances of the people, who, wearied out with
continual changes, and in listening to a succession of dem-
agogues, will be prepared to surrender the remnant of their
liberties to the iron grasp of a Dictator. Then " farewell,
a long farewell" to all New-England's greatness.

Political economists have generally traced national
Tfiealth to three great sources, Agriculture^ Manufactures,
and Commerce, These form the parts of that vast cord
that encircles and binds together the discordant elements
of political society. They are mutually dependent, each
upon the other, for the general strength they unitedly af-
ford. Essentially injure one of these great interests, and
you destroy or weaken the whole. In advocating the
cause of the one, therefore, it is not the part of wisdom
to manifest any hostility towards the others. We are as-
sociated for the promotion o( Agricidture dind Manufac-
tures, but not in opposition to Commerce ', because, with-

9

out proper facilities for the exchange of our commodities,
our favourite pursuits would languish and decay. Neither
let it be supposed, that in our encomiums upon Husband-
ry, we intend to derogate any thing from the importance
of Manufacturing. Most of the handicraft trades are es-
sentially connected with the cultivation of the earth; and
"without these facilities our labours would be almost in
vain. When therefore we speak o( Agriculture, we wish
to be understood as including all those branches of domes-
tic manufacture by which the cultivation of the earth is
promoted. Without the use of iron, for instance, the
fields of Massachusetts would yield but a meagre harvest.
Nor would we be limited to this riew of the subject. No
real friend to New-England, no wise man, that has watch-
ed her progress, that has compared her situation with '
that of the wealthiest countries of Europe, but must admit
that the time is approaching when she must be an exten-
sive manufacturing district. Circumstances beyond our
control, have rendered it necessary that some of the
streams of our surplus capital should be turned into this
channel. By a judicious management, this wealth will
not be lost to us : it will become absorbed in the soil — it
will be prevented from flowing to too great a distance —
and thus it may diffuse a more general fertility. In the
present languishing state of commerce, this probably is
the only mode by which we can retain our surplus popu*
lation and our resources among ourselves. Time and
circumstances will probably accomplish all that the most
sanguine "friend to domestic industry" can desire. The
controversy that has so long agitated the com.munity upon
this subject, is merely upon the degree of encouragement
that is proper to be given to this branch of employment.

To adjust the jarring interests of Commerce and Manu-
factures, seems to hdive been, of late, a great part of the
business of the Grand Council of our nation. That they
should be encouraged and protected, the €nhghtened
2

Farmer does not object. But may not the inquiry be
permitted, why the encouragement oi Agriculture should
so seldom be a topic of discussion ? When the Imports
and Excises fail to replenish the treasury, we hear much
of the productive nature of a Land-Tax, and the certain-
ty and ease with which it may be collected ! When an
army is to be raised, there is a never-failing resource of
recruits among the hardy Yeomanry o{ the country ! It
is true, the details of this interest occupy but a small
space in our luminous Treasury reports : it is scarcely
seen amid the bustle of the wharf and the ware-house. —
Nor does it attract the gaze of the traveller like the mo-
tions of a steam-engine, the buzz of an army of spindles,
or the clatter of a host of power-looms : its progress is
gradual and silent, as the growth of its products. But
Agriculture is the life-blood of this nation : it clothes and
it feeds our ten millions of inhabitants : it forms more
than three-fourths of our domestic exports, and more than
lialf of all the exports of our extensive commerce : it is
the solid Tuscan base that supports the august fabric of
civil society* Without it, Labour would languish for em-
plovment — Trade and the Arts for materials of workman-
ship and articles of exchange — the massy Doric column
and the ornamental Corinthian capital would tumble into
ruins, and serve only to desolate what they now support
and embellish.

The solid and durable character of the capital stock
added to any section of a country by Husbandry, affords
a striking contrast to the transitory and fluctuating nature
of that acquired by the pursuits of Trade. A Merchant,
it has often been observed, is a citizen of the world, and
not necessarily an inhabitant of any particular nation :
his fortune is literally afloat, and he may change it with
every shifting breeze. Not so with the Husbandman : his
capital is annexed to the soil he inhabits, and becomes
identified with its dearest interests. If, from caprice or
disalTection, he changes his domicil, the fruits of his toil,

11

bis industry and bis enterprize remain, to form an integral
part of the capital stock of the district where it was accu-
mulated. The volatility of a trading capital may be liken-
ed to the element upon which it is generally earned. Un-
stable as the ocean, it flows and it ebbs with every tide —
while the stock earned by improvements upon the land is
as permanent as the soil from whence it is derived, fixed
as our native hills, and as durable as the masses of granite
upon which they rest.

The ordinary events of war, of peace, of changes in the
policy of governments, most generally affect the sources
of commercial profit, and often leaves them completely
dried up ; but that wealth that results from fertilizing the
national domain, cannot be materially affected, only by
those lasting depredations that devastate whole provinces.
As a practical illustration of these principles, revert for a
moment to the map of the world ; and first, behold Egypt,
that celebrated granary of the East, from times of patri-
archal antiquity, when the Husbandmen of Canaan went
down to buy corn. Who does not recognize the period to
which we allude, that recollects the twelve brethren at
the Egyptian court ? No one can forget the narrative
that is associated with his earliest recollections, and which
he finds as instructive to him as a parent as it was inte-
resting to him as a child. Egypt, through the long line
of her Pharaohs and her Ptolemies, the succession of her
Mamelukes^ her Beys and her Pachas, for a period of more
than forty centuries, by Agriculture alone, has been ena-
bled to furnish bread to her neighbours ; and, it is said,
is now about entering into competition with this distant
region in supplying the European market with our most
important staple, the article of Cotton. And thus, not-
withstanding the exactions and oppressions of the worst
government, is blessed with resources as redundant as her
Nile, and as imperishable as her pyramids.

Look now at Spain, fallen, degraded Spain ! once the
possessor of both the Indies, and the controller of theii

12

wealth — once rich in an enterprizing comnnerce with her
own colonies and the whole world. With the spices of
the East and the gold of the West, she commanded the
trade of Europe.

*■'' Proud swelPd her tides "with loads of freighted ore,
*' And shoutiug folly hail'd them from her shore."

But every galleon that entered her port brought with it
the seeds of weakness and decay. Her kings were fur-
nished with the means of engaging in the most destructive
wars. Her nobles were dazzled with the glare of boundless
wealth. The national industry lost its elasticity. With
the expulsion of the Jews and the Moors at least a mil-
lion of her most thriving mechanics and husbandmen were
lost forever. The most oppressive and unequal tax upon
every sale of certain commodities has destro'yed her inter-
nal trade and her manufactures. And what must be the
state of Agriculture under a system that allows the privi-
leged orders to drive their flocks of thousands through dif-
ferent provinces for the benefit of pasturage, prostrating
in their course alike the crops as well as the fences of the
unfortunate tenantry. Her local situation and her physic-
al advantages are probably superior to those of any other
nation ; but, deluded by the glare of commercial wealth,
she has pursued, for centuries, a policy that has palsied
her Manufactures and blasted her Husbandry. Her man-
ufactures of iron, of steel and of tin now furnish employ-
ment to thousands of English labourers. And our own
native hills at this moment exult in the choicest of her
flocks. Bending beneath the most abject superstition, this
once gallant nation now lies, cowled and hooded, extend-
ed upon her own Escurial, a humble tributary to France,
realizing the gigantic idea of Louis XIV, when his grand-
son ascended her abject throne, *' There are no longer Pi/-
renees,^'^ The lofty barriers erected by nature, to defend
her imbecility from the inroads of Gallick armies, have
faded and passed away before the touch of Gallick cor-
ruption.

IS

Where are the seventy-two Hanse towns that in the
thirteenth century burst the iron bands of feudal tyranny,
and formed that powerful confederacy that for so long a
time engrossed the commercial wealth of Europe ? Most
of their names are blotted from the registers of mankind,
and the places where many of them stood cannot now be
pointed out to the inquiring traveller. But Flanders, on
the frontiers of the most warlike kingdom, and the scene
of their greatest devastations, by her domestic industry
rises superior to every adversity. The armies of Austria
and France have often laid waste her provinces, and rob-
bed her of every thing but her Agricultural and her Man-
ufacturing riches. With these resources, she continues
among the most opulent and populous of the continental
Dations.

But we need not recur to the history of other countries
or other times. There is scarcely a part of the world
that exemplifies the truth of our position more forcibly
than the interior of New-England. Every obstacle is
here yielding to the all-subduing power of human indus*-
try. The most dreary morasses, the most rugged declivi-
ties are annually submitting to the diligence of our Farm*
ers ; and our tumbling cataracts are held in durance by
the perseverance of our enterprizing Manufacturers. If
in political economy one principle is better established
than any other, it is this, that country is the richest and the
most indepeiident, whose employment of capital and labour
furnishes the means of supporting the greatest population at
the least expense. With this principle in view, can any
doubt the policy of encouraging the objects of this So-
ciety ?

Come, then, Fellow-Citizens ! Patriots ! ye who aro
connected to our soil by the ties tf ancestry, of fortune,
©r of home — ye who reverence New-England as the land
of your birth, and identify with her hills and her vallies
the places of your earliest associations — ye who contem-
plate her advancement v;ith delight — come and devote a

14

portion of your time aad your talents to the cultivation of
her soil, in improving her husbandry, in dissipating the
mists of vulgar prejudices that time and superstition and
ignorance have hung around this art. No longer suffer
the mortification of seeing the most enterprizing of your
sons annually calling for the portion of goods that may
fall to their share, joining themselves to citizens of far
countries, and if not wasting their substance^ at least ap-
propriating the fruits of your toil in regions far from the
institutions and sepulchres of their fathers.

Ye men of affluence I come and bestow a portion of
your wealth in improving the face of that earth, from
whence your treasures were derived. If managed with
the same discretion that marks the direction of your ordi-
nary concerns, you will not find it an unprofitable invest-
ment. It will be placing a part of your property where or-
dinary changes cannot corrupt it, and where the hands of
violence cannot plunder it. It is a mistaken idea that farm-
ing under any circumstances is an unprofitable pursuit. —
"Without discussing the subject, permit me to inquire, from
whence is derived the annual support of our population in
a style of expense (and for which we ought to blush) supe-
rior to that of any other people upon the globe ? Whence
the enormous sums that are annually expended in education
and charity ? Whence our roads, our bridges, our halls
of justice, our temples of worship, and that splendid galaxy
of edifices for public instruction that marks our land? —
All that founded them, and all that supports them, springs
from the soil. But, besides the pecuniary profit and the
security to yourselves and posterity, you will realize from
farming a thousand delightful anticipations and ten thou-
sand heartfelt recollections. You will awaken in the la-
bourer the spirit of industry, and encourage him with the
hope of independence. You will also have the satisfac-
tion of contributing that noblest of all charities, that does^
Bot merely relieve poverty, but Yi\\\ch prevents it.

15

And ye men of piety and devotion — ye who minister
as well as ye who worship at the altar of our commoQ
faith — come, and lend your aid to that pursuit that was
imposed on man in his innocence, and which he never
abandoned until the earth was filled with violence. Do
not your visions of the future destinies of our nation min-
gle themselves with the glories of the whole earth, at the
latter days, when the moral renovation of the human
character shall be accompanied by a like improvement in
the physical creation ? That glorious period, " foretold
by prophets, and by poets sung," we believe must be per-
fected by the more general prevalence of Christianity, and
by permitting it to influence men in their social relations
as well as in their individual capacities. But may it not
be induced by cultivating those domestic virtues and em-
ployments whose tendency is to soften the asperities of
men, and unite them in brotherly love — those occupa-
tions that will cause the weapons of human destruction to
be converted into implements of husbandry, that nations
may learn war no more ? Who can contemplate without
emotions the period, when the great human family shall
be scattered over the whole earth, dwelling in quiet rest-
ing-places, sitting each under his own vine and Jig-tree,
without any to moltst ? " Every valley shall he exalted,
and every mountain brought low,^'^ " The wilderness and
the solitary place shall be glad^ and the. desert shall rejoice
and blossom as the rose^^^

OFFICERS

OF THE

WORCESTER AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY,

ELECTED APRIL, 1824.

LEVI LINCOLN, President.

Aaron Tufts, First Vice-President.

William Stedman, Second do.
Theophilus Wheeler, Treasurer.
Oliver Fiske, Corresponding Secretary.
William D. Wheeler, Recording Secretary.

TRUSTEES.

James Humphreys,
Nathaniel Houghton,
Sampson V. S. Wilder,
Aaron White,
Salem Town, jr.
Jonathan Wheeler,
Samuel Daman,
Jacob Haskell,
John Thurston,
Isaac Southgate,
Bezaleel Lawrence,
Benjamin Davenport,
Pearley Hunt,
Asa Waters,
Charles Henshaw,
Samuel Mister,
Joseph Davis,

Jonathan Davis,
Hutch ins Hapgood,
Ward N. Boylston,
Nymphas Pratt,
William Foster,
Stephen Hastings,
Jonas L. Sibley,
Jonas Ball,
Bezaleel Taf't, jr.
Lovett Peters,
Daniel Waldo,
John W. Hubbard,
Edward D. Bangs,
John W. Lincoln,
Silas Brooks,
Samuel Ward,
Thomas Chamberlain,

— »>«©«444—

Members admitted since the last Publication.
Joseph Thayer, Uxbridge, April, 1818, accidentally omitted heretofore.

HARD WICK.

Samuel Billing,
Samuel F. Cutler.

LEICESTER.
Cheney Hatch,
John Nelson.

NE W'BR.^INTREE.
Key 63 Tufts.

STERLING.

Rufus Hastings.

SUTTON.
Asa Cummings, jr.

Edmund Mills,
Royal T. Marble.

TEMPLETON.

Asa Hosmer,
Joshua Sawyer.

RUTLAND.

Josiah Clark,
James Estabrook, jr.

UPTON.
Eli Warren.

WORCESTER.

Isaac David-

Benjamin Howard,
Austin Denny,
John M. Earle,
Charles Stearns,
William E. Green,
Theophilus B. Western,
Loammi I. Hoadly,
Cyrus Stockwell,
Pliny Merrick,
Frederick W. Paine,
Timothy W. Bancroft,
Joseph Swett,
Henry Wheeler,
John F. Clark,
Charles Allen,
Bcnja. F. Farnaworth.

REPORTS OP THE SEVERAL COMMITTEES.

Committee on Milch Cows a7id Fat Cattle.

Oliver Fiske, of Worcester, Chairman; Jacob Conant, of Ster-
ling ; Henry Penniman, of New-Braintree ; Dexter Fay, of
Soathborough ; Royal Keith, of Grafton.

THE Committee on Fat Oxen and Milch Cove's have performed the
very dilficult duty assigned them, with their best skill and judgment, as
applied to the view of the animals oifered for their inspection, and to the
evidence furnished them of their respective merits. Agriculturists must
be aware that the most careful examination of an animal may be decep-
tive, and the best information prove incorrect. This remark applies to
Milch Cows more forcibly than to any other animal offered for premium.
The smallest and most ordinary looking cow in the farm-yard is often the
most valuable of the flock for a dairy. She also may be the best in the
pens without attracting particular notice, while one of large size, and of
commanding points and proportion, of not half her value, is preferred. —
The testimony at the pens is seldom the best evidence the nature of the
case admits : not because the owner is an interested witness, and prone,
like every body else, to fancy his own possessions the best ; but from
the circumstance that the dairy is managed by the other partner of the
Jirm^ and that he has not been conversant with the amount and quality
of milk which any cow furnishes. He is satisfied if she is called a good
cow ; and probably brings her to the Show, relying more on her fine ap-
pearance than on her intrinsic worth. These difficulties are inherent to
the duty of the Committee. A worse impediment was in several cases
encountered. From the inattention of the owner, the Committee could
learn only his name^ and the age of his cow, from the ticket furnished for
the pen. This preliminary the Committee have deemed it important to
make, that those who may think they could have decided better may at
least be led to doubt whether more competent judges would have come
to a more correct decision.

On the other branch of their services, the subject of Fat Oxen, the
Committee had an easier task. The question of the fattest was not im-
portant, as it applied only to two belonging to one owner. By a rule of
the Society no person can obtain one premium for the best, and another for
the next best of the same article. The premium for the fattest ox, the
Committee must confess, was not adjudged to the owner with reference
to the best and cheapest mode of fattening, and in testimony of his hav-
ing produced good beef in a profitable manner, as a guide and stimulus
to others ; but as in part remuneration for the great trouble and expense
he must have incurred in giving attraction and credit to the Show, and
in further demonstrating to the world the capacity of our native breed of
C3.me to become enormously fat zndijnmenseli/ large. As an article of
food, the Committee are of opinion that the beef by the hundred weight
was better a year ago, and that the owner, carefully notiug the items of
expense, will find by the result t^iat. ag an article of profit, it was also
better at that time.

18

There is a point In the fattening of beef cattle, beyond which, whethet
for consumption or profit, an useless expense commences. This point
the Committee believe to be when the fat is so interspersed with the lean
as to render the flesh what is termed marbled. The juices, from this ad-
mixture, are then the most agreeably blended, and the meat in its high-
est excellence. The production in weight after this period is /orcerf /aZ-
low^ that can be made and purchased at comparatively a much cheaper
rate. It is to be hoped, however, that liberal purchasers will award to
the spirited owner a premium price for his beef ; and that the extra ex-
pense may be so parcelled out in the market, as to be averaged upon the
publick-spirited consumers.

The Fat Oxen submitted to the view of the Committee were but four
in number; two owned by Col. Seth Wyman, of Shrewsbury, one by
Stephen Williams, Esq. of Northborough, and one by John VV. Hubbard,
Esq. of Worcester. The pair offered by Col. Wyman were the fattest
that the Committee have ever seen exhibited. They awarded to Col.
Seth W^yman the first premium, of 15 dollars, for his red ox — to John VV.
Hubbard the second premium, of 10 dollars, for his grass-fed ox.

Mr. Williams''s Steer, from Denton, was uncommonly large and well-
proportioned, and exhibited the excellent points in this superior breed. —
He is unquestionably destined at another season to command the first
rank in the pens. His failure in obtaining the second premium was not
on account of his being less valuable in any particular than his compet-
itor ; but from the consideration that the latter acquired his flesh in one
season, after having been worked down in a series of hard labour.

Nineteen Cows were offered for premium, and all, except one, of our
native breed. They generally had the appearance of extraordinary val-
v.e, and all gave evidence of intrinsic worth. Their exhibition afforded
additional proof that our own stock of cows needs no other improvement
than can be obtained by a careful selection and a judicious attention to
the origin and management of her progeny.

In determining the premiums on cows, the Committee were governed
by a consideration of her age — the quantity and quality of the milk —
the expense of her keeping — how early her milk fails — and how long she
is unproductive. From these tests, so far as they could be known, they
formed their opinion. When a cow has arrived at her prime, every suc-
ceeding year more and more diminishes her value. If a cow at four
years oldin all essential qualities is equal to one of eight years old, she
•will, most probably, at that a2;e be superior. Her increase in value is an
annual profit to the owner, while the other is yearly declining. Hence,
at that age, she is deserving of higher consideration as a milch cow. —
The qiiantity and quality of the milk, although perhaps not peculiar to
any age, is an essential inquiry. It is a rare occurrence if a cow greatly
excels in both ; for it seems to be a fact, predicated upon the laws of na-
ture, that as the quantity increases, its quality must be diminished. The
propensity to drying early is an important defect, but more easily cor-
rected in a young cow. Every farmer knows the difference in cows as
■well as in the rest of his stock, with respect to their productiveness on
the same keeping. A disposition to do well on ordinary fare is a peculiar
good trait in a cow, especially for such families as have not the means of
Icteping more than one, and that one indifferently.

I'rom these premises the Committee adjudged to Nathaniel Stowell, of
Worcester, the first premium, of 15 dollars — to Nathaniel Paine, of Wor-
cester, the second premium, of 10 dollars* — to Benjamin F. Farnsworth,
of Worcester, the third premium, of 8 dollars.

• The stcon'l premium was awarded to Ju Ige Paine, under the impression that he
■was owner of •' ihiee cewj kipt togethev." This not being the fact, thy piemium caii'
not he rcctiTtil.

19

To this conclusion the Committee could not arrive without great de-
liberation and hesitancy. The essential points in many of the cows were
so nearly balanced, that another set of judges might in each case have
decided differently without any impeachment of their judgment. Among
the unsuccessful cows particularly noticed for prominent good qualities
"was Col. Mixter's, of New-Braintree, and Col. Bush's, of Boylston : they
were of the first class, but not represented as uncommon in the duration
of their productiveness. Col. Watson's, of Princeton, was large and one
of the best formed cows exhibited ; but from her habitual propensity to
flesh, and the circumstance that she had generally raised her calves,
(two of which were present to attest her value,) sufficient evidence was
not afforded of her superior excellence for the dairy. Mr. Horatio G.
Henshaw's, of Worcester, was a formidable rival to Mr. Farnsworth's,
and in the judgment of the Committee was but a very little inferior. —
Capt. Harrington's, of Princeton, Mr. Rainger's and Mr. Earl's, of New-
Braintree, at any former Show would have taken a commanding stand,
Mr. Elisha Sumner's, of Rutland, had a sufficient voucher in a noble calf
by her side that she is a first-rate breeder; but as she had always reared
her calves, no judgment could be formed of her value as a milch cov/. —
Mr. Newell's, of New-Braintree, had every appearance of having been
a first-rate cow, but her age (10 years) had essentially diminished her
value. Others, not particularly recollected, in most of their essential
qualities did credit to their judicious owners; and the Committee regret
that the restriction of premiums prevented their selecting a much larger
number of excellent cows as objects of a more flattering and substantial
notice.

Cows for exhibition only, were offered by WardN. Boylston, Esq. and
the Hon. Judge Lincoln, gentlemen who have ever manifested a deep and
ardent interest in the reputation and prosperity of the Society. Mr.
Boylston's two uncommonly large and beautiful cows have heretofore
given celebrity to our Shows. The cows exhibited by Judge Lincoln,
the progeny of Denton, in their younger state have repeatedly attracted
attention at the pens. In their present station as cows, they amply con-
firm their early promise, and unequivocally demonstrate the value of
this justly celebrated breed.

In behalf of the Committee,

O. FISKE, Chairman.
October 13, 1824.

Committee on Working Oxen.

John W. Hubbard, of Worcester, Chairman ; Rufus Barton, of
Millbury ; Asa Cuinmings, jr. of Sutton ; VViliiaoi Foster, of
Southbridge ; William Eag-er, of Northborough.

THE Committee on Working Oxen have attended to the duty assio-n«
ed to them.

It is saying a great deal in praise of the show of Working Oxen exhib-
ited to-day, to say that it -has equalled that of any preceding year. And
if this County has never before exhibited a finer show of Working Oxen
your Committee do not know where they should look for one superior to
it. We believe we inight look in vain even to the country of John Bnli

himself — the country of improved short horns and improved long horns

of the Heretords and the Teeswaters — the Alderneys and the Vigeloes

the country where 1000 guineas are given for a Bull, and 500 for a Heifer.

20

In proceeding- to remark particularly on the several pairs submitted to
their adjiidication, the Co.nmittee cannot but notice one serious difficul-
ty they were obliged to encounter, in making up their opinions : this is,
the very imperfect and unsatisfactory nature of the trial to which the
oxen are subjected. The draft of a heavy load on a cart for a short dis-
tance, up hill, affords very uncertain evidence of the real value and
power of the animals. Some arc naturally much more slow in their gait,
and laborious in their manner of drawing, than others ; though at the
same time they may be capable of performing more work than those
>vhich step olT, for a few minutes, more handsomely. Some will perform
admirably for a short time, but would fail under continued hard service.
In some, the great vigour and activity they display may be the effect of
high keeping and little service ; and this would not appear to the judges.
Above all, some are much more intimidated by the moving crowd about
them than others, and from this cause they may be prevented from show-
ing their usual power and docility. We can all see, also, that there is a
great difference in the skill of the drivers. A judicious, intelligent farmer
would want to know a great deal more respecting a pair of oxen which
he was about to purchase, than he could learn from such a trial as we
witness. He would wish to be satisfied whether they would work hard,
day after day, and yet hold their life and flesh, eat and drink well, and
fill themselves readily — whether they were true and ready at all times
and in all places — and whether they were in reality, in all important
properties, as well as to appearance, well matched. But from such
data as we were furnished with, we were obliged to form our opinions ;
and we submit the result, relymg on the candour of the competitors.

Seventeen pairs of oxen were entered for drawing; but from various
circumstances, eleven pairs only were subjected to the trial. A very
beautiful pair was withdrawn from the competition by Mr. Asa Cum-
mings, jr. of Sutton, on account of his having been selected as one of the
judges in this department. The performance of these oxen at the plough-
ing match shewed that the competitors for the premiums on working ox-
en are much indebted to the delicacy of Mr. Cummings in withholding
them from the trial.

1 lie Committee were decidedly of opinion that where old and young
ca' tie are brought into competition, if the younger animals perform as
well or nearly as well as the older, they are entitled to the preference.
This opniion operated to exclude from the premiums nearly one half of
the oxen brought to the trial ; and of these some were very large, state-
ly, noble, and valuable cattle. Of this description, Stephen Marsh, of
Button, brought to the trial a pair, 6 and 7 years old. Messrs. Ward k,
Kice, of Worcester, brought into the competition a pair, 8 years old :
these were of great size, fine proportion, and extraordinary power ; and,
considering their capacity for beef as well as for work, were probably
■worth more money than any other pair on the field — but much hard ser-
vice had diminished their activity and vigour. The pair owned by Hen-
ry Jkillard, of Holden, 8 years old, though sturdy and excellent in the
draft, were not well made, nor very well trained : they were better cal-
culated for use than for show — for profit than for pride ; though the
Committee believe that smoother and handsomer cattle are more easily
kept, and though they may not be capable of doing more work, are
much more easily and cheaply converted into beef. The 7 years old
fjattle of Stith Wyinan, of Shrewsbury, were an elegant, large, well-
matched pair, and under excellent discipline: they performed the service
to which they were subjected with grtat ease and vigour : they were in
every respect creditable to the distinguished farmer who owns them, and
who has exhibited them at two of our previous Shows. On one of these

21

■former occasions, they obtained the second premium as working; cattle,
and could not, therefore, according to the rules of the Society, obtain any
except the first this year : they had thus but one chance where all the
others had four. Seth Hastings, of Mendon, also sent to the trial a pair
of old oxen, which added to the agricultural credit of the distinguished
citizen who is their owner.

Of the younger cattle which entered the lists, two pairs were 4, and
lour pairs 5 years old. Those of Silas Dudley, of Sutton, were 5 — rather
small, but well made and well trained, and exhibited remarkable power
for their weight. Those of Royal T. Marble, of Sutton, were 4 yeara
old only — in every respect beautiful and valuable cattle — smooth and
tight built ; and, considering their ag-e and size, of astonishing muscle
and power. Those of Asa Rice, of ^Vorcester, 5 years old, were quite
small and light, and not remarkably snug and thick-meated ; but their
vigour and activity far exceeded the expectations the Committee had
formed from their appearance. Mr. Rice has been for several years a
competitor in this department of our Shows, and has this year, as well as
before, proved himself a formidable rival of the Sutton disciplinarians.
Luther Whiting, of Sutton, brought forward a pair of 4 years old. They
•were remarkably large and heavy of their age ; and it was in conse-
quence of thus early attaining a very large size, as the Committee sup-
posed, that they were rather slow, and drew laboriously : but they back-
ed the load admirably, better than any others on the field. Samuel Sib-
ley, of Sutton, brought to the trial a pair, 5 years old — rather unpromis-
ing in their appearance — light in proportion to their height and bones ;
but the Committee were agreeably disappointed in the vigour and prompt-
ness with which they drew the heavy load on the cart, consisting of two
tons, gross : but they were not sufiiciently broad, close and well made to
be either handsome or profitable. The last pair subjected to the trial
v/ere those of Sumner Cole, of Sutton. These were 5 years old, and
combined all the excellencies of form, power and discipline for which
Sutton oxen are so justly celebrated. They appeared and performed
rather better than any others submitted to our adjudication ; and noth-
ing prevented their obtaining the first premium but the fact that the
pair belonging to Mr. Marble were very nearly equal to them, and a
year younger.

On the whole, therefore, the Committee recommend to the Society tp
^ive the 1st premium, of $15, to Royal T. Marble.

2d do. of $12, to Sumner Cole.
3d do. of $10, to Silas Dudley.
4th do. of $5, to Luther Whiting.

On behalf of the Committee,

JOHN W. HUBBARD, Chairman,

Committee on Neat Stock other than Cows and Fat Cattle.

Rejoice Newton, of Worcester, Chairman; Paul Dudley, of
Douo^las ; Willard Newton, of Southborough ; Levi Bartlett,
of Rutland ; Lewis Barnard, of Worcester.

THE Committee on Neat Stock other than Cows and Fat Cattle,
Report — That they have witnessed with much satisfaction the continued
interest, which the yeomanry of the County have this day shown that

22

they feel in maintaining the reputation which they have heretofore ac-
quired. They believe that the Neat Stock usually offered at our exhi-
bitions is not surpassed by that of any other Society ; and they hope and
have renewed reason to believe, that the spirit and enterprize of the
farmers of Worcester County will never suffer any other Society to go
before them in this staple commodity.

The number of Bulls which your Committee have examined for pre-
mium is thirteen — of the most improved breeds of imported animals, and
of the best breeds of our native stock. Those of the imported breeds are
sufficiently advanced in years, and are accompanied by a sufficient num-
ber of the same kinds of stock, to show their great value in the breeding
of cattle ; and it is found that generally the greater number of fine ani-
mals are from those breeds — though there are some exceptions honoura-
ble to the early breeds of our country.

The Committee have awarded the first premium, of $15, to Col. Jonas
Ball, of Southborough, for his 3 year old Bull, from Denton. He has
more good points than are often found in any animal, and he is sufficient-
ly advanced in years to have arrived to his permanent growth and shape.
They have awarded the second premium, of $10, to Bezaleel Taft, jun,
Esq. for his 2 year old Bull, of a fine native stock, from which so many
good cattle have been produced in the town of Sutton. Four other Bulls
claimed the particular attention of your Committee. That of Mr. Zeph-
aniah Brown, of Charlton, which took the first premium last year, as a
Calf, and that of Mr. Benjamin Harrington, which took the second pre-
mium last year ; but they both have the appearance of having been too
much forced the last year to support their relative standing, though they
have many good points. That of Mr. Daniel King, of Charlton, is near-
ly as good, without the appearance of having a premature growth. These
three are from Holderness, and are rarely equalled by any of our native
stock. The Bull of Mr. Boylston is a large and finely made animal, but
is not as good in some points as those to v^hich premiums are given.

Twelve Bull Calves were exhibited for premium. The first premium,
of $6, is awarded to Mr. Cheney Hatch, of Leicester ; and the second,
of $4, to Mr. Henry Sprague, of Spencer; not, however, without much
hesitation and a division of the Committee bet^veen those of Mr. Sprague
and Capt. James Estabrook, jr. of Rutland ; and Capt. Estabrook ought
not, from this decision, to despair of having as good a Bull, another year,
as may then be exhibited. There were other good Calves, but which
could not vie with the three above mentioned, unless it was that of Mr.
Sumner, of Rutland, which was too young to be satisfactorily estimated.

The Steers, of different ages, have, this year, in the opinion of the
Committee, surpassed those of any former year. The Committee have
awarded the only premium offered for those of four years old, to Mr. Asa
Cummings, jr. of Sutton. Several other pairs offered were remarkable
for size and shape, and so near of equal goodness that your Committee
forbear to make any discrimination.

Among the 3 year old Steers, the Committee were much divided, and
long hesitated ; and nothing but the necessity of agreeing brought them
to a decision. They awarded the first premium, of $8, to Mr, Stephen
Marsh, jr. of Sutton; and the second premium, of $5, to Mr. Caleb
Knight, of Charlton. A finer collection of this class of stock, your Com-
mittee believe, was never exhibited at any Show.

To Daniel Tenny, Esq. of Sutton, the Committee award the first pre-
mium, of $7, for the best pair of 2 year old Steers ; and to Mr. Benjamin
Harrington, of Princeton, the second premium, or$4, for the next best.
This class of Steers presented difficulties nearly as great as those of other
ages : they were many, and of superior quality.

23

To Mr. Amos Merrlam, of Princeton, is awarded the first premium, of
^5, for Yearling- Steers ; and to Col. Jonas Ball, of Southborough, the
second premium, of $3, for the next best.

But two 3 year old Heifers were offered for premium, and your Com-
mittee did not think either of them of such superior quality as to merit a
premium. Several were for exhibition merely — which were worthy of
preoiiums, had they been offered for that purpose.

For 2 year old Heifers, the Committee award the first premium, of $6,
to Mr. Henry Spra^ue, of Spencer ; and the second, of $5, to Mr. Luther
Whiting, of Sutton.

To Mr. Benjamin Harrington, of Princeton, they award the first pre-
mium, of $5, for the best Yearling Heifer; and to Col. Jacob W. Wat-
son, of Princeton, the second premium, of $4, for the next best.

For the best Heifer Calf, they award the first premium, of $5, to Col,
Watson ; and the second, of $4, to Mr. Harrington.

The Committee cannot, in justice, leave the subjects of their inquiries
"Without some notice of those animals offered only for exhibition, and
which fall within those classes particularly confided to them.

The stock which Mr. Williams has introduced into the County always
claims the first attention. Although the progenitor of the race, which
has taken the head of our pens, and stood foremost in the Show from the
first, has this day left his place for others, yet his numerous descendants
have well supported his reputation. The 3 year old Heifer descended
from him, owned by Mr. Williams, presents all the best points found in a
good milker, and which are calculated for the best stock of cattle, either
for the plough or the stall. Others of the same race, which are too nu-
merous to particularize, show, that taking them all in all, no better stock
has ever been found in this or any other country. One trait in this stock
proves their incalculable value — which is, that the older they are, the
better they are proportioned, and the more perfect their shape. Judge
Lincoln's Heifers of this breed show conclusively their value as milkers ;
and his other animals, exhibited this day, bear as unequivocal testimony
to their worth for the stall. The Bull of Mr. Hubbard, also, is a sufficient
Toucher for their size and shape.

Your Committee would not do justice to their own feelings should
they omit the stock of Mr. Boylston, though only a part of it falls within
the classes assigned to them. The Committee know not the origin of
his stock ; but this they know, that so long as he shall continue to add
to the interests of our Show, as he ever has done, by producing such
stock, they shall ever be proud to acknowledge him as a Worcester
farmer.

Your Committee represent, that so great a number of animals is as-
signed for their examination, and the time allowed them so short, that it
is nearly impossible to satisfy themselves in awarding premiums ; and
they have little time to notice those offered for exhibition. The mere
manual labour of drawing up a report embracing so many objects, ought
to occupy a considerable portion of the time which is necessarily devoted
to the examination. Under these circumstances, they beg leave to sug-
gest the propriety, at our future Shows, of dividing the labours between
two or more Committees. It is believed that justice would be more
likely to be done, and many fine animals offered for exhibition, which
Under the present arrangement escape the notice of a Comnnittee, would
receive that attention which they are entitled to, and which their own-
ers expect,

REJOICE NEWTON, -gtr order.

24

Committee on Sheep.

Jonas L. Sibley, of Sutton, Chairman; Joshua W. Leland, of
Grafton ; Moses Kendall, of Barre ; Stephen Davis, of Ox-
ford ; Edward Howard, of Dudley.

THE Committee on Sheep having attended to the duty assigned them^
submit the following Report : —

That this species of animals, presented for premium, was not in such
numbers, and most of them not of such properties as to exhibit a fair
sample of the flocks of the County. Though some of them were fine an-
imals, yet a large proportion were not of a superior quality. It is to be
lamented, that this class of animals, so important to our manufactures,
and so profitable to the farmer, when properly managed, should be so
feebly represented at our Exhibitions. The growing spirit of improve-
ment in agriculture, and the honourable emulation which exists among
the yeomanry of our County, in the rich display of Neat Stock at our
Shows, leads us to fear that our farmers, content with their superiority
in Neat Cattle, have neglected in some degree the improvement of their
Flocks^ to maintain the high reputation of their Herds. The present low
prices in the markets of all agricultural products, the increasing demand
for wool at our manufactories, together with the encouragement and pro-
tection afforded our wool-growers, by a late Act of Congress imposing an
additional duty on foreign wool, present strong inducements to the far-
mer to turn his attention to this branch of husbandry. The soil and cli-
mate of our County is peculiarly adapted to the rearing of Sheep, and
the eflbrts which have been and are now making, to introduce into our
country the best and choicest breed of fine-woolled Sheep, render it
Tnorally certain that the day is not far distant, when we could be as cel-
ebrated for the superiority of our Sheep as we are for the excellency of
our Cattle.

Your Committee, after a careful examination and comparison, having
regard to the size of the animal, and more particularly the fineness and
quality of the fleece, have come to the conclusion and do award the fol-
lowing premiums : —

For the best Merino Ram, to Joseph Thayer, of Uxbridge, $10 : 00

For the next best do. do. to Isaac Mills, of Worcester, 5 : 00
For the four best Merino Ewes, to Benjamin N. Childs, of

Worcester, 10 : 00

For the next best do. do. to Stephen Marsh, jr. of Sutton, 5: 00
For the best lot of mixed Merino Sheep, to James Smith,

of Rutland, 5 : 00

For the best Native Ram, to Levi Jennison, of Shrewsbury, 6 :00

For the best Native Ewes, to John Temple, of V\ est-Boylston, 4 : 00

The Committee avail themselves of this opportunity to remark, that
the fine Saxon Ram, exhibited by the Hon. Judge Lincoln, claimed their
particular notice ; and from the general appearance of the animal, and
the quality of the fleece, we have no hesitation to say that this species
of sheep merits our particular attention as a valuable addition to our
flocks. The same gentleman's lot of Merino Ewes presented for exhibi-
tion only, were not inferior to any in the pens, and would have deserved
a premium, had any been claimed. Rejoice Newton, Esq. oi Worcester,
exliibitfcd four mixed IMerino Sheep, which were of a superior quality;
but the number was not sullicieut to entitle them to a premium.

JONAS L. SIBLEY, Chairman.

j25

Commiitee on Swine.

iJoha Davis, of Worcester, Chairman ; John Gleason, jr. of
Worcester ; Charles Brigham, of Grafton.

THE Committee upon Swine having attended to the service assig;ned
them, submit the following Report : —

They are much gratified in being able to state that they found the
exhibition of this kind of animal furnishing strong proofs of improve-
ment. They do not recollect having seen at any former Show so many
or so valuable swine. The number of boars found in the pens were
seven ; and the Committee have awarded to Capt. Lewis Bigelow, of
Worcester, the first premium, of $7, for a fine animal of his, which they
understand is of the Bedford breed, descended from the stock of Dr.
Fiske, and was decidedly superior to any other exhibited.

The second premium the Committee are of opinion (if awarded at all)
should be given for an animal entered by Maj. Samuel Graves, but be-
longing to the town of Worcester, and raised upon the farm on which the
poor of the town are supported. As two of the Committee, however,
are inhabitants of Worcester, they have declined assigning this premium
to the town, and have not awarded it to any other competitor, because
the third member of the Committee was decidedly in favour of giving
it to the town. The Committee found in the pens nine breeding sows,
six of which were ofiered for premium ; and they have awarded the first
premium, of $6, to Messrs. Ward & Rice, of Worcester ; and the sec6nd,
of $4, to Mr. Nathaniel Stowell, of Worcester.

The Committee would here observe, that the duty assigned them was
difficult, because all the animals of this description are superior, and in
almost any other competition than that to which they were subjected
would have carried premiums. Those entered by Mr. John F. Clark,
Mr. Nahum Willington, Mr. Clark Whittemore, and Mr. William Eaton,
jun. all of Worcester, particularly attracted the attention of the Com-
mittee, either on account of their obvious superiority to most animals of
their kind, or on account of the remarkable progeny which surrounded
them ; and the Committee only regretted that they had it not in their
power to reward more fully a competition so well sustained.

The Committee found seven persons competitors for the premium of $4
upon pigs, and they have awarded it to Messrs. \^'ard & R-ice, of Wor-
cester, not however without some doubts as to whose lot the preference
should be given. The pigs offered were, without exception, such as the
Committee considered as furnishing strong proofs of improvement in the
breed of swine. Those of Mr. Dudley, of Sutton, and Mr. Stowell, of
Worcester, very justly rendered the claim of Messrs. Ward & Rice to
the premium doubtful.

These were all the premiums the Committee had it in their power to
award ; but they cannot pass from this subject without particularly no-
ticing the swine oifered for Exhibition only^ by the Hon. Oliver Fiske and
Stephen Salisbury, Esq. of ^^'D^cester. The sow, barrow, and pig be-
longing to the former gentleman, and the sow and pigs belonging to the
latter, did not fail of attracting the particular attention of the Committee ;
and they take the liberty to observe that they have rarely, if ever, seen
so fine an exhibition of animals of this kind. Those of Dr. Fiske fully
ai\stained the account he has given of them in the New-England Farmer;
and it is some proof of the good qualities of this breed, that the swine of
Messrs. W^ard & Rice, and Mr. Stowell, as well as Capt. Bigeiow's, are
from the stock of Dr. Fiske. Mr. Salisbury's sow and pigs, which are said-
to be a cross of the same breed, were not excelled by auy at tbe Show.

26

tiictsmucli as tfie second premium for boars is undisposed of, the Com^
mittee take the liberty of proposing that it be awarded to Mr. Silas Dud-
ley, of Sutton, for his extraordinary pigs, which are very large and fat,
and are said to be of the Grass-breed., so called.

The Committee Iiave thus, not without difficulty and embarrassraent,
disposed of the several premiums as a just reward to the enterprize,
skill, and agricultural attainments of those who entered the lists as com-
petitors. They cannot however close their labours without expressing a
■wish that the attention of farmers may hereafter be effectually directed
to a further improvement of this kind of animal. The premiums offered
are intended to direct public attention to this branch of agricultural econ-
omy ; and if they produce the intended result, it may safely be said that-
ao money can be much more beneficially expended. Our own experi-
ence and that of our fathers has long since established the fact that swine
are essential to a good system of agriculture. The pork is considered as
almost indispensable in the family of the farmer, and is a productive
source of income in the market. The hams are destined to a conspic-
uous place on the tables of the rich — while the salted meat furnishes a
healthy and grateful food to our fishermen and sailors. Though the hog
is not formed by his nature or his habits to fill so large a space in our af-
fections as many other animals ; yet for most of the useful and economic-
al purposes of life, he is scarcely surpassed. He is uncommonly hardy-
Jives at his ease in almost any condition — sleeps, and grows fat upon the
orts and ends of the farm. He demands little else (till the process of fat-
tening commences) than the waste of the house and farm. The wash of
the dairy is to him an excellent beverage ; while the leaves of beets
and turnips, and even weeds themselves, afford him a rich repast, hi'
deed, his appetite is so well adapted to the consumption of what we have
no other means of disposing of, that the poor and the rich keep him as a
sort of family companion : nay, even populous cities permit him to pa-
rade their streets, with beaux and belles., believing him to be the best of
scavengers^ and necessary to the preservation of health.* His industry
also in the pen contributes largely, by enriching the fields of his master,
to give to them that beautiful, luxuriant aspect, which delights the be-
holder, and raises the song of the poet in praise of good cultivation. In
so many ways is the hog allied to us — in so many ways is he useful, and
in so many ways is he profitable ; and should we neglect to improve his
condition, we certainly shall fail to appreciate his worth.
All which is respectfully submitted. JOHN DAVIS.

JOHN GLEASON, jr.
CHARLES BRIGHAM.

• Great numbers of sxvine are allowed to run at large in the cities of New-York am?
Albany, to pevforra the office oi scavengers.

Committee on Articles manufactured of Wool^Cotto^^ and Flay>

Bezaleel Taft, jr. of Uxbridge, Chairman ; John Lees, of
VVcst-Boylslon ; Benjamin Davenport, of Mention ; John \\\
Stiles, of Worcester ; Charles Parkman, of Westborough.

TIH"' Committee on Articles manufactured of Wool, Cotton, and Flajf,
having carefully attended to the duties of their appointment, submit the
following Report : —

Your Committee cannot but regret that the specimens of Domestic
Maaufacture^have been less numerous, on the present occasion, than af

27

any preceding anniversary of our Society. With the exception of a fe^
pieces of Broadcloth, not a yard of domestic g-oods, of any descrip-
tion, were presented either for premium or exhibition. To what cause
to impute this unpleasant deficiency your Committee is totally at a loss.
We are aware that disting^uished individuals in the community have en-
tertained sentiments unfriendly to domestic manufactures. They have
viewed in every rising establishment a hot-bed of vice, corrupting, by its
baneful influence, our moral atmosphere, and to be shunned like the box:
of Pandora ; and we cannot but apprehend that our manufacturing;
brethren have imputed to our Society the same mistaken views in rela-
tion to their interest and usefulness. We assure them, however, that ii
such apprehensions do exist, they are totally unfounded. The Society
is deeply impressed with the importance of this branch of industry, anct
have identified with it the best interests of the community. Our valua-»
ble water privileges are among the essential resources of the County — -
important alike to the Agriculturist and the Mechanic. Heaven haa
given them to us as a mean of retaining our population, increasing oun
wealth, and multiplying our comforts ; and a neglect to avail ourselveai
of their proffered aid would be an ungrateful return for its bounteouei
gifts. If our Manufacturers have been influenced on the present occasion
by an apprehension that we were regardless of their prosperity, we en-
treat them to discard the illiberal prejudice, and at our future exhibition^
do justice to themselves and our County.

After examining the Broadcloths exhibited on this occasion, your Comr
mittee have awarded to Messrs. Howard & Slater, of Oxford, for a Super-
fine Blue, cold pressed, the premium of $15.

Mr. Anderton, of Leicester, offered to our attention two pieces of Blact
Cloth, but little if at all inferior to the cloths of Messrs. Howard & Sla-
ter ; but having been manufactured without the County, could not come
in competition as respects the premium.

Mr. John Roberts, of Millbury, presented two specimens deserving oui?
particular notice and high commendation.-

As respects Household Manufactures, your Committee are highly grat-
ified that they are justified in giving you a more favourable report. The
specimens of female industry and ing-enuity to which our attention have
been directed are numerous and valuable, manifesting a wonderful im-
provement in the manufacture of our domestic fabrics. At the early ex-
hibitions of this Society, a large portion of the articles offered for premium
"Were ordinary in their appearance and otlier essential qualities. On the
present occasion not a smgle article of ordinary character has engaged
our attention. The interest manifested by the Ladies in the success of
our exertions entitles them to our highest praise.

With a very sincere desire to do justice to our fair competitors, we
have awarded to Mrs. Sally Flagg, of Worcester, for tlie beet Carpeting,
4-4 wide, the first premium, of $15.

To Mrs. Eunice Goodell, of VVest-Boylston, for the best Carpeting-,
3-4 wide, $10.

Mrs. Thomas Chamberlain, of Worcester, presented a specimen very
similar to the one offered by Mrs. Flagg, and your Committee would
probably have found it difficult to determine their relative claims to the
first premium, had not the one exhibited by Mrs. Chamberlain been de-
ficient in length — that circumstance relieved the Committee from any
embarrassment.

To Miss Sophia Merriam, of Osford, for the best Woollen Cloth, the
first premium, of $8.

To Mr. Lovett Peters, of Westborough, the second premium, of $5.

^8

To Mr. Jonas Pollard, of Bolton, the third premium, of $^.

To iv/rs. Elizabeth lay, of New-Braiatree, for the best Flannel, 7-8
wide, the rirst premium, of $10.

To Mrs. Sibbel v^ ilcox, of New-Braintree, the second premium, of $5*

The specinen presented by Mrs. Jonathan Wilder, of Lancapter, was
in the estimation of your Committee decidedly the best exhibited, but
not o; the width required by the rules of the Society.

To Miss Polly Lelaud, of Grafton, for the best Shirting of linen warp,
filled with tow, 7-8 wide, the first premium, of $5.

To Mr. Joel Flagg', of Shrewsbury, the second premium, of $3.

Your Committee cannot but particularly notice a very delicate speci-
men of Shirting, wholly of linen, offered by Mrs. Gideon Delano, of New-
Braintree; and recommend to her a premium of $3.

To Mr. John Hunter, of New-Braintree, for the best Diaper, 5-4 wide,
the first premium, of $8.

To Mrs. John Hunter, they likewise award, for the best Diaper, 4-4
wide, a premium of $5.

In awarding the single premium on Woollen Coverlets, your Commit-
tee experienced some difficulty. Three Coverlets of uncommon excel-
lence were offered, differing materially in the manner of weaving, but
in other respects very nearly equal. After considerable deliberation, we
have adjudged to Mr. Perez Cobb, of New-Braintree, the premium of $4.
And we recommend that the further sum of four dollars be equally di-
vided between Mrs. John Clark, of Ward, and Mr. Farwell, of Lan-
caster.

To Miss Betsey C. Glasier, of Gardner, for the two best pairs of Gen-
tlemen"*s Half Hose, the premium of $2.

Of the articles for which we have awarded no premium we cannot but
notice, as entitled to high commendation, the Carpeting presented by
Mrs. Dolly Jenckes, of Spencer — Mrs. Mary Robinson, of Worcester —
Miss Lydia Houghton, of Petersham — and Mrs. Gideon Delano, of New-
Braintree — all of 4-4 width ; by Mr. Ellis Sprague, of Leicester, and
Mr. John Clark, of Ward, of 3-4 width — an elegant wrought Hearth-
Rug, by Mrs. Pliny Merrick, of Worcester — three others less tasteful and
much less valuable, by Miss Mary Eaton, of Brookfield, and Miss Eliza
Pope, of New-Braintree — two braided Rugs, by Mis? Nancy Sumner, of
Rutland. The Flannels offered by Miss Lucretia Harrington, of Wor-
cester, and Miss Lucy Matthews, of NeW- Braintree — the Blanketing, by
Mr. John Hunter, of New-Braintree — the Diaper, by Miss Sally Blair, of
Worcester — Mrs. Mary Robinson, of Worcester — Miss Sally Chase, of
Sutton — Mrs. Farwell, of Worcester — Mr. Samuel Brown, of Millbury,
and iMr. Farwell, of Lancaster ; the two last deficient in width. The
Hose, presented by Miss Polly Leland, of Grafton, and Miss Alice
Sprague, of Leicester— as also a pair of Ladies' Hose, offered for exhibi-
tion by Capt. Southgate, of Leicester, knit by a lady in Windham Coun-
ty, (Conn.) 84 years of age. — Also, a Bed-Quilt, by Miss Hannah Blair,
of Worcester, displaying an uncommon degree of ingenuity, industry
and taste — and two Counterpanes, by Miss Polly Leland, of Grafton^
and Mrs. Dolly Jenckes, of Spencer.

To the unsuccessful competitors we can say, they have not failed be-
cause their articles were not excellent, but because those presented by
others were, in the opinion of your Committee, entitled to the preference.
Let no one be discouraged as to future exertions. What has been done
can certainly be equalled by persevering industry ; and those now un-
successful may on future occasions be among the more fortunate.

29

'The Inspired penman, in enumerating the excellencies of a virtuous
vroman, says, " she layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold
the distafi': her household is clothed in scarlet, and her husband is kncwa
in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the city."

To those Ladies who have been successful competitors for premiums
on this occasion, we have only to add, that ''many daughters have done
Tirtuously, but they have excelled them all."
Respectfully submitted.

BEZALEEL TAFT, Jr. jjcr order,

October 13, 1824.

Committee on all Manufactured Articles other than of Cotton,
Wool, and Flax.

Aaron Tufts, of Dudley, Chairman; Jason Mixter, of Hard-
wick ; John M. Earle, of Worcester ; John Spurr, of Charl-
ton ; Samuel Billing, and Samuel F. Cutler, of Hardwick.

THE Committee on all Manufactured Article? other than of Cotton,
Wool, and Flax, have attended to the duties assigned them, and report
as follows : —

For the best Sole Leather, not less than 100 lbs. they recommend a
premium of $10, to Phinehas Davis, Esq. of Northborough. Two other
lots of very good quality were offered.

For the best manufactured Calf-Skins, not less than 12 in number, the
premium of $10, to W illiam Slocomb, of Northborough. Your Commit-
tee were somewhat at a loss in deciding between these Skins and two
other lots, one offered by Col. J. VV. Watson, of Princeton, and the other
by E. H. & J. Bowen, of Shrewsbury ; but on a careful examination we
inclined in favour of the former. The lot presented by E. H. & J. Bow-
en was manufactured in a superior manner, and would have been en-
titled to the premium if the tanning had been equal to the currying.

Of Cider we had but one specimen, made by Rev. Joseph Goffe, of
Millbury, which is entitled to the premium of $6. Although but one
specimen of cider was this year offered, your Committee are satisfied of
the utility of continuing the encouragement of the Society to the making
of an improved quality of this cheap and wholesome beverage. It is be-
lieved there is no branch of the farmer's business so imperfectly under-
stood and managed as that of making cider, and none in which a little
addition of pains and expense would yield so great a profit. The exam-
ple of Newark is one which ought to be pressed upon the consideration
of our farmers. While ordinary cider sells at from one dollar to one dol»
lar fifty cents, theirs meets with a ready sale at from five to six dollars
per barrel, while the extra expense is not probably more than fifty cents.
By following the same course which they have pursued, we might sooa
rival them in the excellence of our liquor ; and the capital of our State
■would no longer need to be dependent on New-Jersey for any portion of
the cider which they use.

Of Butter there were fifteen parcels offered, most of which was very
excellent, and your Committee experienced some difficulty in deciding
on their relative quality ; but were finally unanimous in adjudging the
first premium, of $7, to Stillman Fitch, of Sterling, and the second pre-
jaium, of $5, to Rufus Hastings, of the same place. Another parcel of-

39

<fired by Sylvester iBrigham, of Southborougli, claimed our particular tC-
tention, and for a time divided our opinions between it and the two for*
xner parcels. In consideration of its excellence your Committee would
have recommended a discretionary premium, had not the rules of the So*
^iety forbidden it on an article for which a specific premium is offered.

Of Cheese, twenty lots were offered, all of which, with one exception^
Were from the town of New-Braintree, and were such as to fully main-
tain the previously acquired reputation of that town for good dairying.
After a careful exaaiination, your Committee finally concluded to rec-
ommend that the first premium, of $10, be awarded to William Tufts,
and the second, of $5, to Capt. Joseph Green.

In addition to the manufactures for which premiums were offered, a
considerable variety of articles were presented for exhibition, among
which were some Hats of superior workmanship and fine stock, manu-
factured by J. P. KettcU &z Co. of Worcester — a double-bari elled Gun,
on a new construction, v/hich is discharged by percussion, made by E.
C. Fisher, of Lancaster — and a Saddle, which attracted much notice, by
Edward M. Burr, of Worcester.

Pliny Snow, of Leicester, exhibited some fine Card- Wire, believed to
be superior to the average quality of that imported. Considering the
importance of this article in all our manufactures of Cotton and Wool,
and believing that the time has arrived when it mr^y be made as good
and as cheap as it can be imported, and that by the manufacture of it
at home a large sum may annually be saved to the country, we have
concluded to recommend a discretionary premium of $3 for this speci-
men, and would respectfully suggest to the Society whether it may not
be a suitable object of a standing premium.

Two Cast-Iron Ploughs, were exhibited by Oliver Witherby, of W^or-
tester. These ploughs are fast superseding those of the old construction,
and are believed to he well worthy of the patronage of the farmer.

Not the least interesting part of the exhibition which has come under
our immediate notice, is the variety of articles presented by the wives
and daughters of our fellow-citizens, which aflnrd favourable specimens
of their taste, their iudustr)', and their skill, which cannot be particular-
ly enumerated at this time, but among which the following articles at-?
tracted our particular attention, viz. —

A number of Grass and Straw Bonnets, of which two of a good qual-
ity, manufactured from the poa palustris^ or fowl-meadow grass, in imi-
tation of the Leghorn, are thought worthy of the encouragement of the
Society, and for v/hich we recommend a discretionary premium, of $3^
to Celinda Billings, of Lunenburg.

A beautiful Straw Bonnet, of the Dunst'ibl* braid, was exhibited by
Clarissa Newton, of Westborough, and another by Capt. Charles Park-
ma^n, of the samn place. Seven others, nearly equal in quality, were
exhibited by Mary Brown, of Lunenburg. Several others, which shewed
great ingenuity, were also exhibited, some of which wore entitled to par-
ticular commendation ; but it was believed by your Committee that the
expense of the manuflxcture would not warrant the general introduction
of it.

Some very beautiful Work-Baskets, or Indispensables, manufactured
from straw, were exhibited by Eliza Bryant and Mary E. Rockwood, of
Worcester.

A box of Wreaths and Artificial Flowers, rivalling in workmanship and
beauty the best imported ones, were offered ty Mrs. D. G. Wheeler, of
Worcester, and her children, whose taste and ingenuity bave heretofore
Ijeen noticed by the Society,

Si

We were also much ^atliiecl with the appearance of several Card-v.
Backs, made of sea-shells, which were superior to any thing of the kind
"Which has before fallen under our notice. As they were not regularly
entered, we were unable to ascertain to whom the Society ig indebted for
their exhibition.

In conclusion, your Committee would observe, that although they may
not, in all cases, have done exact justice to the relative claims of indi-
viduals, yet they would assure them that they have honestly exercised
their best skill and judgment to come to that result ; and those that may
feel disappointed should recollect, that where all txctl it is difficult to
determine who is best.

All which is respectfully submitted.

J. M. EARLE, Chairman pro tevj-..

Committee on the Ploughing Match.

Joseph Thayer, of Uxbridge, Chairman ; Rufus Porter, of
Worcester ; Cyrus Leland, of Grafton ; John Whitney, of
Princeton ; Asa Pond, of Petersham.

THE Committee on the Ploughing Match have the honour as well as
great satisfaction to inform the President, Trustees, and all the members
©f this Society, that, in lieu of a race match^ we have this day had a~
Ploughing Match, which has done great honour to all the competitors,
and much credit to this Institution. Although improvement has al-
ways been the professed object of our Ploughing Matches, your Com-
aaittee are well aware that, heretofore, all the operations of the com-
petitors have had reference principally if not wholly to time. This has
been owing, in some measure^ we think, to the competitors' not fully and
distinctly understanding the way and manner in which they were to ob-
tain the highest wages for their labour. Instead of commencing and
pursuing their work in a farmer-like manner, and attending to all the
parts which might aid and assist in perfecting the whole work, the end
of the land and the furrow which would cover the most ground were the
objects which the competitors had in view ; as if two or three seconds of
time would warrant them ^ premium. But, on this occasion, your Com-
mittee are happy to say that, in their opinion, greal advancement has
been made since the last year in this most valuable and important part
•f good husbandry ; and we think that the great increase of competitors,
in addition to the improvement made, is conclusive proof of the necessity
and utility of attending to this branch of our Exhibitions.

Seventeen Ploughmen with their teams entered the field, and, being
well convinced of the truth of the sentiment advanced by Cato, when he
said the first rule in husbandry was to plough well^ they commenced
their work and ploughed two acres and one eighth of an acre, in 8 hours
and 25 minutes, which is much less than one half of the time usually oc-
cupied by those farmers who are regardless of improvement, and mispend
their time in the use of worn-out team? and worn-out ploughs. \nd
whoever will take the trouble, or rather the pleasure, of minutely exam-
ing the ploughing this day, will generally find a great uniformity in the
depth, width and lay of the furrows, which is equally beneficial to tha
succeeding crop and to th^ ease and advantage of the husbaadmaa i»
tilling his farm.

32

The work was all so well and so thoroughly done, that, whUe yoUf
Committee congratulate the Yeomanry of the County of VVorcester oa
the extraordinary improvement both as respects the work and manner of
doing it, they found the duty of discrimination, and of giving preference,
to be very arduous and exceedingly difficult.

Seventeen competitors, being called to order, formed a circle and cast
lots for their sections, the ground having been previously divided into-
sections of an eighth of an acre each.

Lot No. 1. Jonas Johnson, of Worcester — work performed in 41',

Lot No. 2. Levi Lincoln, of Worcester — work performed in 31'.

Lot No. 3. Seth Hastings, of Mendon — work performed in 28'.

Lot No. 4. Silas Dudley, of Sutton — work performed in 34' 30".

Lot No. 5. William Eaton, jr. of Worcester— work performed in 3^.

Lot No. 6. Stephen Marsh, jr. of Sutton — work performed in 33'.

Lot No. 7. Stephen Marsh, of Sutton — work performed in 29' 30".

Lot No. 8. Royal T. Marble, of Sutton — work performed in 30'.

Lot No. 9. Lewis Chapin, of Worcester — work performed in 29'.

Lot No. 10. Luther Whiting, of Sutton — work performed in 31' 30"^

Lot No. 11. Samuel Sibley, of Sutton — work performed in 32' 45".

Lot No. 12. Henry Wheeler, of Worcester — work performed in 35' 30",

Lot No. 13. Henry Bullard, of Holden — work performed in 28' 36".

Lot No. 14. Sumner Cole, of Sutton — work performed in 26'.

Lot No. 15. Ward& Ric, of Worcester — work performed in 26' 1&".

Lot No. 16. John Jacobs, of Sutton — work performed in 26'.

Lot No. 17. Asa Cummings, jr. of Sutton — work performed in 25' 45"!.

The Committee awarded as follows : —

First premium to Asa Cummings, jr. of Sutton, $10 — himself Plough*

man, $5— Davis Cummings, Driver, $3.
Second premium to Sumner Cole, of Sutton, $8 — Daniel Woodbury,

Ploughman, $4 — John Sherman, Driver, $2.
Third premium to Royal T. Marble, of Sutton, $6— himself Plough-
man, $3— Russell Marble, Driver, $1.
Fourth premium to Seth Hastings, of Mendon, $4 — Elias Rawson,

Ploughman, $2.
Your Committee have to remark, that the ground furnished by our
President, who is always so ready and so willing to aid and assist in ren-
dering this anniversary both interesting and respectable, was remarkably
fine, and well calculated to give a fair trial ; and for this, together with
the excellence of the work of his team, although we do not award him a
premiutp, he has ovir best wishes that his land may return him a ricfe
liarvest"

Per order.

JOSEPH TltAYER.