The Massachusetts Spy, And Worcester County Advertiser

WORCESTER:

WEDNESWELL, OCT. 17, 1827.

Worcester County Agricultural Society.

The annual CATTLE SHOW, EXHIBITION OF MANUFACTURES, AND PLOUGHING MATCH, under the direction of this Society, was held in this town on the 10th inst. When the circumstances attending it are taken into view, it may justly be considered the most satisfactory and gratifying exhibition of the kind that we ever had. The whole of the day previous, and the day of the show, till into the afternoon, were unusually stormy and inclement, to that degree that an almost entire failure of the show was anticipated by many. But the result has shown that those who have looked upon these exhibitions merely as fair weather shows, or as holiday sport, to be dispensed with for a trifling cause, have mistaken both the object of the Society, and the depth of the interest which they have excited. Notwithstanding the torrents of rain which were poured down upon us, the exhibition, as a whole, is believed to have been equal, if not superior, to that of any former year. The untoward state of the weather prevented some of our amateur exhibiters (if we may be allowed the term) from bringing forward samples of their fine stock, which have heretofore added so much to the excellence of our shows. We allude, particularly, to the famous "Denton," and his noble progeny, the property of Stephen Williams, Esq. of Northboro,' and to the valuable stock of Ward Nicholas Boylston, Esq. of Princeton. Still, the number of all kinds of neat stock entered, exclusive of the fine team of sixty-five yokes of oxen from Shrewsbury, and those engaged in the ploughing match, was one hundred and seventy-one, which is only four less than last year, and is greater than on any year prior to that. The number of Sheep and Swine was exactly the same as last year.

At the appointed hour, fourteen teams—seven of two yokes of oxen, and seven single yokes—appeared on the ground to engage in the PLOUGHING MATCH. We are gratified to find that the salutary rule, heretofore acted upon by the Society, that rapidity of execution, is a consideration secondary to excellence of work, is still persevered in; and that all who did their allotted portion, one-eighth of an acre, within forty minutes, were candidates for the premiums. The ploughing field is a place ill adapted to the purposes of racing, and the plough is an unseemly incumbrance in such a competition. Yet, some Agricultural Societies seem to have adopted the principle that, in ploughing, "the race is to the swift;" and, accordingly, we find, in the account of one of the shows, this year, that the longest time occupied by any of the competitors was but 11 or 12 minutes; and an extra premium was awarded to one person, because he performed his part in about six and a half minutes! Why, one of our old fashioned, long nosed hogs—a real rooter—would beat such ploughing, all hollow, in point of excellence of work.

The great concourse of spectators who braved the tempest to witness the ploughing, bore ample testimony to the continued interest which is felt in this part of the exhibition. The work was as well executed as on any former occasion. The Committee award the following

PREMIUMS.

For two yokes of Oxen.

Joseph Dudley, Shrewsbury, 1st premium, himself, Ploughman, Simeon Batcheller, Driver.

Henry Sprague, Spencer, 2d premium, himself, Ploughman, Simeon Carpenter, Driver.

For Single Teams.

Tyler Carpenter, Sutton, 1st premium, himself, Ploughman.

Israel Whitney, Worcester, 2d premium, himself, Ploughman.

Joel Gates, Worcester, 3d premium, himself, Ploughman.

Silas Dudley, Sutton, 4th premium.

The 2d and 3d premiums for single teams were conditional, subject to the decision of the Trustees, whether single teams, with drivers, come within the rules of the Society.

After the Ploughing Match, the Society repaired to the South Meeting-house, where an appropriate address by P. Merrick, Esq. was listened to by a full house of attentive auditors.

The trial of Working Oxen took place after the close of the exercises at the Meeting-house. It was a gratifying exhibition, fully maintaining the reputation of the County for this kind of Stock. There were twenty competitors for the premiums, "all choice cattle." Three fat cattle, only, were entered for premium, but these were of such quality as to make amends for the scantiness in number. The milch cows, examined by the committee, were 14 in number, and the three to whom the premiums were awarded, were of great excellence. Others made a fine appearance, but were not accompanied with the certificates required by the rules of the Society, from which, alone, the relative value may be determined. Of Bulls the show was not considered quite equal to what it has been on some former occasions, yet not so inferior as to detract from the reputation of the show. The young stock, of every description, was remarkably fine, and showed, more conclusively than any thing else, the improvement which has already been made, and which is still going on, in the quality of our neat stock. This remark applies, not to any neighborhood or section of the country, exclusively, but to the County generally, as the animals were brought forward, which fully justify its general application.

In relation to stock, we come to this general conclusion; that if the show was not greater than any former one, it was, in point of excellence, equal, and in most respects superior, to any one we have witnessed. An intelligent Agriculturist from a neighboring state, himself the possessor of valuable imported cattle and the greatest breeder of good Stock in the state, pronounced this, superior to any show he had ever witnessed; and he had been present at many, in various sections of the country. Such a testimony, from such a source, must be gratifying to those to whose agency these improvements are attributable, and must add a fresh stimulus to renewed exertions.

The following is a list of premiums, awarded for neat stock, subject, however, in several instances, to a revision by the Trustees, in consequence of a failure in the compliance with some of the rules of the Society.

Capt. B. Harrington, 1st premium,

Royal T. Marble, Sutton, 2d do.

Heifer Calves.

Capt. B. Harrington, 1st premium,

J. L. Willington, Templeton, 2d do.

Steers, 3 years old.

Freegrace Marble, Sutton, 1st premium,

Henry Sprague, Spencer, 2d do.

Steers, 2 years old.

Simon Carpenter, Charlton, 1st premium,

Joshua Harrington, Grafton, 2d do.

Yearling Steers.

Solomon Severy, Sutton, 1st premium,

Stephen Marsh, jr. do. 2d do.

Fat Cattle.

Luke Baker, Rutland, 1st premium,

Capt. B. Harrington, 2d do.

Milch Cows.

Henry Sprague, Spencer, 1st premium,

William Eager, Northboro, 2d do.

Levi Rice, Worcester, 3d do.

Working Oxen.

Luther Whiting, Sutton, 1st premium,

John Watson, 2d, Princeton, 2d do.

Benjamin Woodbury, Sutton, 3d do.

Silas Allen, jr. Shrewsbury, 4th do.

Swine.

Ward & Rice, Worcester, for the best Boar, of the Bedford breed, 1st prem.

Joseph Dudley, Shrewsbury, for the next best Boar, of the Bedford and Leicester breed, 2d premium,

Ward & Rice, Worcester, for the best Breeding Sow, Bedford breed.

Andrew H. Ward, Shrewsbury, for the best Weaned Pigs,

Sheep.

Benjamin N. Child, Worcester, for the best Merino Ram,

William Williams, Shrewsbury, for the next best,

William Watson, 2d, Spencer, for the best Merino Ewes.

Frink Smith, Holden, for the best Native Ram,

Asa Rice, Worcester, for the best Native Ewes,

The Society and the public are under obligations to Gov. Lincoln for the fine specimens, offered for exhibition only, from his valuable stock. But as these, and other animals offered for exhibition, are properly noticed in the reports, which we shall soon publish in detail, we forbear a more particular notice of them at this time.

Exhibition of Manufactures. An unusually large exhibition of manufactured articles was confidently anticipated, and would have taken place, had the weather allowed. As it was, it much exceeded the average of former years. The Broadcloths and Cassimeres were decidedly excellent. Those offered by Howard & Slater, and the Oxford Wool Manufacturing Company, were of exceeding fine stock, and were very soft and delicate goods, with a good finish. Those from the factory at South Leicester were not so fine, being made from the common merino wool: but, in body, fineness of thread for the quality of the stock, and fulness and evenness of the nap, we have never known them excelled. While such fabrics can be afforded here at a reasonable price, as they now are, policy and justice, alike, require that the enterprising manufacturer should be protected from the fluctuations of foreign markets, and from the occasional competition of a half starving population. The Carpetings were generally of good quality, evincing an improvement in the dyes, and of taste in the arrangement and display of the colors. It is in this, that the greatest failure has heretofore been manifest. The three pieces that obtained the premiums were particularly admired. Others were superior to some which have obtained premiums on former occasions. The whole display of female industry did credit to their skill and taste. Several luce reils, handkerchiefs, &c. were not a whit inferior to articles which are imported at high prices. A box of silk was presented, which was raised and manufactured in the family of Pliny Earle, of Leicester, the present season, exhibiting specimens of that article, in every stage of its progress, from the ball or coccoon to the silk purse. We were particularly pleased with a pen-knife and two lancets, the workmanship of Oliver Hall of Sutton, which were the best specimens of fine cutlery, manufactured in this country, that we have ever seen. We are assured, by professional men, that the excellence of his articles does not consist in appearance alone, but, that they hold a better edge than any imported article.

The premiums on articles of Cotton, Wool and Flax, were as follows.

Broad Cloth.

Oxford Wool Manufacturing Company, 15

Howard & Slater, Dudley, 10

Saxon & Leicester Factory, Leicester, 10

Cassimere.

Howard & Slater, 10

Saxon & Leicester Factory, 5

Satinett.

Sylvanus Holbrook & Co. Northbridge,

Pitts & Buffum, Mendon,

Carpets.

Ethan Davis, Esq. Holden, 15

Lydia Foster, New Braintree, 10

Mrs. Cotton, Boylston, 3

Flannels

Nelson & Benson. Northbridge,

Eunice Goodell, Oakham,

Linen Shirting.

The Miss Leonards, Sturbridge, 5

Mrs. John Hunter, New Braintree,

Woollen Coverlet.

Ruth P. Munroe, New Braintree,

Diaper.

Mrs. Stephen Fay, New Braintree,

Mrs. John Hunter, New Braintree,

Woollen Half Stockings.

Eliza Nurse, Bolton,

Mrs. Hawks, Lancaster, gratuity,

Milliscent Kendall, Leominster, do

Mrs. McGregor. N. Braintree. do.

Other Gratuities.

Mrs. Hannah H. Wheeler, Grafton, for a beautiful Hearth Rug, 2

Mrs. Stephen Fay, New Braintree, for a pair of beautiful Rose Blankets, 3

Ruth P. Merriam, of New Braintree, for Rose Blankets, 2

On Manufactured articles, other than Cotton Wool and Flax.

Jacob W. Watson, of Princeton, for the best Sole Leather, 10

The same person, for the best manufactured Calf Skins, 10

Charles Guiles, of Brookfield, for the best manufactured Morocco Leather, of Goat Skins, 6

Miss Patience Dunbar, of Charlton, for the best Grass Bonnet, 5

The following gratuities were voted upon the recommendation of the Committee:

To Messrs. Scott & Smith, of Worcester, for two pairs of Ladies' Shoes, of superior workmanship, 2

To Henry Harrington, of Southbridge, for a Vice and drill for the use of Dentists 3

To Miss Eliza G. Dean, of Barre, for a "white lace worked Handkerchief," 2

To Miss Fanny J. Howe, of N. Brookfield,

To two of the daughters of the Rev. Mr. Goffe, of Millbury, for a white lace Veil, 2

To Martha E. Watson, of Spencer, for "a beautiful Picture, one of the finest specimens of needle work," 2

To Silas Sawyer, of Lancaster, for two Cart Wheels, "of superior manufacture," 2

Butter and Cheese.

Seventeen lots of Cheese, of more than 100 lbs. each, were offered for premium, and six for exhibition merely.

Welcome Newell, New Braintree, first premium, $10

Josiah Gleason, New Braintree, second premium, 5

Twelve lots of Butter were offered, each containing more than 30 lbs. "the whole of superior quality."

Luther Chamberlain, Westborough, first premium $7

Levi Goodale, West Boylston, second premium, 5

The Society partook of an excellent dinner at the Town Hall, provided for the occasion by Lewis Lilley, after which, a number of toasts were drank, of which, we have procured the following for publication.

The great Farm with its twenty-four enclosures. May a portion of its profits be annually applied to a more direct intercourse among the members of the Society.
proprietors, in facilities to the Mansion, and in conveyances to market.

Our next anniversary. May it find us with warm hearts, and leave us with dry backs.

Brother Jonathan's original mode of employing his boys in a wet day. If it rained too hard to work out of doors, to go to weeding in the garden.

Fashion. The best fashion of farmers, that brings the best farmers into fashion.

Coke the lawyer, and Coke the sheep-shear-er. The one has taught us the use of his professional shears, and the other the value of the fleece.

Agriculture. The great chain of our political union that becomes brighter and stronger by use.

The present anniversary of this Society.

Proof that the drenching of the body cannot damp the ardour of the occasion.

The remnant of the Revolution—who stood by their country in an hour when "the boldest held his breath;" their country should stand by them when it needs not their support.

Old Bachelors—Better luck to them! Per-adventure they may work, but they don't work it right.

Manufactures. Dependent for support on agriculture. They well repay for the support in increasing the markets of the farmer.

The hardy labors of the Ploughman—whose Industry will not tire in sunshine, and with whom a wet coat never produces relaxed sinews.

The handy-craftsman who refuses present employment in hopes of getting better wages in an occupation for which he has not been bred. In the end may he find it money out of pocket.

Agricultural Societies, Canal Corporations, and Steam Navigation Companies—Three modern associations, forming a triple alliance whose influence will extend to the utmost limits of the earth.

We have room this week for only the following report.
REPORT ON SHEEP.

Isaac Davis, Worcester; Joseph Hinds, West Boylston: Benjamin N. Child, Worcester; George Wall, Mendon; James Wilder, Sterling,—COMMITTEE.

The Committee on Sheep submit the following Report:—

Owing to the inclemency of the weather, your Committee did not, nor could they, make that careful and critical examination of the Sheep presented for premiums, which would have been made, had the weather been more mild and pleasant. They may have erred in awarding the premiums, but they have exercised their best skill and judgment.

There were five Merino Rams, of a superior quality, presented for premium. The competition was so nearly equal, that your Committee had great difficulty in arriving at a result entirely satisfactory to themselves.

The Committee, award the following premiums—

To Benjamin N. Child, of Worcester, for the best Merino Ram, $7

To William Williams, of Shrewsbury, for the next best, 5

To William Watson, 2d, of Spencer, for the best lot of Merino Ewes, 8

To Rejoice Newton, Esq. of Worcester, for next best lot of Merino Ewes, 5

To Holloway Bailey, of Northborough, for the best mixed Merino Ewes, blood, 5

To Frink Smith, of Holden, for the best Native Ram, 5

To Asa Rice, of Worcester, for the best Native Ewes, 4

Mr. Child, to whom the first premium was awarded, took no part in adjudging the premiums.

A fine lot of Merino Wethers and Ewes, were presented by his Excellency Levi Lincoln, for exhibition only. Had they been presented for premium, the Committee would have no hesitation in awarding it to him. The Sheep were of good sizes, and well covered with wool of a superior quality.

A fine Native Ram was presented, for premium, by Col. Wm. Eager, of Northborough, of a very large size, weighing 190 pounds, and only two years old. Your Committee had great difficulty in deciding between the merits of this animal and the one presented by Mr. Smith.

A good lot of Merino Ewes were presented by William Williams, of Shrewsbury, which were well worthy of premium, could the Committee have awarded more than two premiums on Ewes. Sheep were also offered, for premium and exhibition, by Col. Jacob W. Watson, of Princeton, Levi Goodale of West Boylston; and Jonas Cowdin. of Rutland; all of which were deserving high commendation.

On the whole, the Committee were highly gratified with the Exhibition of Sheep, and it gives them great pleasure to find that so strong an interest is felt in raising this very useful and profitable animal.

Of the great variety of animals, given to man by the ruler of the universe, Sheep are found among the most useful. They supply him with food and clothing, and, by their rich fleeces, give employment to a great number of individuals, in the various branches of Woollen Manufactories.

And, it is a source of high gratification to your committee, that the yeomanry of Worcester County, are introducing on to their farms the Saxony and Merino breed of Sheep.

It is now ascertained that our climate is adapted to these kinds of Sheep, and that their wool, by a change of climate, does not degenerate, but rather improves. These kinds of Sheep also furnish as fair a dish for our tables, as the native breed.

Your committee believe that the farmer cannot turn his attention to the cultivation of any stock, from which he can realize a more substantial profit.

All which is respectfully submitted.