The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1828-10-29
REPORT.

t'-SS'"j
WHITNEY, WOrceSter,-CoMMlTTEE
REPORT
Twenty-Five pairs Of Oxen were entered for
the contest, and nineteen pairs contended for
the premiums. three pairs having been with
drawn by their owners. Your Committee are
happy in being able to say, that, although they
have Tor many years witnessed the annual trial
OF strength, they have never seen the prizes
more sharply contested for, or better deserved.
The cattle were superior and mostly gave ev-
ldence, not only of great strength, but of ex-
traordinary discipline. And the Committee
have taken occasion to express their sincere
pleasure that the lash seemed almost To be dis
pensed with. They also take occasion to re-.
mark, the great satisfaction they felt in the
good order which prevailed, and the perfect ar.
rangement which was made for this part of the
exhibition 1t was SO sngularly happy, that
the Committee were able to bring to the trial
of strength. nineteen pairs of oxen, and com.
plete the whole of their duty, with two carts
only, in fifty minutes The Committee have
not been able to come to decision without Sc
rious enibarrassments; for, where nearly all
approached so near to excellence, they feel that
it is difficult 10 select those who are to be hon
0red with premium, while those nearly as de-
serving are left without any. They have, how
ever, in the exercise of their best Judgment,
awarded
Isaac Hathaway of Sutton, the first premium
of twelve dollars, for his four years old oxen.
To Asa Cummings, jr., of Sutton, the second
premium Of ten dollars for his four years old
To William d. Harrington of Grafton. the
third premium Of eight dollars, for hisfive years
old Oxen.
To Asa Rice of Worcester, the fourth pre-
MUM of five dollars.
These were all remarkable cattle for their
strength, vigor, docility and perfect discipline
There were Others, as those of Joshua HarriDg
ton OF Grafton. Benjamin Woodbury. of Sutton,
Nymphas Pratt of Shrewsbury, Luther Whit
ing of Sutton, Silas Allen of Shrewsbury, Hen
~ Sprague of Spencer, and Ward s. Rice of
Worcester, which attracted the particular at
tention Of the Committee. They are deserving
Of great praise, and would, it submitted to al
most any other competition, have carried pre-
miums. The Committee are of opinion that
this forms very interesting and credible part
OF the show and they take occasion to express
their most sincere regret, that the premiums
have been reduced from FIVE to four. They
sincerely hope. that, hereafter the number will
not only he restored but increased, for it is the
pride Of the county, that, in working oxen, they
have not been excelled by any show in the
United States. They also cannot forbear ex-
pressing the great satisfaction they feel IN de-
claripg their belief that the march of improve
ment is steady and regular and, although SUIT
ton still continues TO maintain proud distinc
tinn, yet powerful rivals are rising up around
her. The Committee have not time To do Jus
tice to all and, while they have named some.
and omitted TO mention Others, they beg leave
to assure the Society, that the Show was such.
in all respects, as to meet their most entire APP
probation. They can only say, in conclusion,
that they hope the Society will, at the next
Show, increase the number of premiums.
BY order of the Committee.
JOHN DAVIS, Chairman.