UMASS/AMHERST # 3120bfc,005fl0b354 HOlsATONll' AGRICULTURAL 50CIETV TRANSACTIONS 1868-70 .„j 7 4 UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY S 74 B4H6 1868-70 I » l8bS TRANSACTIONS Housatonic Agricultural Society, E'Oli THE YEAR 18flS, -INCLUDING THE- Address of Hon. GEORGE B. LORTNG, of Salem, AT THE TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL CATTLE SHOW AND FAIR, -HELD AT— GREAT BAERINGTON, MASS. September 30th, and Oct. 1st and 2d, IE68. —ALSO, THE— LIST OF PKEMIUMS, Committees and Officers of the Society, T-QSl 1863. GREAT BARRINGTON, MASS.: MAUCUS n. ROGEBS, STEAM JOB FBINTEE, 18G9. 1.0 V) ~1 Id JQ- 1^ . « j—| Housat( flic ^gjdcigtm al Society. OFFICERS FOE 1868. PRESIDENT, MARSHALL S. BID WELL of Monterey. VICE-PRESIDENTS, PARLEY A. RUSSELL of Groat Barrington, RALPH LITTLE of Sheffield. TREASURER, JUSTIN DEWEY, Jr. of Great Barrington. SECRETARY, HENRY T. ROBBINS of Great Barrington. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, NARSHALL S. BIDWELL of Monterey, PARLEY A. RUSSELL of Great Barrington, RALPH LITTLE of Sheffield, JUSTIN DEWEY, Jr. of Great Barrington, H. T. ROBBINS of Great Barrington, Alexander hyde of Lee, SHELDON W. WRIGHT of New Marlboro', JOSEPH A. BENJAMIN of Egremont, THOMAS M. JUDD of Sandisfield, JOHN B. HULL of Stockbridge. COMMITTEE ON ACCOUNTS, ISAAC SEELEY of Great Barrington, JOHN L. DODGE of Great Barrington, HERBERT C. JOYNER of Great Barrington. SUPERINTENDENT OF FAIR GROUNDS, EDWARD A. HULBERT of Great Barrington. DELEGATE TO THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE, T. D. THATCHER of Lee. ,Ofe 4 8! ADDEESS. THE FUTURE PROSPECTS OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. Mr, President and Gentlemen of the Society : — It gives me pleasure to separate myself for a time from the exciting topics of the great campaign in which we are engaged, and to dwell upon the peaceful and fascinating subject to which your associa- tion is devoted. I propose to speak to-day upon " The future prospects of American Agriculture" — a subject full of suggestions, full of interest, full of importance, full of speculations, running back over the past history of agriculture in this Country, and looking forward to the great work which lies before our people, as tillers of the soil in all its varieties from the lakes to the Gulf, and from sea to sea. In taking a survey of the agriculture of the world, it will be found, that no large section of the earth's surface has ever been subjected to such enterprise as is applied to that territory which constitutes the United States of America. I do not mean to say that equally good and even better agriculture has not been found elsewhere. The farming of China, of Lombardy, of Holland, of England, would refute such a statement at once. Considering the latitudes which it covers, it is possible that the ag- ricultural products of Russia may exceed our own. The wealth which France has drawn from her soil, is marvellous. And Japan and Hindostan have astonished the world, with the diligence and activity and skill with which the soil of those countries has been cultivated, and has been forced to pour forth all its resources by the application of fertilizers of every de- scription. But it is an extraordinary fact that the agriculture of all these countries is conducted by classes of people who are forced into a subservient order in society. The land itself, in many of them, is held in large estates, and is tenanted by a class whose chief business it is to direct those oper- ations on the land, which are to yield them an ample return lor the capital invested. It is so in Russia, where labor is wholly subservient to capital, and where the division of the empire into small estates is impossible. It is so in England, where the "laborer is merely a tenant, and makes his ar- rangements under the eye of a landlord. It is so in France, even, where, notwithstanding the division of the territory into small estates, the whole business of farming is conducted by sabots, that rural population of France, who even within a half-league of all the wealth and refinement of Paris, retain all their ignorant rusticity, and cover the kingdom with the inani- mate atmosphere of the most primitive and least ambitious modes of agri- culture. It is the kings and princes, the families of distinction, who draw their income from the land, and who vie with each other in the agricultural exhibitions. The small farmers follow their lead. AVhenever great agri- cultural improvements are made, it is under their patronage. It has been said of the cultivation of the turnip in England, "On the value and im- portance of the turnip crop to England, it is unnecessary to expatiate. Not only does it enable the farmer to supply the consumer with fresh meat dur- ing the winter, instead of the salted food upon which our ancestors had al- most exclusively to depend, but also partially supplies the place of a fallow ; it imparts to the land a degree of fertility which, under proper manage- ment, secures a succession of crops for the following years of the rotation. It is indeed the sheet-anchor of light soil cultivation, and the basis of the alternate system of English husbandry, to which every class of the com- munity is so much indebted." And yet so slow was the English farmer to adopt this root as an article of field culture, that the zeal with which Lord Townshend urged its cultivation and set forth its importance, won for him the name of Turnip Townshend in derision ; and nothing but his position and wealth enabled him to carry his point. It was the Duke of Bedford who first introduced ploughing with two horses abreast into the region about Woburn. The introduction of the line breeds of cattle and sheep which Mr. Bakewell, Culley, and Charles Colling brought to perfection has been encouraged and fostered most carefully by those who hold in their hands the wealth and titles of England, the Duke of Bedford, Lord Somer- ville, and others. The valuable system of drainage laid down by Smith of Deanston, found its earliest and most enthusiastic advocates in the Duke of Portland and the Marquis of Twecddale. And the work performed by these men has not been easy. The agricultural community has, in the end, followed their lead ; but they have been obliged to overcome all those prejudices which always prevail where a portion of the people are deprived of the benefits of education. "In the dark ages of superstition, a man who by any improved method contrived to grow larger crops than his fellow, was supposed to use supernatural means ; and if he escaped persecution as a wizard, was at least shrewdly suspected of dealings with a power whom his more pious neighbors carefully avoided. On the introduction of hops into England, the city of London petitioned against their use, lest they should injure the beer ; and with equal wisdom the Kentish farmers, whose lauds are overrun with coppice, and who are now so largely benefitted by their cultivation, objected to their growth because it would occasion a spoil of wood for poles." Xew implements have been opposed there upon much the same principle as the objection made a century ago in Scotland, and so humorously described by Walter Scott, to the use of the winnowing machine, which was considered an implement for thwarting the will of Di- vine Providence, by raising wind on its own account, and which was pub- licly denounced in the pulpit as impious ; and at this hour in one county in England, the farmers assign as a reason for making the hinder wheels of their wagons preposterously larger than the fore-wheels, that it places the body on a level in going up hill. While therefore large intelligence and capital are employed in improving the agriculture of England, the great mass of the agricultural population, owing to the ignorance which attends their social position, are slow to accept the advantages which intelligence siezes with avidity. To a certain degree the same is true on the Continent of Europe. Ag- riculture improves there very slowly. The ploughs of Lombardy do not differ much from the ploughs used there in the days of Virgil. The land is managed, the seed placed in the earth, and the crops arc gathered now much as they were centuries ago in France. Where intelligence is low, and labor cheap, and the husbandman expects but a small reward, and in- dividual ambition is chilled by the surrounding indifference, the importance of improvements of any kind is scarcely felt. And the real ingenuity rf agriculture is but little exercised. Now over this condition of labor and society, we as fanners enjoy an immense advantage. Whatever improvements are made, redound to the 6 benefit of the whole, and grow out of the stern and insatiable demand of the whole, for every means by which they can be aided in their work. On this account we have already outstripped the best countries of Europe in uome of our agricultural operations, and in the most important inventions. For instance, American reaping and mowing machines have been brought to a high state of perfection within the last ten years. They have already a world-wide reputation. Their superiority is generally acknowledged, and the credit of having for the first time made the principles applicable to such machinery practically useful, undoubtedly belongs to our own ingenious mechanics. Some years ago the American machines were brought to trial at the exhibition at Paris, in competition with the world. This trial took place in a field of oats about forty miles from the city, each machine having about an acre to cut. Three machines were ordered for the first trial, one American, one English, and a third from Algeria, all at the same time raking as well as cutting. The American machine did its work in twenty- two minutes, the English in sixty-six, and the Algerian in seventy-two. At a subsequent trial on the same piece, when three other machines were entered, of American, English and French manufacture, the American ma- chine cut its acre in twenty-two minutes, while the two others failed. The successful competitor on this occasion, "did its work in the most exquisite maimer," says a French journal, "not leaving a single stalk ungathered, and it discharged the grain in the most perfect shape, as if placed by hand for the binders. It finished its piece most gloriously." The contest was finally narrowed down to three machines, all American. Two machines were afterward converted from reapers into mowers, one making the change in one minute, the other in twenty. Both performed their task to the astonishment and satisfaction of a large concourse of spec- tators, and the judges themselves could not restrain their enthusiasm, but cried out, "(rood, good, well done," while the people hurrahed for the American reaper, crying out, "That's the machine, That's the machine !" "All the laurels," says the report of a French agricultural journal, "we are free to confess, have been gloriously won by Americans, and this achievement cannot be looked upon with indifference, as it plainly fore- shadows the ultimate destiny of the new world .'" If French statesmen had discovered what that destiny is, as acutely as did French farmers, their government might have escaped the temptations of attempting to gain a foothold on this continent during the trials of civil war, and might have stood to-day side by side with our peopl c in their struggle for free institu- tions, as their fathers did in the days of the Revolution. I can give you another illustration of the superiority of that intellectual equality which is found in America, applied to agriculture. The introduc- tion of Merino sheep took place in France and America about the same time. In France the famous Rambouillet flock was reared with all the care possible and regardless of expense. It offered to the farmers of the empire the strongest inducements to improve their flocks, and the offer was rejected. In America the first importations sunk into neglect and disre- pute. They languished in the hands of those whose wealth was greater than their agricultural skill, and not until the strife for their improvement commenced among farmers themselves here, were they brought to perfec- tion. And so rapidly was the work done, that when the French Merino and the American Merino were bronght into competition at the world's Fair, last year, the latter took the lead in every valuable point, — shape of carcass, weight of fleece, and general constitution. While the wealth of France has labored in vain to bring about any really valuable improve- ment, and the farmers of France had looked idly on, the intelligent yeo- manry of Vermont had taken the matter up, and with a skill and foresight seldom equalled, had created the best fine wooled sheep in the world. No more striking sight was ever witnessed than the triumph of George Camp- bell, an unobtrusive Vermont farmer, modestly presenting the sheep of his own State, and representing the sense and perception of the New England mind, — over the pretentious and unsuccessful exhibitors of animals reared without accurate knowledge of their wants, and shown in the ornamented pens of the Emperor of France. In considering the future prospects of American agriculture we cannot over- look the fact that wherever the American farmer goes, he carries with him the right of freehold, the responsibilities of a citizen, and the sole direction o* his own fortunes. In this respect he is distinguished from all other people. And on account of this, his labor as a farmer differs, and his opportunity differs, from the labor and opportunity of others. This may seem to be a mere idle speculation — but if you will imagine the difference between a hun dred thousand square miles of Russian territory, inhabited and cultivated by serfs, and a hundred thousand square miles of American territory inhab- ited and cultivated by American freemen, you can understand precisely what I mean. On the one hand ignorance, hovels, rude implements of husbandry, tribute to a. master, want of ambition, an ill-cultivated skill, and ordinary crops — on the other intelligence, neat cottages, school-houses and meeting-houses, greater and less degrees of thought, a desire to be a good citizen, an opportunity for good farming, good crops, and a share in all the 8 effort and progress of the day commensurate with each person's ability and desire. On the one band the scythe and mattock — and on the other the mowing-machine, the horse-hoe, and the reaper and cleaner. On the one hand brute force, and on the other the most ingenious machinery. It is not difficult to understand therefore that the agriculture which the American citizen carries with him, must differ essentially from that which is developed by an order of society less free and less intelligent. Not that his productions will be greater, but that his system will be greater, and his fanning conducted with" more regard to a strict economy of forces, and less waste of labor. It is difficult moreover, for an American farmer to locate himself any- where, without carrying with him the peculiar American thirst for knowl- edge, and the feeling which we all have that new light is in store for us, whatever may be the subject of our investigation. This feeling may amount to a conviction, or it may simply rise to the force of an impulse or a dream. But its existence shows that the American mind may find room for a care- ful study of all practical details, and at the same time reach forward to- ward the most profound education. We really aim at intelligent farming — farming in which the natural faculties are guided by a careful education — farming which is something more than mere routine — farming which is based upon an understanding of the laws of nature, and which, when the exact amount of any crop is balanced, and the profit or loss accurately es- timated, does not leave the cultivator there, but opens new questions for his investigation, and rouses his mind to the contemplation of all the wonderful processes of nature which are goiug on around him. If an agricultural college can be of service to any people, it can be to those only, who are am- bitious to carry the highest intelligence into their business, not solely be- cause it is most profitable, but because its exercise is attended with higher virtues, and with more social and civil and domestic peace and happiness. I agree with a late Governor of this Commonwealth, when he says : — "My own idea of a college likely to be useful in the largest way to the peo- ple, most vigorous in its growth, promotion of the progress of thrifty and intelligent farming, production of scientific and exact knowledge, (which is the true basis of prosperity,) worthy of Massachusetts, and able to com- mand the respect, while it challenges the pride of her agricultural commu- nity,— is one perhaps not yet to be realized. * * I should deeply re- gret to see an institution which bears the name of Massachusetts, and will be held to be representation of the Common wealth, especially of the highest aspirations of her yoemanry, allowed, for want of generous support, to de- 9 generate into a mere industrial school. There are a hundred farmers who can better teach technical farming, the manipulations of the industry and economy of the field, orchard, dairy, or stable, than they can ever be taught elsewhere than on the homestead of the intelligent practical farmer. So too, for the repetition ot familiar knowledge, for the study of ordinary text- books, the cultivation of science in the way of imitation and of elementary teaching, we might safely rely on the academies and schools already provi- ded. There is, however, a vision of an ideal excellence, in the way 'of pros- ecuting the studies needed for the illumination of the dark places of our ag- ricultural life, which must some day be realized. Nature spreads out be- fore mankind, a world of almost infinite possibilities. The competitions of the machanic arts, have put in requisition all the aids of known science, are constantly stimulating into life new discoveries, or crowding the adventur. ous thinker or inventor, to invade some new domain of knowledge or in- genuity ; while civilized agriculture has, during the greater part of its his- tory, contented itself only with the devastation of its fields, and with sek- ing for virgin soils, to be cropped in their turn to sterility. There is in our Commonwealth, a very large and increasing body of intelligent tanners, who believe in a future for their favorite pursuit, worthy of that art which is the fountain of all others, and is the final source of wealth. But there is needed as well for them as for those less impressed by the value of science the inspiring lead of constantly advancing ideas. * * * j remember the photograph, the magnetic telegraph, the discovery of vaccination, the painless operations of surgery — the triumphs and miracles of genius. I seem to see for the earth herself and her cultivators, the coming time, when husbandry, attended by all the ministries of science and art, shall illume, and regenerate her countenance and recreate our life below." You will pardon me if I occupy a few moments in considering this matter of agricultural education, as one of the modern means of improving our art. I desire expccially to urge attention to the practical education of all classes of young men in the business of farming, as the main object of our agricultural schools. Without this all our endowments will be in vain, and will be lost sight of as an instrument for improving the cultivation of the earth. And I am by no manner of means sure that the failure of forty years' effort to established schools of agriculture in this country, is not at- tributed to the fact that the importance of practical education has been lost sight of, before the more powerful temptations of scientific exploration, and of captivating theories. Practical schools have been useful — none others have. And so strongly am I impressed by this fact, that I venture to 10 quote the following extract from a report of a committee of the New York Legislature as early as 1822, upon this matter. In alluding to the advan- tages which arc likely to grow out of the establishment of an agricultural school, they refer to the benefit which agriculture itself is to derive, and say :— "This school will collect the best systems, and most recent improvements in husbandry, from Europe and America, — adapt them to our climate, our soils, our productions, our wants ; — demonstrate their utility in practice, and disseminate a knowledge of them in every part of the state. The Ilofroyl farm (at that time the celebrated school of M. de Fellenberg, in Switzerland) will serve to illustrate the extent of these advantages. Mr. Brougham visited this in 1816, and enquired minutely into its details. Two vears afterwards, he spoke in high commendation of it in a report which he made to the British parliament on the subject of education. The whole es- tablishment," he says, "comprises but 214 acres ; and the average annual profit of the pattern farm alone, for a period of four years, he found to be 836 pounds sterling, or about $4000, exclusive of the cattle concern which was kept separate. We have numerous statements demonstrating the su- periority of the new over the old system of husbandry ; two or three of which shall be noticed in the abstract. The first comparison is made on a mixed, or grazing, breeding, and tillage farm of 314 acres in York. Under the old system the net profits amounted to £3 18. 10s, and under the new system the same yielded a net profit of £595, making a difference of £2*18 ; or 100 per cent in favor of the new system of husbandry. The second one is that of a tillage farm of 139 acres in Lincolnshire. Under the old sys- tem, the profits were £130 — under the new £452 — difference in favor of the latter £322, or 250 per cent. A third statement exhibits the profits of an acre of land, being a medium of several hundred acres in Yorkshire, for six years. Under the old system the profit was £1.9s 3d. Under the new £17. 6s 9d, an increased gain of more than 1100 per cent in favor of the latter. The medium profit of an acre in tillage, in England, is stated at from $21 to $35 per annum. We need not resort to Europe for evidence of the disparity which exists between the old and the new systems of husbandry. Ever day's observa- tion affords proofs in our own practice. Why does the county of Dutchess outstrip her neighbors in fertility and wealth ? Not because nature has been more bountiful to her soil ; but because her farmers are better instructed. Why, in passing through our country in every direction, do we see one farm twice or thrice as productive as another, with equal natural advan- 11 tages ? This contrast cannot wholly be owing to indiligence or to indolence, in the unsuccessful cultivator. It proceeds rather from a want of method — of knowledge. Knowledge is science — and science is only precepts and principles grounded on demonstration. It has been said that agriculture is a trade, an art, or a science. That as a trade it requires only the exercise of bodily powers. That as an art, it employs the understanding and the judgment ; and that as a science, it comprehends a knowledge of natural history, of chemistry, &c, so far as these are subservient to the improvement of husbandry. We have many who follow the trade, less who practice the art, and but few who under- stand much of the science. For the inculcation of all these an agricultural college requires a patern farm, an experimental farm, and a system of education especially adapted to the business of agriculture. And I trust they who would convert our schools of agriculture into belles letters colleges will bear this in mind, when they commence that service to which they have devoted themselves, and which farmers demand of them. Now, my friends, not serfdom, not bondage in any form, not tenantry, not the subjects of arbitary power can thus develop the art of arts and el- evate society and beautify the earth, but the citizenship of au independent republic, in which the way is open through virtue and knowledge, for every man to reach the highest distinction, and where prosperity shall attend up- on industry and cultivation. This form of citizenship we possess, — may we not now say as the special prerogative of our republic ? That the form of intelligent labor of which I have spoken, with the social elevation which goes with it, is to overspread this continent, wherever the Federal authori- ty extends, I cannot doubt. Thus far a large portion of our territory has been subjected to an exceedingly exhausting mode of tillage. Large tracts of our most fertile lands have become almost useless under that cultivation which is intended to draw the largest annual return from the soil, without restoring its fertility. In spite of this, however, our agricultural produc - tions have been very large ; and the increase has been very rapid. The summary of the agriculture of the United States in 1840, shows that we produced at that time— 84,823,27 2 bushels of wheat; 123,071,341 bushels of oats; 377,531,875 bushels of corn; 35,802,114 pounds of wool; and that the total value of the principal crops of that year was $336,000,- 000 — considered at that time an emormous sum. In 18G2, however, only twenty-two years later — the yield of twenty-one loyal states alone, far ex- ceeded this estimate. The wool clip had increased to ucarly 80,000,000 — 12 and the value of the crops of that year are estimated to be worth $736,- 586,326 — all this exclusive of the vast amounts of cotton, rice, sugar and tobacco which were raised in the Southern states, and which entered into the calculation of 1840. And if we examine the cotton crop of the same periods we shall find that it had increased from 790,419,275 in 1849, to 2,000,000,000 or thereabouts in 1800, just previous to the breaking out of the war. Guided by these figures, what have we a right to estimate for twenty years to come ? In the twenty-one States upon whose crops the computation of the crops of 1862 has been made, we may estimate the grain crops of 1880 to be worth $1,500,000,000, exclusive of the hay crop and the root, fruit, and garden crops constantly increasing. Of the cotton crop we will make no calulation — but we may say that if the loose and careless husbandry of slave labor produced 2,000,000,000 in 18G0, it will be hard to compute the amount which free labor may produce on those same lands twenty years hence. In addition to this actual increase in the products of our soil as shown by figures, we must take into consideration the immense changes which have taken place in our country within the last twenty years. I have al- ready spoken of the improvements which have been made in our machinery, all within that period. But, more than all, the means of transportation have been vastly improved. Twenty-two years ago, the great channels of trade in agricultural products were coastwise, or along our navigable streams. Of the vessels that were then daily taking their cargoes in the harbors of Charleston, New Orleans, Mobile and Savannah, it is safe to say that the principal portion of these freights was derived from the cot- ton, sugar, rice and tobacco, as well as other agricultural staples of the surrounding territory. The same was the case with the commerce of the Mississippi ; and we find the numerous steamships and flatboats which plied upon that river in those days, were laden with the agricultural pro- ducts of the States that -border its banks, or that are sent down through the interior by the Ohio. The commerce of the lakes was maintained, moreover, in a great measure by the transportation of the agricultural pro- duce of the great States of Ohio, Illinois and Michigan, lying on their bor- ders, to the eastern markets. From the interior the transportation to these great channels of water communication was slow, tedious and expensive. The grain crops of central Illinois and many parts of Ohio and Michigan were of necessity converted into beef and pork, and driven as it were to market, in order to avoid the cost of transportation by carriage, which almost destroyed their original value. 13 Now how changed ! Every State, every county, every town, al most every farm has its railroad communication. We have, as has been said, "rendered the railway a domestic institution, so that the steam car visits nearly every hamlet and every considerable town. The music of its whistle no longer frightens the farmer's horse, nor docs the proximity of the thundering locomotive, raging and sighing under its weighty burden, and with the pressure of its fiery spirit, disturb the equanimity of the axious matron, careful for the safety of her child." Every hill pasture, the crops of every valley are brought within a few hours of market, The cattle which to-day grazed upon the rich pastures of the West, before the set of to-morrow's sun are far on their way to feed the teeming population of New York and the eastern cities. The transit of a thousand miles to-day is attended with less labor and annoyance, than the farmer of half a century ago underwent in carrying his grain to market over fifty miles of rough and muddy road. While these great changes have been going on in the improvement of agriculture, the development of its resources, and the establishment of all means for internal trade, the relations of the agriculture of the different sections of our country, one to another, have also changed, In 1840, more than two-thirds of the crop of Indian corn was raised in the slave- holding States ; and but a very small portion of it was exported The cotton-growing States at that time depended very much upon their own resources for feeding their people, supplying themselves with manufactured goods and luxuries from the North and from foreign countries. In the lapse of twenty years all this had changed. When the war broke out the cotton-growing States supplied themselves with meats, and breadstuffs, hay, apples, potatoes, horses and mules from the West. From the eastern States they purchased most of their manufactured goods, their bales, rope and bagging, their engines, sugar mills, and cotton-gins, much of their ma- terial for house-building, and mechanics to erect them, their paper, their books, their teachers, their shipping, their capital. In return the west and east consumed their cotton, sugar, and rice. An immense domestic trade had sprung up, of such a character as to furnish a market for the special products of each section, whether drawn from the soil or created by the ingenuity of the people. Since the breaking out of the war, this re- lation has changed, but not to such an extent that the return of peace will not re-establish the old order of things. I anticipate an increase of agri- cultural enterprise now that the Federal government has secured its legi- timate control on this continent, such as has seldom been witnessed — even 14 greater than that which grew out of the war itself. There is no reason why our vast agricultural productions should not again enter into the com- merce of the world, whenever the necessity for the present large supply at home shall cease, and labor shall return to its accustomed channels. The application of energetic labor to the cotton plantations of the South, and the restoration of that great staple to the list of our productions, for home consumption and export, will constitute a branch of industry which will open immense wealth to our people. The West will once more feel the effect of that opening market upon her grain crops. The stimulus given to eastern manufactures will furnish the New England farmer with local markets for all the products of his field, and orchard and garden, and dairy. And when that time shall arrive, my friends, you will find that the highest Northern civilization will have penetrated this whole land, that the light of New England schools will have been shed into its darkest places, that through the trials of war conflicting social institutions will have been har- monized, that the labor of this country will have been brought to the stand- ard of free institutions, that the way will have been opened for the indi- vidual exercise of the best and highest human faculties, and that that American agriculture which has heretofore flourished in spite of sectional rivalries and jealousies, will receive new strength from the energies of one people united in the common object of enriching and cultivating and civil- izing this whole land, as a home for themselves and their children, and a refuge for the oppressed of all nations. We of New England have a right to contemplate this opening prospect of American agriculture with peculiar gratification. We live in a section of the country where the most careful cultivation is especially necessary and important. The wholesale farming of the West and South docs not apply to our hard climate and narrow valleys. There is no section in which the highest skill is so necessary ; and none in which the farmer is so much stimulated to exercise all his best faculties. We have already done much, and we may do still more. And when we look around us and see that the minds of our people are directed once more to the land, we may anticipate a new era in which intelligence and capital will be devoted to the work of restoring the rural homes of our ancestors. In travelling through the New England States, I am always struck with the increasing air of thrift manifested in the farm houses and fields of our people ; and I am always gratified by the drafts which the merchant and manufacturer are ready to make upon their incomes for the improvement of their farms. In what points then may we progress ? 15 In horticulture and pomology we have laid the foundations well, for great advancements. When we have learned what lands we can profitably devote to the growing of fruit, we shall find that the quality of that crop grown in New England, cannot be surpassed in the United States, and I heard with pride not long since a statement from one of our most intelli- gent Nomologists that, in a recent journey in Europe he found no pear- orchards equal to our own. While we avoid the wholesale fruit-growing of our ancestors, let us advance to a horticultural and profitable culture of the choicest fruits. In the cultivation of field crops I have no doubt we shall make great progress. It seems hardly necessary that I should suggest to you any possibility of improvement in this respect. But we should remember that the carrot and onion and turnip and cabbage crops of but a few towns have become famous in the record of agriculture, and that the care and skill displayed in producing them are confined to a very small section of our little, busy, enterprising Commonwealth. The cultivation of the turnip is yet in its infancy among us — the easiest crop which the farmer can raise — the most useful, considering the amount of nourishment it affords to the acre. 1 have no doubt that the business of feeding cattle and sheep could be doubled in profit by devotion to this crop — and that the great mortality which often prevails among the latter would be entirely avoided. In the cultivation of corn and the small grains also, there will undoubtedly be great improvement, and there should be. While Illinois raises 138,000,- 000 bushels of corn, and Indiana 92,000,000, and Iowa 40,000,000, and Michigan 15,000,000, and Maryland 14,000,000, and New Jersey 10,000,- 000, Massachusetts, with markets at every farmer's door, raises but 2,400,000 bushels. Considering the number of cattle which she feeds, and the amount of corn purchased for food by her people, this amount seems small, and should arrest the attention of the farmer. In the construction of farm-buildings we are already making great pro- gress. I think the day is gone by, when we must listen to arguments against barn-cellars ; and when it will be deemed sufficient that a farmer should simply erect a two-story house for his family, without regard to its location, or to the care with which the grounds about it should be orna- mented with trees and shrubs. With regard to our animals, we are undoubtedly on the road to improve- ment. The charm which has been woven about the old red stock of New England is gradually being broken. Farmers have learned that a good animal is the cheapest, and have turned their attention to the selection of 16 cattle adapted to their various localities. We have learned that the most profitable cattle are those which make the largest return for the amount of food consumed. The old system of importing short-horns regardless of the locality on which they are to be fed has gone by. The attempt to intro- duce a breed of cattle among us which only constitute an expensive luxury for the rich, and an attraction chiefly because they arc expensive, has failed among those who turn their attention to profitable agriculture. Since the easy transportation of cattle from the West has been secured, there has been less attention among us to the feeding of beef than formerly. And while a quarter of a century since, a farmer was judged by the size of his cattle, the largest oxen being considered an index of the wisest owner, form and thrift and quality and fitness are now deemed of greater value, even when attended by reduction of size. The average weight of our cows has undoubtedly diminished ; and I have no doubt that the profit derived from them has increased in corresponding ratio. Every attempt to force an animal on land unfitted for it, every attempt to compel a large heavy -carcassed cow to get a living on pastures adapted only to a smaller one, must end in failure. Our cattle should find abundant nourishment on our hills and in our stalls, and should be selected with reference to this, rather than to that magnitude of proportion which grati- fies only the ambition or the taste, regardless of the purse. It is well enough for the inexperienced, those who have no knowledge of agriculture, to linger at our exhibitions by the pens of cattle remarkable for size alone, but for the farmer of New England who depends on the income from his pastures tor a part of the summer profit of his farm, this will not do. It is well enough for the exquisite and artistic lovers of beauty to recommend a breed of cattle, for the deer-like beauty of their heads and for that alone ; but the farmer who judges of cattle well, knows that delicacy and timidity of expression are not the characteristics most desirable — neither is he wil- ling to excuse a whole carcass of defects and weaknesses for a pretty face. There are abundant indications of a growing disposition to select animals, here in this dairy region, especially adapted to its wants. And I cannot doubt that the time will come when New England will be as famous for its valuable dairy herds, bred with reference to her soil, as is an analogous section of the Island of Great Britain. And when we have secured such a breed and have recommenced our dairy system, I trust our farmers' wives and daughters will find that they are strong enough to return to that old system of domestic dairying which added so much to the nicest cares of the household, brought large profits to the farm, benefitted the health of n our women, and gave us that priceless blessing in these degenerate days, — good sweet butter. A clean, sweet, well-ordered dairy room, is fully as pleasant and useful an appendage to a farm house, as a piano, a sewing- machine, or a melodeon. The remarks which I have made with regard to our cattle are also true with regard to our horses. It is conceded by the best judges that we have a New England horse, the growth of our hill pastures and our sharp clear climate, which is unsurpassed for his vigor, endurance and strength — and whose value is estimated not by his size and weight, but by his docility and power, and by the economy with which he can keep himself in condition for work. It is found that New York and Pennsylvania can furnish the heavy draught horse for drags and teams, and the slow, stylish carriage horse for the adornment of the luxurious equipage. But it is also found that the compact, strong, medium-sized horse of New England has a pe- culiar fitness for the farmer and for that rapid driving on the road of which we are all so fond. We are looking back over the history of the New England horse, and we find that the introduction of the Justin Morgan, is counted as the great step in the improvement of horses here, and that that little horse gave more profit to the farmer, and more reputation to New England than has ever been derived from thorough-bred, or Cleveland Bay or Percheron, or from the heavy, clumsy animals of Pennsylvania and the West. The best horses at the agricultural exhibition are small or medium sized horses, bred in New England. I think the future prospects of horse- breeding in New England are flattering, il we may judge from the signs of the times. The sheep-husbandry of New England has reached a degree of excel lence, of which we have reason to be proud ; and by which it is destined to become one of the most important and profitable branches of farming. For many years the West has been drawing its most valuable animals from the flocks of Vermont. It has been discovered that the kind of sheep bred there, combines more good qualities, for the general business of producing wool and mutton, than any other sheep known. The profit of Western flocks has been largely increased by the infusion of Merino blood from that state. And we may be sure that the animal now called the " Improved American Merino," the special product of New England, will ultimately enhance the profits of sheep-husbandry in this country, as largely as did the diffusion of Spanish Merino blood develop the same industry in Europe — producing the Saxony, Siberian, French, and other finc-wooled breeds, now so well known there. The American Merino has been brought to 18 sucli a degree of development that we undoubtedly stand in the front rank, as a combination of the most desirable points in a sheep. We cannot claim to be foremost in each one — but in all combined, unequalled. The best of them have : — 1st. A square, low solid form, with great depth, and breadth, indicative of strong, constitution and vigor : 2d. Admirable capacity to take on fat at maturity : 3d. A carcase of mutton rivalling the South-down and the Mountain breed of Scotland and Wales in delicacy and flavor. 4th. An even uniform coating of strong wool, of the best quality, cov- ering the whole surface of the body; and so protected from the effects of snow and rain, as to waste but little in the process of combing or carding. We have a soil and climate peculiarily adapted to producing this sheep in the greatest perfection. And while we may not hope to raise wool as cheaply as it can be done in Texas, or mutton as profitably as it can be done in Ohio, we may still render our sheep-husbandry more remunerative than theirs by devotion to the business of improving the Merino for those markets where the soil and climate are less favorable than our own, to the growth of a compact, hardy animal, with a thick-set, uniform, lively fleece of wool, valuable to the American farmer, and indispensable to the Ameri- can manufacturer. I have hastily reviewed some of the points on which American Agricul- ture may base its prospects for future improvement It must have occur- red to you that the subject is almost inexhaustible — and its importance so far as the prosperity of the country is concerned is great. For the three great sections, the East, West and South, there cannot be the same future. For the East, the effort to improve her agriculture must be great. For the South, the Providence of God alone can forsee the results of the tre- mendous social revolution now going on there. For the West we may perhaps speak with more conlidence. There can be no doubt that it is on the whole our most valuable agricultural region. The development of its agricultural resources has hardly yet begun. Mr. Calhoun, glowing with enthusiasm in contemplation of the immense and almost boundless resour- ces of that great section, still remaining to be developed, used the follow- ing language: — " Looking beyond to a not very distant future, when this immense valley containing within its limits one million two hundred thous- and square miles, lying in its whole extent in the temperate zones, and oc- cupying a position midway between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, un- qualled in fertility and the diversity of its productions, intersected in ever 19 direction by the mighty stream, including' its tributaries, by which it is drained, and which supply a continuous navigation of upward of ten thous- and miles, with a coast, including both banks, of twice that length, shall be crowded with population, and its resources fully developed, imagination itself is taxed in the attempt to realize the magnitude of its commerce." A commerce he might have added, owing its existence to agriculture alone. It is difficult to conceive of the extend to which the resources of this great section may be developed by the thronging population which will one day gather there. Then will be realized and appreciated the truth of that statement of Webster, than "agriculture feeds; to a great extent it clothes us; without it we should not have manufactures, we should not have com- merce. They all stand together, like pillars in a cluster, the largest in the centre, and that largest is agriculture/' cc c^4fc^T£^ EEPOHTS OF COMMITTEES. SUMMER CROPS. n Your committee on summer crops having attended to the duties assigned them, submit the following report: — - The whole number of entries, one hundred and twenty-three, classed as follows: Winter wheat 7; spring* wheat 15; rye 39; oats 36; barley 11; gardens 1; grass 4; meslings 2; peas 1; farm 1. The last four crops were viewed but no premiums were offered. The crops examined, with few exceptions, we found to be remarkable good. The rich rewards which our farmers have received for their la- bors the past season, we hope will stimulate them to make greater efforts in the future. WINTER WHEAT. Your committee regret in not finding more of the article sown, for we believe that good wheat can be grown in Southern Berkshire. We hope in the future that more of this grain will be sown, and that this society will ever encourage the growing of this crop. We award: For the best acre winter wheat, Ralph Little of Sheffield, $f> 00 2d do., Theodore I. Williams of Stockbridge, 4 00 SPRING WHEAT. Of this crop your committee examined fifteen fields, all of which were very good. We also saw many others that were not entered for premium. Your committee were highly pleased to find the farmers in Sonthern and Central Berkshire, paying so much attention to the raising of this crop, which is one of the staple crops of the country. For the best acre of spring wheat, A. G. Freeman of Monterey, 2d do., Seneca T. Race of Egremont, 3d do., II. D. Palmer of Stockbridge, 4th do., Walter Richards of Lenox, 5th do., George C. Peck of Lenox, $7 00 6 00 5 00 4 00 3 00 21 FOUR ACRES RYE. For the best 4 acres winter rye, M. I. Wheeler of Gt. Barringtou, $8 00 2d do., Ashley Beach of Lee, 7 00 3d do., Miron W. Andrus of Sheffield, 6 00 4th do., George M. Hollenbeck of Great Barrington, 5 00 5th do., Mark Hollenbeck of Great Barrington, 4 00 ONE ACRE RYE. For the best acre winter rye, Xoah Gibson of New Marlborough, $7 00 2d do., Dominick Garihan of New Marlborough, 6 00 3d do., Merrick G. Hall of Great Barrington, 5 00 4th do., Zacheus Candee of Sheffield, 4 00 5th do., James Holmes, Jr., of Great Barrington, 3 00 6th George Gilbert of Gt. Barrington, 2 00 FOUR ACRES OATS. For the best four acres of Oats, Joseph A. Kline of Egremont, $7 00 2d do., David Haley of Great Barrington, 6 00 3d do., Jared Lewis of Great Barrington, 5 00 4th do., Elijah N. Hubbard of Great Barrington, 4 00 5th do., Frank K. Hinckley of Lee, 3 00 ONE ACRE OATS. For the best acre oats, John B. Hull of Stockbridge, $7 00 2d do., James H. Rowley of Egremont, 0 00 3d do., William H. Palmer of Stockbridge, 5 00 4th do., Elisha Collins oi Great Barrington, 4 00 5th do., Henry Dresser of Stockbridge, 3 00 6th to Levi Boardman, Jr. of Sheffield, 2 00 BARLEY. For the best acre of barley, Dyer Wait of Egremont, $6 00 2d do.,. Abial H. Pease'of Lee, 5 00 3d do., S. L. Lincoln of Adams, 4 00 4th do., Benton C. Stoddard of Alford, 3 00 GARDENS. For the best vegetable garden, William O. Curtiss of Lenox, $6 00 2d do., David Leavitt of Great Barrington, 5 00 3d do., Stephen R. Miller of Sheffield, 4 00 4th do.. Bela N. Burtch of Sheffield, 3 00 If it was in accordance with the rules and regulations of the society, William O. Curtis of Lenox, would be entitled to three premiums, gard- ens, winter and spring wheat, but as it is he must be satisfied with one. John N. Robbins, Isaac M. Taylor, Y Committee. B. N. Clark, FALL CROPS. The committee on fall crops desire to give a few suggestions in regard to them. As to the corn crop in Southern Berkshire this season, it stands fully equal to any previous year, as to its sound qualities, and its full average yield. Of the seventy-six enteries of corn, with a very few exceptions, all were good. We find a portion of the farmers get tot> many hills to the rod, — they vary from twenty-five to forty-five hills. We found upon care- ful examination that from thirty to thirty-two hills to the rod was prefer- able to a larger or smaller number. We arc of the opinion that Dutton corn is preferable to most localities, from the fact that the yield is greater and the quality fully equal. Dr. Miller of Sheffield had a fine ripe field of corn ot some five or six acres, and as he had but twenty-five hills to the rod, lie fell short in weight. The Doctor has promised to give a state- ment of the manner of selecting the seed, cultivation, &C, which we hope he will present to the society. The potato crop is a litte improvement on last year, but not a heavy crop • the early freezinghas reduced it somewhat. Mr. Goodale of Mt. Washington, has raised this present season some fifteen acres of fine potatoes. A portion of them yielded very heavy; for instance, the Early Rose potato, from fourteen pounds of seed produced two thousand six hundred and seventy-six pounds, weighing two hundred and sixteen pounds to the rod. Your committee dug six hills which weighed six pounds to the hill. He informed us that the portion where we dug was planted simply with one sprout to the hill. If the Early Rose proves to be a good table potato, it will stand at the head of the class. We have endeavored to ascertain the better kinds of potatoes for raising,. For early potatoes we would recommend the Rose and Goodrich. For late potatoes we would suggest the Harrison, the Gleason and the Buckley Seedling. Buckwheat for some cause is not more than half a crop. We found the later sowed was the better filled. Carrots have been a fair average yield, but Beets, Turnips and Cabbages, are nearly a failure from the fact that worms, blast and the like was a se- rious injury to them. The crops of Beans, light, and many of them nearly spoiled by the fall rains. And here we would remark that there is great want of more thorough cultivation of crops. It actually occurred that in viewing some potatoes, beans and other small crops, we had to push the grass and weeds aside in order to satisfy ourselves what crop was growing beneath them. It is very important that there should be thorough cultivation of crops in order that the farmer may realize any profits from his labor. There are exceptions to the above. Dr. Dunning of Lenox had some six or seven acres of roots and potatoes which were cultivated in a more thorough manner. In the whole field, one could hardly find a handful of weeds, and his crops were fine. Many other farmers are equally thorough and successful, and that we consider the true way of farming. 23 Hops were very good and though heavier than last year, were not as good as some former years. Tobacco was a heavy crop, and paid the competitors well for their labor. Sowed Corn was a very good crop, and a very desirable one for a farm- er to raise. A few suggestions in regard to matters about home. A person passing from town to town, as your committee had occasion to, could not but no- tice the great difference between the well arranged buildings, fences, and the well kept yards and roadsides, and a general neatness displayed, when compared with other places, with their fences propped up, yards and road- sides grown to weeds and filled with rubbish, showing a lack of energy and taste. Xow we would recommend to those who have not already taken steps in that direction, that they build a neat road fence and be sure to have it on the line, instead of slicing off from five feet to a rod from the highway, which they have no more right to do that to take it from a neighbor's field adjoining. Also, to clear the street and yard of stones, rubbish, and the like, which have been deposited there for convenience, and after mowing the street twice a year for two or three years, will have a beautiful lawn instead of the former ugly and untidy appearance. Another suggestion we would make; that the $150 offered for trotting horses outside the county be used for other purposes and we propose that a portion of it be offered for the best managed farms. Your committee express their thanks for the kindness and hospitality received. There were 196 entries for examination. Four acres corn, 2G entries; one acre 49 entries; buckwheat 26 entries; potatoes 30 entries; beans 20 entries; beets 6 entries; carrots 10 entries; turnips 7 entries; cabbages 4 entries; cranberries 1. For the best four acres corn, Jared Lewis of Great Barrington, $10 00 2d do., Jonathan P. Tobey of Great Barrington, 8 00 3d do., Guy Day of Great Barrington, 7 00 4th do., T. S. Baldwin of Egremont, 6 00 5th do., Orren Curtiss of Sheffield, 5 00 6th do., James W. Parks of Sheffield, 4 00 As we have some $18 in our hands given for broom corn and cranberries, there being but one entry, we award an extra premium to Joseph Kline of Egremont, for four acres corn, $3 60 For the best one acre corn, George M. Gibson of New Marlboro', $9 00 2d do , James Bullard of Lee, 8 00 3d do., Frank Curtiss of Sheffield, 7 00 4th do., ZacheusCandee of Sheffield, 6 00 5th do., Samuel Goodrich of Stockbridgc, 5 00 6th do., Frederick Abbey of Great Barrington, 4 00 7th do., A. C. Butler of' Lenox, 3 00 8th an extra premium to Cyrus Crosby of Stoekbridge, 3 00 9th do., Charles Spurr of Sheffield, 3 00 10th do., E. M. Winchell of Great Barrington, 3 00 24 BUCKWHEAT. For the best acre, Leonard Post of Alford, $5 00 2d do., Henry Feck of Alford, 4 00 3d do., Gilbert Ford of Great Harrington, 3 00 4th do., William AVilcox of Sheffield, 2 00 5th do., Egbert Conch of Great Barrington, 1 00 ONE HALF ACRE POTATOES. For the best one half acre of Potatoes, Henry S. Goodale of Mount Washington, 1 00 Oats and barley in 1860; five loads sheep manure; grass in 18G7; no manure; soil gravelly loam; plowed once, seven inches deep, April 20th; harrowed and furrowed; cost $3; eighteen loads ma- nure applied in winter and early spring, plowed under; worth about $18; sowed April 29, two and one-half bushels Gleason, quartered, dropped one foot apart, in furrows three feet apart, and cov- ered with one-horse plow; cost $3.50; harrowed when just coming up— 27th of May— put shovel plow through 17th of June, hoed once; cost $2.50; dug Oct. 5th, Hcxamcr's prong hoe; cost about five cents per bushel. 2d do., E. M. Langdon of Lee, 6 00 3d do., A. Gaines of Stockbridge, 5 00 4th do., Miles Avery of Great Barrington, 4 00 5th do., M. I. Wheeler of Great Barrington, 3 00 6th do., Wm. O. Curtis of Lenox, 2 00 Extra, Merrick G. Hall of Great Barrington, 2 00 E. Church of Alford, 2 00 ONE QUARTER ACRE WHITE BEANS. For the best one quarter acre of White Beans, Uriah Brett of Monterey, 3 00 2d do., H. D. Palmer of Stockbridge, 2 00 3d do., Nathaniel Burtis of Hillsdale, 1 00 Extra, D. B. Fenn of Stockbridge, 2 00 ONE QUARTER ACRE SUGAR BEETS. For the best one quarter acre of Sugar Beets, Warren Crissey of Great Barrington, 5 00 2d do., Charles Dunning of Lenox, 4 00 3d do., Albert M. Howk of Lee, 3 00 ONE QUARTER ACRE CARROTS. For the best one quarter acre of Carrots, Daniel Warner of Great Barrington, 5 00 Corn in 1866; carrots in 1867; six loads rotton barn yard manure; soil loamy; plowed once eight or nine inches; no other preparation; cost $1.50; seven loads barn yard manure spread before plowing in 1868; value $7; sowed with machine, June 5, Orange County Seed, one-half bushel; cost $1.50; hoed and weeded three times by hand; cost $5; harvested last week in October, by hand; cost $5; three tons carrots on one-fourth acre. 2d do., Nelson Joyncr of Egreinont, 4 00 3d do., Newton Brewer of Monterey, 3 00 4th do, T. D. Thatcher of Lee, 2 00 25 ONE QUARTER ACRE SWEEDISH TURNIPS. For the best quarter acre of Sweedish Turnips, A. W. Merrill of Sandisfield, 4 00 2d do., Milton Adams of New Marlboro', 3 00 3d do., George Cropper of Sheffield, 2 00 ONE QUARTER ACRE CABBAGES. For the best quarter acre of Cabbages, F. K. Hinckley of Lee, 4 00 2d do., A. Bradley of Lee, 3 00 3d do., F. Brocher of Monterey, 2 00 CRANBERRIES. There was but one entry of Cranberries and that not the required amount of land, and as John M. Cook's patch of Lenox, did not produce but about half the usual yield, we award him 3 00 ONE ACRE HOPS. For the best one acre of Hops, George W. Hollenbeck, Egremont, 5 00 2d do., H. D. Hollenbeck of Egremont, 4 00 3d do., Elisha Collins of Great Barrington, 3 00 ONE QUARTER ACRE TOBACCO. For the best one quarter acre of Tobacco, Hamlin F. Clark of Tyringham, 4 00 2d do., A. H. Pease of Lee, 3 00 3d do., Nehemiah Palmer of New Marlboro', 2 00 ONE QUARTER ACRE SOWED CORN. For the best one quarter acre of Sowed Corn, C. O. Perkins of Becket, 5 00 2d do., William A. Bunce of Alford, 4 00 3d do., Henry M. Bassett of Lee, 3 00 4th do., Stephen Powell of New Marlboro', 2 00 There was not any Broom Corn entered. Henry Dresser, William Stoddard, ]~ Conn ittee. John N. Rorbi: LRD, y INS, ) SEEDS AND VEGETABLES. Seldom if ever has there been a larger or better collection of seeds and vegetables presented for examination than the present year ; and from so many specimens worthy of premiums, the committee found it no easy task to decide who the successful competitors should be ; while they deeply re- gretted that the limited means placed in their hands for distribution, would prevent many from receiving awards that justly deserved them. The scattered and mixed-up condition of seeds and vegetables with agri- cultural implements and mechauical productions, greatly increased our labors 26 and rendered us liable to overlook valuable and worthy specimens. The importance of properly arranging all entries can hardly be over-estimated, and should receive proper attention in the future. Seed-time must precede harvest ; and, "Whatsoever a man soweth that must he also reap," is applicable to all who would raise either grain or vegetables. We do not gather "Grapes of thorns or Figs of thistles ;" neither can we reasonably expect to reap a harvest of choice grain or vegetables from poor seeds, or inferior varieties. It is better and cheaper in our opinion to purchase the best, even at extravagant prices, than to re- ceive the poor and worthless as a gratuity. We have awarded premiums as follows : TIMOTHY SEED. For the best bushel of Timothy Seed, S. M. Cooper of Stockbridge, $4 00 2d do., E. N. Hubbard of Great Harrington, 3 00 3d do., Horatio N. Tuttlc of Sheffield, 2 00 SEED CORN. For the best bushel cars Seed Corn, Jared Lewis of Gt. Barrington, 3 00 2d do., William O. Curtis of Lenox, 2 00 3d do., Samuel Goodrich of Stockbridge, 1 00 Fine specimen of white corn, M. I. Wheeler of Great Barrington, (reserved premium), 1 00 SEED OATS. For the best bushel seed oats, Merrick G. Hall of Gt. Barrington, 2d do., A. McArthur of Sheffield, SEED RYE. For the best bushel seed rye, Dwight Andrews of Sheffield, 2d do, Geo. Kellogg of Sheffield, WINTER WHEAT. For the best bushel winter wheat, R. D. Curtis of Lenox, 2d do, J. C. Vosburgh of Sheffield, SPRING WHEAT. For the best bushel of spring wheat, Geo. C. Curtis of Lenox, 2d do, Walter Richards of Lenox, 3d do, J. M. Cook of Lenox, ' POTATOES. Large variety of seed potatoes. B. F. Pixley, Great Barrington, " " " .Miles Avery of Great Barrington, " " " E. M. Langdon of Lee. II. S. Goodale of Mt. Washington, BEANS. One bushel extra nice beans, D. B. Fenn of Stockbridge, 1 00 2 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 2 00 2 00 2 00 2 00 BEETS. Nice specimen of beets, 0. J. Clark of Sheffield, 1 00 TURNIPS. For specimen of turnips, Geo. F. Woodin of Saudisfield, 50 SQUASHES. Fine specimen of squashes, J. M. Mackie of Great Barrington, 50 R, D. Curtis of Lenox, 50 PUMPKINS. Nice specimen of pumpkins, E. H. Millard of Egremont, 50 CABBAGE. Best specimen of cabbage, Joseph G. Canfield of Sheffield, 1 00 MISCELLANEOUS. Best variety of peppers, E. M. Winchell of Great Barrington, 1 00 Tomatoes and other vegetables, Richard Yosburgh, Gt. Barrington, 2 00 A large collection and numerous varieties of garden vegetables, David Leavitt of Great Barrington, 2 50 Fine collection of garden vegetables, D. S. Draper, Great Barrington, 2 00 do., Miiton Adams of New Marlboro', 1 50 Specimen broom corn, J. W. Barber of Sheffield, 50 do., H. M. Bassett of Lee, 50 Nice string of pop corn, Henry Ticknor of Alford, 50 Fine specimen of onions, D wight Boardman of Sheffield, 1 50 There waere no entries of Seed Barley. C. C. French, j Geo. E. Beckwith, [- Committee. H. II. B. Turner, ) HOUSEHOLD MANUFACTURES. FIRST DIVISION. For the best ten yards White Flannel, Mrs. A.M. Lowry of Egremont, $5 00 2d do., Mrs. A. McArthur of Sheffield, 4 00 3d do., Mrs. Levi Butler of Lenox, 3 00 4th do., Mrs. C. W. Brett of Monterey, 2 00 Best 20 yds.woolen and cotton sheetings, Mrs. F. B. Holabird, Sheffield, 4 00 2d do.. Mrs. Fred Abbey of Great Barrington, 3 00 For Best ten yards linen diaper, Mrs. E. E. Cook of Pittsfield, 3 00 2d do., Mrs. E. Munson of Sheffield, 2 00 Extra premium to Mrs. Jerusha Bryant of Sheffield, 2 00 For the best piece of rag carpeting, Mrs. Joseph Kline of Egremon t, 5 00 2d do., Mrs. E. M. Langdon of Lee, 4 00 3d do., Mrs. E. Calkins of New Marlboro', 3 00 2 00 1 00 3 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 $5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 4th do., Mrs Stephen Baldwin of Egremont, 5 th do., Mrs. Jane Lockwood of West Stockbridge, A special premium for an excellent piece of striped carpeting to Mrs. P. G. Comstock of West Stockbaidge, For best hearth rng, Mrs. Mary II. Ticket of West Stockbridge, 2d do., Mrs. Mary E. Langdon of Monterey, 3d do., Mrs. J. H. Langdon of Monterey, Extra premium, Mrs. N. Palmer of New Marlboro', For best afghan or lap robe, Mrs. II. D. Cone of Stockbride, 2d do., Miss Anna T. Belden of Lenox, 3d do., Mrs. Mary J.. Beach of Lee, 4 tli do., Mrs. T. D. Perkins of Lee, Extra, Miss Nellie Kellogg of Sheffield, An extra premium for a piece of checked flannell to Mrs. Walter Crine of New Marlboro', 2 00 M. I. Wheeler, Chairman Committee. SECOND DIVISION. The committee award premiums as follows: — For the best bed spread, Mrs. S. M. Cooper of Stockbridge, $4 00 2d do., Miss A. A. Tryon of Monterey, 3 00 3d do., Mrs. II. B Holabird of Sheffield, 2 00 4th do., Mrs. T. S. Baldwin of Egremont, 1 00 5th do., Mrs. G. W. Sis'son of New Marlboro', 1 00 Tufted bed spread, Mrs. E. Sprague of Alford, 1 00 Best patch-work quilt, Mrs. E. C. Ticknor, Alford, 0 00 2d do., Mrs. E. Clark of Great Barrington, 5 00 3d do., Mrs. James W. Barry, 4 00 4th do., Mrs Lucy Thatcher "of Lee, 3 00 5th do., Mrs. C. S. Joyner of Egremont, 2 00 6th do., Mrs. S. E. Buck of Stockbridge, 1 00 7th do., Mrs. Harry Winchell of Egremont, 1 00 8th do., Mrs. F. F. Clark of Great Barrington, 1 00 9th do., Mrs. E. C. Woodruff of West Stockbridge, 1 00 For the best three pounds woolen yarn, Mrs. G. II. Babcock of Lenox, 3 00 2d do., Mrs. B. N. Clark of Sheffield, 2 00 3d do., Mrs. L. J. Wright of Egremont, 1 00 For the best three pairs?linen hose, Mrs. S. W. Carter of Becket, 2 00 2d do. Miss Sarah Haller of Lee, 1 00 Best four pairs Woolen Hose, Mrs. B. M. Walker, Gt, Barrington, 3 00 2d do, Mrs. Jared Mansir of Monterey, 2 00 3d do, Mrs. Jason Langdon of Monterey, 1 00 4th do, Mrs. Hannah Carter of Becket, 1 00 For the best three pairs woolen mittens, Mrs. E. C. Brewer, Monterey, 2 00 2d do, Mrs. L. N. Millard of Becket, 1 00 3d do., Mrs. E. M. Wiuchcll of Great Barrington, 50 29 For the best lady's hat, Miss Emma Fryer, Great Barrington, 2 00 3d do., Miss M. French of Sheffield, 1 00 A case of hats exhibited by Miss P. E. Walker of Great Barrington, would have been entitled to the first premium, but they were entered for exhibition onlv. II. W. Smith, } H. L. Plumb, J. M. Burghardt, j- Committee. Electa Tittle, Mary Fryer, J PAINTINGS AND FANCY WORK. The committee to whom was referred the delicate task of deciding on the relative merits of the objects of taste and beauty included in the di- vision of paintings and fancy work, has attended to its duties, and submits the following* report : — Any committee formed, as this one was, of four ladies and one gentle- man would find itself in an embarrassing position when brought to the con- sideration of its duties. Shakspeare tells us that " Beauty itself doth of itself persuade The eyes of men without an orator" But when the powers of oratory are united with the charms of beauty, the single gentleman cannot hope to be a match for the four ladies, and, mak- ing a virtue of necessity he must give up his judgment to that of the sex that combines grace with taste. The gentleman of your committee sug- gests, therefore, that in future there be two ladies and one gentleman on this division. The different opinions can then be more readily reconciled, and the examination more expeditiously performed. The arrangement of the articles demands a word. Those of the same class ought to be placed as near together as possible, in order to allow of their comparison by the committee. When the wax-flowers arc hung among the bed-quilts, and the drawings are alternated with the paintings in oil and sketches in water, and some articles are with the specimens of needle-work, as was the case at this fair, the labors of the examiners are increased, the rights of the exhibitors are imperilled, and exact compari- sons are out of the question. We suggest therefore, secondly, that an officer of the society be respon- sible for the arrangement of all the articles, — that he put them in the best places for the convenience of the committees, — and that no exhibitor be permitted to place his ov\ n articles without such supervision. We suggest thirdly, that a set of premiums be offered for paintings in oil colors, and another for paintings in water-colors, for it is manifestly wrong to put such dissimilar elements as oil and water in competition in the same class. We would also have a set of premiums for crayon sketches, and another set for pencil drawings. Further we would suggest that if more adequate premiums were to be offered for photographs, the many excellent artists in Berkshire might be led to enter the lists in competition. 30 Let premiums be ottered for the best portraits, — for the best scenes pho- tographed from nature, and from the best specimens of colored photographs. By this means, it appears to your committee, the cause of art would be advanced, and the walls of the society's hall adorned at each exhibition. We deem the premiums now offered for work in wax, hair, feathers, cones, and the like, generous and fully equal to any merit that the manu- facture of such articles can possibly imply, Our reasons for these opinions will appear below. In offering premiums for paintings and works of art, this society is doing a good thing and advancing the great cause of the elevation of society, and the education of public taste. These premiums must, however, be of- fered and awarded with good judgment in order to accomplish the most in this direction. Taste is that power of the mind by which we discern and judge of the beautiful in nature and art. Its nature is two-fold, for, while it discrimi- nates between beauty and deformity, it also is a source of pleasure and of pain. It is the result both of natural sensibilities and of culture. While it may be improved by culture, there is no arbitrary set of rules by which it may be measured . In some degree it must always differ in different per- sons, and yet there is a great variety of questions in aesthetics upon which mankind generally are agreed, and from this variety certain general prin- ciples may be deduced by which we may judge of our own decisions. That this is so, we can see by the light of history. Thus, the Venus that the Greek artist Praxitiles evoked from the marble five hundred years before Christ was born, pleased the cultivated taste of the great Pericles no more than it would to-day please the most critical taste of the nineteenth century. The Venus of the Roman capitol has been a model for two thousand years, and is no less a model now than it was when first the artist's skilled hand made it the embodiment of the idea in his brain. The mosaic doves which charmed the elder Pliny, nineteen centuries ago, are still the delight of visitors to the Capitoline museum at Rome. In like manner the frescoes of Michael Angelo, and the paintings of Raphael Sanzio agree with the taste of cultivated artists now, as well as they did when they were fresh, four hundred years ago. The highest style of painting is found in the representation of the " hu- man form divine," generally as the exponent of a great idea. Then follow historical painting, landscape painting, portrait painting, and the painting of animals. Last of all is genre painting, or the representation of familiar scenes, interiors, etc., which affords little scope for either the imagination or the inventive faculties. Paintings must exhibit shape, size, light and shadow, color and texture, and are to be examined in all these respects. Shakespeare tells us that " Truth needs no color, beauty no pencil," but if he had examined some of the mountains your committee examined, he would confess himself mis- taken. Those mountains needed a good deal more color to make them ex- hibit a picture anything like truth. It will be acknowledged that the artist's labor demands faculties which 31 all do not possess, and while we should, and do, encourage the cultivation of these talents, it should not surprise us that good artists are rare. There is but one Church, one Powers, one Hosmer. While the labor of the artist calls for great talents, he who would crit- icise the product of his genius, should be the possessor of a somewhat sim- ilar taste. Your committee, therefore, presents this report with diffidence, asking charity from the artists and from the society. Is it not deducible from what has been said, that works in feathers, wax, beads, seeds, cones and such like things, do not properly belong to the do- main of art, but fall into the more ephemeral and less noble list of curiosi- ties ? A collection of flowers made of squash seeds, or of wax, is a curiosity, not a work of high art. Such a creation may cultivate a certain kind of taste, but it is not the taste that Mr. Bierstadt or Miss Hosmer would delight in. It is questionable how far this Society does well to en- courage the manufacture of curiosities and works of abnormal art. We advise our artists, and we have some very promising ones, to study nature and the works of the great masters. To invent or to copy from a natural scene, is worth more than much copying of the works of other men. In the first case, the master creates; in the second, the slave servilly copies. A view of the mill at Curtisville, was from this fact valuable, and much to be commended. The committee award the following premiums: For the best specimen of painting, Miss E. L. Fairchild of Stockbridge, $5 00 2d do., Mrs. Mary L. Mercein of Sheffield, 4 00 3d do., Miss M. E. Townsend of Great Barrington, 3 00 4th do., M. S. Bidwell, Jr., of Sheffield, 2 00 5th do., Miss J. C. Burghardt of Stockbridge, 2 00 Extra premium, Miss S. T. Merritt of Egremont, 1 00 do., J. P. Moulton of Great Barrington, 1 00 For the best crayon picture, Miss Lizzie II. Brewer of Stockbridge, 3 00 2d do., A. J. Gardner of Lee, 2 00 3d do., Miss A. L. Pixley of Great Barrington, 1 00 Miss M. E. Townsend of Great Barrington deserves mention. The com- mittee would have awarded her a premium if she had already not taken one for a painting in this class. For best specimen of Wax Flowers, Miss M. S. Joyner of Egremont, 3 00 2d do., Miss Stella Newman of Egremont, 2 00 For best specimen of hair work, Mrs. J. N. Hayes of Gt. Barrington, 3 00 2d do., Miss Clara A. Cooper of Stockbridge, 2 00 For best skeleton leaves and flowers, Mrs. E. C.Walker of Stockbridge, 3 00 For best feather work, Miss M. J . Snvder of Great Barrington, 2 00 2d do., Miss Nellie Andrus of Sheffield, 1 00 For best cone work, Mrs. B. C. Foote of Sheffield, 2 00 2d do., Miss Ann Coon of Stockbridge, 1 00 3d do., Miss Nellie A. Clark of Great Barrington, 1 00 4th do., Mrs. A. Harrow of Sheffield, 50 32 For the best photographs, Mary B. Spencer of West Stockbridge, 5 00 2d do., J. Hall of Lenox, 4 30 For the best shell work, Mrs. N. T. Jennings of Sheffield, 1 00 2d do., Miss Nellie Kirby of Sheffield, 50 For best moss work, Mrs. Dwight Andrews of Sheffield, 2 00 2d do., Mary A. Townsend of Sheffield, 1 00 For best fancy cross, Mrs. E. C. Forbes of Sheffield, 1 00 2d do., Miss Clara J. Hurlbnrt of Great Barrington, 50 For fine specimens of graining, B. Almonte of Great Barrington, 1 00 For a wonderful specimen of seed work, Mrs A. Cornell of Hillsdale, 2 00 For superior bead work, Mrs George B. Cook of Sheffield, 1 00 For crystal work, Mrs.-W. Clark of Sheffield, 50 Arthur Gilman, Wm. B. Saxton, Miss Mary B. Spencer, ) Committee. Mrs. Susan E. Smith, I Miss Mary Townsend, j EMBROIDERY, NEEDLEWORK, &c. The committee on Embroidery, Needlework, &c, have awarded premi urns as follows: — needlework. For the best specimen, Mrs. W. W. Langdon of Monterey, 2d do., Miss Ella Goodrich of Stockbridge, 3d do., Mrs. F. O. Andrus of Sheffield, 3th do., Miss M. Dutcher of Sheffield, WORSTED EMBROIDERY. For the best specimen, Miss Anna Turner of Great Barrington, 2d do., Mrs. S. B. Goodale of South Egremont, 3d do., Mrs. Geo. Church of Great Barrington, 4th do., Mrs. Fanny Benedict ol Pittsfield, SILK EMBROIDERY. For the best specimen, Miss A. L. Pixley of Great Barrington, 2d do., Miss T. Pulver of Sheffield, 3d do., Mrs. D. W. Crippen of Egremont, 4th do., Mrs. Wm. S. Langdon of Monterey, CROCHET WORK. For the best specimen, Mrs. Geo. Gorham of Sheffield, 2d do., Mrs. J. N. Warner of Sheffield, 3d do., Mrs. M. K. Weiden of Richmond, 4th do., Miss Lizzie Sage of Sheffield, knit work. For the best specimen, Miss Mary J. Beach of Lee, 2d do., Miss Lottie Dresser of Great Barrington, $5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 $4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 $4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 $4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 $4 00 3 00 83 TATTING. For the best specimen, Miss Louisa Fellows of Pittsfield, $3 00 2d do., Miss M. Fryer of Great Barrington, 2 00 3d do., Mrs. Langdon Ilulett of Egremont, 1 00 BEAD WORK. For the best specimen, Miss Ella J. Langdon of Gt. Bar ring ton, $3 00 2d do., Miss Mary L'Hommedieu of Great Barrington, 2 00 3d do., Miss Susan Cook of Lenox, 1 00 NET WORK. For the best specimen, Mrs. Mary G. Stevenson of Sheffield, $3 00 2d do., Mrs. James Van Deusen of Sheffield, 2 00 3d do., Miss Martha French, of Sheffield, 1 00 DISCRETIONARY PREMIUMS. Best Crocket Work, Mrs. Luke Shead of Egremont, $2 00 2d do., Miss Hattie E. Palmer of Stockbridge, 50 Best Needle Work, Miss Ella Spurr of Sheffield, 50 Best Bead Work, Mrs. Jane Gaston of West Stockbridge, 50 Crochet Work, Mrs. Wm. Clark of Sheffield, 50 Needlework, Miss Mary Duaue of West Stockbridge, 50 Crochet Work, Mrs. Fanny M. Kellogg of Great Barrington, 50 Beadwork, Mrs. H. L. Granger of Great Barrington, 50 Crochet Work, Mrs G. H. Kirby of Sheffield, 50 Needlework, Mrs. Orren Benedict of Pittsfield, 1 00 Beadwork, Mrs. Geo. B. Cook of Sheffield, 50 Worsted Flowers, Miss Leila J. Rowley of Egremont, 50 Worsted Flowers, Miss Mary E. Lowry of Egremont, 50 W. H. Parks, " ) David Dazell, Jr., f Mrs. Geo. E Russell, ) Committee. Mrs. Joshua R. Lawton, Jr., J- Mrs. Nathan Taylor, ) BUTTER. The committee on butter, report fifty entries, which was by far the great- est number ever before offered for Premiums, and it was very difficult to determine the merits whore all was so good. Your committee award as follows: — For the best 20 pounds of butter, Mrs. E. X. Jovner of Egremont, $8 00 2d do., Mrs. Cyrus Hudson of Sheffield, 1 00 3d do., Thomas W. Barries of West Stockbridge, G 00 4th do., Mrs. E. N. Hubbard of Great Barrington, 5 00 5th do., Mrs. A. J. Palmer of Alford, 4 00 34 6th do., Mrs. E. M. Winchell of Great Barrington, 3 00 7 th do., Mrs. M. Brown of Egremont, 2 00 8th do., W. C. Langdon of Monterey, 1 00 All of which is respectfully submitted. William Selkirk, Edwin Adams, II . M. Huggixs, CHEESE. The committee on cheese respectfully submit the following- report : — Only eight entries of cheese exhibited, one of which was decidedly a number one cheese, but being an old one, according to the rules of the society, your committee could not give it a premium. Your committee make the awards as follows: For the best sixty pounds cheese, Mrs. O. E. Clark of Sheffield, $8 00 2d do., Lyman Huggins of Sheffield, 7 00 3d do., Mrs. C. 1). Langdon of Monterey, C> 00 4th do., Mrs. D. Baldwin of Egremont, 5 00 5th do., A. W. Merrill of Sandisfield, 4 00 6th do., Mrs. Uri Bradford of Egremont, 3 00 7th do., Guy Day of Great Barrington, 2 00 Zacheus Cande, ) LoRRix Keyes, j- Committee. Milton Abbey, ) BREAD, MAPLE SUGAR AND SYRUP. The members of this Committee were all present, and having carefully examined all the articles in their department, w:ere unanimous in their de- cisions and respectfully submit the same: — Best white bread, Mrs. M. Kane of Alford, $3 00 2d do., Mrs. William Pixley of Great Barrington, 2 00 3d do., Mrs. Orrin Curtiss of Sheffield, I 00 Best rye bread, Miss Katie R . Bassett of Lee, 3 00 2d do., Sarah Haller of Lee, 2 00 3d do., Mrs. II. L. Rowe of Great Barrington, 1 (\0 Best brown bread, Mrs. Elihu Church of Alford, 3 00 2d do., Mrs. L.J. Wright of Egremont; 2 00 3d do., Mrs C. M. Winchell of Great Barrington, 1 00 Best biscuit, Mrs. H. T. Candee of Sheffield, 2 00 2d do., Mrs. E. Couch of Great Barrington, 1 00 Best maple sugar, Geo. B. Cook of Sheffield, 3 00 2d do., Orrin Millard of Beckct. 2 00 3d do., Miss II. C. Garfield of Monterey, 1 00 35 Best maple syrup, A. W. Merrill of Sandisfield, 3 00 2d do., Mrs. T. H. Spencer of West Stockbridge, 2 00 3d do., Isaac Spurr of Sheffield, 1 00 The committee would also recommend that the following prizes he award- ed for superior honey: — Lewis Emmons of New Marlboro', $3 00 Charles Spurr of Sheffield, 2 00 Prizes were offered for best Sorghm Syrup, but as only one specimen was entered and that one in much smaller quantity that was prescribed, no premium was awarded. In order that the judgment of the committee may be approved, a few words of explanation may be necessary. The specimens presented for ex- amination were of a high order of merit, and the task of deciding as to their respective worth, was a difficult one. There were sixty-eight entries made in this department, and the difference in their qualities, by which the superior excellence of one above another was to be determined, was often very slight. In one or two instances, the white bread, which appeared the best outwardly, was found to be slightly sour, probably from having risen too long before baking. Occasionally too much yeast was used in its prepa- ration, and its presence was too strongly marked in the taste of the bread. In one loaf, at least, the potato element was sufficiently prominent to cause decision against it. Had the committee judged by their eyes of some specimens offered, their decisions might have been different; for many loaves were perfect in form and color; but as the prime end of bread is to please the taste and nourish the body, that is the best which preserves in the best manner the native sweetness of the grain from which it is made. Judged by this standard, one of the poorest lookiny loaves of rye bread, received the first premium. In regard to honey, we wish to say, that no more of it was used by the ladies of the committee, than enough to fairly test its quality; and we ask that those to whom the honey belonged will not hold us resposible for all that was taken from the boxes. Quite a number of gentlemen enjoyed its sweets, who were self-appointed tasters. Mrs. 13. F. Parsons, Mrs. Albert Moore, Mrs. E. C. Ticknor, f Committee Mrs. W. C. Laxgdox, 1 Mrs. E. C. Woodruff, J FLOWERS. The committee on flowers report as follows: — Mrs E. C. Ticknor of Alford, $5 00 Henry T. Robbins of Great Barrington, 5 00 D. S. Draper of Great Barrington, 5 00 David Leavitt of Great Barrington, 3 00 Mrs. Dwight Andrews of Sheffield, 3 00 36 Miss E. N. Winchell of Great Barrington, 3 00 Mrs. L. J. Wright of Egremont, 3 00 Bouquet of everlastings, E. II . Tuttle of Sheffield, 2 00 Bouquet of everlastings, Miss Mattie Huntington of New Marlboro', 1 00 Pyramid of Dahlias Miss Lela Burtis of Egremont, 2 00 Bouquet of flowers, Mrs. N. C. Chapin of Great Barrington, 1 00 Wild flowers, Miss Nellie Andrews of Sheffield, 1 00 do., Miss Lillie Wickwire of Sheffield, 1 00 The exhibition of a stand of flowers from D. S. Draper, Esq., was thought by the committee, to have never been equalled at any previous ex- hibition of this Society. II. D. Train, Elihu Church, Mrs. Z. Cande, ) Committee. Mrs. A. L. Hubbell, j Mrs. Mercein, ) ) Co FRUITS. APPLES AND PEARS 1st DIVISION. For the best specimen of winter apples, Leonard Tuttle of Sheffield, 2d do., Charles Spurr of Sheffield, 3d do., Isaac Spun* of Sheffield, 4th do., Dwight Andrews of Sheffield, 5th do., T. H. Spencer of West Stockbridge, 6th do., F. K. Hinckley of Lee, For the best specimen of fall apples, D. F. Goodrich of Stockbridg 2d do., Harvey Royce of Sheffield, 3d do., L. G. Ramsey of Great Barrington, 4th do., Henry J. Leonard of Great Barrington, For the best variety of all kinds of fruits, Z. Candc of Sheffield, 2d do., Orren Cnrtiss of Sheffield, For the best specimen of pears, Samuel Goodrich of Stockbridge, 2d do., Warren Candee of Sheffield, 3d do., Ralph Little of Sheffield For the best single variety of pears, Henry Werden of Richmond, 2d do., Mrs. Guy Day of Great Barrington, 3d do., J. W. Candee of Sheffield, DWIGHT BOARDMAN, ) James Dewell, >- Committee. T. L. Foote. ) Peaches, Plums, Quinces, Grapes, Etc. Peaches, 3 entries; Quinces, 4 entries; Grapes, 4 entries; Grapes raised under glass, 2 entries; Grape Wine, 3 entries; Native Wine, 10 entries; Dried Fruit 5 entries; Canned Fruits, 7 entries; Cultivated Cranberries, 3. The committee on the 2d division of Fruit, peaches, plums, quinces, grapes etc, award as follows : $0 00 5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 , 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 7 00 6 G 5 4 o O 3 1 3? Best specimen of peaches, Charles Spurr of Sheffield, $3 00 2d do., Walter Richards of Lenox, 2 00 3d do., William E. Peck of Lenox. 1 00 Best specimen of quinces, Levi Boardman of Sheffield, 3 00 2d do., Mrs. G. I. Kipp of Sheffield, 2 00 3d do., L. M. Burghardt of Great Barrington, 1 00 Best specimen of Grapes, Henry Werden of Richmond, 5 00 2d do., Orrcn Cnrtiss of Sheffield, 4 00 3d do., Mrs. Z. Cande of Sheffield, 3 00 4th do., Samuel Goodrich of Stockbridge, 1 00 Best specimen grapes raised under glass, David Leavitt,Gt. Barrington, 4 00 2d do., J. M. Mackie of Great Barrington, 3 00 Best specimen grape wine, Ira Cnrtiss of Sheffield, 3 00 2d do., S. H. Bushnell of Sheffield, 2 00 3d do., Mrs. Joseph Kline of Egremont, 1 00 Best specimen native wine, P. Hubbard of Sheffield, 3 00 2d do., Mrs. E. M. Wood of Monterey, 1 00 Best specimen dried fruit, Mrs. L. J. Wright of Egremont. 3 00 2d do., Mrs. A. McArthur of Sheffield, 2 00 3d do., Miss Martha Snyder, of Great Barrington, 1 00 Best specimen canned fruits, Mrs. J. N. Warner of Sheffield, 3 00 2d do., Mrs. Wm. Makely of Egremont, 2 00 3d do., Mrs. H. W. Burget of Egremont, 1 00 Best specimen cultivated cranberries, John Cook of Lenox, 1 00 M. Warner, ) Chas. E. Heath, [■ Committee. Guy Day, ) MECHANICAL PRODUCTIONS. The committee on mechanical productions, in attending to the duty as- signed them in the useful arts, connected as those arts are with the com- forts and conviences of life, are of the opinion that they deserve at all times the fostering care of this society. In a community where labor is high, and in constant demand, and where the genius of the people is prolific in inventions of vast value, and where every new discovery that diminishes manual labor becomes of vast consequence, it seems wise to hold forth such rewards as may stimulate ingenuity and indemnify expense. When the national government has granted by letters patent, would it not be sound policy to reward with liberality the authors of such inventions as produce saving of labor in agricultural mechanical pursuits ? Many ar- ticles of exquisit workmanship have been presented in the various depart- ments at our fairs and exhibitions, greatly creditable to those who furnish them, and your committee recommend that the rules of the society regulat- ing premiums be liberally extended. Your committee acting under the present rules award as follows: — 38 Double harness, Fellows Gale of West Stockbridge, $4 00 Stamp for marking clothing, S. A. Bowen of North Adams, 1 00 Mechanical dock, B. Almonte of Gt. Barrington, 4 00 Sewing machine, M. M. Barnes of North Adams, 2 00 Ivory swifts, Mrs. N.T. Jennings of Sheffield, 1 00 Horse shoes, Henry Moore of Sheffield, 2 00 Set wagon wheels, Whitmore & Pixley of Great Barrington, 4 00 Two fox skins, C, W. Brett of Monterey, 50 Ox bows, E. C. Hall of Egremont, 50 Button hole and sewing machine, Joseph Gregory of Pittsfield, 4 00 Whips, Win. R, Baldwin of New Marlboro', 1 00 Buckskin leather, Baldwin, Hartwell & Co., New Marlboro', 1 00 Wagon jack, E. It. Baldwin of New Marlboro', 2 00 Butter tub, H. C Warner of Great Barrington, 1 00 Pounding tub, I). Warner of Great Barrington, 50 Stencil plates, C. II. Little of Sheffield, 50 Bracket book shelf, C. II. Owles of Stockbridge, 50 Twelve ax helves, Austin Lindsey of Sheffield, 1 00 'lllt'lve ax helves, Benjamin Powell of Great Barrington, 1 00 Ijitent drive well, Coinstock & Adams of Great Barrington, 4 00 Two feed cutters, A. II. Pease of Lee, 3 00 Four ax helves, Joel E. Deland of Sandisfield, 1 00 Clothes frame and fruit dryer, George W. Bennett of Gt. Barrington, 2 00 T. II. Spencer, j Almon I. Lorixg, >- Committee. John G. Mansir, ) AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. The committee on agricultural implements of the Housatonic agricultu- ral society, at an exhibition of mowing machines, horse rakes, and hay tedders, held upon the grounds of said society, June 23d, 1868, oiler the following report:— Man has two natures: one which ranks him with animals, and which may be called his physical or animal nature; and another which ranks him far above animals, and may be called his intellectual or spiritual nature. One of these natures is bounded by time and earth, and the other is boundless as eternity. These two natures are necessarily most intimately connected in this life, and upon the harmony and perfect blending of the two depends man's happiness and success. The more perfect man's physical nature, and the more enlarged and cultivated his intellectual nature, the better ability it gives him to attend to his physical wants. A certain amount of physi- cal exercise is necessary to develop the physical and intellectual nature ; but constant and severe physical labor does not tend to increase man's thinking powers. Man intellectually is a progressive being, and that progress is only limited by his ability to grasp the elements, the animal, the vegetable and mineral 39 world, and make them subserve bis interest. As man becomes educated he becomes inventive, he finds shorter ways to effect given results ; and every improvement, whereby man's power is made more effective, so that greater results are obtained from a given force, lessens the necessity for constant and severe toil and raises man from the animal towards the intel- lectual. The rapid strides man has taken during this nineteenth century in his in- creased ability to gratify his physical and intellectual wants, no one can measure; but that his wants increase with his ability to gratify them, is ap- parent, and we think legitimate. In the application of steam to manufacturing and locomotive purposes, and of electricity to the transmission of information from one point to an- other, time and space are annihilated; and as man adapts these and other improvements to subserve his interest and pleasure, he is not bounded by narrow limits, but lives with a rapidity before unknown. The improvements and inventions of the past century have been such that in many cases man's power to accomplish has been increased from live to one thousand fold. The various improvements of machinery, and the application of steam, water, horse, and other powers, to accomplish what was formerly performed by man's muscle alone, giving man an opportunity to see, hear and reflect, and to bestow care and attention upon his wants, which adds greatly to his happiness and pecuniary condition. Perhaps in no trade, occupation or profession is there so much toil for the pay received, as with the farmer, and he waits long and with great patience for the re- turns of his labor, — but those returns arc measurably sure, and as he reaches his hand down into the earth for an honest living, he feels that he has prejudiced no man's just rights. And the farmer, having toiled long and hard for what he gets, knows the value of what he has. Perhaps there is no class so slow to make themselves familiar with and adopt those improvements which will lessen their labors, as farmers; but it is only by inventing and adopting every means which will add to the efficien- cy of man's labor, that the farmer can keep pace with the progressive age, and maiutain that position in community that his industry and integrity should merit. The improvements of agriculture, the success of agriculture, and above all the dignity of agriculture, must depend upon the education, and the in- telligence of those who pursue it. The success of the farmer of the pres- ent day does not depend mainly upon the amount of hard work he performs, but whether his returns are Drought in with the least necessary expense. Whether he secures the aid of such machinery and power as will enable him to accomplish the most with the least outlay. By the aid of the agri- cultural machinery of the present day, the. farmer's life need not be one of constant toil. He can plant and hoe with machinery; he can mow, spread, rake and pitch with machinery; and it is for the purpose of showing to the farmer that it is for his interest to let the horses mow and rake, that we are gathered here this day, and also to test which of the several kinds of mow- ing machines and horse rakes are the best for use, and in making a selec- 40 tion, simplicity and durability, as well as ability to do, should be considered. Wc should advise every farmer in Berkshire county to do what he can to make his meadows fit for the mowing machine and horse rake ; re- membering- that there will be horses when he is dead, and that horse labor is cheaper than hiring and boarding men ; that by being able to do more in a given length of time he may secure his hay at the best sea- son and in the best condition; and we will advise him that one ton of June cut hay is worth two tons of August cut; that large rocks may many times be disposed of in the cheapest way by sinking below the surface; and we further suggest that if this day's exhibition lias not decided which is the best mowing machine, it has decided that to use either of the eight kinds exhibited is far better than to do the work by hand. We find eight different kinds of two-horse machines on exhibition, which have made a trial of their skill, and all have performed their work well, catting one-eighth of an acre each. To the " Granite State," entered by D. S. Farnum of South Adams, and manufactured by D. J. Farnum of Pittsfield, lirst premium, $10 00 To the " Wood Machine " of Hoosick Falls, N. Y., entered by the mak- er, second premium, $5 00 To the "Eureka," by Wilbur, Stevens & Co., of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., with five feet cutting bar, cutting in front of wheels, a gratuity of $3 00 To the " Clipper, "entered by Clipper Mowing Machine Co , of New York, a gratuity of $2 00 The " Clipper " machine works easily and still, and we are of the opin- ion that for smooth ground this machine is not excelled. The " Perry" machine was entered by T. D. Thatcher, agent, Lee, and is a good machine. The " American " machine was entered by Liveras Dunning, agent, Brookfield, Conn., a machine simple in construction and accounted self- oiling. The "Kniffin" machine was entered by N. L. Dexter, agent, Salisbury, Conn. It adapts itself readily to uneven ground. The " Monitor " was entered by Wm. Boardman of Sheffield, and worked well. There were also, four one-horse machines on exhibition which performed their work well. We saw no "Buckeye," " Hubbard," or "Ketchum" machines. There were three horse rakes that made an effort to rake the green and trampled grass, and all failed. H. B. Stevens of Richmond, entered the " Bullard " hay tedder, which kicked up the grass wonderfully, and to which we award the first premium of $3 00 T. D. Thatcher of Lee, exhibited the "American Tedder " which worked well, and to which we award the second premium of $2 00 Most of the mowing machines were exhibited under the direct care of the manufacturers, who manifested a deep interest in their success, and 41 with the little time and opportunity your committee had to test the various machines, we do not feel that our decisions should be made the test to gov- ern others in their selections. But of this we are sure, that no man who makes hay for profit, can af- ford to do without a mowing machine and horse rake. The man who puts his labor in competition with the labor of his neighbor's horse, must toil early and late, work hard and be content with small profits, as will be seen by the estimate which we append herewith. In this estimate we count man's labor at 25 cents per hour, and span of horses the same; and with present improved mowers, machine mowing is not hard work for man or horses. Very different work from swinging the scythe by hand. A man with a machine and span of horses, will cut five acres in five hours; with rake and one horse will rake five acres in two hours. Five men will mow five acres in five hours, and three men will rake by hand, five acres in five hours, and allowing eight tons of hay to the five acres, the account will stand thus: MoAving eight tons hay with machine, $2 50 Raking " " " " horse rake, 1 00 $3 50 Mowing eight tons hav bv hand, $6 25 Raking " " •'" " " 3 75— $10 00 Showing the cost in one case to be $3 50 per eight tons, or 43 3-4 cents per ton, and in the other $10 per eight tons, or $1 25 per ton, and in ad- dition to this may be added the independence from hired help, and the ability to secure the hay at the best time. All of which is respectfully submitted. C. O. Perkins, ) Leonard Potter, >- Committee. Albert Ticknor, ) Great Barrington, June 23, 1868. AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS EXHIBITED AT FAIR, There were but fourteen entries in this division. A number of these were made by the patentees of the articles exhibited. To encourage the inventors of agricultural implements to exhibit their inventions at the meet- ings of our society, we have recommended certain extra premiums to the makers of those that were this year presented. On the other articles exhibited we have awarded premiums as follows: Best churn, S. K. Norton of Great Barrington, $2 00 2d do., H. D. Hollenbeck of Egremont, 1 00 There was but one entry of Cultivators to which we award the sec- ond premium to Miles Avery of Great Barrington, 3 00 Best corn shelter, W. S. Treat of Agawam, 2 00 2d do, C. C. French of West Stockbridge, . 1 00 42 Best horse fork, C. G. Hollenbeck of Great Barrington, 2d do., horse fork, A. Shears of Sheffield, We recommend the following: extra premiums: — Two corn baskets, Samuel Goodrich of Stockbridgc, Corn planter, Harper & Partridge of New York, Fruit picker, Turner & Co., Wollcottville, Ct., Potato hooks, A. Hecamer of New Castle, N. Y., Ox yoke, Rollin Thompson of Sandisfield, Gate, E. A. Hulbcrt of Great Barrington, Garden force pump, II. T. Bobbins of Great Barrington, All of which is respectfully submitted. N. Race, } Leonard Potter, > Albert Ticknor, ) 4 00 a oo 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 Committee. ANIMALS. FIRST division. The committee on Fat, Working and Fancy Oxen, have awarded pre- miums as follows: — Best yoke of fat oxen, Luther S. Butler of Lenox, $10 00 2d do., Jared Lewis of Great Barrington, 8 00 Best yoke of working oxen, F. G. Abbey of Great Barrington, 10 00 2d do., W. Crissey of Great Barrington, 8 00 3d do., H. H. B. Turner of Great Barrington, 0 00 4th do., E. N. Hubbard of Great Barrington, 5 00 5th do., George O. Peck of Lenox, 4 00 Best pair of fancy matched oxen, Miles Avery of Great Barrington, 10 00 2d do., M. W. Butler of Lenox, 8 00 Leonard Tuttle, Frederick Fitch, J- Committee. Henry Tobey, second division. Entries — four-years-old, 6; threc-years-old, 8. The committee in the second division, embracing four-years-old oxen, and three-y cars-old steers have attended to their duties and submit the follow- ing report: For the best four-years-old oxen, Miles Avery of Great Barrington, $8 00 2d do., Elisha Collins of (Great Barrington, 7 00 3d do., E. R, Joyner of Sheffield, GOO 4th do., J. P. Tobey of Great Barrington, 5 00 5th do., Rufus C. Fargo of Monterey, 4 00 6th do., John E. Harris of Egrcmont, 3 00 43 For the best three-years-old steers, Geo. O. Peck of Lenox, T 00 2d do. , John M. Cook of Lenox, 6 00 3d do., F. B . Wilcox of Sheffield, 5 00 4th do., Wm. E. Peck of Lenox, 4 00 5th do., John R. Hopkins of Sheffield, 3 00 Noah Gibson, Chairman. THIRD DIVISION. Entries — two-y ears-old, 7; Yearling Steers, 8; Yearling Heifers, 15. Best two-vears'old steers, Wm. O. Curtis of Lenox, $5 00 2d do.,*L. S. Butler of Lenox, 4 00 3d do., Miles Avery of Great Barrington, 3 00 4th do., John M. Cooper of Stockbridge, 2 00 Best yearling steers, M. W. Butler of Lenox, 4 00 2d do., Wm. II . Hubbard of Great Barrington, 3 00 3d do., W. P. Palmer of Stockbridge, 2 00 Best yearling heifers, John H. Coon of Sheffield, 4 00 2d do., George C. Curtis of Lenox, 3 00 Henry Burtoh, j Elisha L. Tobey, /- Committee. John Hall, ) fourth division. Entries— Milch Cows, 20; Fat Cows, 3. The committee who were appointed to the difficult task of deciding be- tween the large number of good cows presented for the premiums offered by the society, have attended to their duties, and make the following re- port. There were nineteen cows entered for premium. All of them were good. Consequently, the committee were very much embarrassed, and more particularly by finding that the cows upon which they were called to judge were scattered so far apart, and at the same time mixed with cows of auother division, that it was necessary to pass along the line several times, before they could make any decision; and if we have erred in our award, it was owing in a great measure, if not entirely, to the above named difficulties. We sincerely hope for the good of future committees that bet- ter accommodations will be provided by the society, so that stock of differ- ent divisions may be by themselves. Another source of trouble to the committee, was the impatience of the competitors, some of whom were in such a hurry, that their cows were taken off the ground before we had fin- ished our duties. We award as follows, to wit: — For the best milch cow, Zacheus Candee of Sheffield, $y 00 2d do., Miles Avery of Great Barrington, 8 00 3d do., J. M. Mackie of Great Barrington, 7 00 4th do., W. H. Parks of Great Barrington, 0 00 5th do., M. R. Brown of Egremont, 5 00 b'th do., John F. Sanford of Great Barrington, 4 00 7th do., Horatio Tuttle of Sheffield, 3 00 44 8th do., Luther S. Butler of Lenox, 2 00 9th do., J. P. Tobey of Great Harrington, 1 00 There were three entries for the premiums offered for fat cows, on which which we have awarded: Win. H. Day of Great Harrington, $4 00 Jared Lewis of Great Harrington, 3 00 All of which is respectfully submitted. Thos. Wells, Chairman. FIFTH DIVISION. Entries— Two-years-old Heifers, 19; Fat Heifers, 3; Bull Calves, 8; Heifer Calves, 10. The committee for the fifth division having performed the duties assigned them in that capacity, submit the following report, to wit: Best two-years-old heifer having had calf, George C. Curtis of Lenox, $6 00 2d do., Levi Boardman, Jr., of Great Barrington, 5 00 3d do., Miles Avery of Great Barrington, 4 00 4th do., J. P. Tobey of Great Barrington, 3 00 5th do., Fred. A. Burghardt of Great Barrington, 2 00 Best fat heifer, W. S. Wilcox of Sheffield, 3 00 2d do., W. P. Palmer of Stockbridge, 2 50 Best Bull Calf, F. K. Hinckley of Lee, 4 00 2d do., Orren Curtiss ot Sheffield, 3 00 3d do., O. H. Munson of Monterey, 2 00 Mr. T. I). Thatcher of Lee, exhibited a fine Jersey Bull, "Sir Henry," which, had your committee better understood the qualities of blooded stock, might have obtained a better premium, but for which your committee recommend an extra premium of $2 00 Best heifer calf, E. B. Garfield of Monterey, 3 00 2d do., Robert P. Kilborn of Great Barrington, 2 00 3d do.. George Kellogg of Sheffield, 1 00 Best goat, Master Henry I). Miles of Great Barrington, 1 00 W. C. Langdon, Chairman. SIXTH DIVISION. Entries of three Stock Cows, 6; Single Cows, 12. Best three stock and dairy cows, Geo. Higgiuson of Stockbridge, $8 00 2d do., Orren Curtiss of Sheffield, 6 00 3d do., E. M. Winchell of Great Barrington, 4 00 Best stock cow and progeny, F. K. Hinckley of Lee, 6 00 2d do., John H. Coon of Sheffield, 5 00 3d do., John M. Cooper of Stockbridge, 4 00 4th do., W. S. Wilcox of Sheffield, 3 00 5th do., F. A. Burghardt of Great Barrington, 2 00 The above premiums were awarded by the committee. D. B. Fexx, / Wm. Dewey, !- Committee. Jared Lewis, i 45 SEVENTH DIVISION. Entries — Heifers, 1: Native Bulls, 4; Durham, 2; Ayrshire, 3; Jersey, 2 Best two-year-old heifer, not having had a calf, Win. S. Wilcox of" Sheffield, ■ $4 00 2d do., A. C. Butler of Lenox, 3 00 3d do., Win. Burghardt of Great Barrington, 2 00 4th do , Edwin Laird of Great Barrington, 1 00 Best native or grade bull, Elisha Collins of Great Barrington, 7 00 2d do., J. W. Parks of Sheffield, 6 00 3d do., Harvey Shears of Sheffield, 5 00 4th do., H. D Hollenbeck of Egremont, 4 00 Best thorough-bred Durham bull, Thos H. Curtis of Great Barrington, 6 00 2d do., Charles Dunning of Lenox, 5 00 Best thorough-bred Ayrshire bull, Theron L. Foote of Lee, 6 00 2d do., L. W. Hyde of Egremont, 5 00 Best thorough-bred, Alderney or Jersey bull, J. Milton Mackie, of Great Barrington, 0 00 2d do., D. S. Draper of Great Barrington, 5 00 J, R.Lawton, Jr., J E. C. Wolcott; >- Committee. Austin A. Barnes, ) EIGHTH DIVISION. Entries — Herds, 5; Durham, 1; Ayrshire, 0; Jersey, 2. The committee on awards in this division have endeavored to perform the duties assigned them, and report as follows: — There were 7 entries in this division; 5 of mixed-blood cattle of not less than six in number; and 2 en- tries of Jersey blooded stock of not less than four in number, and all worthy of premiums, and your committee after disadvantageonsly viewing stock running over the grounds, award as follows: Best display of neat stock of not less that six in number, grown by the competitor, S. M. Cooper of Stoekbridge, $8 00 2d do., Joseph Willcox of Sheffield, 6 00 3d do.. Henry Dresser of Stoekbridge, 4 00 And for a handsome display of fine young stock by J. W. Parks of Shef- field, an extra premium, 4 00 Best display of Jersey blood neat stock of not less than four in num- ber, J. Milton Maekie of Great Barrington, 8 00 2d do., D. S. Draper of Great Barrington, 0 00 James Hyde, ) Fredrick Abbey, >- Committee. Adna W. Merrill, ) ninth division. Entries — Boars, 9; Sows, 7. The committee on swine report as follows: — For best boar, C. H. Dewey of Sheffield, $5 00 46 2d do.. Elijah Hubbard of Great Barring-ton, 4 00 3d do., E C. Hall of Egremont, 3 00 4th do., W. H. Palmer of Stoekbridge, 2 00 For best sows and pigs, Edgar Kilbourn of Great Barrington, 6 00 2d do., Horatio Tuttle of Sheffield, 5 00 3d do., Ozias Olds of Stoekbridge, 4 00 4th do., Stephen Baldwin of Egremont, 3 00 • William Stoddard, Chairman. TENTH DIVISION. Coarse wool bucks, -2 entries; fine wool bucks, 6 entries; fat wethers, 3 entries. Best coarse wool buck, George E. Russell of Great Barrington, $4 00 2d do., L. S. Butler of Lenox, 3 00 Best fine wool buck, Elihu Church of Alford, 5 00 2d do., J. Milton Machie of Great Barrington, 4 00 3d do., Edward A. Hurlbert of Great Barrington, 2 00 The best fine wool buck was presented by C. B. Benedict of West Stock- bridge, but not coming within the rules of the society, not having been owned by competitor three months preceding fair, your committee could not award premium. M. M. Blake of Salisbury, Ct., exhibited 2d best fine wool buck, but not residing within limits of society, was prohibited from premium. Best five fat wethers, Wm. II. Day of Great Barrington, $5 00 2d do., James II. Rowley of Egremont, 4 00 3d do., Harvey II. B. Turner of Great Barrington, 2 00 Harry Rhoades, ) Warren Walker, >- Committee. John L. Milligan, \ ELEVENTH DIVISION. Entries — Fine Wool Ewes, 5; Coarse Wool, 5; Fine Lambs, 4; Coarse 2. Best fine wool ewes, C. B. Benedict of West Stoekbridge, 2d do., Leonard Tuttle of Sheffield, Best coarse wool ewes, G. E. Russell of Great Barrington, 2d do., Marshal Brace of Lee, 3d do., U. E. Curtis of Great Barrington, Best fine wool lambs, Guy Day of Great Barrington, 2d do., J. A. Kline Egremont, Best coarse wool lambs, H. D. Cone of Stoekbridge, 2d do., James H. Rowley, Egremont, James Shead, ) I. J. Lowerv, >- C. E. Slater, ) $5 00 4 00 5 00 4 00 2 00 4 00 3 00 4 00 3 00 Committee. 41 TWELFTH DIVISION. Entries — Bucks, 8; Ewes, 3; Lambs, 4, Your committee on south down sheep beg- leave to report, without re- marks, that they have attended to their duties and have awarded the pre- miums as follows: — Best south down buck, Wm. S. Willcox of Sheffield, $4 00 2d do., H. L. Rowe of Great Barrington, 3 00 3d do., J. L. Milligan of Alford, 2 00 Best south down ewes, Thos. H. Curtis of Great Barring-ton, 4 00 2d do., Jas. Willcox of Sheffield, 3 00 3d do., Cyrus Brusie of Egremont. 2 00 Best south down lambs, F. B. Wilcox of Sheffield, 4 00 2d do., Leonard Post of Alford, 3 00 3d do., Charles Sage of Sheffield, 2 00 James W. Parks, ) Joseph A. Kline, >- Committee. S. C. SCOVIELE, ) THIRTEENTH DIVISION. Entries — Bucks, 0; Ewes, 6; Lambs, 2, Best three grade wool ewes, G. M. Hollcnbcck of Great Barriugton, $4 00 2 do., M- S. Heath of Stockbridge, 3 00 Best five grade wool lambs, Guy Day of Great Barriugton, 4 00 2d do., Benton E. Stoddard of Alford, 3 00 Nathan Willis. ) John Lewis, [ Committee. Rufus Branch, ) fourteenth division. Entries — Work Horses, 9; Pair Carriage, 4; Single, 11. Best work or farm horses, Warren Crissey of Great Barrington, $8 00 2d do., T. D. Thatcher of Lee, 7 00 3d do., Miles Avery of Great Barrington, 0 00 4th do., Frank Curtis of Sheffield, 5 00 Best single carriage horse, Warren H. Dalrymple of North Adams, 5 00 2d do., Legrand Ramsey of Great Barrington, 3 00 3d do., Elizur Smith of Lee, 2 00 Best pair carriage horses, Merrick G. Hall of Great Barrington, 7 00 2d do,. Henry C. Hulbert of Lee, 6 00 3d do., Henry Baker of Sheffield, 5 00 The committee regret that a fine gelding exhibited by Merrick Rice of Great Barrington, with single horses, could not receive a premium, not having been owned by the exhibitor three months according to regulatious. Joseph A. Benjamin. J Andrew Clark, > Committee. Geo. H. Huntington, ) R. W. Oles $8 00 7 00 6 00 5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 Chairman. 48 FIFTEENTH DIVISION. Your committee scarcely deemed themselves competent to pass an opin- ion in regard to this branch of stock-growing. Considerable attention has been paid to secure the most valuable qualities in breeding mares, and yet there is room for still greater improvement. We would recommend that more premiums be given in view of the fact that there were more worthy of preminms than we were authorized to award; consequently, your com- mittee found it extremely difficult to determine of their respective merits satisfactorily to themselves and the competitors. There were twenty-two en- tries. After a careful examination we have awarded as follows: — For the best breeding mare and colt, (colt sired by a full-blood " Hamil- tonian" owned by W. Shaver, Hillsdale, N. Y.,) Mrs. of Egremont, 2d do., John Conner of Sheffield, 3d do., H. L. Rowe of Egremont, 4th do., James H. Rowley of Egremont, 5th do., Henry Dresser of Stockbridge, 6th do., Charles L. Wright of Egremont, 7th do., Levi K, Kline of Egremont, JoiIN R, PRINDLE, SIXTEENTH DIVISION. Entries — Stallions, 3; three-years-old Colts, 8 ; two-years-old Colts, 11; Yearling Colts, 7; Stud Colts 1. Y"our committee have attended to the duties assigned them, and would speak of the interest manifested in the breeding and raising of that noblest of animals, the Horse, with great pleasure. So were the specimens shown in some of the classes that it was difficult to decide upon the merits and award so as to satisfy ourselves or the competitors themselves. If we have failed in our judgment, we hope all will remember that we are expected to be perfect or above censure. lrour committee would make particular mention of a three-years-old stud colt owned by John Winthrop of Stockbridge, sired by "Americus," owned and kept by Wm. J. Mallory of Lee. We are of the opinion that it was the finest three-ycars-old stallion ever ex- hibited upon the society's grounds. Best stallion, John Winthrop of Stockbridge, $10 00 2d do., G. H. Babcock of Lenox, 8 00 3d do., John Hale of Tyringham, 6 00 Best three-years-old colt, Elizur Smith of Lee, 5 00 2d do., Oliver Stafford of Great Barrington, 4 00 3d do., H. G. Ford of New Marlboro, ' 3 00 4th do., S. H. Bushnell of Sheffield, 2 00 Extra premium, Charles Sage of Sheffield, 1 00 do., Charles Brown of Sheffield, 1 00 do., Byron M. Hall of New Marlboro, 1 00 do., H. S. Mauley of Saudisfield 1 00 49 Best two-years-old colt, Martin Brown of Egremont, $4 00 •2d do., J. l\ Sheldon of Great Barrington, 3 00 3d to P. B. Giddings of Great Barring-ton, 2 00 4th do., Wm. A. Bnnee of Alford, 2 00 Best yearling colt, Thomas French, Jr., of West Stockbridge, 3 00 2d do., E. M. Winehell of Great Barrington, 2 00 3d do., M. I). Burghardt of Egremont, 1 00 Best stud colt, not over three years old, Michael McManus, X. Marlboro, 5 00 All of which is respectfully submitted. T. D. Thatcher, ) Edwin Hulbert, [- Committee. Ralph Little, ) SEVENTEENTH DIVISION. Entries — Single trotting horses, 5; matched trotting horses, 4; walking horses, 5. The single horses made good time, and were mostly fine animals. Wm. Mallory of Lee, was ruled out after winning one heat, as it was proved that his horse had trotted for money. Mr. Mallory claimed that it was for a premium' paid in cash, but on consulting the executive committee, we were told that a similar case was acted upon last year when it was decided that a horse, having previously trotted for money, either as a purse or premium, could not take a premium in this division. We would advise the executive committee to give more definite instructions, in future, to the committee in this division. The double teams did not merit much praise. Here we would recom- mend, that no entry be allowed after the advertised time for making them. The walking horses performed their part quite creditably. The first horse home was given the fourth premium, as he was urged beyond a walk. We award the following premiums : Best single trotting horse's, G. C. Cutting of Lee, 10 00 2d do., P. A. Russell of Great Barrington, 7 00 Best matched trotting horses, L.E. Rogers of West Stockbridge, 12 00 2d do., II. Calkins of Great Barrington, 8 00 Best walking horse, D. M. Crippen of Egremont, 5 00 2d do., G. H. Babcock of Lenox, 4 00 3d do., Silas S. Dewey of Alford, 3 00 4th do., A. G. Sweet* of Tyringham, 2 00 Wm. O. Curtis, ) John Stallman, >- Committee. Andrew Reasoner, ) Great Barrington, Oct. 1st, 1868. 50 EIGHTEENTH DIVISION. On Thursday, the trial of speed, matched trotting horses, open to all, took place, closed with three entries. A. H. Tracv, of Pittsfield, 1.1.1. $50 00 A. P. McCurdyof Greal Barrington, 3. 2. 3. 20 00 P. A. Russell of Great Barrington, 2. 3. 3. Time— 3:0Gla; 3:04^; 3.01. The trotting for the third day was unusually interesting, the heats were closely contested, and the time verV good, considering the state of the track, which was somewhat heavy, in consequence of rain. For the trial of speed, single county horses, never having trotted for a purse, there were five entries; four started in the race, " Flocks" having been drawn. A. PI. Tracv of Pittsfield, l>. g. '■ No Name," 3. 1. 1. 3. 1. $30 00 W. J. Mallory of Lee, eh. est Trio of Turkeys, V. K. Hinckley of Lee, 2d do., II. D. Hollenbeek of Kgremont, 3d do., H. (Si. Leonard, of Egremont, Best Trio of Geese, Elihn Church, Alford, 2d do., A. B. Stafford of Stockbridge, 3d do., H. M. Bassett of Lee, Best Coop Ducks, Hiram Dings of Egremont, 2d do., G. II. Race of Egremont, 3d do., W. 11. Palmer of Stockbridge, 4th do., S. Hopkins Bushnell of Sheffield, 5th do., Henry Ticknorof Alford, 6th do.. H. A. Carpenter of Stockbridge, $3 00 2 00 1 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 50 50 51 Best Coop Fowls, Geo. Bartholomew of Sheffield, ■id do., Rnfus C. Fargo, of Monterey, 3d do., Wm. Stevens of Sheffield, Bolton Greys, II. I). Hollenbeck of Egremont, Bramabs, Geo. W. Smith of Alford, Do., G. 11. Codding of Egremont, Do., Crossed, Erastus Warner of (J rent Harrington, Silver Hamburgh, Orrin E. Clark of Sheffield, White Hamburg, Wm. Wilson, Sheffield, Golden Pheasant, J. H. Baldwin of Becket, do., E. G. Langdon of Lee, Peacocks, C. G. llolleubeck of Great Barring-ton, Seebright Fowls, Orreu H, Muuson of Monterey, Fowls, C. L. Wrighl of Egremont, Do., Ozias Olds of Great Barrington, Do., Samuel r>. Cone of Lee, Do., John R, Prindle of Alford, Do., M. S. Heath of Stockbridge, Do., Henry tlresser of Stoekbridu-e, Do., George Kellogg of Sheffield, HENBY WlNCHELL, ) Isaac Perry, /- C Abel French, ) 2 00 1 50 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 'ommittec. PLOWING- HORSE TEAMS. The committee on horse teams, beg leave to report that notwithstanding the ridged, rough lands selected for the competitors to try their skill and power of endurance, yet they took the monster by the horns with resolu- tion and skill, such as your committee has not seen, and to a man, did their work well, well worthy of the society's favor. Your commi ee would make a suggestion in regard to the depth of plowing and do recommend that seven inches should be instituted for the si : inches, the order of last year, and that the last furrow but one should be plowed only five inches deep and the last furrow six inches deep; that will leave one inch for the land side sufficient to hold it to turn the last furrow with ease. Plowing horse teams, 7 entries. Best plowing team, Pat "ick Burns of Stockbiidge, $8 00 •2d do., Wm. S. Wilcox of Sheffield, 7 00 3d do., Benton E. Stoddard of Alford, 0 00 4th do., John Wiuthrop of Stockbridge, 5 00 5th do., Warren Crisseyof Great Barrington, 4 00 Joshua R. Lawton, ) Franklin G. Abbey, >- Committee. Henry Dresser, ) 52 PLOWING— OX TEAMS. The committee upon plowing with ox teams have attended to the duty assinged them, and report as follows: There were but three competitors presented themselves, and the plowing by all was excellent, and the com- mittee award as follows: Rest plowing, Horatio Tattle of Sheffield, £S 00 2d do., E. M. Joyner of Sheffield, 7 00 3d do , H. Luddington of Great Barrington, 6 00 Respectfully submitted. L. M. Pixley, ) 0. Wolcott, [- Committee. T. I). Thatcher, i ORCHARDS. The committee on orchards received invitations to examine the apple or- chards of Mr. Harvey Roys of Sheffield; Mr. Alfred II. Alexander of New Marlboro', and Mr. William Royce of Lanesboro', all of which they visited in 1866, and in 1868. Mr. Roys' orchard was set the spring of '66, consisting of fifty trees, thirty feet apart one way, and twenty the other. Should wre change the distance, we would sny thirty feet, at least, both ways, would be better; yes, even forty feet is better on good soil. Mr. Roys has made a good selection of trees, very good varieties, and for care is worthy of much credit. Mr. Alexander's trees numbering over one hundred well selected trees, well set, good soil, but no care after setting, and as we compare Mr. Roys' with Mr. Alexander's it shows that it is not enough merely to set a tree but it must be cared for. For "just as the twig is bent the tree is inclined." We think Mr. Royce of Lanesboro' made ;i mistake in the selection of his ground, and as he has a beautiful location for the number of trees that he has set — being a little over fifty — the commitee would recommend the re-setting of his orchard, and refer him to the associated editor of the Gleaner for council, for we think him to be a model man, especially in the cultivation of fruit trees. Mr. Roys' orchard was set on the modern quincunx plan, just thirty feet from tree to tree, forming rows in every di- rection. Thinking so much of the plan on which these trees were set, we almost lost sight of the growth of the tree. In consideration of which we award: First premium, Harvey Roys of Sheffield, $8 00 8d do., William Royce of Lanesboro', 4 00 All of which is respectfully submitted. Zacheus Canoe, ) S. M. Cooper, [- Committee. Habry Rhoades, ) 53 RECLAIMED LANDS. The committee appointed to examine orchards set in spring of 1865, and unproductive lands, both to be reported on and awards made in 1KG8, have attended to and performed said duty, and submit the following report: — There were six pieces of land containing not less than one acre each, all of which could be greatly improved by a reasonable application of labor. The piece owned by Orren Curtiss of Sheffield, was on the west side of Har- mon pond, and nearly on a level with the same, mostly muck covered, with bogs, hard hack, &c, the highest part covered with alders and other small wood, with a clay subsoil, a most forbidding looking piece ot laud, if it might be called such land by such a name. Theodore H. Fenn entered one acre on the west side of Negro pond swamp, a piece entirely unproductive, where cattle could not walk on a con- siderable part of it, covered with bogs, hard hack, alders, and large pine stumps, whortleberry bushes, &c, soil, muck, clay and gravel subsoil. John Hale of Tyringham, had in process of reclaiming, some three four acres, can be thoroughly drained, soil decomposed vegetable matter, washed from the hill east of it, by a brook running through the same. Lebbeus M. Pixley of Great Harrington, showed to your committee a beautiful piece of land near his barn which showed what a master hand could do in reclaiming land, and did not, in the opinion of the committee, at the time of examination, come within the term unproductive and unreclaimed land. Joel I'. Kilbourn of Great Harrington, had from three to four acres of swamp land, covered with hard hack, willows, bushes, &c, but little muck, some peat and clay. Not enough had been done on it to entitle the owner to a premium. David F. Goodrich of Stockbridge, entered one acre which many years since, had been mowed, producing coarse hay, but was entirely grown up to begs, coarse grass and bushes. He did only enough on a small part of it to show your committee that more labor bestowed on that land would not be lost. All the above lands have been examined three times by a majority, or or at least some one or more of the committee, viz: in September 1S65, 'bl and '68, they having witnessed the progress and success of the com- petitors. Your committee avail themselves of the statement of the com- petitors, and append the same as a part of their report. The first premium was awarded to Orrin Curtis of Sheffield, $10 00 statement of orrin curtis. Dr. 18 05— To labor on main ditch, $10 00 L^nderdrains, with plank bottoms and filled with stone, 15 00 Taking out brush, trees, hard hack, &c, by the roots, 35 00 Spreading muck from the main ditch, and harrowing in grass seed, &c, 5 00 Grass seed, timothy, and red top, 5 00 Three loads manure, 3 00 Expenses in 1805, $13 00 54 1866 — To cutting brash and weeds, and ploughing on the part join- ing the upland which was not finished last fall, 15 00 One under-drain commencing near the lines and running east six rods, and south four rods to main ditch, 12 00 One ditch near the centre of lot running from the upland, south to main ditch, with boards and poles in the bottom and filled wi h small stones, G 00 Harrowing, pulling roots, and carting them, 3 00 Grass seed, red top aud timothy, 4 00 Three loads manure, 3 00 Making and carting about four tons hay to barn, 12 00 $128 00 Ck. 1865— By five loads wood, $10 00 1866 — By fifteen loads of brush, weeds, muck, &c, drawn to the upland 20 cents per load, 3 00 Ticking small stones from the upland to fill ditches, twenty-five loads, 20 c nts per load, 5 00 About one ton of hay or grass standing, 8 00 1867 — About four tons hay put in barn, 48 ('0 1868 — About four aud one-half tons of hay standing on the lot, at $8 per ton, 36 00 $110 00 2d do., Theodore II. Fenn of Stoekbrrdge, .8 00 STATEMENT OF T. H. FENN. In the fall of '65, immediately after the examination of your committee, I commenced taking out the bushes, alders,willows, hard hack, stumps and bogs, most of which were removed by hand labor, as it was impossible to use a team on parts of it. A large quantity of wood, the roots of stumps and bogs, buried in muck, were discovered on removing brushes and bogs, which had not been seen by me before. Ditches were made to nearly surround the piece, and which by taking off the water greatly aided me in drying and reducing to ashes the debris on the same. The account will stand nearly as follows : — Dr. To one-half expense of ditches, $7 50 Bogging and removing brush, stumps and logs on the acre, twenty days, at $1.50 per day, 30 00 Burning debris, six days, i> 00 Drawing off stumps with team, 5 00 Grass Seed, 4 00 Eight loads manure on part of it, 8 00— $63 50 55 By ten cords of wood, Sixty bushels ashes at 10 cents, Ten bushels turnips at 25 cents. Six bushels buckwheat at 95 cents, Four bushels peas in pod, One and one-halt* tons hay standing, By balance charged lands, I\ S. — The ditches were made at 25 rents per rod. Cr, $20 00 6 00 2 50 5 70 4 00 9 00- -$47 2* $16 «} $63 3d do John Hale of Tyringham, 5 00 STATEMENT OF JOHN HALE. The piece of land that I entered for improvement was, in 1865, a swamp covered with stumps and brush. I commenced by cutting a ditch through one side of it, and in '65 removed most of the stumps and brush, and hoed into the muck potatoes on a part of it, from which I have har- vested a good crop. In the fall of '66, I worked a few days in getting out stumps, &c, but the season was so wet that I did not do as much as I wished to. In '67, I ploughed if with a heavy plough and two yoke of cattle, and this season I dragged it thoroughly and sowed buckwheat, and got a fair crop, and my land is now ready for the grass ^v(\. Then I think my laud will be worth $100 per acre, which was of little consequence before 1 commenced im- proving if. I have expended about $50 per acre, for which my crops would credit some $12. I). 15. Fexx, r Chairman. \V . \\ . HOLLEXHECK, J ORCHARDS SET IX 1865, AND REPORTED OX IN 1868. Five entries were made. One the committee ascertained was set in 1864 ; another contained a tew scattering trees, apples, pears and plums spring- ing up all over a large field. A third with fifty trees, mostly in good con- dition when first examined, were found on final examination, short in number with a stinted growth, and not in the opinion of your committee entitled to a premium. The only orchards shown your committee worthy of premium, were those of Patrick Burns of Stockbridge, and J. P.Kilbourne of Great Darrington. Burns has one hundred aud fifty trees, not a tree missing set in a gravelly loam soil (a hop yard), situated on the southern slope of a hill, a most beautiful and promising place for one in the decline of years to seek shelter in their shade, and pluck and eat as good, if not better ap- ples than Eden e?er produced. The trees were set in the soil without any manure or compost, and one man dug the holes as fast as two could set the trees. Beautiful specimens of apples were exhibited to the committee and 56* also at the fair, taken frotri these same trees of only three year? growth. We award P. Barns of Stockbridge, for the best apple orchard set" in 1865, $8 00 R. P. Kilbourne of Great Harrington has a beautiful orchard of more than one hundred trees, set in 1865, in a gravel and loam soil with a com- >ost of animal and vegetable manure. The trees exhibited a most healthy H>pearance, a vigorous growth and early promise. The selection is of the (jriicest standard varieties, and exhibits the judgment and good fade of Thi owner. We award R,P. Kilbourn of Great Harrington, second premium, $f> 00 I). F. Fenx, I n W. W. HOLLENBECX, j Committee. ~*^:tMU^ # •. —ALSO, THE— LIST OF PREMIUMS, COMMITTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY For 1870. GREAT BARRlNGTON, MASS.: MABCUB H. KOGEES. STEAM JOB PEINTEIt, 18 70. OFFIC MARSHALL S. VADM LLL Ml1 MumIuiuj^'kesidkxt. PARLEY A. RUSSELL of Great Barrington, 1st Yice-Pre RALPH LITTLE of Slieffield, 2d Yice-Pres. JUSTIN DEWEY, Jr., of Great Barrington, Treasurer. HENRY T. ROBBINS of Great Barrington, Secretary. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MARSHALL S. BIDWELL, Of Monterey. PARLEY A. RUSSELL, Of Great Barrington. RALPH LITTLE, Of Sheffield. JUSTIN DEWEY, Jr., Of Great Barrington. HENRY T. ROBBINS, Of Great Barrington, J AMES H. ROWLEY, Of Egrcniont. THOMAS WELLS, Of Stockbridge. JAMES HYDE, Of New Marlboro*. ALONZO BRADLEY, Of Lee. EZRA C. TICKNOR, Of Alford. COMMITTEE ON ACCOUNTS, ISAAC SEELEY of Great Barrington, JOHN L. DODGE of Great Barrington, HERBERT 0. JOYNER of Great Bairiimton. SUPERINTENDENT OF FAIR GROUNDS, EDWIN IIURLBTJBT of Great Barrinirtoii DELEGATE TO THE STATE BOARD, T. I). THATCHER, of Lee. ADDRESS THE OPPORTUNITIES OF TEE NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Friends and Fellow Members of the Eousatonic Agricultural Society: — I congratulate you upon an reassembling on this twenty-eighth anniver- sary of this flourishing association, under such auspicious aspects. The heavens smile upon us as they generally do upon the efforts of the farmers of Southern Berkshire and we need not anticipate their frowns so long as we continue the proud work of striving to elevate our calling by the best means within our reach. I rejoice with you upon the fine weather, the great display of cattle, of horticultural specimens from your gardens and fields, of the handiwork of our female associates exhibited in this hail, and last, but not least, on the brave show of men, women and youths here assembled to grace the occasion. All nations, ancient and modern, have in some form attested their vene- ration for agriculture, either by ceremonies at the beginning of the year, or by festivals at its close ; but it has been reserved for the Yankee mind to invent and perpetuate a system by which the advantages of common fairs, town meetings on agricultural subjects, and agricultural sermons arc combined. In August, 1810, Elkanah II. Watson, then an amateur fanner in Pittsfield, with twenty-six others, prepared and presented an appeal for an exhibition in the square in the village of Pittsfield, on the first of October ensuing, from nine to three o'clock, at which time the first Berkshire cattle show was exhibited with considerable eclat, though the farmers in the vicinity held back many of their animals for fear of being laughed at, " which," says Mr. Watson, " compelled me to lead the way with several prime animals," and as he had previously purchased some blooded pigs from Dutchess county, and Durham, or, as they were then called, English Bulls Address from Cherry Valley, in the State of New York, lie was probably enabled to make the Pittsfield fanners rejoice that they had not put in competition their long- legged, tall, lank sided swine, and their diminutive, peak backed mongrel bulls. But this show prepared the way for the " real exhibition " of 1811, and the incorporation of the Berkshire Agricultural Society, — with ample powers bin no funds. The clergy were at first shy of officiating on these occasions, considering them bubbles of the moment, but these bubbles have increased into tidal waves, washing not only the shores of New England, but the whole American continent. The list of agricultural fairs in the United States amounts to, at least, one thousand, and wherever the Yankee farmer goes, he carries with him, in addition to his pulpit, his school-house and his town meeting, his annual cattle show, and neither ministers nor lawyers are any longer shy of officiating on these occasions, either as exhibitors, preachers or spectators. But Elkanah's troubles were not over even after the successful establish- ment of the Berkshire Agricultural Society, and the filling its coffers with the aid of funds from Boston. His next endeavor was to get the female part of the community to identify itself with the society. " It wasagreat object" says the enthusiastic old man, when in his old age relating these occurrences, " to excite the females to a spirit of emulation ; we were satisfied no measures would lead to that result with so much certainty as premiums on domestic manufactures and closing the second 'Farmers' holi- day' in innocent festivity by an agricultural ball; also, to unite them in singing pastoral odes at tne church." Allot* which was effected in 1813, as well as the organization of a viewing committee of agriculture, and the old gentlemen relates witli marvellous interest, how he managed to induce the weaker sex to assemble together in a private room " where some valu- able premiums of silver plate were exclusively devoted to them," to be awarded on domestic manufactures and how they wouldn't go in until he procured his wife to precede them, such was their timidity! And what a glorious sight, said he, "to see a group of the most respectable farmers, (as if under the solemnity of an oath.) critically inspecting in the midst of fields of grain, grass, vegetables, &c. Also, the state of the orchards, buildings, fences and farming utensils, and to witness the anxious candidate for premiums attentively seizing every lisp favorable to his husbandry, or probable success," a sight, said he, "more exhilarating to the friends of patriotism than to view the gorgeous pageantry of palaces and their pam- pered tenants decorated in gold !'' Address. This was a little more than fifty years since, and the " Berkshire system " of cattle shows, with some modifications, has prevailed over the country. The novelty of crop viewing has vanished with the timidity of the fair sex, who arc no longer afraid of being laughed at, but rather dare to do whatever man essays, and we are to-day assembled as members of one of the most flourishing of these exhibitions, at the close of a bountiful harvest, to bring together our best if not first fruits, to exhibit our best animals, including our wives, our children and our noble selves, and to listen to the lesson of the day, and wind up our festivities by relieving our treasurer of his load of silver. Now, if we had time, the true way of arriving at the best results from our gathering together, would be to resolve ourselves into a model town-meeting, with a president and prcsidentress, and give the substance of our doings during the year, and then compare notes and strike the balance in fa vol- of those who have served the Lord as faithfully when planting, manuring and hoeing, as when singing hallelu- jahs, and whose handiwork bespeaks His and their praise. But for the same reason that the ancient Wittenagcmottes or assemblies of the whole people have to give way to the modern contrivances of Parliaments and Legislatures, in which the few represent the many, on this occasion we are forced to put up with a substitute, or representative, whose endeavor will be to hold up your hands in the good work, and set before you some of the privileges and responsibilities, as well as opportunities of farming in New England, and we will defer to the holidays those " innocent festivities ' of Mr. Watson, at which the younger members may "trip the light fan- tastic toes,'' and the eider the as light and flowing tongues, and all together partake of that combined feast and flow, for which the " Farmers' Festivals'' of Berkshire have become famous. " What a poor cuss the man must be who owns this farm," said a trav- eler, as he rode past an immensely neglected one. " Not so poor as you think," exclaimed a voice from a head which peeped out over the wall, " I only own one-half of it ! " This anecdote might have been plastered on to good many farms, even in Berkshire county, in Watson's time, but since then wherever it has paid to farm well, cultivation has advanced, and a man is not ashamed to own a whole farm in any settled part of New England, and the brains must be wanting where some use cannot be made of all the arable and woodlaud, and a profit realized in the multiplication ot animals, the sale of butter, cheese or milk, the distribution of vegetables and small fruits in our manufacturing towns, the supplying of beef and Address. lambs to the butchers, hay and grain to the villages, cream to the hotels, and in other ways converting not only potatoes, but all the produce of the soil into human nature, for a consideration. We have ceased to have a bee for the purpose of removing into the neighboring stream the manure incumbering our farm yards, and our system of enriching the land is no longer comparable to the farmer's cider which was so weak that the drinker asked him how many barrels he made last year, and on being told fifteen, replied : " If you had 'had another apple you could have made another barrel !" The old prejudices and superstitions; which like rats in a trap, get into men's minds easily, but find a great difficulty in getting out, against "high farming," including in that phrase the best modes of culture, draining, use of most improved implements, blooded and high grade stock, and getting information from the experience of others as related in agricultural papers and books, have been eradicated, and we are now prepared to go on de- veloping ourselves and our farms as rapidly as possible, and we are not prepared to say that we can discern the beginning of the end when im- provements in agricultural processes or results will cease Having arrived at this point in our progress, it is time for us to consider what Ave have to accomplish, not merely as farmers, but as men and philan- thropists. Every man's pursuit is enoblcd, not only by the character of the work he is engaged in, but by the object for which he works, and the one pursuit is as respectable as another, provided it is directed towards noble ends. The man who lives but to continue without any definite object in existence might as well be in one business as another ; he enobles none and none shed lustre on him, because his purpose is not defined. We have a mission, and it is of the highest importance that we discern what it is, and in what manner we can best promote its interests. As a nation we are an agricultural people, more so than any other peo- ple in the world, and we are destined, not only to feed untold multitudes on our own hemisphere, but to export food to the wanting myriads across the oceaus, who even now depend upon our breadstuff's to eke out the measure which falls to them from the large producing, but continually narrowed fields of the old world. With a population now of forty millions, that will probably be expanded to a round hundred millions before the year 1900, with possessions enlarged from the original narrow strip along the Atlantic coast, into a mighty empire, stretching three thousand miles across the con- tinent to the Pacific Ocean, and upward from the Mexican gulf to the Address. northern lakes and the Arctic regions of Alaska, with nearly fifty thous- and miles of railroad that bring all sections of the Union into quicker communion than existed between Boston and Washington when the first agricultural society in Berkshire was established, with one hundred and fifty thousand miles of telegraph enabling widely separated states and peo- ple to interchange intelligence more rapidly than could have been done thirty years ago between the towns of a single county, what vistas of national greatness burst upon the mind when contemplating the future, and how immense the responsibility resting upon us, to shape that future aright, And step by step, with the expansion of territory and the increase of population, is the diffusion of all knowledges. Sciences arc within the reach of the school boy, no longer locked up in libraries, but disseminated through schools, colleges, periodicals and papers; literature is peddled as industrously, from house to house, as tin ware. Art has its multipli" plication table, in photographs and chromos; the ballot box turns every man into a governor, and even fools rush in and appear to do very well where formerly angels feared to tread. Let us glance for a moment, by way of illustration, at the lessons and condition of a kingdom whose past greatness and present extremities are the themes of every journalist, and the tuple of familiar converse, and see the disastrous results of a want of consideration for the most important industrial resources of a country, of a preference lor tie glitter and show of barbaric idleness, to the comforts and solid worth arising from that in- dustry and hard labor, which, thank God, is our heritage, and on which alone as the surest foundations can be safely erected the edifices of modern states. Less than four hundred years ago this continent was discovered. Pile four men, each a century old, on top of each other, and the lartherest re moved could shake hands with Columbus as that perserving mariner waged ceaseless importunities for ships to find the Indias, or was realizing his dreams on the Island of Cuba, or was carried in chains back to Spain, accused of manifold misdemeanors, or was winding up his eventful life in servile repose. Three hundred years ago, and that same Spain had reached a point of greatness, owing to her vast possessions in the old and new world, that made her emperor and king aspire to universal dominion— a dream shattered by the growth of protcstant Christianity, and the wooden walls of Old England. In another century her population fell from ten to six millions : Adcfrcss. cities were decimated, thousands of villages depopulated; in every year myriads emigrated to Mexico and Peru — the emigration to America de- priving Spain of thirty millions of inhabitants and reducing a populous and admirably cultivated country to a desert. How came all this about ? ]>y a process diametrically opposite to that of this country and century. First by the expulsion'if the Moors, the famed cultivators of the middle ages, and the state oppression of the only true sources of national wealth, agriculture, industry and commerce. Sully, the greater minister of the great French king, Henry IV, said of agriculture, as affecting Spain, that it was the true mines and treasures of Peru, yet the Spaniards directed a series of laws against it, and the blood thirsty Philip II had the incredible folly to pass a law to punish with fourteen years exile the agriculturist who made bread of his own corn, or sold it in the public market, and farmers were prohibited from enclosing their lands, as otherwise the million sheep of the nobles might not have sufficient ground to graze upon. Industry and commerce shared the same fate as agriculture. Taxes were laid on some classes of artizans so great that it was cheaper for them to be idle than to work. All honest labor fell under the ban of prejudice, and the only service considered worthy of a Spaniard, was to become one of the starved ragged nobles, or to enter into the domestic service of a noble house. The natural result was, that all lucrative occupations fell inlo the hands of Jews and foreigners. All the wealth of Mexico and Peru— mil- lions upon millions — passed through the country as water through a tub of the Danaids. It swallowed every thing and deposited nothing after the fashion of all idlers and spendthrifts. People took to the monastic life, not only from superstition and to obtain a subsistence in a hunger stricken country, but for the same reason that they took to emigration and avoided marriage — in absolute despair of the future. There were nine thousand monaste- ries, and nine hundred and twenty eight convents iu the kingdom, eighty six thousand priests, sixty thousand monks, and thirty-three thousand nuns, or out of a population of less than six millions, nearly two hun- dred thousand persons were devoted to consecrated idleness and celibacy. By entails and intermarriages, the accumulation of landed property iu single hands was enormous, some land owners having as many as eighty thousand people on their estates, who could never acquire any property on the lands they cultivated, and in addition to this a fifth part of the soil was in the hands of priests and monks. Can you wonder that such a country has come to grief — that she has been for years the derided one among civilized Address. 9 nations, and that now, waking from her long sleep, she is childish, bankrupt, and that no king of any character is ivilling to accept her throne ? What Spain was three hundred years ago as to grandeur, wealth of I possessions and money, we are to-day, or soon will be, and what she is to-day we may be in another century, if we wander from our true course and pursue the ignis tatuus that led her estray. Even now ihe same causes which led her to destruction, crop out in nations of much higher civiliza- tion than Spain ever claimed, and when we look to engrossment of all lands in a few families in England, to the absorption of all labor in cultivation among classes having no interest in the soil, to the extinction of all inde- pendent yoemen, or middle men, to the strong lines of demarcation between rich and poor, to the vast emigration of her industrious population, we tremble lest another hand writing on the wall shall announce her debase- ment, and only receive encouragement by the reaction which has taken place among the working and commetcial classes, occasioned by the successful issue of our republic from the flames of civil war. And even from the side of our huge body appear, occasionally, signs of weakness, such as the desire of one part' of the nation to expatriate our "Moors" (black-a-moors,) the freedmen of the South, and thus weaken us by the despoilment of four millions of agricultural laborers; the opposition in another latitude to the emigration to our shores of the myriads of skilled artizans from the teem- ing East, the agglomeration of lands in the ownership of an ecclesiastical hierarchy, the accumulation of irresponsible power in railroad corporations, and of great wealth in a few individuals, and the concentration of popula- tion in our large cities, and last, but not least, the disfavor in which the pursuit of agriculture is held by the fastidious citizens, the college graduate, and worse than either, by our own sons and daughters. For instance, in Massachusetts there are twenty-six cities, and large towns, which contain a little less than half the population, and in which were born in 1861, more than half of the children born that year. That iclls strongly against us; for in the first place, the mortality of infants is much greater in the cities than in the country, and the population is thus annually reduced, needlessly, nearly a seventh of those born; and in the second place, there is not much hope of many of those demoralized by first seeing the light of day in those crowded walks, ever having virtu? enough to become instruments in culti- vating the soil, and adding to the real productiveness of the nation. A few, very few, when success has crowned their efforts, realize their youthful aspirations by retiring into the country ; but the mass has become macad- 10 Address. amised, hardened out of all rural virtues, and agree with Charles Lamb who said he would have sinned to get out of the Garden of Paradise; or are like Mr. Snagsby in Dickens' " Bleak House/' who got such a flavor of the country out of telling his two apprentices how he had heard say that a brook " as clear as chrys-t-ial " once ran right down the middle of Hol- born leading slap away into the meadows — that he never icanted to go there! Another serious mischief to the cause of agriculture, and true national prosperity, is the hasty mode of culture practiced in the great West. Our emigrants arc the same souls in new bodies, that, when landed by Columbus, Pizarro, and other great discoverers on our shores, neglected the fertile lands, the fruits, the employment within reach by moderately skilled laborers, and clamored for gold. The present pioneers arc but skimming the surface, and the Yankee farmer is discouraged occasionally, and says: "I cannot compete with those men who plow up a black prairie that costs them a dollar and a quarter an acre, avid harvest a splendid crop with Fuch tools that one man can do the work of six." But remember that "when the Western surface is first invaded, the settler finds a store of the most delicate and precious plant food— potash left there by annual burning; phosphoric acid from ages of antecedent animal life, and the del- icate but e van vescent humus and ammonia from the decay of organic forms." The generous soil is taxed yeir after year, yielding her fatness without any return being made, and what follows is seen in the rapid decline of pro- duction in all the wheat growing states from New York to the Pacific. This temporary farming, if not redeemed by more skillful culture, will soon turn the fertile plains of the great valley into arid deserts, and be as destructful to the great interests of humanity, as was the conversion of the fruitful soil of Spain into grazing lands for sheep; and desolate tracts, like those which still present in that country a terrible testimony to the world against the suicidal policy of Phillip, 2d, and his successors, will betray to tut arc generations a monstrous mismanagement and habitual contempt for all sound principles of agriculture on the part of a people who will not be excused on the ground of ignorance, nor pardoned because our present greed swallows up a!I righteous considerations for the future. Another evil arising from this rapid exhaustion of the sources of pro- duction in the East and the Middle States, is tic- extension of the line of cultivation so far westward of the great depots of produce, that the ex- pense attending the transit of grain for foreign markets inland will absorb the profits, it being one of the indispensible conditions of commerce, of Address. 1 1 whatever kind, that it shall be conducted with a profit over and above the expense of production and of transit to the place of consumption. And if we persist in our system of exhausting the soil as we proceed, and of driving production farther and farther into the "West, and thus place our- selves at an increasing distance from the European market, the time will come when that market will be closed against us by price, however cheaply we may grow our grain. It is only ingorance of the true principles of agricultural science, and the best modes of agricultural practice that leads men to the adoption of a wandering manner of life, and a scarifying of the soil, instead of thorough cultivation. The two systems of farming — high and low — or thorough and superficial, are like the two systems of civilization — the Asiatic and the Egyptian— which preceded the Hebrew culture. The former induced a wandering migratory sort of life — the latter was directed to things of prac- tical utility. The study of the serous, the labors demanded by the culti- vation of -the earth, the necessity of providing against the overflowings of the Nile, the forethought and contrivance thus imposed upon men, and the early discovered convenience of an interchange of superfluous commodi- ties, opened a career to industry, commerce, and the arts, which essentially modified the Egyptian civilization, and through that, surrounding nations, and eventually through the Hebrews and the code of Moses, future ages and its influence, through our pilgrim fathers, extended to this continent. Agriculture, the industries and commerce are the tripod on which stands the great nation over-ruling this Western world, and if one leg of the tripod is weakened the whole fabric is shaken and may totter to the fall. Our concern is with agriculture directly, and the mission of New England farmers is like that of the ancient priestess to keep the sacred flames always burning before the altar, that the torches elsewhere which go out may be rekindled, and to send forth a refined and improved civilization and culture which shall restore the waste places, and not only prevent barbarism from obtaining the ascendancy, but by scientific cultiva- tion cause the earth to yield tenfold beyond her pristine efforts, and as the marts of industry narrow the quantity of land, the quality shall so increase as to more than compensate for such withdrawal. New England churches, ministers, schools, teachers, doctors, and lawyers have exerted their due in- fluence over the whole continent, and it is so far from being exhausted that the cry is still for more, and our pulpits, professional and scientific chairs are being continually emptied at the cry of give, give, send, send 12 Address. from the exhaustless maw of the West. The next cry will be for scientific agriculturists who shall repair the broken ways of the hasty forerunners, and enable the populations who have stripped the surface of its richness, as their ancestors the rings from the ears and noses of the aborigines, to restore the land by the improvements in agricultural practice, which alone can enable them to compete with foreign prices, or even produce enough for the adequate support of the millions so soon to dot the whole regions on which now range the Indian, the bison, and the caravan of the emigrant. But whilst we are ready to admit that agriculture is a fundamental source of our national prosperity, that the wearing out of land in the older and Western states is a matter of serious concern; that a remedy is needed, many are disposed to question the propriety of considering agriculture as a science that can act with precision and be moulded into shape, form and continued progress, but rather like a pile of bri'eks of different sorts and sizes, from which all can take and shape such fabric as each individual mind conceives, and then instead of one uniform structure we have thous- ands of incomplete, incongruous ones. But look further and see some master builder whose sagacity and skill are equal to the task of selection, and con- structing a symmetrical edifice, and you will realize that the fault is our own, not that of the material, if the structure is not as it should be. But you say, agriculture is uncertain in its results, depending upon the nature of the soil, the character of the climate, the atmosphere, and seasons, as well as instruments of culture, to produce its best effects, or any im- proved effect at all. TTow can it be a science adapted to man's capabilities, and upon which he can rely to restore the neglected soils and make the barren desert blossom like the rose ? Agricultural science is empirical,, ex- perimental, and so are the acknowledged sciences of medicine, law and divinity — all tentative, and therefore progressive and adapting themselves to the needs of every climate, soil and disposition. It depends upon the character of those who use these sciences, whether they are mere trades for quacks, for there are quacks in religion, and quacks in medicine, and law, and politics, and agriculture. " Man is a dupable animal," and there is scarcely any one who may lot, like a trout, be taken by tickling. So un- certain is the science of medicine, that, according to an old physician, seven-tenths of the patients do not die of their diseases but of the improper or excessive quantities of medicines given to them. A lady once .said to the celebrated Petit, " so skillful an anatomist as you are, ought certainly to enre all diseases." He frankly replied, "von mistake, madam; it is Address 1; with physicians as with hackney coachmen who know all the streets, with- out knowing anything- of what is going on within the houses." Churchill the poet, insinuates that " Most of the evils we poor mortals know, From doctors and the imagination flow." Byron adds, also, a stanza : "This is the way physicians mend— or end us, Secundum artem — but although we sneer In health — we call them to attend us Without the least propensity to jeer." " Medicine," says one of the most distinguished doctors of the old school, " destroys more persons than it saves." Yet notwithstanding this uncer- tainly— the want of knowledge of the composition and effects of the materia medica, the diverse action of the same compound upon different constitu- tions, the necessity of accommodating to the various climates, medicine is an acknowledged science, and its progress in promoting the welfare of humanity is constantly increasing in the ratio of the intelligence and learn- ing of its professors, and was never so great as now. Jurisprudence, in its practice, cannot Ijc called a certain science. A man takes law as he does medicine, or a wife, for better or worse — generally the latter. It is like an eel trap — very easy to get into, but very difficult to get out of. The results of a law suit are uncertain, not because the law has not fixed principles, but by reason of the sometimes ignorance of its professors, the perversity of those who appeal to it, and the difficulty of arriving at certain fads by human testimony. Yet without its wholesome influence, society would not hold together; disorder would usurp the place of order, and chaos come again. Religion exerts its beneficent functions under similar uncertainties as to results, as the kindred sciences. Negotiating between God and man, it has to be subject to the influences of the hitter's disposition, and the harvest is according to the character of the soil on which the seed is sown. Some full by the way side, and the fowls devour them; some upon stony places, and because there is not sufficient earth, they wither away; some fall among thorns and are choked; whilst others fall into good ground and bring forth fruit. Yet religion is a science for the reducing of man to the obedience of God, and works by laws and systems, and its defects and uncertainties are owing to the incompetency of the instruments em- ployed, and the stubborness and inequality of the soil on which it works. Agriculture is no less a science because the means used are not always adapted to the end in view. The only wonder is that with the little knowl- 14 Address. edge we have of the mysteries of the soil and its creative agencies, we arrive at so certain results as we do, and oar great aim and endeavor should be to understand more thoroughly the constituents of the land we cultivate, the means of developing their greatest capabilities for production, the true method of maintaining and restoring onr lands to fertility, at the least pos- sible expense in labor and money, the multiplication of domestic animals (which George Washington used to say was one of the greatest blessings to be bestowed on mankind,) the improvement of our vegetable produc- tions, as well as our breeds of animals, and the art of adapting our skill to special crops or animals most suitable and profitable for the particular lo- cality in which we are situated. Oh ! but say some, we don't want to go West and redeem the faults of those, who, in their hasty progress have done so little for the true interests of agriculture. That's just the point, my friend ; it is needless for you, or me, or any of the well settled farmers of New England to leave their homes. Enough will want to go from our own households to make it ne. cessary rather to restrain the inclination than foster it, and our duty is to see that those that set out have their lamps burning, their armor well on, their weapons properly adjusted that they may officer the armies of the unc- ultivated and do credit to on:' training and adaptation of their skill to their special calling. The famous seventh regiment of New York city, as a body, did nothing more illustrious in the late war, than go to Washington and Baltimore, and by garrisoning these points when danger threatened, al- low other regiments to go to the field, and defeat the enemy. But over six hundred of the privates of that well organized body, took rank as officers of other newly summoned regiments, and by their skill did more good in drilling and bringing into preparation for active work these new levies, than if they had remained in the old seventh, and in that shape near the enemy. We had men enough for soldiers. What we wanted were skillful officers, and our West Points and military schools and military or- ganizations supplied them. Now we propose by an early education in common schools, and behind the plough, continued when possible in acad- emies and agricultural colleges, to educate, at least, leaders enough to make the advance of agriculture a certain thing, and fill up all the gaps which may be occasioned by heedlessness or disaster. But, say some others, we know all that can be learnt of the processes of agriculture already. We' can raise good stock, cut and store our hay and grain successfully, manure and hoe our crops, and generally maintain Address. 1 5 our farms and ourselves profitably and comfortably. Of course, those that know everything are incapable of learning- anything more. They remind me of an incident on a recent trip of one of the Illinois river packets a light draught one, as there were only two feet of water in the channel. The passengers were suddenly startled by the cry of "man overboard." The steamer was stoped, and preparations were made to save him, when he was heard exclaiming : " Go ahead with your darned old steamboat, I'll walk behind you." Now, if there are any here so smart that our steamboat is too slow for them, we would respectfully recommend them to go ahead and let us follow more slowly, and as Pat said of the harrow, after the teeth fell out, we shall " go a bit smoother without them." There is another class of objectors who are continually exclaiming that farming don't pay; that other kinds of work is more agreeable and point to the wealthy merchant, the millionaire, banker, and the railroad ercesus, as more worthy of imitation. It would be a sufficient answer to these croakers to say, that the necessity for farmers exists and will always exist, and that the work must be done by somebody, and must be made to pay must become agreeable by habit I don't suppose it is agreeable to the blacksmith, the machinist, the factory operative, the effeminate clerk, the toilers in cities, on the vasty deep, in mines, the myriads of workers above and below ground, who follow their trades from dawn to twilight, to pursue their various occupations so continuously, and get but the pittance of their day's wages, and have in too many eases no house nor permanent home and when they die leave their families to the cold charities of the world' It certainly can't be agreeable to the hard working ministers all over the country " to be, to do, and to suffer " for the small salaries they receive, and in comparison to the numbers engaged, there are as many lawyers, doctors and a great many more merchants and petty tradesmen, who receive less in the way of comfortable living, and a certainty for the future, than farmers. All these hard working orders occasionally look up to the few comets who rush madly across our spheres with their golden tails, and wish vainly that they too had the talent of turning everything into precious metals, but the wish is just as preposterous and fertile, as the wish of every soldier in the ranks to be an officer, of every child to be at once a grown man or woman, of every operative to be the wealthy manufacturer, of every boy to be a Grant, a Lincoln, or Washington. Leaving out the lucky few let us look around among the great multitudes, and see if we can better our condition by exchanging places with them. In the city of New York 16 Address. with a population of over a million, scarce twenty thousand live in houses by themselves. At least, one-half of the whole population live in tenement houses and cellars. There were at the last census, sixteen thousand tenant houses, containing each an average of over seven families ; in many cases an entire family occupying but a single room, and there is a story of an inspector who found four living in one room, chalk lines being drawn across in such a manner as to mark out a quarter of the floor for each family. " Hotfr do you get along here ? " inquired the inspector. " Very well, sir," was the reply. " only the man in the farther corner keeps boarders! " and I regret to say that I have found many of the occupants of single rooms in tenement houses in that city, farmers by profession, who, in the hope of making money faster, have sold their farms, deprived them- selves and family of a home for their old age, and so far from bettering their condition, have dropped from bad to worse, until death has released them; and relatives, or the public, have removed their families back to the country, or to the poor house. Do yon find the condition of the laboring classes in the smaller cities and towns advanced in comfort beyond yours ? Do they work any less ? Do they have any better houses — or any at all ? Do they have more or better to eat or drink ? As much leisure to ride about for social converse, for self-improvement, for education of children ? And have they the same certainty that farmers have of a final provision for them left behind, when the portals of the grave open to receive the head of the household ? As, according to the ancient philosopher, no man can be justly called happy whilst living, so no man's happiness can be measured by temporary wealth. Experience shows that those who have a regular business, and moderate competency, are the most fortunate, and if in addition they enjoy the full use of their limbs, are free from disease and misfortune, arc blessed with wife and children, and shall end their life well, they may be pronounced happy. This, then, is our position to-day. We are as comfortably situated as the more favored of the majority of mankind. We have an occupation rendered less toilsome every year by the introduction of machine in lieu of human labor — more profitable by the constantly increasing avenues of con- sumption— healthful from its very nature — keeping us amid heaven's breezes and pure air, instead of confining us in the fetid atmosphere of towns or cities; an occupation so scientific that its capabilities are boundless and only need the attention and intelligent conductors, to extend its benefits far beyond its present limits, and not only conduce to our own personal welfare, Address. 1 ' but promote that of myriads present, and to eome. Now, let us realize that the opportunity of the New England farmer has arrived. The whole world is clamorous for scientific labor. We arc living, and shall continue to live, closer lives. Competition is to be sharper in all departments of in- dustry; the lessons of the past are more searching; and more exact. The line of demarkation between the cultivated and the uncultivated farmer, will become broader, and as men get rich by the skillful direction of the labor of others, rather than by that of their own hands, the uneducated farmers will have to do the drudgery, the poor pay work, and be employed by those who have learned to think, and can make their head-work direct the hand-work of the less favored. If, as I firmly believe, it is to be the mis- sion of the New England farmers to go forth as scientific teachers and restore, not only the once fertile lands of the West, but rejuvenate the soils of the East, it is time to unfold our arms and prepare for the respon- sibilities thrust upon us. The whole country, and our state especially, is aroused to the necessity of having institutions, especially adapted to the higher branches of in- struction for farmers' sous, and we must not only avail ourselves of these advantages, but be clamorous for more. There is no reason why in our common schools, sciences which are the foundations of agricultural knowl- edge and practice should not be taught, why our girls as well as our boys should not learn the elements of a science by which, perhaps, they may yet rise to fame and fortune. Some one has said that God never made a man who was safe to be trusted out of sight of a woman, and certainly we are all the happier for keeping them in view and there is no reason why the coming woman, who is described as bright-eyed, full-chested, broad- shoul- dered, large-souled, intellectual being, able to walk, able to eat, and of course able to talk, will not assist in the management of the farms, and eventually usurp the business of raising small fruits for market, also vege- tables, and flowers, and occasionally give such attention to raising stock as is not deemed unseemly by ladies of the best breeding abroad. And if these high considerations that I have set before you do not win your sym- pathies, let me assure you that education in your calling is the true road to riches. It is only by the ignorant that active capital acquired by their industry is unemployed in their business, and among the great advantages of scientific agriculture will be that of investing in it the monied capital which will be as productive as in other pursuits, and much more safely employed than if embarked in hazardous enterprises or doubtful invest- 1 v Address. mente. What Mr. Motley says of the Dutch Republic in its palmiest days is applicable to ours. " In proportion to their nambers they were more productive of wealth than any other nation then existing. An excellent reason why the people were so well governed, so productive, and so enterprising, was the simple fact that they were an educated people." Now we claim to be an educated nation, but we cannot really become so until all professions and trades, not merely one or two or three, are represented by youth educated in all the special learning applicable thereunto, and each have a share and share alike in the sciences which underlie all business and callings. The view that I present of the opportunity of the New England farmer is no wise chimerical. Scientific agriculture is hardly of half a century's growth, and in that time it has renovated nearly the whole of Europe. Agricultural schools have existed in the Old country more that lifty years, and under the new systems of husbandry propagated by their influences, profits have increased from 500 to 1000 per cent. Great enterprises like the cultivation of beets for sugar in France, and its extension to Russia, through the means of educated agriculturists, imported for that purpose from the former country, have been fostered by the appropriate scientific knowledge, and the value of arable lands has increased two and three fold. In the little kingdom of Hesse, which, during our revolution, was so poor that its mercenary ruler sold his subjects to England as instruments of our attempted subjugation, land under the treatment of improved husbandry has risen in value three hundred per cent. But we need only to look around among ourselves to see what education in farming has done and is doing. We have been educated by these agricultural societies, by the farmers' clubs, by the newspapers, and every one of you who is taking up a speciality, such as breeding stock, raising fruit, or sending milk to the cities, is in a process of education, because it rouses you to study all the departments connected with your labors, and to apply all your energies to make the resources of your farm meet the demands for the article you raise or sell. But we all regret that in our youth, when we were pursuing our avocations on the farm, we had not the opportunity of studying the sciences so intimately connected with our pursuits, that we might now have the knowledge through whose application we could make our farms produce two-fold more than they do, the pleasure which the prosecution of any undertaking whose rationale we understand always bestows, and the perse- verance and method which are only given by precepts and principles grouded Address. 1 0 ou demonstration. This is what our children want — not mere theoretrical study, not a college education in the old sense, but an acquaintance with the physical sciences carried along pari passu with their work on the farms, thus combining the knowledge of principles with their constant ap- plication. In addition they want more from us than mere bed and board and a chance to work hard. They need our sympathetic encouragement, our instillment of the belief that agriculture can be the noblest employment of mankind, an application of ail the knowledge we possess or can acquire, and at the proper season an appreciation of their efforts by a partnership or interest in the profits of the farm. By this course 'we shall be co-workers in raising up a class of scientific practical agriculturists, who will be pre- pared first to be successful in a moderately bad climate and a comparatively sterile soil like that of New England, and eventually to stem back the tide of slovenly cultivation threatening to overwhelm us in the West, and raise our country to its normal position of the leading agricultural country in the world. The mottoes of our country are emphatically, Peace and Labor. We desire to be at peace with all, and to provide the means of support by nonest labor to all. We claim that labor, whether of the head or hands, is alike honorable, and that more true glory is won by increasing the fertility of the earth, by the invention of implements which lessen the toil of the hand workers, than by creating new engines of war, or even using them successfully against our fellow men. Sir William Jones in an eloquent panegyric, nearly a century ago, said "he who makes two spears of grass grow where but one grew before, is a public benefactor far in advance of the noblest chieftains, who aided by armies and the enginery of war, sack cities carry conquest onward only to conquer, subjugate and desolate king- doms." If that sentiment was true of the art of agriculture in its infan- cy, how much greater will be the glory of those, who, aided by the ex- perience of the past, educated by the schools of the present and future, shall not only make two but dozens of spears of grass grow where but one grew before, shall restore by scientific effort the fertility of the ravished soil of the virgin West, and double and treble the products of the exhaust- less farms of the older sections of the country. Of these efforts it may well be said: " The plough and the sickle shall shine bright in glory, When the sword and the sceptre shall crumble to rust, And the farmer shall live both in song and in story, When warriors and kings are forgotten in dust." REPORTS OF COMMITTEES SUMMER CROPS. The examination of the summer crops, occurring necessarily at a busy season of the year, and always performed with inconvenience to a commit- tee of practical farmers, was attended with special embarrassment to your present committee ; but, having accepted the position, they commenced their labors on the thirteenth of July, " meaning business," and within two weeks examined the one hundred and forty-five crops entered, devoting such time as they deemed necessary to a fair comparison of the various crops, although a longer time for enjoying the hospitalities pressed upon them, and for a more extended interchange of opinions and experiences with the farming competitors, would have been both pleasant and profitable to themselves. There were six entries of winter wheat — a crop entering more largely into the supply Of daily food than any other, but one which is almost en- tirely neglected by the farmers of Southern Berkshire. Of the profita- bleness of growing winter wheat, as compared with some other crops, there may be a doubt, bat of the possibility of growing it — none, as three of the crops entered abundantly attest, while the other three were not such as it would pay to cultivate. We know that the soil of Berkshire has given bounteous crops of wheat to a past generation of farmers, and we believe that the earth refuses to yield its increase only when some inexor- able law of vegetable economy has been violated. In a populous territory like ours, where more food is annually consumed than is grown, it ought to he an easy matter to maintain the original ca- pacity of the soil by returning to it alt of the elements of fertility taken up by the growing crops. Some of the older countries not only attain such a result, but show a constant improvement in their cultivated lands. It is a common saying among farmers, that winter wheat is a good crop to "seed after." The tender nature of the wheat plant may be favorable for the grass, but the grass is undoubtedly bad for the wheat. Of the six- teen entries of spring wheat, a much better average was found. Some of the crops examined, we believe would compare favorably with the crops of the wheat growing regions of the West. Reports of Committees. 21 The rye crop, as grown in this vicinity, exhibits some peculiar features. While more acres are sown to rye than with any other grain, and while there is substantially but one variety, and that universally subject to the same influences, we believe there is no crop which gives such variable re- turns, and none in which the average yield is so much be-low the maximum. That while no other crop is so shabbily treated, there is none that responds more readily to liberal cultivation. There were thirteen entries of barley, and nearly every one of them worthy of a premium. Your committee having no experience themselves with this crop, were surprised to find it so extensively grown, and with such general success. If the yield of this season is not an exceptional one, the cultivation of this crop might be extended with profit. The fifty three entries of oats indicate the prominent place which this crop holds in the list of farm products. The yield this year is uncommonly good, and your committee were much embarrassed in awarding the -premi- ums on this crop. There weve two pieces of Norway oats entered, each of one acre, and both line crops, but, in our opinion, not equal to some fields of the more common varieties — estimating their value by the same stand- ard. There is much yet to be learned in the simple matter of growing an oat crop, and one of the most important is to know how much seed to use While all concede that early sowing is essential to success, there is great diversity of opinion and practice in regard to the quantity of seed necessary to be used. Our opinion is that generally too much seed is used, and that not sufficient care is taken in its selection. In selecting corn for seed we take only the best ears, and then reject any imperfect kernels, while the too common practice in sowing oats is to take them as they come from the threshing machine, or may be found in the feed bin, and think to make up in quantity whatever they may lack in quality. Now there is no doubt but if those farmers who sow from three to five bushels to the acre, could reject from one-third to one-halt of that quantity, retaining and sowing only the best, their crops would be greatly improved, especially in the qual- ity of the grain. We frequently see a single grain of rye giving an increase of eighty to one hundred fold or more, while it is not at all uncommon for a single oat to mature from two hundred to three hundred perfect grains, and yet lite arrrarje increase of either is not more than fifteen /'old. We think it safe to say that as a general rule — in all crops grown for their seeds — too much seed is sown, while in all crops grown for the stalk and leaf too little is used. That farmers recognize the importance of improving their grain crops is evident from the eagerness with which they seize upon new varieties adver- tised in the markets, as also from the many experiments seen in growing the small parcels sent from the Agricultural Department. While these and all efforts to this end are to be commended, it strikes us that a more 22 Reports of Committees. promising field and one directly at hand is overlooked — we refer to the improvement of such varieties as we already have. To note the many suggestions occurring to us on this subject would oc- cupy too much space for this report. We may say briefly, that we believe the next great advancement in agriculture will be in improving the breed, so to speak, ot our cereals. We believe that the same care and skill in selection and crossing which established the Durhams and Cotswolds. that the same intelligent efforts which have been so successful in improving the Grape and the Strawberry, Avould be even more amply rewarded in develop- ing the small grains. Let the Housatonic Agricultural Society be the first to inaugurate such an effort. WINTER WHEAT. For the best acre of winter wheat, Milton Adams, New Marlboro, $7 00 2d do., William M. Chapin of Sheffield, G 00 3d do., Ralph Little of Sheffield, 5 00 SPRING WHEAT. For the best acre of spring wheat, William O. Curtiss of Lonox, 2d do., A. J. Freeman of Monterey, 3d do., Jay Shears of Sheffield, 4th do., Charles Spun* of Sheffield, 5th do., Cyrus Crosby of Stockbridge, FOUR ACRES RYE. For the best I acres winter rye, Solomon Knickerbocker, Sheffield, $8 00 2d do,, Frederic Abbey Great Barrington, T 00 3d do., Joseph P. Sheldon of Great Barrington, 0 00 4th do., George W. Stickles of Sheffield, " 5 00 5th do., Jared Lewis of Great Barrington, 4 00 ONE ACRE RYE. For the best acre winter rye, James Bullard of Lee. 2d do., Dwight Boardman of Sheffield, 3d do., Orreu Curtiss of Sheffield, 4th do., Levi Kilbourn of Great Barrington, 5th do., Merrick G. Hall of Great Barrington, 6th do , C. K. Lamplrier of Lee, FOUR ^CRES OATS. For the best 4 acres of oats, T. S. Baldwin of Fgremont. 2d do Joseph Wilcox of Sheffield, 3d do., .!. I\ Tobey of Great Barrington, 4th do , Henry L. Smith of Lee, $1 00 0 00 5 00 4 00 o 00 $7 00 6 00 5 00 4 00 b 00 2 00 $7 00 0 00 5 00 4 00 Reports of Committee*. 23 ONE ACRE OATS. For the best acre of oats Samuel M. Cooper of Stock bridge, 2d do , Elisha Collins of Great Barrington, 3d do., Sidney 1*. Lincoln of Stockbridge, 4th do., H. D. Hollenbeck of Egremont, 5th do., Elijah N. Hubbard of Great Barrington, Oth do., F.'K. Hinckley of Lee, BARLEY. For the best acre of barley, Franklin Merrill of Lee, 2d do., P. M. Shaylor of Lee, 3d do., S. L. Lincoln of Adams, 4th do., Dyer Waite of Egremont, CRASS. For best acre of grass John Cook of Lenox, 2d do., A. C. Butler of Lenox, 3d do., Benton E. Stodard of Alford, 4th do., Henry Dresser of Stockbridge, GARDEN'S. For the best vegetable garden, David Leavitt, Great Barrington 2d do, Dr. IT. D. Train of Sheffield, 3d do, Stephen 11, Miller of Sheffield, 4 th do, Marshall Brace of Lee, M. I. Wheeler, j Robert A. Potts, - Committee Isaac M. Taylor, ) $7 00 6 on 5 00 i 00 o 00 2 00 $6 00 5 00 4 00 2 00 $6 00 5 00 4 00 b 00 $<) 00 5 00 4 0(1 •> o 00 FALL CROPS. The committee on fall crops respectfully submit the following report : Many of the crops examined were very prolific, the usual result of good farming. There is a fine yield of potatoes, of excellent quality. Consider- ing the unfavorable season, the corn crop exceeded our expectations, and most of the crops inspected gave evidence of superior culture. Those men, who by the aid of science and practical skill, cause the earth to bring forth abundantly of those products committed to her bosom, eviuce a spirit of enterprise truly commendable. It is a pleasure to come in contact with such men, to learn the course of procedure which crown them with success, to witness the regularity, order and neatness which prevails, and the methodical maimer in which every thing is conducted. Their fences stand erect and entire, and are noi hedged in with weeds, bushes and briars, their meadows are clothed with a deep ^viion verdure, and their crops luxuriate on the fatness of the soil. They have an eye to the most approved and avail- able fertilizers, their fruit trees are carefully pruned and nursed with proper Reports of Committees. care. They use the most approved and efficient implements of husbandry, their houses, barns and out-buildings are neat and in trim, there is a place lor every thing and everything in its place, and in some instances, the high- way even in their immediate precinct, is in keeping with the rest, which is what we like to see, and by all means would encourage and recommend. The effect is pleasing to the eye, and makes a favorable impression upon the traveller, who, as he passes along and takes a glance at the surroundings and sees those sure evidences of thrift and enterprise forms at once, a fav- orable opinion of the character and reputation of the owner, as a farmer. We would say to thosc'haphazard, blind-chance farmers, who usually com- plain of hard times and short crops, who seldom read, experiment, take council or learn from the experience of others, and condemn book tanning in unqualified terms, "go thou and do likewise." It is the kind of farming that pays. The man who plants and sows upon slovenly prepared and ira- proverished soil, subsequently half tilled, and then relies on Providence and the moon to give him a crop, must expect, and deserves to fail. Provi- dence helps those that help themselves. He furnishes the elements, but man is the agent through whose instrumentality they are converted into mate- rial, which serves him for food, comfort and convenience. Plants must have food adapted to their nature, and insufficient quantities, or like a half starved ox or cow, they mete us little profit. How is a man expected to know the different properties of various soils, the organic elements that enter into and build up the vegetable world, their nature and adaptation, if he will not try to inform himself by study, observation, practice and ex perience ? It is to the scientific and practical men that we are indebted for the many improvements made, and theories developed in the art of farming, such as introducing artificial fertilizers adapted to soils deficient in certain properties, underdraining where required, irrigating where practicable, sub- soiling where expedient, &c, &c. To properly prepare and till the ground ; to know in what properties it is deficient and what fertilizers to apply, what time, and in what quantity to produce a certain crop, lies the great secret of success in farming. How much is allowed to run to waste or neglected, about the premises of almost every farmer, which, if properly husbanded and treated, would be of great value as fertilezers ! Such as soap-suds, sink-drippings, accumulations of the cess-pool, old bones, scrapings of the gutters, even soot, hair and feathers, &c, are saved in some countries, all of which are ricli in those elements which constitute plant food. The most disgusting and loathsome substances, which naturally accumulate about our dwellings and out-houses, might be made a source of profit, which, if left exposed to rot and decay, with nothing to absorb those deleterious gasses they emit, such a sulphuretted hydrogen and ammonia, contaminate the air, breeding disease and causing in some instances, no doubt, premature death. Bui let them be husbanded and judiciously applied to the soil, and nature, in her great laboratory, will silently distill those noxious elements, mingle and combine them into the most palatable food or tempting fruits that come to our tables. The various nil rates and phosphates must be incorporated Reports of Committee; with and farnisll d to the soil in some form, or our lands will deteriorate, and crops fail to e remunerative. There should be a constant endeavor to improve the qua y of our fruits and vegetables, by selecting the earliest and plumpest s Is and introducing new varieties. Skill, cultivation and perseverance ha wrought wonders in this respect. Compare our Green- ings, Spitzenber >, Baldwins, &c., with the inferior crab apple from which they took their rigin, the Vergaliens and Bartletts, with the hard choky and unwholesom pear, the melting, downy peach with the bitter acrid fruit from which it spj tng; or compare that almost indispensable article of food the potato, with ;he unpalatable tubers found growing wild on this conti- nent, from wine they were introduced, or that most important of all the cereals for household purposes, wheat, with the bitter worthless species of grass seed from which it was developed, and so we might enumerate. We fling out these few suggestions, hoping some will be prompted to en- quire ; How can I better my condition as a farmer ? and by study, prac- tice and experience, as has been suggested, find a solution to the question. Farming is a noble occupation, and the farmers themselves the back-bone and sinew of our nation. Well may the successful fanner be proud of his line estates, nimble steeds, sleek herds, fleecy flocks and luxuriant crops. Jlis is a life of independence which no other occupation equals, and is in a measure, devoid of that excitement and care which harass the king and lux- urious millionaire. In the great battle of life, let them come forward into the front ranks, bearing upon their conspicuous standard the significant motto, " Excelsior." We would not forget to mention that the gentlemanly proprietors of those estates wTe visited, extended to us their hospitality, with a warmth and generosity which entitles them to our sincere thanks We award the following premiums. Whole number of entries 1(51, classed as follows : Corn, four acres, 19 entries; buckwheat, IT entries; potatoes, 32 entries; beans, 5; beets, 5 entries; carrots, 1) entries; turnips, 9 entries; cabbages, 9 entries; cran- berries, 1 entry; hops, 3 entries; sowed corn, -1 entries; farms, 9 entries. For best four acres of corn, Orrin Curtiss of Sheffield, $10 (JO 2d do., Frederick Abbey of Great Barrington, 8 00 3d do., David S. Draper of Great Barrington, 7 00 4 th do., P. M. Shaylor of Lee, 6 00 5th do., Henry L. Smith of Lee, 5 00 6th do., Warren Crissey of Great Barrington, 4 00 Having $14 in our hands to award for sugar beets and cranberries, there being but one entry, we award an extra premium to L. S. Butler of Lenox, on four acres of corn, $2 00 do., Frank K. Hinckley of Lee, 2 00 do., Guy Day of Great Barrington, 2 00 For the best one acre corn, Miles Avery of Great Barrington, 9 00 2d do., Amaziah Gaines of Stockbridge, 8 00 3d do., Jolm Hickcy of Great Barrington, 7 00 6 00 5 00 4 00 o 00 2 00 2 00 $5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 •2(\ Reports of Committees. For the 4th best acre Corn, George 0. reck of Lenox, 5th do., Franklin V. Palmer of Stockbridge, 6th do., George Stiner of Sheffield, 7th do., William II. Palmer of Stockbridge, Sth, extra premium, 11. Callendcr of Sheffield, 9 th " " James Bui lard of Lee, BUCK WHEAT. For the besl acre of buckwheat, Leonard Post of Alford; 2d do., Henry Peck'of Alford, 3d do., Reuben W. Oles of Great Barrington, 4th do., Joseph A. Kline of Egremont, 5th do , N. Bartch of Sheffield, Extra, Cyrus Strong of Egremont, ONE HALF ACRE POTATOES. For best one half acre of potatoes, EI. S. Goodale, Mt. Washington, $7 00 Grass in 1867; no manure; potatoes in 1868; ten loads charcoal dust; soil, loam; plowed once seven inches deep; harrowed; about one hundred and iifty pounds home-made superphosphate, sown in furrows, in 1869; seed Gleason, quartered in cellar early in April — furrows made with one- horse plow; cost, $3.50; superphosphate sown, and seed distributed about ten inches apart in drill — covered with plow; harrowed and cross-harrowod when just appearing above ground; culti- vator through one month later; rapidly followed with hand hoe- cost about $2.00; dug Oct. 15th, with Allen's potato digger: cost about four cents per bushel. 2d do., Hugh Comstock of Great Barrington, G 00 3d do., William P. Kilbourn of Great Barrington, 5 00 4th do., Avery E. Harris of West Stockbridge, 4 00 5th do., T. S. Heath of Stockbridge, 3 00 Gth do., John It. Roberts of Stockbridge, 2 00 Extra, C. J). Langdon of Monterey, 2 00 IT. S. Goodale is a most successful cultivator of potatoes, which he makes a speciality, and is conferring a great favor upon the public, in his experi- ments upon different varieties, and in publishing his results to the world in tabular form. His zeal and success in experimenting and raising this escu- lent entitles him to the appellation of Potato King of Southern Berkshire. ONE QUARTER ACRE WHITE BEANS. For best one quarter acre white beans, E. Collins, (it, Barrington, $3 00 2d do., Albert C. Butler of Lenox, 2 00 3d do., J. D. Elliot of Egremont, 1 00 We think it would be well, and it is surprising that farmers who "know- beans," thai is, their nutritious value as an article of food, don't raise more <>f them, they being easily cultivated, and will grow on inferior soil. ONE QUARTER ACRE SUGAR BEETS. For the besl our quarter acre sugar beets Alonzo Bradley, Lee, $5 00 2d do., Milton Adams of New Marlboro, 3 00 Bepm^ts of Committee*. $5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 n 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 $4 00 3 00 2 00 ONE QUARTER ACRE CARROTS. For the best one quarter acre carrots, Marshal Brace of Lee, 2d do., Ebenezer Chad wick of Great Harrington, 3d do., Ira J. Lowery of ESgremont, 4th do., Henry C. Warner of Great Barrington, ONE QUARTER ACRE SWEEDISH TURNIPS. For the best quarter acre sweedish turnips, C. Dunniug, Lenox, 2d do., George G. Cropper of Sheffield, 3d do., Harvey H. B. Turner of Great Barriugton, Extra, Benjamin Wheeler of New Marlboro, ONE QUARTER ACRE CABBAGES. For the best quarter acre of cabbages, Alexander Hyde of Lee, 2d do., Marshal Warner of Stockbridge, 3d do., W. C. French of West Stockbridge, CRANBERRIES. Cranberries one entry, small patch, slightly cultivated, owned by John Cook of Lenox. He has taken a premium for several years and we award one this year of $2 00 ONE ACRE HOPS. For the best one acre of hops, H. I). Hollenbeek of Egreinout, $5 00 2d do., C. G. Hollenbeek of Great Barrington, 4 00 3d do., G, M. Burtiss of Egremont, 3 00 ONE QUARTER ACRE SOWED CORN". For the best quarter acre of sowed corn, S. L. Lincoln of Adams $5 00 2d do., Thomas H. Curtiss of Great Barrington, 4 00 3d do., Samuel M. Cooper of Stockbridge, • 3 00 4th do., Robert Kilmer of Great Barrington, 2 00 FARMS. For the best managed farm of not less than 40 acres, W. O. Curtiss of Lenox, $12 00 2d do., Zaeheus Candee of Sheffield, 8 00 3d do., Jared Lewis of Great Barrington, 6 00 4th do., Henry Dresser of Stockbridge, 4 00 The reclaimed land of William O. Curtiss furnished a splendid example of what may be accomplished by a thorough going wide awake farmer. Franklin G. Abbey, ) Theodore J. Williams, J- Committee. J. Leland Miller, ) •> Reports of Committees. SEEDS ANT) VEGETABLES. The committee on seeds and vegetables report that they find themselves much embarassed in the discharge of their duties, by the great number of articles presented for examination. The entries were as follows : Timothy seed, 10 entries; seed corn, 11 entries ; oats, 14 entries ; rye, 6 entries ; barley, 3 entries ; winter wheat, f) entries ; spring wheat, 9 entries ; miscellaneous vegetables, (34 entries ; total, 122. Of theseseeds and vegetables a large portion possess rare excellence, and to do justice to all with the limited amount at the disposal of your com- mittee", is not less difficult than to feed a regiment of hungry soldiers with a single loaf. We award the following premiums : TIMOTHY SEED, For the best bushel of timothy seed, W. 11. Palmer, Stockbridge, 2d do., Warren Candee of Sheffield, 3d do., Charles Spun* of Sheffield, SEED CORN. For the best bushel ears seed corn, Orren Ourtiss of Sheffield, 2d do., Luke Shead of South Egremont, 3d do., Miles Avery of Great Harrington, SEED OATS, For the best bushel seed oats, M. I. Wheeler, Great Harrington, 2d do., Henry Werden of Richmond, SEED RYE. For the best bushej seed rye, D. Andrews of Sheffield, 2d do., George Kellogg of Sheffield, SEEO BARLEY. For the best bushel of seed barley, J. G. Cropper of Sheffield, 2d do., F. K. Hiuckiey of Lee, WINTER WHEAT. For the best bushel of winter wheat, C. M. Vosburg of Sheffield 2d do., A. F. Hubbard of Sheffield, SPRING WHEAT. For the best bushel spring wheat, M. D. Burghardt of Egremont, 2.1 do., Jay Shears of Sheffield, 3d do., George C. Curtis of Lenox, $•1 00 b 00 2 00 $'-> 00 2 00 1 00 $2 00 1 00 *2 00 1 00 $2 00 1 00 $2 00 1 00 p> 00 2 00 1 00 Reports of Committees. 29 GARDEN VEGETABLES. For large variety of choice garden vegetables, David Leavitt, Sen., Great Harrington, $2 00 2d do., D. S. Draper of Great Barrington, 2 00 3d do., W. 0. Curtis of Lenox, 2 00 For choice specimens of garden vegetables, D. F. Goodrich of Stock- bridge, 1 00 2d do., Milton Adams of New Marlboro, 1 00 3d do., W. C. French of West Stockbridgc, 1 00 4th do., John Cooper of Stockbridgc, ] 00 5th do., Mrs. E. M. Winchell of Great Barrington 1 00 For largest variety of potatoes, II. S. Goodale, Mount Washington, $4 00 For a choice variety of potatoes, Orren Millard of Becket 1 00 For specimen of sweet potatoes, C. H. Fnary, West Stockbridge, 1 00 Fine specimen of onions, George B. Powell of Lanesboro, 1 00 2d do., David Stillmau of Sheffield, 1 00 3d do., Ej F. Callender of Sheffield, 50 Choice garden vegetables, M. L. Whitlock, Great Barrington, 1 00 Best white beans, B. N. Clark of Sheffield, 1 00 Fine garden vegetables, 13. F. Pixley, of Great Barrington, 1 00 Choice specimen of sweet corn, W. S. Callender of Sheffield, 1 00 Choice specimen of pop corn, Roland Boardman of Sheffield, 1 00 For three large pumpkins, B. N. Burtch of Sheffield, 50 C. S. Platt, \ F. G. Abbey, !- Committee. Henry Burtch, ) HOUSEHOLD MANUFACTURES. FIRST DIVISOX. In the absence of the committee duly appointed by the society, we the, acting committee upon household manufactures, have attended upon the duties resting on a committee of award, and beg leave to report. Although your committee were called together entire strangers to each other, and also to the competitors, yet we have had a very pleasant inter- view with each other, and we trust have endeavored to distribute to the several competitors, unbiased, the amount in our hands for their benefit. Your committee were extremely pleased to notice that the spinning wheel and the hand loom were still in use, and that nice flannel sheetings, heavy durable carpeting, extra nice blankets and robes, as well the more beautiful products of the needle in its various uses and forms are still offered for our inspection and encouragement. There were 16 entries of flannel sheeting, all good, some better and others best, as we are disposed to signify in our awards. We wonld make particular mention of a lap robe by Mrs. IT. D. 30 Heports of Committees. Cone of Stockbridge which must have delighted the eye of every beholder. Bat without any further comments your committee award as follows : For the best piece white flannel, Mrs. E. C. Beiitley of Monterey, $5 00 2d do., Mrs. J. Back of Stockbridge, 4 00 3d do., .Mrs. K. Shears of Sheffield, 3 (Ml 4th do , Mrs II. IT. B. Turner of Great Harrington, 2 00 Besl cottenand Wool sheeting, Mrs. B. F. Rounds, Egremont, 4 00 2d do., Mrs. M. Brown of Egremont, 3 00 3d do., Mrs. N. B. Pickett of Great Harrington, 2 00 Best checked flannel, Mrs. G. L. Turner of Great Harrington. 4 00 2d do., Mrs. B. Baldwin of Egremont, 3 00 3d do., Mrs. F. Merrill of Lee, 2 00 Best rag carpet. Mrs. H. Sardam of New Marlboro, .5 00 2d do., Mrs. T. H. Spencer of West Stockbridge, 4 00 3d do., Mrs. E. C. Woodruff of West Stockbridge, 3 00 4th do., Mrs. F. F. Cooper of Sheffield, 2 00 5th do., Mrs. J. E. Turner of New Marlboro, 1 00 Extra premium to Mrs. A. Dresser of Great Barrington, 1 00 to Mrs. William B. Gibson of New Marlboro, 1 00 to Mrs. S. A. Barnes of West Stockbridge, 1 00 For fine all wool carpet, Mrs. P. G. Comstock, West Stockbridge, 5 00 For best hearth rug, Mrs. C. Stanley of Great Barrington, 3 00 2d do., Mrs. B. M. Walker of Great Barrington, 2 00 3d do., Mrs. L. P. Snyder of Great Barrington, 1 00 For best horse blanket, Mrs. H. L. Itowe of Egremont, 3 00 2d do., Mrs. E. Merrill of Lee, 2 00 For best Afghan or lap robe, Mrs. H. D. Cone of Stockbridge, 5 00 2d do., Mrs. M. Freedlcy of West Stockbridge, 4 00 3d do., Mrs. M. E. rJ obey of Great Barrington, 2 00 For nice fur robe made by Mrs. D. Warner of Great Barrington 5 00 T. D. Thatcher, J Mrs. Boardman. [- Committee. Mrs. Cook. ) SECOND DIVISION. The committee award premiums as follows : For the best bed spread, Mrs. E. L. Tobey of Alford, $4 00 2d do., Mrs. J. L. Millard of Egremont, 3 00 3d do., Mrs B. Benedict of West Stockbridge, 2 00 4th do., Mrs. N. J. Potts of Egremont, 1 00 5th do., Mrs. IT. W. Burgett of Egremont, 1 00 Tufted bed spread, Mrs. G. H. Babcock of Lenox. 1 00 Pair blankets, Miss M. Lowrey Fremont, 1 00 Reports of Committees. 31 For best patch-work quilt, Mrs. J. Barry of Great Barrino;ton, 6 00 2d do., Mrs J. M. Faary of West Stockbridge, 5 00 3d do., Mrs. U. M. Pixley of Great Barrington, 4 00 4th do., Mrs. W. H. Beleher of Sheffield, 3 00 5th do., Miss A. Hubbard of Sheffield, 2 00 6th do., Miss F. Brocher of Mouterev, 1 <>»> 7th do., Mrs. L. B. Kline of Egremont, 1 00 8th do., Mrs. H. Winchell of Egremont, 1 00 9th do., Mrs. G. W. Stickles of Sheffield, 1 00 For a cradle quilt, Mrs. C. Stanley of Great Barrington, 1 00 For best silk patchwork quilt, Mrs. John P. Walker of Stockbridge, 3 00 2d do., Miss E. C. Leonard of Great Barrington, 2 00 3d do., Miss U. Collins of Alford, 1 00 For the best three pounds woolen yarn, Mrs. J. Mansir, Monterey 3 00 2d do., Mrs. M. C. Langdon of Monterey, 2 00 3d do., Mrs. J. Markham of Stockbridge,' 1 00 Extra, Miss Betsey Hall of Monterey, 1 00 11 Mrs. R. Oles of Great Barrington, 5ft For best three pairs linen hose, Miss E. Merrill of Lee, 2 00 2d do., Miss L. IT. Millard of Becket, 1 00 For best pair of woolen hose, Mrs. Orrcn Millard of Becket, 3 00 2d do., Mrs. I. Harmon of Monterey, 2 00 3d do., Mrs. E. Codding of Egremont, 1 00 4th, do., Mrs. William Stevens of Sheffield, 1 00 Best three pairs woolen mittens, Miss M. Sardam, New Marlboro, 2 00 2d do., Mrs. E. E. Brewer of Montcrev, 1 00 3d do., Mrs. L. J. Wright of Egremont, 1 00 Best three pairs woolen gloves, Miss M. R. Codding of Egremont 2 00 Best lady's hat aud case of millinery goods, M & J. B. Fryer of Great Barrington, 4 00 A case of ladies hats, very line, was exhibited by Miss P. E. Walker of Great Barrington,- but were not entered for premium, S. B. Dewey, ] Mrs. D. Andrews. | n ... at m n w ^Committee. Mrs. T. C. Wickwire, j Miss F. L. Maxsir, J PAINTING AND FANCY WORK. The committee appointed to the rather difficult task of deciding between the merits of the great variety of fancy goods and paintings, have carefully examined each article and awarded the premiums according to their merits, and do now respectfully submit the following report for your inspection. The specimens of paintings were few, but well deserve the premiums awarded them. One specimen in water colors, executed by M. S. Bidwell, Reports of Committees. Jr., of Sheffield, deserves notice, beinga faithful representation of the resi- dence of Sheriff Graham A. Root, in Sheffield. Dr. J. A. Peoniman exhibited two line crayon pictures, executed by his daughter. One represents a fine likeness of the Doctor's lady, the other his child taken after death. These pictures deserve all praise. Miss A. L. Pixley's scholars, six in number, exhibited specimens of pen- cil drawing, which speak well for their tutor and also show great skill for children ranging from 10 to 14 years. The exhibition was smaller than previous years, but gave general satisfaction. I would respectfully state that I have made this report as intelligible as the confused state of the entry book would allow. For best specimen oil painting, M. L. Dewey of Egremont, $5 00 2d do., Airs. M. L. Alercein of Sheffield, " 4 00 3d do., Aliss 1). V. Stoddard of Alford, 3 00 41 h do., Aliss E. Tappan of Stockbridge, 2 00 5th do., Edward Chapin of Sheffield, I 00 6th do., J. F. Aioulton of Great Barrington, discretionary, 1 00 For best crayon work, Aliss Kate Penniman of Great Barrington 3 00 2d do., Airs. George B. Powell of Lanesboro, 2 00 For best pencil drawing, Aliss E. Winchell of Great Barrington, 1 00 2d do., Aliss G. E, Ramsev of Great Barrington, 1 00 3d do., Aliss C. E. Pixley," " " I 00 4th do., Master G. Ramsey, " " 100 5th do, Aliss B. G. Pixley. " " 1 00 6th do,, Aliss L. L. Pixley, " " 1 00 Draft of Hope Engine, Luther Stevens of Great Barrington, 1 00 For best water color painting, M. S. Bidwel!, Jr., ot Sheffield, 2 00 2d do., Mrs Nr Taylor of New Marlboro, 1 00 For best wax work, Airs. D. Andrews of Sheffield, 3 00 2d do., Aliss F. M. Crippen of Egremont, 2 00 3d do., AI i,s Clara Forbes of Sheffield, 50 4th do. Miss Carrie Bennett of New Marlboro, 50 5th do, Aliss Alary A. Baldwin of Egremont, I 00 For best hair work Wreath, Mrs. J. Al. Fuary ol West Stockbridge, 3 00 2d do.. Airs. J. L. Burgett of Great Barrington, 2 00 3d do. Airs. II. W. Burgett of Egremont, 1 00 For best photographs, J. L. Pease of Lee, 5 00 2d do, Julius S* Hall of Stockbridge, 3 00 3d do, Miss M. B. Spencer of West Stockbridge, 2 00 For best everlasting flowers, Airs. T. W. Crippen of Egremont, 2 00 2d do. Miss A. J. Winchell of Sheffield, 50 Agricultural Wreath, Airs. E. A. Jackson of Lee, 4 00 Automaton Clock, B. Almonte of Great Barrington, 3 00 Looking Glass, Charles Olds of Housatonic, 50 Cone Paper Holder, Airs. N. Fitch of Alford, 1 00 Brackets, E M. Holmes of Sheffield, 50 Reports of Committees. 33 Fancy Basket, Miss A. Akens of Great Barring ton, 50 Worsted Bouquet, Mrs. E. L. Tobey of Alford, 50 Crystalized Grasses, Mrs. E. E. Barrows, of Pittsfield, 1 00 Worsted Flowers, Miss E. Williams of South Egremout, 1 00 For best feather work, Miss M. J. Snyder of Great Barrington, 3 00 2d do., Mrs. S. M. Cooper of Stockbridge, 2 00 Bernard Almonte, ) Mrs. Alexander Hyde, > Committee. Mrs. Cook, ) EMBROIDERY. The Committee on the embroidery department beg leave to report that the art of working silk, woolen, cotton or linen threads with a needle into woolen, muslin or other fabric, is most successfully practiced by the ladies of Berkshire. Over one hundred articles that were submitted to the excellent judgment of your committee clearly show that, although this delicate art has been practiced ever since the "cunning workman" Aholiab "embroidered in blue and purple and scarlet and line linen" for the tabernacle of Israel; although the Babylonians were celebrated for their embroidered draperies ; and the women of Sidon were handy with the needle long before the Trojan war ; and the needle women of Greece equalled the finest paintings ; and al- though in the great "Cattle Show" of 1S51 in London, Turkey bore off the prize, it has remained for the female sewiug machines of Berkshire to excel them all. Your committee find it difficult to do justice to the variety, skill and taste shewn in their department. Time would fail them to tell of pin- cushions with beads and pincushions without beads ; "pillows" so naturally ornamented with flowers that one's sofa would seem a very "bed of roses;" shawls transporting the imagination immediately to Cashmere and Paisley ; slippers so inviting to weary feet ; mats not tor feet but for the table, fine and useful ; collars so lovely and scarfs so graceful ; ladies' jackets, and sacks for infants ; underclothing too numerous to mention and not too beautiful to wear outside ; then the tatting ! O such tatting (not tat fling mind you!) afghans whose gorgeous colors almost rival the robes that Autumn wears ; bead work showing Indian blood ; silk paintings elabo- rate enough to make the king of Persia envious ; difficult crochet work, done by fingers older than four score years, and tatting equally wonderful by one of only twelve years ; the tidies too, tidies for everything, tidies for cake and tidies for chairs, sofa tidies and table tidies ; for a time the com- mittee saw nothing but tidies — tidies to right of them, tidies to the left of them, tidies in front of them ; thread tidies, worsted tidies and cotton tidies; crochet tidies and tatting tidies, netted tidies and embroidered tidies ; a flood tide of tidies, convincing an observer that Berkshire is a most tidy place. 34 Reports of Committees. Your committee found themselves in this tangled wilderness of needle- work How should they extricate themselves with honor ? They could not taste of the specimen* as the neighboring committee on fruits did with evident reluctance. They could not wear them. At least the whole of your committee could not. So they felt of them and looked at them with spectacles and without spectacles, and, after careful investigation, without one dissenting vote, and with commendable impartiality they assigned the following premiums . For the best needlework, Mrs. W. W. Langdon of Monterey, 2d do., Mrs. M. 11. Pickett of West Stockbridge, 3d do., Mrs. II. Chapel of Great Barrington, 4th do , Mrs. J. M. Lowrey of Egremont, For Worsted embroidery, Miss J. Ramsey of Great Barrington, 2d do., Mrs. C. Stanley of Great Barrington, 3d do., Mrs. Silas S. Dewey of Alford, 4th do., Miss A. B. Sage of Sheffield, For best silk embroidery, Mrs. E. Vosburgh of Great Barrington, 2d do., Mrs. S F. Gorham of Great Barrington, 3d do., Mrs. M. A. Bristol of Great Barrington, 4th do., Miss G. Burtiss of Egremont, For best crochet work, Miss Sarah E. Buck of Stockbridge, 2d do., Mrs. C. I). Miles of Pittsfield, 3d do., Miss H. M. Palmer of Stockbridge 4th do., Mrs. H. D. Shannon of Stockbridge, F'or best knit work, Mrs. Mary J. Beech of Lee, 2d do., Miss Mattie E. Selkirk of West Stockbridge, 3d do., Miss Martha, Kelsey of Alford, For best tatting, Miss M. E. Holmes of West Stockbridge, 2d do., Mrs. W. H. Parks of Great Barrington, 3d do., Miss E. C. Stevens of Lee, For the best bead work, Mrs. A. L. Field of Sheffield, 2d do., Miss S. M. Dutcher of Sheffield, 3d do., Mrs. G. H. Babcock of Lenox, For the best net work Mrs; M, G. Stevenson of Sheffield, 2d do., Mrs. J. M. Fuary of West Stockbridge, Your committee liuding so many proofs of skill and taste, assigned the following additional premiums : Needlework, Mrs. T. 0. Wickwire of Sheffield, Worsted embroidery, Miss A. R. Turner of Great Barrington, Tatting, Miss C, A. Potts of Egremont, Needlework, Mrs. Phila Gorham of Great Barrington, Worsted Embroidery, Mrs. M. Shook of Great Barrington, Tatting, Miss Emily Leffingwell of New Marlboro, Tatting, Miss ,J. M. Hunter of Stockbridge, Worsted Embroidery, Mrs. H. S. Goodale of Mount Washington, Crochel Work, Mrs. J. A. Shead of Esrreraont, >5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 • > 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 I 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 Reports of Committees. Worsted Embroidery, Miss Clara Forbes of Sheffield, 1 00 Worsted Crochet, Miss Augusta Griffith of Sheffield, 1 00 EVARTS SCUDDER, ] Mrs S M Smith, [committee. Miss Mary Iownsend, } Mrs. Silas Dewey, BUTTER, Your committee have examined with much care the 41 samples of butter presented, most of which were of very good quality, while but few perhaps could be pronounced strictly prime. We find two prominent faults — over- working, which injures the grain of the butter, and oversaving which im- pairs its flavor. We award as follows : For best butter, II W. Canfield of Sheffield, $8 00 2d do., E. R. Joyner of Egremont, 7 00 3d do., E. M. Winchell of Great Harrington, 0 00 4th do., Myron Allen of New Marlboro. 5 00 5th do., W. W. Langdon of Monterey, • 4 00 6th do., J. M. Mackie of Great Barrington, 3 00 7th do., Mrs. Laura Langdon of Lee, 2 00 8th do.; Daniel E. Giddmgs of Great Barringon, 1 00 From the nature of our soil and climate, dairying must from necessity continue to be a prominent branch of our farming, and it is doubtless one of the most remunerative. Within the past few years a great improvement has been made in the quality of our butter, still a large class of producers make far from a really prime quality. Your committee advance this opinion with great diffidence knowing full well that our good housekeepers are sensitive on this point and seldom countenance a disparaging criticism on their butter, for their opinion is that they always make about the best article anywhere to be found. But the facts are, in any given number of dairies we shall find too great disparity in the qualities, and when marketed we frequently find from five to ten cents a pound difference from the high- est to the lowest price obtained. The difference to be found in the quality of our various dairies is owing in part perhaps to conditions over which the butter maker has not entire control. Such as an inferior dairy, poor water, indifferent pastures, un- favorable conveniences for manufacture &c. These should be remedied as far as possible. It is believed that a friendly competition and criticism, a frequent compar- ing of sales and an honest endeavor to correct mistakes, will bring up the products of our dairies to a standard that may not be easily excelled. George W. Lester, J Eli Smith, > Committee. Dyer Stanard, ) 3**» Report* of Committees. CHEESE. For the best cheese, Mrs. William Stevens of Sheffield, 2d do,, Mrs. J. A. K line of Egremont, 3d do, Mrs. Orrin E (Mark of Sheffield; 4th do, Mrs. Ralph Little of Sheffield, 5th do, Mrs. H. W. Canfield of Sheffield, 6th do, Mrs. John Cr. Mansir of Monterey. 7th do, Mrs. C. I). Lang-don of Monterey, 8th do, Mrs. C. Gurtiss of Mew Marlboro, Harrison Garfield, Frederick Fitch, S. W. Wright, $8 00 7 00 r> 00 5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 Committee. BREAD, MAPLK SUGAR AND SYRUP. The tasting powers of a committee were never more severely tried than in the examination of fifty- four specimens of bread and biscuit, which your committee have this day been called upon to make in deciding which was the best. We have not the presumption to suppose that our decision is an in- fallible one, but we have looked at each loaf and each pan of biscuit care- fully, and tasted of each, and retasted of several that were classed as letter A, and after taxing our gustatory powers to their utmost limit, wTere still undecided which was letter A and No 1. We are much obliged to those ladies who have shown so much skill in that most important department of housewifery, bread-making, and brought specimens of their handy work to grace our exhibition, and we felt some compunctions of conscience in muti- lating so many fine looking loaves and not awarding the manufacturers with any premium as compensation. The art of making good bread is rarer than some suppose, and requires both talent and tact. The chemical professor may talk very learnedly of the proportions of starch and gluten requisite in good flour, and of that wonderful plant, yeast, "whose seed is in itself" and is propagated with such astonishing^ rapidity when in contact with warm, moist dough, so that a "little leaven, leavens the whole lump," and of the change which this yeast effects upon the starch, converting it first into sugar and afterwards into alcohol and carbonic acid, which being retained by the gluten, causes nu- merous little cells that make the dough swell, and still not be able to make as good bread as Bridget, who never heard that there was such a thing as the yeast plaut. Still this does not prove that Bridget would not become a better bread maker if she understood the science of her art, or that the professor would not excel her if he had her experience in manipulation. We cannot expect all our bread to be spongy and sweet, until a little more knowledge is combined with the practice. When women generally assert their right to education, with the same zeal with which some of them now claim the right of suffrage, the advent of "the good time coming" will Reports of Committees. be hastened, when if the son asks bread of his father it will not be necessary eren to give him an article as heavy as a stone. There is science in bread- making, and the perfection of the art can only be obtained, when theory and practice are combined . Regretting that we have no more premiums to distribute to the makers of the many excellent loaves of bread and pans of biscuit that have passed under our examination, we make the following awards : For best wheat bread, Mrs. D. Warner of Great Barringtou, $3 00 2d do. Mrs. Frank Cnrtiss of Sheffield, 2 00 3d do., Miss Alinira Decker of Alford, 1 00 For best rve bread, Miss E. A. Kilbourn of Great Barringlon, 3 00 2d do., Mrs. Harvey Roys of Sheffield, 2 00 3d do., Miss Jane Buck of Stockbridge, 1 00 For best brown bread, Mrs. E. M. Winchell of Great Barringtou, 3 00 2d do., Mrs. Orrin Millard of Becket, 2 00 3d do., Mrs. J. H. Field of Sheffield, 1 00 For best biscuit, Mrs. A. J. Palmer of Alford, 2 00 2d do., Mrs. II. T. Candec of Sheffield, 1 00 For best honey, Alonzo Bradley of Lee, 3 00 2d do., Xehemiah Palmer of New Marlboro, 2 00 3d do., Charles Spurr of Sheffield, 1 00 For best maple sugar, Orrfn Millard of Becket, 3 00 2d do., Mrs. J. E. Turner of New Marlboro, 2 00 3d do,, Miss II. C. Garlield of Monterey, 1 00 For best maple syrup, Mrs. J. E.f Shears of Sheffield, 3 00 2d do., Mrs. E. B. Garfield of Monterey, 2 00 3d do., Mrs. Laugdon Ilulett of Sheffield, 1 00 Alexander Hyde, ) Mrs. Horace Bushnell, ,- Committee. Mrs. W. W.Laxgdon. ) FLOWERS. The committee on flowers respectfully report as follows : The display this year was uncommonly line, and it was difficult in some cases to decide upon a suitable award. In coming to a decision, the com- mittee considered not only the variety and beauty of the flowers, but also the taste displayed in their arrangement, upon which the general effect very largely depends. The committee have awarded premiums as follows : DavidS. Draper of Great Barringtou, $5 00 Mrs. I). Andrus of Sheffield, 5 00 David Leavitt of Great Barringtou, 3 00 Mrs. T. W. Dewey of Alford, ' 3 00 Mrs. E. C. Ticknor of Alford, 3 00 Mrs. Alexander Hyde of Lee, 2 00 38 Beports of Committee*. .Mrs. L. Candce of Sheffield, .Miss A. Winchell of Great Barrington, SPECIAL COLLECTIONS. Fountain bouquet, II. T. Robbins of Great Barrington, Everlastings, Miss E. II. Tuttle of Sheffield, Dahlias, L. Burtis of North Egremont, Tansies, Mrs. W. Bartholemew of Sheffield, Wild flowers, Miss N. Andrews of Sheffield, Marshall S. Bidwell, Jr. Mrs. J. K. Pelton, Miss Sarah M. Dutcher, 2 00 2 00 • $3 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 Committee. FRUITS. Winter Apples, 13 entries ; Fall Apples, Sentries ; Pears, 10 entries ; Variety of Fruits, 2 entries ; Single variety of Pears, 12 entries. The committee on first division of fruits were gratified to find so large a representation of apples submitted to their inspection, as the present year has been an untoward one with regard to this fruit. Of pears they ex- pected to see excellence both in quality and variety ; nor were they disap- pointed. Rarely, if ever, has a finer show of this fruit honored Old Berk- shire or gladdened the heart of a committee-man. In pursuance of their duties, your committee spent their first half hour in endeavoring to designate the property of the respective exhibitors. It was very much scattered through the show-cases ; but was all at length recognized as tallying with the entries, .except in three instances, where no cards could be found to mark ownership. This was the more unfortunate as in one case, certainly, if not in two, a premium would have been award- ed to the undesignated articles. Your committee regret this ; but have only to say, that the consequences of such carelessness are unavoidable, as we have no option in ignoring articles that have no ostensible owners. As the result of a prolonged examination £.nd their best judgment, your committee make the following awards : APPLES AND PEARS 1ST DIVISION. For best specimen winter apples, G. H. Kirby of Sheffield, 10 v., 2d do., Charles Spun* of Sheffield, 10 varieties, 3d do., Leonard Potter of New Marlboro, 9 varieties, 4th do., Isaac Spurr of Sheffield, 1 0 varieties, 5th do, Dwight Andrews of Sheffield, 10 varieties, nth do., Guy Day of Great Barrington. 8 varieties, For best specimen of fall apples, L. G. Ramsey, Gt. B irriugtou, G 2d do., H. G. Leonard of Great Barrington, 8 v., 3d do., Phineas Pettis of New Marlboro, 0 v., 4th do., G. II. Babcock of Lenox, 7 v. $() 00 5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 4 00 o 00 2 00 1 00 Reports of Committers. ■ 3U For best specimens of pears, Samuel Goodrich of Stock bridge, 29 v. 6 00 2d do., Ralph Little of Sheffield, 10 v. 5 00 3d do., Walter W. Hollenbcck of Great Barrington, 20 v, 4 00 4th do., Mrs. F. Curtis of Sheffield, 12 v, 3 00 5th do., Warren Candce of Sheffield, 11 v, 2 00 For the best variety of all kinds of fruit, Z. Gande of Sheffield, 10 00 2d do., Orrin Curtiss of Sheffield, 8 00 For best single variety of pears, D. F. Goodrich of Stockbridge, 3 00 2d do., Joseph Wilcox of Sheffield, 2 00 3d do., Joseph Candee of Sheffield, 1 00 It is but justice to remark that Air. Charles Spurr of Sheffield would have been entitled to another premium for variety of pears, did not a rule of the society exclude him from a second award in the same division. Your committee also noticed that two or three varieties of apples were entered by some exhibitors as fall, and by others as winter fruit. Such arc the "Hollow Crown" and the "Cheseboro Russet1' — inferior kinds — good only for swelling the number of specimens. They would suggest that, hereafter, all apples that do not retain tlcir soundness and flavor until Christmas, be designated as Fait apples. A regulation of the society claims it of the committee on fruits to report the names of the varieties for which the awards are given. Your com mittee regret their inability to comply with this reasonable injunction the present year, for the reasons — that two of them were utterly unable to at- tend longer than the first day ; and that before they had finished their awards, the impatient spectators were let within their precincts, ren- dering it impossible to make a correct catalogue as required. It is thought that this may be obviated hereafter by permitting one or more of the com- mittee, at an earlier hour than their duties commence, to enter and make the requisite inspection and record. E. W. 13. Canning, Chairman TEACHES, PLUMS, QUINCES, CRAPES, ETC.,— 2d DIVISION. Peaches, 6 entries : Plums, 1 entry ; Quinces, 9 entries ; Grapes, 0 entries ; Grapes raised under glass, 2 entries ; Dried Fruit 3 entries ; Canned Fruit, 9 entries ; Cranberries, 3 entries ; Grape Wine, 5 entries ; Native Wine, 20 entries. Of the many pleasures of rural life, there is none that appeals more strongly to every man's imagination, than the culture of fruit. The picture of the patriarch resting "under his own vine and tig tree," is one of those sweet old Bible images that nvvev los<> their hold upon the fancy. The man who has planted and cared for some trees of choice fruit, and, at their maturity, plucks and eats the luscious produce, and shares it with a friend, tastes one of the sweetest minor pleasures of life. The good show of fruit at our agricultural fairs, proves that our climate, severe as it is, does not deny us this pleasure. West Sheffield, indeed, has become quite famous 40 Reports of Committee*. as the home of good culturists and good fruit. It is well to notice, that, in tier soil and situation she fulfills two important conditions, much urged, just now, by pomologists. These are shelter from our severe winds, and a supply of mineral properties in the soil. It is generally admitted that the soil best adapted to fruit is one rich in mineral elements. All nitrogenous and stimulating manures induce a great growth of wood, but do not furnish the necessary elements for the develop- ment of perfect fruit. The famous vineyards of Europe, which grow such wines as Johannisberg, and Lafitte, are planted in a soil where a decaying shale furnishes the requisite mineral elements, and such a soil combines the greatest possibilities in productiveness, with great durability ; growing ex- cellent fruit for a long series of years, with little manure. The great Alle- ghany slope, so admirably suited to fruit, is an instance in point. We see with regret that our Berkshire apple orchards are less produc- tive than formerly, but Ave cannot afford to abandon them for that reason. We have many insect enemies to conquer, but science moves, in entomolo- gy at least, and we are slowly learning their history and habits, and the means of preventing their ravages. It is strongly recommended for this climate, to plant orchards much more closely than was formerly practiced, as experience has shown that the trees are as great natural protection from storms and wind. Soil and climate influence the varieties of all fruit so greatly that much care is requisite in selecting those suited to any partic- ular locality. Experience is the only test in this matter. Having chosen from the lists of really good fruit those varieties which succeed upon our soil, planted them upon thoroughly well prepared ground, given them pro- tection— if no natural wind-bread of forest can be secured, by a hedge of quick-growing evergreens — and after all this, watched over them with con- stant carefulness, we may reasonably count upon a generous return. Your committee had the pleasure of deciding upon the merits of sDme fine peaches grown in Sheffield. It is now stated that the destructive dis- ease known as the yellows, which made a progress from Deleware to New England, a quarter of a century ago, is disappearing, peach orchards being in as good condition as before at the South, and it is hoped Massachusetts may yet grow her own peaches as profusely as in the good old times. Fruit growers may well give more attention to the culture of the quince. Jt is a valuable fruit for preserving, of superior flavor, and considered especially healthful ; and as the demand exceeds the supply, prices are high, and likely to continue so. Good pears, and grapes of the more hardy sorts, are fruits of such uni- versal popularity as to need no recommendation to your attention. The Bartlett, Seckle, and other well known pears are raised in perfection in this vicinity, and the more delicate Ioua and Israella, Rebecca and Delaware grapes, were exhibited, as well as the hardy Concord and Isabella. The superb clusters of hot-house grapes shown by Mr. Maekie and Mr. Leavitt, ought certainly to incite some proprietor to the erection of a grapery. A fruit so delightful may be grown with comparative certainly in a cold Reports of ' Committee*. 41 grapery, without a great outlay of time or money, and the grower cannot but be pleased with the result. It will be remembered that Mr. Charles Goodrich, of Stockbridge, gave, in the printed transactions of this Society for I860, explicit instructions for the building and management of a cheap cold grapery, which are worthy the study of all those desiring a. genuine luxury at a moderate cost. As" our report shows, a considerable number of specimens of domestic wines were shown. It would be embarrassing to state, under oath, how many samples were better than good cider, but avc would cheerfully swear that" none were worse than bad whiskey. A common mistake of our do- mestic vintners is the use of too much sugar ; they make syrups and cor- dials rather than wines. The true test of a good wine grape is a palatable wine without any sugar added. If we may be permitted to sum up with a few words of horticultural ad- vice, it will be such as we have gathered from the lips of men eminent in their calling, and from the latest written authorities. Plant fruit, wisely, and judiciously if possible, but at all risks, plant. Give good culture ; a neglected orchard will probably do as well as a neglected piece of corn. Don't attempt too much : either too many varieties — the best sorts are few; or too much fruit on a tree — thin remorselessly; or too many trees, — you won't take care of them. Try a few seedlings ; this is your chance for putting a great contribution to the public good, and, as a secondary object, getting fame and fortune for yourself Your committee award as follows : For best specimen of peaches, Dwigbt Andrews of Sheffield. $3 00 2d do., Langdon Unlet of Sheffield, 3d do., James Piper of Sheffield, For best specimen of plums, II. T. Potts of Egretnont, For best specimen of Quinces L. N. Burghardt of Great Harrington, 3 2d do , Levi Boardman of Sheffield, 3d do., E E. Callender of Sheffield, For best specimen of grapes Phineas Pettis of New Marlboro, 2d do.. Orrin Curtiss of Sheffield, 3d do., Zacheus Candce of Sheffield, 4th do., Henry Werden of Richmond, Best specimen grapes raised under glass, II. O'Brien, Gt. Barrington 2d do., J. M. Mackie of Great Barrington, Best specimen of dried fruit, Jane A. McArthur of Sheffield, 2d do., Martha J. Snyder of Great Barrington, 3d do., Mrs. Harry Winchell of Egremont, Best specimen canned fruit. Mrs. J. N. Warner of Sheffield, 2d do., Mrs. Frank Curtis of Sheffield, Discretionary premium, Mrs. W. W. Langdon of Monterey, For best specimen of cranberries, John Cook of Lenox, 2 00 1 00 2 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 5 00 4 00 3 00 I 00 4 00 o 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 1-2 Reports of Committees. For best specimen of grape wines, Hopkins Bashnell of Sheffield, 3 00 2d do., Ralph Little of Sheffield, 2 00 3d do., Ira Curtiss of Sheffield, 1 00 For best specimen of native wine, Mrs. H. B. Candee of Sheffield, 3 00 2d do., George Kellogg of Sheffield, 2 00 3d do., Mrs. Harry Winchell of Egremont, 1 50 4th do., Ralph Little of Sheffield, " 1 00 H. S. Goodale, Chairman. MECHANICAL PRODUCTIONS. Milk can, George B. Strong, of Sheffield, $2 00 Six ax helves, Chester Spaulding of Sheffield, 1 50 Twelve ax helves, D. F. Goodrich of Stoekbridge, 1 00 Twelve ax helves, Austin Lindsey of Sheffield, 1 00 Deer skin and buck lashes, William R. Baldwin of New Marlboro, 1 00 Wagon jack, E. It. Baldwin of New Marlboro, 1 00 Farm gate, E. Manville of Great Barrington, 1 00 Horse shoes, Gilbert Tan Deusen of Great Barrington, 1 00 Meat barrel, Daniel Warner of Great Barrington, 1 00 Wash boiler, G. W. Sisson of New Marlboro, 1 00 Washing machine, D. P. Slye of Great Barrington, 1 50 Your committee desire in addition to the above premiums to make favor- able mention of the following articles to which we cannot give premiums, the articles not having been manufactured in this county, according to regu lations of this department. One lot of whips presented by Graham Roys of Westtield, which are complete specimens in their line. One force pump, presented by James II. Adams of Great Barrington, an article which we consider the best thing of the kind which has come under our notice. One adjustable ox yoke presented by II. W. Wright of Great Barring- ton, which is a good article and well worthy the attention of owners ot cattle. But not being presented by the manufacturer is not entitled to a premium. D. Dalzell, Jr.., i Russell Allen, ,- Committee. A. Crittenden, ) AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. The committee on agricultural implements of the Housatouie Agrieul tural Society make the following report : There were but 13 entries in this division and we have awarded premiums as follows : There were but three mowing machines entered for premium. Clipper machine, J. L. Milligan of Alford, $10 00 Granite State machine, William Clark of Pittslicld, 5 00 liejjorts of Committee*. 43 For host Cultivator H. L. Rowe of Egremont, 4 00 Seed sower, Miles Avery of Great Barrington, 2 00 Fur best hay fork, C. G. Hollenbeck of Great Barrington, 2 00 2d do., Albert Shears of Sheffield, 1 00 Churn, H. D. Hollenbeck of Great Barrington, 1 00 Plow, J. A. Kline of Egremont, 3 00 DISCRETIONARY. For best three horse whiffletree, Silas S. Dewey of Aiford, $3 00 2d do., I. J. Lowrey of Egremont, 2 00 For best two horse whiffletree, B. Haskill of Xew York, 1 00 Isaac M. Taylor, ) Henry W. Smith, ,- Committee. Daniel Clark, ) ANIMALS. FIRST DIVISION. Best voke of fat oxen, Miles Avery of Great Barrington, $10 00 2d do., A. C. Butler of Lenox/ 8 00 Best yoke working oxen, Fred Abbey of Great Barrington, 10 00 2d do., IF. H. B. Turner of Great Barrington, 8 00 3d do , Elijah Jtf. Hubbard of Great Barrington, 6 00 4th do., Town of Great Barrington, 5 00 5th do., W. P. Palmer of Stoekbridge, 4 00 Best yoke fancy matched oxen, Jared Lewis of Great Barrington, 10 00 2d do., L. S. Butler of Lenox, 8 00 Fat four-years-old, none entered. Henry S. Smith, ) N. C. AVillis, r Committee. Henry A. To bey, ) SECOND DIVISION. Entries — four-years old, 4 ; three-years -old, 6. The committee on animals award premiums as follows : Best four-years old oxen, Joseph Willeox of Sheffield, $8 00 2d do., C S. Joyner of Egremont, 7 00 3d do., L M. Pixley of Great Barrington, (5 00 4th do., J. Task of Stoekbridge, 5 00 Best three-years- old steers, Miles Avery of Great Barrington. T 00 2d do., J. M. Cook of Lenox, 6 00 3d do., Z. Candee of Sheffield, 5 00 4th do., J. W. Butler of Lenox, 4 00 5th do., L. S. Butler of Lenox, 3 00 Joshua M. Sears, Chairman. 44 Reports of Committees. THIRD DIVISION. Entries — 5Tearling Heifers, 8 ; Yearling- Steers, 5 ; two years-old steers, 3. The committee in the third division embracing two-year- old Steers, year- ling Steers and yearling Heifers, have attended to their duties and submit the following report. Best two-year-old steers, W. H. Hubbard of Great Barririgton, $5 00 •id do., Gilbert H. Hall of Great Barrington; 4 00 3d do., William P. Palmer of Stockbridge, 3 00 Best yearling steers, John Cooper of Stockbridge, 4 00 id "do., F. K. Hinckley of Lee, 3 00 3d do., Dwight R. Andrews of Sheffield, 2 00 Best yearling heifer, Joseph Willeox of Sheffield, 4 00 2d do., Warren Crissey of Great Barrington, 3 00 Emmons Arnold, j Charles Roys, ,- Committee. Robert Potts, ) fourth division. Entries— Milch Cows, 22 ; Fat Cows, 5. Your committee of the fourth division beg leave to report that they found twenty-two milch and five fat cows scattered through every division that had cow attached to it, which added much to their labor. We found a, mixture of most every breed, the large, medium, and small. The milk marks on most were prominent. The questiona rose what should govern your committee, these marks as milchers without regard to age, breed or size, or all combined, but without coming to any agreement we proceeded to award as we could agree. It was seen by all,. after the awards were made that the young graded cows got most of the premiums, and we do believe that it is the interest of the farmer to look to the crossing of different breeds, and get a breed of cows that have beauty, size, and yet retain all the milk quality. We do not believe that all of these qualities are combined in either of the thorough or full blood animal; we believe that it is the duty of this society to offer larji'e inducements to those that are willing to fetch to us the different thorough bred, and also to the cross that combine all the qualities that go to make a first class cow or ox. We award as follows : For the best milch cow, E. M. Winchell of Great Barrington, 2d do., Jared Lewis of Great Barrington, 3d do., Frederick Abbey of Great Barrington. 4th do., M. J. Wheeler of Great Barrington, 5th do., M. W. Butler of Lenox, Oth do., .1. F. Sanford of Great Barrington, 7th do., S. M. Cooper of Stockbridge, 8th do., E. M. Tyrrel of Great Barrington, 9th do., George Kellogg of Sheffield. 9 00 s 00 7 00 '5 00 5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 Reports of Committees. 45 It is the opinion of your committee that there has never been five as fat cows shown on our grounds as those to-day and all ought to have si higher premium than those offered by the society. We award as follows : For the best fat cow, F. K. Hinckley of Lee, $4 00 2d do., George Higginson, Jr., of Stockbridge, 3 00 J. W. Parks, ) James Shead, > Committee. John Hale, ) fifth division. The committee on the fifth division of Domestic Animals make the fol- lowing awards : Best two-year-old heifer having had calf, J. Lewis, Gt. Barrington, $6 00 2d do., Garret Burns of Great Barrington, 5 00 3d do., J. H. Coon of Sheffield. 4 00 4th do., Thomas H. Curtiss of Great Barrington, 3 00 5th do., M. D. Burghardt of Egremont, 2 00 Best fat heifer, A. C. Butler of Lenox, 3 00 2d do., W. P. Palmer of Stockbridge, 2 00 Best bull calf. George Higginson, Jr., of Stockbridge, 4 00 2d do., F. K. Hinckley of Lee, 3 00 3d do., D. S. Draper of Great Barrington, 2 00 Best heifer calves, John Q. A. Race of Great Barrington, 3 00 2d do., J. W. Butler of Lenox, 2 00 3d do., E. B. Garfield of Monterey, 1 00 A. Bradlev, j SetiiL. Shelden, ;- Committee. A. J. Palmer, ) SIXTH DIVISION. Best three stock and dairy cows, Orrin Curtis of Sheffield, $8 00 2d do., S M. Cooper of Stockbridge, 6 00 Best stock cow and progeny, George Higginson, Jr., Stockbridge, 6 00 2d do., Henry Dresser of Stockbridge, 5 00 3d do., W. S. Wilcox of Sheffield, ' 4 00 4th do., John Chadwick Great Barrington, 3 00 5th do., F. K Hinckley of Lee, 2 00 As there were but two entries of stock and dairy eows the committee award the premium to stock cows, Jared Lewis of Great Barrington, $2 00 A. C. Butler of Lenox, 2 00 Van Buren Malloy, ) Edwin Wolcott, >■ Committee. B. C. Fargo. ) 4(> Bejiorts of Committees. SEVENTH DIVISION. Entries — Heifers, P ; Durham Balls, 4 ; Ayrshire, 1 ; Alderney or Jer- sey, 5. The committee for the seventh division have attended to the duties as- signed them and submit the following report : Best two-vear-old heifer, ireit having had a calf, Henry Dresser of Stockbridge, $4 00 2d do., L. S. Butler of Lenox, 3 00 3d do., John Miller, of Egreroont, 2 00 4th do., Merrit I. Wheeler of Great Barrington, 1 00 The heifers in this division were all fine and difficult for your com- mittee to satisfy themselves in their award. Best thoroughbred Durham bull, Zacheus Candee of Sheffield, $10 00 2d do., Elijah N. Hubbard of Great Barrington, 7 00 3d do., Alonzo Bradley of Lee, ft 00 Best thoroughbred Alderney or Jersey bull, T. D. Thatcher, Lee, 10 00 2d do., D. S. Draper of Great Barrington, 1 00 3d do., John Winthrop of Stockbridge, 5 00 There was but one thoroughbred Ayrshire bull entered. There not being but one entered the owner withdrew it. A fine Alderney bull was entered by H. D. Cone of Stockbridge, he having neglected to give us the pedigree, the committee, by the rules of the society were obliged to leave it out. All of which is respectfully submitted. Noah Gibson. ) Levi Boardman, Jr., >- Committee. Alexander Hyde, ) eighth division — neat stock. There were 10 entries — Neat Stock, 7 • Jersey, 2 ; Durham, I, All of which were very good and your committee were sorry they could not have given more premiums for Neat Stock, while in the display of blooded stock there were only three entries when there should have been more. Your committee award premiums as follows : Best display of Neat Stock, Thos. II. Curtiss of Gt. Barrington, 2d do., J. W. .Parks of Sneffield, 3d do., Geo. Kellogg of Sheffield, We recommend an extra premium to Joseph Wilcox, Sheffield, Best specimen Durham, Geo. Higginson, Jr., of Stockbridge, Best Alderney or Jersey, J. Milton Mackie, Great Barrington, 2d do., D. S. Draper of Great Barrington, All of which we respectfully submit. W. C. Lancdon, Chairman. s 00 6 00 4 00 4 00 8 00 8 00 6 00 Reports of Committees. 41 NINTH DIVISION. Entries — Boars, 7 ; Sows, 4. Your committee beg leave to make the following report. There were seven entries of boars and four of sows and pigs, and all worthy of premiums had it been at the hands of the committee to have given them one. John R. Prindle of A 1 ford entered three Berkshire pigs that were very fine and good specimens of that breed, and well worthy the attention of farmers. David Haley of Great Bar ring ton, had a very tine sow and pigs, and your committee regretted very much that they were not upon the grounds in time. After a careful examination we make the following awards : For best boar, M. D. Burghardt of Egremont. $5 00 2d do., W. 8. Wilcox of Sheffield, 4 00 3d do., T. H. Curtis of Great Barrington, 3 00 4th do., Elisha Collins of Great Barrington, 2 00 For best sow and pigs, Correl Cowles of Sheffield, 0 00 2d do., Plynny Karner of Egremont, 5 00 3d do., Orren Curtiss of Sheffield, 4 00 4th do., F. K. Hinckley of Lee, 3 00 George Kelloc-g, i Warren Crissey, >- Committee. Silas S. Dewey, ) TENTH DIVISION. % Entries — coarse wool, 4 ; medium, 5 ; fine, 4. The committee on the tenth division of animals award as follows : For best coarse wool buck, Henry A. Tobey, Great Barringt 2d do., D. Fairchild of Stockbridge, 3d do., L. S. Butler of Lenox, For best medium wool buck, Dyer Wait of Egremont, 2d do., Leonard Tuttle of Sheffield, 3d do., H. W. Burgett of Egremont, For best fine wool buck, C. B. Benedict of West Stockbridge 2d do., J. Milton M:tckie of Great Barrington, 3d do, Z. Candee of Sheffield, J. II . Rowley, ) TlIERON L. FOOTE, > C Thomas H. Ci'rtis, ) ELEVENTH DIVISION. Entries — coarse wool, none ; medium, 8 ; fine, 2. The committee on the eleventh division of animals — Ewes — have attended to their duties and submit the following report. For best three medium wool ewes, Joseph Wilcox of Sheffield, $4 00 2d do, F. M. Olmsted of Egremont, 3 00 3d do, H. D. Hollenbeck of Eeremont, 2 00 on, S4 00 Q O 00 2 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 i 4 00 o O 00 2 00 ommittee. 4 s Reports of Comtiiitiees. For best three fine wool ewes, C. B Benediet uf West Stockbridge, 4 00 There was one other entry of line wool ewes but with the instruc- tions given, we think Bhould be classed with medium, and deeming it entirely unfair for the quality of ihe wool to come in competition with the quality of the mutton, and out of our power to do justice to all, would recommend different classing- or extra premiums as follows; For best three coarsr wool ewes, M. Brace of Lee, 3 00 2d do, A. J. Palmer of Alford, 2 00 Forfbest three fine wool ewes, Guy Day of Great Barrington, 4 00 2d do., C. S. JoyneP of Egremont, 3 00 3d do, C. Spurr of Sheffield, 2 00 Levi W. Hyde, ) W. W. Langdon, 'r Committee. J. A. Rhoades, ) TWELFTH DIVISION'. Entries — Coarse, 3 ; Medium, 5 ; Fine, 2. For best five coarse wool lambs, H. I). Cone of Stockbridge, 2d do, George E. liussell of Great Barrington, 3d do, M. Brace of Lee, For best five medium wool lambs, F. L. Olmsted of E-gremont, 2d do, Joseph Wilcox of Sheffield, 3d do, H. L. Rowe of Egremont, Extra, Guy Dav of Great Barrington, 2d do, A. J. Palmer of Alford, For best five fine wool lambs, J. Milton Mackie, Great Barrington, 2d do, C. B Benedict of West Stockbridge, Frederick Abbey, ) Nehemiah Palmer, > Committee. II. H. B. Turner, ) THIRTEENTH division. Entries — Fat Withers, 3; Coarse wool Lambs, 1; Middling, 0; Fine, 1. For best live fat wethers, Henry A. Tobey of Great Barrington, $5 00 2d do, F. M. Olmsted of Egremont, 4 00 3d do, Harvey H. B. Turner of Great Barriugton, 3 00 For best coarse wool buck lamb, G. E. Russell, Great Barrington, 1 00 For best fine wool buck lamb, C. B. Benedict of West Stockbridge, 1 00 Leonard Tuttle, V Harry Rhoades, > Committee Stephen Baldwin, \ It 00 3 00 2 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 4 00 3 00 Reports of Committees. 49 $8 00 7 00 fi 00 5 00 f> 00 3 00 2 00 ioro, T 00 6 00 5 00 Committee. FOURTEENTH DIVISION. Entries — Work Horses, 12; Pair Carriage Horses, 8; Single Horses, 11 The committee of the fourteenth division report as follows : For best work horses, Plynna Karner of Egremont, 2d do,, Mark Laird of Great Barrington, 3d do., Frank Curtiss of Sheffield, 4th do., M. G. Hall of Great Barrington, For best single horse, G. D. Tillotson of Great Barrington, 2d do., James H. Beckvvith of Great Barrington, 3d do., Joel Baldwin of Great Barrington, For best carriage horses, John A. Honcaster of New Marlboro, 2d do , X. Joyner & Son of Egremont, 3d do., J. F. Sanford of Great Barrington, T. I). Thatcher, ) J. H. Coon, J- Charles Cbippen, ) fifteenth division. sucking colts. In this division there were 28 entries, and your committees award prem- iums as follows : First premium, H. D. Ilollenbeck of Egremont, $8 00 2d do., T. H. Curtiss of Great Barrington, T 00 3d do., Thomas Fhelan of Becket, 6 00 4th do., Henry Dresser of Stockbridge, 5 00 5th do., M. S. Bidwell of Monterey, 4 00 6th do., R. A. Fotts of Egremont, 3 00 7 th do., Miss S. F. Goodspeed of Lee, 2 00 Eugene Yosburgh, ) Theodore S. Baldwin, > Committee. A. G. Freeman, ) SIXTEENTH DIVISION- — STALLIONS AND COLTS. This division embraces five classes — viz — Stallions, 5 ; Stud Colts, 2 ; Three-year-old Colts, 18; Two year-old Colts, 14 ; Yearling Colts, 8; having in all 4t entries. Your committee had but one hour in which to make the entire examina- tion, and consequently, could give only a hasty glance at the numerous competitors, and in many instances a re-view would likely have given the awards to others. But few stood prominent above their competitors, like the Stallion of E. Williams of Great Barrington, the three-year-old colt of Frank Curtiss of Sheffield and the yearling colts of Ridley Watts of Stock- bridge and of George E. Russell of Great Barrington, showing evident marks of their particular breeding. In the catalogue of Domestic Animals there is no department, in the es- 50 Reports of Committees. timation of your committee, that so much requires the attention of this So ciety at the present time as the Horse. Although the most noble of all animals, and one only requiring of the producer attention to the laws of re- production and consanguinity to insure success ; his high rank and great worth is but poorly appreciated, and the familiar lesson taught by these laws that "like begets like" is to a o-reat extent disregarded by the breeder. Evidence of this fact exists in almost every section of Southern Berkshire. Such for example as 1, reeding from a heavy or wind-broken Stallion, or a foundered Stallion, or one of little size, or from the Stoga Canadian, whose only qualification is that of the cart horse. And what is still more absurd, from the horse of unsightly color, transmitting to his stock spotted rumps and hairless tails, and all without speed. There is no animal of which the market value varies so much as that of the horse. The difference cannot be estimated at less than one hundred or one hundred and fifty dollars between a good or poor one, and it holds true without including great speed, and this large amount is often sacrificed by the breeder for the small difference in the price of service. Statistics are not at hand to show the number of horses raised within the limits of this society, but it is safe to say that the numbers are such that were they all from first class sires, to make in the dilierence an aggregate in favor of the breeder of immense amount, besides adding largely to the material wealth of Berkshire, and these facts so easily demonstrated, would, we think justify this society in adopting radical rules, if necessary to produce a reformation in this class of animals, and we would suggest awarding premiums to such stock only as can, not only show good qualifications in itself, but also good antecedents. The colt Commodor Knox, owned by .Mr. E. Williams of Great Barring- ton and to whom we award the first premium, we regard as a Stallion of rare merit, and as such commend him to the breeder. He is large in size, symmetrical in form, muscular in limb and possesses a remarkable combina- tion of good qualities, and his good breeding is manifest in the fact of his being a perfect type of his Sire, "Gcu. Knox," owned by lion. T. S. Lang of Vassailx.ro, Me. One of your committee having seen Mr. Lang's horse trot his famous race at Springfield a few years ago, and having also seen Mr. 'Williams' colt driven, we venture the assertion that the great speed of this colt is only a question of time, he not yet having been handled. STALLIONS. For best stallion, E. Williams of Great Barrington, 2d do., (x. H. Babcock of Lenox, 3d do., Harrison Calkins of Alford, STUD COLTS. For best stud colt, William -I. Mallory of Lee, 2.1 d..„ Thomas French, Jr., of West Stockbridge, $10 00 s 00 fi 00 $0 00 4 00 $5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 Committee. Reports of Committees. 51 YEARLING COLTS. For best yearling colt, Ridley Watts of Stockbridge, $3 00 2d do., H. S. Babcock of Lenox, 2 00 3d do., George E. Russell of Great Barring-ton, 1 00 TWO-YEAR-OLD COLTS. For best two-year-old colt, Mark Hollenbeck of Groat Barrington, $4 00 2d do,, Mark Kelsev of Egremont, 3 00 3d do., E M. Winciiell of Great Barrington, 2 00 TIIREE-YEAR-OLD COLTS. For best three-year-old colt, Frank Cnrtiss of Sheffield, 2d do., Thomas H. Curtiss of Great Barrington, 3d do., Warren Crissey of Great Barrington, 4th do , F. E. Giddings of Great Barrington, Edwin Hurlburt, Newton Kasson, Walter W. Hollenbeck, seventeenth division. Fonr-year-old Trotting Horses, 3 entries. For best trotting horse, R. F. McCurdy of Great Barrington, ' $15 00 2d do., Oliver' Staffard of Sheffield, " 10 00 J. A. Benjamen, Chairman. Walking Horses, 14 entries. For best walking horse, James II. Adams of Great Barrington, $5 00 2d do., H. C. Winegar of Egremont, 4 00 3d do., C. H. Mills of Egremont, 3 00 4th do., C. A. Markliara of Loo, 2 00 A. M. Little, ) E. Hurlburt, [- Committee. C. P. Upson, ) eighteenth division. Trial of speed, horses never having trotted for a purse, or iu public inside minntes. J. R. Stanton, enters g. m. "No Name," 5. 5. 5. P. A. Russell of Great Barrino-ton, w. m. "White Fawn,-' 1.1.1. $30 00 F. H. Cutting of Lee, bk. m. "Patience'7 3. 3. 3. 15 00 Frank Curtiss of Sheffield, s. g. "Bullet''* 2. 2. 2. 20 00 Harrison Calkins, s. g. "No Name" 4. 4. 4. 10 00 Time— 2: 1C : 2:17 : 2:51. 52 Reports of Committees. Matched Trotting Horses, no entries. Single Trotting Horses, time not to exceed 2:55. Mile heats best 3 in 5 in harness for premium* "!' $75, 40 and 25. Catch weight, distance barred. B. Hurlbnrt of (J rent Hnrriiigton, eh. m. "Gleneoe Maid," 1. 1. 1. $75 00 0. J. Brusie of Great Burrington, s. g. -'Captain Jinks," 2. f. 2. 40 00 O. E. Russell of Great Harrington, eh. in. "Dolly Dutton" 3. 3 .3. 25 00 Time— 2:41 ; 2-43 ; 2:45. i). S. Draper, | Ralph Little, S. W '. Wright, \- Committee. John1 Winthrop, j W. J.Mallory,! POULTRY. Entries — Turkeys, 2 ; Geese, 4 ; Ducks, 4 ; other Fowls, 17. For best trio of turkeys, F. K. Hinckley of Lee, 2d do., D. P. Goodrich of Stockbridge, For best geese, H. D. Hollenbeck of Egremont, 2d do., M. I. Wheeler of Great Barrington, For best pair of geese, A. B. Stafford of Stockbridge, For best cage of ducks, E. Church of Alford, 2d do., M. A. Carpenter of Stockbridge, 3d do., H. I). Cone of Stockbridge, 4th do, Ozias Olds pf Stockbridge, 5th do, W. II. Palmer of Stockbridge, For best cage of chickens, C. S. Joyner of Egremont, 2d do., G. F. Bartholomew of Sheffield, 3d do,, Henry Tickner of Alford, 4th do., E. M. Lang-don of Lee, 5th do, Isaac Perry of Great Barrington, 6th do, Elisha Collins of Great Barrington, 7th do , E. Warner of Great Barrington, 8th do, W. Wilson of Great Barrington, 9th do, I). Wail of Egremont, 10th do, Norman Hollenbeck of Egremont, 11th do., O. E. Clark of Sheffield, 12th do., William Stevens of Sheffield, 13th do, M. S. Heath of Stockbridge, 14th do, T. S. Heath of Stockbridge, 15th do., John Cooper of Stockbridge, 16th do.. (). II. Mouson of Monterey, For best cage of Guinea Hens, II. C. Joyner of Egremont, 2d do, William A. Bunce of Alford, For best Peacocks, C. Gr. Hollenbeck of Great Barrington, C. L. Wright, Chairman. ft 00 2 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 i 00 1 00 2 00 2 00 2 00 >j 00 I 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 Reports of Committees. 53 PLOWING— HORSE TEAMS— 8 entries. For best plowing team, Patrick Burns of Stockbridgc, $8 00 2d do., Warren Crissey of Great Harrington, . 7 00 3d do., E. E. Callender of Sheffield, «'» 00 4th do., II. W. Burgett of Egremont, o 00 Ira Curtiss, ) Ciiauxcy D. Laxgdox, /- Committee. Darius S. Powell, ) PLOWING— OX TEAMS— 3 entries. The committee on plowing ox teams report as follows : The printed regulations require "each team to plow one eight of an acre, the time allowed being forty minutes. Tne plowing must be lapped and the furrows not less than six inches deep, nor more than eleven inches wide." Four ox teams were entered, and three plowed. The lands No. 2 and 3 were well plowed. No. 3 twenty-eight furrows, time forty-four minutes— No. 2 thirtv-four furrows, time forty-eight minutes. No. 1 the work was hot such as your committee think the society ought to encourage. The other two the committee would have awarded premiums, had the regu- lations been complied with. That the reasons which influenced and gov- erned your committee in their action may. be properly understood, and that no injustice be done to the plowman, Ave recommend that the matter be re- ferred to the society for their action at their next annual meeting. J. II. Rowley, ] B. C. Stoddard, r Committee. L. I). Andrews, ) VELOCIPEDES. [As there were 110 contestants for the prizes on Velocipede riding the second day of the Fair, and none on the third day until after the reports of committees were read, the chairman of the commit- tee in that division presented a report on "nothing." In reply to a request from the secretary for a copy of the report for publication, he says : "Yours received asking for my report on noth- ing " to print with the others. It is emphat'cally nothing, and I fear wiU add notning to the ••transactions" save the space it may occupy, but if it is desired to publish it, I don t know as I ought to refuse. I enclose it herewith." SecbetaBT.] The Committee to whom was the task to decide, On the skill of a real velocipede ride, ' Have heeded their duty and beg leave to say, That "nary a one," was seen yesterday. WTe know some good people, who came miles to see This latest French notion from over the sea, And as your Committee have nought to decide, In regard to the skill, with which we can ride This wondrous bicycle, which six months agone, In town and in city had such a great run, .".I Reports of Committee*. It may be worth while to such to describe An animal, which, belongs to no tribe. Wv hope that some may be seen here to-day, (Tho* we shouldn't much wonder, if all kept away,) Then those who would see them, can judge for themselves To what class they belong — whether fairies, or elves. They are surely strange creatures, as some of us know, Without legs or feet, and yet they can go ; Provided you furnish, a "smart boy" to ride them ; Hut they won't "stir an inch," if you venture to drive them They'll tumble right down, and he still as a mouse, And you can't make 'em budge, any more than a house. They've backbone enough ; but then they won't use it ; And you can't even ride them unless they shall choose it, — They have a strange fancy, f r lying around, And won't travel at all, except on hard ground, — 'Tis easy to keep them, in proper condition, But they always prefer, the "recumbent position." 'Tis useless to feed them, by day or by night. For do what you will, they wont stand upright. The soul they possess, seems dead to all pride, And you must control that, or else you don't ride. Such an animal then, in these practical days. We wouldn't advise these farmers to raise. The Durhams or Ayrshires, we much should prefer, To this "nondescript" thing, that has made such a stir. So don't sell your horses, and buy one of these, Thinking, the faster you'll travel, and with the more case. For although the "animal" has bottom and speed. The bottom Moll drop, when it most you shall need. If you wish "active exercise," buy one of these ; "Twill furnish enough, for your arms and your knees. The boys too may use them for work or for pleasure ; To them they may prove quite a valuable treasure. But if you would ride with ease o'er the course, We advise you by alt means, stick to the horse. And now as your committe On nothing have reported, And by "velocipedists" nave not at all been courted, Of course they have no premium* At this time to award. Yet they've a slight suggestion, To make in that regard. You may not think it modest, For us to venture so ; But modesty's a quality That was — some time ago. 'Tis this :— as no one has appeared, From village, town or city, To claim the promised premiums. Give them to your committee. ' first premium Cornelius O'^ie! of Egremont, $15 00 2d do , William Woodworth of Great Barrington. 10 00 Time— 2:43 ; 3:22. Half mile heats. Respectfully submitted, M. Warner, Chairman, Reports of Committee* FOOT RACE. First premium, Thcophilus Spencer, 2d do., Patrick Campion, 3d do., Patrick Barry, 4th do., Francisco 13. Webster, $5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 Marshall Warner, j P. A. Russell, ,- Committee. George I. Kipr, ) ORCHARDS. The coin '.nit toe on reclaimed lands and orchard? for 1861 -•>, hiving at tended to their duties, respectfully submit the following report: We regret to say that no reclaimed laud was entered for our inspection. There is an apathy on the subject of draining and cultivating the waste lauds of Berkshire which is not creditable to the farmers of the county. The most careless observer, as he pisses around the county, must see that "much land remains to be possessed" The swamps that are now exhaling miasm and death should be producing sustenance for man and beast. Health and thrift alike demand this. In many instances our highways pass through these swamps, and even iu a warm summer's evening, the dampness is so great that we involuntarily shudder at the chilly exposure and close our mouths that we may not inhale the seeds of consumption and typhoid fever. Whoever has any of this cold, wet land on his farm, and does not drain it, is exposing the health of himself, his family, and the community. If more drain tile were used, there would be less demand for pills and powders. Dry and pure air gives vitality, not only to man, but to the tlocks and herds. Some of the first efforts at drainage in England were made by a farmer who became convinced that his sheep were suffering from disease that originated from his pastures being too wet. Both cattle and sheep, if free to select their grazing and sleeping grounds, choose the sweet herbage and pure air of the hills. Man, less mindful of the dictates of reason than the dumb beasts of their instincts, often locates his house in the neighborhood of low, damp, foggy land which he neglects to drain, and thus make the air more healthy and the soil more productive We are so thoroughly convinced of the importance of drainage that we put, this down as the first step iu successful agriculture, and hope future com- mittees will not have to lament that no reclaimed lauds were offered for their inspection . The apathy on the subject of fruit is not much less than in the matter of wet, unproductive lands, if we may judge from the number of orchards entered for a premium in 1867, as only two apple orchards and one of pears were offered for our inspection. "Good fruit and plenty of it," should be the maxim of every farmer. Fruit seems to have been the staple diet of man while in the Garden of Eden, and is what all crave, especially 50 Reports of Cowmittees. those living in the temperate and torrid zones. The eagerness with which children seize even immature fruit, proves the inherent longing in our natures for the cooling antiseptic and refreshing influences which fruit furnishes. With more apples, pears, peaches, and grapes, and less meat, our systems would not be strained so constantly to their utmost tension, and we should have less dyspepsia and neuralgia. We can have, and should have, an apple to eat each day in the year, and the modern mode of excluding air by canning, enables us to be furnished with all manner of fruits in fresh con- dition at all seasons. We call no farm perfect without its apple and pear orchards. The apple of late years has been a little coquettish in its habits, and some may have been discouraged from cultivating this most productive and most useful of the fruits. Let such remember that even in our most unproductive seasons, more and better apples arc raised in the northern and western sections of our country than in any other part of the world. Our soil and climate as a whole arc exceedingly well adapted to this fruit, and nowhere does it find a more congenial home. Others have feared that, by the great increa.se of nurseries, and multiplication of orchards, the market for apples would be overstocked. We need only to remind these fearful ones that the price of apples has steadily risen in our country. The increase in demand has more than kept pace with the increase of orchards, so that the price of refuse apples, fit only to be made into cider, is now more than our fathers could obtain for choice winter fruits. They thought them- selves fortunate if they could obtain one dollar per barrel for picked, graft- ed apples. We are not content unless we realize four or live times this amount. Cider, that most healthy of all the vinous beverages, was form- erly sold by the barrel for about the* same that it now brings by the gallon. The foreign demand for apples has also greatly increased. England, with her foggy atmosphere, intercepting the solar rays, cannot produce the high colored and high flavored fruit peculiar to our country, and will most gladly purchase all our surplus production. ]>nt so far, we have had little surplus, for comparatively few, even in our favored land can say, they have all the fruit they desire. Let no one then be discouraged by an occasional unfruitful season, or by fear of an overstocked market, from planting apple orchards. We hope soon to see some remedy devised against the attacks of the curculio and other insects, which now are the pests of our orchards, and if no other more profitable disposition can be made of our apples, our cattle and swine will consume all we can raise. While apples of late years have become a rather uncertain crop, the vigor of pear trees has increased, and their variety and quality must now satisfy the most fastidious. The old maxim was, "lie that plants pears, Plants for his heirs," but, thanks to Van-Mons, and other pear cultuiists, we can plant pear trees one year and gather fruit from them the next. While the pear is not so lusting a fruit as the apple, it is more luscious, and both for the dessert and Reports of Committees. 57 for cooking is more universally liked, and commands a much higher price. We hope therefore to see more pear orchards started in the county. The roots of the pear tree ruu more perpendicularly into the ground than the apple. Pears, therefore, require a deep, dry soil, and are less in- jured by the extreme droughts to which our climate is exposed. As their limbs also run up more perpendicularly they will bear to be planted more closely than the apple, so that on a given plot we can plant twice as many pear as apple trees. A mistake of many young orchardists is to put out too great a variety. — There is only one best variety. Amateurs differ as to which is the best, but all agree that the varieties of both apples and pears which are letter A, are fewr iu number. Another mistake is to plant too closely. While the young trees are mere whip^stalks, they seem far enough apart, but ere we arc aware, their branches are interlaced and the sun's rays are excluded. We award as follows. First premium on Apple Orchards, Orren Curtiss of Sheffield, $10 00 2d do., William Sprague of Alford, 8 00 For the best Pear Orchard, Frank Curtiss of Sheffield, 10 00 Respectfully submitted, Alexander Hyde, ) ; Guy Day, > Committee. Charles Stork. ) RECLAIMED LANDS. The committee on reclaimed lands offer the following report. There were entered for premium seven pieces of one acre each and one of three acres. First piemium, Merrick G. Hall of Great Birriugton, $15 00 2d do., Orren Curtiss of Sheffield, 12 00 3d do., Walter Richards of Lenox, 8 00 The three acre piece entered by Joshua A. B.irton of Stockbridge, was abandoned without an effort. R. N. Couch, Chairman. SEEDS AND VEGETABLES— FINAL REPORT. AWARDED AT ANNUAL MEETING, JAN. 13, IStO. For best bushel of coarse clover seed, Harvey Roys of Sheffield, $3 00 For best bushel of medium clover seed, Abner Roys, Sheffield, $3 00 2d do., Gi-aham Roys of Sheffield, 2 00 Jarld Lewis, Henry Dresser, \- Committee, J. II. Rowley, 68 "Reports of Committees. REPORT OX COMMITTEES. It is much to be regretted that Mr. E. W. F>. Canning, chairman of the committee on reports, a gentleman known t<> be so well qualified to judge of the point and literary merit of the different reports, was obliged to with- draw from serving. Tin1 other members respectfully submit the following . Although there are excellent opportunities for the different committees to make valuable practical suggestions in reference to the various subjects which come before them, only a few have to any extent availed themselves of these opportunities ; so few that the labor of deciding which reports are worthy of a premium has not boon very arduous. To make a good report requires effort. In the first place materials must be gathered in the way of principles and facts in the different departments ; and in the second place practical information, suggestions and conclusions must follow, plainly expressed, and to the point. These reports are so widely distributed among the intelligent farmers of Berkshire County that great good would be likely to result, were they more carefully studied, more full and complete. The reports on Orchards and Summer Crops are examples worthy of imitation. These are clear and instructive on the sub- jects of which they treat. The writers do not run off into a discussion of the importance of neatness and thrift, the waste of fertilizers, the high call- ing of farmers, how they can better their condition, &c, &c, but give the results of their study and experience on the xulijeet* before them. No fault can be found with most of the reports on account of a want of unity. The authors carry the virtue of brevity to such an extent, as to render it impos- sible for their reports to be otherwise than good examples of unity. In conclusion we would urge upon the committees that may be hereafter appointed, to give to this society the results of a -careful study of the sub- jects that may come before them, in the form of clear, full and well diges- ts! reports. We award the first premium of $S, to the report on Orchards, Alexan- der Hyde, Chairman. The second premium of $0, we award to the report on Summer Crops. M. I. Wheeler, Chairman. The third premium of $4, is awarded to the report on Velocipedes, M. Warner, Chairman. I]. V. Paksoxs, ) ri , T. T ' Committee. J. Dewey, Jr., ) TREASURER'S REPORT. Hcusatoxic Agricultubal Society, in Account with J. DEW ICY, Jr., Treasurer. CR. By balance of last year, $221 9(5 Interest received from members during the year 22 00 Cash of II. J. Dunham fur certificate of Stock, 16 (>7 Bounty from State, 1)00 00 By cash received of 11. Goodman, Life Member 10 00 " " " ofM. I. Wheeler, certificate of stock, 16 07 " " on exchange of premiums, 5 00 for exhibition tickets, 2 00 " " from members at the Fair, 1420 70 '" at Gates and Deck, 1666 54 " " from Secretary for Advertisements, 52 00 " " " for entries of Trotting Horses, 37 50 " " " E. Hurlburt Sup't for Grounds, 850 60 $4,921 04 THE SAME. DR. Tu paid for Ilevemue Stamps, 25 Alexander Hyde, service 5 days, as Committee, $10 00 D. B. Fenn, services li days, as Committee, 12 00 J. N. Hayes, Sash and Glass, 3 50 II. Holmes, for selling Grass 5 13 J . L. Dodge, services assisting Treasurer, 9 00 E. Hollister, for paper, 2 82 J. M. Taylor, 13 days, as Com., and R. R. Fare, 28 GO M. I. Wheeler, 10 days, as Com , and R. K. Fare, 21 85 J. H. Adams, for Pump, 35 00 R, A. Potts, 10 days, as Com., and R. R, Fare, 20 00 I. R. Prindle, for himself and Assistants in Hall, 61 83 Pitkin Brothers & Fuller, Silver Ware, 1,536 24 Harvey Holmes, 3 days' service, 9 00 J. N. Miller, 13 days cs com., and R. R. Fare, 31 05 S. Norton & Co., bill, 47 15 Paid for Stone Boat, (new one) 6 00 J. N. Robbins, services 2 days, at Gates. 7 00 60 Treasurer'* Report. To paid Assistant to Robbing at Gates, 6 00 Prindle & Tobey for Silver for premiums last year, 35 91 James Wilson, 92 meals to Marshals, &c, F. G. Abbey, 14 days as Committee, Kilbourn & Ward, for Lumber, Paid Levi Warner for getting Stone Boat, Paid for Bell. &c, B. F. Durant, for Chairs and Stand, T. Siggins, 3 days' service, Weeeler & Wilson's Band, Alexander Hyde 2 days as Committee, M. H. Rogers, Pill for Printing, O. F. Fellows, for Painting, J. Sisson, on account for work. Daniel C. Clark, 9 days as Committee, S. M. Cooper, 7 days as Committee, Charles Spurr, 2 days as Committee, Help at Gates, E. N. Hubbard for marking Plow Land, M. H. Rogers, for Printing, Secretary's bill for Wrappers, Postage, &c, Premiums for Trotting Horses. Preminms Foot Race, Premiums on Velocipedes, George Seeley, Assistant of Secretary, Secretary's Salary Treasurer's Salary, Expressage, basket, twine, &c., Guy Day, 3 days as Committee, Thomas Wells, 4 days on Executive Committee, E C. Tickner, 4 days on Executive Committee, 11. X. Couch, 3 days as Committee, BILLS PAID BY SUPREJfTENDEXT OF GROUNDS Paid for labor on fence, Building and Fence, Twenty-six thousand Shingles, Moving Stand, Fence Watchers, Night Watchers, E. Manville's bill for work. For 33 loads of Manure. Grass seed and Rye, Labor on Grounds, J. Sisson. on account for work, William Wilson for work, G9 00 28 00 428 53 2 00 52 05 5 25 9 00 250 00 4 00 316 00 22 20 150 00 18 00 14 00 4 00 105 05 4 00 44 75 38 74 215 00 14 00 25 00 i 00 15 00 75 00 3 01 6 00 S 00 8 00 6 00 )S. $80 25 112 00 130 00 10 00 20 00 18 00 23 00 49 50 11 87 26 00 44 50 75 50 Treasurer's Report. 61 Paid for J. H. Adams, putting in Pump and fixing same, Salary of Superintendent of Grounds, Balance to the credit of the society January 11th, 1870, 10 00 50 00 ■f4,557 99 $363 65 There has been awarded and nearly all paid, premiums, mostly for the following subjects, viz the sum of $2,229,00 in For management of Farms, $30 00 Plowing at Exhibition, 26 00 Reclaiming swamp lands, 35 00 Orchards of all kinds, 28 00 Vegetable Gardens, IS 00 Cranberries, 3 00-$140 00 FARM STOCK. For Bulls, 44 00 Milch Cows, S3 00 Heifers, 37 00 Calves, 15 00 Working Oxen, 77 00 Steers, 46 00 Fat cattle, 30 00 Horses, 191 00 Sheep, 94 00 Swine, 32 00 Poultry, 40 00 Other stock, 44 00 $733 00 FARM PRODUCTS. For Indian corn, $108 00 Wheat, 52 00 Rye, 60 00 Barley, 21 00 Oats," 52 00 Beans, 7 00 Buckwheat, 16 00 Grass crops, 18 00 Grass seeds, 9 00 Potatoes, 35 00 For Carrots, 14 00 Beets, s 00 Cabbage, 9 00 Sweedish Turnips, 10 00 Hops, 12 00 Onions, 2 50 62 Treasurer's Report. Other root crops, 31 50 Total for grain and root crops, $465 00 For Fruits, 121 00 Flowers, 35 00 Butter, 36 00 Cheese, 36 00 Honey, 6 00 Maple sugar and syrup, 1 2 00 Wheat bread, 9 00 Rye and Indian bread, 12 O0-$732 00 Agricultural impliments, 33 00 Mechanical inventions, domestic manufactures?, &c, 33 1 00 Trotting Horses, % 215 00 Footrace, 14 00 Velocipedes, 25 00 Total, $2,229 00 Number of persons receiving premiums, 369. Names of towns to which premiums were disbursed and the amount of each as follows : Adams, 1 person received Alford, 20 persons '; Becket, 4 " Egremont, 50 Great Barrington, 98 Lanesboro, 2 Lee, 22 " Lenox, 13 " Monterey, 16 Mount Washington, 2 " " New Marlboro, 15 " " Pittsfield, 2 Richmond, 1 Sheffield, V6 Stockbridge, 34 West Stockbridge, 16 Sundries, Foot "Race, Velocipede, Trotting Horses, $4 00 U 50 18 00 201 50 591 00 3 00 129 00 120 00 42 00 12 00 51 00 8 00 2 00 427 00 186 00 65 00 44 00 $1,975 00 14 00 25 00 215 00 $2,229 CO We have one hundred and ninety seven new members. Respectfully submitted, J. Dewey, Jr., Treasurer. X.X&T OF Ml!liSSilt$ -OF THE- lloratotw JlgwtttatJ Jwietir, 1BG9. [An ordinary member gives his note to the Society for $1C C7, paying the interest, $1, annually. Permanent members pay $1G 67 and receive certificates of membership which are transferable. The payment of $10 constitutes a life membership.] [Those designated with a * are permanent members, and a t hie members.] ALFOKD. Bassett, Orrin A. Barnes, Timothy Bassett, Edwin W. Bunce, William A. Brown, F. A. Calkins, Harrison Calkins, J. H. Campbell, Wm. G. Church, Elihu ColUns, Heman Crandall, Harvey Curtis, George R. Curtis, Robert M. Dewey, Silas 8. Huntington, Geo. H. Westover, William ♦Lincoln, S. L. Barton, II. A. Dikeman, Philo Fenn, John Fitch, Frederick Fitch, Horace S. Fitch, William H. Goodsell, Chester Hawver, Eli Hawver, Gilbert Hinman, W. C. Holmes, Richard . Hvdett, GUes S. Kane, Amos Landon, Asa L. Meach, Andrew Milligan, J. L. Osborne, Lester Parish, Geo. W. Palmer, Allen J. *Pease, Henry Peck, Henry Post, Leonard Prlndle, Russell Prindle, John R. Rider, Lewis Smith, H. W. Smith, Geo. W. Smith, Norman Sperry, Wm. A. BECKET. Millard, Orrin Perkins, G. 0. CHESHIRE. D ALTON. Sprague, William Stoddard, A. R. Stoddard, Benton C. ^Stoddard, Wilham Stoddard, Charles F. Stoddard, Geo. B. *Ticknor, Albert *Ticknor, Ezra C. Ticknor, Henry Tobey, Elisha L. ■ Wagoner, J. H. Williams, E. K. Williams, Samuel K. Sparks, Charle- (U Members of the Society. EGREMONT. Allen, James H. Bacon, Samuel Baldwin, Albert H. Baldwin, David Baldwin, Edwin R. Baldwin, Edwin A. Baldwin, I. D. "W. Baldwin, Sidney I. Baldwin, Stephen Baldwin, Theodore S. Benjamin, E. R. *Benjamin, Joseph A. Benjamin, Calvin W. Brusie, Cyrus Benjamin, Geo. C. Benjamin, J. M. Beebe, Newton M. Beebe, Richard Blunt, Rutson Bignall, C. Brown, Myron R. Brown, Milan * Brown, R. B. Brown, Martin Bunce, George Bunce, Ira Bunce, C. L. Burghardt, Mark D. Burgett, Henry W. Burgett, Rachel H. Burtis, Geo. M. Burtis, Nathaniel F. Callender, Elmore E. Church, Ephriam B. Colby, Chas. Codding, Henry E. Cronin, Michael Crippen, Edmund Crippen, Daniel Crippen, Daniel W. Brinton. Joseph Abbey, Franklin G. Abbey, Frederick Adams, James H. Almonte, Bernard Anderson, Huse N. Atwood, Phineas T. Avery, Francis Avery, Miles Avery, Theodore Baldwin, Andrew J. Baldwin, Joel Baldwin Jonathan *Earry, James W. Barnes, Edward E. Barnum, W. S. Bassett, W. W. Beebe, Levi Beckwith, Daniel W. Beckwith, Albeit F. Beckwith, Geo. E. Beckwith, James H. Benedict, Benjamin Bennett, George W. Bills, Ell Crippen, Horace Crippen, Wm. E. Dalzell, David Dalzell, David Jr. Dakin, A. L. Decker, Albert Decker, Allen Decker, Jacob B. Decker, Peter Derrick, Arthur B. Dewey, Hugo Dusenbury, Edward Dewey, Seymour B. Dings, Hiram Drum, Henry Dunlap, B. E. Elliot, J. D. Emigh, Alvin Emigh, Cornelius Foote, J. H. Fuller, Myron R. Gardner, James A. Gardner, John J. Greattrax, Luther P. Goodale, Chester Goodale, Samuel B. Harris, John E. Hall, E. C. Hall, David Hollenbeck, Artemas Hollenbeck, G. M. Hollenbeck, H. D. Hollenbeck, George Hollenbeck, Geo. W, Hollenbeck, Jacob E. Hollenbeck, John H. Hollenbeck, John T. Hollenbeck, Norman Hollenbeck, Silas Holley, John *Hyde, Levi W. Jones, Wm. Joyner, Henry C. Joyner, John M. * Joyner, Nelson Joyner, F. C. * Joyner, Abel H. *Joyner, Charles S. Joyner, Seymour Earner, E. R. Earner, S. N. Earner, Plynna Earner, W. G. Earner, Andrew P. Kelsey, Mark Eline, George H. Eline, Joseph" * Eline, Joseph A. Eline, Levi K. *Lawton, Joshua R. Jr. Loomis, Franklin *Lowrey, Ira J. Lowrey, J. W. LowTey, J. C. Man sir, Henry Makely, Wm. McDonald, John Meach, William H. Merwin, Henry E. Millard, David C. *Millard, Joshua L. Millard, Joseph L. Millard, E. H. Millard, Loomis Miller, Eugene Miller, George Miller, John Newman, Ira Newman, Joyner *Ncwrnan, Herrick FALLS TILLAGE, CT. Cady, George T. GREAT BARRIXGTON. Bills, Charles W. Bissell, Washington Botsford, Charles E. Bonaparte, Jerome Brewer, J. A. Brewer, John H. Brewer, Reuben R. Brigham, Henry G. Briggs, Alonzo F. Briggs, George W. Briggs, Luther A. Bristol, Henry A. Brown, Ransom A. Brusie, Orville J. Buck, Henry F. Burget, John Burget, John L. Burghardt, Frederick A. Burghardt, William H. Burghardt, L. N. Burghardt, William Burghardt, John M. Burns, Geret Burr, Moses C. Bump, William E. Calkins, Charles E. Camp, Samuel Chadwick, Ebenezer Chapin, Norman C. Church, Charles G. *Church, George Church, Mark Clark, Benjamin F. Clark, E. H. Clark, William H. Clark, Andrew Clark, Otis Coffing, John H. Coggswell, George B. *Colhns, Clarkson T. Collins, Elista Comstock, Hiram Comstock, 'Jd, Hiram. Comstock, Hugh Comstock, Morton Comstock, 2d, Perry G. Comstock, Prentice Cone, A. M. Olmsted, F. L. O'Connell, William Palmer, Geo. H. Parsons, A. E. Parsons, E. T. Pelton, Homer L. Perry, Hemy Phelps, Winthrop II. Ploss, Charles Potts. Herman T. Potts, Robert A. Race, Rocius Race, Seneca T. *Rice, Lorenzo H. Rounds, Benjamin F. Rowe, H. L. *Rowley, James H. Sanford, S. H. *Shead, Luke Shook, Edward H. Stillman, Frederick Strong, Cyrus Strong, Erastus Tobey, Chester Swartz, Robert Thompson, Henry W. Tyrrel, Ernest M. Upson, Curtis P. Van Bramer, J. E. Van Deusen, Leman C. Wait, Dyer Warren, James H. Winegar, Hervey Williams, G. W. Wincheil, Henry Winchell, E. M. Wincheil. Elias Winchell, Dennison Worthy, T. G. Wright, Charles L. Coon, 2d, William Couch, Egbert *Couch. Eenssalaer N. Criag, Charles A. Crissey, Warren Curtis, Uriah E. Curtis, Thomas H. Day, George S. Day, Guy Day, W. H. Dearing, Sanmel L. Decker, Albert Decker, John Decker, Milo Deland, William N. Delert, Frederick Dewey, Jr., Justin Dewey, S. O. *Dewey, William Dimcn, John Dodge, George R. * Dodge, John L. Dorman, Isaac Dorr, Gilbert Members of the Society. 65 Draper, David S. Dresser, Julius Drum, William H. *Durant, Benjamin F. Fargo, Albert F. Fellows, F. M. Ferguson John Ferry, George W. Field, Kichard Flynn, Mrs. Ann Foote, Carleton Foote, Enos Ford, Gilbert Forest, Sheldon Gately, Patrick Gardner, Benjamin Gardner, James Gibbons, 2d, John Gibbons, Martin Gibbs, Elijah F. Giddings, Frank E. Gilbert, Edward L. Gilbert, George E. Gilmore, Benjamin F. Gilniore, B. F. Jr. Goodsell, Henry Gorham, Edward L. Gorham, William Granger, Harvey Grover, George W. Hagerman, John Hall, Herbert H. Hall, John L. Hall, Merrick G. Hammiel, W. - GREAT BAREIXGTON, MASS.: MAKCUS H. SOGERS, STEAM JOB PRINTER 1870. OFFICERS FOR 1870. PARLEY A. RUSSELL of Great Barrmgtou, President. TIIOS. H. CURTIS of Great Barring! on, 1st Vice- President. ZACHEUS CANDE of Sheffield, U Vice-President. JUSTIN DEWEY, Jn, of Great Barrington, Treasurer. HENRY T. BOBBINS of Great Barrington, Secretary. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. PARLEY A. RUSSELL, of Great Barrington. TIIOS. H. CURTIS, of Great Barrington. ZACHEUS CANDE, of Sheffield. JUSTIN DEWEY, Jr. of Groat Barrington. HENRY. T. ROBBINS, of Great Barrington, ALEXANDER HYDE, of Le-e. EGBERT B. GARFIELD, of Monterey. HENRY W. SMITH, of Alfortl. HUGO DEWEY, of Egremont. HENRY DRESSER, • of Stockbriclge. COMMITTEE ON ACCOUNTS, ISAAC SEELEY of Great Barrington, JOHN L DODGE of Great Barrington, HERBERT C. JOYNER of Great Barrington. SUPERINTENDENT OF FAIR GROUNDS, EDWIN HURLBURT of Great Barrington DELEGATE TO STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE, 1870-73, RICHARD GOODMAN of Lenox, Committees and Premiums. The following premiums are offered by the Kousatonic Agricultural Society, to be awarded at the Twenty-Ninth Annual Cattle Show aud Fair to be held at GREAT HARRINGTON, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, September 28th, 29th and 30th, 1870. SUMMER CROPS. Committee.-— Ileiiry S. Goodale, Mt. Washington ; John N. Robbins, Great Harrington ; S. L. Lincoln, Cheshire. For the best acre of Winter Wheat, three premiums, $7, l», 5. For the best acre of Spring Wheat, live premiums, $7, 6, 5, 4. 3. For the best four acres of Winter Rye, in piece, five premiums $8, 7, 6, b, i. For the best acre Winter Rye, six premiums, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2. For the best four acres of Oats, in piece, four premiums. $7, (>, 5, 4. For the best acre of Oats, six premiums, $7, (>, 5, 4, 3, 2. For the best acre of Barley, four premiums, $(5, 5, 4, 2. For the best three acres Cultivated Grass, four premiums $0, 5, 4, 8. For the best Vegetable Garden, four premiums, $6, 5, 4, 3. Regulation's. — All entries of Summer Crops and Gardens must be made in time to be received at the Secretary's desk by the 4th day of July. This regulation -will be strictly adhered to. Competitors will not be required to make return of the weight of crops, except at the request of the Examining Committee, but they will use a printed form furnished for the purpose, giving such information as may be valuable for publication, which must be returned to the Secretary by the 1 5th of November. FALL CROPS. Committee. — Henry Rurtch, Sheffield ; Hosea Codding, Lee ; Noah Gibson, New Marlboro. For the best four acres of Corn, in piece, six premiums, $10, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4. For the best acre of Corn, seven premiums, $9, 8r 7, <>, 5, 4, 3. For the best acre of Buckwheat, live premiums, $5, 4, 3, 2, 1 For the best one-half acre of Potatoes, (quality as well as yield considered) "7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2. Committees and Premiums for 18" 0. For the best one fourth acre of White Beans, three premium?, $3, 2, 1. For the best one-fourth acre of Sugar Beets, three premiums, $5, 4, 3. For the best one-fourth acre of Mangel Wnrtzel, three premiums, $5, 4, 3. ' For the best one-fourth acre of Carrots, four premiums, $5, 4, 3, 2. For the best one fourth acre of Sweedish Turnips, three premiums, $4, 3, 2. For the best one-fourth acre of Cabbages, three premiums, $4, 3, 2. For the best one-fourth acre of Sowed Corn, four premiums, $5, 4, 3, 2. For the best Managed Farm of not less than forty acres, four premiums, $12,8, 0, 4. .. Regulations- — All entries of Sowed Corn must be made in time to be received at the Secretary's desk by the 15th day of August, and all other Fall Crops and Farms by the 1st day of September. This regulation will be strictly adhered to. Competitors will not be required to make return of the weight of crops, except at the request of the Examining Committee, but they will use a printed form tarnished for the purpose, giving such information as may be valuable for publication, which must be returned to the Secretary by the 15th of November. SEEDS AND VEGETABLES. Committee. — Ward Lewis, Great Barrington ; John B. Hull, Stock- bridge ; Charles W. Kniffin, West Stockbridgc. For the best bushel Clover Seed, two premiums, $3, 2. For the best bushel Timothy Seed, three premiums, $4, 3, 2. For the best bushel Ears of Seed Corn, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. Eor the best bushel Seed Oats, three premiums, $3, 2, 1 . For the best bushel Seed Rye, two premiums, $2, 1 . For the best bushel Seed Barley, two premiums, $2, 1. For the best bushel Seed Winter Wheat, two premiums, $2, 1. For the best bushel Spring Wheat, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. The sum of $25 is placed in the hands of the Committee to be awarded in small premiums for the best specimens each ot Potatoes, Beets, Turnips, Squashes, Pumpkins, Cabbages, Tomatoes, and other Garden Vegetables. Clover Seed will be exhibited and decided up oa at the Annual Meeting in January. Regulations. — All Seeds and Vegetables must have been raised by the competitors within the year. HOUSEHOLD MANUFACTURES. FIRST DIVISION. Committee. — J. II Kowley, E^remont ; Msr, Elmore E. Callender Sheffield ; Mrs. Samuel M. Coopor, Stockbridgc. For the best ten yards White Flannel, 4-4 wide, four premiums, $5, 4 3. 2. For the best twenty yards Woolen aut! Cotton Sheeting, 4-4 wide, three premiums, $1, 3, 2. Committee* and Premiums for 1810. 15 For the best piece of Rag- Carpeting, not less than twenty yards, five pre- miums, $5, 4, 3, 2, 1. For the best Hearth Rug-, three premiums, $3, 2, 1 . Tor the best pair Horse Blankets, three premiums, $3, 2, 1 . For the best Afghan or Lap Robe, three premiums, $3, 2, 1 . Regulations. — All articles, including cloths, must be manufactured by the competitors during the year. The sum of $12 is also placed in the hands of the committee fur discrc- ionary premiums. HOUSEHOLD MA NUFACTUKES. SECOND DIVISION. Committee.— Ralph Little, Sheffield; Mrs. Hiram Dings, Fgremont ; Mrs. Isaac Harmon, Monterey. For the best Red Spread, four premiums, $4, 3, 2, 1. For the best Quilt, six premiums, $6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. For the best three pounds of White or Colored Woolen Yarn, three pre- miums, $3, 2, 1. For the best three pairs Linen Hose, two premiums, $2, 1. For the best four pairs Woolen Hose, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. For the best three pairs Woolen Mittens, two premiums, $2, 1. For the best three pairs Woolen Gloves, two premiums, $2, 1. For the best five yards Fringe, two premiums, $2, ). For the best Lady's Hat, of whatever material, two premiums, $4, 2. For the best one pound Linen Thread, two premiums, $2, 1. The sum of $20 is also placed in the hands of the Committee for discre- tionary premiums. Regulations,— All articles must have been manufactured by the com- petitors during* the year. PAINTING AND FANCY WORK. Committee. — M. S. Ridwell, Jr., Sheffield; Mrs. Henry M. Hiue, Great Rarrington ; Miss Mary C. Langdon, Monterey. For the best specimen of Painting-, five premiums, $5, 4,o, 2, 1. For the best Crayon, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. For the best Pencil Drawing, three premiums, $3, 2, 1 For the best Wax Fruit or Flowers, two premiums, $3, 2. For the best Hair Work, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. For the best Feather Work, two premiums, $3, 2. For the best Cone Work, two premiums, $2, 1. For the best Photographs or Sunlight Pictures, two premiums, 15, 3 The sum oi bio is also placed in the hands of the Committee for discre- tionary premiums. Regulations. — All articles must have been manufactured by the com- petitor during the year. Committees and Premiums for 1870. EMBROIDERY. Committee. — Richard Goodman, Lenox ; Miss Jennie W. Hunter Stockbridge ; Mrs. George E. Russell, Great Barrington. For the best specimen of Needlework, four premiums, $5, 4, 3, 2. For the best specimen of Worsted Embroidery, four premiums, $4, 3, 2, 1 For the best specimen of Silk Embroidery, four premiums, $4, 3, 2, 1. For the best specimen of Crochet Work, four premiums, $4, 3, 2, 1. For the best specimen of Knit Work, four premiums, $4, 3, 2, 1. For the best specimen of Tatting, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. For the best specimen of Bead Work, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. For the best specimen of Xet Work, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. The sum of $10 is also placed in the hands of the Committee for discre- tionary premiums. Regulations. — All articles must have been manufactured by the com- petitors during- the year. BUTTER Committee. — Seymour B. Dewey, Egremont ; S. W. Wright, XcW| Marlboro ; Daniel Clark, Tyringham. For the best 20 pounds of Butter, 8 premiums, $8, 7, fi, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Regulation's — The butter must have been manufactured by the com- petitors. CHEESE. Committee. — Lucius Little, Sheffield ; E. C. Tickuor, A 1 ford ; M. ! Bidwell, Monterey. For the best 25 pounds of Cheese, eight premiums, $8, T, 0, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Regulations. — Cheese must have been manufactured by the competitors during the year. BREAD, HONEY. MAPLE SUGAR AND SYRUP. Committee. — J. Dewey, Jr., Great Harrington ; Mrs T. L. Foote, Lee ; Mrs. Silas S. Dewey, Alford. For the best specimen of White Bread, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. For the best specimen of Rye bread, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. For the best specimen of Brown Bread, three premiums $3, 2, 1. For the best specimen of Biscuit, two premiums, $2, 1. For the best 20 pounds Maple Sugar, three premiums, §:;, 2, 1. For the best gallon Maple Syrup, three premiums, $3, 2, 1 For the best 5 pounds Honey, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. Regulations. — The articles must have been manufactured or produced by the competitor. Committees and Premiums for 1810. 77 FLOWERS. Committee.— Alexander Hyde, Lee ; Isaac H. Rice, Great Barrington ; )r. Charles E. Heath, Monterey. The sum of $35 is placed in the hands of the Committee in this depart- lcit to be distributed in awards according to their discretion. Regulation. — All the flowers exhibited must be raised in this county by he competitor. FRUITS. FIRST DIVISION APPLES AND PEARS. Committee.— Dr. II. I). Train, Sheffield; Elisha Church, Alford; Calvin lood, Great Barring ton. 'or the bast specimen of Winter Apples, of not more than 1C, nor less than 8 varieties, the products of the competitor's orchards, six premiums, $«, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. 'or the best specimen of Fall Apples, of not more than 8 nor less than C> varieties, four premium, j$4, 3, 2. 1 ror the best variety of all kinds of Fruits, not to exceed of Summer and Fall Apples 10, Winter Apples 15, Pears 12, Peaches 10, Plums 6, Quinces 2, Grapes 0 varieties, three premiums, $10, 8, f». •'or the best specimen of Pears, of not less than 5 varieties, live premiums, $6,5,4,3, 2. 'or the best single variety of Pears, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. All Fruits must be labeled with their appropriate name and kind, also he time of ripening, and must be raised in this county by the competitors. -Qtnniittees must report the names of the varieties for which the awards re given. No premiums will be allowed for a greater number of. fruits than the umber prescribed. FRUITS SECOND DIVISION PEACHES, PLUMS, CRAPES, AND APPLES. Committee. — Alonzo Bradley, Lee ; Thomas Wells, Stockbridgc ; Wil- am O. Curtis. Lenox. or the best specimen of Peaches, three premiums $3, 2, 1. 'or the best specimen of Plums, two premiums.; $2, 1. or the best specimen of Quinces, three premiums, #3, 2, 1. or the best specimen of Grapes, raised in the open air, not more than . eight varieties, five premiums, $5, 4, 3, 2, 1. or the best specimen of Grapes raised under glass, three premiums, $4,3, 2. ■"or the best specimen of Grape Wine, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. ^or the best specimen of Native Wine, four premiums, $3, 2, 1.50, 1. for the best specimen of Dried Fruit, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. 78 Committees and Premiums for 1 870. For the best specimen of Canned Frnit, three premiums, $3, 2, For the best specimen of Cranberries, one premium, $]. Regulations the same as for First Division. MECHANICAL PRODUCTIONS. Committee, — R' N. Couch, Great Rarrington ; CO. French, West Stoekbridgc ; Marcellus Chapin, Sheffield. For the best Pleasure Harness, two premiums, $4, 3. For the best Farm Harness, two premiums, $4, 3. For the best Pleasure Carriage, two premiums, $5, 4. For the best Farm Wagon, two premiums, $5, 4. For the best specimen of Leather, two premiums, $3, 2. For the best pair of Boots, two premiums, $3, 2. For the best pair of Shoes, two premiums, $2, 1. For the best Coat or Overcoat, two premiums, $4, 2. The sum of $20 is also placed at the disposal of the Committee, to he distributed in awards according to their discretion. Regulations. — All the articles to be presented by the manufacturer, and manufactured in this county since the last exhibition. AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. Committee. — T. D. Thatcher, Lee; Moses P. Lawton, Piltsfield ; Men-it I. Wheeler, Great Barring-ton. THIS DEPARTMENT IS OPEN TO COMPETITORS PROM ALL PARTS OK THE COUNTRY For the best Mowing Machine, two premiums, $10, 5. For the best Hay Tedder, three premiums, $6, 4, 2. For the best Horse Hay Fork, two premiums, $4, 3. For the best Plow, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. For the best Horse Rake, two premiums, $5, 3. For the best Churn, two premiums, $2, 1. For the best Cultivator, two premiums, $4, 3. For the best \ dozen Hand Rakes, two premiums, $2, 1. The sum of $15 is also placed at the disposal of the Committee for dis- cretionary premiums. The premiums in this department are taken from funds independent from the bounty received from the State. The various qualities of all articles offered for premium in this department must be tested by trial whenever practicable. Committees will specify in their re- ports the name of manufacturer and of the articles for which premiums are awarded. DOMESTIC ANIMALS. FIRST DIVISION FAT AND WORKING OXEN. Committee. — Wilber C. Langdon, Monterey ; F. K. Hinckley, Lee Frederick Fitch, Alford. For the best yoke of Fat Oxen, three premiums, $10, 8, 5. Committees and Premiums for 1810. 19 For the best yoke Working Oxen, five premiums, $10, 8, G, 5, 4. Regulations. — Working Oxen shall be tested by draft in estimating their comparative qualities. SECOND DIVISION. THREE AND FOUR YEAR? OLD. Committee — P. M. Shaylor, Lee ; Joshua R. Lawton, Jr., Egreraont ; Mark Hollenbeck, Great Barnngton. For the best yoke of four years old Oxen, broke to labor, six premiums, |8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3. For the best yoke three years old Steers, five premiums, $7, 0, 5, 4, 3 THIRD DIVISION TWO YEARS OLD AND YEARLINGS. Committee. — Zacheus Cande, Sheffield ; Mark Devvev, Richmond ; E. L. Tobey, Alford. For the best pair two years old Steers, four premiums, $5, 4, 3, 2. For the best pair of yearling Steers, three premiums, $4, 3, 2. For the best yearling Heifer, two premiums, &4, 3. FOURTH DIVISION. — MILCII AND FAT COWS. Committee. — Henry W. Smith, Alford ; Nathan 1>. Curtis, Stock bridge; Egbert M. Langdon, Lee. For the best Milch Cow, nine premiums. $9, 8, 7, o, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. For the best Fat Cow, not less that two years old, two premiums, $4, 3. FIFTH DIVISION. — HEIFERS AND CALVES. Committee. — Edward Wolcitt, Sandisfield ; Daniel D. Kendall, Lenox; Guy Day, Great Barrington. For the best two year ol Heifer, having had a calf, five premiums, $0, f>, 4, 3, 2. For the best Fat Heifer, two premiums, §3, 2. For the best Bull Calf, three premiums, $4, 3, 2. For the best Heifer Calf, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. SIXTH DIVISION. — STOCK COWS. Committee. — Levi W. Hyde, Egremont ; Cyrus Hudson, Sheffield ; T. L. Foote, Lee. For the best three Stock and Dairy Cows, three premiums, $8, G, 4. For the best Stock Cow, with one specimen of her progeny by her side, live premiums, $G, 5, 4, 3, 2. SEVENTH DIVISION — HEIFERS AND DULLS. Committee.— Orren Curtiss, Sheffield ; William Stoddard, Alford : George O. Peek, Lenox. For the best two years old Heifer, not having had a calf, four premiums, For the best Thorough-bred Durham Dull, three premiums, $10, 7, 5. For the best Thorough-bred Ayrshire Bull, three premiums, $10, 7, 5, SO Committees and Premiums for 1810. Fur the best Thorough-bred Alderney or Jersey Bull, three premiums, $10, 7,5. For the best Devon Bull, three premiums, $10, t, 5, Regulations. — All exhibitors of thorough-bred stock are required to Bmd in their list of entries with a written piedigree of each animal, to the Secretary, prior to the first day of the Fair. EIGHTH DIVISION. NEAT STOCK. Committee. — Samuel M. Cooper, Stockbridge ; Stephen Powell, New Marlboro ; Frank Cone, West Stockbridge. Kor the best display of Neat Stock not less than six in number, grown by the competitor, three premiums, $8, 6, 4. b\»r the best specimen Durham Stock, not less than four in number, two premiums $8, <>, For best specimen Ayrshire Stock, not less than four, two premiums, $8, f> For the best speeimens Alderney or Jersey Stock, not less than four, two premiums, $8, G. Regulations the same as for Seventh Division. NINTH DIVISION. — SWIXE. Commuter.- -William S. Willcox, Sheffield ; Mark Burghardt, Egre- mo:it ; .lames Bullard, Lee. For the best Boar, four premiums, $5, 4, 3, 2. For the best Breeding Sow, and not less than 8 pigs by her side not over three months old, four premiums, $(5, 5, 4, 3. TENTH DIVISION. BUCKS. Committee.— W. W. ITollenbeek, Great Barrington; Gershoni M. Fitch, Sheffield ; James Dewell, West Stockbridge. For the best Coarse Wool Buck, three premiums, $4, 3, 2. For the best Middle* Wool Buck, three premiums, $4, 3, 2. For the best Fine Wool Buck, three premiums, $4, 3, 2. ♦Middle wool shall embrace South Downs and Grades, which is to con- sist of a cross from Coarse to Fine Wool. ELEVENTH DIVISION. — EWES. Committee. — Thomas H. Curtis, Great Barrington ; Samuel Goodrich, Stockbridge ; Jarvis N. Collar, Is'ew Marlboro. For the best three Coarse Wool Ewes, three premiums, $4, 3, 2. For the best three Middle* Wool Ewes, three premiums, $4, 3, 2. For the best three Fine Wool Ewes, three premiums, $4. 3, 2. Be<;l'Lations. — Ewes offered for premium must have evidence of having been bearing Ewes. ♦Middle wool shall embrace South Downs and Grades, which is to con- sist of a cross from Coarse to Fine Wool Committees and Premiums for 1810. 81 TWELFTH DIVISION LAMBS. Committee. — Leonard Tattle, Sheffield ; Silas S. Dewey, Alford ; Rol> ert A. Potts, Egremont. For the best five Coarse Wool Lambs, three premiums, $4 3, 2. For the best five Middle* Wool Lambs, three premiums, $4, 3. 2. For the best five Fine Wool Lambs, three premiums, $4, 3, 2. The Lambs must have been raised by the persons presenting them. For the best five Fat Wethers, three premiums, $5, 4, 2. ♦Middle wool shall embrace South Downs and Grade, which is to con- sist of a cross from Coarse to Fine Wool. THIRTEENTH DIVISION FARM AND CARRIAGE HORSES. Committee.— John Winthrop, Stcekbridge ; Henry Baker, Sheffield ; Joseph A. Benjamin, Egremont. For the best pair of Farm Horses, four premiums, $8, 7, 6, 5. For the best pair of Draft Horses, two premiums, $G, 4. For the best pair of Carriage Horses, three premiums, $7, G, 5. For the best Single Horse, (mare or gelding,) three premiums, $5, 3, 2. One of the tests for Farm Horses shall be by draft, on trucks. FOURTEENTH DIVISION. SUCKING COLTS Committee. — Abial H. Pease, Lee ; Albert Ticknor, Alford, ; E. R. Joyner, Egremont. For the best Colt not over eight months old, with dam by its side, seven premiums, $8, 7, 0, 5, 4, 3, 2 FIFTEENTH DIVISION. STALLIONS AND COI.TS. Committee. — J. A. Belcher, Sheffield ; Andrew L. Hubbell, Great Barrington ; William Darbe, Stock bridge. For the best Stallion, three premiums, $10, 8, G. For best three years old colt, (mare or geldiug) four premiums, $5, 4, 3, 2. For best two years old Colt, (mare or gelding, three premiums, $4, 3, 2. For best yearling Colt, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. For best Stud Colt, not over three years old, three premiums, $5, 4, 3. SIXTEENTH DIVISION. — COUNTY TROTTING HORSES. Committee. — M. S. Bidwell, Monterey ; A. W. Kellogg, Pittsfiekl ; James H. Rowley, Egremont. For the best four year old Trotting Horse, three premiums, $15, 10, 5. For the best Single Trained Horse, two premiums, $4, 2. For the best Single Walking Horse, four premiums, $5, 4, 3, 2. Regulations.- — In this class of horses, the Judges shall take into consid- eration their other valuable qualities, as well ns speed, in making their awards. No animal ever having trotted for a purse will be permitted to compete in trotting. 82 Committees and Premiums for 18t0. All horses in this division except trained horses must have been owned by the competitor within tho limits of the county during the three months next preceding the Fair. SEVENTEENTH DIVISION. — COUNTY TROTTING HORSES AND FOOT RACE. Committee — David S. Draper, Great Barringtou ; Ralph Little, Shef- field ; William O. Curtiss, Lenox ; George II. Huntington, Becket ; Dr. Samuel C. Parsons, Sandisfield. For the best Trotting Horse, $75 00 2d " " ' " 40 00 3d « " ' " 25 00 The trials of speed for these three premiums will take place on Friday at 2 p m., barring "Comet" and "Sir William," unless both enter and start ; mile heats — best 3 in 5 in harness, time of each heat not to exceed 2:55. For the best pair of Matched Trotting Horses, $40 00 2d " " " " " 20 00 For the best Trotting Stallion, 20 00 2d " " " 10 00 Mile heats, — best 3 in 5, in harness. For the best Trotting Horse never having trotted for a purse, or in public inside of three minutes, $30 00 2d best do 20 00 3d " •' 15 00 4th " " 10 00 Mile heats, — best 3 in 5, — in harness. All horses in this division must have been owned by the competitor with- in the limits of the county during the three months next preceding the Fair. The above premiums are offered by the Society from funds independent of the bounty of the state, and competitors in either of the above classes must pay an entry fee of 10 per cent., and will be governed by the regula- tions substantially the same as those adopted by the National Horse Fairs, so far as applicable hereto. The rules of the Fashion Course in regard to weight and distancing will be adopted when deemed expedient. Other qualities besides speed are also to be considered in making the awards. The Committee may withhold premiums where manifestly unde- served. For Foot Race, five premiums, best time in two half mile heats, $5, 4, 3. 2. 1. POULTRY Committee.— Marshall WTarner, Stockbridge ; Parley A. Russell, Great Harrington ; Egbert B. Garfield Monterey. For the best Trio of Turkeys, three premiums, $3, 2, 1. For the best Trio of Geese, three premiums, $3, 2. 1. Committees and Premiums for 1810. 83 Thirty dollars are also placed in the hands of the Committee to be dis- tributed in awards according to their discretion. Regulations. — The fowls must be owned by the competitor and must be enclosed in neat and tasty cages, and none confined in rough and clumsy boxes will be admitted for exhibition. PLOWING — HORSE TEAMS. Committee. — Charles 0. Perkins. Becket ; Dwight Andrews. Sheffield ; A. G. Freeman, Monterey. For the best plowing, seven permiums, $8, T, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2. Regulations. — No entries for plowing can be made after 8 o'clock, a. m. the third day of the Fair ; and no person can enter but one team for plow- ing. The team must be the property of the competitor, and the name of the plowman given at the time of entry and when awards are declared. Each team will plow one eighth of au acre, the time allowed being forty minutes. The plowing be flat and the furrows not less than six inches deep, nor more than eleven inches wide. The lands for plowing will be staked out, and when all the entries have been received, they will be numbered, and drawn for by the competitors. Each plowman will mark out his own land. PLOWING— OX TEAMS. Committee. — James II. Rowley, Egremont ; Henry A. Tobey, Great Barrington ; Henry D. Palmer Stockbridge. For the best plowing, five premiums, $8, 7, 6, 4, ?>. Reo-nlations same as for Horse Teams. ORCHARDS. Committee.— Henry A. Stedman, Monterev ; David F. Goodrich, Stock- bridge ; Archibald Taft, Sheffield. For the best Apple Orchard of not less than 50 trees, set in fall of 1869 or spring of 1870, to be awarded in 1872, three premiums, $10, S, 6. For the best Pear Orchard, of not less than 25 standard trees, set in fall of 1869, or spring of 1870, to be awarded in 1872, three premiums, $10, 8, 6. Competitors in Orchards must make entries before the first day of Sep tember next. The following premiums on Orchards have been offered, and are yet to be awarded, but no further entries than those already received will be allowed. Committee. 1868— 70.— John B. Hull, Stockbridge ; Ira Curtiss, Shef- field : James Dewell. West Stockbridire. S4 Committees and Premiums for IStO. Committer. 18G(.) — 71. — Marshall Warner. Stockbridge ; William 0. Curtiss, Lenox ; S. Hopkins Bushnell, Sheffield. For the best Apple Orchard of not less than 50 trees, set in fall of 1807, or spring of 180s, to l»e awarded in 1870, three premiums, $10, 8, 6. For the best Pear Orchard, of not less than 25 standard trees, set in fall of 18(17, or spring of 1808, to be awarded in 1870, three premiums. $10, s, 0. For the best Apple Orchard of not less than 50 trees, set in fall of 18G8, or spring of 1809. to be awarded in 1871, three premiums, $10, 8, G. For the best Pear Orchard, of not less than 25 standard trees, set in fall of 1808, or spring of 1809, to be awarded in 1871, three premiums, $10, 8, 0. PEDIGREES. Committee. — Richard Goodman, Lenox ; J. Milton Mackie. Great Bar- igton ; Alonzo Bradley, Lee. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. Committee. — E. W. B. Canning, Stockbridge ; B. F. Parsons, Xew Marlboro ; J. Dewey, Jr., Great Barrington. For the best Report made by any member of the various committees in any of tiie several Departments, (to be awarded at the Annual Meeting,) live premiums, $8, 0, 4, and 2 copies of "Harris on Insects" Regulations. — The report must be the production of the competitor, and should be as brief and comprehensive as possible, giving many ideas in few words. COMMITTEE TO FILL VACANCIES Committee to appoint persons to fill vacancies which may occur in the various examining Committees, — E. P. Woodworth, Great Barrington ; II. T. Uobbins. Great Barrington, GENERAL REGULATIONS. Competitors will not be limited to one premium in each division. Regulations for Articles Exhibited int the Hall. — All articles must have been manufactured or grown by the competitors, citizens of the Coun- ty, since the last exhibition, and must be delivered at the Hall of the exhi- bition on the Fair Grounds, before two o'clock, J'. M., of the first day of the Fair, to persons to be hereafter designated. The name and residence of manufacturer or producer must appear on the articles in evory depart- ment. After the Committees have concluded their examinations, those articles for which premiums have been awarded will be be appropriately designated. Articles on exhibition MUST XOT be removed from the hall until the AFTERNOON OF THE SECOND DAY. Regulations in Regard to Domestic Animals. — All animals presented for premiums must be owned by the competitor. The premiums for farm horses shall be confinedjjto horses which have been owned and used by the persons offering them, fit:' the ordinary basiness of teaming or farming, for the space of three months next preceding the time of their being offered for premium. Carriage ami single horses must have been owned by the competitor for three months, and stallions and bulls for four mouths, next preceding the time of their entry for premium. Not more than one first premium shall be given for any animal not ma- ture, and one first premium after maturity — the cow being regarded mature at three, the horse at four, the ox at five years of age. tint this regulation shall not exclude fat oxen, or two years old heifers having had calves. No animal can compete for two premiums the same year. Every Animal must, be labeled with a card bearing the name of the ani- mal, and the name and residence of the competitor. Cards for that pur- pose will be furnished and filled out at the South Entrance, as the animals are driven on the Fair Grounds. Competitors should remember to make entries of their animals at the Secretary's office, at the south piazza of the Exhibition Hall It will how- ever prove greatly to their own convenience and prevent mistakes to send in their lists of entries beforehand, by mail to the Secretary. All Stock must remain for exhibition upon the grounds of the society until three o'clock ix the afternoon of the first day of the fair, and no animal will re allowed to re driven off the grounds refore that TIME. 86 General Regulations. Provision for the night at the expense of the Society, will be made for the stock of competitors living ten or more miles from the grounds of exhibition. Xo animal or article in any of the departments will receive any premium whore in the opinion of the Committee it is palpably undeserving, even though no competitor should appear against, any such animal or article so presented. The object of the Society is not to give away premiums, but to promote improvement in the various departments by inciting a proper emulation. Any unfair or disingenuous means resorted to by any competi- tor, is in contravention to the spirit of the institution, and subjects the of- fender to a penalty ; and the Committees in conducting their examinations and in determining the awards will be governed strictly by these consider- ations. All persons appointed to serve as committees, who should desire to com- pete for premiums in their own division, and who do not notify the Secre- tary to that effect, at least one week before the time of the Fair, shall be excluded from competing for such premiums. Competitors will bear in mind the following section of a Statute of the Commonwealth : — An extract from the "General Statutes of tlie Commonwealth of Massachusetts," Page 376, Chapter 66. Sec. fi. "No society receiving the bounty, shall distribute any part thereof for any animal or article for which a premium is awarded, unless it was produced within the limits of the society, or the animal has been owned and kept within its limits, by the person to whom the premium is awarded, for three months next preceding the award. And no animal or article for which a pre- mium has been awarded to the owners by any such society, shaU be considered subject for any further premium of the society except for qualities different from those for which the former pre- mium was awarded or for a higher premium, and no animal or article shall be offered for a premi- um, at more than one such society in the same year." ***** Sec. 7. A Society which neglects in any year to comply with the laws relating thereto, or with the regulations of the Board of Agriculture, shall not be entitled to the bounty of the state the year next succeeding. Where any premium appears to have been illegally awarded, the Treas- urer may withhold it at the time of distributing the awards, and the Execu- tive Committee will meet at Great Barrington, on the Monday next suc- ceeding the Fair, for the purpose of examining the list of awards, and if it shall appear that any premium has been improperly withheld, they shall authorize the Treasurer to deliver the same to the claimant, or if they shall find that any premium has been awarded by mistake, or in violation of the By-Laws and Regulations of the Society, the Committee shall require that person so receiving the premium to return the same, and may recommend such proceedings in the case as they may deem proper. All premiums remaining uncalled for in the Treasurer's hands on the first of January succeeding the award, will revert to the Society. Merchants and others wishing to make a display of their goods and wares for exhibition only, will have good facilities afforded for their accommoda- tion without charge. Individuals having works of art or curiosity which they are willing to exhibit without competition, are respectfully solicted to do so, free of charge. Cards will be attached to the articles, and honorable mention made when deemed worthy. PROGRAMME FOR EACH DAY. WEDNESDAY, 28th.— Entries of all Domestic Animals except Horse's, at the Secretary's office from 8 to 11 a. m. Examination of the same by the Committees to commence at 12 M., precisely. The animals will remain on the grounds for exhibition until 3 p. m.t and the prize animals will be distinguished by appropriate badges. Entries of Articles for Exhibition in the Hall, from 8 a. m., to 2 p. in. Examination of the same by the Committees to corameuce at 2 p. m. THURSDAY, 29th.— Exhibition of Articles in the Hall during the entire day. Entries of Horses may be made at the Secretary's office on Wednesday, and until 10 a, in., on Thursday. At 9:30 a. m., a cavalcade of all Horses. 10 a. m.— Exhibition of Colts with Dams, 14th Division. 10:30 a. m.— Exhibition of Yearling Colts, 15th Division. 10:45 a. m. — Exhibition of two-years-old Colts, loth Division. 11 a. m. — Trial of Speed, four-years-old, Trotting Horse, 10th Division, best 2 in 3 in harness. Premiums, $15, 10, 5. 11:15 a. m. — Exhibition of three years-o'd Colts, 15th Division. 11:30 a. m. — Exhibition of Stu-.l Colts not over 3 years old, 15th Division. 11:45 a. in.— Exhibition of Stallions, 15th Division. 12 m.— Trial of Single Walking Horses, 16th Division. 12.15 p. m. — Exhibition of Farm Horses, 13th Division, tested by draft, and in other ways. 1:30 p. m. — Exhibition of Singh Horses, 13th Division. 2 p. m. — Trial of Speed, Trotting Stallions, 17th Division, best 3 in 5 in harness. Premiums, $20, 10. 2:15 p. m. — Exhibition of Carriage Horses, 13th Division. 2:30 p. m. — Exhibition of Trained Horses, 16th Division. 2:45 p. m. — Trial of Speed — Single Trotting Horses, 17th Division, never having trotted in public inside of three minutes, — mile heats, best 3 in 5 in harness. Premiums, $30, 20, 15, 10. Programme for Each Day. FRIDAY, 30th.— 9 a. m., Plowing Match. 10 a. in.— ADDRESS. Award of Premiums, and other exercises in the Hall. 2 p. m.— Grand Trial of Speed of Single Horses, lTth Division, fur the premiums of $75, 40, 25. 3 p. m. — Trials of Speed, Matched Trotting Horses, 17th Division, mile heats, best three in five in harness. Premiums $40, 20. 3:15 p. m. — Foot Races, best in two half-mile heats. Music will be famished on Thursday and Friday, by WHEELER & WILSON'S FULL BAND of Bridgeport, Conn. -•--•- ADMISSION Members, their wives and minor children, and teams will be admitted during the three days of the Fair. Admission for persons other than members, their wives and minor children, at the following rates : — Single tickets of admission, 25 cents. Single carriage, 20 " Double carriage, 30 " For man and horse, 35 " Children tinder ten years, 10 M *«2©£50&$©j* BY-LAWS HOUSATONIC AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. ARTICLE I. The object of this Society shall be. Improvement in Agriculture, Domestic Manufactures and Rural Economy, within the limits of the County of Berkshire. ARTICLE II. The officers of this Society shall be, a President, two Vice Presidents, Treasurer and Secretary. ARTICLE III. The Committees of the Society shall be :— 1. An Executive Committee, consisting of the President, Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary, and five persons elected from the Society at large, annually. 2. Standing Committees, of at least three members each for each Department, or for each divis- ion of any department, the number of the divisions of the general departments being determined by the Society annually. 3. A Committee on Accounts, consisting of three members, to be chosen from the Society an- nually. ARTICLE IV. The annual meeting of the Society shall be held at Great Barringtnn, on the second Tuesday of January, at 10 o'clock, A. M., for the election of Officers, appointment of Committees, and for the transaction of all other business properly before the Society. ARTICLE V. The President, Vice Presidents, Treasurer and Secretary shall be elected by ballot, and all the other officers, as the Society shall direct. ARTICLE VI. A quorum shall consist of not less than twelve members, including the presiding officer. ARTICLE VII. The Officers of the Society shall enter upon their respective duties, on the second Tuesday of January annually, and continue in office one year, and until superceded by another board, and in case of vacancy by death, resignation or otherwise, a new election may be had, to fill such vacancy, for which purpose the Society may be convened by the senior existing officer of the Soc'ety, by a notice from him to that effect inserted in two or more of the county papers, at least fourteen days previous to the time specified for such convention. Vacancies occurring in any of the Committees of the Society may be filled by the Executive Committee at any of its regular or special meetings. ARTICLE VIII. The members of the Society shall consist of Ordinary and Honorary Members. The conditions of ordinary membership shall be, either an annual contribution of two dollars to the Treasurer of the Society, or, 2d, the giving of a note to the Society for $16 67-100, and paying the annual interest thereon of one dollar to the Treasurer, for the benefit of the Society, or ; 3d the paying into the Treasury of the Society $16 67-100, securing by such payment perpetual member- ship, exempt from all future taxation. A gentleman paying $10, or a lady paying $5, into the treasury, shall be entitled to a cer- tificate of Life Membership, which certificate shall secure to the holder thereof all the priyi. leges of any other Membership, except that such certificate is not transferable. 90 , By-Laws. ARTICLE IX. Honorary members may be elected by vote of the Executive Committee at any of its regular meetings, and shall consist of agriculturists or eminent advocates of the agricultural interests, re- siding out of the County. Such members shall be privileged to meet with, and debate upon the in- terests of the Society, but not to vote. ARTICLE X. Sec. 1. Persons who have become members of the Society by giving their note, and who may wish to withdraw from the same, must by themselves, or their legal representatives give notice in writing of their intention to the Treasurer, one year previous to the time of their proposed with- drawal, accompanying such notice with the payment in full of all arrears then due the Society on such note, together with the interest for one year in advance, in which case their note may be canceled. Sec. 2. Persons who are entitled to Perpetual Membership by the payment of 16 67-100 into the Treasury, may withdraw from the Society, by transferring their certificate of stock to some other person : but this transfer cauuot be made without the approbation of one or more of the Executive Committee, who shall ascertain who is to be the recipient of such certificate, and his place of resi- dence, and the transfer must be recorded in a book kept for that purpose, by the Treasurer of the Society. ARTICLE XI. DUTIES OF THE SEVERAL OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES OF THE SOCTETIY. — DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT. Sec. 1. The President shall exercise the usual duties of that office. All motions shall be ad- dressed to him, and on all questions he shall collect and declare the votes, and when they are eqally divided, he shall be entitled to a casting vote. He is ex-officio Chairman of the Executive Com- mittee, and he shall superintend the various departments— cause the laws of the Society and the measures of the Executive Committee to be carried into effect, and see that the several officers of the society discharge their respective duties with fidelity. He shall retain the seal of the Society and shall sign all diplomas to honorary members. He may call special meetings of the Society whenever he shall deem it necessary, by notification to that effect inserted in two or more of the county papers, at least fourteen days previous to such meetings, excepting meetings for filling va- cancies in Committees on days of the Fair. And he may also convene, at his pleasure, the Execu- tive Committee, by giving the members eight days previous notice, either in writing or through t he medium of the county papers. In case of the death, resignation or absence of the President, his duties shall be performed by the Vice Presidents in the order in which they are named in the records. And in case of the death, resignation or absence of the President and Vice Presidents, a President pro tempore may be chosen at any meeting of the Society. DUTIES OF THE TREASURER. Sec. 2. The Treasurer shall collect and receive all the funds of the Society, and he may take such legal measures for the collection thereof as he thinks proper, at the expense of the Society, under the direction of the President or Executive Committee. He shall give bonds to the President iu the sum of three thousand dollars, with one or more sureties, as the President may require, for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office. No payment can be made by the Treasurer but by the authority of the Committee on Accounts. He shall keep his accounts methodically, in a book kept for the purpose, and belonging to the Society, aud whenever called upon by the * Presi- dent, or any member of the Executive Committee, he shall produce the same for inspection, one week previous to the last Wednesday in September of each year. And he shall exhibit to the Society at its annual meeting, a regular account current of the transactions of the year, as also a list of the members who may be in arrears for their contributions ; and wheuever his office expires, he shall give into the hands of the President a fair and regular account of all receipts and expenditures, together with the bookBftnd funds ot the Society, to be by him delivered to the Treasurer elect. At the first meeting of the Executive Committee thereafter, these accounts shall be laid before them by the President, and if found correct, the President shall be authorized to give a discharge thereon, aud to cancel the bond of the Treasurer. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. Sec. 3d. The Secretary shall Keep the records and archives oi the Soc'ety, and have in charge all letters and papers relating to the correspondence of the same. He shall conduct all the correspondence of the Society, keep a register of all letters written, and keep on file all letters received, pertaining ito the business of the Society. He shall be present at all meetings of the Society and of tiie Executive Committee, aud record their proceed- ings. He shall couuter^igu all diplomas and certificates relative to premiums, wh Monuments and Grave-Stones of American and Italian Marble and Scotch Granite furnished to Older. MARBLE POSTS AND CURBING FOR CEMETERY LOTS. ALSO, WINDOW LINTELS, SILLS AND STOOPS. ALL KINDS OF MARBLE WORK DONE TO ORDER. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED IN ALL CASES. REFERENCES : L. G. Robbtns, Esq., Great Barrington, D. R. Williams, Esq., Stockbridge, W. H. Parks, M. D., '• " Hon. William Taylor, Lee, Jared Lewis, Esq., «' " T. D. Thatcher, Esq., Lee, C. M. Owen, Esq., Stockbridge, W. W. Leavitt, M. D., W. Stockbridge. RICHARD FIELD, — DEALER IN — — AND— Manufacturer of SAUSAGE, for Wholesale and Retail Trade, HEAD OF RAILROAD STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MASS. Ad vertising Department. LESTER & COMPANY, Main Street, : ! : GEEAT BAEEINGTON, MASS. — DEjLLEBS in— GENERAL MERCHANDISE, And all kinds of FARMERS' PRODUCE. OUR STOCK COMPRISES A GENERAL ASSORTMENT OF BROADCLOTHS, CASSIMERES an! CLOAKIMS, SILKS, SHAffLS, r» B 3 S S GOODS, IN GREAT VARIETY. Domestics, Tickings, Carpet Warps, «&c, «&c. Onr*T3©ts, Oil Olotlxs, «.xxci IVXnttixxse*. VVliidow Shade* and Wall Papers, : : : from 6 cents to $4.00 per Roll. BOOTH AN" 13 SHOKS-for all ages and Sexes. Flour, Salt, Fish, Pork, Lard, &c, &c. TAINTS, OILS AND VARNISHES in any quantity. ^$„It is our aim to keep the greatest variety, and the cheapest stock of Goods to be found in Berkshire County. LESTER &; CO. Do you want a full Dinner or Tea Set of the latest style, a Chamber Set, or Plates, Cups, Bowls, or any articles of CfOCkorV. whether many or few, choice or common ? " Go to H. T. BOBBINS' BAZAAR. Do you want Goblets, Tumblers, Mugs, Egg Glasses, Casters, Caster Bottles, Lamps, Lanterns, Chimneys, Glass Dishes, Fruit Jars, Looking Glasses, Vases, Cologne Bottles, Presents for Crystal Weddings, or anything else of GlaSS ! Go to H. T. BOBBINS' BAZAAR. Do you want a French China Dinner, or Tea Set, plain or gilt, China Fruit Dishes, Gift Cups, Mugs, or anything in French China! Go to H. T. ROBBINS' BAZAAR. Do you want in Rockingham, or YellOW Ware,any Spittoons, Pie Plates, Fire Proof Tea-Pots, Cake Bowls, Baking Dishes; or in Stone Ware, any Butter PotS Fruit Pots, Pancake Pitchers, Bean Pots, Flower Pots, &c. ? Go to H. T. ROBBINS' BAZAAR. Do you want any Black Walnut Brackets, Hat Racks, Towel Racks, Reels, Nests ot Boxes, spoons, Presents for Wooden or Tin Weddings, Match safes, carved Work, Bowls, Tubs, Pails, Mops, Brooms, Wash Boards, Clothes Baskets, Ladies' Work and Traveling Baskets, Office and Market Baskets, Door MatS °* rubber, cocoa, wx>l, manilla, rope or jute? Go to H. T. BOBBINS' BAZAAR. Do you want any Tin Toilet Sets, Tin Slop Pails, Measure Cups, Jelly Moulds, Pudding Boilers, Cake Cutters and Pans, Flour Sifters, Iron Spoons and Forks, Table Cutlery. Coffee Mills, Wire Work, Flat Irons, Table Trays and Waiters, Brushes, Feather and Wool Dusters, or in short almost anything needed in the kitchen, dining room, or parlor, and all " so handy to have in the house ?" Go to BOBBINS' BAZAAB. W H Y ? Because he has much the largest and best assortment of goods in his line, to be found in South- ern Berkshire; he selects the best quality of goods, and warrants to give satisfaction; strives to deal fairly by every patron, and having taken advantage of the great fall in prices, is enabled to offer his goods at the very lowest rates. Call and see. Wrought Iron Pipe, for Water, Steam, or Cas. Flowers and House Plants, a largo lot, in their season. Do you want the best Family Sewing Machine, one tbat will do either light or heavy work perfectly? Goto H. T. BOBBINS' and get the Weed Sewing Machine. Wonld you insure your life, and your buildings against loss by fire ? Go to H. T. Bobbins, Great Barrington, and insure your life in the State Mutual of Worcester, and your buildings in the HanOVOr °f New York ; two perfectly reliable companies. II. T ROBBINS, Great Harrington, Advertising Department. JAMES W. BARRY, -MANUFACTURER AND DEALER IN- 1 £ GAITERS OF ALL KINDS, Cfeildrta'a Bopis and Shoes. ,w?.v £»' rae £/. m. Advertising Department. J. W. MORGAN, — DKALEB IS — Booh, Stationery, Newspapers, PERIODICALS, TOYS, FANCY GOODS, ftc, &c, RAILROAD ST., : GREAT BARRINCTON, MASS. Subgertptlons for Daily and Weekly Newspapers, Magazines and Period- icals of all'kinds, received at Publishers' Prices, and Promptly attended to. jft5j- Orders for BOOKS, or anything else in our line, which :s not on hand, will be filled at the SHORTEST NOTICE. H. W. WRIGHT & CO., —DEALERS IN FINE AND STAPLE— ftawftttitf i FLOUR, FEED AND MEAL. Procluoo of £k,l± Kinds Bou.glit ancl Sold. Sole Agents in Great Barrington, for the Celebrated &. -if s at 1 1. & rAiifT, Prepared for immediate application, and sold by the gallon only. Over 2000 gallons sold in this vicinity the past year. This Paint is unsurpassed for beauty, durability and elasticity; dries with a hard, rich, glossy surface; does not run from seams or nail holes; will not chalk, crack, or peal on-'; covers more surface with the same body, and is cheaper, more lasting, and better in every respect than any other Paint. Under the Courier Office, Main street, ) TJ TIT W"R IP RT Rl CO Great Barrington, Mass. ISAAC B. COHEM, — DEALER IN — CUSTOM AND READY-MADE CLOTHING OF MY OWJV MANUFACTURE. GENTS' FURNISHING GOODS OF EVEEY VARIETY. CLOTHS, CASSIMERES, DOESKINS AND SATINS, la Great variety and style, which wc will sell by the yard, or make up to order at the lowest rates. MY CLOTHING DEPARTMENT IS FULL IN EVERY BRANCH. JBQ- All kinds of Piece Goods by the Yard. All kinds of Ladies' and Gents' FURS. Also, HATS AND CAPS. Sfzr- Garments made to order in the latest styles, at short notice. Highest Cash price paid for'all kinds of FURS. First Door South of Post Office. GREAT HARRINGTON. MASS, The Great Farmers' Paper. ow is the Time to Subscribe for tie GREAT FAMILY NEWSPAPER ! IT IS CHEAP BEBAUSE ITS CIRCULATION IS LARGER THAN THAT OF ANY OTHER NEWSPAPER. THE NEW-YORK WEEKLY TRIBUNE Contains all the important Editorials published in the DAILY TRIBUNE, except those of merely local interest ; Literary and Scientific Intelligence ; Reviews of New* Books ; letters from our Correspondents ; latest news by telegraph ; a summary of intelligence in this city and elsewhere ; Proceedings of Congress and State Legislature ; Foreign News by steamer ; Exclusive Reports of the Farmers' Club of the American Institute ; Talks about Fruit ; Stock, Financial, Cattle, Dry Goods, and General Market Reports. "WHAT I KNOW OF FARMING." MR. GREELEY is writing a series of agricultural essays under the head of "WHAT I KNOW OF FARMING," which will appear in THE TRIBUNE every week during the year 18*0. Ten are al- ready printed on the following subjects : No 1 —Will Fannin- Pay ? No. 6. -Laying off a Farm-Pasturing, So! L-S£d S& Husbandry, No. 7 -Trees, Woodland, Forests No S Where to Farm No- 8.— Growing Timber, Tree Planting, m. fcSeSStag torirm. *»■ ft-*-** anuGn^ng Treea' No. 5.-Buying a Farm, No. 10—Drainmg, My Own. From the above list of subjects, an idea may be gained of their wide scope and their great value to the agriculturist. HORTICULTURAL, DEPARTMENT. To keep pace with the growing interest in practical Horticulture, and to comply with frequent appeals from all parts of the country for information of any practical character on the subject we have en-aged Mr P. T. Qcinn, who is experienced in rural affaire and a successful market garden- SSasmsof articles on the management of Small Farms, Fruit and Vegetable Cultare, and how to make them pay, giving general and specific directions from planting to the ultimate disposal of the crops. VETERINARY DEPARTMENT. Tn make THE TRIBUNE still more valuable to its agricultural readers, we have engaged Prof. JAMES LAW Veterinary Surgeon in Cornell University, to answer questions concerning diseases of Stle^H^rsSlheep, and°other domestic animals, and to p^scnbe remedies. ^«™£ «£ T)rescrmtions will be given only through the columns of THE TRIBL^E. We are su.e tnat tnis SewTatare in THE TRIBUNE wiU add largely to its value, as all owners of animals are liable to nled the information proffered. In short, we intend that THE TRIBUNE shall keep in the advance fn all that S tub the Agricultural, Manufacturing, Mining, and otner interests of the country and" that for^S^sSS I completeness, itshall remain altogether the most valuable, interesting, and "^^SS^SSJS^^fS^ things written on the .jj£| ,<* agriculture by American and foreign writers, and shall increase these features from year to year. ^na^SvSdSproWem of making the best and cheapest newspaper in America. TERMS OF THE WEEKLY TR1BU3E-T0 MAIL SUBSCRIBERS. One copy, one year, 52 issues. 5 copies, $9 ; 10 copies, of subscribers, at one Pi *1 -25 each (and one extra copy ;; zu copies, «/ /«*««» «•«■•»" -"—- ~; "^J"-" ~'_TT i each (and one extra copy;) 50 copies to one address, $1 00 each (and one extra copy;) 50 ItfieStc * names of subscribers, at one PosUOffice.%\ 10 each (and one extra copy,) In making remittances always procure a draft on New York, or a Post-Office Money Order, if possible. Terms, cash in advance. Address, The Tbxbttne, New York. 6\ , \87b TRANSACTIONS —OF THE— 0U0at0ttic agnmteal jpMietg, tPOR THE YEAR. 1S70, —INCLUDING THE— Address of Prof. W. S. CLARK, President of the Massachusetts Agricultural College, AT THE TWENTY -NINTH ANNUAL CATTLE SHOW AND FAIR. —HELD AT— GREAT BARRINGTON, MASS., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Sept, 28th, 29th & 30th, 1870. GREAT BARRINGTON, MASS.: MARCUS H. ROGERS, STEAM PRINTER. 1871. TEANSACTIONS —OF THE— ^%mmkm mgrinttal M*fW& FOR THK YEAR 1870, —INCLUDING THE- Address of Prof. W. S. CLARK, President of the Massachusetts Agricultural College, AT THE TWENTY -NI\TII ANNUAL CATTLE SHOW AND PAIR, —HELD AT— GREAT BARRINGTON, MASS., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Oct. 28th, 29th & 30th, 1870. —ALSO, THE— LIST OF PREMIUMS, COMMITTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY For 1871. GREAT BARRINGTON, MASS.: MARCUS H. ROGERS, STEAM PRINTER. 1871. * «- 5gaN #4 flu) B . < or J 8FFIcglf| FOR 1870 President PARLEY A. RUSSELL of Great Barrington. „ „ | THOS. H. CURTIS of Great Barrington, A ice-Phesidents, £ ^acheus CANDEE ot Sheffield. Treasurer, JUSTIN DEWEY, Jr., of Great Barrington. Secretary, HENRY T. BOBBINS of Great Barrington. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. PARLEY A. RUSSELL, | ALEXANDER HYDE, of Great Barrington. of Lee. EGBERT B. GARFIELD, of Monterey. TIIOS. H. CURTIS, of Great Barrington ZACREUS CANDE, of Sheffield, JUSTIN DEWEY, Jr... of Great Barrington. HENRY T ROBBINS, of Great Barrington. HENRY W. SMITH, HUGO DEWEY, HENRY DRESSER* of Alford. of Egremont of Stoclibridge. COMMITTEE ON ACCOUNTS : ISAAC SEELEY of Great Barrington, JOHN L. DODGE of Great Barrington, HERBERT C. JOYNER of Great Barrington. SUPERINTENDENT OF FAIR GROUNDS: EDWIN HURLBURT of Great Barrington. DELEGATE TO STATE BOARD OP AGRI0ULTURE-1870-73. RICHARD GOODMAN of Lenox. PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION The Present XA/ant of Agriculture, Mr. President, and Members of the Housatonic Society : From your various homes among the beautiful hills of Southern Berk- shire you have assembled to recount the achievements of another season of toil ; to witness with laudable pride the rich display of the products of your skill and industry ; and, while enjoying the recreation of your annual festival, to secure if possible, some substantial good for your own personal, or professional advancement. To such an audience it were su- perfluous to rehearse the oft repeated praises of rural life, or to restate the manifold advantages of agriculture as a business for young persons of in- telligence, sound judgment, and reasonable expectations. There are here many industrious, successful and contented men and women, who know from observation and their own happy experience, that all the essential comforts of life may be more easily and more certainly procured by farmers than by any other class of American citizens. Among the outward circumstances which contribute to human happiness doubtless all right minded individuals would enumerate, as of primary importance, pure air, bright sunshine, and pleasant scenery ; wholesome food, delicious fruits, and charming flowers ; instructive and entertaining books, and delightsome music ; comely and comfortable clothing, tasteful and convenient buildings and furniture ; lov- ing and intelligent friends, and an abundance of healthful, agreeable, and remunerative employment ; and these are the natural possessions of the properly educated and truly enterprising husbandman. The country homes of Massachusetts are indeed too often sadly deficient in these elements of comfortable living, but it is not the fault of agriculture as an occupation. These things are freely offered to every farmer who desires to have them, and neither wealth, nor political power, nor extraordinary talent, is necessary for their acquisition. The great majority of our race must be in the future, as they have been from the beginning, tillers of the soil, producers of food, and of the necessary material for commerce aud manufactures ; but they need not be ignorant and devoid of taste. Address. On the contrary, in the good time coming, the refining, elevating, and strengthening influences of high intellectual and aesthetic culture will be considered as desirable in the agricultural profession, as they are in medi- cine, law or theology. It is, however, an indisputable fact that the farmers even of Massachu- setts to-day, with a few exceptions, fail almost utterly to appreciate the importance of professional or scientific education for their sons, and feel far less respect than they ought for their business. Washington declared this to be "the most useful, the most healthy and the most noble occupa- tion of man," and followed it, so far as his public duties would allow, with energy and ability. Yet there are multitudes on our farms, who will make far greater sacrifices to send their sons to a classical college, or establish them in some branch of trade or manufacture, than they will to prepare them in the best manner to become influential and prosperous in the pro- fession of their fathers. A celebrated painter having been asked with what he mixed his colors to render them so perfect, is said to have answered, "brains." The most difficult and most complicated of the arts, also requires brains in him who would master and improve it. Accordingly we find agriculture most wisely and properly conducted, where nature is not too lavish of her favors, but where the circumstances of soil and climate compel men to the exercise of forethought and diligence. In favorable situations within the tropics the support of a family requires an exceedingly small amount of labor and skill. Clothing is almost a superfluity, and food springs from the earth in constant and luxuriant profusion. Thus the plantain, which is the staff of life in some equatorial regions, yields one hundred and thirty-three times as much food to the acre as the wheat plant, and needs scarcely any culti- vation or care. It is only necessary to renew the plantation once in twenty years, so that the principal labor consists in picking the fruit, which grows within thirty feet of the ground. The plantain is nutritious and healthful in a great variety of forms, and is eaten both ripe and unripe, cooked and uncooked, and in the dry as well as the fresh state. The cocoa-nut, date and sago palms furnish food, drink and clothing, almost as readily as the plantain does food. IIow unlike this is the agriculture of Massachusetts with her rough and sterile soil and her severe climate, demanding a constant and vigorous strug- gle with both the burning heat of summer and the icy blasts of winter ! With anxious care the farmer must provide during the few brief months, when there are no frosts, for the maintenance and shelter of his family and his domestic animals during half the year, when no food of any kind will Address. grow. To do this he must be industrious, intelligent and prudent, and to secure more than a bare subsistence he needs all the aid which the highest science can afford. Notwithstanding the difficulties which beset the farmer in the cooler regions now inhabited by the most civilized nations of the world, the total amount and value of agricultural produce are constantly increasing, and in Great Britain, and doubtless in Massachusetts, this increased product is obtained with a continually diminishing expense, and in many cases with an absolute improvement of the soil. This is the goal toward which a true and perfect system of agriculture should ever be tending — to secure the most desirable and profitable crops with the least expenditure of labor and fertilizers, and, at the same time, to enrich the soil, and enhance the salu- brity of the climate and the beauty of the landscape, The effect of mod- ern improvements applied to estates in England during the present century has been to increase their annual value many fold. This result has been attained by thorough tillage, clean culture, under-draining, rotation of crops, cultivation of roots, improved methods of saving and applying ma- nures, use of commercial fertilizers, and proper adaptations of crops to soils and markets, together with the application of horse and steam power to farm work and the invention of many new and useful hand implements ; the irrigation of "water meadows ;" the introduction of better breeds of animals for specific purposes and the diffusion of knowledge upon topics of interest to the fanner. In our own Commonwealth the change for the better is almost as mar- velous. How different the appearance of the country to-day from what it was an hundred years ago ! What improvements in the variety and quality of farm and garden products ; in the number and perfection of agricultural implements and machines : in the treatment of swamps and other wild or waste land ; in roads and fences ; in orchards and vineyards ; in the loca. tion and construction of farm buildings ; in the beauty, usefulness and value, and the care and breeding of domestic animals ; in the saving and appreciating of fertilizers and in general farm management, and above all in the intelligence and eagerness for progress of the farmers themselves. This increased mental activity and desire for information is clearly indicated by the enormous sales of agricultural books of every description, and the al- most incredible circulation of agricultural periodicals, which have come into existence within a comparatively few years. Not only have the out door labors of the farm been rendered much lighter, more agreeable, and more profitable by these modern betterments and inventions, but the household duties of the farmer's wife and daughters Address have been greatly diminished both in number and severity. The quiet en- joyment of domestic life is now possible, even upon large farms, since the rude hired men of the olden time are mostly replaced by the sleek horses who perform their work. The milk train, the cheese factory, the machines for washing and wringing, churning, and sweeping, sewing and knitting, and a thousand other improvements lighten their responsibilities, lessen their labors, and shorten their hours of toil. While it is thus encouraging to review the history of our agriculture, it is evident that much remains to be accomplished before our system of farming as actually practiced will derive the benefit it ought from the best knowledge of the present day, and the farmers as a class have that degree of intelligence and skill which is most desirable. We are assured on good authority that the soil of the United States has been devastated and impoverished by our past agricultural operations to the extent of more than $1,000,000,000, and that the loss from poor cultivation of crops — from what Henry Ward Beecher styles the horizontal, iu distinction from the vertical, method of farming — in the year 1809 was not less than $200,000,000. It is also undoubtedly true that the actual waste of fertilizers from want of proper shelter and care amounted in the aggregate to many millions of dollars. Even in Massachusetts there are probably 75,000 barns to-day without cellars or other suitable means for saving the more valuable portion of animal excrement. It may be safely asserted that money wisely applied lo the advancement of agriculture is most profitably invested. When Henry Colman was oc- cupied, from 1836 to 1840, as commissioner in making an agricultural sur- vey of this state, there were many even among the farmers who regarded his work as of little, if any, value, and it was finally suspended before its com- pletion for want of an appropriation from the legislature. In his final re- port he says, that the total expense to the people had been about one cent for each inhabitant, and that one of the.best informed men in the state had expressed the opinion that it had already been worth thirty times its cost in its beneficial effects upon the agriculture of the Commonwealth. If he had been instrumental in reclaiming an average of three acres of peat bog in each town, as he supposed he had. he shows that he had thus created property worth at least $150,000 and yielding an income of $20,000 per an- num. If he had led to the making each year in every town an average of 200 loads of compost worth one dollar a load more than it cost, he de- monstrates that he had thus developed an annual income of $00,000. The money expended was therefore obviously returned many times over • luring the progress of the survey, and will be every year while agriculture Address. is practiced. It is an important fact that such agencies for good onee put |nto operation, continue with constantly increasing power to benefit man- kind to the remotest generation. Near the beginning of the nineteenth century, when the science of chemistry was rapidly assuming its present form and revealing to the waiting world the wondrous truths relating to the composition of soils, water and air. the food of plants and animals, and the true relations of the three kingdoms of nature to each other, Sir Humphrey Davy published his great work on Agricultural Chemistry. The deepest interest in regard to possible im- provements in agricultural operations by the direct application of science was excited in the minds of many 'most intelligent men, both in this country and in Europe. It had been for centuries previous to this time the belief that chemical science could devise some method for trausmuting the baser metals into gold. Kings, nobles, and scholars had been alike interested to secure this result, but chemical analysis demonstrated that it was no longer to be hoped for. The enthusiastic devotion of the alchemists to the mystic science was now in a measure replaced by the unwarranted expectations of those who sought the advancement of agriculture. Many imagined that chemi- cal analysis was to reveal at once the causes of sterility in soils, and to dis- cover forthwith some simple, but sufficient, remedy. This resulted in an immense amount of chemical investigation into the composition of soils, manures, plants and animals, which is still in progress, and though the pre- cise object of search has not been discovered, a vast amount of valuable knowledge, both theoretical and practical, has been attained. The meth- ods of enriching soils, preparing and applying manures, stimulating plants to produce the crops desired, and feeding auimals for special purposes, which have been devised by intelligent men under the guidance of science, have been, and will to the end of time be, of inestimable value to the world. The surpassing worth of any, even the smallest, improvement in agricul- ture, and the rapidity with which one invention followed another awakened the public mind to the necessity of some new means for the diffusion of knowledge, and for the excitement among farmers of a desire for better tools, seeds, stock, and methods, Hence the organization of agricultural, societies, which aimed to accomplish these results by the publication of use- ful information, by the discussion of various important subjects, by the ex- hibition of the best agricultural tools and products, aud by the offering of premiums for the trial of experiments, the invention of improved processes or implements, and the production of the largest crops, the finest sped- 8 Address. mens of the most desirable farm produce or domestic animals, and for the best essays upon specified topics. The Massachusetts Society for the Promotion of Agriculture was incorpo- rated in 1792 and has always been composed largely of gentlemen of wealth and culture, residing in Boston or its vicinity. In addition to the §ther more common modes of advancing the interests of the great art this society has repeatedly imported valuable animals of choice breeds from England and France, and distributed them for service in various parts of the Commonwealth. The farmers of Middlesex county organized a society in H94 and those of Berkshire in 1811. The people of other counties soon followed their example, until now there are thirty incorporated societies enjoying the liberal patronage of the State. Most of these own from thirty to sixty acres of land, and suitable buildings for their fairs, which are attended by from 3,000 to 25,000 visitors. Their total, real and persoual property amounts to $350,000 and their annual premiums exceed $25,000. The New England Agricultural Society under the leadership of its tal- ented founder, Dr. George B. Loring, in addition to its most successful annual exhibitions has instituted at the farm of the Massachusetts Agricul- tural College grand trials of the implements and machinery of husbandry. These have awakened much interest and competition among manufacturers throughout the United States, and have been exceedingly serviceable to the farmers of New England, affording them the opportunity of seeing in operation a great variety of the best machines. After the first establishment of agricultural societies, the next step for the improvement of our farming was the employment already alluded to, of the learned commissioner, Henry Colman, to make an agricultural survey of the State and suggest measures for promoting this important interest- From his entire familiarity with the history and progress of English agri- culture he was admirably qualified for the task. In his final report he urges the necessity of special education for farmers as follows : "In order to render the agricultural profession more attractive and respectable we must seek its intellectual elevation. Improvement of the mind confers a rank which wealth cannot purchase, and commands a respect which the proudest aristocracy may envy. It is too late in the day to decry the value of science in agriculture. Who can name an art, or trade, or business, in which knowledge is a disadvantage, or a prejudice to success ; or in which indeed, it is not a substantial help ? Why should agriculture, combining as it does so many reasons and opportunities for the application of skill and knowledge, be an exception to every other art and business?" Address. 9 The first effort to carry these ideas into practical operation was not made till 1850, when Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, then president of the Nor- folk Agricultural Society and also president of the Massachusetts Senate introduced a bill, which passed the Senate, but failed in the House of Rep- resentatives, authorizing- the Governor to appoint a board of ten commis- sioners who should have power to establish an agricultural school or college, and who should consider the expediency of the formation of a board of agriculture as a department of the state government. The result was that a commissioner was authorized, and Dr. Edward Hitchcock was appointed to visit and report upon the agricultural institutions of Europe. This re- port was made to the Legislature of 1851, and contained a detailed account of more than 350 schools. One recommendation of the commissioners, based upon this report, was that the Legislature establish a central agricultural college, with a model and experimental farm Another recommendation was that a state board of agriculture be created with a permanent secretary and office at the State House for the collection of agricultural statistics and information, and the advancement of the farming interests of the Commonwealth. The operations of the Board of Agriculture, as recorded in its annual reports, are too familiar to need rehearsal. It has most nobly done the work for which it was created, and, by its constant advocacy of agricultural education, prepared the way for the success of the Massachusetts Agricul- tural College, which was finally incorporated in 1863. It has been customary iu years past, for most of the societies to have an annual address, which has usually been printed. These addresses have generally been delivered by distinguished clergymen, lawyers, physicians, professors or editors, and the prominent theme has been education — brains — science fur farmers. Wise and eloquent as these orations have been, it is to be hoped there will, at no distant day, be educated farmers who can speak for their own profession with even greater effect. It should then, however, be gratefully remembered that up to the present time almost every successful attempt at improvement in the agriculture of Massachu- setts has been originated and prosecuted by educated men who did not be- long to the class properly called farmers. When, in 1862, the national government granted 360,000 acres of land to Massachusetts for the establishment of one or more colleges for the education of the industrial classes, the advocates of agricultural education perceived that the long-looked-for clay had dawned — that their often de- ferred hopes wrere about to be realized. It was conceded at once by all, that provision should now be made fur the special instruction of farmers. 10 Address. His Excellency, Governor Andrew, the Legislature of 1863, the Board of Agriculture, and all who were for any reason interested in the subject, be- gan an earnest and thorough discussion of the question, how the fund ac- cruing from the sale of this land could be best applied to promote educa- tion in agriculture, and thus to elevate the profession and perfect the art. Three distinct plans for the accomplishment of the desired object were brought forward and ably advocated by their friends. The first was elo- quently presented by the governor in his annual message, in which he ad- vised the establishment of an agricultural school in connection with Har- vard College, and the bestowment of at least two millions of dollars, in addition to the fund derived from the sale of the land, upon that institu- tion, so as to render it a grand university worthy the name and fame of Massachusetts. The prime object of an agricultural school of this kind, is not to educate farmers, so much as to advance scientific agriculture, by affording at the university the most favorable opportunities for experiments and original investigations in the various departments of science, which are specially applied to agriculture. Such an institution would undoubt- edly, under good management, accomplish much for the advancement of useful knowledge— and is now organizing as a department of the university at Cambridge, which has a fund of $250,000 bequeathed to it for this very purpose by Benjamin Bussey of Boxbury. A second plan for promoting agricultural education, which has been urged by some intelligent men, the most prominent of whom is the Hon. George S. Boutwell, is diametrically opposed to the first, and has for its main object the diffusion of knowledge upon agricultural topics among the farmers themselves. The means to be employed for this purpose are not colleges or professional schools, but agricultural societies, farmers clubs, and lecturers going from town to town, and imparting such practical knowl- edge as the farmers are competent or willing to receive. Some would also introduce an elementary text-book on agriculture into the common schools, with the same end in view. The attempt to teach agriculture in the public schools, even with an excellent text-book, has been tried and proved a fail- ure from lack of knowledge and interest on the part of teachers. With com- petent instructors, it might be very profitably taught in the higher schools. The objections to this second plan are that it is hard to teach old men new ways, and hence education must begin in youth; that to secure I he ready adoption of improvements there must be not only a knowledge of the im- provements, themselves, but also of the scientific principles upon which they arc founded; that, if practical farmers are to remain ignorant of all the higher branches of learning, and to have only the mental discipline Address. 1 1 and culture of the country public schools, they can never occupy their proper position in society, nor retain upon the farm their more talented and ambitious sons and daughters; and finally, that the stream will not rise higher than its source. The supposition that the mass of farmers will ever educate themselves, or even appreciate the advantages of high culture, before means are provided for giving it, and the benefits of it demonstrated, is without foundation. Most of the leaders, in all the improvements that have been made, have been not ordinary, uneducated farmers, but men of other professions and liberal education. Our state system of public schools, maintained by voluntary taxation, has been referred to as a proof that the farmers would see their need of education and then spontaneously provide for it. But Harvard College was established before the system of public schools, and the high culture of her professional men has ever been the glory and the power of Massachusetts. The history of the schools throughout the State shows that they have been brought to their present state of efficiency by the persistent and laborious efforts of liberally educa- ted men, and, in many towns, it has required years of warfare to bring the people up to the standard of the laws, which have been devised by learned, and not by ignorant legislators. The third plan was proposed by the joint special committee of the Leg- islature of 1863, the chairman of which was the Rev. E. 0. Haven, who has since gained the reputation, in connection with the University of Michi- gan, of being one of the most successful educators in the country. He is now president of the North-Western University near Chicago. The fundamental idea of this plan was the establishment of a strictly pro- fessional school for fanners, as an independent institution. It was regard- ed as important that it should be in an agricultural region, away from city influences, and that it should equal, in its educational faculties, the other colleges of the State. Its object was to teach the theory and practice of agriculture, and to give its pupils a literary and scientific training of a high order. It was to be well equipped with apparatus and books, a farm with stock and tools, and the necessary professors, not only to systematize and teach all useful agricultural knowledge, but also to make original investiga- tions aud experiments for the advancement of the art. The Board of Agriculture heartily approving this plan, it was adopted by the Legislature, and the Massachusetts Agricultural College was incorpo- rated. It is somewhat remarkable that it is the only institution in the United States designed exclusively for the education of farmers. The mem- bers of the corporation were elected by the Legislature for life and were 1 2 Address. chosen from among the prominent friends of agriculture. Subsequently the Hoard of Agriculture was made a Board of Overseers of the College. It having thus been decided that the farmers were to enjoy the benefits v of an independent, professional school, its precise character and location came under consideration. The law required that it should be called the Massachusetts Agricultural College, from which it must be inferred that the Legislature designed it to hold a prominent position among our educa- tional institutions. The course of study and instruction was obviously in- tended to be superior, at least in some respects, to that of our existing public schools, and to secure the proper establishment of the College upon a basis satisfactory to the people, it was required that the location, plan of organization, and course of instruction, which might be adopted by the trustees, should be approved by the Governor and Council, before any de- cisive steps were taken for its erection. President Henry F. French, having given the subject of agricultural education a great amount of attention, and having visited the principal schools and colleges of this country and of Great Britain, prepared a plan for the establishment of the College at Amherst which was unanimously adopted by the trustees and approved by the Governor and Council. An excellent farm of nearly four hundred acres having been purchased in the valley of the Connecticut, and suitable buildings completed, the College received its first class on the second of October, 1807. On that day thirty-three young men, averaging nearly eighteen years of age, most of them sons of farmers, presented themselves for examination. The growth of the institution, so far as money and members are concerned, from that time to the present, has been constant and rapid to a degree which has satisfied its most hopeful friends. Its estate, buildings and equipment have cost more than $225,000, and it has a cash fund of $150,- 000. Its organization is now complete, and with a competent faculty of instruction, and four classes of students, numbering in all one hundred and twelve, it may, without any boasting, be affirmed that no institution in the country, among all those endowed by the national government, offers better facilities for agricultural education than the Farmers' College of Massa- chusetts. Having thus considered some of the more important facts concerning the efforts made during the present century, by enterprising men of science and political wisdom, for the advancement of agriculture, we come to con- sider the obstacles to complete success in this last and noblest attempt to increase the intelligence, wealth, power and popularity of the profession so largely and so well represented here to-day. Address. 1 3 In the report of the committee, which accompanied the act of incorpo- ration, passed by the Legislature of 18G3, occurs this somewhat remarka- ble sentence, which has proved to be almost prophetic : " There can be but one serious impediment in the way of making a true, professional, ag- ricultural school in this State prosper, and that is a want of interest in it among the agricultural population." To one who understands fully the greatness of the preparatory work which has been done at Amherst, and the advantages there offered for practical training, scientific instruction and original investigation, the utter indifference in regard to their college manifested by most of the 75,000 farmers of Massachusetts is truly astounding. It calls to mind the almost incredible fact in the history of the South Sea Islands, that, in 1797, thirty nine English missionaries, with every needed appliance for teaching Chris- tianity, and the arts of civilized life, began their earnest and devoted labors for the elevation of the native population, but did not succeed in making a single convert during the first sixteen years. It was the belief among the pioneers in the missionary work that, if men could but see the advantages to be derived from Christian civilization, they would be readily accept it ; but experience has demonstrated that ef- forts for the improvement of a people are most wisely directed to the men- tal and moral culture of the young. It is, therefore, obvious that while much benefit may result from public meetings for the discussion of practical questions, and from the publication of agricultural documents, which in the form of books and periodicals are now spread broadcast over the country, yet the real want of the times is thoroughly educated farmers — men who combine exact science with prof- itable practice. We have workers enough, writers enough, and talkers in excess. Let us have the three in one. Let us have men prepared for this profession by years of study, during which they shall not only become fa- miliar with all the most important knowledge pertaining to the subject, but shall acquire by thorough discipline, that ability for close observation and accurate experiment, which is indispensable to any considerable progress. This is the needed remedy for that crudeness and superficiality and frequent worthlessness of agricultural literature of which we are all the constant victims. But just here we are met by the popular notion that much culture is in- compatible with manual labor, and that the farmer who sends his son to college for education, will find that as he increases in intelligence, he will decrease in industry, professional zeal and capacity for successful farm management, 1 4 Address. Now, to assert that a young man cannot be immensely strengthened and benefitted by special, scientific preparation to practice agriculture, is to admit that though so loudly praised as the first, last, and noblest occupa- tion of the race, it is really degrading in its nature, and designed, in the organization of society, only for those poor, stupid, ignorant, or unfortu- nate persons who are unable to secure a livelihood in any other way— a doctrine which the Massachusetts fanners arc hardly ready to accept. But perhaps the inqnjry may arise, why the graduates of our older col- leges are not more commonly found engaged in agriculture, if it be so ex- cellent a business and one so greatly advantaged by education. The ex- planation is obvious and most satisfactory. In the first place, the course of study is not at all adapted to qualify a man for farming. Seven years of the best of life, are necessarily spent away from all practical pursuits, and almost exclusive attention given du- ring most of this period to the dead languages, pure mathematics, and metaphysics. The natural sciences and mixed mathematics are studied comparatively little, and without reference to their application to agricul- ture, or any other art. Again, nearly all students, when entering upon a classical course, have in view one of the three learned professions, and naturally come to regard themselves as rising above the level of the agricultural community, pre- cisely in proportion to the extent of their literary attainments. Finally, most college graduates are destitute of any other capital than their education, and are therefore compelled to begin life in a small way by teaching, or the practice of a profession which requires but a moderate investment of money. Without land, stock, tools, or ready cash, without a knowledge of business in general, or farming in particular, and without the respect or sympathy of the farmers themselves, the graduate of a clas- sical college has few inducements to enter the profession. Let no one, however, imagine that study tends to indolence, or that pro- fessional men are less laborious than farmers, or that an educated farmer will accomplish less than an ignorant one. It has been well said that " what is often called indolence, is, in fact, the unconscious consciousness of incapacity." On the other hand, knowledge is power and its conscious possession must render the farmer, as well as every other man, more ambi- tious, more energetic, and more efficient. Genius has been well defined as capacity for labor, and the most patient and enthusiastic workers of the world are the great scholars Thought is " brain-sweat f and mental labor is vastly more exhausting than the exercise of the muscles; vet there Address. 15 are multitudes of studious men who toil more hours every clay than the most diligent of farmers. Professor Agassiz while engaged in writing his great work upon the glaciers, after spending some months amid the everlasting snows of the Alps, remained for two whole years in gown and slippers, as it were in a chrysalis state, before astonishing the world by his appearance as the author of one of the most surprising and original scientific theories ever pro- pounded. Who of us could be hired to perform one half the filthy, dis- gusting work in collecting and handling fish, which Agassiz has voluntarily done in acquiring that knowledge which has made him the greatest ichthy- ologist of all the ages ? Who can realize while listening to his brilliant and instructive lectures or conversation that he has been the most laborious and zealous collector of specimens in zoology ever known ; or that he, of all men, should have passed many of the best years of his life in studying the embryology and habits of the slowest and coldest blooded quadrupeds the turtles? When importuned to leave this apparently unprofitable and dis- agreeable labor to engage in lecturing, which seems to most persons so much more useful and delightful, and by which he could readily amass a fortune, he answered with most unselfish devotion to the cause of science "I cannot afford time to make money." Education certainly did not spoil him for work, and the people need have no fear that their sons would be- come unfit for labor, if sent to Amherst for instruction. But from present indications, it would seem that scientific attainments and professional training for farmers arc not very highly esteemed in this part of the Commonwealth. While the wisest statesmen and the most in- telligent friends of progressve agriculture are profoundly impressed with the necessity of speeial education for this business, and while institutions for this purpose are being numerously established, and richly endowed in all civilized countries ; while Prussia, whose power and resources now as- tonish the world, is justly celebrated for the number and surpassino* excel- lence of her agricultural schools; and while the Massachusetts Agricultural College with its beautiful farm, its commodious buildings, its ample equip- ment, its competent instructors, and its crowd of students, invites their at- tention and patronage, what is the interest manifested in this momentous subject by the citizens of Berkshire ? Precisely this: With a population largely engaged in cultivating the soil ■ with three flourishing agricultural societies ; with three members of the Board of Overseers and two of the trustees of the College residing amono- them, and with the standing offer of a free scholarship to any suitable appli- ] (\ Address. cant not a solitary student has appeared for admission to the college this year. Now in trying to account for this surprising fact, no man can truthfully affirm that the education there given is not suited to the wants of a practi- cal farmer ; or that it is inferior to that offered at any other agricultural college in the country^; or that, under all the circumstances, it could rea- sonably be expected to be better than it is. The College is by no means perfect, but its warmest friends are found among those who are most fa- miliar with its history and operations. The thirty young men, who have been there three years, and are now engaged in the studies of the fourth year, are too intelligent and shrewd to be deceived in regard to the char- acter and value of the education they are securing. The truth about the matter is simply this: — the farmers do not realize that the greater includes the less ; and the very men who would be most enthusiastic over a new churn, or a seedling potato, or a recipe for some patent fertilizer, fail to see that the direct road to all possible improvement lies in the develop- ment of mental power, and the acquirement of scientific knowledge. This manifest disregard of the agricultural community for their college, affords the most unanswerable argument to those who for any reason wish to de- feat the legislative appropriations necessary for its development and sup- port. Even those who admit the propriety of special governmental aid to promote the farming interest, and who believe great good might result from such an institution properly patrouized, must soon become disheart- ened in the vain attempt to help those who will not help themselves. Time-serving politicians, and unprincipled newspapers, seeking only to float on the tide of public opinion, will, of course, readily unite in an opposi- tion, which appears to be popular, and eagerly seize every opportunity to prejudice the people against the enterprise and its friends. Massachusetts promptly accepted the generous grant of the national government and in good faith provided an independent school for the special education of young farmers. Xo other preparation is required for admission than can be obtained in every town at the public expense. The students all reside on the State farm, and are every day engaged in the study and practice of Agriculture. The course of instruction has been adopted after the most careful investigation into the organization of simi- lar institutions in other countries, as well as in the United States, and after five years of discussion and trial by the trustees and faculty. Much effort has been made to secure the services of professors and lecturers distin- guished not only for scientific attainments and general culture, but for prac- tical skill in their several departments ; and particular pains have been Address. 1 ' taken to reduce the necessary expenses of the students to the lowest prac- ticable point. In short, every exertion has been made to establish a true professional school, fitted to educate in the best manner the leaders of our agricutural population. All this has been accomplished, but the principal work yet remains to be done. There can be no complete and satisfactory success until cordial co-operation of the farmers themselves has been assured. The danger concerning the College is not that it will lack students, for it is full ; or, appreciative friends, for their number is large and constantly in creasing ; or, necessary funds for its maintenance, for it is well endowed. But the difficulty is to preserve its peculiar agricultural character, upon its present, economical basis. Unless the farmers will feel more responsibility iu the matter, and make more effort to educate for their profession young men of enterprise and ability, and send to the Legislature, representatives and senators who shall be willing to carry out with wise liberality the plans which have been adopted, it will be impossible to retain the tuition at its present low rate, (which is not one quarter of the usual charges at institu- tions affording similar advantages,) or to give to agriculture that special prominence in the course, which it now has. It should be remembered that there will always be many influential members of the Legislature, from various professions and localities, who will know little and care less about the College, and unless the 'class, fur whom the State has established it rally around it and give it their hearty support, they will inevitably lose those valuable privileges which are now so freely offered them. Already the Secretaries of the Boards of Education and Agriculture are instructed to inquire and report to the next Legislature whether the College can be made self-supporting. The educated men interested in other schools and colleges are jealous of this new rival, and will not permit appropriations from the state treasury for its benefit, unless they are earnestly demanded and wisely improved by the people. The farmers then ought to rejoice in the fact that they have a college for the education of their sons, and they ought to bestow its advantages, also, upon their daughters. They should not regard their most talented children as too good for the profession of their fathers, but should afford them every facility for the best possible preparation to honor and to elevate it. They should resist all attempts to reduce the standard of agricultural education and clearly understand that, if nine years are required to qualifv a lawyer, minister or physician for his duties, no farmer can reasonably claim to be thoroughly instructed in his profession, and (it to enjoy full (qual- ity with other educated men, who has devoted less than lour years to the acquisition of discipline and knowledge, They should take care to be well 18 Address. and truly represented in the General Court by men who will see that their Col- lege suffers no detriment, and that its essential wants are promptly supplied Every farmer should secure a copy of each annual report of the trustees, that he may learn the facts respecting the real condition and working of the institution, and so be able justly to appreciate its merits, in spite of the unfair criticisms, which sooner or later assails every enterprise under State direction, however beneficent its object or judicious its management. Mr. President, there can be no more appropriate, or eloquent, conclusion to these remarks than the peroration of an address on Agricultural Educa- tion, delivered before this Society in 1853 by the lion. Henry L. Dawes, who has been so long your illustrious representative in Congress, and who, in 1862, efficiently aided in securing from the national government a munifi- cent endowment for the very institution for which he then so ably plead. May his exhortations and warnings add ten-fold force to the words already spoken, and stimulate every farmer present to a faithful performance of his du- ty toward the Mass. Agricultural College and the cause it represents. "Gentlemen, I have sought on this occasion, to draw your attention to your position and duties, and to the radical defects and short-comings in all our struggles to elevate the standard of agriculture in this Commonwealth. I have also attempted to point out the remedy to be a systematic, a thorough, and a liberal professional education for the farmer, furnished by the State, co-operating with private munificence. And on an institution thus founded and endowed, I have endeavored to ground your hopes for the regeneration of the soil of the Commonwealth, and for the proper elevation and true dignity of her sons." "And permit me, finally, to add, that it lies with yourselves, under a gra- cious Providence, to say wrhen this golden age shall be ushered in. For though you cannot build this great temple with your own hands, yet you may give tone to the policy of our common government, which can lay its foundations deep as perpetuity, and spread its ample arches broad as the land. You are, in the multitude, as well as in the indivdual, the architects of your own fortune." "You may, by indifference, suffer the half finished walls of this temple to tumble down in neglect, or rise, if at all, disproportioned and incongruous, repulsive to the votaries at its shrine, inefficient in its influence, and abor- tive in its mission — or you can, if you will, adorn and beautify its rising columns, crowd its broad and lofty portals with devotees bringing their sheaves with them and fixing their trophies in its very dome, till it shall be- come the just pride and, under God, the ultimate preserver of the Com- monwealth. Build ye, for yourselves and for posterity." REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. SUMMER CROPS. The examination of summer crops, while conducted with as much expe- dition as possible, — since to the farmer at the important season when these duties call him, time is valuable — was thoroughly made, and included a careful survey of the 122 crops entered for premiums. Our beautiful county, with its wealth of scenery and its many fine and well-kept farms, is a pleasant field for summer driving, and we cannot but feel that we have in it a noble heritage. With the aid they may now com- mand, our young' men surely cannot build themselves worthier, happier, or more useful lives and homes than by pursuing here a system of improved agriculture. High farming will bring even our hilltops to a condition of fertility which many of us will now scarcely believe possible, and the con- venience of our markets ought to stimulate the production of many of those lesser crops which often prove the most remunerative on the faim. One word touching the awards. It is often a delicate and almost un- gracious task to distinguish between slightly varying fields, when it may be there is something superior in each — better tilth in one respect, and slightly worse in another. Of course the strictest impartiality is required of a committee of awards, and an almost judicial poise of the scale which decides the result. The generous hospitality so freely tendered and so fully accept- ed according to the present custom of entertainment during the examina- tion, seems to add to the delicacy of the situation. While conscious of the kindest receptions at so many farm houses, we feel half disposed to suggest the renunciation by the Society, of this hospitality. To refuse "spoons'7 to the man who presents for your critical appreciation his "Old Rye" as well as growing grain, may sometimes demand a firmness above the ordinary stillness of a good matured committee. WINTER WHEAT-^5 ENTRIES. Wheat, as the grain of a high civilization, the foremost of cereals and typical staff of life, has an importance and standing aside from its pecuniary profit, which seems to give it a claim upon Massachusetts agriculture. The Old Commonwealth will not entirely abandon wheat culture, and every year some few fields show that a crop good may yet be produced in Berkshire. 20 Reports of Committees. Of the five pieces examined we found two which would cut about twenty- live bushels to the acre — a very satisfactory yield. The mischief of the weevil was not often observed, and less frequently in the bearded than in the bald varieties. The new hybrid or cross-bred Canadian wheat, now attracting much hopeful attention, might prove a valuable acquisition to us, and it is hoped that some of our farmers will test it the coming year. We award as follows : For the beat acre Winter Wheat, Milton Adams of New Marlboro, $7 00 2d do., William M. Chapiu of Sheffield, 6 00 3d do., William H. HiU of Lenox, 5 00 SPRING WHEAT 9 ENTRIES. For the best acre Spring Wheat, J. H. Wagner of Alford, $7 00 2d do., William O. Curtis of Lenox, C 00 3d do., P. M. Shaylor of Lee, 5 00 4th do., George O. Peck of Lenox, 4 00 5th do., Water W. Hollcnbeck of Great Barrington, 3 00 FOUR ACRES RYE— It ENTRIES. The rye crop of the county, taken as a whole, was this season singularly poor, very many fields being hardly worth harvesting. It was a noticeable, but not explained fact, that in the interior of most fields the rye heads were much heaviest. We award : For the best 4 acres Winter Rye/Michael King of Sheffield, $8 00 2d do., Orren Curtis of Sheffield, 7 00 3d do., M. I. Wheeler of Great Barrington, 6 00 4th do., Henry L. Smith of Lee, 5 00 5th do., P. Abbey of Great Barrington, 4 00 ONE ACRE RYE 13 ENTRIES. For the best one acre Winter Rye, Charles Westover of Sheffield, $7 00 2d do., Orren Curtis of Sheffield, 6 00 3d do., J. H. Rowley of Egremont, 5 00 4th do., Charles Spurr of Sheffield, 4 00 5th do., M. I. Wheeler cf Great Barrington, 3 00 6th do., Dr. J. L. Miller of Sheffield, 2 00 FOUR ACRES OATS — 18 ENTRIES. We find it is too often the practice of farmers to cultivate oats on low mucky soils, which, while they produce an abundance of straw, do not yield the heaviest grain. We saw many otherwise fine crops which were badly lodged, and "weak straw" was a common complaint, especially among grain-feeding farmers. Having frequently noticed stout crops of rye and oats upon old coal pit bottoms, the straw of which was perfectly erect, while all about it was badly lodged, we suggest that trials be made, where practicable, of top-dressing grain fields with ashes or charcoal dust to strengthen the stalk. In regard to time of harvesting it would seem that to obtain the heav- iest and best oats for market it is necessary to let them get nearly ripe, so ripe that a few of the lowest berries in the ear will shell in cutting Al- though this practice is opposed to the teaching of most agricultural writers, we present it with some confidence as recommended by farmers who are ac- counted successful. We award : For Uie best 4 acres of Oats, Henry L. Smith of Lee, $7 00 2d do., Theron L. Foote of Lee, 6 00 3d do., L. M. Winchel of Alford, 5 00 4th do., Henry W. Burget of Egremont, 4 00 Reports of Committees. 21 ONE ACRE OATS 34 ENTRIES. For the best one acre of Oats, Henry Werden of Richmond, S7 00 2d do., J. H. Coon of Sheffield, f> 00 3d do,, H. T. Candee of Sheffield. 5 00 4th do., W. H. Sprague of Alford, 4 00 5th do., William O. Curtis of Lenox. 3 00 Gth do., H. D. Palmer of Stockbridge, 2 00 BARLEY 8 ENTRIES. All good pieces Some fine crops of this grain were so intermixed with oats as to properly come under the head of messlings. We award : Tor best acre of Barley, P. M. Shaylor of Lee, $6 00 2d do., Dyer Wait of Egremont, ' 5 00 3d do., J. H. Lowrey of Egremont, i 00 4th do., William A. Bunce of Alford, 2 00 GRASS — 1 1 ENTRIES. Your Committee saw very few really first-rate grass crops, and we can- not be Mind to the fact that our Berkshire meadows are every year grow- ing more heavily stocked with " plants out of place." Buttercups and daisies may add to the picturesque effect of a landscape, but to the agricul- tural eye they are vile weeds. The fundamental error in the management of our meadows lies in imperfect drainage. Water is allowed to become stagnant, and stagnant water is as injurious to plants as carbonic acid is to animals. In most cases, then, to improve our meadows to any great ex- tent, we must thoroughly underdrain. This done, if it be not advisable to plow and cultivate for two or three years to destroy weeds, irrigation — a neglected art here, will have a magical effect. In the poetical language of Phillip Pusey "a slight film of water trickling over the surface, rouses the sleeping grass, tinges it with living green, amidst the snows and frosts, and brings forth a luxuriant crop in early spring, just when most needed, while other meadows are still bare and brown." A water meadow is the triumph of agricultural art, almost changing as it does the very seasons- For best 3 acres of Cultivated Grass, Luther S. Butler of Lenox, $6 00 2d do., Benton L. Stoddard of Alford, 5 00 3d do., Robert A. Potts of Egremont, 4 00 4th do., Williara O. Curtis of Lenox, 3 00 GARDENS T ENTRIES. There are three distinct classes of gardens brought to the notice of our Committees, each of which must be judged by the standard of its class, rather than by any fixed ideal to which all classes can be compared. First the farmers' garden proper -the garden moderate in size, and modest in appliances, which is expected to furnish for the family use a sufficient supply of vegetables, not probably in very great variety at any one time, but of good quality, and judiciously selected of such sorts as shall givea pleasant variety, at least in succession, and shall produce moderately of some desirable esculent from as early as may be in the spring till the severe frosts of autumn. In such a garden the indispensable vegetables are only those generally considered standard and best, peas, sweet corn, beans, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, &c, but at least a few of the rarer and more delicate vegetables ought to be grown, such as celery, egg-plants and cauliflowers. The success of a garden depends very largely upon its manage- ment all through the season, which makes it exceedingly difficult to judge of its merits by a single visit for besides the neatness of its keeping, and the comparative earliness and excellence of its growth, we must consider Reports of Committees. the skill which secures a constant succession of seasonable products, and by refilling with late varieties the vacancies left as vegetables mature and are removed, virtually doubles the space at command. The second class of gardens is that in which much more is attempted. Luxuries are demanded ; that is to say, vegetables and fruits of the very best quality, in and out of season. All the requisites are furnished regard- less of cost ; abundant space, hot-houses, and hot-beds, choice seeds and plants, and lavish outlay for skilled labor ; these are justly expected to produce large results. The third class of gardens is that in which size is a great feature — gardens cultivated for a village market, or the benefit of a large hotel or boarding house. The special characteristics of such gardens are an arrangement planned tor economical cultivation, usually long lines tilled by the horse cultivator ; and with heavily manured land and careful culture, a result of large quantities of thrifty well-grown vegetables, handsome, very satisfac- tory and remunerative. Success or excellence should be measured by the obstacles overcome, and the relative proportions of power and effect. The gardener who accomplishes most may not have displayed as much skill as his neighbor if his results have been obtained at a disproportionate cost of time, labor and appliances; but given unlimited aids he may show his art by the beautiful thrift of a row of peas in September, as free from mildew as those he grew in June ; by the massiveness of early and late heads of cauliflower; by celery, crisp, delicate, and piquant, from October till May — while the small garden does equally well in furnishing a few well-blanched bunches, which shall flavor the poultry from Thanksgiving till New Years, and as justly prides itself on good Lima beans for six weeks as the professional wind does upon his varied successions, or his April cucumbers. Your Committee found a due regard for these different conditions and endeavors embarrasing with the present arrangement of the premium list. It was with some difficulty, therefore, that we adjudged the claims of the seven garden sentered for competition. But as to a large number of farm- ers' gardens which fell under our notice — gardens unentered, indeed either lor competition, exhibition, or cultivation — there could be but one opinion. Sparingly spread with raw manure ; made late in spring with careless hand ; hopefully planted with uncertain seeds ; left to "the boys" or chance for subsequent care ; there comes long before the season's end, an amazingly thrifty crop of weeds, which bloom and wave, and shed in- numerable seeds, and the smothered and unproductive plants that remain scarcely repay even the slight labor bestowed, It is a pity that an adjunct of the farm of so great sanitary and economic importance should be so generally neglected. We award : Fur the best Vegetable Garden, David Leavitt ol Great Barringtoa, $G 00 2d do., William O. Curtis of Lenox, 5 00 :;th do., H. L. Smith of Lee, 7th do., H. D. Palmer of Stockbridge, Having funds in our hands unprovided for we offer an extra premium on corn to D. S. Draper of Great Barrington, Also, to Elihu Church of Alford, BUCKWHEAT — 22 ENTRIES. F< >r the best acre of Buckwheat, James H. Rowley of Egremont, 2d do., Martin Brown of Egremont, 3d do., R. Dwight Andrews of Sheffield, 4th do., Charles Spurr of Sheffield, 5th do., Zachcu:-: Candeof Sheffield, POTATOES- :2'.» ENTRIES. J or l" t one half acre of Potatoes, IT. S. Goodalc oi Mount Washington, ■J. i do., William O Curtiss of Lenox, 3d do., Henry Werden of Richmond, Hli do., George M. Gibson of New Marlboro, 5th (In., p. R. Hinckley of Lee, Gth do., Miles Avery of Great Barrington. $10 00 8 00 7 00 6 00 C 00 4 00 $9 00 8 00 7 00 6 00 5 00 4 00 3 00 3 00 3 00 $5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 $7 00 6 00 5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 Reports of Committees. 25 WHITE BEANS 4 ENTRIES. For best one-fourth acre White Beans, G. W. Stickles of Sheffield, $3 00 No other beans offered worthy of premium, SUGUR BEETS— 5 ENTRIES. For best acre of Sugar Beets, James Bullard of Lee, $5 00 2d do., W. O. Curtiss of Lenox, 4 00 No others offered worthy of premium. MANGEL WURZEL. For best acre Mangel Wurzel, J. Milton Mackie of Great Barrington, $5 00 2d do., A. W. Merrill of Sandisfield, 4 00 S. Spencer of West Stockbridge, entered a superior crop, but not enough to come within the rules of the Society. For the best one-fourth acre Ca,rrots, Michael Haley of Sheffield, 2d do. , Daniel Warner of Great Barrington, 3d do., J. Milton Mackie of Great Barrington, 4th do., D. C. Millard of Egremont, SWEEDISH TURNIPS — 5 ENTRIES. For best one quarter acre of Sweedish Turnips, J. Milton Mackie of Great Barrington, 2d do., H. H. B. Turner of Great Barrington, 3d do., T. H, Curtis of Great Barrington, CABBAGE — 3 ENTRIES. For best quarter acre of Cabbage, W. C. French of West Stockbridge, 2d do., D. D. Kendall of Lenox, 3d do., Alexander Hyde of Lee, SOWED CORN — 12 ENTRIES. For best one quarter acre Sowei Corn, H. T. Cande of Sheffield, 2d do., William H. Palmer of Stockbridge, 3d do., William Stevens of Sheffield, 4th do., Alexander Hyde of Lee, FARMS — 10 ENTRIE; For best Managed Farm, Z. Candee of Sheffield, 2d do., Charles Spurr of Sheffield, 3d do., Henry Dresser of Stockbridge, 4th do., F. K. Hinckley of Lee, Henry Burtch, Noah (Jibson. $5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 on, $4 00 3 00 2 00 $4 00 3 00 2 00 $5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 $12 0 8 0 6 0 4 0 Committee. SEEDS AND VEGETABLES. Your committee found it very difficult to decide who should receive the premiums in our hands to award, especially in the entries of timothy seed, outs and seed corn, were nearly all very worthy of the first premiums. M. F. Wheeler of Great Barring-ton exhibited six varieties of seed corn worthy the attention of farmers. IT. S. Goodale of Mount Washington had a very fine collection of potatoes, some new varieties that he is confident will lake the lead. The watermelon exhibited by Ralph Little of Sheffield was pronounced by competent judges to be of very fine quality and flavor. timothy seed — 4 entries. For best bushel Timothy Seed, Ehjah N. Hubbard of Great Harrington, $4 00 2d do.„W. H. Palmer of Stockbridge, 3 00 3d do., Warren Candee of Sheffield, 2 00 26 Reports of Committees. seed corn — 28 entries. For the best bushel Ears of Seed Com, James Bullard of Lee, $3 00 2d do., T. H. Curtiss of Great Barrington, 2 00 3d do., Miles Avery of Great Barrington, 1 00 seed oats — 9 entries. For the best bushel Seed Oats, M. I. Wheeler of Great Barrington, $3 00 2d do., Miles Avery of Great Barrington, 2 00 3d do., W. A. Bunce of Alford, 1 00 seed rye — 1 entries. For the best bushel Seed Rye, R. D. Andrews of Sheffield, $2 00 2d do., J. H. Rowley of Egremont, 1 00 SEED BARLEY 2 entries. For the best bushel of Seed Barley, James Bullard of Lee, $2 (fl 2d do., Dyer Wait of Egremont, 1 0° winter wheat — 2 entries. For best bushel Winter Wheat. Elihu Church of Alford, $2 00 2d do., Milton Adams of New Marlboro, 1 00 spring wheat — 1 entry. For best bushel Spring Wheat, D. U. Manville of Sheffield, $3 00 GARDEN VEGETABLES — 107 ENTRIES. For large variety of Vegetables, David Leavitt, Sen., of Great Barrington, 2d do., D. S. Draper of Great Barrington, 3d do., J. M. Fuary of West Stockbridge, 4th do., M. S. Whitlock of Great Barrington, For lai-gest variety of Potatoes, H. S. Goodale of Mount Washington, 2d do., J. Trask, Jr., of Stockbridge, For best Sweet Potatoes, C. H. Fuary West Stockbridge, For best Winter Squash, H. G. Leonard of Great Barrington, For best Onions, E. M. Winchell of Alford, 2d do., H. C. Warner of Great Barrington, For best Pumpkins, W. S. Wilcox of Sheffield, For best Bsets, S. Spencer of West Stockbridge, For bast variety of Peppers, M. S. Heath of Stockbridgo, For best Sweet Corn, T. S. Heath of Stockbridge, For best Turnips, Orren Millard of Becket. For best Tomatoes, Mrs. L- J. Wright of Egremont, For best Citrons, J. E. Hoilenbeck of North Egremont, For best Watermelon, Ralph Little of Sheffield, For best Pop Corn, Dwight Boardman of Sheffield, Ward Lewi-, ) J. B. Hull, W. 1\ KlLBORN, ) $3 00 2 00 t 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 Committee. HOUSEHOLD MANUFACTURES. FIRST DIVISION — 20 ENTRIES. The committee report that the exhibition in this department, though good and creditable to the competitor?, was not as large as in some former years. This is to be regretted at this time, when the idea of woman's rights becoming more popularized in theory, and some mein smiled antl may say: "Why here where the 'fair sex,' are duly licensed by the Housatonic Agri- cultural Society to exercise and to assert their prerogative in the use of the spinning wheel and hand loom, they have only brought forth for the gaze of the thousands, two pieces of white flannel, and one of sheeting." Twelve pieces of rag carpeting were displayed, fully equal, if not superior in quality to any shown in former exhibitions. The committee award as follows : Reports of Committees. For best piece of White Flannel, Mrs. Guy Day of Great Barrington, 2d do., Mrs. Dy'ev Wait of Egremont, For best piece of Cotton and Wool Sheeting, Mrs. Ira T. Lowrey of Egremont, For best piece of Checked Flannel. Mrs. G. L. Turner of Great Barrington, 2d do., Mrs. E. R. Smith of New Marlboro, For best piece of Rag Carpeting, Mrs. Levi Baldwin of Great Barrington, 2d do., Mrs. L. Boardman of Sheffield, 3d do., Mrs. Jane Eno of Montrey, 4th do., Mrs. C. Dewey of Lenox, 5th do., Mrs. S. H. Baker of Lenox, Discretionary premiums for Rag Carpeting, as follows :- Mrs. Henry Sardam of New Marlboro, Mrs. O. Millard of Becket. Mrs, A. M. Smith of Egremont. Mrs. George Kellogg of Sheffield, Mrs. Charles Watson of Great Barrington, Mrs. L. M. Mastin of West Stockbridge, Airs. Jerry Clark of Sheffield, For best Afghan. Miss Nellie Boardman of Sheffield, 2d do., Miss A. J. Russell of Great Barrington, 3d do., Mrs. H. Callender of Sheffield, 4th do., Mrs. George Clark of Great Barrington, For a nice Robe Peter Decker of Egremont, For best pair of Horse Blankets, Mrs. H. W. Smith of Alford, 2d do., Mrs. H. W. Burget of Egremont, For best Hearth Rug, Mrs. Egbert Couch of Great Barrington, 2d do., Mrs. Allen Palmer of Great Barrington, 3d do., Mrs. William Pixley of Great Barrington, 97 $5 00 4 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 ?l no 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1. 00 3 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 3 00 2 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 J. H. Rowley, Mrs. E. E. Callender, j Mrs. S. M. Cooper, j- Committee, Mrs M. Cooper, Mrs. — Cock, SECOND DIVISION — 49 ENTRIES. The committee award premiums as follows : — For the best Bed Spread, Mrs. S. M. Tobey of Alford, 2d do., Mrs. Mary Benedict of West Stockbridge, 3d do., Mrs. L. M. Cooper of Stockbridge, 4th do., Mrs. Harry Rhoades of Great Barrington, 5th do., Miss Lottie Dresser of Great Barrington, 0th do., Miss G. N. Smith of Stockbridge, 7th do., Mrs. Lottie Burgett of Great Barrington, For best Patch Work Quilt, Miss C. Newman of New Ma-Lhoro, 2d do., Mrs. Betsy Sperry of \lford, 3d do., Mrs. William Belcher of Sheffield, 4th do., Mrs. Harry Winchell of Egremont, 5th do., Mrs. J. W. Barry of Great Barrington, 6lh do., Mrs. E. Buck of Stockbridge, 7th do., Mrs. Milton Adams of New Marlboro, 8th do., Mrs. F. W. Skiff of Sheffield, 9th do., Miss Katie Nichols of Richmond, 10th do., Miss Florence Bangs of Lenox, 11th do., Mrs. Guy Day of Great Barrington, 12th do., Mrs. Mary Dalzell of Egremont, 13th do., Mrs. George Taylor of Great Barrington, For best silk Patchwork Quilt, Miss E. Catlin of Pittsfield, 2d do., Mrs. T. Edgar of Sheffield, 3d do.. Miss L. M. Catlin of Pittsfield, For best three pounds Woolen Yarn, Mrs. Jerry I. Clark of Sheffield, 2d do., Mrs. Guy Day of Great Barrington, 3d do., Mrs. E. R. Joyner of Egremont, 4th do., Mrs. H. Codding of Lee, 5th do., Mrs. William Clark of Sheffield, For best three pairs Linen Hose, Mrs. Guy Day of Great Barrington, 2d do., Mrs L. A. Stillman of Egremont, 3d do., Mrs. E. L. Bentley of Monterey, $4 no 3 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 r, oo 5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 3 00 '?. 00 1 00 3 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 2 00 l no 1 CO 28 Reports of Committees. For best throe pairs Woolen Hose, Miss L. N. Millard of Beckot, 2d do., Mrs. E. Codding of Egremont, 3d do., Mrs. Orrin Millard of Becket, 4th do., Mrs. William Stevens of Sheffield, Fer best three pairs Woolen Mittens, Mary Sardam of New Marlboro, 2d do., Mrs. Abigail Andrews of Sheffield, 3d do., Mrs. G. L. Turner of Great Barrington. For best three pounds Linen Thread, Hannah Yalk of Egremont, Patchwork, Miss Lizzie Nichols of Richmond, 2d do.. Miss Lillie Wilcox of Lee, Patch Quilt, Hattic Cone of Lee, Ralph Little, $3 00 2 00 1 00 1 no 2 00 1 00 i oo 2 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 Ch airman. PAINTING AND FANCY WORK— 85 ENTRIES. Tho duties of your Committee in this department involved an unusual amount of labor — partly unadvoidable, from the gratifying number and va- riety of articles entered, and partly quite unnecessary, arising from the fact that many articles were entered in this department which properly came under the notice of other committees. Another inconvenience was found in the fact that the tickets bearing the number of the entry were in some cases, by an almost unavoidable error, attached to the wrong articles, lead- ing to trouble and possibly to error. In order to avoid these disadvantages in future, your committee would strongly advise that greater care be taken in the classification of entries, so that bead cushions and feather hats (for example) shall not be placed in the same class with paintings and other works of art, and further that each ticket issued bear on its face the name or character of the article, so that exhibitors who enter several articles may know which ticket belongs to each. Asking the indulgence of the society and of exhibitors, for these reasons, and also on account ol the difficulty of judging with perfect fairness in mat- ters of taste, like those submitted to their examination, the committee re- spectfully recommend that premiums be awarded "as follows : — For best specimen Oil Painting, Miss M. A. Loo^> of Great Barrington. 2d do., Mrs. C. A. Willis of Stockbridge, For best Water color Painting Mrs. C. A. Willis of Stockbridge, 2d do., Miss Martha Eoys of Sheffield, 3d do., Mrs. E. C. Richardson of New Marlboro, 4th do., Miss Ella Bacon of Great Barrington, 6th do., Mrs. L. M. Battershaw of Great Barrington, Eor best Crayon Drawing, Miss Lizzie H. Brewer of Stockbridge, 2d do., Miss A. L. Pixley of Great Barrington, For best Pencil Drawing, Miss Jennie Burr of Sheffield, 2d do., Carrie E. Pixley of Great Barrington, 3d do., Miss Estella Winchell of Great Barrington, For best Wax Flowers, Miss Georgie Race ot Great Barrington, For best Wax Leaves, Mrs. W. H. Brown of Pittsneld, For best Hair Work, Mrs. J. M. Fuarey of West Stockbridge, For best Feather Flowers, Mrs. J. Walker of Stockbridge, 2d do., Mrs. R. D. Andrews oi Sheffield, For best Cone Work, Mrs. J. Tymerson of Great Barrington, For best Photographs, Julius S. Hall of Stockbridge, For best Worsted Flower,-;, Mrs. J. Tymerson of Great Barrington, 2d do., Mrs. William Makeley of Great Barrington, 3d do., Mrs. S. Luchsinger oi' Great Barrington, 4th do., Mrs. O. S. Packard of Lee, 5th do,, Mrs. E. C. Hulbert of Great Barrington, For best Carved Work. Rev. E. Scudder of Great Barrington, For best Mechanical Picture, B. Almonte of Great Barrington, For best Crystal Work, Mrs. William Clark of Sheffield, For Air Castle, Miss Lottie P. Callcnder of New Marlboro. $5 00 3 00 4 00 3 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 3 00 2 00 3 00 2 CO 1 00 3 00 2 00 3 00 3 00 2 00 •2 00 5 00 i GO 0 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 2 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 Reports of Committees. 20 MentioD should also be made of the curious engraving (copied from a drawing or writing of a Yankee prisoner daring the war) consisting of the Emancipation Proclamation so written and arranged as to form a very dis- tinct portrait of President Lincoln. M. S. Bidwell, Jr., ) Mrs. Edwin L. Boardmax, [- Committee. Miss C. S. Gilbert, 1 EMBROIDERY— 85 ENTRIES. The department entitled Embroidery committed to us for the awarding of premiums, aside from embroidery comprise many classes of specimens such as Needlework. Crochet, Tatting, Bead, Net and Knit work, requir- ing for examination a duty somewhat onerous, justifying we think, two committees instead of one ; the whole number ot specimens being eighty- five. We suggest also, that some improvement as to show-cases and meth- od of exhibition might probably be made. The art of Embroidery should be encouraged. If it be not one of the fine arts, it is closely kindred thereto. All above and around us, are the grand displays of Nature's embroidery exhibited in the spangled skies, and upon the surface of the globe in the various seasons of the year. Of all these displays, whatever is picturesque, beautiful, or grand, by the skill of the embroiderer may be imitated. Progress in the art tends to promote re- finement, good taste and ennobling culture. By its more splended speci- mens we add to the grandeur of the palace, by its humbler efforts we con- tribute to the charm and the cheer of the cottage. It has a moral as well as a pleasing worth ; surely it should be encouraged. The history of embroidery is interesting — it is of two kinds : one is done with the needle and fine threads upon some delicate fabric for ladies dresses; the other is upon firmer stuffs with threads of various colors, often with gold and precious stones interwoven, for hangings, curtains, tents and other purposes. Among the wandering tribes of the East their tents are often thus richly adorned. At a very early period the art was practiced, as sacred and profane writers show. The instructions to the Hebrews as given in the 26th chapter of Exodus in regard to the curtains of the tabernacle, furnish beautiful evidence of the Hebrew knowledge of embroidery — "thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue and purple, and scarlet ; with Cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them." And these instruc- tions were given nearly fifteen centuries before the Christian Era. Certain- ly the embroiderer can boast of the antiquity of the art. A late king of Persia is said to have had a tent which cost $10,000,000. It was em- broidered with burnished gold, studded with precious stones and diamonds, interpersed with rubies and emeralds, set with rows of pearls ; and there were shftwn thereon specimens of every created thing, birds and trees, and towns, cities, seas and continents, beasts and reptiles."' feuch is the glorious description Ave have furnished to us of a royal Persian embroidered tent ! Egypt and Babylon, in fact the Asiatic nations generally, were celebrated 30 Reports of Committees. long ago for their rich and beautiful embroidery. The Chinese always were distinguished for the neatness and beauty of their work in this art. The finest specimens of embroidery exhibited at the great exhibition of 1851, were from Turkey. In France and Germany, in modern times, the art has been cultivated with great success. By the women of America as well as of Europe, em- broidery upon canvas with brilliantly dyed wools of Germany is greatly practiced, and it is said that the "variety and delicate shadings of their colors furnish every tint which can be required for the most beautiful ob- jects in nature." With the specimens before the committee we were much gratified. They prove that our Berkshire ladies have taste and ingenuity in the "cunning work." May they proceed in their efforts. Such specimens with those of needle and other work submitted to us, constitute, as it were, the poetry of our Agricultural Fairs. They aid in great measure to form the pride and ornament of the occasion. We respectfully submit the annexed list as awarded : For best Needle Work, Mrs. W. W. Langdon of Monterey, 2d do., Mrs. M. Winchell of Great Barrington, 3d do., Miss Rachel Field of Great Barrington, itli do., Miss Mar j' Landon of Falls Village, Ct. For best Embroidery, Miss A. J. Russell of Great Barrington, 2d do., Miss Nellie Boardman of Sheffield, 3d do., Mrs. M. E. Tobey of Great Barrington, 4th do., Mrs. Ella Wilcox of Lee, 5th do., Mrs. E. A. Burtch of Sheffield, 6th do., Mrs. Annie Turner of Sheffield, For best Crochet Work, Mrs. "Walter Miner of Great Barrington, 2d do., J. C. Lowiey of Egremont, 3d do., Mrs. Mary A. Benedict of West Stockbridgc, - 4th do., Miss Sarah T. Sheldon of Egrcmont, For best Tatting, Miss M. H. Werden of Richmond, 2d do., Miss Emily Leffingwell of New Marlboro, 3d do., Sarah Wallace of Lee, For best Knit Work, Miss E. W. Sheldon of Egremont, For best Net Work, Miss Mary G. Stevenson of Sheffield. 2d do., Miss E. M. Pixlcy of Great Barrington, 3d do., Mrs. J. M. Fuary of West Stockbridge, For best Bead Work, Mrs. J, Warner of Sheffield, 2d do., Julia Ramsey of Great Barrington, 3d do., Miss O. S. Packard of Lee, And the following discretionary premiums : Mrs. C. Hitchcock of Monterey, Miss Jennie Hathaway of Pittsfield, Miss Lillie Catlin of Pittsfield, Miss Ella Benedict of Pittsfield, Mrs. Phila Gorhar.: (aged lady) of Great Barrington, Miss Jeimie H. Buck of Stockridge, Miss Julia E. Reed of Great Barrington, Mrs. H. Taylor of Great Barrington, Mrs. James Dunn of Great Barrington, Doctor N. B. Picket of Great Barrington, Mrs. H. Callcnder of Sheffield, I. SUJCNER, $5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 4 00 3 00 1 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 $1 00 50 50 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 Chairman. BUTTER— 42 ENTRIES. The Committee on Butter, have examined the forty-two samples present- ed, and award as follows : — For best 20 pounds Butter, Mrs. D. C. Millard of Egremont, $8 00 2d do., Mrs. Egbert Couch of Great Barrington, 7 CO Reports of Committees. 31 3d do., J. M. Mackie of Great Barrington 4th do., Mrs. E. It. Joyner of Egremont, 5th do., Mrs. L. J. Wright of Egremont, Bth do., Mrs. E. D. Martin of New Marlborough, 7th do., Mrs. J. Curtis, of New Marlborough 8th do., Mrs. Laugdou Hulet of Sheffield 1, $6 00 5 00 4 00 >rough, 3 00 >ugh, 2 00 1 00 S. B. Dewey, ;- Committee. S. W. Wright, E. E. Barnes, CHEESE— 17 ENTRIES. In discharging the duties assigned us, your Committee have examined, with great care, the large number of specimens of Cheese entered for pre- miums, and were pleased with the general excellence of all presented, and think our farmers wives have full equalled, if not excelled the best factory- made. In awarding the premiums, your committee have come to the fol- lowing decisions . — Best 25 pounds Cheese, C. D. Langdon ox Monterey, $8 00 2d do., Mrs. L. B. Kline of Egremont, 7 00 3d do., Mrs. O. Millard of Becket, C 00 4th do., William Stevens of Sheffield, 5 00 5th do., H. W. Canfield of Sheffield, 4 00 6th do., W. W. Langdon of Monterey, 3 00 7th do,, Mrs. H. W. Smith of Alford, 2 00 8th do., Salmon Hall of New Marlboro, 1 00 Jonx F. Tobey, Chairman. BKAED, HONEY AND MAPLE SYRUP. WHITE BREAD— 29 ENTRIES. For best White Bread, Mrs. Egbert Couch of Great Barrington, $3 00 2d do., Mrs. L. K. Kline of Egremont, 2 00 3d do., Mrs. Hopkins T. Cande of Sheffield, 1 00 RYE BREAD — G ENTRIES. Tor best Rye Bread, C L. Collins of Great Barrington. $3 00 2d do., Mrs C S. Joyner of Egremont, 2 1)0 3d do., Miss E. A. Kilbnrn of Great Barrington, 1 00 For best Brown Bread, Mrs. M. S. Heath of Stockbridge, S3 00 2d do., Mrs. Orren Millard of Becket, 2 00 3d do., L. J. Wright of Egremont, 1 10 BISCUIT— 19 ENTRIES. For best Biscuit, Miss Mary R. Couch of Great Barrington, 82 00 2d do., Miss Nellie Joyner of Egremont, 1 00 MAPLE SYRUP — 5 ENTRIES. For best Maple Syrup, E. B. Garfield of Monterey, $3 00 2d do., do., W. W. Langdon of Monterey, 2 00 3d do., Langdon Hulet of Sheffield, 1 00 BOX-HONEY 5 ENTRIES. For best Box Honey, Alonzo Bradley of Lee, $3 00 2d do., Lewis Emmons of New Marlboro,' 2J0O 3d Charles Spurr of Sheffield, 1 00 [Note.— One box of Honey exhibited by Euw.n Humphrey, but not entered for premium, was well worthy of especial notice.] 32 Reports of Committee*. The entries of Bread was unusually large, and your Committee had no little difficulty in making just and proper selections from the numerous and choice samples offered. Respectfully submitted, Edward Manville, ^ Mrs. Col. George Church, [- Committee. Mrs. F. T. Whiting, ) FLOWERS— 21 ENTRIES. The Committee on Flowers having- attended to their duty, .respectfully submit the following report. The number of entries in this department this year, was twenty-one, besides one bouquet presented for exhibition only by Mrs. Alexander Hyde. The twenty bouquets of cut flowers enter- ed for a premium were all good, and some of them were excellent. As a whole they were superior to anything ever exhibited at our fairs, and your committee regretted that they did not have $100, instead of $35, to re- ward the exhibitors for the great labor they must have expended in culti- vating the flowers, and the taste displayed in their arrangement. We are aware that the amount of our premiums is no compensation for even the time and trouble spent in the arrangement of the flowers and bringing them for exhibition, but the cempetitors will please take the balance due them in honor, and in the satisfaction they must have themselves felt in their floral labors, and also in the consciousness that they have contributed to the happiness of the multitude who gazed upon their bouquets with so much pleasure. Your committee are aware that some of the competitors have conservatories and other facilities for raising flowers, which others have not, and the question was raised whether a classification should not be made of the bouquets presented, but most of them were composed of a mixture of green-house and hardy flowers, and it was finally decided not to consider anything but the quality and quantity of the flowers, and the taste manifest in their arrangement. The questions have been asked, " What have flowers to do with agri- culture, and what propriety is there in an agricultural society offering a premium for their exhibition ? Before naming our award, we desire briefly to answer these questions. In the first place, flowers grow on all our farms whether we cultivate them specially or not. Every plant produces seed " after its kind," and flowers are the necessary precursors of the seed. Some few of the plants, as the ferns, mushroons, etc., are crypto- gamous, that is the stamens and pistils of the flowers are not misille, but still have what answers the purpose of flowers. The trees and the shrubs, the grains and the grasses, the fruits and the vegetables are adorned with flowers with as much uniformity as those plants which we are wont to call flowering. So the farmer cultivates flowers whether he will or not, and the only question is whether he will notice them and take pleasure in them, or pass them by unheeded. Few are so senseless as not to notice the beauty of an apple tree when in full bloom, or the velvety carpet with which the surface of the earth is covered, having green for its foundation color, but variegated with all the hues which flowers are capable of fur- nishing. The great Creator, who is also the great Husbandman, might Reports of Committees. 33 have made the earth without any adornment. He might have made apples and chestnuts to grow without the beautiful flowers which herald their growth, but in His infinite wisdom and benevolence, He beautified the earth with flowers, and the man who questions the expediency of their cul- ture, questions also the wisdom of the great fruit cause. It has always seemed to us a sufficient answer to the cavilers against flowers, to say that God made them, and His works are all good. In im- itating the Great Husbandman we shall not be far astray from the right path. l>ut there are good reasons for God's creation of the flowers, ami good reasons for man's cultivation of them. They serve purposes in the economy of nature which are as essential as the fruits, grains, and vegeta- bles. The latter gratify the sense of taste, and entering the stomach sus- tain our physical system; the former gratify the sense of sight, and also pu- rify the air upon which man lives more constantly than he does upon food. Flowers not only gratify the sense of sight, a higher sense, by the way, than that of taste, but also the sense of smell. The inferior animals may feed upon and tread upon the flowers, and derive no pleasure from their exquisite coloring and fragrance; but man was made capable of higher en- joyments, and he degrades his nature where he lives mainly for the grati- fication of his lower senses. This leads us to say that flowers are emblems of moral beauty and puri- ty, and it is chiefly because of their effect on the higher life that we recom- mend their cultivation. A wicked man may be an ardent admirer and cul- tivator of flowers, but they must exert some influence upon him, and there is no knowing how much more wicked he might have been, had it not been for his love of floral beauty. Flowers and wickedness are certainly incon- gruous. When Satan presented his temptation to Mother Eve, he did it in the form of fruit. He knew too much to tempt her with fbwers. Whenever we see a home adorned with flowering shrubs, and a little patch here and there devoted to verbenas and pansies, we expect to find more or less intelligence, refinement, and purity in the household. The contempla- tion of the skill manifest in the arrangement of the stamens, pistils and petals, in the functions which the small parts perform, and in the coloring which so far transcends the aid of man, must lead the mind to thoughts of Him who made all things. If "anundevout astronomer is mad," much more is an undevout florist. The stars are far away, but the flowers come right home to the senses, and under the microscope reveal a perfection of beauty and arrangement unappreciable by the naked eye. If a farmer wishes to expel his sons from the pursuits of agriculture, he only has to neglect all esthetic culture, pay no attention to the flowors which grow in spite of his neglect, depise all the embellishments which cost little, but add so much to the comfort of home, and we will warrant the sons will choose some other pursuit in which their tastes can be gratified. God made the world beautiful with flowers, why should we not make our homes beautfiul in the same manner. God made us capable of securing much pleasure from flowers, why should we not cultivate this capacity ? We rejoice, therefore, that our agricultural societies are encouraging in- creased attention to the flower garden. These wardens will make the homes 34 Reports of Committees. of the farmers more attractive, and whatever tends to make a pleasant home is worthy of encouragement. The Indies who have spent so much time to add to the attractiveness of our exhibition, deserve our thanks, and in behalf of the Housatonic Society, we desire to express our grateful acknowledgments. For the encouragement of those whe may think the cultivation of flow- ers requires much time and expense, we desire to say that beds of perpetual bloom can be made without any appreciable labor. It is not necessary that mounds should be erected, or elaborate beds be formed One of the most simple and tasteful modes of floriculture, is to insert the sods in the lawn, here and there, in little circles of three or four feet in diameter, and in one of these plant a few verbenas, in another some petunias, in another some coleus, and in another some portulaca, etc., planting only one kind in a place. A half-dozen such little flower beds will add much charm to a rural home, and furnish bouquets to adorn the centre table for the whole season. A few plants put in the window in the autumn, will cheat winter ,of its gloom., and form a mucleus for the out-door beds of the subsequent summer. Hoping another year to see a still better display, and to have more money at our disposal, we award as follows : — For Bouquet, D. S. Draper of Great Barrington, $4 00 do., Mrs. J. M. Mackie of Great Barrington, 3 00 do., Mrs. Zacheus Cande of Sheffield, 3 00 do., Mrs. Silas S. Dewey of Alford, '2 00 do., Mrs. E. M. Winchcll of Alford, 2 00 do Mrs. L. J. Wright of Egremont, 2 00 do., David Leavitt of Great Barrington, 2 00 do., Mrs. R. Dwight Andrews ot Sheffield. 2 00 do., Mrs. E. C. Ticknor of Alford, 2 00 do., Henry T. Bobbins of Great Barrington, 2 00 For fine display of Boses, Miss M. J. Manning of Stoekbridge, 1 00 For two Winter Bouquets, Miss M. J. Manning of Stoekbridge, 1 00 For six small Bouquets,'Miss M. J. Manning of Stoekbridge, 1 00 For Bouquet, Miss A. L. Pixie v of Great Barrington. 1 00 do., Miss Ella Thomas of Sheffield, 1 00 da., Miss Maria Thomas of Sheffield, 1 00 do., Mrs Henry S. Goodale of Mount Washington, 1 00 For Winter Bouquet, Miss E. H. Tuttle of Sheffield, 1 00 For a beautiful Geranium, Charles A. Craig of Great Barrington, 1 00 For Bouquet, Mrs Richard Clark of Great Barrington, 1 00 do., George W. Bennett of Great Barrington, 1 00 Respectfully submitted, Alexander Hyde, ) Isaac II. Rick, ,- Committee. Charles E. Heath, ) FRUITS— 1st DIVISION. APPLES AND PEARS 56 entries. This Committee had a peculiar and an unusually difficult task to perform. The varieties of specimens were distributed through a long range of show eases, some contributors conformed to the rules of the society, but the large majority not. Especially the time of ripening and names of varieties were both omitted, rendering it impossible 10 award premiums in accordance with the printed instructions, also in comprising the entries of the first and second divisions of Fruit upon the books provided, there was great discrep- ancy, but upon consultation, the committee upon the first division unaui- Reports of Committee* mously decided upon the following awards. There was certainly never a finer exhibition of this class of productions, and, all hough two more were added to the committee, by the request of those first appointed, they feel that the time allotted was altogether too short to do justice to each who took the pains and pride to add to the interest of this years exhibition. For best specimen of Winter Apples, Ralph Little of Sheffield, 2d do., Horace Cande of Sheffield, 3d do Charles Spurr of Sheffield, 4th do. , Samuel Goodrich of Stockbridge, 5th do., H. T, Candee of Sheffield, For best specimen oi Fall Apples, Samuel Goodrich of Stockbridge, 2d do., H. Z. Candee of Sheffield, 3d do., Phinias Pettis of New Marlboro', 4th do., L. G. Ramsey of Great Barrington, For best variety of all kinds of Fruit, Orreu Curtiss of Sheffield, 2d do., Zacheus Cande of Sheffield, For best varieties of Pears, not less than five, Charles Spurr cf Sheffield, 2d do., Phinias Pettis of New Marlboro, 3d do., Ralph Little of Sheffield, 4th do., Orren Curtiss of Sheffield, For best single variety of Pears, Theodore Fenn of Stockbridge, 2d do., Henry Werden of Richmond, 3d do., Charles Spurr of Sheffield, For three varieties of Pears, Samuel Goodrich of Stockbridge, H. D. Train, Calvin Hood. H. D. Garfield, I>. W. Pattison, $6 00 5 00 4 00 :; oo 2 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 ID 00 8 00 6 00 5 00 4 00 2 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 5 00 1 j, Committee. It'.s. FRUITS— 2d DIVISION. peaches, plums, quinces, grapes, etc.,— 54 entries. Owing to the very imperfect records made of the specimens that entered, the Committee are unable to report the number of eutri* following premiums are awarded : For best specimens of Peaches, Langdon Hulet of Sheffield, 2d do., Orren Curtiss of Sheffield, 3d do., Samuel Sanford of Great Barrington, For best specimens of Plums, R. A. Potts of Egremont, 2d do., H. T. Potts of Egremont, For best specimen of Quinces, Levi Boardman of Sheffield, 2d do., Dr. J. L. Miller of Sheffield, 3d do., James Roraback of Sheffield. For best specimens of Grapes raised in open air, Orren Curtiss of Sheffield, 2d do., Phineas Pettis of New Marlboro, 3d do., Charles Spurr of Sheffield, 4th do., Z. Cande of Sheffield, 5th do., H. Werden of Richmond, For best specimens of Grapes raised under glass, David Leavitt of Great Barrington.. 2d do., D. S. Hunter of Stoekbrid<><\ 3d do., J. M. Mackie of Great Barrington, For best specimen of Grape Wine, Ralph Little of Sheffield, 2d do., Mrs. E. Shears of Sheffield, 3d do., Mrs. W. Burget of Egremont, For best specimen of Native Wine, Mrs. Willis Bartholomew of Sheffield, 2d do., Miss Belle Plansit of Sheffield, 3d do., Miss H. L. Rowe of Egremont, 4th do., L. Emmons of New Marlboro, For best specimen of Dried Fruit, J. N. Warner of Sheffield, 2d do., Mrs. L. J. Wright of Egremont, 3d do., Miss Martha J. Snyder of Great Barrington, were The >:; on ■1 01) 1 00 2 00 1 00 3 oo 2 00 1 00 5 00 •', DO 3 01) 2 00 1 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 :; on 2 00 1 00 1 00 3rt0 2 00 1 OC 36 Reports of Committee*. Tot best specimen Canned Fruit. Mrs. T. Curtis of Sheffield, $3 0f> 2d do., Mrs. L. Hulet of Sheffield, 2 00 3d do., Mrs. Miles Avery of Great Barrington. 1 00 For best specimen of Cranberries, John Cook of Lenox, 1 00 Alonzo Bradley, William O. Curtis, J- Committee EVARTS SCI'DDER, MECHANICAL PRODUCTION^— 20 ENTRIES. The exhibition in this department was meager and unsatisfactory. There were but twenty entries where there should have been one hundred, and all but three of them for miscellaneous articles for which the Society offer no premiums. The yearly growing poverty in this department is remarkable and is especially recommended to the society's consideration. It is not be- lieved by your committee that the inventive and executive ability of the Yankee mind and hand is less, but that your inducements for the exhibi- tion should be more. We award the following premiums : For best Pleasure Harness, W. F. Gale of West Stockbridge, 4 00 For best specimen of Leather, S. A. Turner of New Marlboro, $3 00 2d do., Berkshire Woolen Company of Great Barrington, 2 00 For Ax Helves, Chester Spaulding of Sheffield, 1 00 2d do., Joel E. Dealand of SandisfleJd, 1 00 For Whips and Lashes, William R. Baldwin of New Marlboro', 2 00 For Ox Yoke, D. Boardman of Sheffield, 1 00 For Churn, Daniel Warner of Great Barrington, 1 00 FcB Patent Ash Droper, S. S. Dewey of Alford, 1 00 For Wagon Jack, E. R. Baldwin of New Marlboro, 1 00 Cross-cut Saw, I. J. Lowrey of Egremont, 1 00 For Compensation Balance, an arrangement for counteracting the effects of heat and cold In witches, something indispensable to aU correct time keepers, T. S. Heuth. Stockbridg«, 2 00 R. N. Couch, ) C C. French, £- Committee. Marcellus Chapin, ) AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS— 20 ENTRIES. The Committee upon Agricultural Implements would respectfully report that they have not found as large an exhibition of such Implements as agriculturists use, as upon many former occasions at our exhibitions, unless it be mowing machines, and with them, a committee of farmers, as they are usually made up, almost universally have used certain machines upon their own lands, and are very apt to favor those machines they are the best ac- quainted with. Your Chairman was sorry there was not among the mow- ers some that use the cutting bar upon a line with the axle, like the Gran- ire State, American Mower, which as it seems to him, is a principle not to be lost sight of in our country where so many of our farms are- uneven and rough. A mower adapting itself the best to uneven surfaces, and pos- sessing also strength and durability of construction, must, under all ordin- ary circumstances, sooner or later receive the approval of most of our in- telligent fanners. Your Chairman has always used a mower upon his farm with the cutting bar forward of the driving wheels, with the exception of one season, and is using such an one now, so that the competitors of this exhibition cannot reasonably judge him interested in any one of the mow- ers upon exhibition to-day, or upon the other principle I have mentioned, BejyortH of Committees. 3 only as we all of us are looking forward to perfection in these useful im- plements. We award upon Mowers : — Clipper Machine, J. L. Milligan of Alford, $10 00 Young Warrior, T. H. Curtiss of Great Barrinpton, 5 00 Excelsior Hay Tedder, (one entry,) Wheeler, Melick k Co., 6 00 Hay Rake, Wheeler, Mulick & Co.. 5 00 Swivel Plow, D. Boardman of Sheffield, 4 00 Eagle Plow, H. N. Barghardt of Egremout, 4 00 Pulverizing Harrow, C. French of Sheffield, 4 00 Hand Power Threshers, D. D. Kendall of Lenox, i 00 Corn Sheller, C. C. French of West Stockbridge, I? 00 Seed Sower, D. Boardman of Sheffield, B 00 Patent Force Pump, J. II. Adams, of Great Barrington, 8 00 We would award a premium upon the Champion Mower, as showing eoTBe valuable improve- ments in mowers, to E. M. Creem & Co., of Chatham, N. Y., 4 00 Respectfully submitted, T. D. Thatcher, D. Andrews, H. S. Goodale. $10 00 8 00 10 00 8 00 6 00 5 00 i 00 Com mi ittee, ANIMALS. FIRST DIVISION 10 ENTRIES. The Committee on fat and working Oxen have attended to the duties assigned to them and report as follows : There were only 3 entries of fat oxen, and 8 entries working oxen, all very good and worthy of premiums. Your Committee after a careful examination have awarded as follows : — For best yoke of Fat Oxen, L. S. Butler of Lenox, 2d do., Jared Lewis of Great Barrington. For best yoke of Working Oxen, Jared Lewis of Great Barrington, 2d do., Frederick Abbey of Great Barrington, 3d do.. J. L. Miller of Sheffield. 4th do., F. B. Willcox of Sheffield. oth do., Josiah Trask of Stockbridge, Wilder C. Langdon, F. K. Hinckley, Frederick Fitch, ) second division — 7 entries The Committee on second division of animals, three and four year old Steers, award premiums as follows : For best pair four-year-old Oxen, Zacheus Cacde of Sheffield, 2d do., Charles A. Dewey of Lenox, 3d do., Cornelius Williams of Egremont. For best three-year-old Steers, Miles Avery of Great Barrington. 2d do., W. P. Palmer of Stockbridge, 3d do., Elisha Collins of Great Barrington, 4th do., Josiah Trask of Stockbridge, J. W. Parks, ) J. Ft. Lawton, Jr., >- Mark Hollenbeck, ) third division 19 entries. The Committee on the third division of animals, make the following awards. For best two-year-old Steers, F. K. Hinckley of L ee, $5 no 2d do., L. S. Butler of Lenox, * 00 3d do., T. H. Curtiss ot Great Barrington, 3 00 ftth do., John Cooper of Stockbridg* . - 00 $8 00 7 00 6 00 7 00 6 00 5 00 1 00 Com m' It ee. Reports of Committees. For beat yearling Steers, Frederick Abbey of Great Barrington, $4 00 2d do., Charles A. Dewey of Lenox, 3 00 :3d do., Isaac Harmon of Monterey, 2 00 For best yearling Heifer, W. H. Parks of Great Barrington. 4 00 2d do., A. C. Butler of Lenox, 3 00 Zachsus Candee, ) T. D. Thatcher, [- Committee. E. L. Tobey, J FOURTH DIVISION— 18 ENTRIES. Your Committee respectfully submit the following awards : For best Milch Cow, J. M. Cooper of Stockbridge, .?'.) 00 2d do.. George Kellogg of Sheffield, 8 00 3d do., Jared Lewis of Great Barrington, 7 00 4th do., E. C. Ticknor of Alford, 6 00 !5th do., J. F. Sanford of Great Barrington, 5 00 6th do., Henry Dresser of Stockbridge, 4 00 7th do., S. O. Dewey of Great Barrington, 3 00 8th do., Erastus Warner of Great Barrington, . 2 00 9th do.. L. S. Butler of Lenox, 1 00 For best Fat Cow, Jared Lewis of Great Barrington, 4 00 2d do., Miles Avery of Great Barrington, 3 00 We recommend a premium of $2 to W. II. Day, for a very fat e«>\v, to which we could make no award as we were limited to two premiums. Henry W. Smith, ) ;s, >■ Nathan B. Curtiss, > Committee. James A. Kline. ) FIFTH DIVISION 18 ENTRIES. The Committee on the lirst division of domestic animals have attended to their duty and make the following awards : For best two-year-old Heifer having had a Calf, David Haley of Great Barrington, 2d do., John Cooper of Stockbridge, 3d do., W. H. Parks of Great Barrington, 4th do., George Kellogg of Sheffield, 5th do., M. G. Ball of Great Barrington, Your Committee recommend the following extra premium. F. B. Wilcox of Sheffield, Leonard Tuttle of Sheffield, A. C. Butler of Lenox, Dwight Andrews of Sheffield, For best Bull Calf, F. Abbey of Great Barrington, 2d do., F. K. Hinkley of Lee, 3d do., Stephen Baldwin of Egremont, For best Heifer Calf, John G. Miner of Monterey, 2d do., John H. Cofflng of Great Barrington, 3d do., W. I. Walker of Great Barrington, H. S. Underwood, Daniel D. Kendall, Guy Day, sixth division — 15 entries. For be3t threa Stock and Dairy Cows, Frederick Abbey of Great Barrington, 2d do., Orren Curtiss of Sheffield, For best Stock Cow and Progeny, Jared Lewis of Great Barrington, 2d do,, Zacheus Cande of Sheffield, 3d do., F. K. Hinckley of Lee, 4th do., S. M. Cooper of Stockbridge, 5th do., Henry Dresser of Stockbridge, There being but two entries of Stock Cow.-; t'j.3 committee recommend an extv on Stoak Cows to Orren Curtiss of Sheffield, A. C. Butler of Lenox, L. W. Hyde, j . H. A. Tobey, - T. L. Foote, ) 1, $c no 5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 i 00 3 00 2 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 Com mi ittee. $8 00 6 00 6 00 5 oO 4 00 3 00 2 00 a premium •2 00 2 00 Commit t ee. Reports of Committees. 3<> $4 DO 3 00 2 00 $10 00 7 00 5 00 10 00 10 00 Com unittee. SEVENTH DIVISION — 12 ENTRIES. For best two-year-old H«fer, F. B. Willcoi of Sheffield, 2d do., S. M. Cooper of Stoekbridge, 3d do., S. Nodine of Great Barrington, Eor best Durham Bull, Zacheus Cande of Sheffield, 2d do., E. N. Hubbard of Great Barrington, 3d do., Frederick Abbey of Great Barrington, For best Ayrshire Bull, Theron L. Foote of Lee, For best Alderney or Jersey Bull, J. Milton Mackie of Great Barrington, Miles Avery, ) William Stoddard, ',- George O. Peck, ) EIGHTH DIVISION 4 ENTRIES. The Committee on the eighth division beg; leave to report their were two entries of neat stock both herds high grade Durham. Their fine forms and good points denoted good breeding, both for the shambles and for milk and evinced much credit to breeders. Of blood stock but two herds were shown us, those of Jersey breed, and were with many the favorites, their delicate limbs, intelligent faces and decidedly excellent milking quali- ties bespeak for them a high place in the public favor, but are they the breed to be encouraged here in Berkshire, where grazing and rearing of stock is the grand staple, cannot our sweet pastures and fertile meadows mature the Durham whose carcass at four years will double in weight, sur- pass in quality, and by judicious breeding exceed in quantity of milk even almost if not quite enough to make up the lack in quality. Past experi- ence leads us to believe it can, but at the present day every man has his hobby and we may prehaps have ours, and will leave the subject with these suggestions for the public to decide. We cheerfully award as follows: For best display of Neat Stock, six in number, L. S. Butler of Lenox, $8 00 2d do., W. S. Wilcox of Sheffield, 6 00 Eest Alderny or Jersey, not less than four in number, J. Milton Mackie of Gt Barrington, 8 00 2d do., D. S. Draper of Great Barrington, 6 00 S. M. Cooper, ) Stephen Powell, r Committee. Benjamin Powell, ) ninth division. Entries — Boars, G ; Sows and Pigs, 5. For best Boar, Thomas H. Curtiss of Great Barrington. 2d do., Dwight Andrews of Sheffield, 3d do., Charles Spurr of Sheffield, 4th do., Levi Wr. Hyde of Egremont, For best Sow and Pigs, David Haley of Great Barrington, 2d do., Edwin N. Hubbard of Great Barrington, 3d do., Eugene Miller of Egremont, 4th do., C H. Dewey of Sheffield, William S. Willcox, Mark Burghardt, Andrew J. Sptrr, ) TENTH DIVISION. Your Committee ou Bucks, tenth division, have attended to the duty asigned them and report as follows : For best Coaroe Wool Buck. J. A. Kline of Egremont, $4 00 2d do., W. H. Palmer of Stoekbridge, 3 00 $5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 6 00 5 00 4 00 3 00 c ommittee. 40 Reports of Committees. For best Middle Wool Buck, Dyer Wait of Egremont, 4 00 2d do., J. H. Rowley of Egremont, 3 00 3d do., E. Church of Alford, 2 00 For best Fine Wool Buck, C. B. Benedict of West Stockbrldge, 4 00 3d do., Henry Worden of Richmond, 3 00 3d do., J. Milton Mackie of Great Barrington, 2" 00 G. M. Fitch. f James Dewei.ij, } Committee, ELEVENTH DIVISION. Eutriep — Coarse Wool, none ; Middle Wool, 7 ; Fine Wool, 4. The Committee of the -eleventh division of animals — Ewes— award as follows : For best three Middle Wool Ewes, Guy Day of Great Barrington, $4 00 2d do., Elisha Collins of Great Barrington, 3 00 3d do., Dyer Wait of Egreaont, 2 00 For best three Fine Wool Ewes, C. B. Benedict of West Stockbridge, 4 00 2d do., J. Milton Mickie of Great Barrington, 3 00 »d do., Guy Day of Great Barrington, J 00 Thomas II. Curtis, j Samuel Goodrich, [- Committee. Jarvis N. Collar, ) $4 00 3 00 2 00 i 00 3 00 1 00 4 CO S 00 mm it ee. TWELFTH DIVISION 10 ENTRIES. The Committee award as follows : For the best five Fat Wethers, Williaza S. Willcox of Sheffield, 2d do., J. P. Tobey of Great Barrington, 3d do.. J. H. Rowley of Egremont, For best five Fine Wool Lambs, C. B. Benedict of West St ockbridge, 2d do., J. Milton Mackie of Great Barrington, 3d do., Hem-y WTerden of Richmond, For best Middle Wool Lambs, C. L. Wright of F.grcisont, 2d do., F. B. Willcox of Sheffield, Leonord Tuttle, ) Silas S. Dewey, Grove Gavlord, ) thirteenth division. Entries: — Farm horses, 8; carriage horses, 9; single horses, 12. For the best pair of Farm Horses, E. Smith of Lee, $3 00 2d do., Jas. Dewell of West Stockbridge, 7 00 3d do., J. D. Elliott of Egremont, 6 00 4th do., J. E. Field of Stockbridge, 5 00 5th Mark Laird of Great Barrington, 4 GO For the best pair of Carriage Horses, Samuel Crmn of Great Barrington, 7 00 2d co., Elizur Smith of Lee, C CO 3d do., Edmund Crippeu of Egremont, 5 00 For the bost Single Horse, B. F. Pixley of Great Barrington, 5 00 2d do., H. C. Joyner of Great Barrinetton, 4 00 3d do., W. J. Mallory of Lee, 3 CO John WixTHRor, sj Henry Uaker, >- Committee. Jos. A Benjamin, ) FOURTEENTH DIVISION. The number of entries in this division was 23, a, larger number is seldom seen at one exhibition, and the improvement in the blood and management, if continued for a few years, will show a marked improvement, on that most useful animal, the horse. Your committee have never witnessed as many fine animals, and were at a loss to decide among so many, and were sorry Report* of Committee*. 4 \ $ s 00 7 00 n 00 5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 Committc a. that we had not premiums at our disposal for all, as they all deserved one. We would recommend a larger number of premiums in future, starting at $10 and running down to $1. The awards are as follows : Tot best Colt, William Wright of Mount Washington. 2d do., William LefflngweU of New Marlboro, M do., William M. Chapin of Sheffield, 4th do., Walter Minor of Great Barrington, 5th do., Myron Allen of New Marlboro, «th do., C. I,. Wright of Egremont, 7th do.. Walter Crine of New Marlboro, William O. Curtiss, Albert Tickxor, E. R. JoYNER, FIFTEENTH DIVISION — STALLIONS AND COLTS. This division embraces five classes, viz : Stallions, 3; stud colts. 2: yearling colts, 9; two-year-old colts, 8; three-year-old colts, 11. Your committee had but one hour to examine thirty-three different animals, alto- gether too short a time for this important division, each one of which had to be examined as to soundness, age, blood, motion, size and build, many of which were fine animals, showing they were bred from good stock, and vigorous constitutions. If two colts are nearly alike, the best bred one will always take the premium. Your committee are selected to encourage merit by discriminating awards, and check folly and humbug by judicious censure A stallion before the public is either a curse or a great benefit to any locality where he happens to be in use, and it takes years to recor- er from the damaging effects of a poor stock horse, consequently we must know beyond question the breeding and blood, for at least, three genera- tions of any stallion on both sides; and last of all his stock must, and will, prove whether he is worth the attention of breeders. Y'our committee would urge all owners of good, well-br^.d, sound breed- ing mares, " as no other can breed a sound colt," the importance of a ju- dicious selection. It would be better to send 25 miles to a well-bred and " proved by his stock/' horse, than to lose your time and use of mares in bringing up a colt that is only fit for a fish wagon, if you have the luck to raise him at all. We also believe that a stallion can and should com- bine qualities so as to produce, not only well developed, good sized carriage and family horses, but have bone and muscle enough to draw the plow or the light road wagou. We trust the day is not far distant when our horses will be improved by a better strain of blood. We are near one of the best markets iu the world, where there is a constant demand for good, larger well colored, full tailed horses. If one should show a little speed, we have yet to see the farmer that did not know it was worth something. But your committee would not recommend breeding for speed entirely; but a stallion ; weight not less than 1000 lbs., showing bloodlike cour- age, head and neck fine, and clean cut, fine skin, good disposition, strong, well muscled, clean limbs, large, strong barrel, powerful, strong back and quarters, good feet, a full long tail, good square trotting action, showing lasting qualities when driven at a high rate of speed ; your committee believe such a horse will produce good farm) carriage* and f'&mily horses, 42 Reports of Committees. and occasionally a trotter, taking our common breeding mares as a founda- tion. Several fine young stallions are owned in this immediate vicinity, who have the blood of Hamiltonian, Long Island, Black Hawk, Jupiter, and Knox coursing their veins, and it remains for the public to decide by their stock whether they are worthy of the illustrious names they have inherited, or whether time and an honest public shall name them worthless. For the best Stallion, W. J. Mallory of Lee, $10 00 2d do., Harrison Calkins of Alford, 8 00 3d do., Julius Hall of Stockbrige, P6 00 For the best Stud Colt, G. H. Babcock of Lee. $5 00 2d do., Samuel Camp of Great Barrington, 4 CO For the best Yearling Colt, E. L. Tobey of Alford, $3 00 2d do., Geo. T. Miner of Monterey, 2 00 3d do., Henry Dresser of Stockbridge, 1 00 For the best two-years old Colt, Andrew Buck of Stockbridge, $4 00 2d do., A. J. Palmer of Alford, 3 00 3d do., J. E. Turner of Great Barrington, 2 00 For the best three-years-old Colt, S. H. Bushncll of Sheffield, $5 00 2d do., N. B. Curtiss of Stockbridge, 4 00 2d do., Miss Sarah Goodspeed of Lee, 3 CO 4th do., Chas. O. Dewey of Sheffield, 2 00 A. L. EfuBBELL, ) J. A. Belcher, - Committee. William Darpe, ) SIXTEENTH DIVISION* 18 ENTRIES. In this division there were five entries, only four of which were exhibited; and three out of the four were, in the opinion of the committee, disqualified by unsoundness and imperfections. There were no entries of single trained horses. Single Walking Horses, 13 entries. We award as follows : For best four-year-old Trotting Horse. Leonard Post of Alford. $10 00 For best Single Walking Horse, A. C Butler of Lenox, 5 00 2d do., Noble'B. Turner of Great Barrington, 4 00 3d do., Harrison Calkins of Alford. . 3 00 4th do., J. A. Kline of Egremont, 2 00 M. S. Bidwell; j A. W. Kellogg. ,- Committee. James H. Rowley, ) SEVENTEENTH DIVISION. For best Trotting Horse, owned in the county three months, best three in five to harness, Terry Barden, ns. s. g. Comet, 1. 1. 1. $7.5 00 E. Hurlburt, ns. c. m. Glencoe Maid, 2. 3. 2. 40 00 W. S. Barnum, ns. c. m. Auburn, 3. 2. 3. 23 00 Time- -2: 55 ; 3:02 ; 3:02. D. S. Draper, t Ralph Little, ,- Committee. W. O. Curtiss, ) POULTRY. . Entries — Turkeys, 2 ; Geese, 5 ; Ducks, 4 ; other Fowls, 18. turkeys. For best trio of Turkeys. H. D. Hollenbeck of Egremout. $3 00 2d do., George Kellogg of Sheffield, 2 00 Reports of Committees. 43 GEESE. For best Geese, E. Church of Alford, 2d do., George Kellogg of Sheffield, 3d do., A. B. Stafford of Stockbridge, Extra premium. J. C. Hollenbeck of Egremont, for twc fine Geese, DUCKS, For best Ducks, John R. Prindle of Alford, 2d do., John C. Loop of Sheffield, od do.. W. H. Palmer of Stockbridge, CHICKKXS. For best Chickens, J. N. Chamberlain of Stockbridge, 2d do., J. Sisson of Great Barrington, 3d do., Elisha Collins of Great Barrington, 4th do., C. S Wright of Egremont, 5th do., George T. Bartholomew of Sheffield, 6th do., J. Trace j of Great Barrington, Tth do., T. S. Heath of Stockbridge, Sth do., M. S. Heath of Stockbridge, (Brahmas) 9th do., M. S. Heath of Stockbridge, (White Dorkins,) 10th do., J. C. Loop of Sheffield, 11th do., N. Hollenbeck of Egremont, 12th do., C. S. Joyner of Egremont, 13th do., E. Warner of Great Barrington. 14th do., William Wilson of Great Barrington, loth do., Dyer Wait of Egremont, 16th do., Erastus Warner of Great Barrington, 17th do., L. S. Heath of Great Barrington, GUINEA PIGS, Best Guinea Pigs, Harry Parks of Great Barrington, Abel French, } Egbert B. Garfield, j $3 00 •1 on 1 00 3 00 .*:» 1111 •< 00 1 00 $2 no 1 :>() 1 50 1 50 1 50 1 Oil 1 00 1 On 1 00 I 00 1 00 1 00 l no l no l 00 1 00 1 00 ?i 00 Committee. PLOWING— OX TEAMS. The Committee upon plowing horse teams have attended to the very pleasant duty assigned them in the rain, (although very acceptable to us as farmers, yet as committees not so agreeable,) and beg leave to make the following report : There were eight entries, and we must say were all well done, and very creditable to the several competitors, and in our awards we do not claim that our decisions are infallible, or will meet the expectations of the com- pettitors. We award as follows : For best Plowing Team, J. C. Lowrey of Egremont, 2d do., H. W. Burget of Egremont, 3d do., Patrick Burnes of Stockbridge, 4th do., J. A. Kline, of Egremont, 5th do., B. E. Stoddard of Alford, 6th do., David Healy of Great Barrington, Tth do., Elisha Collins of Great Barrington, PEDIGREE. The committee on Pedigrees of Thorough-bred Stock, respectfully re- port that they have examined the pedigree of twenty-one animals, offered for premium by eight competitors." Sixteen of these pedigrees were ac- cepted as satisfactory, and five were rejected on the ground that there was not sufficient evidence ottered to prove that the animals were thoroughbred. $8 00 7 00 6 00 5 CO 4 00 3 00 1 00 T. D. Thatcher, ) Hubbard, > E. X. Committee. V. s. Abbott, ) 44 Reports of Committees. The committee beg leave to suggest to the society that it would greatly facilitate the labor of a committee on pedigrees, and render their decisions less liable to error, if the rule should be established — that every member of- fering animals for premium, as thoroughbred, be required to show that such animals, or their sires and dams, have been recorded in a herd book of recognized authority. We think it for the credit of the county that its thoroughbred animals should be enumerated in the official catalogues, which are widely distribut- ed throughout the country — as well as for the interest of the owners and breeders of these animals. Such record is the most sure and convenient test of the purity or impurity of blood in all cases of doubtful pedigrees. Whenever there is not sufficient evidence of thorough breeding to secure admission of an animal into a herd book, such animal ought not to be al- lowed to compete for the society's premiums as a thorough-bred. If it be left every year to a different committee to decide what animals offered for premium are of pure blood, conflicting decisions may arise, and the society may be left in a state of doubt whether its so-called thorough-breds be not merely grades. The expense of record is small— fifty cents or one dollar for each animal,— and no member who takes pride in owning blooded stock will be apt to object to paying this sum for a certificate of its purity. It may be added for the information of nil members interested that the standard herd books for the breeds of cattle for which premiums are offered by the society, are as follows -. — Sbort Horn Herd Cook, edited by Lewi: F. Allen of Buffalo, N. Y. Ayrshire Herd Book, edited by J. N. Bagg of West Springfield. Mass. Jersey Herd Register, edited by George E. Waring, Jr., of Newport. R. I. Devon Herd Book, edited by II. M. Session*, Wilbrabam. Mass. In the case of the Durham, or Short Horn Herd Book, it should be understood that a considerable number of the pedigrees contained in its first few volumes are imperfect, and the leading agricultural societies of this country have taken the ground that no Short Horn animal is thorough- bred unless his pedigree can be traced back, on both sides, to ancestors re- corded in the English Herd Hook. We think the same rule should be adopted by this society. We also recommend that every member competing for premiums for thorough-bred animals be required to deliver to the Secretary the pedi- grees of such animals in writing, made out in full, and signed by the com petitor, before ten o'clock of the first day of the Fair. In conclusion, the committee beg leave to call the attention of members to the importance of increasing the number of thorough-bred cattle in this part of the Commonwealth. It is true that we have already a good breed of native cattle ; but it is, also, true that it can be greatly improved by a larger infusion of the blood of thorough-breds, it is now generally be- lieved by intelligent persons that wherever the full-blood Durham bull is used on native cows, he improves the beef ; wherever the Ayshire bull goes, he adds to the milk and cheese; wherever the Jersey goes, he increases the butter. It is also generally admitted that thorough-breds have this great advau- Reports of Committees. 45 tage over natives, that they transmit good qualities to offspring- with more certainty. For example, if a full blooded sire and dam are remarkable beef, or cheese, or butter producers, it may be relied upon as very nearly certain that their female offspring will possess the same characteristics. A good thorough-bred cow is sure to bring a good calf. Now, we all know that native bulls and cows are very uncertain breeders. Our good native cows often bring calves quite unlike themselves in quality. Their blood is so mixed, the good with the bad, that sometimes the good is inherited, and sometimes the bad. Itcnce the farmer is often disappointed in his breed- ing, and cannot rely with any certainty on making improvements. This important truth may be well illustrated by the recent experience of a member of the society in raising corn. Having planted the large, white, Sandford corn by the side of the smaller Canada, he obtained some very handsome ears, containing kernels as yellow as the Canada, and as large as the Sandford. Thinking he might get an improved variety, he planted, in the year following, those kernels by themselves, and so far from other kinds of corn that there could be no mixing with them. The result was very inferior ears, with kernels not all yellow, as the seed had been, but some yellow and some white. Instead of continuing to improve, the corn de- teriorated. So it is with cattle. The first cross of two different breeds often results in producing a good animal ; but when these cross-bred animals are com- plete together, it is a well known fact, that the issues is almost always in- ferior, yet most of the grade bulls of our county are such cross-breeds. Their get is oftencr bad than good. We therefore are of opinion that the wealth of this farming community can be very greatly increased in the next ten years by immediately disposing of all such stock-getters, and using thorough bred bulls in their stead. Theron L. Foote, J A. Bradley, - Committee. J. Milton Mackie, ) REPORT OX COMMITTEES. Any Committee upon the merits of the various reports of this society must needs entertain different views thereof, according to the stated point from which they are regarded. Some might look at skillful and eloquent phraseology chiefly, as involving merit ; others, ignoring these as merely ornamental, might consult only new ideas and suggestions, perhaps wit and humor, in their award of merit. Others again might see no real worth in anything save the bare utilitarian aspect of the document, put in the few- est and plainest words, regarding every thing else as out of place in a purely agricultural article. Now, your committee desire to steer clear of any particular hobby in deciding upon the several reports before them, Length they consider no merit unless pregnant with valuable ideas which refuse a briefer utterance; while the bare statement of awards is that and no more. They do not think the place of a committeeman the proper one to be used merely for the pa- 4G Reports of Committees. rade of fine writing or extended knowledge ; but if these can be brought into service in the better development of ideas which may be really useful in promoting the great objects of our society, by all means let them be reasonably employed. The best report your committee regard as that which, couples the in- evitable finale of award, with useful and available suggestions, put forth in such a manner as to interest, instruct and prompt to thought and experi- ment. Let us have not only a terse sermon, but an application, set home in such a way as to insure profit, by enlisting our common sense in getting it Your Committee are pleased to notice this tendency in several of U13 re- ports of the year 18T0, and would, as their best judgemnt, award as fol- lows : 1st.— Committee on Flowers, A. Hyde, Chairman. 2d — Committee on Summer Crops, H. S. Goodale, Chairman. 3d— Committee on Stallions and Colts, A. L. Hubbell, Chairman. 4th — Committee on Embroidery, I. Sumner, Chairman. 5th — Committee on Agricultural Implements, T, Thatcher, Chairman. flth — Committee on Painting and Fancy Work, M. S. Bidwell, Chairman. All which is respectfully submitted, E. W. B. Canning, ) n T ^. T ' r Committee. J. Dewey, Jr., TREASUBER'S EEPORT. ll.»uvi.iiini( Agricultural Society, in Account with .T. DEWEY, J., Treasurer, CR. By balance of last year, Interest received from members during the year, Cash received in exchange of premiums. Cash received on note to bank, Cash received of E. 1). Humphrey, for certificate of stock, Cash received for entry of town oxen, Cash received of members at the Fair, Received at gates, State bounty, SAME. To paid A. Bradley, 4 days as Committee, James Hyde, 4 days r.s Committee, P. M. Shaylor, Pattison & Barnum, bill, T. .J. Williams, 12 days as Committee, J. H. Rowley, 3 days as ex Committee, M. E. Tobey, for silver, Ralph Little, 3 days as ex. Committee, M. H. Rogers, bill, C. Hayes, for work on the grounds, Wm. Wilson, for work on the grounds, Discount and stamp on note, J. X. Robbins, 10 days as Committee, Alexander Hyde, premiums, Holmes, for selling grass, C. Hayes, balance for work, H S. Goodale, 10 days as Committee, Wm. Wilson, balance for work, Massachusetts Agricultural College, (scholar's bill,) Thomas Hopkins, for work on grounds, $363 65 14 00 17 00 500 00 1G 07 2 00 1523 92 1319 19 GOO 00 $4356 43 CR. $8 00 S 00 1 00 33 68 24 00 6 00 90 25 G 00 300 00 50 00 50 00 9 55 20 00 8 00 5 20 16 GO 20 00 40 00 54 00 40 00 48 Reports of Committees. To paid E. D. Humphrey,8| clays as committee, Pitkins, for silver, Bank Note, Harvey Holmes, 3 days at Fair, .1. N. Robbins, and assistant, at gate 3 davs, C. W. & S. K. Norton's bill, C. 1>. Culver, services at the gates 3 days, Mark Kilborn, services at the gates, Norman Chapin, services at the gates, John Hickey, services at the gates, Allen I>. Palmer, services at the gates, Milton Winchell, services at the gates, Seneca Nodine. services at the gates, Frank Wilcox, services at the gates, James L. Decker, services at the gates, K E. Barnes, B. Almonte and help, and for painting, &e., L. J. Nettleton, bill for material and work, Orville Holmes, for work on grounds, Tillotson, for team at the fair, M. Peck for stone, P. A. Russell, for expenses of watering street Premiums in cash, Baud, Freight on silver, &c, Noah Gibson, 16| days as Committee, James Wilson, for meals, Wright & Co., for paint, J. Brewer & Son, for iron, John Brewer, for lumber, Henry Burtch, 16^ days as Committee, J. Sisson on account, for work on grounds, E. N. Hubbard, for marking ground, M. Warner, 3 days as Committee, W. S. Clark, for address, H. W. Smith, 4 days as Ex. Committee, Treasurer's salary, Names of towns to which premiums were disbursed, aud the amount of each, Alford, Reeliet, Egremont, Ot. Eairinktim, Lee, Lenox, Monterey. Ht. Washington, New Marlboro, ]8 persons receiving, 1 person receiving, 42 persons receiving, Id persons receiving, 15 persons receiving, 11 persons receiving, 9 persons receiving, 2 persons receiving, 21 persons receiving, $96 00 Pittsneld, 10 00 Richmond, 187 00 Sandisfield. 471 00 Sheffield, 137 00 Stockbridge, 115 00 West Stockbridge, 32 00 17 00 68 00 $11 1,405 500 00 00 00 9 00 14 00 70 00 10 00 10 35 11 25 10 15 19 8 50 70 9 02 10 50 4 00 20 00 02 00 123 90 34 20 0 00 122 50 k, 24 50 05 00 $250 00 2 11 33 00 58 50 24 62 27 20 371) 80 83 00 287 50 4 0 00 00 50 00 8 00 75 00 $4587 78 ut of each, as follows:— 5 persons receiving, 5 00 4 persons receiving, 24 00 2 persons receiving, 5 00 G2 persons receiving, 398 00 27 persons receiving, 1 48 00 10 persons receiving, 40 00 $1753 CO We have 195 new members. Respectfully submitted, J. DEWEY, Jr., Treasurer I