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LIBRARY

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL

COLLEGE

source.. H3H2
4 1 860

D-.l&Q.

TRANSACTIONS

\

OF THE

HAMPSHIRE

Agricultural Society,

FOR

I860.

I^uLTolislaeci Toy tlie Society.

UNIVERSITY OF
MASSACHUSETTS

AMHERST, MASS.

H 11

SAMUEL BOWLES & COMPANY, PRINTERS,
SPRINGFIELD, MASS.

CONTENTS

Address op G. B. Loring of Salem,

Poem, " The Good Old Times,"

Reports, ...

Crop Statements,

Premiums, -

Treasurer's Report,

Annals, -

By-Laws,

Officers,

Members,

Summary of Members,

5-35

86-45

.46-76

77-80

. 81*84

85

86-97

98-99

100

101-109

110

ADDRESS.

BY DR. GEORGE B. LORING, OF SALEM,

Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Society:

I have returned with new pleasure to my annual service
of addressing the farmers of this Commonwealth. Hither-
to I have dealt chiefly with abstract subjects connected with
Agriculture — the duty and importance of Agricultural
Societies — the Social and Civil Condition of the Farmer —
New England Farming — Agricultural Education. Hav-
ing done this, I now propose to deal in successive ad-
dresses with the specific points of interest which are con-
nected with the business of farming — with crops — with
cattle — with manures — with drainage — with soils — with
cultivation ; for I deem a careful investigation of these
topics to be fully as important to the Agricultural Socie-
ties in our State, fully as worthy of the thought of the
scholar, and the rhetoric of the orator, and fully as useful
to the farmer as can be any abstruse discourse upon the
civil, or moral, or financial, or political relations of Agri-
culture to the human race.

In selecting the foremost subject of all these that have a
bearing more immediately upon the great industry which:
2

6

wc have met to honor, that which lies at the foundation of
all farming, that which includes the very first step 'in Agri-
culture, I have, of necessity, been led to the consideration
of the animals which support us in our business, and are
the active force of all husbandry.

Besides, I have regretted with you all, the necessary
absence, from most of our exhibitions, of those old friends
whose presence has always given the chiefest interest to
our shows, who have given them their name, and whose
condition tells as nothing else can, the story of soil, and
climate, and agriculture. The ravages of a dangerous
distemper, which threatened to extend throughout our
country, and which nothing but the most energetic and
decided measures have succeeded in checking, and I hope
removing, have appealed to our prudence ; and the public-
exhibition of cattle, has, for this season, been almost uni-
versally suspended. Our thoughts are directed, therefore,
more particularly to our cattle ; and out of consideration
for their misfortunes and our own, I propose to discuss
our dumb companions in this world, open as I may be to
the charge of repeating a "twice-told tale."

The subjugation of the animal kingdom to the wants
and luxuries of man constitutes one of the most interest-
ing chapters in the history of practical human advance-
ment. In the beginning, man was created "to have do-
minion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the
air, and over the cattle;" and when, by his "first diso-
bedience," he was obliged to resign the enjoyment of
reaping the spontaneous productions of the earth for an
unequal contest with thorns and thistles, no decree went
forth to release the beasts of the field from their predes-
tined bondage. The "bleating flocks" which welcomed

the dawn of creation were sacrificed to furnish the two
first human sinners with "coats of skins" after their ex-
pulsion from Eden into the chilling influences of the other
world; and we are told that the second horn on the face
of the earth occupied those primeval hours, amid new and
oriental luxuriance, as a "keeper of sheep."

From that day to this the production and care of ani-
mals adapted to human wants has been one of the most
important branches of husbandry. We have no means of
judging of the quality of Abel's sheep, "of the firstlings
of his flock, and of the fat thereof." We only learn of Ja-
cob's herds that they were "ring-streaked and speckled,"
and amidst all the elevation of Taurus, the bull, into the
heavenly constellations, of Apis into the catalogue of
heathen deities ; amidst the poetic fancies which created
the white bull of Europa, and adorned the ancient gate-
ways and arches with the gaunt forms of stately oxen, and
gave the name Boopis (ox-eyed) to the fairest goddess,
and filled the classic song of Virgil with the voices of
thronging cattle, and gave to the English poet the sub-
dued and quiet picture, as

" The lowing herd, winds slowly o'er the lea,"

and expressed the climax of luxuriant possession in " the
cattle upon a thousand hills;" amidst all this we have
never yet learned what skill and practical experience pro-
duced the foundation of such pleasing imagery, nor what
rural economies guided the earliest farmers in their rais-
ing of cattle.

There is, it is true, an old French proverb, "no cattle,
no farming ; few cattle, poor farming ; many cattle, good
farming;" and we learn that when Cato, the wise and sa-

8

gacious Roman, was asked what was the most assured
profit rising out of land, made this answer : " To feed
stock well." Being asked again what was the next, he
answered to feed with moderation ; and we can easily im-
agine the contrast which exists between that aboriginal
production of food which the sinewy savage practices as
he pursues the still more sinewy cattle across the plain,
and even the first dawn of domestication in the manage-
ment of animals, and the still greater contrast which ex-
ists between the wild and flying drover of the pampas,
and that calm, and solid, and imperturbable specimen of
humanity, who wends his placid way from the valley of
the Tees to Smithfield market, realizing, as he follows his
rolling and wallowing Short-horns, the truth of the saying,

" Who drives fat oxen should himself be fat."

There is a long interval between "the 500 yoke of oxen"
of Job and the stupendous beeves which graze upon the
fat pastures of England, bred and reared b}7 rule into an
exact estimate of the cost of each "pound of flesh; " and
to us who are engaged in farming among all the modern
improvements, it is a matter of special interest to know
the processes by which the present breeds and races of
cattle have been brought to their existing perfection, and
how they can be preserved in their best condition. An
Ayrshire cow and a Short-horn bullock are by no means
the result of accident. They have been produced by the
application of the highest and the most intelligent skill,
at the hands of the Bakewells, and Parkeses, and Michles,
and Collings, under whose treatment, as has been truly
said, " the long-legged, slab-sided, ill-bred oxen are met-
amorphosed into small-boned, quick-fattening Devons and

elephantine Durhams, (Short-horns;) and the common
hurdle-backed Norfolk rams become beautiful firkin-
bodied Southdowns." We in the United States have the
advantage of the experience and products of these dis-
tinguished and successful breeders ; and it specially be-
comes us to inquire what advantage we can derive from
all that they have done. We must have cattle adapted
to our soil and climate, cattle which can be profitably fed,
cattle which will make the best return for the labor and
produce bestowed upon them.

I am aware that there is no breed of cattle universally
adapted to the United States, or even any one State. The
valley of the Connecticut or the hills of Berkshire and
Essex differ almost as much as the valley of Tees and the
highlands of Scotland ; and we shall find that in selecting
one breed of cattle for each locality, we must be obedient
to nature, or nature will take the matter into her own
hands, and will bring about a certain conformity between
herself and the animals she is to nourish. When I tell
you that short-horns have not thriven well iu some parts
of the New England States, and that Ayrshires have
shown too great a disposition to take on fat in the rich
pastures of Maryland, owing, I think, to a bad selection of
animals, to a great extent, you will understand what I
mean by saying that nature will have her way in these
things.

Still the necessities and the interest of every community
generally control its industry. We may learn from the
statistics of Massachusetts cattle husbandry what her peo-
ple demand most in all the varieties of this branch of farm-
ing, large and small, among us. I find in 1855 the num-
ber of cows and heifers in this State was 184,008 ; the

10

number of oxen and steers was 77,511 ; the value of the
cows and heifers was estimated at $4,892,291; the value
of the oxen and steers was $3,246,341 ; the value of the
dairy products of that year, consisting of milk, butter, and
cheese, was $2,898,696 28.

In Pennsylvania the number of milch cows is 530,224 ;
of working oxen, 61,527; of other cattle, 562,195.

In New York the number of milch cows is 931,324; of
working oxen, 178,909; of other cattle, 767,406. In
Georgia the number of milch cows is 334,223 ; of working
oxen, 73,286 ; of other cattle, 690,019. In Kentucky the
number of milch cows is 247,475 ; of working oxen, 62,-
274 ; of other cattle, 442,763. In Illinois the number of
milch cows is 294,671 ; of working oxen, 76,156; of other
cattle, 541,209.

These figures are very significant with regard to the ani-
mals most in demand among us. They show the univer-
sal importance of the dairy, while they moreover indicate
those States in which distance from the market and the
low price of pasture lands, combine to render grazing the
most convenient, as well as the most profitable branch of
farming. In the valleys of the West and South, and in
some parts of New England and the Middle States, beef
is raised to a profit, every advantage being taken of the
best breed of cattle for such a purpose. On the east and
on the west, on the north and on the south, in every di-
rection, at the fountain head of our grain crops, before
corn has been quadrupled on the original price of the pro-
ducer by long transportation and by speculation, there
where the rich valleys and prairies offer an abundant and
cheap sustenance for cattle, and where a propitious climate
economizes food and. labor, beef is growing as it were

11

spontaneously, while the more thickly settled and highly
cultivated portions of our land can never expect to adopt
this as an extensive branch of farming, in competition
with more favored spots. It is the dairy, therefore, which
occupies the attention of most of our farmers. Every man
who owns land keeps a cow. The milk pail is one of the first
utensils provided for carrying on the domestic economy.
The rich man is never satisfied until his table is furnished
with milk and cream from his own favorite animal. The
poor man finds his establishment incomplete until he has
added a shed for his cow ; and his farming is never per-
fected until he occupies the highway as a pasture, and
gleans his winter's store of fodder from the neighboring
meadows. Every large farm has its dairy, proportioned
to its size and cultivation , and as we look abroad over
the most populous and best cultivated portions of our
country, it must be apparent to every intelligent observer
that he will be a true benefactor to our farming commun-
ity who will improve the dairy stock of the United States,
and bring it to as high a degree of uniformity as possible,
making all due allowance for diversities of climate and
locality.

We hear a great deal of the " old red stock of New Eng-
land ; " it has many warm admirers; and in the literary
devotion of some of its nighty intelligent historians and
friends, (I had almost said apologists,) it promises to be-
come as classic in the bovine annals as the " old red sand-
stone " has become in geological pages, under the pen of
Hugh Miller. I suppose there is such a breed of cattle,
but what it is, and where it originated, I have never found
any investigator who could inform me. The first cattle
brought into New England were imported in the Charity,

12

in the care of Mr. Winslow, the agent of the Plymouth
Colony, early in the spring of 1623. To what breed they
belonged it is impossible to tell; but as a large proportion
of the early immigrants were from Devonshire and the
south of England, where the Devon cattle were even then
popular, and where that breed had long been established,
it is very probable that the earliest arrivals here were
strongly tinctured with this blood ; for the circumstances
of our ancestors did not admit of their entering very large-
ly into fancy stock. It is more likely that the animals
were purchased as advantageously as possible in the sec-
tion of country where the travelers debarked. The color
of their descendants would indicate that they were Dev-
ons, more or less pure.

There is every reason to suppose that the class of ani-
mals to which I am referring had their origin as I have
suggested, and that in the same manner a larger sized and
coarser animal was early found in New York, and a
smaller and less thrifty breed, analogous to the Jerseys,
were planted in the southern part of Maryland, and are
found there to this day.

"Whatever may have been its origin, it has really no
characteristic left which would recommend it to an intelli-
gent breeder. "The old red stock of New England " is
acclimated, it is true ; so is the second generation of any
imported Short-horn, or Ayrshire, or Jersey ; yet the diffi-
culty is, that they are a series of accidents. The (Jakes
cow, with the fame of which all New England was filled
nearly half a century ago, was driven from Kandolph,
Vermont, to Dan vers, Massachusetts, won a high reputa-
tion, and left none of her good qualities to her descend-
ants. She is said to have descended from a race of good

13

milkers, but she failed entirely in transmitting the virtues
of her ancestors. And then what must have been the
character of New England dairy stock as an average, when
a cow, giving 17 quarts of milk per day, and making 484^
pounds of butter in a year won an imperishable immor-
tality in the history of extraordinary cows ! "Whatever it
may have been then, we know too well what it is now.
There is no prevailing type about it. Long-horns, and
Short-horns, and no horns ; straight backs and crooked ;
shoulders as compact as those of a Suffolk pig, and
shoulders as loose and coarse as the forequarters of a drom-
edary ; fine silky hair, and hair as coarse as bristles ; the
feel of an air-tight stove, and skins as soft and elastic as
wash leather ; a heap of offal on the one hand, and that
superabundance of flesh nicknamed "sandwich" on the
other ; pocket editions of cows, and huge folios of oxen
grazing side by side in the same family ; cows that will
give milk the year round, and cows that go dry four or
six months out of the twelve, both of one parentage ; these
constitute the "old red cattle" of New England, which
are recommended to our farmers for their special care and
attention. There are meritorious animals among them,
it is true ; it would be extraordinary were there not.
But let any man undertake to collect a herd of twenty
cows of superior quality out of this great New England
family, and how long do you suppose it will take him to
do it ? As I have said, the good ones are the exceptions ;
they are the fortunate accidents ; and although there may
be in those animals — some of them — a basis for a good
native stock of our own, still I confess that I consider the
furthest remove from them the best position to gain with
any prospect of uniformity and superior excellence. The
3

14

>V her^ver in .yew England- or. in fact, in the

eattle, the high quality of th- - has eom - Me

T~r-- ::v.i :". .ri z M r: :h.u: rlrrv ; -. :. r? _ Mr.," hi.

Christian I in, followed that great philosopher and

. - _' - - «' - -

_ - . -

S '.. jrthorns of ours : and yon may find
to th . - erasing in the valley of that river, a large.

-- :-. " - -
indigenous Short-horns of iliat region : indigenous, be-

:.;l~- : '-:- ./-'-- _ _

- ' . - - .. . ~. . ."-"-.."-. - : . .:-. : ~ :r_ \z.z :hf — :st t: rr-

able products of the State. Go to Portsmouth and th -

r:-: ; : - — ; .-_'.-- : - _ ~ '. :- ■ : ?iziili?

.-_.".".- - :. ■ "_..:" - : " .- "_ : t 7t :." : : ~. :. _
- -- s: r.:— . :~: : : = .- ■ t;-

"__ _ _ - --r sz.1 in: _ ■ . - : v - r^ri

in the old eountr- - camped the -: ^ : :

— - - * - : : ~: v - -.- : . . -.- : . . -.- . _ „ .'. ~ -. ~t: - - : .

. 1. _ '1:1 -. ' '.-- Z i~ : 1 --7- - ~-r..- :-..
hiri~ - ' ~-~ . : jT___ :. - : . ~ : ... - : i . _ - . . - . ~-
-:- ~ ~. . : - . i_t ."_ :": - A - '-'.: - . : - - :::: " v

15

Jpiseogee — who has not admired their rich color,
f form, their thrift, and their size and

rih:-:i.T.' -"-v ::~ "--■---"- 1-- l:":: i":.L:_iv-I
with Short-horn, and engrafted upon that soil, and brought
to a high deg I i-erfeetion by judicious care. In an

obscure town in Ess lassaehosetts, there was

i Tci-irk-v. 1-r . —.'-—..—- :: ._ i_t__ :_:::.'..:•• - „-

-" -; ::"._:.-
miUHng qnahl -r bean: owner said she was

• ish- On inqmri: _ Z : .^nd thai she had descended
from a herd rf ^ght into the country many

7 ~ii:_ por-

tions of Essex comity where I can almost ahrcj? r-i : _Tr_isL

r Parsons unposted into those regions, or such nen

- - . - .

mais from, other parts of th- B and I think yon will

Z- . :. . - ~ -_v:„ :. ;-; ; :.:t — ..: ."_:; __• :.r ~: : k is :

: al rale. ihe farther jou get from the "o...
-- - •-.

seae ..in qualities which famish an excellent opporta-
nky for improvement.

V - .-: — Kii".iii ii: :

jTOwth and f 1 I our common eouniry. Her

-

_ zkbrie whose beautified proporooii-
ap>on a foundation so firm that when the rains

-_..:_..- ::-.... : - :. . :.t :: is : il i- i v.". . l .. : . . _-:

16

sons on this mission, New England lias done well ; but
we assure you, that while she has sent forth her people
on that high enterprise, she has kept her " old red stock "
at home. "We have given the western valleys men of the
most approved races, but it remained for others to furnish
the origin of those splendid herds which, under the be-
nign influences of a milder climate and more luxuriant
pastures, have outstripped their progenitors, and have
given to the Short-horns of Kentucky, and Ohio, and Illi-
nois the highest rank, on the score of profit, at least to the
farmer, if not of gratification to the epicure. It is a fact
worthy of notice that the West imported her best breeds
of cattle.

I was called to account, last winter, by one of the re-
ligious newspapers of the day, which seemed for the time
to have strayed away from the fold to which it was spe-
cially devoted, because, in the agricultural discussions of
the legislative season, I had advocated the importation of
cattle, and the introduction of the best foreign breeds
into our own country, while at the same time I urged the
possibility of improving the quality of our horses by con-
fining ourselves to the best breeds which we now have
among us. A word in defence and explanation may not
be inappropriate here. The picture of our so-called native
cattle, which I have drawn, is not inaccurate. Wherever
I find a high average of dairy produce per cow, as in Ver-
mont and Massachusetts, I find also an infusion of foreign
blood, brought here and planted on our soil, for the
special purpose of establishing a dairy stock. When, on
the other hand, I go to Kentucky, and admire her herds
of beef cattle, reveling in the rich blue-grass pastures of
that State, I find that her farmers availed themselves of

17

the patient and long-continued efforts of breeders abroad
as the foundation of their work. In the dairy herds of
Vermont may be traced the strains of Ayrshire and Short-
horn bloods which have entered the State from the Scotch
formers in the Forth, and from the enterprise of Massa-
chusetts in the South. It is by the same process that
improvements in our cattle have been made throughout
our country, and the reason is this : Having no specific
stock of our own, no stock devoted to our special purpose,
we have been obliged to look elsewhere for it. Haifa
century ago, it would have been almost impossible to have
discovered what the neat stock of New England was in-
tended for, whether for beef or the dairy, or for the sim-
ple purpose of consuming the produce of our farms, or
for all these objects combined. The whole system of
breeding, in fact, the whole community of our cattle, was
in utter chaos and confusion, out of which no man con-
sidered it possible to bring order. Accidental importa-
tions of animals soon began to produce a very marked
effect, and observing farmers soon found that size, sym-
metry, adaptation to an}' peculiar want or purpose could
be obtained by a periodical selection of pure blood. A
little herd of Devons, for instance, whose lineage com-
menced with the early days of agriculture in England,
was found to give new vigor, and style, and increased
value to the stock in the neighborhood into which they
were imported. A few stray animals from the Channel
Islands or the North of France would leave a new type,
and a somewhat improved one, too, in the region where
they happened to land. The marked effect of Durhams,
as they were then called, and in later years of Ayrshires,
of Galloways, and Holsteins and Herefords, was so evi-

18

dent that even the most careless farmer became anxious
to avail himself of the improvement, for he found in the
confusion of shapes and sizes and colors by which he
was surrounded that "blood will tell," and that an ani-
mal intended for a specific purpose possessed qualities
and powers unknown to any mere accident. The old-
fashioned Yorkshire cow, the great cow of the London
dairies, whose immense frame has served as the foundation
of a most valuable race of animals in England, did much
to increase the dairy products of our farms, belonging as
she did to a race of milkers. And it now became evident
that the most rapid and economical way to arrive at any
desirable point was to begin at once at the fountain head
wherever that had been fixed.

Whoever at the present day desires a dairy herd can
find animals bred for that special purpose, for many gen-
erations, on the farms in Ayrshire, and which have been
brought by care and cultivation to the highest standard of
a milking cow. He cannot find that breed in this coun-
try; he must go abroad for it; so also for animals for beef,
work, &c. There are better breeds of cattle in England
and Scotland than there are in our own country, with the
exceptions of those imported by us, or descended directly
from our importations. Now, this is not the case with
regard to our horses. The American trotting horse is an
animal after his own kind; and, I venture to say, une-
qualed by any horse on the face of the earth, in all that
makes such an animal truly valuable for all kinds of work.
It takes true equine genius to make a trotting horse. His
mechanism must be as wTell balanced and as symmetrical
as a locomotive ; propelled as he is by one quarter at a
time, his progress is the result of nerve and strength and

19

decision, unknown and utterly ignored in that leaping
and bounding motion, where one end follows the other,
as is the case with the running horse of the English turf.
He must be solid in his foot, strong in his limb, firm in
his back, free and easy in his stride; and, above all things,
calm and collected amidst all those trials of the track and
the road which tend to throw him off his balance and re-
duce him to the level of the deer and the fox, and the
greyhound and the English race-horse — moving helter-
skelter in a natural manner, without the exercise of any
faculties except those with which nature endows the cow-
ard, when he flies from danger or conflict. The Ameri-
can trotter requires bones and muscles and brains, and
when he stands high in the list he has them all. For com-
pactness of form and ease of action, for strength, endur-
ance, and sagacity, he is unequaled. The beautiful de-
scription which Virgil gives of a good steed in his day, is
just as true in our own:

" Choose with like care the courser's generous breed,
And from his birth, prepare the parent steed ;
His color mark, select the glossy bay,
And to the white or dun, prefer the gray.
As yet a colt he stalks with lofty pace,
And balances his limbs with flexile grace :
First leads the way, the threatening torrent braves,
And dares the unknown arch that spans the waves,
Light on his airy crest his slender head —
His body short, his loins luxuriant spread ;
Muscle on muscle knots his brawny breast,
No fear alarms him, nor vain shouts molest ;
O'er his right shoulder floating full and fair,
Sweeps his thick mane, and spreads its pomp of hair
Swift works his double spine, and earth around
Rings to his solid hoof that wears the ground."

20

Now, we have this animal as the natural product of our
farms. I know not how it has come to pass, but it is a
fact that the farmer's horse in New England is peculiar to
himself, and is, moreover, peculiarly an American insti-
tution. He may he descended from the Thorough-bred,
for anything that can be said to the contrary, but the fur-
ther he is removed from that rather equivocal class of ani-
mals, the more truly does he become a trotter. I look
upon him as one result of that social and civil equality
which, in our own country, makes one man's time as val-
uable as another's, and which authorizes the farmer's boy
to take the road from the squire, or the parson, or the doc-
tor, whenever his colt can do it. Every man in this coun-
try who can keep a horse wants a good one, and when he
has got him, he wants to avail himself of his horse's pow-
ers, to make the distance between the mill, or the meet-
ing-house, and his own home as short as possible. We
all drive on the road, and this combined, undoubtedly,
with certain fortunate aptitudes of climate and soil, has
given New England her valuable race of trotters.

Why should we go abroad, then, with the expectation
of improving what we now have ? While we have our
Messengers, and Blackhawks, and other families of Mor-
gans, so diverse in size and shape, so well fitted by form
and temper to every labor, and yet possessing a kind of
prevailing uniformity, expressed by the phrase "ahorse
of all work," can we hope to derive any benefit by a re-
sort to those specific breeds of horses which, in England,
are devoted each to his specialty? There is no necessity,
for instance, for importing a Suffolk Punch, for half-a-
day's search would undoubtedly provide yon with just
such an animal, raised on your own soil. We need not

21

import Hunters, for we have no need of any such horse
among us. The Cleveland Bay, valuable as a carriage
horse, could hardly expect to improve the stylish breeds
found South and West, and distinguished more for style
than anything else ; aud when we consider that it is only
after we have reached many removes from the Thorough-
bred that we have arrived at good trotters, when we re-
member that neither in shoulder nor leg, nor quarter, nor
general mechanism, is there any analogy between the
Thorough-bred, as raised in England, and the trotter, as
raised in our own country, we may well ask ourselves
what advantage is to be derived from the introduction of
such animals among us?

It is because we have already what we want in the way
of horses that I am opposed to the introduction of foreign
blood among them. Our customs and modes of life, to-
gether with perhaps a fortunate outset and certain national
advantages, have produced for us better horses than we can
import. If this were the case in respect to our cattle, I
should entertain the same opinion with regard to them.
But it is not so. "We have, partly by accident and partly
by design, been engaged for years in developing a race of
trotting horses. But we have not developed races of cattle
peculiarly adapted to the dairy or the shambles. That
work is still before us, and we can only accomplish it by
obtaining such animals, wherever they can be found, until
we have established the races for ourselves.

With this estimate of the value and importance of the
various breeds of cattle in England, and the advantage to
be derived from their introduction into this country, I am
aware that some discussion of their respective merits will
be expected of me. There are certain qualities belonging
4

22

to each of them which present strong temptations to the
farmer ; and it is moreover undoubtedly true that certain
modifications take place in all after their introduction to
this country, which may be good or bad, according to the
quality of the importation, and the influences to which it is
exposed. Senator Douglas once told me that Illinois was
producing better Short-horns than could be found in Eng-
land ; and I have no doubt that the breed does improve in
the fiue pastures and under the mild sky of the West and
Southwest. Thorough-bred Devons seem never to have
maintained in this country the character they have secured
in England. Both as cows and oxen they are graded here
to great advantage ; but as pure animals they seem to de-
generate. I have never seen so good a Jersey cow raised
in this country as I have seen imported. Of Herefords,
West Highlanders, and others, we have hardly had good
opportunities to judge, the former not having increased to
any great number, and the latter hardly having appeared
among us. Ayrshires judiciously selected and properly
treated have taken kindly to our soil and climate, and in
many instances have improved upon the originals.

So far as the products of the various breeds of cattle are
concerned, there are certain facts worthy of notice. There
is no doubt that the beef of the West Highlanders, of the
Devon, and perhaps of the Galloway, and Hereford, is bet-
ter than that of the Short-horns — not so profitably raised,
but more palatable. I found no beef in England, where
most beef appears as it does in our country, so good as I
find it in the markets of New England, and especially
in those of New York, Philadelphia, and Washington.
So far as my observation goes, and so far as I can learn
from dairymen abroad, cows go dry on an average twice

23

as long in this country as they do in Great Britain and
other parts of Europe. These various facts are worth
remembering, while we discuss the quality of the different
breeds of cattle, whether for beef or milk.

It having been determined by the English farmer that
the production of beef and milk cannot be profitably com-
bined in the same animal, the chief attention of the breed-
ers there has been turned to what might be called a divi-
sion of the question. Agriculture in England is conducted
in such a manner as to render it remunerative to the
farmer, as well as useful to the great mass of consumers ;
and the raising of beef and mutton has become a very im-
portant and well-regulated branch of husbandry. Not
only have economical systems of feeding been adopted,
but great attention has been paid to the production of ani-
mals best adapted to growth and easy fattening. For
many years the Herefords and Devons stood in the front
rank, in all of the beef-growing districts. But it was
found, as was supposed, that the Hereford was unfit for
the grazier until after he was two years old, and that al-
though he took on fat readily after that period, still he
was hardly a remunerative animal to rear up to that age,
and the profit to be made on him came not to the grower,
but to the feeder, who purchased him for stalling or graz-
ing. The same fault was found with the Devons, which
as ox-labor was superseded very much by horses, because
in less demand for draught, and were found in the end,
although fattening rapidly after reaching maturity, to
have cost more than the rapid growers and early fatteners.
It was these considerations which induced Charles and
Robert Colling to select from various breeds of the supe-
rior animals found in the valley of the Tees, a choice few

24

from which they succeeded in creating the famous im-
proved Short-horn, which has probably already gained the
highest position among English beef cattle. From the
time of the sale of Charles Colling's herd, Oct. 11, 1810,
up to this time, the breed has continued to rise in public
estimation and the fabulous prices received for the ani-
mals, both in England and in this country, indicate a high
reputation, whether deserved or not. There seems to be
no doubt that they are a very profitable animal to raise in
certain sections, reaching early maturity, taking on fat
during the whole period of growth, and attaining great
size. So far as our observation goes, they make very su-
perior grades, and unless allowed to degenerate by scanty
feeding and improper care, in which case they become
raw, mis-shapen brutes, they become a valuable acquisi-
tion to almost any district. They have their defects,
however, as what races have not? Short-horn beef, al-
though profitable to the producer is not so to the consumer
— being coarse in texture, poorly marbled, and, from its
early maturity, deficient in those nitrogenous compounds
which are the true sources of nutriment. This is not true
to so great an extent of the grades as of the thorough-
bred ; and while I have no doubt that pure bred ITerefords
or Devons would be more profitable for the iSTew England
farmer, whose mode of feeding is not calculated to pro-
duce early maturity, I find many judicious farmers who be-
lieve that an admixture of Short-horn blood, properly dis-
tributed, is of greater real profit than the same use of either
of the others. I have seen, moreover, grade Short-horn
cows in New York and some sections of Massachusetts,
whose milking properties are extraordinary, notwithstand-
ing the universally acknowledged fact that pure-bred im-

25

proved Short-horns lay no claim to being considered dairy
animals.

I do not mean to say that these remarks will apply to
every section of our country. You will, however, sustain
me in applying them to many sections, and I am supported
in my position by the testimony of many intelligent farmers.
One thing, however, I do find universally acknowledged,
viz : that Short-horns, pure and grade, require an abund-
ant supply of nutritious food, and careful shelter and shade.
It must be said of them that they are not universally ap-
plicable, and that, as an animal for the small farmer, they
are hardly appropriate. I find the same view taken of
them in some parts of England, as in the county of Shrop-
shire, for instance, where Herefords of every description
are decidedly preferred ; not, as I can learn, for the dairy
at all, in any form, either pure or grade, but for easy feed-
ing and rapid fattening after reaching maturity.

I have dwelt upon Short-horns as the foundation of a
grazing stock for some sections of our country, because
they have attracted more attention than either Herefords
or Devons ; because they have imparted, from their size
and show, more striking characteristics to our cattle than
either of the other breeds, and because they have attained
so high a celebrity in their own country. They have,
moreover, a strain of milking blood in their veins which has
shown itself in grades, with great advantage to the dairy.
Perhaps the same can be said, indeed, of Herefords and
Devons, the latter of which have been extensively tried, and
the power of which, for their hardiness, shape, size and
thrift, deserve more consideration than they have yet receiv-
ed. It seems to me that for all our various localities they pos-
sess a degree of applicability which might be very valua-

26

ble to us. Short-horns must be fed from the start ; Here-
fords can be kept low until two years old, and then fat-
tened. Perhaps I might say that Short-horns are better
adapted to the mild climate and rich pastures of our Mid-
dle States, and Herefords and Devons to more northern
latitudes where early growth is often unavoidably checked.
But, as I have stated, observation and statistics show
that the dairy is one of the most important objects of the
cattle breeder, and that it is to the dairy that we are to
look for our largest profits. In this class of animals the
Jerseys have become too well known in Massachusetts to
need much comment. They were described by Parkinson,
a distinguished English writer on cattle, in 1810, under the
name of Alderney, as follows:

" They seem to be a very tender species. Their color is mostly
yellow, with white or mottled feces, and white interspersed on vari-
ous parts ; they have short crumpled horns ; their size is small, and
they are of as bad a form as can possibly be described ; the neck is
very thin and hollow ; the shoulder stands up, and is the highest
part ; hollow and narrow behind the shoulders ; the chine is nearly
without flesh ; the backs are narrow and sharp at the ends ; the
rump is short ; the thighs are thin ; the bones small ; and they are
narrow and light in the brisket ; the milk is said to be rich, which it
ought, as they give but a small quantity according to the food they
consume."

This description will apply to many of the Jersey cows
of the present day ; although the form of some families
of them seems to have been much improved within the
last few years. They are now, in many respects, when
wTell selected, striking looking animals, and make a beau-
tiful living ornament to parks and meadows. They are
almost strictly gentlemen's cows, having obtained a high
reputation for butter making, and being great consumers

27

of food. Few imported animals present such remarkable
differences, many of them bearing a close analogy to the
description given by Parkinson, and others being sym-
metrical, uniform, compact, graceful, rotund, and as re-
markable for the small quantity of milk they yield as for
the beauty of their persons. There are, however, ex-
ceptions to both these rules, and I would instance Flora
and Countess, imported by Thomas Motley, Jr., for the
Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, and a
cow imported by Charles G. Loring, Esq., of Boston, also
selected by Mr. Motley, as specimens of what a cow should
be in shape and capacity. There are few Jerseys like
them.

Jerseys never look well under ordinary circumstances.
They require good feed, good shelter, a good stable, and
cleanliness to bring out their attractive appearance. The
grades, so far as my observation goes, are very fair milk-
ers, but not very remarkable, and I doubt if in any form
they will become favorite animals with our farmers.

"Whoever proposes to purchase the thorough-breds can-
not be too careful in his selection, for the difference be-
tween the genuine, well-bred, and well-shaped Jersey, and
the spurious animal which comes from any of the Chan-
nel Islands, on the North of France, and is driven by
dealers through the principal markets of England for sale
or barter, is as great as can be conceived between any
two animals.

The dairy-farming, which is especially a part of the
business of a farmer in the Eastern States, finds its anal-
ogy not in Yorkshire, nor in the Isle of Jersey, but in
that portion of Scotland where the soil and climate are
more like our own, and where the development of dairy

28

stock has received the attention of some of the most in-
telligent men of the community. The farmers of Ayr-
shire and Wigtonshire find in their immediate neighbor-
hood a market for fresh dairy products, and as there is no
profit in feeding cattle for beef alone in that region, they
have applied themselves to the work of obtaining the best
dairy cow that can be put together. This is the origin of
the breed of cattle called the Ayrshire. They are com-
paratively modern in their introduction into the list of
breeds, not having been mentioned at all by Parkinson
fifty years ago ; and being derived, as many assert, from
a mixture of Short-horn blood with the native blood of
the region. We know herds which have been forty years
at least in being brought to their present condition.

These animals are the model of a dairy cow ; hardy,
well-shaped, of medium size, and giving an ample return
for the amount of food they consume, they are wonder-
fully adapted to our short pastures, and to our long, cold
winters. Without presenting any uncommon peculiarity,
excepting a remarkable symmetry, they would be selected
at once by one of our intelligent dairy-men as the pattern
of a cow suited to his purpose. They are very analogous
to our American trotting horse in all those points which
unite to make a superior animal. In their deep bodies,
strong and clean heads, well-set, fine, and at the same
time, muscular necks, sharp withers, sloping, prominent,
well-set shoulders, straight backs, broad hips, long quar-
ters, and fine but not too small bone ; in their size neither
small nor large, they possess all the points, as you will see,
of our best native horse, a resemblance which will be
found to a remarkable degree wherever you find a really
good cow. For the gratification of those who are exact in

29

such matters, I will give the measurement of a four year
old cow which I imported from Scotland last year, and
which had received there a succession of first prizes, as
the best model of a cow raised in that country :

Girth six feet ; from top of shoulders to the tail, four
feet six inches ; from the hip or hook bone to the point of
the rump, one foot seven inches ; from the point of the
brisket to the rear of the udder, four feet six inches ; leugth
of udder, one foot six inches ; distance from udder to
brisket, one foot ten inches ; distance between the teats,
from front to rear, four inches ; from side to side, two and
one-half inches ; height, four feet two inches ; width
across the hip, one foot nine inches ; width across the back
one foot five inches ; length from the elbow to the point
of the shoulder, one foot two inches ; length of fore leg,
two feet two inches ; length of neck, one foot eleven inches.

In form she is well-balanced and symmetrical as an ani-
mal can be constructed. Her back is a perfect level ; and
with the perpendicular bearing of her limbs, and her evi-
dent strength, a superficial observer would say at once
that she was admirably constructed to bear the wear and
tear of a dairy farm, or a milk farm, a sphere of life as
trying to the race of cows as a livery stable or a track is
to the race of horses. No feeble animal can endure it.

The cow to which I refer commenced her operations b}r
giving twenty quarts of milk per day at three years old.

I consider the Ayrshire cow as the universal cow for the
dairy. She makes beef enough, when properly reared and
fed. She yields an abundance of milk for cheese or the
market, and stands high as a producer of butter.

Among them is a race of animals partaking strongly of
the nature of Short-horns, round, compact, thick-meated,
5

30

close-shouldered, easily fattening, which are to be avoided.
Some are found, also, with a peculiar shelliness of skin, a
hard, unyielding, inelastic feel, which is very objectiona-
ble. Avoiding these two defects, you can hardly fail of
purchasing a good cow, taking the average as they appear
on the farms in Ayrshire.

The oxen of this breed are remarkable for activity and
vigor, and for great thrift when fed for the shambles.

I call your attention to this hasty review of the difFerent
breeds of cattle, not for the purpose of enabling you to de-
termine, without further investigation, what breed is best
adapted to the district in which you reside, but in order
to impress upon your minds the importance and interest
of such a study, and to introduce you to one of the most
pleasing and profitable branches of agriculture. I need
not tell you how we all depend upon the dumb creatures
which wait upon us during life, and at their death feed
and clothe us. From valley and hill, from prairie and
mountain, they come flocking in, the patient servants of
their imperious master. They offer themselves a living
sacrifice to the majesty of civilized man, suffering as he
yields to poverty, and hardships, and barbarism, and rising
as he rises into his conditions of luxury, and ease, and
economy, and fitness of purpose.

The great community of cattle ! Who shall write its
history ! How it has been controlled by the social laws
which make the world what it is — how it enables the great
community of man to dwell here on the face of the earth
— how it stands the pedestal upon which a nobler fabric
rests — how its condition tells the tale of races higher in
the scale of being. That strange and mysterious relation
between man and animals, everywhere recognized, every-

31

where felt — that mutual dependence, each upon the other,
that intelligent appropriation and cultivation, on the one
hand, that unconscious and entire obedience and submis-
sion of all the great vital forces, on the other — who can
tell it at all? And superior as we may be, powerful, con-
trolling, and independent, can any man contemplate the
magnitude of the change, were the " popular sovereign-
ty" of this great community of cattle to be asserted, and
man's dominion suddenly broken ? From the feeding of
armies, and the sustaining of the busy throng who fill
places of power and trust, down to the nourishing drop
which supports the feeble child in its first grasp upon life,
it is the domestic animal which hears our long and con-
stant human appeal, and never hesitates in its devoted and
self-sacrificing reply. In parks, in meadows, before the
cottage door, with an entire and unresisting submission
to circumstances, there comes to man, from his dumb ally,
food and raiment, and an unceasing claim upon his skill
and his humanity. It is the animal kingdom which forms
one of the liveliest charms of a cultivated landscape, in
motion and repose. And man never succeeds in subduing
the earth, and revealing its quiet domestic beauty, until
he has enlisted those servants, without whose aid agricul-
ture must fail, and whose value is commensurate with the
progress made in the great business of applying all ani-
mate and inanimate nature to the necessities and adorn-
ments of civilized life.

Is it surprising, then, that so much science, and skill,
and taste, should have been devoted to the development of
this great community of cattle ? It is a work which has
roused the deep agricultural instinct of Great Britain, and
has received the patient investigation of some of its pro-

32

foundest students of agriculture and of its best practical
farmers. Never did the crops of that well cultivated island
perform their completest service in feeding its people, un-
til the cattle were brought to the most profitable shape and
quality for feeding, Her wisest men have felt the import-
ance of this matter. Her statesmen have set ours a good
example, an example not forgotten by our Websters and
Clays, when they colonized the farms at Marshfield and
Ashland with the choicest breeds of cattle, as of practical
service to their countrymen.

The researches of science into the questions of animal
life, as manifested in the various forms adapted to different
purposes, are also full of interest and profit. That quality
best fitted for fattening or for the dairy, that shape most
appropriate to feed or to work, may be, aye, has been,
established with almost unerring accuracy for the benefit
of the family which keeps a single cow, as well as of the
herdsman whose pastures are the warm and teeming val-
leys of the "West, and of the New England farmer, whose
muscles have grown rigid in the heavy toil of procuring
and storing food for his dairy herd. We are taught, more-
over, to feed by chemical laws, and olein, albumen, sugar,
starch, woody fibre, fatty matter, mineral matter, and moist-
ure, are parceled out in the varieties of food with the ac-
curacy of mathematics, and with proper instructions in the
business of producing butter, cheese, and milk, or beef.

In order that you may understand the many and various
ways in which cattle are connected with the wants and arts
of life, and the depth to which science may go in its ex-
plorations, I beg leave to read to you an extract from a let-
ter addressed to myself by that wonderful example of mod-
.est wisdom, and patient application, and profound knowl-

33

edge, Professor Agassiz, on the occasion of receiving from
me the skeleton of an uncommonly finely developed Ayr-
shire cow, for the museum of Comparative Zoology at Cam-
bridge. He says :

" As I intend to make a very complete collection of all our domes-
tic animals, allow me to submit to you my desiderata, in the hope
that you may, in the course of time, be able to help me in obtaining
some of the subjects I want for that purpose. It would be highly
important to ascertain if possible where and when the different
breeds of cattle now growing in America have been introduced, and,
if possible, to track some of the earliest breeds to their present dis-
tribution over the whole country, so that the changes they have
undergone in America might be ascertained.

" With reference to the collection to be made I wish to obtain at
first skeletons of a bull, cow, and calf of each breed, which will of
course require much time and perseverance. As such choice speci-
mens as are wanted would always be valuable, opportunities should
be sought to obtain specimens that have accidentally died, in order
to lessen the expense. After getting such a standard set of the two
sexes and the young of each breed, a larger number of heads, as
the most characteristic part, should be added, in order to ascertain
the minor variations that may occur with age in each breed, and
especially to display the gradual growth of the horn. Next it would
be well to have skins, or at least portions of skins, in order to ascer-
tain how far the condition of the skin itself influences the growth of
the hair ; and, finally, tanned skins, that the relative merits of the
leather may be looked into. * * * * I shall make an attempt
to have some animals stuffed, in order to see how far, in that way,
the general appearance of the animal might be satisfactorily pre-
served."

" I should like also specimens of the young of the various breeds,
of all ages."

" You would greatly oblige me if you will call my attention to
any work upon the cattle that may be worth reading, and also upon
the statistics of the trade in leather in all parts of the world."

May I not call on all who hear me to aid this great
scientific explorer in his researches into the history and

34

condition of those animals to which we are all attached,
and which deserve all our care ?

In these remarks, gentlemen, I have not entered into
any careful investigation ; nor have I endeavored to dis-
cuss the rules of breeding, which have been taught by
experience and learned by careful observation. I have
not examined the different modes of feeding our animals.
But standing as I do, before those who have learned to
estimate the true value of an animal at a glance, who have
eyes in their fingers' ends, looking through the skin into
the internal economy of each organization, and who know
the mode of feeding required in each locality and for ev-
ery purpose, I have preferred to direct your attention to
the important relations borne by animals to our agricultu-
ral interests, and to awake new interest, if possible, in
their increase and welfare, I have spoken for cattle — for
our dumb companions — for the patientest servant of man
— for our right arm of power in tilling the earth — for the
poor man's comfort and support — for the rich man's lux-
ury— for the cottage pet and the living wealth of great
farms — for the abundance of "animated nature," in the
most important form in which it is bestowed upon man,
for his support, and for the enriching and beautifying of
the earth on which he lives. I have merely opened the
subject for your further exploration. It is not a trifling
matter in the topics belonging to agriculture. For al-
though to careless farming there is attached a low-bred
and starveling herd, still there are its superior relations,
occupying a high place in the economy of farming, and
holding in their capacious maws a large proportion of the
profits of the business and of the means by which it is
carried on. When we have learned how to select a good

35

animal, and how to feed it profitably, and to make the
most of it, either for beef or for the dairy, we have taken
a long stride in the work of successful farming, and have
accomplished what some of the most sagacious, and intel-
ligent, and capable agriculturists have arrived at only
after years of accurate and close observation. Fertile
fields and good crops are a bright testimony to good agri-
culture ; but in securing and using these aright, we turn
continually to our cattle, in the selection and care of
which we must use all our judgment and skill.

AND

THE GOOD TIME COMING.

BY CHARLES H. SWEETSER, OF AMHERST COLLEGE.

Miss Flora McFlimsby of Madison Square,
You doubtless remember had ' nothing to wear; '
And another gay bird of the grand Bellevue,
We are told in an epic, had ' nothing to do ; r
But a miserable poet is worse off indeed,
Whom fortune has left with ' nothing to readJ*

For two weary weeks I courted the Nine,

To tickle your ears with something divine ;

Used up two dozen of quills I should guess,

With a gallon of ink — perhaps it was less,

Not to mention those thoughts and graceful allusions

Which always adorn post-prandial effusions ;

But after all this lavish expense

Of paper and ink, of fancy and sense,

My labors are useless — my manuscript's gone —

My poem is lost when only new-born I

Then ladies and gents, please pardon my muse,

If she doesn't come clad in the lightest of shoes,

For I've scarcely a thought what next I shall say,

But where there's a will there's always a way.

So, without any harness on Pegasus' back,
I purpose to give him a venturous whack,
And really and truly desire you may find
That absence of paper isn't absence of mind !

* Referring to the author's losing his mss. on the evening preceding the Fair, which left him in
the predicament above described.

37

Dear friends of the Hampshire Agricultural Society,
I trust you will deem it no breach of propriety,
If without the usual fuss and ado,
I give you the brunt of my lyrical shoe ;
And if anything's left that's worth being told,
Not forty times written — not forty years old,
Not harped by the papers — not beat on the drum,
Not prattled by infants still sucking their thumb ;
Why, this is the theme — this, this is the thought
That ought to be harnessed as soon as it's caught.
However, I really and truly suppose
These thoughts of mine, if hammered to prose,
Instead of the famous old head-dress of laurels,
Would honor my brow with cabbage and sorrel ;
But clothed in the glitter and tinsel of rhyme,
Of course you will dub them exceeding sublime.

And first, may it not be counted a sin,

If before my spinster shall fairly begin,

While gathered around the loaves and the fishes

I give with this glass my heart's truest wishes.

To our President-Prof, who bravely insists

That men may have brains at the ends of their fists,*

Who has shown himself true in the stiffest of breezes,

The pleuro-pneumonia and kindred diseases,f

Which — if I correctly and truly remember —

Occasionally come in the month of December,

And which — to the people's amazement and wonder,

Result in merely rhetorical thunder I

May he never be troubled by serious crosses —

Have ever a love for the culture of horses —

Be owner himself of a beautiful steed

Of some notorious, popular breed,

And if clouds hang heavily over his skies,

Like bread or the moon, be certain to rise,

Till his name shall be known from the east to the west

For his wonderful power in expanding the chest!

To the ladies who honor our tables to-day,
From Amherst and Hadley — some farther away
Where Belchertown runs its art into thills,
Where Sunderland sleeps 'neath the Sugar Loaf hills,
A health and a welcome to the brightest of pearls,
The wives and the daughters — hurrah for the girls t
May they always have plenty of Bridget O'Flinns

• Referring to Professor Clark"s efforts in the cause of Muscular Christianity,
f The battle of the " cow pens," in which nobody was killed.

38

To tie up their gaiters and pick up their pins,

And not like the stern old Puritan wives,

In manual labor forfeit their lives,

But living to honor their mission of love,

Spread blessings below which they gather above.

To all who are met 'round this plentiful board,

Their labors forgotten — their freedom restored ,

To the author whose plow is the merciless pen,

And who ruthlessly harrows the feelings of men,

To the student who goes to a college for brains,

But gets — a diploma, the fruit of his pains,

And then after years of drubbing and toil,

Regrets that he did not stick to the soil,

And thus been more appropriately made

By holding the plough and handling the spade,

Instead of digging 'mong Greek roots and Latin

For that which would never come useful or pat in ; *

To the lawyer who sports a command of his own —

" Thou shalt not lie until thou art grown,"

To the doctor whose heaven is made out of pills,

To the merchant whose dreams are a patch work of bills,

To the guest, who came, as he thought, to see cattle,

But finds himself hearing this whimsical prattle

Which, if he felt used to the handling of curses,

He would swear are the most unpardonable verses ;

To all who are present — here's a quaff to your health,

God bless you with wisdom, happiness, wealth,

May you never be cursed with a fit of the blues,

Pay always your debts — get always your dues,

Have never a neighbor or friend that's suspicious.

A dog or a nag or a boy that is vicious,

In the garden of life be a pumpkin of size,

More anxious for merit than getting the "prize,"

Your soul be a sweet, melodious chime,

As you journey along on the river of Time ;

With glorious breezes to puff at the sails,

Good luck at the helm and content for the gales.

Kind friends, as the moments are fluttering past,
May the banquet of soul not fail at the last,
But banished afar be discretion and fear,
And every fond pleasure the moment endear.

• Bome persona may interpret me as applying such remarks to the whole class of college students.
I mean only those who go to college for brains. Those who give promise of actual usefulness should
be permitted there ; but the half-witted and unfitted should keep their place by the plow, the loom
or the anvil.

39

And now, in good, ministerial fashion,
Before my muse shall recklessly dash on,
Let me pass in brief, superficial review
The plan of the work I purpose to do.

I shall not aspire to be wonderfully witty,
Nor aim at anything shockingly pretty ;
Nor carry you up on an eagle's wings
Where the Yankee poet commonly sings;
But wish you to know before I commence,
That I make not the slightest claim or pretense
To anything grand or etherial in learning,
But merely have kept my hopper a turning,
And poured unassorted into a cup
Whatever my muse or miller turned up.

The theme of these very grandiloquent rhymes

Is generally known as the " Good Old Times; "

But before I take my hand from the crank

I hope to give one terrible yank,

Which, if I'm not deceived in my drumming,

Will open your eyes to the " Good Time Coming."

The " Good Old Times," I mean not when Moses

And Abram. and Eli, and Samson, and Joses,

And all the old prophets worshipped a bull,

And Absalom hung in a tree by his wool,

Nor do I refer to those barbarous years

When mortals were prized at the length of their ears.

But coming down to sensible dates,

To our own puritanic, ancestral estates,

We find the identical " Good Old Times "

Which your humble bard is fitting to rhymes.

Ah, can it be as we look around

On the busy world with its ceaseless sound.

Of revolving wheels, and the heavy tread

Of the molten feet through the mazes led

By the magic might of the monarch steam

In its creaking chains of band and seam ;

As we hear the throbs of the netted wire

That thrills and burns with the electric fire

All over the length and breadth of the dry lands,

And far away to most desolate islands ;

As we cast our eyes o'er the teeming throng

That forever raise this clamorous song;

" A life, a life for the golden crown

Of the flowery ways of grand renown ! "

40

And hear the cries and hideous din
Of the crowded ways of vice and sin —
Can it be, I say, that all this wonder,
This hum and buzz and clamorous thunder,
This wrangle and tangle and hubbub of strife
For the top of the heap on the scaffold of life,
Has been struck from time's inexhaustible mint
By a single blow on a Yankee's flint?

I know that some of you call me a croaker,

And long to seize the end of my choker,

When I sigh that the world has altered so

From the simpler ways of the long ago ;

But after all, if you fully explore

Where the past is hid with its iron door,

And call to mind the myriad joys

Of the glorious days when you were boys, —

Go down the meadow under the hill

Where the old red house is standing still,

With the same old porch and stately hall,

The same old vines on the shingled wall.

And tread once again the oaken floor

That was worn so smooth in the dajrs of yore ;

And the kitchen, still so strangely wide,

With its grand old hearth along the side,

Where the crackling piles of hickory sticks

Have left their marks on the roughened bricks,

And wake from its almost century sleep

The famed old well with its mammoth sweep,

Ah, then will memory go to her spinning,

And carry you back to the very beginning,

When you heard the hum of shuttle and loom

By the mammoth hearth in that quaint old room,

And there, as you peer 'neath the shadowy screen

Will you see that beautiful Sewing Machine —

Some very bewitching and buxom young girl,

With lips like a cherry and teeth like a pearl ;

And the trusty old dog asleep on the rug,

A pitcher of cider — with more in the jug,

While gathered around are a bevy of boys,

Enough to get up a respectable noise,

John, Mark, Luke and David — good puritan names

As ever were put in vernacular frames, —

All this, and more, caught up at a winking,

Will set you, my friends, most delightfully thinking

Of the plain old world that jogged so slow

Tn the glorious days of the long ago.

41

Ah, now through the mist of a hundred years,
Its wailings of grief, its rivers of tears,
Methinks I can catch the sounds of delight
That swept the air on a winter's night,
When affection trilled her musical lyre
By the cheerful light of that hickory fire.

Then men didn't call themselves aristocratic

Because they lived in a prominent attic,

And they didn't think it exceeding divine

To say their prayers to a milliner's shrine,

In hopes that the kingdom of hoops might come

Before they should hear the judgment drum;

And they didn't feed on the scandalous capers

That are brought to light by the gossiping papers,

How a notable fool behaves with propriety

In the very up-tendom of free-stone society ;

How reverend divines are wetting their whistles

With very grandiloquent sea-shore epistles ;

How Hobbs, Gobbs and Dobbins are getting quite rich,

The tariff on turpentine, liquors and pitch,

This, that and the other — a thousand such things

As my Tribune or Herald invariably brings,

Nor did they deem it the best of decorum

To leave the anvil or counter before 'em,

And run for every upstartish balloon

That thought to start on a trip to the moon;

And little they cared if a crazy committee

Had wasted the funds of a recreant city,

Or if over a grand political tub

A dozen of parties were having a rub :

Nor did they expect* at the end of a quarter

To settle the bills of a ravishing daughter,

To the beautiful tune of hundreds of dollars,

For jewels and laces, silk dresses and collars,

For hoods and mantillas, capes, gaiters and shawls,

Dresses to ride in and dresses for balls,

Gay ribbons and flauntings — a host of such things

As give to our pockets the fleetest of wings ;

Nor plunging their heads into barrels of grease

To give a remarkable " shine " to their fleece,

And stuffed and bronzed like a genuine fop,

A sort of walking perfumery shop,

Did they hurry away to the grand soiree

To dance and flirt with Miss Fiddle-de-dee ;

* It is a pretty sure Bign of a weak head to be looking wistfully into the past, but in some of these
common-place thingB a brief review may not be ui.ii.teresting.

42

But their bank was safe in the barn or the cellar,
With the owner for president, cashier and teller,
With glorious dividends, however odd it is,
As often as any one wanted commodities;
And only one diminutive journal,
Which couldn't be called exactly diurnal,
And which to suit the tastes of good breeding,
Didn't give so much news as sensible reading:
For after all this puffing and blowing,
How very essential it is to be knowing
Each little event that disgraces the times —
The robberies, murders and similar crimes,
The stabbings and fights, the rapes and abortions,
The burglars and pirates, the thousand distortions,
The duels and cheats, the political squibs,
Which sometimes are true and sometimes are fibs;
It isn't the most important of matters,
How much of such ink an editor spatters.

By the way, (excuse me, I mean not to swear,)

We haven't a great many minutes to spare,

For traveling back in our forefathers' paces,

And gathering up their wonderful graces,

So I purpose instanter to shift my machine,

And as dramatists say, " bring out a new scene,"

In hopes that it may not be wholly unpleasant

To rattle awhile at the humorous present ;

Which, since through the past we've carefully traced things

Does'nt come out of place in these rythmical bastings.

I've seen it recorded — I can't tell the page,
Or whether 'twas written in this or that age —
But I've seen it recorded that a notable fool
Of a rather inhuman, socratical school,
(Perhaps of that sickening, uncomfortable breed
Who tie up their souls in the knots of a creed)
Thought Franklin a sinner of terrible die,
Because he attempted to draw from the sky,
And carry along in its glittering trail,
On the magical back of an insular rail,
The lightning which God had fully intended
Should strike exactly wherever he sent it !

Now what would he say — this impious croaker —
Could he in this age of meerschaum and choker,
When impious Yankees make broad their phylactery,
And set up a kind of man-manufactory,

43

In which, without any extraneous aid
A man is entirely and wholly self-made !

But this is'nt all — they're running away
With the darkness of night and sunshine of day,
Entirely regardless of nature's didactics,
To suit their own unscrupulous tactics,
So that you've only to mention a thank'ee
To a genuine blooded, high-spirited Yankee,
And tell him you want — for powerful reasons —
A very great change in the length of the seasons,
And he'll hang in your hall a barometer glass
Which brings the great change instanter to pass,
That is eight dollars from one to the other,
Without an iota of change in the weather !

Mysterious Yankees 1 Thy records unfold
Of wondrous achievements accomplished of old,
When men 'gainst the banner of tyranny led,
Undauntedly conquered or cheerfully bled;
But now, though armies should come like a flood,
You'd easily wither their hopes in the bud ;
For somehow or other you'd make a machine,
The like of which had never been seen,
And grind them all, men, horses and drums,
To one promiscuous mountain of crumbs !

There's a thought came into my noddle this morning
As I lay on my bed a tossing and turning;
Whether every man who ventures to shoulder
His own peculiar theological boulder
Is a sinner far greater than those of his fellows
Who never are pumping at heretic bellows ?
If really it is so — and Robertson's lecture
Declares it to be the most certain conjecture —
What a terrible deal the Yankees must lack,
Each one with his own sectarian pack.

And first we may mention the stern orthodox,

Cut out of old Plymouth's redoubtable rocks,

And proven to be by clear demonstration

The anchor of hope to our rattle-brain nation,

But whose ranks have at times been thrown in disorder

Through the over- worked brain of the Boston Recorder.

And then there's a thousand of isms and schools,

Some founded by wise men — some started by fools ;

Some mingling the network of cursed theologies —

Some cheating their victims with lies and astrologies ;

44

Some scaring the sinner with pictures infernal ;
Some charming the soul with pleasures eternal,
Some moulded in Hades — some moulded above, —
A dozen for Free Will and some for Free Love,
And so forth, and so forth, and so forth, and so on,
For hour after hour I think I could go on,
But really, although there were plenty of time,
It is'nt the theme for post-prandial rhyme.

And now, as agreed in the very beginning,

I purpose to close this ginger-bread-spinning

With a moment of brief, miscellaneous drumming

On the probable joys of the "Good Time that's Coming."

Ah, some of you think it's exceeding uncertain
That anything's back of the unlifted curtain,
But lowering clouds of sinning and sorrow
Forever to break on the light of the morrow.

But the "good time is coming." Look before
Where Time is hid with its iron door,
And ask the angels guarding the thatch
If but you may lift the crystal latch,
And they'll show you into a fairy cell
Where seraphs whisper " All is well."

There's " a good time coming." Then schisms and churches

Will give to the winds theological birches,

And infidels, dropping their impious sabres,

Be true to their God, themselves and their neighbors.

Then all this terrible fuss and ado,

This scolding and cheating and hullabaloo,

This wrangle and tangle for social position,

Will have ended forever its pitiless mission,

And after the worst have gone home to the devil,

The rest will be brought to a general level,

Then men will fear to be terribly flighty,

Attempting to rob the powers of Almighty,

By putting a crank to this curious planet,

And getting a dozen of Yankees to man it,

As if they really supposed they could move her

Without any word or help from Jehovah !

There's a " Good Time Coming," 0 glorious thought,
When the rascals of earth will be thoroughly caught
And handsomely caged in a mighty museum,
Where all of their dupes and victims can see 'em.
Then wo to the heartless and merciless knave,
And wo to the master that presses his slave.

45

And wretched forever who curses his brother,
Or darkens the heart and life of another !
For they'll all be caged in that mighty museum,
Where all of their dupes and victims can see 'em.
There's a " good time coming." I know of a land
Where the flowers ever bloom and the air 's ever bland,
A land of rich splendor and evermore bright,
Still living and glowing with magical light ;
Earth's music may cease, but the angelic strains
Will echo for aye round these heavenly plains.
Earth's pleasure decay, but the rapturous love
Forever burn bright in those mansions above.

Yes, soon will these wearisome days be gone by,
And our souls be lit up with a gleam from the sky ;
Then heart joined to heart let us welcome the weather,
And glimmer or gleaming march onward together.

7

REPORTS

REPORT ON" BEES AND HONEY.

Is it best to keep Bees ? " To be (Bee), or not to be
(Bee), tbat is the question." I answer yes, it is both
profitable and instructive, to raise bees and honey, if
properly managed. An ordinary share of good common
sense, with a little experience, are the only outfits needed,
for commencing the experiment. I said it was profitable,
and instructive, this matter of bee-keeping. The market
sales of honey and bees-wax, and the delicious luxury
afforded for the table are evidences of profit, while the
lessons that may be learned, and the pleasures experienced
by watching and studying the habits of these industrious
workers, affords a true source of profitable and recreative
instruction. Besides, a row of bee-hives, and a tidy,
neatly constructed apiary, are ornaments to the household
premises. In fact, a farm-yard is hardly perfect without
them. I am not about to write a treatise upon bees, and
bee-keeping. There are quite enough of these already. I
shall aim at being practical in what I have to say, and con-
fine myself to a few simple, pertinent suggestions, that I
think may meet the wants of those who wish to keep
bees with economy and profit, without incurring much
expense for either imported bees or patent hives.

THE BEE-HIVE.

Do not enter largely into the trial and experiment with
;>atent hives. It will not pay. Sporting gentlemen, and

47

fancy farmers who have ample means and plenty of cash
to spare, can afford to try the experiment of testing and
becoming disappointed with patent hives. But farmers of
moderate means, I ask you to make your own. You can
make just as good a hive and one that will answer every
purpose of the costly patent one. You can make a hive
that will save the bees and give you the honey they do
not need, and this is all that a ten dollar patent hive can
do. I object to most patent hives, on these grounds.
There arc too many kinds, quite as numerous as patent
churns and washing-machines. They are too costly for
general use. They are too complicated in their construc-
tion, having as many labyrinths and angles as a diagram
of a proposition in geometry. And again they are no bet-
ter than a simple, unpatented article, that every farmer can
make with a plane, saw, and hammer. I advise you not
to buy largely of patent hives, but to make your own.
And I will tell you how ; perhaps you know already as
well as I do.

The hive that answers all purposes, and the one that I
would recommend, is the common oblong box hive, with
a chamber and drawers in the top. It should be made
large enough in the lower part to hold plenty of honey for
the wi nter consumption of the colony. The chamber
above should be of sufficient size to contain two drawers
that will hold the surplus honey, that the bees do not
need. All the joints of the hive should be perfectly tight,
so as to afford no lurking place for the bee-moth or ver-
min. The drawers should be alike and completely fill
the chamber. A movable pane of glass should constitute
the end of each drawer. The chamber should be closed
by a sliding door or a panel with hinges. Each drawer
should communicate with the lower apartment by a hole
in the center of the bottom an inch or more in diameter.
This hole should be closed with a piece of tin, until the
bottom of the hive is tilled with honey. In no case should
the bees be permitted to make honey for the use of their

48

owners until they have filled their own store-house with a
winter's supply. The ahove described hive is equally as
good as a ten dollar patent one, and will cost but a trifle.
It affords a chance to get the surplus honey without de-
stroying the bees, and this is the only commendable ad-
vantage of any of the patent articles.

THE BEE-HOUSE.

Where is the best place to set the hives? Some prefer
placing them under the shade of a tree, upon a form,
without any other covering. Others think it best to ar-
range them in a house or shed, closely enclosed on three
sides, with a roof above. About a middle course is evi-
dently the better way, viz: a simple roof covering, open
on all sides. .Bees want plenty of pure, fresh air. They
will not thrive without it. A bee-house enclosed on three
sides is too close and hot, and will not admit enough air.
A simple roof covering is all that is necessary, under
which is a form for the reception of the hives. The face
of the hive should open to the South, and should be
placed, if possible, so that from ten to two o'clock it may
be shaded by some tree. All bee-hives during the sum-
mer months, should be elevated from the bottom board
on which they stand, at least half an inch. This can be
done by placing a wedge of wood under each corner of
the hive. Free ingress and egress arc thus allowed, also
fresh air and no lodging place for the eggs of the miller.

The drawers should go in on the back part of the hive,
so that they can be approached without disturbing the
bees or getting stung by them. •

HIVING THE NEW COLONIES.

Young swarms of bees begin to leave the hive, usu-
ally about the middle of May. From one to three young
swarms go out in the course of six weeks from a single,
well-stocked hive. It requires some considerable tact to
hive the young swarms with success. They commonly
leave the old hive from between nine o'clock to three

49

o'clock in the afternoon. The day before swarming, they
often forsake the hive and hang out in a mass upon the
sides or bottom of the hive. Do not be in too great a
hurry to secure them after they alight, go to work steadily,
there will be plenty of time. Place a table under the
limb on which they have alighted, spread over it a clean,
white cloth, a sheet or table-cloth will answer the purpose
well. Place upon this a couple of pieces of slit-work,
about ten inches apart, upon which to elevate the hive.
Now take firmly hold of the limb while an assistant saws
it cleanly oft*. Place it with gentleness upon the table be-
tween the two billets of wood and put the hive over them.
Now cover the hive with a second sheet and then leave
them ; they will soon go up into the hive. It is well to
rub the inside of the hive with salted water or green wal-
nut leaves, before hiving the bees. They take to it sooner,
and more kindly. At nightfall place the hive with much
gentleness where it is to remain during the summer. The
drawers should be closed in the new hive until the lower
department is filled. The hives should not stand out of
doors during the winter season in these latitudes. They
should be removed into a warm, dry, unoccupied out-
house or kitchen cellar, away from the wind and winter
storms. When the spring opens, and the first flowers
begin to appear, or even in sugaring time, when they can
have access to the sap of the sugar-maple, place them
as:ain in the bee-house.

HUNTING WILD BEES.

I approach a subject upon which I have never seen any-
thing; written. It is well known that our forests are the
homes of many swarms of wild bees. They go off from
the domesticated colonies, and seek refuge in the hollow
of some good old tree, and there deposit their honey. It
requires some experience and skill to hunt wild bees with
success. The outfit for bee-hunting is a bee-box, prop-
erly constructed with comb and honey, slightly scented

50

with oil of thyme or anise. The box should have a glass
in the top or side, covered with a sliding panel, through
which the comb and bees can be seen, to admit light.
The bee-hunter secures from a bunch of flowers a few wild
bees in his box. The panel is now removed, and the light
admitted. Or, if he can find no bees upon the flowers,
he burns a piece of honey-comb upon a heated stone, the
scent of which draws plenty of bees around him. He
places the open box near his "altar of incense," and the
bees soon alight upon the honey-comb, and begin to feed.
Having in one of these two ways secured a few working
wild bees, he places the open box upon a high stump, and
sits down leisurely to watch them. The bees having sup-
plied themselves with a freight of honey, depart for home.
Rising from the box, they fly in circles about it, and then
take a bee-line or straight course for the bee-tree. ISTow
comes the hunter's coveted opportunity. He wishes to
get the "line of the swarm" as it is called. With a prac-
tised eye, he watches the bees until they are beyond his
sight, and finally determines by their unerring course,
the direction of the bee-tree. Having "got the line," he
closes his box on the bees, and moves on toward the "bee-
tree." He then takes a new stand, and makes new obser-
vations, and thus gradually nears the wild colony, search-
ing all the while for them in every hollow tree, until he
at last discovers their retreat. An experienced bee-hunter
having once got the line of a swarm, seldom fails of find-
ing it. Large quantities of honey have often been found
deposited in the capacious hollows of some of our forest
trees. The sport of bee-hunting, setting aside the honey,
amply compensates for the time devoted to it, as a pleas-
ant and healthful recreation.

USES OF HONEY AND WAX.

Honey affords for the table one of the most delicious
luxuries. Bread and butter and honey, why, it makes
one's mouth water to write about it. No dessert can be

51

named more delectably palatable and rich. Boiled with
water and spices, and fermented, it makes metheglin, a
choice medicinal drink. It also enters largely into many
of the choicest medicaments of the apothecary, and is
highly esteemed among medical men as a valuable article
of the materia-medica. Bees-wax, made from the honey-
comb, is also very valuable for many purposes. "What
house-wife or seamstress could possibly get along without
her ball of white wax, for polishing furniture and smooth-
ing thread and silk? It is also used in the laundry, and
by the tallow chandler. It enters into the composition of
many famous salves and unguents. The nurseryman
uses it in preparing his grafting-wax, and the dentist in
taking impressions for setting artificial teeth. It would
be impossible to name here all the uses to which honey
and wax are applied.

THE MORAL OF BEE-KEEPING.

"We cannot close our subject without a few "inferen-
ces, as the clergy say, drawn from the habits" of bees.
From their well known diligence comes one of our pleas-
antest proverbs, "As busy as a bee." They commence
their work early, and pursue it unremittingly through
the day. They never stop to play, or lounge among the
flowers, nor to fight, unless in self-defense. They well
deserve the sweet lines of the poet in kindly mention —

" How doth the little busy bee
Improve each shining hour."

"We learn from these well known habits of the bee, that
it is best to "Work while the sun shines," and that
"Diligence is the life of business." At a certain season,
a portion of the bees become of no farther use, and they
are destroyed and turned out of the hive as drones and
pests of the colony. "We learn by this, that drones and
lazy people are not to be tolerated, and that those who
"will not work ought not to eat." We should hardly
like to carry the discipline quite as far as the bees do, and

52

destroy them, however. Again, if meddlers hang around
the hive and tantalize the busy workers, as they turn
away, they often feel a "sting behind." "We learn by
this that it is always best to "mind our own business."

STATISTICAL REPORT.

There were two lots of honey presented for premiums.
One by Mr. D. S. Cowles of Hadley, contained twenty
pounds, and to him we awarded the first premium of two
dollars. Another by Mr. Joseph Root of Enfield, con-
tained ten pounds, and to him we awarded the second
premium of one dollar. Both specimens were extremely
nice, and looked temptingly sweet, securely enclosed be-
yond our reach.

SYNOPSIS OF MR. ROOT'S STATEMENT.

Mr. Root has tried several patent hives, but prefers
among them, Colton's patent. The chief difficulties in
keeping bees and managing them successfully, are — win-
tering them, getting them in a condition to swarm early, and
keeping them free from the bee-moth. Bees want plenty
of fresh air. They do not die from cold or frost, but from
want of air. The moisture in the hive freezes in cold
weather, and makes ice between the layers of comb, and
keeps the air from the bees. This happens oftenest at the
bottom of the hive. To remedy this evil, he vents his
hives in the middle, so as to let in plenty of air. Few
bees treated in this way will die, and the colony will be
in good condition to swarm early, if they winter well.
He has never lost a swarm of bees by moths in twenty
years' experience, keeping from teii to twenty swarms
annually. To keep off the moth, he planes or scrapes the
bottom board in the spring, and gets off all the cement
and comb that makes a lodging place for the eggs of the
miller. He also keeps the board clean, by daily brushing
during the spring. After the comb is covered, there is
no danger from vermin. He sets his hives in the open
air, without any bee-house of any kind.

53

SYNOPSIS OF MR. COWLES' STATEMENT.

Mr. Cowles says the lot of honey presented by him was
gathered from white clover blossoms in the months of
June and July. From some of his old hives he has taken
forty pounds of honey yearly, leaving enough for the bees
to winter on. In twenty-four years' experience, he has
tried twenty different kinds of hives, and prefers among
them, "Phelps' patent hive."
Respectfully submitted.

DAVID RICE, Chairman.

GRAINS, VEGETABLES, AND ROOTS.

Before entering upon the details of our examination, we
wish to say a word touching the labors required of us.
We regard them as quite too extensive for the time al-
lotted us. If we recollect right, our judgment was called
for on some four or five entries of timothy seed ; nearly as
many of clover, and perhaps as many more of wheat, rye,
oats, barley, buckwheat, Indian and broom corn; besides
some thirty or forty entries of garden vegetables, roots,
&c. And all this in the space of an hour or two. The
time is quite too short and we take this occasion to say,
that if there are those who think themselves slighted in
our very cursory examinations they must attribute it to no
unworthy motive, but simply to the fact that we were
obliged to do in an hour, that which might well have kept
us occupied for half a day. We suggest with all deference
that henceforth the work of this Committee be divided,
giving to one, grains and seeds, and to the other, roots
and garden vegetables.

Our attention was first directed to the exhibitions of
timothy and clover seeds. The samples of these were not
numerous, but this was partly compensated for by the fine
quality of those presented. We believe the Society that
endeavors by the offer of premiums to get farmers into

54

the practice of saving their own grass seeds is doing a
work of more than ordinary value and importance. There
are two considerations which urge strongly to a more gen-
eral adoption of this practice. One is, the danger of im-
porting the seeds of pernicious weeds in foreign grass
seeds, and the other, the saving of a sum of money, which
although it may be small in individual cases, in the aggre-
gate in any one of our own towns would show an amount
hardly suspected by most of us.

We noticed but one sample of Hungarian grass seed.
This is a kind of grass or grain but lately introduced to
this region, but it seems to have qualities which render it
worthy of a more general trial and to this end we think
your Society would do well to offer premiums for its cul-
tivation and also for experiments as to its comparative
value, both as a forage and a grain crop. In order to in-
sure success it should be sown on clear land in a good
condition.

The examination of the different kinds of grain we con-
sidered much the most interesting part of our work and to
this we next directed our attention.

We noticed but one sample of winter wheat and that
presented by the Messrs. Adams of Plain ville, quality
very fine. Of spring wheat there were several samples,
all good and two of them of the best so nearly alike that
we could hardly decide which should have the preference.
Some facts in regard to the hardiness and productiveness
of the kind exhibited by John A. Morton induced us to
recommend to him a gratuity. The past season has fully
demonstrated the fact that under favorable conditions as to
temperature and the proper degree of moisture, what can
be made a paying crop. We have heard of many instances
in which twenty-five and thirty bushels per acre have been
raised. This should stimulate us to try again for to say
nothing of profit there is a satisfaction in raising our own
bread, which a farmer in love with his business will hard-
ly forego even though he sometimes fail in his attempts.

55

Rye is a much surer crop and stands deservedly high in
the popular estimate. Indeed its hardy nature is often-
times the occasion of its being subjected to hard usage;
hence it is somewhat rare that it has a chance to show
what it can do with generous treatment. There was a
marked difference in the samples that came under our in-
spection. Some being nearly as white as wheat, others
very dark colored. We advise to cultivate the white
kind knowing from experience that it makes a quality of
bread little inferior to wheat.

Altogether the best oats on exhibition were those pre-
sented by Franklin II. Williams of Sunderland. They
are called Maine oats, are said to be prolific, and are very
heavy, weighing almost forty pounds to the bushel.

The only sample of barley that particularly attracted our
attention was one presented by Ephraim Montague of
Belchertown. The berry was longer than wheat, rather
slender, in color much like spring wheat and like that en-
tirely divested of the hull. The weight was fifty-nine
pounds per bushel. These are the only facts we could ob-
tain in regard to it. Doubtless Mr. Montague knows
something as to its adaptedness to our climate and culti-
vation, and we presume he would confer a favor to very
many if he would give to the public his experience in the
matter. Should it prove hardy and productive it must be
a great acquisition.

There were but few samples of buckwheat and these of
no more than fair quality. This crop in this part of the
country at least, seems by common consent to be put under
ban, and if raised at all only under a sort of protest. If
its more aristocratic but less hardy neighbor the Indian
corn fails, it is sometimes allowed to occupy the ground
to prevent a total loss. Now and then it is given a chance
for life on some patch too cold or too poor for anything
else. Even under such treatment it does not complain
but will do its best with the materials it has. An idea
prevails that it is an exhausting crop, and this whether

56

erroneous or not will probably prevent its taking a place
to much extent in any regular rotation. But there is a
place for it and one which it would be for the interest of
some of our farmers to let it occupy much oftener than
they do. That place is in subduing and renovating old pas-
tures, and we have known instances in which such lands,
from being almost worthless, have been brought into a
state of comparative productiveness and profit. The treat-
ment has been substantially this. The land is broken up
early in the summer and sowed at the usual time with
buckwheat and one or two hundred pounds of guano per
acre. The next year it is planted with potatoes and the
third year sowed with oats and grass seeds ; or the pota-
toes may be omitted and the oats and grass seeds follow
the buckwheat. By this treatment the crops will general-
ly pay for the labor and seeds, and at the end of the course
the land will be worth at least twice as much for pasture
as it was at the beginning.

Of the exhibition of Indian corn it is hardly necessary
to say much. There were the usual varieties, and in their
usual excellence. This is a favorite crop with us, and de-
servedly so; though we incline to the opinion that we
sometimes give it undue preference. The experience of
the last two or three years should teach us that we are not
to rely upon it, unless we are willing to give to it special
attention. But in this way it becomes an expensive crop,
and should be made to give a return in proportion. On
many of our cold lands, especially those that are not well
drained, we think in the end it would be more profitable
to drop the corn crop and substitute in its place one less
expensive and more sure. Corn has two enemies with
us, either one of which in ordinary seasons is as much as
it can contend with. But when the two unite in more
than usual force, the effect is fatal. These enemies are
cold and wet weather. Last year we had them both in
the early part of the season, and the consequence was, an
almost total failure of the crop on cold lands. This sea-

57

son we believe the only thing that saved it was the dry
weather of April and May. This put all such lands into
a fine condition for planting, so that the crop took a vig-
orous start from the beginning, and so was saved. If we
recollect right, the average of the weather in June and
July of this year was very nearly or quite as cold as last
year. The inference seems fair, that if we had had the
rain in June that we had last year, we should have had
with it also the failure of the corn crop. Now of these
two enemies, one is in a measure within our control, that
is, as far as proper drainage is concerned, and when, from
any cause, this is not attended to, we believe a true econ-
omy will not justify the expense and risks attending this
valuable but somewhat uncertain grain.

In the department of roots, potatoes seemed to figure
more largely than anything else, and in justice to the con-
tributors, it must be acknowledged they were very fine in
quality, as far at least, as the eye could judge. Popular
favor just now seems to rest upon the Davis' Seedling, the
Dover, and the Peach Blow. Fine specimens of each of
these were presented, as were some of a kind called the
Seal's Foot. We also noticed a basket of fine Early Blues —
an excellent variety, as we know from experience. A
somewhat singular feature in this department, was a plate
of cold boiled potatoes. Whether they were placed there
for our admiration, whether to tempt or regale us, we
never knew. But having no desire to be partial, we in-
troduced no new test of excellence, satisfied that the taste
of either a cold or a raw potato, would not go far in mak-
ing up an opinion as to its good qualities. We should
not omit to mention in this connection, the exhibition of
a box containing twelve varieties of seedling potatoes,
two years from the seed.

There was the usual display of other roots and vegeta-
bles, but nothing that gave assurance of marked superi-
ority, unless we make an exception in favor of two bas-
kets of English turnips, which were exceedingly fine. One

58

single basket of celery presented by Levi D. Cowles, saved
the show from utter failure in this delicious vegetable.

In conclusion, we would urge upon our brother farmers
the importance of cultivating root crops more largely.
The space we have already occupied forbids our entering
more at length upon this subject now; but we firmly be-
lieve our system of husbandry will never be complete un-
til it embraces the liberal culture of these as one of its
fundamental principles.

T. G. HUNTINGTON.

REPORT ON NEAT CATTLE.

Many of the societies in the State, had no exhibition of
cattle at their fairs this year, on account of the disease
which had prevailed in Worcester County, and of which
some had died elsewhere. It was no doubt in part owing
to the fear which some had of bringing their cattle in con-
tact with other herds, that made the exhibition in this
department less than in former years. The average qual-
ity was better, and the proportion of blood animals much
larger. The Executive Committee, with the view of en-
couraging the raising of thorough-bred stock, gave the
preference, in offering premiums, to such. We think this
is a step in the right direction, for, from our own observa-
tion, we have not been able to see much improvement in
stock at our fairs.

How few of our members are taking any decided steps
towards improving their herds by skillful breeding. The
farmer who raises a better animal than his neighbor, is
satisfied, when he ought not to be, unless he has done the
very best he can, which will never be the case, except in
very rare instances, and that by accident, without the use
of thorough-bred bulls. There are praiseworthy excep-
tions in some of the towns that contribute to our fair.

Paoli Lathrop of South lladley, the prince of Short-

59

horn breeders in Massachusetts, has been in the business
some twenty-five years, and has obtained an enviable rep-
utation throughout the country. His brother, too, Wells
Lathrop, is a successful breeder, and has a choice herd of
Short-horns.

The stock of South Hadley and Granby, shows decided
marks of improvement from the influence of these herds.
In Hadley, some of the farmers have recently com-
menced with the Short-horns. A club own a fine Short-
horn bull, and are raising some choice grades. T. P.
Huntington and Charles Smith have two young cows from
Mr. Lathrop's stock, and are raising calves from them.
William Newton keeps an Ayrshire bull.

In Sunderland, Nathaniel Smith has one of the same
breed ; and has some grade heifers. In Prescott and in
New Salem, are a considerable number of grade Devons —
'perhaps some full-blood. Edmund Hobart of Amherst, has
a Short-horn bull, and Horace Henderson, a Jersey, and
several grade heifers of his own raising, and thinks highly
of them.

The writer commenced the foundation of an Ayrshire
herd six years ago, by importing some heifers from Scot-
land, and from selections in the country, and has twenty
head of thorough-breds and grades.

How is it that breeders in England and Scotland have
brought their herds to such perfection, except as above
indicated — and that only by long practice, careful obser-
vation and experience. The North Devon which has been
bred for centuries, is sure of producing its like — so the
Hereford and Durhams or Short-horns, though not bred so
long, have assumed a fixed type and character, and each has
adapted itself to its locality. They breed for beef, for work,
for the dairy, and to some extent for all purposes united.

In order to the highest success, we should have a defi-
nite aim. Let the young man, in stocking his farm, be-
gin, if it is all he is able to do, with the best native cows
he can select, and with a thorough-bred bull of the breed

60

he may think best adapted to his farm, and the object he
has in view — beef, milk, butter or cheese, and- continue
to use none but well-bred bulls, and he cannot fail to find
his account in it — he will far outstrip his neighbor who
pursues the old beaten path, he will get up a better herd
for his own farm, and find a market for all his surplus ani-
mals, at remunerating prices.

I do not propose to speak at length of the different
breeds; each of them have their advocates. Short-horns,
it is generally admitted, mature earlier, and attain to a
larger size than any other breed, and, consequently, are
well adapted for beef — but in rare cases do they excel for
work or milk in proportion to their size — a cross is better
for either. The Herefords are rare in this vicinity, even if
any are found of pure blood; they are comely, thrifty, good
workers, good for beef, but indifferent milkers. Noth-
ing can exceed the beauty of form and color of the North
Devon — they are sprightly, and hardy for work, good
beef animals, and, by some it is claimed that they are
good dairy stock. There is a great difference in fami-
lies of them in this respect, owing, no doubt, to a long
course of breeding for this purpose. Grades would make
a profitable stock for a farm. The Jersey cow, (for we
never hear of Jersey oxen,) gives the richest milk, but
the quantity is small — the breed can never come into gen-
eral use. The Ayrshires have been bred to some extent,
in the eastern and central parts of the State, but there
are few in this section. They promise well for the dairy,
for which they have been specially bred in Scotland for a
considerable time. Their character has become fixed.
It is supposed to be a cross of Durham upon the cattle of
the Ayrshire district, and has adapted itself in size to the
hilly pastures of its locality.

They are almost uniformly good for milk, — hardy, thrif-
ty, lively, intelligent, easily kept, and large enough for
a cow. They fatten easily, make good beef, and, though
they may not attain to the size of some breeds, we see no

61

reason why they are not adapted for the entire stock of a
farm.

In accordance with the statement of Dr. Loring in his
address, that where he found superior stock in several
places, upon inquiry it was ascertained that it had de-
scended from thorough-bred animals, I may venture to
mention, that, being desirous of knowing what had been
the result of an importation of Ayrshire stock, hy the
" Massachusetts Societ}' for the promotion of Agricul-
ture" in the State — and of their efforts to introduce the
breed, by allowing the county societies the use of their
bulls, I found that some of the best cows in three or
four of the towns in this vicinity descended from that
stock, and that in Berkshire, Hampden, and Worcester,
the facts were the same. But for want of care, breeding
down instead of up the blood is running out. " Blood will
tell."

It is vital to our interests, to choose a breed and raise
stock with reference to our circumstances and market.
With the high price of land, and dense population of Mas-
sachusetts, we can do better than making beef. The West
is to do that on cheap pastures and cheap grain. Our
oxen when done with for work, our cows when too old to
be profitable for milk, and a few surplus young cattle we
turn over to the butcher to supply the home market.

Milk, butter and cheese, and veal are much more profit-
able. To dairy farming we shall more and more turn our
attention, and to this end we should select and breed our
stock.

L. SWEETSER, Reporter.

REPORT ON" ROADSTERS.

We live in a progressive country and in a " fast " age,
and it is to be hoped that the day has gone by, in which
the exhibition of the speed of roadsters will be deemed
9

62

an innovation at our agricultural fairs. Let " old fogies,"
if they will, hold up their hands in horror, because they
think they smell a horse-race. They will be under the
necessity of " clearing the track," and of giving Young
America the " pole." They will be distanced in all their
efforts to hinder the march of improvement in this branch
of rural economy.

One thing is sure, nothing does so much to make our
fairs attractive as the exhibition of this class of horses,
and when the trial of speed comes, every eye is eager to
see the whole.

At the first fair of which we have any report, there
were but two entries and one premium. One of the com-
petitors brought sheep, and the other vegetables. There
arose some difficulty about the decision of the Committee,
and the mutton exhibitor was killed. Your Committee hope
that however much they may err in judgment, or however
much dissatisfaction may exist in consequence of their
decision, it will -not be attended with any such disastrous
results. They hope that no Committee will hereafter be
blamed until human wisdom shall be able to appoint one
better qualified to act than the Committee at Cain and
Abel's fair.

Your Committee feel that in consequence of the law de-
barring them from giving premiums to animals which
have been entered for premiums at other fairs this year,
they have not been able to do justice to all concerned.
A pair of horses exhibited by Mr. Briggs of Springfield,
they think were not excelled by any present. Another
pair exhibited by Mr. Wilcox of Shelburne, and another
by Mr. Fogg of Deerfield, were worthy of particular no-
tice, and we think bore off their share of honor, if not of
cash, on the occasion.

The first qualification in a pair of matched horses is, that
they should travel alike and drive evenly together. The
next must be size. No qualifications so far as color,
beauty or age are concerned, can make up for a defect
here.

63

The show of single roadsters was large and good, and
there was an opportunity of witnessing all the different
grades which adorn the equine race. Some were good to
go ahead, others seemed better for holding back. In fact,
there is no good quality possessed by horse flesh, not
needed to make a good roadster. He must have sufficient
size to enable him to draw a carriage with ease. He must
have a gait that enables him to move with ease, grace
and speed. He must be sound, of a good disposition, and
handsome. Those qualities which fit him for a carriage
on the road, fit him for almost any place in which a good
master chooses to put him. Such a horse, it should be
the effort of all good farmers to raise ; and let no one
suppose that such a horse is the result of mere chance
breeding. Your Committee believe in cause and effect.
They believe that in raising animals as in vegetables, as a
general rule, a man can raise about what he is willing to
pay for. If he thinks that he can raise a good roadster
from unsound and faulty progenitors, and on poor keep-
ing, he is as unreasonable as the man who hopes to raise
good crops from poor land without fertilizers. No agri-
culturist can afford to raise a poor horse. It will not pay.
Let us make the figures and see. Suppose a mare worth
five hundred dollars.

The interest for one year is $30

" keeping " ' " - - • - - 75

" risk " " .... 25

" depreciation ""---- 25

Service of a horse like Patchen,
Keeping colt till four years old,

$155
100
125

Suppose the colt then to be worth at four years as much
as his mother, ($500,) deducting the above, $380, leaves a
clear profit of $120.

64

We will make another calculation upon a mare worth
$50:

Interest, $3 ; keeping while not at work, $25 ; - $28
Risk, $3 ; loss from age, $6; service of horse, $6; 15

Keeping colt four years, ----- 75

Cost of colt, $118

Can any reasonable man suppose the colt will be worth
more than he cost?

To those gentlemen who exhibited roadsters at the fair,
your Committee have to say that everything in life may
be compared to a race, and in whatever race they may be
engaged, may they have a good roadster to the end of
their journey, may their vehicles never clash on the road,
and may they all pass the judges' stand without dishonor.

E. T. WOOD, Chairman.

EQUESTRIANISM.

We are glad that the Hampshire Agricultural Society
have resolved to encourage a taste for equestrianism, and
the only drawback to our satisfaction is that so few com-
petitors entered for the liberal premiums offered by the
Committee.

Miss Huntington of Hadley, and Miss Wood of North-
ampton, were the only ladies who presented themselves ;
and they charmed the eyes of all with their exhibition of
equitation. Miss Huntington we must regard as quite
accomplished in the art of equestrianism; she managed
her horse finely, sitting in the saddle with much ease, and
rode boldly and handsomely. She guided her horse with
unusual nerve, while passing around the track at full
speed. Miss Wood rode well ; and although her horse
was inferior, she guided him admirably, and appeared to
great advantage as she glided gracefully round the track.

65

The two gentlemen, Professor Clark and Mr. Kenfield,
to whom the Committee awarded premiums, it is unnecessa-
ry to add, are experienced and skillful horsemen.

We think the members of the Society have reason to
rejoice that this commencement of female equestrianism
terminated so favorably, and we trust it will become a
permanent feature in our coming fairs. It is universally
conceded that riding on horseback is a commendable and
healthful exercise for ladies, and it remains but to culti-
vate a taste for it.

Lablache, the celebrated basso, who had attempted to
teach Queen Victoria to sing, frequently lamented that,
from three slight causes, he had been unable to make her
anything of a vocalist ; — first, she had no voice ; next,
she had no ear ; and lastly, she had no application. These
might properly be regarded as three pretty serious obsta-
cles to one's becoming a proficient in music. Although
Victoria was not much of a musician, she early exhibited
a taste for equestrianism, and displayed an inclination for
other hardy exercises. Her excellent constitution and ro-
bust health are in no small degree due to this fact. A
writer remarks: "In the years which circled 1880, the
jolly drayman at the ale-house bar, or the rosy gardener
in his market-field, was wont to lay down his mug or lean
upon his spade, to look with proud and pleasant smiles
after a merry little Shetland pony, which was wont to
canter early every morning through the green lanes and
shady nooks of Kensington. This frisky Highlander car-
ried Victoria and her fortunes." After her accession to
the throne, and previous to her marriage, riding on horse-
back was the favorite exercise of the Queen. "In those
days her appearance in the park, surrounded by a gay
and glittering cavalcade of equestrians, was a brilliant
feature in the summer evenings of Rotten Row. On her
entrance to the park the Queen, who had acquired a
graceful and firm seat, ran along the avenue like a flash, and
with loyal courtesy cavaliers and carriages ranged them-
selves on either side," etc.

66

We venture to suggest and recommend that all who
have time, place, and opportunity, should perfect them-
selves in the noble art of equestrianism. To accomplish
this, systematic practice and judicious training are neces-
sary. There is nothing like getting used to it, and boys
and girls should begin early to ride. Almost all farmers'
sons and daughters have the opportunity, and although the
boys often boast what expert horsemen they have become,
by riding favorite Kate or Bill to and from the pasture,
yet, if about to travel any distance, they get the buggy, or
that abominable apology for a vehicle, the sulky, and if
asked why they do not ride on horseback, reply: "It
lames my side and back, and makes me sore all over."
Boys, such exercise is the very means by which muscular
strength, a good " stiff backbone," and a healthy liver
are acquired.

The athletic exercises of the gymnasium, which, by the
by, is fast becoming one of the institutions of the coun-
try, together with horsemanship, should, by forming reg-
ular habits of exercise, render the present generation of
young men a more hardy race than their fathers.

In Irving' s "Life of Washington " we find the following
sketch of his boyhood : "He was a self-disciplinarian in
physical as well as mental matters and practiced himself
in all kinds of athletic exercises, such as running, leaping,
wrestling, pitching quoits and tossing bars. His frame
even in infancy had been large and powerful and he now
excelled most of his playmates in contests of agility and
strength. As a proof of his muscular power a place is
still pointed out at Fredericksburg, near the lower ferry,
where when a boy he flung a stone across the Rappahan-
nock. In horsemanship, too, he already excelled, and
was ready to back and able to manage the most fiery
steed. Traditional anecdotes remain of his achievements
in this respect."

We would suggest to farmers, who raise horses for the
market, the importance of having them educated for all

67

the ordinary purposes of the saddle ; trained to a fast
walk, gentle amble, and brisk canter. In witnessing many
sales of horses in the New York market, we have always
noticed that those broken to the saddle, sold much more
readily, and at an advanced price ; this was especially true
of small horses. In breaking or training colts, a humane
and scientific system is the best. Mr. Rarey has proved
this beyond all controversy. This elementary training
should be most thorough, for on it depends their future use-
fulness and docility. In our judgment blinders should
be dispensed with as well in the harness as saddle; as
familiarity with objects prevents fear in the horse, and
covering the eye defeats this. The best method of ed-
ucating the horse in a scientific and rational manner
for the saddle, and the establishment of a correct sys-
tem of equitation, are justly receiving much atten-
tion. The system adopted by F. Baucher of Paris, of
world-wide reputation, is explained in a work, pub-
lished in 1852, entitled "Method of Horsemanship, Found-
ed on New Principles." Undoubtedly the most useful
companion to every lover of the horse, is "Frank Forrest-
er's Horse and Horsemanship of the United States and
British Provinces of North America. By Henry Wil-
liam Herbert." In the second volume there are essays on
breeding, breaking, horsemanship, management in the
field, stable and road, on shoeing, on stabling, with views,
plans and estimates, and on the various diseases of the
horse.

This work contains valuable communications from gen-
tlemen of different sections of our country, distinguished
by their efforts to improve the breed and enhance the use-
fulness of the noblest of animals, the horse.

" Of able body, sound of limb and wind,
Upright he walks, on pasterns firm and straight ;
His motion easy ; prancing in his gait ;
Dauntless at empty noises ; lofty neck'd,
Sharp-headed, barrel-bellied, broadly back'd :

68

Brawny his chest, and deep ; his color gray ;
For beauty, dappled ; or the brightest bay :
Faint white and dun will scarce the rearing pay."

All of which is respectfully submitted,

GEORGE WASHINGTON HORR, Chairman.

REPORT ON MECHANIC ARTS.

That man should be an agriculturist is certain, from
his early history; but unfortunately, the ground from
which man was to gather food all the days of his life, was
cursed by the great Creator, hence the necessity that some
kind of mechanism should come to his assistance. How
clearly this science was understood in man's primitive
condition, we are not informed. We are told, however,
that in the person of Tubal Cain, was found an in-
structor of those who worked in iron and brass ; but as
Tubal means confusion, and Cain, possession, it is very
probable that the mechanism in the possession of Cain,
adapted to agriculture, was nearly, if not entirely, lost in
the confusion of Tubal. However this may be, it does
not appear that mechanism was early applied to assist in
farming, for had it been, we sbould not have heard of
Elisha holding plow after twelve yoke of oxen, especially
if the prophet's plow had possessed the many combina-
tions of the far-famed "Cylinder" of our own day. The
plow claims antiquity with Job, whose sons were said to
have been plowing when the Sabeans proved their de-
struction. Sampson speaks of the Philistines using the
plow, but very likely not the same machine that Job's
sons were working with. Originally, the plow was made
from a strong limb of a tree, from which a shorter one
projected, which was made sharp and smooth ; the long
branch or beam extended to the yoke, and was attached
directly to it. In the time of Saul, the plow consisted of
three parts, viz : the handle, the beam, and the colter or

69

share. The plow has in all ages held a high place in ag-
ricultural machinery, hence the prayer of the prophet — -
" that spears might be beaten into plow-shares." Im-
provements have been made from time to time, and science
has lent her assistance, so that we now have about one
hundred different varieties and styles. The wood has
been exchanged for iron, and iron for polished steel, until
plows are so perfect in their construction, and so com-
pletely adapted for every variety of soil, that the farmer
has only to know the nature of his soil and the pulver-
izing necessary for the crop he wishes to raise, and the
machine to do it with is at once at his command. .

What is true in the history of the plow, is also true in
reference to every other kind of agricultural machinery.
Harrows, closely allied to the plow, were first made en-
tirely of wood, without teeth. But in David's time, iron
teeth had been added, and oftentimes they were em-
ployed in warfare as instruments of destruction. Scien-
tific mechanism has lent her assistance in the hands of in-
ventors, to the farmer in every branch of his employment;
not only in breaking up the soil and pulverizing it, but
in casting in the seed and gathering the mature crop.
The sickle claims great antiquity, but the modern im<-
provements of McCormick, Kirby, Manney, Ivetchum,
and many others, show how inadequate the simple sickle
would be to meet the great demand of the present day.
The present high standing of agriculture is greatly in-
debted to the skill and genius of mechanical inventors.

The question arises, Are the mechanical wants of the
farmer fully supplied ? Is the plow, harrow, hoe, cultir
vator, reaping, mowing, and threshing machines every
way perfect ? has improvement attained its highest stand-
point ? "What farmer is there that cannot even now point
out some defects in his agricultural machinery ? who has
used a mowing machine, but has often wished that it
was more simple in its construction, and one-third easier
of draft ? Who would not like a threshing machine so
10

70

simple, and yet so complete and perfect in its combina-
tions, that it would answer the description given-by the
prophet, viz., " I will make you a new threshing instru-
ment to thresh the mountains with " ? Which, we should
understand in our day, means simply that they shall be
so easily arranged and readily purchased that those living
on the mountain's top, or the hill-sides, can as readily
have them as those living in the more fertile valleys.

But how, the farmer inquires, is this state of things to
be brought about ? We answer, make known your wants
to the scientific mechanic, personally, or through the me-
dium of the Executive Committee of your annual exhibi-
tions. Point out clearly, too, the defects of the present
machines, and offer a liberal premium to the inventor,
and you may be sure that inventive genius will contribute
to your wants. Mechanical industry, like other pursuits,
seeks its reward, and why should it not be granted.
There is latent inventive skill enough among our own
people to supply all that our farmers want. For instance,
let the Executive Committee offer special premiums for
each specific improvement called for in plows, harrows,
hoes, rakes, mowing machines, or any other machine that
needs improving. Let the farmer make known what he
wants, point out clearly the defects of the present ma-
chines, and inventive genius will soon supply his demand.

Such was the case in reference to one of the greatest
agricultural inventions of this country, the cotton gin.
First, southern men of influence, tillers of the soil, sug-
gested to the inventive mind of Eli Whitney the great
need of some machine for cleaning cotton from the seed,
in order that cotton raising might be profitable. Young
Whitney, though in destitute circumstances, with the hope
of due reward, seized the idea and brought the inventive
energies of his powerful mind to devise a plan for this
object ; and so great was his production that ample com-
pensation came to his relief, and the untold benefits to
this country can only be counted by millions of dollars.

We believe that similar would be the result in refer-

71

ence to many of our agricultural machines, if similar ef-
forts were made for their advancement.

Your Committee would suggest, that a specific pre-
mium should be oftered for the best agricultural machine
of every kind in use or needed on our farms ; and also,
that a crop of grass or grain or any other crop, necessary
to test the qualities of machines, should be produced on
the fair ground, and that machines for premiums should
be tested. By so doing, much interest would be added to
the annual exhibition, and the Committee could judge
of the merits of each machine.

We hope in future, more encouragement will be given
to this part of our Exhibition. For it is the science of
mechanism in the hand of the skillful inventor that has
so completely removed the "curse" from the soil, that
instead of its being a drudgery to till it, it is a source of
pleasure and profit.

There were thirty-three entries in all for our examina-
tion; five were mowing machines — the Buckeye, Kirby's,
Manney's, and Wood's. They all appeared well, and we
saw no reason why they would not do all that was claimed
for them. They each have their reputation among our
farmers. We should have liked to have seen them work,
and then we could speak of their merits. The Cylinder
plow seems to carry the palm, it being the only entry.
Its various combinations were clearly pointed out, all of
which we should have borne testimony to, had we seen
the practical demonstration.

There was one entry of churns, claimed as the " Air
Pressure." We think, if it will make butter as good, as
the machine itself (with the exhibitor) was attractive, that
it is worthy of the attention of all of our dairy women.

We should like to speak of each of the entries singly,
but our space will not allow. Suffice it to say, that we
were well pleased with them all. The Italian marble, and
other things by the same contributor, were very attrac-
tive— an axe among the tools marked No. 22, having two
edges, suggests to our mind that it would make a good

72

battle-axe — if not to hew down men, yet it would be val-
iant to hew down the forests. We should much rather
use it than a two-edged sword. The buggy and sleigh
from Belchertown, were of excellent workmanship, and
carried with them their own recommendation.

All the contributions in our class were very creditable,
and added much to the interest of the fair. We hope
there will be a greater variety another year. We regret
that so little money was at our disposal, since we could not
do justice to our feelings in point of award according to the
merits presented. We hope contributors will accept the
will for the deed, and receive with kind feelings what we
have given. LEVI ADAMS, Chairman.

REPORT ON MILCH COWS.

The Committee regret to report that they found their
department of the show very meager. Only two entries
were made, viz., by Messrs. Smith of North Hadley and
Cooley of Amherst. Mr. Smith's cow appeared, from his
verbal statement, to be quite valuable as a butter cow,
but no record having been kept of her yield of milk, and
no written statement as required by the rules of the Soci-
ety being presented, we were obliged to decline granting
a premium. The Committee had at their disposal $33.00
to bestow in premiums for an object every way worthy,
and we should be sorry to believe that there is no stock
within the limits of the Society worthy of the premiums
offered to this class.

That the dairy business is a good and paying business,
it is not very difficult to make appear, provided a judi-
cious course is pursued in two or three different particu-
lars. First, in the proper selection of stock ; second, in
supplying with regularity a sufficient amount of suitable
food; third, in using neatness and skill in the manufac-
ture, when butter or cheese are made.

We will not undertake to decide which of the various

73

breeds kept within the limits of our Society are most de-
sirable. It is a question of much difficulty, and probably
no one breed is best suited to all sections and purposes.
The Durham may excel for making beef; the Ayrshires
for affording milk in large quantities ; the Jerseys for
richness in the quality of their milk, and the choice qual-
ity of their butter ; while the Devons, for the compara-
tive small expense at which they are fed, with their good
return of milk and butter, and their excellence for work,
recommend themselves favorably to those who have given
them a trial.

But whatever selection is made of stock, only a poor
return can be expected either of milk or beef, without
regular and liberal feeding. It is not only very unprofit-
able, but quite unsatisfactory, to attempt furnishing the
products of the dairy from cows scantily fed. In no other
way but by good feeding can the business be made to pay.

Upon the mode of manufacturing butter and cheese,
very much is depending. A great quantity of poorly
made butter is sold at from twelve to seventeen cents per
pound, that, by proper care in the process of making and
packing, or " doing up," might quite as well bring twen-
ty-five cents, making a very essential difference in the
profit or loss of the business. We learn from a market
man that some of the butter makers in this state, who
have learned the art of making good butter, are finding
customers at the encouraging price of forty cents per
pound.

The manner of milking is probably of far greater im-
portance than usually considered. Cows should be
milked rapidly, and yet gently and thoroughly. Lazy,
careless milkers, stopping to talk, or for other purpose,
during the time of milking a cow, are unprofitable milk-
ers, if they work for nothing. Persons of little patience,
who frighten their cows by harsh words or useless blows,
are unfit for the business. A soothing tone of voice to
an uneasy, troublesome cow, is far better to make her
quiet and gentle than that which comes so natural to

74

many milkers. The old adage, " More flies may be
caught with molasses than vinegar," has an extensive ap-
plication. We commend the example of the good lady,
who said that one of their cows kicked so badly that
none of their boys or hired men could milk her, though
she had been most bountifully thrashed ; and she under-
took the task herself, and spoke gently to the poor, fright-
ened, trembling cow, and although she continued to milk
her, did not have any trouble in doing it. If a cow gives
an uncomfortable and unexpected kick, spilling a pail of
milk and knocking the milker into the dirt, who rises un-
der the provocation to give to "poor mooley " a vigorous
application of the milking-stool, our advice is, don't you
do it.

All of which is respectfully submitted. In behalf of
the Committee, ELIIIU SMITH, Chairman.

REPORT ON FARMS.

The Hampshire Agricultural Society in 1855, offered a
premium of fifty dollars for the farm that would show
the greatest improvement and the best management dur-
ing the next five years. The number of farms entered for
this premium was three, one of which has been withdrawn
by the owner.

Your Committe, received annual statements from A. A.
Rankin of Pelham and T. P. Huntington of Hadley, and
made yearly visits to their farms, and were hospitably re-
ceived.

IMPROVEMENTS.

Mr. Rankin's farm in Pelham, contains one hundred
and fifteen acres. In 1855 he improved seventy-five acres.
He now improves eighty-six and one-fourth acres. He
has reclaimed and brought under cultivation eleven and
one-fourth acres of hard, rocky, seemingly worthless land,
at a heavy expense of labor and time.

Mr. Huntington's farm in Hadley, on the east bank of

75

Connecticut river, contains thirty-nine acres, all under
culture, except woodland. He reports in 1855, eleven acres
in wood, and in 1860, thirteen acres. The only reclaimed
land, since 1855, is a muck hole, put into a condition to
produce grass.

FENCES.

Mr. Rankin has facilities for stone walls on his farm,
and skill in laying stone. His fences have been much
improved, and are always in good order. He has added
in five years, seventy rods of new stone wall, very hand-
somely built with his own hands.

Mr. Huntington's fences have suffered by Connecticut
river freshets and by time ; and, on the whole have not
improved.

FRUIT TREES.

Mr. Rankin has grafted some trees, and has set out
thirty -five young apple trees, which are thrifty and in
good condition.

Mr. Huntington has set out a small orchard of apple
and pear trees, and intends to set more. He does not give
the number in his statement.

FARM IMPLEMENTS.

Mr. Huntington has made important improvements un-
der this head. His example is commended to his brother
farmers. He has purchased a Billing's planter, an Allen's
mower, a rotary harrow, two new wagons, and a horse
cart. He has ripped open his guano bags, sewed up
stones in the corners for weights, and made some good hay
caps.

Mr. Rankin is well supplied with the usual farm tools,
kept in good order.

MANURES.

Mr. Huntington has made profitable experiments in the
use of muck for compost ; in the use of ashes for grass
(clover) seeding; and generally, in saving materials for
manure. He uses guano and phosphates to advantage,

76

and keeps his neat cattle in the barn or barn-yard, all the
year, for their manure.

Mr. Rankin buys only plaster. He judiciously irrigates
some land from a stream, that flows through his farm.
He gathers under his barn materials from all parts of his
farm to be composted by his hard-working hogs.

FARM STOCK.

Mr. Rankin's horses, cattle, and swine, have uniformly
been nice, with points of excellence, and show choice se-
lection, good breeding, and good keeping.

Mr. Huntiugton has made special efforts to improve his
swine and cattle. Unfortunately, his investment in Suf-
folk pigs, and in a Devon bull, proved nearly failures.
He has purchased a Short-horn heifer that promises
well. He has first rate horses, cows, and fowls.

PRODUCTIVENESS.

The annual statements show uniform good culture and
productiveness, with no extraordinary increase or de-
crease of crops.

CONCLUSION.

Your Committee regard Mr. Rankin's reclaiming eleven
and one-fourth acres of land, repairs of old fences, seventy
rods of new stone fence, planting thirty-five thrifty young
apple trees, as valuable improvements, worthy of premium.

We consider Mr. Huntington's new mower, planter, har-
row, &c, important improvements, worthy of premium.

We commend both competitors for general good hus-
bandry, and as model farmers; and respectfully recom-
mend a division of the Society's premium of fifty dollars be-
tween them, in proportion to the relative value and merit
of their improvements: To A. A. Rankin of Pelham,
$30; to T. P. Huntington of Hadley, $20.

JAMES W. BOYDEN, )
ALBERT MONTAGUE, V Committee.
LEVI D. COWLES, J

CROP STATEMENTS.

WHEAT.

john a. morton's statement.

My crop of wheat which is entered for a premium,
grew on one acre and eighty rods of ground. In 1859, I
put on twenty loads of green manure, and plowed in, to
the acre. Put a part of the land to tobacco, and part to
corn. Got a fair crop of each. About the middle of
April, 1860, I plowed the land seven inches deep ; put on
six loads of compost on the poorest part of the lot, and
run a harrow over it to level it before sowing. Soaked
four bushels of wheat in strong brine eight hours, then
turned off' the brine, and added slaked lime until it was
sufficiently dry to sow. The wheat was sown the 18th of
April, and harrowed in with a cultivator harrow. (Grass
seed was afterwards rolled in.) The crop was harvested
the 7th of August, and threshed in September.

The produce was 52 bushels of good clean wheat, weigh-
ing 63 pounds per bushel, and two tons of straw.

52 bushels wheat, at
Two tons straw,

Value of crop,

Plowing, sowing, and harvesting.

4 bushels of seed,

Threshing and cleaning,

Salt and lime,

Cost of crop, -

Profit, - - $74 50

11

75 per bushel,

$91 00
10 00

irvesting.

$8 00

8 00

10 00

50

$101 00

-

$26 50

78

LEVI STOCKBRIDGE'S STATEMENT.

My experiment with wheat was tried on two acres and
ninety-three rods of land. The soil was a sandy loam.
It was in broom-corn in 1859, and part of it had been
planted to broom-corn more than forty successive years.
The land was plowed the 14th of April, and sown the
16th. Instead of using the harrow, the seed was put in
with a large cultivator. No manure was applied, and the
seed (two bushels and one-half to the acre) was sown with-
out any previous preparation. It was harvested the 7th
and 8th of August, and threshed the 28th and 29th, yield-
ing one hundred bushels of well-cleaned wheat, weighing
64 pounds to the bushel, and three and one-half tons of
straw. The expense of raising was as follows:

Seed, - - - - $10 50

Plowing and harrowing, - - - - 5 25

Harvesting, - 6 00

Threshing, - - - - 10 00

Total, - $31 75

I make no estimate of the value of the wheat and straw,
thinking it better for the Committee to make some stand-
ard value for all competitors.

ENGLISH TURNIPS.

LEVI STOCKBRIDGE'S STATEMENT.

My experiment with English turnips was tried on one-
fourth of an acre of land ; the soil of a light sandy loam.
It was planted with broom-corn in 1859. In May it was
fitted for two crops, viz., broom-corn and turnips. After
plowing and harrowing, twenty loads of compost to the
acre were applied — ten loads in the hill for the broom-
corn, and ten loads spread broadcast on the land after the
broom-corn was planted, and left on the surface. The
16th of July the seed was sown broadcast among the corn

79

after the third hoeing, and left to be raked in by the rain.
The 20th of August I passed through the field with a hoe,
cutting out the turnips and leaving them in rows eigh-
teen inches apart, and from two to six inches apart in the
rows. They were harvested the 12th of November, and
yielded 9,400 pounds, or 37,600 pounds per acre. The cost
of raising was as follows :

Plowing, - - - - $0 43

Manure, - - - - 3 75

Sowing and hoeing, - - - 1 00

Harvesting, - - - - 2 00

Total, - - - $7 18

I make no estimate of the value of the crop, choosing
that you should make some standard value for all com-
petitors.

F. H. WILLIAMS' STATEMENT.

The piece of ground on which I raised my English
turnips the past season, and which I have offered for pre-
mium, contains 134 rods, from which we have harvested
600 bushels or 15 tons. The piece has produced a crop
of hay for the past three years without manure. A fair
crop of grass was taken from the ground the present sea-
son, 1860, when the sod was turned over about the middle
of July, and sowed in drills, two feet apart, with English
cow-horn turnips. We always raise turnips as a second
crop, and manure in drills, hoe, and thin to four inches
apart. Soil, sandy loam.

EXPENSES.

Manure, eighteen ox-cart loads, - $18 00

Cultivation and harvesting, - - 12 50

Expenses, ... $30 50

Fifteen tons at $8 per ton, - $120 00

Profit, $89 50

80
CARROTS.

F. H. WILLIAMS' STATEMENT.

The piece of ground on which I raised my carrots the
past season, contains eighty-seven and three-fourths rods,
from which we took four and three-fourths tons. These
were sold and delivered at fifteen dollars per ton. The soil
is a sandy or river loam. Part of the ground was an old sod
which had been mowed several years, and part produced
corn in 1859. Was not in a high state of cultivation in
the spring of 1860. I plowed eight inches deep and har-
rowed in the compost, sowed the fore part of May, in
drills eighteen inches apart. Hoed four times and thinned
to three inches apart in drills. Sowed the improved or-
ange carrot seed, at the rate of two pounds to the acre.

EXPENSES.

Eight ox-cart loads compost, - - $8 00

Cultivation and harvesting, - - 20 00

Seed, - - - - - - 1 50

$29 50

Four and three-fourths tons carrots at $12 00

a ton on the ground, - - 57 00

Profit $27 50

PREMIUMS.

Farms.— A. A. Rankin, Pelham, $30; T. P. Huntington, Hadley, $20.

Carrot Crops. — F. II. Williams, Sunderland, $5.

Turnip Crops. — L. Stockbridge, Hadley, $5.

"Wheat Crops. — L. Stockbridge, Hadley, $5.

Shade Trees. — D. Ballard, Wendell, $5.

Fruit Trees. — L. Boltwood, Amherst, $10.

Peach Trees.— E. H. Judd, South Hadley. $2.

Pear Trees.— E. H. Judd, South Hadley, $3.

Reports op Committees. — D. Rice, Leverett, $10; T. G. Huntington, Had-
ley, $5.

Plowing with Oxen. — L. W. Hannum, Belchertown, $5; L. Stockbridge,
Hadley, $3.

Plowing with Horses. — F. Russell, Hadley, $5 ; P. Bridgman, Belcher-
town, $3.

Spading.— D. O'Brian, Amherst, $3 ; T. White, Amherst, $2.

Collections of Fruit. — L. Boltwood, Amherst, $3 ; Miss A. Dickinson, Am-
herst, $2 ; J. C. White, Amherst, $1 ; R. E. Moore & Co., Chicopee, gratuity, $3.

Apples. — C. A. Eastman, Amherst. $3 ; S. S. Dickinson, Amherst, $2 ; B. D.
Cowles, Hadley, $1.

Pears. — J. E. Marshall, Amherst, $2.

Quinces. — E. Smith, Sunderland, $1.

Grapes. — A. L. Smith, Sunderland, $2 ; Mrs. L. D. Cowles, Amherst, $1.

Flowers. — Mrs. S. W. Boutwell, Leverett, $3 ; Emily Bishop, Amherst, 50c.

Stallions. — Strong & Lewis, Northampton, $10; A. Wilson, Belchertown.
$10 ; H. A. LoDgley, Belchertown, gratuity, $5.

Roadsters, Mares, and Colts. — Strong & Lewis, Northampton, $10 ; W.
S. Clark, Amherst, $5 ; L. Sweetser, Amherst, $3.

Draft Mares and Colts. — F. W. Field, Leverett, $5; H. A. Longley,
Belchertown, $3 ; O. Gay lord, Amherst, $1.

Colts — Stallions. — J. A. Clark, Greenfield, $5.

82

Colts of Three Years. — A. Graves, Sunderland, $5 ; H. Field, Leverett,
$3 ; J. C. White, Amherst, $1.

Colts op Two Years. — D. Blodgett, Enfield, $5 ; G. 0. Hannum, Belcher-
town, $3 ; A. Gray, Hadley, $2.

Colts op One Year. — N. L. Harlow. Amherst, $5; W. H. Smith, Lever-

Farm Horses — Single. — E. G. Field. Sunderland, $5 ; J. Jones, Pelham, $3 ;
S. Hobart, Leverett, $1.

Farm Horses —Pairs. — S. L. Parsons, Northampton, $5 ; J. Shaw, Pelham.
$3; L. D. Cowles, Amherst, $1 ; E. G. Stebbins, Deerfield, gratuity, $1.

Roadsters — Single. — W. Fuller, Palmer, $5 ; Strong & Lewis, Northampton.
$3 ; L. Sweetser, Amherst, $1.

Roadsters — Pairs. — Strong & Lewis, Northampton, $5 ; Whipple & Ward,
Amherst, $3 ; J. L. Briggs, Springfield, Certificate of Life Membership.

Walkers. — Strong & Lewis, Northampton, $2 50; C. Stratton, Amherst,
$2 50.

Trotters. — E.F.Cook, Amherst, $10; J. Reed, Palmer, Gratuity of Life
Member Certificate ; J. Reed, Palmer, gratuity, $5 ; S. Baker, Greenfield, gra-
tuity, $5.

Equestrianism. — W. S. Clark, Amherst, $5 ; C. S. Kenfield, Amherst, $3;
Miss M. W. Huntington, Hadley, gratuity, $3; Miss M. A. Wood, Northamp-
ton, gratuity, $1.

Working Oxen — Five Years Old. — A. Fales, Pelham, $5; H. Hawley.
Amherst, $3; A. A. Rankin, Pelham, $1.

Working Oxen — Four Years Old. — H. Blanchard, Amherst, $5; J. G.
Ward, Pelham, $3 ; S. D. Cooley, Amherst, $1 ; G. 0. Hannum, Belchertown, $1.

Oxen — Trained without Yoke. — A. Fales, Pelham, gratuity, $1.

Steers — Three Years Old. — G. N. Smith, Granby, $5; W. Graves, Lev-
erett, $3 ; L. W. Hannum, Belchertown, $1.

Steers — Two Years Old. — W. M. Kellogg, Amherst, $2.

Steers — Best Trained. — T. Buft'um, Pelham, $2.

Steers— One Year Old. — E. J. Aldrich, Granby, $2 ; A. Gates, Pelham, $1.

Fat Cattle. — A. King, Amherst, $5 ; W. A. King, Amherst, $3 ; A. C.
Marshall, Amherst, $1.

Bulls. — E. Smith & Co., South Hadley, $10; L. Sweetser, Amherst, $10; E.
P. Walker, Belchertown, gratuity, $5 ; E. Hobart, Amherst, gratuity, $1.

Heifers and Calves. — L. Sweetser, Amherst. $5 ; L. Sweetser, Amherst. $3 ;
A. G. Mosman, Amherst, $5 ; W. M. Kellogg, Amherst, $3 ; S. D. Cooley, Am-
herst, $1 ; L. Sweetser, Amherst, $5 ; S. D. Cooley, Amherst, $3 ; A. Gray,
Hadley, $3 ; F. H. Williams, Sunderland, $3.

Boars. — S. G. Perkins, Belchertown, $ 3 ; E. P. Walker, Belchertown, $2 ;
H. Cobb, Amherst, $1.

83

Sows and Pigs. — H. Cobb, Amherst, $3 ; P. D. Spaulding, Amherst, $2 ;
P. D. Spaulding, Amherst, $1.

Bucks. — P. D. Hubbard, Sunderland, $3 ; J. A. Morton, Hadley, $2.

Ewes. — S. W. Adams, Shutesbury, $3 ; P. Bridgman, Belchertown, $2.

Poultry.— J. Russell, Pelham, $2 ; J. G. Ward, Pelham, $1 ; R. D. Hubbard,
Sunderland, $2 ; S. W. Adams, Shutesbury, $1 ; H. Cobb, Amherst, $3.

Gymnastics. — D. F. Brigham, Amherst College, $2 ; D. F. Brigham, Amherst
College, $3 ; P. W. McManus, Amherst College, $2.

Vegetables. — E. Coy, Amherst, $3 ; T. Wynn, Hadley, $2 ; D. S. Cowles,
Hadley, $1.

Seeds, Grains, and Roots. — E. Montague, Belchertown, $1; Hills & Cur-
tis, Amherst, SI ; A. Gates, Pelham, $1 ; D. S. Cowles, Hadley, $1 ; L. Stock-
bridge, Hadley, $1 ; 0. Williams, Sunderland, $1 ;: F. H. Williams, Sunderland,
$1; J. E. Albee, Amherst, 25c; H. 0. Field, Leverett, 25c; A. Gates, Pel-
ham, 25c; E. A. Stanley, Amherst, 25c; L. Stockbridge, Hadley, $1; H. Mor-
ton, Hadley, $1; J. H. Adams, Hadley, $1; M. Cowles, Belchertown, $1; E.
Montague, Belchertown, $1 ; F. H. Williams, Sunderland, $1 ; E. Montague,
Belchertown, $1 ; Mrs. S. W. Boutwell, Leverett, $1 ; F. W. Field, Leverett,
50c; B. F. Dunkee, Sunderland, 50c; D. S. Cowles, Hadley, $1; W. Boltwood,
Amherst, gratuity, 50c; J. A. Morton, Hadley, gratuity, 50c

Domestic, and other Manufactures. — Lucy Wildes, Amherst, $2; E.
Mosman, Amherst, 50c; R. W. Stratton, Amherst, $2 ; Mrs. S. F. Sears, Am-
herst, 50c; Aurelia Eddy, Amherst, 50c; Mrs. A. Church, Amherst, 25c; Mrs.
S. A. Thayer. Belchertown, 75c; Mrs. C. D. Dickinson, Hadley, 75c; Mrs. C.
D. Dickinson, Hadley, $1 75; Sarah J. Nash, Hadley, 25c; Mrs. Z. Ward,
Amherst, 25c; Susan H. Chaffee, Amherst, $1 50; Mrs. W. E. Mather, Am-
herst, $1; Mrs. R. Turner, Amherst, $1; Stella Hobart, Amherst, 25c; O.
Watson, Amherst, $3 ; Mrs. S. W. Boutwell, Leverett, $1 ; Mrs. L. W. Hibbard,
Hadley, 50c; Harriet Hibbard, Hadley, $1 75; Rebecca Horton, Hadley,
$1 50; Mrs. M. Hubbard, Sunderland, $1 50; Mrs. E. Clark, Plainfield, $1 50;
Mrs. A. Clark, Plainfield, $1 25 ; Mrs. L. O. Chittenden, Sunderland, 25c; Maria
J. Russell, Hadley, 50c; Mrs. N. Mayo, Amherst. 75c; Mrs. N. Mayo, Am-
herst, 75c; Pamelia Mayo, Amherst, $1 ; F. G. Clark, Amherst, $1 ; Susan
Sanderson, Sunderland, 50c; Mrs. A. Hobart, Sunderland, $1 ; Rosetta Graves,
Sunderland, 25c; Alice J. Heard, Hadley, 50c; Mrs. C. Porter, Leverett, $1 ;
Mrs. J. A. Pierce, Amherst, 50c; L. M. Hills & Son, Amherst, $4; M. Marsh,
Amherst, $1; Maria J. Russell, Hadley, 50c

Fancy Articles. — Mrs. G. Stoddard, Belchertown, $1 ; Mrs. F. Tuxbury,
Hadley, $1 50 ; Maria Field, Leverett, 25c; W. Albee, Amherst, 25c; Emma
Dickinson, Amherst, 25c; Edward A. Church, Amherst, 25c; Miss F. G. Fish,
Amherst, 25c; A. Whipple, Amherst, 50c; P. C. Hastings, Amherst, 25c; Kate
Powers, Amherst, 25c; Ellen R. Dickinson, Amherst, 25c; Mary E. Hills, Am-
herst, 25c; Mary W. Allen, Amherst, 50c; E. E. Cook, Hadley, 50c; Louisa
Bangs, Amherst, 25c; Mrs. E. Hunt, Belchertown, 50c; M. A. Aiken, Hadley,
25c; Mrs. S. K. Orr, Amherst, $1 50 ; Mrs. C. Stratton, Amherst, 50c; Mrs. C.

84

S. Kenfield, Amherst, $1; C. S. Kenflcld, Amherst, $1; Mrs. Longley, Amherst,
$1; Fanny Rowland, Amherst, 25c.: Sarah R. Lyman, Sunderland, $1 75;
Elizabeth D. Adams, Hadley, 25c; II. Goombs, Belchertown, 25c; Abby J.
Dickinson, Amherst, 50c; Harriet E. Holland, Amherst, $1 : Harriet E. Leon-
ard, Amherst, 50c

Mechanic Arts. — S. Vance, Amherst College, $1 50; M. Cowles, Belchertown,
50c and P. 0. Rep.; a. Warner, Amherst. P. O. Rep.; S. G. Gilbert, Amherst, P. O.
Rep.; A. A. Matthews, Leverett, $1 ; J. W. Ilobart, Amherst. P. O. Rep.; Chap-
man & Allen, Belchertown, P. O. Rep.; E. Russell, Amherst, $1 ; J. Shaw, Am-
herst, 50c and P. O. Rep.; H. Gray, Pelham, P. 0. Rep.; S. D. Cowles, Belch-
ertown, $3 ; S. Pepper & Son, Belchertown, $1 and P. 0. Rep.; Merrill Bros.,
Northampton, $2 ; P. Dickinson, Amherst, $1 ; L. H. Allen, Amherst, $2 ; W.
Billings, Amherst, P. 0. Rep.; E. Smith, Amherst, P. 0. Rep.; J. Kellogg, Am-
herst, 50c and P. 0. Rep.; G. Burnham, Amherst, 50c and P. 0. Rep.; 0. M.
Clappj Amherst, $1 and P. 0. Rep.; D. S. Cooke, Amherst, $1 and P. 0. Rep.;
J. H. Robbins, Amherst, P. 0. Rep.; E. D. Hubbard, Amherst, P. 0. Rep.; S.
A. House, Hadley, gratuity, $1.50.

Wheat Bread. — Mrs. F. Tuxbury, Hadley, $2 ; Mrs. H. 0. Williams, Sun-
derland, $1.

Rye Rread. — Mrs. S. Jewett, Pelham, $2 ; Mrs. 0. Williams, Sunderland,
$1 ; Rizpah S. Boltwood, Amherst, gratuity, 50c; Mrs. C. B. Hubbard, Sunder-
land, gratuity, 50c

Rye and Indian Bread. — Mrs. J. B. Hall, Amherst, $2 : Mrs. C. B. Hub-
bard, Sunderland, $1.

Butter. — Mrs. C. Cowles, Amherst, $1 20 ; Mrs. S. W. Boutwell, Leverett,
$1 20; Mrs. J. W. Nash, Hadley, $1 20; Mrs. R. Thayer, Belchertown, $1 20;
Mrs. C. B. Hubbard, Sunderland, $1 20.

Cheese. — Mrs. L. H. Pomeroy, Amherst, $2 ; Charlotte Dickinson, Amherst, $1 .

Honey.— D. S. Cowles, Hadley, $2 ; J. Root, Enfield, $1.

ANALYSIS OF PREMIUMS.

For Farm Improvements, ... - $96 00

" Crops, - - - - - - 24 00

" Farm Implements, - - - - 1 50

" Cattle, .... - 98 00

" Horses, ... 152 00

" Sheep, - - 10 00

" Swine, - - - 12 00

" Poultry, - - - 9 00

" Butter and Cheese, - - - 11 00

" Fruits and Flowers, - - - - 24 50

" All other Agricultural objects, 31 00

" Miscellaneous Articles. - - - 88 60

Total Awards, - $557 60

Number of Premiums awarded, 1 74.

TREASURER'S REPORT.

RECEIPTS.

On hand at date of last Report, - - $327 79

Loans paid, ... 1,763 32

State Bounty, - - 600 00

Received at the Fair, - - 586 90

Life members, old, - - - 32 68

Life members, new, - 253 00

Interest of Permanent Fund, - - 183 54

Dinner tickets sold, - - - 115 75

Agricultural Hall dividend, - - 25 70

DISBURSEMENTS.

5,888 68

Permanent Fund expenses, - - $3,471 41

Current expenses, - 405 82

Premiums of 1859, - - 47 58

Premiums of 1860, - 425 42

$4,350 23
PERMANENT FUND.

Investment in Hampshire Hall and Park, - $3,972 18

" Agricultural Hall, - - 642 50

" Cattle pens, tables, &c., - 252 94

Guarantee note of Israel H. Taylor, and others, 500 00

Outstanding notes of members, (considered good,) - 103 65

Due from, a female life member, - - 2 50

Total Permanent Fund, - - $5,473 77

Respectfully submitted,

LUCIUS M. BOLTWOOD, Treasurer.
Amherst, Dec. 25, 1860.

12

ANNALS.

BY LEVI STOCK BRIDGE

As an important change lias been made this year in the manner
of conducting our operations, it is essential that a concise statement
be made, showing what that change has been, the reasons therefor,
and the results.

For several years after our organization, we were dependent on
private individuals or the town of Amherst for grounds and halls,
for our annual exhibitions. In process of time, as neither the town
nor private individuals could provide a hall for our use, its officers
were necessitated to build a hall unauthorized by a vote of the Soci-
ety, and which has been the only public hall in Amherst from that
time to this. At the annual meeting in 1859, the Society was in-
formed that the grounds on which we had held our show had been
granted to another association, and would not be again opened for
our use. There had been, for several years, a constantly growing
conviction in the minds of a large number of the active members of
the Society, that it should own grounds on which to hold its annual
exhibitions, in order to increase our income, and render them pleas-
ant and profitable. Nearly all the agricultural societies of the
State had grounds, and were prosperous and successful in promoting
the objects for which they were organized, while our Society,
although it secured the services of intelligent, active men for its offi-
cers, was from year to year running behind in its hold on the sympa-
thies and interests of the farming community, and in pecuniary
ability. Not only was all the income of the permanent fund ex-
pended in the current expenses, or working machinery of the Soci-
ety, but a large portion of the State bounty was consumed in the

87

same way, and no addition made to the permanent fund. A notice
had heen received from the Secretary of the Board of Agriculture,
that the bounty would be withheld unless it was expended in premi-
ums, or added to the fund. The Society had arrived at a point
where something must be done to revive its waning prosperity.

With all these facts and reasons before them, and after a full and
free discussion of the subject in all its bearings, by members from
various towns, a vote was passed by a large majority instructing the
Executive Committee to purchase or lease grounds and fit them for
exhibition purposes, if it could be clone within the limits of the fund.
Many members had expressed fears that the measure would be de-
moralizing in its influence, from the undue preponderance it might
give to the exhibition of horses ; and that the fund might be lost or
impaired by taking it from investments secured by mortgage, and
expending it on grounds and fixtures. All, however, appeared to
acquiesce in the proposed measure cheerfully, willing to give it a
fair trial.

As soon as practicable, the Committee, with no personal or private
ends to accomplish, but simply to obey their instructions, and pro-
mote the best interests of the Society and the farming community,
commenced their labors in accordance with the vote. It was con-
sidered desirable to select a location for the grounds near Amherst
Center; and much time and labor were expended, in efforts to that
end. But the attempt was a failure. Owing to the inequalities of
the surface, the nature of the soil, and the price of land in that vi-
cinity, it was found to be utterly impracticable ; and a location was
^elected in East Amherst, one and one-fourth miles from the Com-
mon. The plot of land secured contains sixteen and one-half acres,
is perfectly level, and beautifully situated on the Belchertown road.
The soil a sandy loam, with a gravelly sub-soil, and in every re-
spect exactly suited for its intended purpose. It was cheaply pur-
chased for six hundred and fifty dollars.

As soon as it became generally known that a site had been se-
lected and probably purchased, great dissatisfaction was expressed
in certain quarters, and an attempt made to prevent the accomplish-
ment of the plan resolved upon by the Officers. A meeting of the
disaffected was called, and resolutions couched in the strongest lan-
guage were passed, impugning the motives and condemning the
course of the Committee. At this juncture, the Officers, in order to
allay the groundless excitement, and to bring their plans before

88

those who placed them in power, deemed it expedient to call a meet-
ing of the Society to " see what action it would take in relation to
the show ground." This meeting was held in April. And after a
patient and impartial hearing of the facts in the case, pro and con,
resolutions were passed approving the course of the Committee in
regard to the location, and instructing them to proceed in their work,
and fit the grounds. A vote was also passed by a large majority,
authorizing them to build a hall on the same, provided they could
raise one thousand dollars, and do it without involving the Society
in debt.

Encouraged by this vote of approval, and stimulated by new
instructions, the Committee commenced their labors with renewed
energy. The grounds were enclosed with a tight board fence ; a
model half-mile track graded, all the land within the enclosure
plowed, leveled and smoothed, seats and judges' stand erected, and
Avells dug for the accommodation of stock. The croAvning feature of
all was the hall. This the Committee were instructed not to erect
until they had first secured an addition to the funds of the Society
of one thousand dollars, and that was a task not easily accomplished.
The season advanced, and the time of the show approached — the
money was not forthcoming — the hall not built.

In this emergency several public spirited individuals came nobly
forward and gave their obligation to the amount of five hundred dol-
lars, that the Committee might proceed to erect the hall. As this
obligation secured the requisite sum, a contract was entered into
with John II. Haskins to erect a building one hundred feet long and
fifty feet wide, with a hall above for addresses and dinner, and one
below for exhibition purposes. This contract was made early in Sep-
tember, and not a stick of timber had been cut for the purpose, but
by the indomitable energy and skill of the contractoi*, the foundations
were laid, and the superstructure completed ready for use the 10th
of October. At a meeting of the Committee it was voted unanimous-
ly to name the grounds Hampshire Park, and the hall, Hampshire
Hall, "and to authorize the President, Prof. William S. Clark to
christen the same, and dedicate them to the uses of the Society. At
a meeting held in the. hall, of a large portion of the members of the
Society, and of nearly all the surrounding community on the 25th of
October, the christening ceremony and dedication took place. The
utmost enthusiasm and good feeling prevailed, and after interesting
speeches by several gentlemen the motion was made by I. F.

89

Conkey, Esq., that the hall and park be named Hampshire Hall and
Hampshire Park. Whereupon Prof. Clark formally stated the mo-
tion, which was carried unanimously, and proceeded to the christ-
ening by sprinkling the floor with water from the Connecticut,
devoting the hall and grounds to the interests of farm labor, me-
chanic industry and sound morality, in the following words :

" By virtue of authority conferred upon me by a special vote of the
Executive Committee of the Hampshire Agricultural Society ; and
by the unanimous consent of this assembly, composed as it is largely
of members of said Society, I formally set apart and solemnly de-
vote these grounds and this hall to the noble purposes of the Society,
to wit : ' The encouragement and promotion of Agriculture and the
Mechanic Arts ; ' and I denounce as profanation any use of them
which conflicts with the principles of sound morality. In perform-
ing the last act of this ceremony, I shall sprinkle the floor of this
building not with oil nor wine which have been commonly employed
upon similar occasions, but with the pure water of our own famous
New England river, the beautiful and ever bountiful Connecticut.
Now, therefore, I declare the name of this edifice to be ' Hamp-
shire Hall' ; and the name of this enclosure to be ' Hampshire Park'
— and may these names be preserved untarnished to remotest gener-
ations."

CATTLE SHOW AND FAIR.

The following account of the Eleventh Annual Cattle Show and
Fair of the Society held at Hampshire Park, October 11th and
12th, is compiled from the excellent report published in The Hamp-
shire and Franklin Express :

The Society now possesses a fine park, as good a trotting track as
can be found in this part of the State, a fine hall, large enough to ac-
commodate the wants of the exhibitors, a fine hall above for the din-
ner and addresses, large enough to seat 1000 persons comfortably.

Under such favorable auspices, the Hampshire Agricultural So-
ciety gave its Eleventh Annual Exhibition. Notwithstanding the
cold water thrown upon the enterprise by disaffected members, the
entire withdrawal of others, the fears of Pleuro Pneumonia among
large numbers of cattle raisers, in spite of all obstacles, the exhibition
it must be admitted, has been a complete success.

The weather of Thursday was one great drawback and many per-

90

sons remained at home, who dreaded coming, through fear of rain,
which did not come, however, and thus the show was -robbed of
some of its best contributors. Many got the impression that the show
of cattle was much smaller than it really was, as they were accus-
tomed to see the cattle huddled together upon the common. Here
they were extended over a large space and looked comparatively
fewer than they were. The same remark will apply with equal force
to the exhibition in the hall. The show of goods was really better
than usual, although the hall was not filled. In every department,
however, there was a good exhibition of excellent articles.

The grounds and the proceedings were under the direction of Chief
Marshal II. A. Longley, assisted by I. F. Conkey, Oliver Watson
Chester Stratton and Enos F. Cook. Admirable order was preserv-
ed, and under a judicious and skillful arrangement of the exercises,
everything passed off pleasantly.

Seats to accommodate several hundred were erected, and found
ready occupants. The usual number and variety of pedlars were
present and plied their vocations with evident success.

On Thursday, the day set apart for the display of stock other than
horses, the weather was lowering and the display was probably less
than it would otherwise have been. Nevertheless there were some
fine animals on exhibition. A reference to the premium list will dis-
close the number. Mr. Appleton King exhibited a yoke of grade
Short-horn cattle, five years old, and weighing 3520 pounds. They
were the finest yoke of fat cattle present.

Luke Sweetser exhibited his Ayrshire stock, thirteen head in all.
Among them was his celebrated cow " Beauty," rightly named. She
weighs 860 lbs. and has given that quantity of milk in twenty days.
The bull "Essex" was recently purchased of Dr Loring of Salem.
He is six years old, and weighs 1500 lbs.

Edmund Smith exhibited a two year old. Short-horn bull, bred by
Paoli Lathrop and owned by an association in Hadley and Granby.

The entire exhibition of stock was smaller than usual.

In the- afternoon the Plowing Match occupied the attention of the
spectators. There were but five entries. Gibbs' cylinder plow
seems to be a general favorite with our farmers, and their use at-
tested to their excellence.

In the Spading Match but two entries were made, but the work
was well done.

The Gymnastic Exercises occurred according to the programme.

91

There were several contestants for the prizes offered, and some feats
of strength and agility were performed to the astonishment and ad-
miration of the crowd.

At 2 1-2 o'clock P. M. the Address was delivered in the hall
by Dr. Loring of Salem.

The following Hymn, written for the occasion by Rev. Mr. Sewall.
was sung by the choir, under the direction of Mr. Cheney.

HYMN.

Tune. — " Old Hundred."

Light o'er our hills, this festive day.
From ev'ry heart sends gloom away ;
For we, 0 Lord ! thy gracious care
And promis'd blessing gladly share.

Seed-time and harvest yet again.
Have prov'd our labor not in vain;
And not in vain the hope of Spring
That ripen'd fruits would Autumn bring.

Then, Lord ! to thee to whom we owe
All that has made the harvest grow, —
All that now makes our hearts rejoice, —
We raise our psalm with grateful voice.

Trusting thy promise while we live,
Life to thy service, Lord ! we give ;
Then may we reap, life's seed-time o'er,
Harvests of joy unknown before.

At the conclusion of the Address, the Premiums were announced
on all entries but horses.

On Friday the sun rose in all its glory. A finer day could not be
asked for. The attendance upon the fair was immense. It showed
that the Horse still holds an important place in the affections or the
curiosity of the people, and that the managers of the Society made no
mistake when they devoted so large a portion of the time and pre-
miums to his exhibition.

The attendance of ladies was large, full half the number on the
grounds being of the gentler sex. In the hall, too, they lent their
presence and their smiles, and no doubt added much to the attractive-
ness of the inside show.

The display of articles in the hall, was very fine, a description of
all the note worthy things would exceed our limits.

In the Horse department, the entries were quite numerous. The
animals were as a class very fine, and the exhibition of their speed
and training occupied the principal part of the day.

92

The announcement of premiums on horses closed the proceedings
of the day, and the Show. Every one seemed satisfied,- and every
one seemed willing to grant that this exhibition had been an entire
success.

Financially it was certainly so. Rising six hundred dollars in-
come was derived by the Society from the sale of tickets and the rent
of grounds to pedlers. In former years but little over $100 has been
taken in this way. The Society is now established on a firm basis,
and may be classed among the permanent institutions of the country.

THE DINNER.

At 12^ o'clock a good old-fashioned time for eating dinner, the
President announced that this truly interesting exercise would be at-
tended to. The hall had been arranged for the dinner, and plates
laid for 200 persons. Every ticket was sold long before the time of
dining, and many and clamorous were the calls for them which the
committee received. Without doubt double the number could have
been sold, had there been accommodations for them. The dinner
was provided by Mr. Howe of the Amherst House. The tables were
tastefully arranged, and the supply of good wholesome food was abund-
ant. " Enough and to spare " was truly the motto for the occasion.
After gaining admission to the hall, the company seated themselves
at the table, and, after listening to the invocation of the divine bless-
ing by Rev. Mr. Sewall, at the word from the President, the company
fell to and did full justice to the bill of fare.

Immediately after satisfying the cravings of the inner man, the
President called the company to order, and in a few words of com-
mon sense talk, explained what had been done by the Officers of the
Society. He said it would be recollected that in the revolutionary
war a famous battle was fought which was decisive of the interests of
the country. So in Amherst, a famous battle had been fought between
certain men, about the society's grounds, and this might also be called
the battle of the " Cow-pens." This also had been as decisive in its
results. • It had decided the future of the Society.

It must now go ahead. He was happy to meet the farmers here
— happy to see so many friends — sorry for the absence of so many
faces, whom he had been wont to meet at these gatherings. He
hoped to meet them yet. The past was gone, he had differed in
opinion with them, but he harbored not one thought against any one
of them. The result of the show proves the foresight of the Commit-

93

tee, that their predictions were right. The opponents of the Commit-
tee were wrong. They are not here, they fell in the battle of the
"Cow-pens." Old Fogyism is past. Young America now holds the
reins. He thanked those friends who had so kindly sustained the
Committee in their dark day, and in the severest trial had come to the
rescue and furnished them with the means to erect the hall. Had
they not done so, the Society would have been without a place of
meeting. Thanks to them, and to Mr. Haskins the enterprising
builder of the hall for his successful completion of his contract under
great difficulties. In conclusion the President said there were many
distinguished men present from abroad, whom he wanted to call upon
for a speech, but he must remind them that brevity was the soul of
wit, and he would therefore limit them to five minutes. Following
a scriptural injunction he would begin at Jerusalem, and introduce to
the audience, Rev. C. L. Woodworth of East Street.

Mr. Woodworth inquired if he had not made a mistake ; it was
commonly reported that he lived in Sodom ! He was glad to say that
he approved of the hall. He liked it all. But it was unnecessary to
praise it. It spoke for itself. It reminded him of a country clergy-
man who received at the Commencement of some college the honor-
ary degree of D. D. He quietly returned to his home and said noth-
ing about it. Some fifteen days after, his wife discovered the an-
nouncement in a paper. Rushing to the study of her husband, she
inquired wildly, " Husband, did you know they had made a D. D. of
you ? " " Yes," says the minister quietly. " But why did you not tell
me." " Oh," replies the husband, " I thought I would let it speak for
itself." He rejoiced in the prosperity of the Society. He would say to
them, go on. There was no use in trying to go back to the old plan.
A certain minister went to a blacksmith to get his horse shod. He in-
quired of the smith, whether if he furnished the iron, it would make
any difference in the price. " Yes," says the blacksmith. So the
minister takes his horse home and the next day comes again with his
horse and a piece of iron carefully enveloped in a paper. Unrolling it
he hands it to the blacksmith, who looks at it and says, " why this is
cast iron." " Yes," says the minister, " it is a piece of an old skillet
handle and I thought it would make a couple of excellent horse shoes."
Now you may just as well undertake to make a horse-shoe of a skillet
handle as to have an agricultural society without these appliances. He
bid them go on. Some of his people had said, " Why you don't mean
to encourage horse-racing ?" " No ! not in the ordinary sense," but he
13

94

believed God made the horse for speed, and that it was no sin to put
him to his appropriate use, without abuse. He had no objections to
the race-course. It reminded him of some of the finest passages in
the Bible. It was the type of the Christian's life. And if it had ac-
complished no other good in the world, that one thought of the apostle
clothed in such beautiful language, counterbalanced all the evil that
had ever resulted from the race course.

The President then introduced to the audience Rev. Charles C.
Sewall, of Medfield, delegate from the State Board of Agriculture,
with many compliments.

Mr. Sewall, said he hardly knew whether he should thank him for
his statements — that was a matter for consideration ; it is not quite
fair to put an old man on the stand after such a dinner. He thanked
the ladies and gentlemen for their faith in him, which was more than
a grain of mustard seed, I thank you honestly and heartily, it gives
me great pleasure to see you. I congratulate you upon the suc-
cess of the Society, for it is a success. Although this is the first
time in my life that I have had the pleasure of meeting with you.
This hall, which has risen as by a magic wand attests to the enter-
prise of the Society. I love farming, and I say to these young men
stick to your farms. Do not be tempted to leave them. Do not be
enticed to the city by any fictitious show or fancied advantage. The
farmer only is independent. Stick to your farms, cultivate them —
cultivate your minds — and cultivate your heart.

The President said he had been so successful in getting speeches
from ministers that he would call upon another one whom he saw
there — Rev. Erastus Hopkins, of Northampton.

Mr. Hopkins enquired if he could not transfer his five minutes to
the next speaker, for he had nothing to say — and he had always
noticed that when a man had nothing to say he always talked the
longest. He said that as he expected to make a speech and tell
what he thought of the show, and as he was of an aristocratic turn —
and had seen nothing of the grounds, he should confine himself to
the higher department and talk of the dinner. This was really a
part of the Show, all flesh is grass, and therefore the people before
him were a part of the agricultural products. He thought with
Borne slight imperfections which he could point out, this might be
called a fine collection. He then paid a tribute to the New England
Farmer. There was no laboring population on the face of the globe
that could compare with them. And the towns of the Connecticut

95

valley were the best of them all. With such happy remarks he con-
cluded his speech, and received the applause of the audience.

Prof. Clark next called upon the Chairman of the Committee on
Equestrianism, Mr. George "W. Horr, of New Salem.

Mr. Horr said he had just discovered that there was an eagle
perched above his head, and therefore, perhaps the audience would
expect a spread-eagle speech from him. Perhaps the President,
had called on him to show the contrast between a good speaker and
a poor one. Or perhaps on the principle that extremes should meet,
as he came from one end of the country and the gentleman who had
preceded him from the other. He testified to the success of the
Show. The course of the Committee reminded him of the divisions
of a discourse that a good old minister used to make, First, necessity ;
second, practicability; third, glorious destiny. The meeting last
spring demonstrated the necessity of these grounds ; the show of to-
day demonstrated its practicability, and when the old members who
are now disaffected shall return, it will arrive at its glorious destiny.

Prof. Clark said it would be recollected that the subject of the
address last year, was " Muscular Christianity." This year, he was
happy to announce to the Society that the College had secured a
Professor in that department, and that he was with them. In in-
troducing Dr. J. W. Hooker, he would give as a sentiment :

Amherst College — May her students be always as able to compete success-
fully with the young farmers of Amherst, in feats of muscular strength and
agility, as they were yesterday, and may her officers never feel any less in-
terest in the progress of agriculture and the prosperity of the Hampshire Agri-
cultural Society.

Dr. Hooker took the floor and made an amusing speech, replete
with anecdotes and wit. His speech was well x*eceived, and the au-
dience undoubtedly got a good impression of "muscular Christianity,"
taking the professor as a representation of it.

The President of the Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin Agri-
cultural Society, Mr. Huntington, being present, was called on, and
made an excellent speech. He gave this sentiment : " Gallant
horsemanship, and gallantry to the ladies — Two necessary recmisites
to muscular Christianity." He closed with the following: "Our
Agricultural Societies — They will be living institutions just so long
as they have living men to support them."

Leander Wetherell, formerly editor of The Amherst Express, was
then called on, and responded in a fine speech, in which he paid a
glowing tribute to the Society.

96

The choir then favored the audience with a hynm. This choir
was composed of one hundred singers, under the direction of Mr.
Cheney. The singing was fine, and was well received by the au-
dience. The following are the words sung, composed by Mr. E. P.
Dyer, of Amherst College :

HYMN.

Air. — " America^

Raise high the harvest song.
Ye farmers, old and 3roung,

To Nature's King;
To Him who crowns your toil,
Who bids the stubborn soil
Its stores of "corn and oil/'

In harvest, bring.

"When spring was budding bright.
With cheerful hearts, and light,

We held the plow ;
Through summer's sun and rain,
Till autumn came again,
We toiled, and not in vain, —

All grateful now.

Ere frost had seared the leaves,
The reapers brought their sheaves.

Rejoicing home;
And now our bins behold !
All filled with yellow gold, —
Oh, let His praise be told

To heaven's high dome.

God of the harvest time,
With voice and song sublime.

We shout thy praise !
To bless the rolling year
Thy hand is ever near,
Inspiring love and fear

In all thy ways.

Prof. Clark next introduced Dr. Loring, as " the man who com-
bines successful experience as a practical farmer, with extensive
scholarly attainments, and the rare gifts of the orator, and especially
worthy of esteem and honor."

Dr. Loring responded. An attempt to give any synopsis of his
response would prove a failure. It needed to be heard to be ap-
preciated. Suffice it to say, that he convulsed the audience with
laughter, and sat down when he could no longer make his voice
heard above the noise of applause.

Mr. Sweetser was next introduced to the audience as the poet of
the day. The poem closed the exercises in the hall, and the audience

97

dispersed to the grounds to witness the feats of equestrianism. The
dinner is spoken of by all who were present, as one of the most
successful dinners which it had ever been their good fortune to be
present at. It was a decided success.

The beneficial results of the change made, have already developed
themselves in every department of the Society's operations. An in-
terest in the Society, and the objects it is intended to promote, has
been manifested which was never before seen. The fathers and
mothers, the sons and daughters of the County, were present at the
show, eager and interested spectators or participants in all its exer-
cises, and carried to their homes more elevated views of their pur-
suit, and stronger desires to excel, as tillers of the soil.

In a pecuniary view the change is as marked. The cost of Hamp-
shire Hall and Park was nearly $4000, but it has all been paid. The
fund has been increased nearly $1800 making it not far from $5500.
One hundred and thirty new life members have been obtained. The
income of the permanent fund, which in 1859 was $294, has this year
increased to $780, or much more than doubled. In 1859, premiums
were paid to the amount of $256; this year, $850 were offered in
pi*emiums and more than $500 paid.

No unfavorable results have been caused by the new system on
the morals of the members, or of the community. Notwithstanding
the great crowd which assembled on our grounds at the annual fair,
order, sobriety and decorum were striking features of the occasion.
Less reveling, confusion and disturbance were witnessed than are
usual at large gatherings. In view of these results the members of
the Society have abundant cause for congratulation and for encour-
agement in the future. Let them but be faithful and their exhibi-
tions will henceforth be worthy of old Hampshire county and of the
noble objects of their organization.

BY-LAWS

OF THE

Art. 1. The Officers of this Society shall be one President, six
Vice Presidents, a Secretary and Treasurer and an Executive Com-
mittee of seven, to be chosen by ballot, except the Vice Presidents
who may be chosen by nomination at the annual meeting, and to
serve one year, and until others are chosen in their stead.

Art. 2. The President shall preside at all meetings of the So-
ciety, and in his absence one of the Vice Presidents.

Art. 3. The Secretary shall keep a true record of all the doings
of the Executive Committee and of the Society.

Art. 4. The Treasurer shall keep an account of all monies, re-
ceived into and paid out of the treasury. His accounts shall always
be open to inspection by any member of the Society, and he shall
give Bond, in such sum as shall be designated by the Executive
Committee, for the faithful discharge of his duties, and he shall make
an annual report, previously audited.

Art. 5. It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee, to
call special meetings of the Society, and upon the request of not less
than ten members from each of four different towns they shall call
such meetings ; to designate the time and place of annual exhibitions,
and make all necessary arrangements therefor ; to appoint Sub-Com-
mittees for examination and to award premiums ; and to have a gen-
eral supervision over the funds and affairs of the Society. The
President and Secretary shall be members of the Executive Com-
mittee.

99

Art. 6. The Annual Meeting of the Society shall be held on
the last Wednesday of December each year, and twenty members
shall constitute a quorum to do business.

Art. 7. Notices for all meetings of the Society shall be signed
by the President and Secretary, and published in some newspaper
in the County, or circulated by handbills, or in any other manner,
that may be designated by the Executive Committee.

Art. 8. Any male person may become a Life Member by pay-
ing to the Treasurer the sum of five dollars. Any lady, by payment
of two dollars and fifty cents, may become a Life Member.

Art. 9. All premiums not called for within six weeks after the
same are awarded shall be paid into the treasury and be considered
as presented to the Society.

Art. 10. These By-Laws may be amended or altered by a ma-
jority of the members present at any legal meeting.

OFFICERS

PRESIDENT,

WILLIAM S. CLARK, of Amherst.

VICE PRESIDENTS,

THOMAS BUFFUM, of Pelham,
ASA L. FIELD, of Leverett,
HORACE HENDERSON, of Amherst,

LORENZO S. NASH, of Granby,

DAVID RICE, of Leverett,

N. AUSTIN SMITH, of Sunderland.

SECRETARY AND TREASURER,

LUCIUS M. BOLT WOOD, of Amherst.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE,

HENRY COBB, of Amherst,
ENOS F. COOK, of Amherst,
PAOLI LATHROP, of South Hadley,

HENRY A. LONGLEY. of Belchert'D.
JOHN M. SMITH, of Sunderland,
LEVI STOCKBRIDGE, of Hadley.

OLIVER WATSON, of Amherst.

AUDITOR,

LUKE SWEETSER, of Amherst.

DELEGATE TO THE STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE,

LEVI STOCKBRIDGE, of Hadley.

LIFE MEMBERS

OF THE

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS.

Hon. A. H. Bullock, of "Worcester.
Hon. C. C. Chaffee, of Springfield.
Hon. George T. Davis, of Greenfield.
Hon. Edward Dickinson, of Amherst.
Charles L. Flint, Esq., of Boston.
Prof. Wm. C. Fowler, of Durham, Conn.
W. C. Goldthwait, Esq., Longmeadow.

*Hon. J. C. Gray, of Boston.
Prof. Edward Hitchcock, of Amherst.
Prof. F. D. Huntington, D.D., Boston.
Z. C. Montague, Esq., of Amherst.
Hon. J. H. W. Page, of Boston.
Hon. J. Y. Smith, of Providence, R. I.
Hon. M. P. Wilder, Dorchester. 14

Adams, Asa
Adams, Mrs. Asa
Adams, Charles
Adams, Mrs. Charles
Adams, John S.
Adams, Mrs. John S.
Ainsworth, Forrester
Albee, John E.
Aldrich, Charles P.
Allen, Benjamin W.
Allen, Benjamin W. 2d
* Allen, Hiram H.
Allen, Mrs. Hiram H.
Allen, Lysander H.
Allen, M. Adams
*Allen, Nathaniel
*Ames, Edwin
Ayers, Elijah
Ayers, Mrs. Elijah
*Ayers, Josiah
Baker, Alfred
Baker, Mrs. Alfred
Baker, Enos
Baker, Esek
Baker, George
Baker. Mrs. George

14

AMHERST.

Baker, Joel
Bangs, Charles H.
Bangs, Mrs. Charles H.
Bangs, Danforth K.
Bangs, Mrs. Danforth K.
Barnard, Alvin
Barnard, Mrs. Alvin
Bartlett, David
Bartlett, Mrs. David
Bartlett, Moses S.
Barrows, William
*Belden, Aaron
Belden, Horace
Belden, Timothy C.
Billings, Warren S.
Blanchard, Horace
*Blodgett, Henry
*Bogue Elisha
Bogue, Mrs. Elisha
Boltwood, Lucius
Boltwood, Hon. L. M.
Boltwood, William
Boltwood, Mrs. William
*Boyden, Mrs. James W.
Braley, John
Braley, John Q.

Bridgman, Guilford
Bridgman, Henry A.
Bridgman, Mrs Henry A.
*Bridgman, Jonathan
Bridgman, Miss Mary S.
Briggs, Ebenezer
Briggs, Mrs. Ebenezer
Burnham, George
Burnham, Mrs. George
Carter, Samuel C.
Carter, Mrs. Samuel C.
Chandler, Aaron M.
Chapin, Otis H.
Church, Elihu S.
Church, Mrs. E. S.
Church, Spencer
Clapp, Oliver M.
Clark, Simeon
Clark, Mrs. Simeon
Clark, Prof. William S.
Clark, Mrs. William S.
Cobb, Henry
Cobb, Mrs. Henry
Coe, Lemuel E.
Conkey, Hon. Ithamar
Conkey, Ithamar F.

102

Conkey, Mrs. Ithamar F.
Conkey, William
Converse, Daniel
Converse, Mrs. Daniel
Cook, David S.
Cook, Mrs. David S.
Cook, Enos F.
Cook, Mrs. Enos F.
Cook, Rev. George
Cook, Mrs. George
Cooley, Alden
Cooley, Moses D.
Cooley, Samuel Dexter
Cowles, Chester
Cowles, Mrs. Chester
Cowles, Clinton J.
Cowles, Mrs. Clinton J.
Cowles, Enoch
Cowles, Mrs. Enoch
Cowles, Erastus
Cowles, Mrs. Erastus
Cowles, James
Cowles, Mrs. James
Cowles, Jonathan
Cowles, Mrs. Jonathan
Cowles, Jr., Jonathan
Cowles, Jr., Mrs. Jona.
*Cowles, Miss Julia B.
Cowles, Levi D.
Cowles, Mrs. Levi D.
Cowles, Moses
Cowles, Mrs. Moses
*Cowles, Oliver
Cowles, Ransom
Cowles, Mrs. Ranson
Cowles, Mrs. Submit
Curtis, Oliver H.
Curtis, Mrs. Oliver H.
Cushman, Avery R.
Cushman, Mrs. Avery R.
Cushman, Ephraim
Cushman, Mrs. Ephraim
Cushman, Jr., Ephraim
Cushman, Jr., Mrs. E.
Cushman, John R.
Cushman, Mrs. John R.
Cushman, Sandford C.
Cushman, Mrs. S. C.
Cutler, Elisha P.
Cutler, Miss Esther
Cutler, George
Cutler, Mrs. George
Cutler, Samuel F.
Cutler, William
Cutler, Mrs. William
Crouch, Jonathan S.
Dana, Joseph
Dana, Joseph D.
Darling, Benjamin R.

Deuel, Charles
Dexter, David
*Dexter, Mrs. David
Dickinson, Asa
Dickinson, Bela U.
Dickinson, Mrs. Bela U
Dickinson, Miss Charlotte
Dickinson, Charles
Dickinson, Daniel
Dickinson, Mrs. Daniel
Dickinson, Mrs. Edward
Dickinson, Miss Emily E.
Dickinson, Enos
Dickinson, Mrs. Enos.
Dickinson, Enos 2d
Dickinson, Mrs. Enos 2d
Dickinson, John
Dickinson, Mrs. John
Dickinson, Joseph
Dickinson, Josiah
Dickinson, Miss L. N.
Dickinson, Miss Lovina
♦Dickinson, Lucius
Dickinson, Miss Lydia
Dickinson, Marquis F.
Dickinson, Mrs. M. F.
Dickinson, Moses B.
Dickinson, Mrs. Moses B.
*Dickinson, Oliver
Dickinson, Mrs. Oliver
Dickinson, Porter
Dickinson, Samuel S.
Dickinson, Mrs. Samuel S.
Dickinson, Miss Sarah M.
Dickinson, Waitstill
Dickinson, Mrs. Waitstill
Dickinson, William
Dickinson, William 2d
Dickinson, William A.
Dickinson. Mrs. Wm. A.
Dickinson, William E.
Dickinson, William W.
Draper, Lewis L.
Dutton, Alonzo
Dutton, Mrs. Alonzo
Eastman, Austin
Eastman, Mrs. Austin
♦Eastman, Baxter
Eastman, Mrs. Baxter
Eastman, Rev. David
Eastman, Mrs. David
Eastman, Solomon K.
♦Eastman, Mrs. S. K.
Edwards, Simeon
Emerson. Mrs. Sarah E.
Ferry, Miss Sarah P.
Field, D'Estaing S.
Field, Mrs. D'Estaing S.
Fish, Cummings

Fish, Dr. Seth
Fish, Mrs. Seth
French, Miss Mary
Gallond, George B.
Gaskill, Chester
Gates, Lansford
Gaylord, Eleazer
Gaylord, Flavel
*G ay lord, William
Gaylord, Mrs. William
Goodale, Miss Harriet E.
Goodale, Noble T.
Goodale, Rufus
Goodale, Mrs. Rufus
Graves, George
Gray. Joseph P.
Gray, Mrs. Joseph P.
*Green, Miss Eunice
Green, Moses B.
*Gridley, Dr. T. J.
Gunn, Lyman
Gunn, William F.
Gunn, Mrs. William F.
Hall, John B.
Hall, Mrs. John B.
Hallock, Leavitt
Hallock, Mrs. Leavitt
Harlow, Nathaniel L.
Hastings, Edmund
Hastings, Mrs. Edmund
Hastings, James
Hastings, Mrs. James
Hastings Joseph C.
Hastings, Mrs. Joseph C.
♦Hastings, Thomas
Hastings, Mrs. Thomas
Haskins, John H.
Haskins, Mrs. John II.
Ilawley, Charles M.
Hawley, Harrison
Hawley, Justin
Hawley, Stetson
Hayward, Charles F.
Hayward, Mrs. Chas. F.
Henderson, Alpheus R.
Henderson, Hon. Horace
Henderson, Mrs. Horace
Henderson, Timothy
Hills, Henry F.
Hills, Leonard M.
Hills, Mrs. L. M.
Hills, Liberty
Hills, Mrs. Liberty '
Hills, Samuel
Hills, Samuel T.
Hills, Mrs. Samuel T.
Hitchcock, Prof. Edward
Hitchcock, Mrs. Edward
Hobart, Edmund

103

Hobart, Mrs. Edmund

Hobart, George W.

Hobart, Mrs. George W.

Hobart, Jeremiah W.

Hobart, Joshua

Hobart, Stillman

Hobart, Mrs. Stillman

Howard, M. W.

Howard, Mrs. M. W.

Howard, Roswell H.

Howe, Albin P.

Howe, Mrs. Albin P.

Howe, Dr. Henry A.

Howland, "Warren S.

Howland, Mrs. W. S.

Hubbard, Ethan D.

Hubbard, Mrs. Ethan D.

Hubbard, Hon. R. B.

Hubbard, Mrs. R. B.
Hutchinson, Charles E.
Ingram, Ezra
Ingram, Harrison
Ingram, Mrs. Harrison
Ingram, Rufus
♦Ingram, Zaccheus 0.
Ingram, Mrs. Z. C.
Jackson, Henry
Johnson, Earl
Johnson, Mrs. Earl
Johnson, Orrin
♦Jones, Thomas
Jones, Mrs. Thomas
Joy, Horatio N.
Kellogg, Eleazer
*Kellogg, Horace
Kellogg, James
Kellogg, Lyman
Kellogg, Mrs. Lyman
Kellogg, Willard
Kellogg, Willard M.
Kellogg, Mrs. TV. M.
*Kellogg, William
Kellogg. Mrs. William
Kentield, Charles S.
Kimberly, Thompson
Kimberly, Mrs. T.
♦Kingman, Cyrus
Lelaud, Hon. John
Leland, Mrs. John
Lincoln, R. S.
Lincoln, Mrs. R. S.
Loomis, Austin
Loomis, Austin D.
Loomis, Milton
Lovett, Edward B.
♦Lyman. John
*Mack, David
Marsh, He ;ry A.
Marshall, Ansel C.

Marshall, Joseph E.
Mather, William E.
Mather, Mrs. William E
Mayo, Mrs. Noah
McCloud, Milton
McCloud, Mrs. Milton
McMaster, Charles
McMaster, Mrs. Charles
Merrick, James E.
Merrick, Mrs. James E.
Merrick, Rev. James L.
♦Merrick, Mrs. James L
♦Merrick, William
Merrill, Calvin
Merrill, Mrs. Calvin
Merrill, Miss Harriet 0.
Mosman, Abner A.

*Moore, Mrs. Phebe

Munsell, Guy C.

Munsell, Mrs. Guy C.

Nash, Charles

Nash, Mrs. Charles

Nash, Henry C.

Nash, Mrs. Henry C.

Nash, Luther

Needham, Emory H.

Needham, Mrs. E. H.

Nelson, Miss Julia C.

Newton, Walter

Nims, Seth

Palmer. Dwight Wr.

Palmer, Mrs. Dwight W.

Palmer, Frederick A.

Palmer, Mrs. P. A.

Pomero}', David

Pomeroy, Mrs. David

Pomero3r, Lorenzo H.

Pomeroy, Mrs. L. H.

Potwine, Thomas

Prince, Henry B.

Prince, Samuel

♦Rankin, John

Reed, Thomas

Reed, Mrs. Thomas

Rice, Alpheus

Roberts, Mrs. Fanny H.

Robhins, Alva

*Robbins, Zebediah W.

*Robbins, Mrs. Z. W.

Robinson, Ferdinand

Robinson, Mrs. F.

Russell, Emerson

Russell, Mrs. Emerson

Smith, Dr. B. F.

Smith, Mrs. B. F.

*Smith, Cotton
Smith, Samuel D.
Smith, Timothy
Smith, Mrs. Timothy

Smith, William B.
Smith, Mrs. William B.
Smith, William W.
Snell, Prof. E. S.
Snell, Mrs. E. S.
Spaulding, Philip D.
Spear, Ebenezer P.
Spear, Lyscom
Spear, Mrs. Lyscom
Spear, Myrick N.
Stanley, Edward A.
Stearns, William A., D. D.
Stratton, Dr. Chester
Stratton, Mrs. Chester
*Sweetser, Mrs. Hannah
Sweetser, Luke
Sweetser, Mrs. Luke
Taylor, Dr. Israel H.
Taylor, Mrs. Israel H.
*Taylor, Stillman
Thayer, Jason
Thayer, Mrs. Jason
♦Thayer, Jonathan
*Thayer, Mrs. Jonathan
Thayer, Reuben
Thayer, Mrs. Reuben
Thurston, Stillman
Tuckennan, Prof. Edward
Tuckerman, Mrs. Edward
Turner, Rodolphus
Tyler, Prof. William S.
Tyler, Mrs. William S.
Ward, Horace
Ward, Mrs. Horace
Warner, Aaron, D. D.
Warner, Mrs. Aaron
Warner, David S.
Warner, George
Warren, Samuel M.
Watson, Oliver
Watson, Mrs. Oliver
Webster, Charles N.
Westcott, Jared T.
Wheelock, Russell T.
White, John C.
White, Martin
^Whipple, David
Whipple, George A.
Whitney, Simon W.
Wildes, Ansel F.
Wiley, John
Wiley, Mrs. John
Williams, Ebenezer
Williams Ebenezer
Williams, Enos D.
Williams, Mrs Enos D.
Williams, Frederick
Williams, Lucas
Williams, Orrin

104

Williams, Mrs. Orrin I "Woodworth, Mrs. C. L.
Woodworth, Rev. C. L. | Wright, Sylvanus M.

ATHOL.— Putnam, Rufus. Putnam, Mrs. Rufus— 2

BATON ROUGE, La.— Colton, Joseph— 1

BALTIMORE, Md.— Brown, Smith. Wheelock, Dana— 2

Wright, Mrs. S. M.
Young, J. J.— 438

Alden, Thomas
*Arnold, Barnard
Barrett, Leonard
Bridgeman, Phineas
Chandler, George
Chandler, Mrs. George
Chandler, George 2d
Chandler, Henry J.
Clark, Norman P.
Clark, Mrs. N. P.
Cowles, Samuel D.
Dickinson, Samuel
*Dorman Roderic
Dunbar, Charles T.
Dwight, Nathaniel
Gilbert, Wareham C.

BERN ARDSTON.— Slate, Jonathan S .— 1

BOSTON.— Smith, Alvan. Wetherell, Leander— 2

BELCIIERTOWN.

Goodale, Asahel
Hall, Levi B.
*Hannum, Gamaliel
Hanmim, George 0.
Hannum, Lyman W.
Hannum, Mrs. L. W.
Holland, Luther
Holland, Mrs. Luther
♦Lawrence, Hon. Myron
Longley, Henry A.
*Longley, Joshua
Montague, Ephraim
Packard, Joel
Perkins, Samuel G.
Richards, Franklin D.
Russell, Francis H.

CHICAGO.

Haven, Joseph, D.D.
Haven, Mrs. Joseph
Hubbard, Orton

Boyden, Hon. J. W.
Dickinson, William P.
Dickinson, Mrs. W. P.

CHICOPEB.— Grout, Austin— 1

CLINTON, N. Y.— Swift, Rev. E. Y. Swift, Mrs.

COVENTRY, Vt.— White, Rev. Pliny K— 1

COLERAINE.— Sprague, Joseph G.— 1

COVINGTON, Ky. — Payson, Joseph K.— 1

DEERFIELD.

Sabin, Lyman
Sisson, John
Sisson, Lucius W.
Sisson, Tabor T.
*Tbayer, Hezekiah
Thayer, Rufus
Thayer, Mrs. Rufus
Thayer, Savannah A.
Thayer, Mrs. S. A.
Thayer, William
Thompson, Dr. George F.
Temple, Dr. Theron
*Towne, Israel
Walker, Emory P.
Webber, Jonathan
Wilson, Asa — 48

Pierce, Francis A.
Pierce, Mrs. F. A.
Tapley, George W. — 9

E. Y,

Ely, John D.
Fogg, Josiah
Rust, Horatio N.

Colton, Rev. A. M.
Colton, Mrs. A. M.

Abbott, Frederick
Aldrich, Neamiah W.
Blodgett, David
Fobes, Henry
Gillett, Daniel B.
Howe, Joseph J.
Kimball, C. H.

Stebbins, Benjamin Z.
Stebbins, Evander G

EASTHAMPTON.

Matthews, Horace
Sabin, Sherman

ENFIELD.

McKinney, Gilbert
Moody, Augustus
Potter, Lyman D.
Randall, Alvan
Randall, Ozias
Root, Joseph
Shaw, George L.

Stebbins, Moses
Stebbins, Mrs. Moses-

Sabin, Mrs. Sherman
Williston, Hon. Samuel — <>

Shearer, Lyman F.
Smith, Edward P.
Smith, Henry M.
Woods, Cyrus
Woods, Hon. Josiah B.
Woods, Rufus— 20

105

Aldrich, Christopher C.
Ayers, Rodney
*Ayers, Samuel
Barton, James M.
Barton, Phinehas D.
Chapin, Philo
Clark, Augustus
Clark, Charles F.
Clark, Spencer
Dickinson, Samuel B.
Eastman, Samuel F.
Eastman, Mrs. Samuel F.

GRANBY.

Ferry, Charles S.
Ferry, Lucius
Lyman, David
Lyman, George J.
Montague, Giles F.
Montague, Holland
Nash, Lorenzo S.
Patrick, William J.
Preston, John H. D.
Richardson, Orsemus
Smith, George N.
Smith, Jared C.

Smith, Nelson
Smith, Jr., Samuel
Smith, Jr., Mrs. Samuel
Smith, William A.
Stanley, Henry F.
Stebbins, Cyrus
Taylor, Milo A.
Warner, Alonzo
Warner, Park
*Witt, Benjamin
Witt, Horace
Woodford, William H.-36

GRANBY, Conn. — Gaylord, Ebenezer. Gaylord, Mrs. Ebenezer — 2
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— Cutler, Robert. Cutler, Mrs. Robert— 2
GREENFIELD.— Kellogg, Henry C— 1
GREENFIELD, N. H.— Downes, Almeron S— 1

Carter, John

Adams, Benjamin
Adams, Mrs. Benjamin
Adams, Joseph
Adams, Levi
Adams, Mrs. Levi
Beaman, Jonas
Bonney, Dr. Franklin
Bonney, Oliver E.
Carter, Benjamin T.
Chapin, Edwin
Clark, John
demons, Horace
Clemons, Mrs. Horace
Comins, Simon F.
*Cowles, Asa
Cowles, Daniel
Cowles, Mrs. Daniel
Cowles, David S.
Cowles, Mrs. David S.
Cowles, Elijah
Cowles, Mrs. Elijah
Cowles, Lewis
Cowles, Mrs. Lewis
Dickinson, Alphonzo
Dickinson, Mrs. A.
Dickinson, Caleb D.
Dickinson, Elihu S.
Dickinson, George
Dickinson, Samuel
Granger, Lorenzo N.
Granger, Mrs. L. N.
Gray, Amos
Gray, Chester
Green, Dorus
Green, Mrs. Dorus

GREENWICH.

Douglas, Stephen

IIADLEY.
Green, Henry
Green, Linus
Green, Mrs. Linus
Hawley, F. A.
Hawley, Warren F.
II ay ward, E. E.
*Hibbard, Albert
Hibbard, Edward P.
Hibbard, Samuel S.
Hibbard, Willard
Hill, Roderic B.
Hooker, Benjamin
Huntington, Theodore G.
Huntington, Mrs. T. G.
Huntington, T. P.
Huntington, Mrs. T. P.
Hurd, Horatio C.
Ingram, Robert
*Kellogg, Martin
Kellogg, Mrs. Martin
Kellogg, Stillman
Kellogg, Mrs. Stillman
Kentfield, J. B.
Kentfield, Mrs. J. B.
Lamson, Charles E.
Lawrence, Hubbard
Marsh, Henry M.
Marsh, Timothy S.
Montague, Royal M.
Morton, John A.
Morton, Mrs. John A.
Nash, John W.
Nash, Samuel
Nash, Mrs. Samuel
Newton, William

Earle, Luke — 3

Newton, Mrs. William
*Osborn, John
Pasco, Theodore
Pasco, Mrs. Theodore
Porter, Edwards J.
*Porter, Mrs. Louisa
Porter, Eleazer
Powers, Alfred
Powers, Mrs. Alfred
Russell, Frederick S.
Russell, Horace
Russell, Mrs. Horace
Russell, John
Russell, Mrs. John
Russell, Samuel
Scott, Aaron
*Scott, Rufus
Scott, Mrs. Rufus
Shattuck, Joseph H.
*Shipman, John
Shipman, William S.
Smith, Charles
Smith, Charles H.
Smith, Chester
*Smith, Cotton
Smith, Mrs. Cotton
Smith, Edmund
Smith, Enos D.
Smith, Mrs. Enos D.
Smith, Erastus
Smith, Francis
Smith, Giles E.
Smith, George
♦Smith, Horace
Smith, Jeriah S.

106

Smith, Hon. Joseph
Smith, Mrs. Joseph
Smith, Oliver E.
Smith, Roswell 2d
Smith, Mrs. Roswell 2d
♦Smith, Royal Wales
Smith, Mrs. R. W.
Smith, Thaddeus

Smith, Mrs. Thaddeus
Spear, Joseph 0.
Stockbridge, Levi
Stoekbridge, Mrs. Levi
Tower, Samuel
Tuxburj'', Rev. Franklin
Tuxbury, Mrs. Franklin
Wallis, Addi

"Warner, William P.
West, Parsons
West, Mrs. Parsons
White, Samuel G.
Williams, P. Smith
Williams, Mrs. P. Smith,
Wilder, Samuel C— 128

HARTFORD, Ct.— Faxon, William. Fuller, Walter— 2
HATFIELD.— Hubbard, George W. Porter, Henry S.— 2
H0LY0KE.— *Cook, Edwin F.— 1

IOWA.— Strickland, William G. Strickland, Mrs. Wm. G-
KEENE, N. II.— Sprague, Joseph G.— 1

LEVERETT.

Adams, Alden
Ashley, Marvin
Ashley, Mrs. Marvin
Ball, Orus
Ball, Mrs. Orus
Ball, Silas
Bangs, Howard
Boutwell, Levi
Boutwell, Mrs. Levi
Boutwell, Samuel W.
Boutwell, Mrs. S. W.
Clark, William Wells
Cutter, Mrs. Seneca
Dunklee, Hezekiah
Field, Abner
Field, Mrs. Abner
Field. Alden C.
Fieldj Mrs. Alden C.
Field, Asa L.
Field, Mrs. Asa L.
Field, Charles H.
Field, Mrs. Charles H.
Field, Harrison
Field, Harrison 0.

Field, Mrs. H. 0.
Field, Moses
Field, Mrs. Moses
Field. Zebina
Fitts,' Nathan II.
Frary, Francis
Graves, Elmer
Graves, Walter
Graves, Kellogg
Hobart, Baxter R.
Hobart, Mrs. Baxter R.
Hobart, Charles D.
Hobart, Colburn
Hobart, Peter
Hobart, Spencer
Howard, Baxter
Hubbard, George
Hubbard, Roswell
Ingram, Elijah
Ingram, Elisha
Jones, Edward
Kimball, David
Leach, Chester
Leach, Mrs. Chester

Leach, Humphrey S.
Leach, Mrs. H. S.
Leach, Ezekiel
Leach, Mrs. Ezekiel
Moore, Dexter
Nutting, Lucius
Nutting, Ransom
Porter, Cephas
Putnam, Timothy
Putnam, Mrs. Timothy
Rice, Josiah
Rice, Mrs. Josiah
Rice, Dr. David
Rice, Mrs. David
Smead, Mrs. S. S.
Smith, William H.
Smith, Mrs. William H.
Taylor, William
Willis, Lawson S.
Wood, Ira
Wood, Mrs. Ira
Wood, Seth
Woodbury, Jason H. — 11

LOCKPORT, N. Y.— Sears, Simon— 1

LODA, 111.— Hunt, James— 1

MASON VILLAGE, N. H.— Fisher, Rev. George E.— 1

MELROSE, Pa.— Guernsey, Mrs. Martha— 1

MINNESOTA.
Farrar, Mrs. George II. | Nutting, Truman | Nutting, Mrs. Truman-

MONSON.— Brewster, Jr., John ML, M. D.— 1

MONTAGUE.

Boutwell, William II. Russell, Calvin

Paine, Alonzo Russell, Mrs. Calvin

Paine, Mrs. Orrin

MOUNT PALATINE, 111.— Wright, Abram— 1

Smith, Charles H.
Spaulding, Jr., Peter — 7

107

Dwight, Rev. E. S.

Dean, Richard
Haskins, Nelson
Horr, George W.

Ford, Mrs. Emily
Harrington, Samuel
Harrington, Mrs. S.
Hawks, Charles K.

Baker, Hon. Osmyn
Barrett, Dr., Benjamin
Chamberlin, Dr. C. N.
Childs, Paris
Clapp, D. M.
Clark, William
Clark, Jr., William,
Dickinson, George P.
Pitts, Elijah B.

NORTHFIELD.— Brown,

NEW HAVEN, Conn.
Dwight, Mrs. E. S. | Shopard, Prof. C. U— 3

NEW SALEM.

Horr, Mrs. George W.
Hunt, Horace

NEW YORK CITY.

Nash, Rev. John A.
Nash, Mrs. John A.
Shipman, Jr., John
Smith, Rev. Prof. H. B.

NORTHAMPTON.

Hinckley, Samuel L.
Hillyer, Winthrop
Kirkland, Harvey
Lewis, Lucius
Parsons, Charles T.
Parsons, Samuel L.
*Shepard, Ashur
Shepard, Henry
Smith, S. M.

Charles T. Brown, Mrs.

OSKOSH, Wis.
Kellogg, Ansel | Kellogg, William

OTISCO, N. Y— Clark, Luke M.— 1
PALMER.— Field, Erastus S. Reed, James— 2.

PELHAM.
Cook, Mrs. N.
Cook, Olney
Conkey, Austin W.
Eaton, Calvin D.
Fales, Abijah
Fales, Daniel
Gates, Asahel
Gray, Horace
Gray, Mrs. Horace
Jewett, Sylvester
Jewett, Mrs. Sylvester

Aldrich, Asahel
Aldrich, Olney
Aldrich, Tyler D.
Ballou, Emory
Ballou, Hiram
Boyden, Sanford
Burrows, Isaac
Buffum, Thomas
Cadwell, Aretus J.
Cadwell, Mrs. A. J.
Cook, Nathaniel

Powers, Samuel
Powers, Mrs. Samuel — 7

West, Joseph J.
Woodman, Dr. George S.
Woodman, Mrs. G. S.— 11

Strong, Ebenezer
Strong, Elisha
Strong, William
Thayer, Justin
Trumbull, James R.
Trumbull, Mrs. J. R.
*Washburn, Luther 1.
Wells, Samuel
Wright, Ansel — 27

Charles T.— 2

Russell, Chauncey R. — 3

Jones, Rev. John
Kieth, A. C.
Newell, Lemuel A.
Newell, Mrs. L. A.
Newell, Miss Mary A.
Rankin, Ansel A.
Rankin, Mrs. Ansel A.
Russell, John
Shaw, Jr., John
Thompson, E. C.
Ward, Joseph G.— 33

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.— Arnold, W. A. Wilson, John W.— 2

PITTSFIELD.
Prink, Henry | Frink, Mrs. Henry

PRESCOTT.
Aiken, Benjamin P. | Paige, Benjamin K.

PROVIDENCE, R. I.— Leonard, Dexter M.— 1
ROCKFORD, III— Bartlett, Mrs. Harvey— 1
ROSEMOND, 111.— Smith, Brainard. Smith, Mrs. Brainard— 2
SALEM.— Jewett, Rev. George B.— 1

Humphrey, Heman, D.D.-3
Paige, Christopher — 3

108

SARATOGA, N. Y — Crapo, Mrs. Asubah— 1
SHARON, 111.— Godfrey, William B.— 1

SHUTESBURY.

*Adams, N. D.
Adams, S. Ward
Dudley, Samuel F.

SOUTHAMPTON.-

Dudley, Mrs. Samuel F.
Fitts, Edward
Howe, Abraham S.

-Edwards, Elisha — 1

SOUTH HADLEY.

Allen, Levi W.
Alvord, Ilervey
Bates, Emerson
*Burnham, Nelson W.
Clark, Mareellus
Cogswell, Milton B.
Gaylord, Lorenzo
Judd, Andrew T.
Judd, Edward H.
Judd, Edwin H.
Judd, Watson S.

Kellogg, Amos
Lathrop, Paoli
Lathrop, Mrs. Paoli
Lyman, Lorenzo W.
Lyman, Mrs. L. W.
Montague, C. Newton
Montague, Elliot
Moody, Alvan
Moody, Hovey
Nash, Thomas M.
Preston, Joseph S.

Newell, Samuel M.
Shores, David — 8

Smith, Edmund
Smith, Mrs. Edmund
Smith, Edward L.
Smith, Gilbert A.
Smith, Mrs. Gilbert A.
Smith, Henry N.
Smith, Jason
Smith, Mrs. Jason
Smith, Philip
Snow, Mrs. Sheldon— 32

SPRINGFIELD.— Briggs, J. L. Montague, Isaac W.— 2

Bowman, William
Bowman, Mrs. Win.
Brown, Joshua T.
Brown, Sylvester
Brown, Mrs. Sylvester
Childs, Israel
Childs, Mrs. Israel
Chittenden, L. 0.
Chittenden, Mrs. L. 0.
Clark, Austin L.
Clark, Mrs. Austin L.
*Clark, Mrs. Eliphalet
Clark, Rev. Sereno D.
Clark, Mrs. Sereno D.
Clark, Mrs. Stillman D.
Cooley, Charles
Cooley, Mrs. Charles
Crocker, Daniel B.
Crocker, Stoughton D.
Crocker, Mrs. S. D.
Darling, B. C.
Darling, Mrs. B. C.
Delano, A. C.
Delano, Mrs. A. C.
Dickinson, E. P.
Dickinson, Mrs. E. P.
Dickinson, Ransom
Dickinson, Mrs. R.
Dunklee, B. F.
Dunlap. Samuel
Dunlap, Mrs. Samuel
Field, Edwin G.
Field, Mrs. Edwin G.

SUNDERLAND.

Field, Erastus S.
Gaylord, William
Graves, Alden
Graves, George W.
Graves, Hubbard
Graves, Mrs. Hubbard
Graves, Mrs. Marvin
Graves, Timothy
Graves, Mrs. Timothy
*Grover, Josiah
Gunn, Isaac S. H.
Hemenway, Mrs. B. C.
Hobart, Albert
Ilobart, Mrs. Albert
Hubbard, Alanson
Hubbard, Mrs. A.
Hubbard, Ashley
Hubbard, Mrs. Ashley
Hubbard, Avery D.
Hubbard, Mrs. A. D.
Hubbard, Caleb T.
Hubbard, Claudius B.
Hubbard, Mrs. C. B.
Hubbard, David
Hubbard, Mrs. D.
Hubbard, Kelita
Hubbard, Martin L.
Hubbard, Mrs. M. L.
Hubbard, Moses 2d
Hubbard, Mrs. M. 2d
Hubbard, Parker D.
Hunt, Melzar
Hunt. William

Hunt, Mrs. William
Hunt, Zebina
Hunt, Mrs. Zebina
Ludden, Parmenus
Lyman, Hon. Horace
Miller, Washington
Montague, Albert
Montague, Mrs. Albert
Montague, Mrs. Ira
Montague, John
Montague, Mrs. John
Montague, Warren
Montague, Mrs. W.
Newton, Lyman A.
Parmenter, Miss Alathea
Pomeroy, William D.
Prouty, James B.
Bit-hards, Perrin N.
Richards, Mrs. P. N.
Robinson, E. E.
Robinson, Mrs. E. E.
Robinson, John R.
Rowe, Appleton E.
Rowe, Mrs. A. E.
Russell, Austin
Russell, Emmons
Russell, Mrs. Emmons
Russell, J. Wiley
Russell, Mrs. J. W.
Russell, William W.
Russell, Mrs. Wm. W.
Sanderson, Eli
Smith, Austin

Smith, Mrs. Austin
Smith, Elihu
Smith, Mrs. Elihu
Smith, John M.
Smith, Mrs. John M.
Smith, John R.
Smith, Nathaniel
Smith, Mrs. Nathaniel
Smith, N. Austin

TAUNTON.— Sandford, Rev. John.

109

Smith, Mrs. N. A.
Taft, Francis L.
Taft, Horace W.
Trow, Dr. N. G.
Trow, Mrs. N. G.
Warner, James R.
Warner, Levi P.
Warner, Mrs. L. P.
Warner, Parsons

Warner, Wallace R
Whittemore, D. D.
Wiley, Miss Dolly T.
Wiley, Ebenezer
Wiley, Mrs. Ebenezer
Williams Franklin H.
Williams, Henry 0.
Williams, Mrs. H. 0.
Williams, Oliver— 126

Sandford, Mrs. John — 2
UXBRIDGE.— Fitch, Dr. Newton. Fitch, Mrs. Newton— 2

WARE.

Bowen, Sylvester
Brakeuridge, Hon. W. S.
Devens, Arthur L.
Devens, Mrs. A. L.

DeWitt, Francis
Gilbert, George H.
Gilbert, Mrs. G. H.
*Goff, B. F.

Phelps, Samuel H.

Rice, Joel

Sage, Orrin

Stevens. Charles A. — 12

WENDELL.— Ballard, Daniel. Whittaker, A. G.— 2
WESTBORO.— White, Samuel N. White, Mrs. S. N.— 2
WILLIAMSBURG.— Bartlett, Newman W. Graves, Levi N.— 2
WILMINGTON, Vt.— Smith, Dr. N. W. Smith, Mrs. N. W.— 2
WORCESTER.— Cummings, Rev. E. A. Cummings, Mrs. E. A.— 2

10

SUMMARY OF MEMBERS.

Honorary Members, - ' - - - 14

Male Life Members, - - - - 786

Female Life Members, .... 32?.

Whole number, - - - - 1123

Deceased, ----- 67

Number of Members living, - - 1066

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