xxii REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



who have it in charge. Its efforts are confined to no single sphere ; 

 but while it is entirely engaged in encouraging the practical work 

 of the farm and garden, it appeals also to the mental energy of its 

 members. And we commend the closing sentences of an essay 

 written by one of its members, Hosea G. Goodrich, Esq., in which 

 he says : — " Where knowledge is largely diffused, power and wealth 

 accumulate, and where they are, the soil will be cultivated for pleas- 

 ure or profit. The more extended our general education, supple- 

 mented by a special one, the better shall we be able to meet the 

 difficulties in the way of our agricultural interests." 



Geo. B. Loring. 



HOOSAC VALLEY. 



The thirteenth annual fair of the Hoosac Valley Agricultural So- 

 ciety was held at North Adams on Tuesda}', Wednesday and Thurs- 

 day, September 17th, 18th and 19th. Owing to the powerful rain 

 of the night previous, and which did not abate till the morning 

 of the first daj"^, and also a delay at Pittsfield in the connection 

 of trains, I was not on the grounds of the society until late in the 

 day ; consequently did not see as much of the stock as I should 

 have been glad to have seen. What I did see were good specimens 

 of the various breeds of Durhams, Devons, Ayrshires, and the 

 native stock. Some of the stock, I was told, was not on exhibition 

 more than two or three hours, although the fair was continued three 

 days. 



With the conveniences of this and other societies, it seems to me 

 the stock should be kept on exhibition the second da}', especially if 

 the show is held three daj's. Give all the various kinds of stock at 

 least an equal chance with the horse, if they are not as symmetrical 

 in form, or attractive in their movements. 



The hall has been enlarged and is quite spacious, and was not 

 particularly crowded, although in many departments the exhibition 

 was very good. There were fift^'-two specimens of bread, showing 

 that the ladies are not wanting to do their share. . I noticed several 

 factory cheese, of large proportions and good quality ; also dairy 

 cheese, as well as fine specimens of butter. A large quantity of 

 corn was exhibited, showing that Berkshire soil is well adapted to 

 the growing of this crop. There is more interest in the department 

 of field-crops in this county, than in any other section of the State. 

 This society had 148 entries of summer and fall crops, and many 

 of the samples were on exhibition. Would it not be well for other 

 societies to imitate their example in this respect ? 



