REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 129 



seventy-four pounds,) and squashes, potatoes, celery, corn, beets, 

 <fec., &o., show, that tlie good people of Berkshire do not intend 

 to live by " bread alone," this winter. 



Some fine specimens of needlework, by the ladies, attracted 

 much attention. 



A large quantity of butter w^as exhibited, and, while some few 

 specimens were strictly prime, much was offered which would 

 hardly be considered first rate. This article should meet with 

 more attention in this district, where the pasturage is so good. 



A large supply of bread was offered, of excellent quality, 

 much to the credit of the good housewives and daughters. In 

 olden time, the good wife was known by the clean linen of the 

 husband ; but, perhaps, in these days of poor Genesee, yeast 

 powder, cream of tartar and saleratus, some of our modern 

 farmers would prefer to have the privilege to judge them by 

 their bread, also. 



Twelve yoke of superior cattle were offered. One pair of 

 steers, three and a half years old, weighed thirty-seven hundred 

 pounds, having been principally fatted in the rich clover pastures. 

 Also, quite a number of handsome working oxen. 



The show of milch cows Avas large, and many of them fine 

 animals. 



Your delegate was much disappointed at not being able to 

 give the breed of some of the fine cattle, there being no cards 

 designating the breed, age, &c., on the animals or pens. 



No very fine-bred hogs were offered for premium, althoiigh 

 quite a number of ordinary animals were exhibited. More 

 attention might be profitably bestowed on these animals. 



Several handsome sheep received premiums. But your 

 committee learned that sheep raising is gradually declining 

 in this county, which, if true, is worth the serious considcfi-ation 

 of the grazier, and for him to decide whether the hill pastures 

 can be better employed than raising mutton at the current 

 high prices. 



The ploughing match was the first business of the second 

 day. Quite a number of teams engaged, doing the work very 

 well. No double ploughs were used. 



The display of horses was unusually large ; many superior 

 animals were exhibited. A large part of the day was devoted 

 by the several owners and amateurs to showing them off to the 



