APPENDIX. xxix 



BERKSHIRE. 



On the morning of the 3d of October I went to Pittsfield to at- 

 tend the sixty-second annual exhibition of the Berkshire Agricul- 

 tural Society, which was holden on their grounds in Pittsfield, on 

 the 3d, 4th and 5th of October. 



I was cordially greeted on my arrival by John E. Merrill, Henry 

 M. Peirson and William H. Murray, Esquires, president, treasurer 

 and secretary of this ancient and much-honored Agricultural Soci- 

 ety, dating back, as its does, prior to the war of 1812. 



Being unable to remain with the society during the three days 

 of its exhibition, I will speak in brief of what most attracted my 

 attention as I passed over the grounds and through the hall. 



In the stock department there was a large display of Durhams, 

 Ayrshires, Jerseys, Devons and Dutch cattle, with more or less 

 of natives or mixed breeds. There was a large number of Dur- 

 ham and grade oxen, which attracted much attention, as they were 

 exhibited by their drivers in the ancient manner, nearly every 

 driver holding in his hand a stick, from ten to twenty feet long, 

 with a small lash upon the end, which each had seemed to be fortu- 

 nate enough to find in the forest ; making but little difference how 

 far apart oxen and driver might be, he was easily enabled to guide 

 them. 



The Durhams exhibited by J. H. Crook & Son were of superior 

 qiiality, and deserve special mention. 



The exhibition of sheep was more than an average one. 



The show of swine was not large, but fair in quality. 



In the poultry department there was quite a variety, though not 

 so large in numbers. From the exhibition of swine and poultry, it 

 was manifest that the society embraced among its members those 

 who were skilled in these branches of husbandry. 



The exhibition of horses was very good, some of which challenged 

 the admiration of the beholder. 



The exhibition of agricultural implements was small, though the 

 farmers of Berkshire, doubtless, appreciate the value of labor-saving 

 machines. 



There was a fine collection of fruits and vegetables. A fine and 

 large collection of grapes was shown by Mrs. William Pollock. 

 The specimens of apples and pears were very fine for the season. 



The display of household manufactures was very extensive, and 

 evinced great skill and taste on the part of the ladies, and showed 



