FARMING IN HAMPSHIRE COUNTY. 153 



rooms, without cellar and out-buildings, suffices for the comfort 

 and enjoyment of the family, while the cattle are sheltered from 

 the driving storms and piercing cold by a neighboring haystack 

 or rail fence. 



On a Sabbath morning behold the sturdy members of a West- 

 ern family, gravely seating themselves in the farm cart or wagon 

 (totally devoid of springs or other conveniences), behind a yoke 

 of patient oxen, and then quietly wending their way five, ten or 

 even fifteen miles to the nearest church, while the internal and 

 external government of farm and household is on the same scale 

 of magnificence, and our argument still is, that with the same 

 amount of domestic discomfort at the East as at the West, the 

 advantages of farming at the East are even more than our fig- 

 ures would indicate. 



If farther comparison is needed, just the reverse of the picture 

 already shown, our well-ordered, commodious houses, comfort- 

 able stables, fleet horses, light and easy carriages, and the gen- 

 eral indications of thrift and comfort pervading a farmer's house 

 in Hampshire County, and the case will speak for itself. Next, 

 compare the transportation of the two sections, the result will 

 certainly be in favor of the older State, there being two rail- 

 roads within easy access, and a prospect for a third, in the 

 county of Hampshire alone. Educationally it will be difficult 

 to find a place possessing greater advantages, for in this county, 

 in one single town, a person can begin and complete his educa- 

 tion. If he wishes a practical, scientific education, fit for every- 

 day use, or desires to follow some particular science, the Agri- 

 cultural College will furnish the opportunity for that. Should 

 he choose to become a farmer, and require a theoretical and 

 practical exposition of the principles involved, the requisite 

 means are at hand. If a profession is the object for which he 

 is studying, he can enjoy great facilities at Amherst College, 

 where he can have the benefit of a great library and extensive 

 cabinets, together with a large co;ps of efficient officers. 



Taking these privileges, and that of having good agricultural 

 societies near at hand, we can but question the wisdom of an 

 " intelligent, industrious and enterprising farmer" who con- 

 cludes to emigrate from Hampshire County. 



Mass. Agricultural College, Sept. 1, 1871. 

 20* 



