xxxiv APPENDIX. 



BERKSHIRE. 



The Sixty-eighth Exhibition of this society was favored by three 

 fair da3's ; and the attendance upon each day was verj- large. 



The show of neat-stock was fine, pai'ticularl}^ of pure-breds. 

 Among the large entries of herds that have a fame bej'ond the 

 limits of the society were the AjTshires of Theron L. Foot, presi- 

 dent of the society ; the ' ' Maplehurst ' ' herd of Jerse^-s of Thomas 

 Allen ; the Dutch of Isaac Anger (representing the society of 

 Shakers) ; and the Devons of Simon II. White. 



The grade dairy stock embraced many superior animals ; but a 

 considerable number seemed to us to owe their merits to chance, 

 rather than to careful breeding and a long-continued selection of 

 the "fittest." 



The fat cattle, working-oxen, and young cattle were good, and 

 had been well kept ; and most of them appeared to have been well 

 bred. 



The show of sheep was extensive (including most of the popu- 

 lar breeds) and of marked excellence. 



There was a large number of good horses on the grounds. The 

 appearance of most of those on exhibition, whether for speed or 

 in other classes, indicated considerate owners. It was noticeable 

 that so many were of good size. Speed, which paradoxically 

 leaves so little behind for owner or any one else, has not stam- 

 peded the strong and sei-viceable horse from this societ}'. 



Of swine there was a good exliibit. A new and weU-modelled 

 poultr^'-shed, costing some three hundred dollars, was well filled. 

 Fifteen horse-teams and one ox-team competed at the ploughing- 

 match. 



A very great interest is manifested by this society in the cultiva- 

 tion of grain. The entries as " summer " and " fall " crops num- 

 bered nearly three hundred, of which a hundred and eighteen were 

 for corn. Awards paid, a hundred and ninet3'-one dollars. 



The show of vegetables was remarkable, both in quality and 

 quantity ; the hundred and five entries affording but a partial 

 idea of the extent of the exhibition. One contributor, Mr. Delvill 

 Smith of Lee, showed two hundred and ten varieties, and all 

 grown on one acre of land. The butter and cheese were good. On 

 account of the unfavorable season, the show of fruit was not as 

 large as usual ; but there were many fine specimens of apples, 

 pears, peaches, and grapes. 



In no department of the exhibition was a genuine interest more 

 apparent than in that of the ladies. The space in the hall allotted 



