REPORTS OP COMMITTEES. 145 



to the successful competitors. This public coronation of the 

 victor, not with a myrtle wreath, but with a silver trophy, is 

 not without its effect. 



The dinner is the closing exercise of the day, and always 

 proves that the day is too short. 



The Housatonic Society is in a very healthy and prosperous 

 condition, and doing a great and good work for Southern 

 Berkshire. 



S. Reed. 



BRISTOL SOCIETY. 



The undersigned, a committee appointed by the Massachu- 

 setts Board of Agriculture, to visit the Bristol County Agri- 

 cultural Society, respectfully report : — 



That, in consequence of a severe domestic affliction in the 

 family of the undersigned, at the time of the annual exhibition 

 of the above-named society, he was unable to be present to 

 perform the duty assigned. His inability was deeply regretted, 

 especially as your committee was charged with a similar duty 

 the last year, and which he was, from confinement to a sick bed, 

 incapacitated from discharging. 



Your committee, however, have the pleasure to state, that 

 from information of the most reliable character, the exhibition 

 was in all its parts, of a highly creditable order, to which 

 the Secretary of the Board, who was present, can bear 

 testimony ; that in several of the departments, the products 

 were better than ever before ; that a marked, progressive im- 

 provement had been going on since the elevation to the chair 

 of the society of its present energetic presiding officers. What- 

 ever praise may be awarded to the other members of this 

 vigorous and flourishing association, it is but justice to state, 

 that much of the zeal now manifested by the good people of 

 Bristol, in the welfare of their society, has arisen from the 

 interest evinced by its efficient head in the cause of agricultui-e, 

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