400 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Of sheep, the number on exhibition was unusually large, 

 particularly of the coarse-wool grades, and an increased and 

 highly gratifying improvement in this class of stock was 

 apparent. 



Swine, not in large numbers, though of large proportions 

 individually ; and poultry, of different classes, though without 

 much competition, claimed and received the appropriate 

 premiums. 



Of horses, for the farm, there were present a large number, 

 of all the various classes for which premiums were offered, 

 fully sustaining, on this point, the reputation of the society. 

 Of mares and colts, it is said, the display could not be easily 

 surpassed in any other part of the Commonwealth. 



In the ploughing-match, by ox-teams, there was little compe- 

 tition, much less than would naturally be expected here. Of 

 horse-teams there were nine entries for the contest. The work 

 was well done, and very creditable to the ploughmen. 



Of summer crops, wheat, rye, oats and barley, of which 

 specimens were exhibited, the harvest in southern Berkshire 

 was plentiful and excellent ; of wheat and oats, seldom equalled, 

 and almost never surpassed. One hundred and nineteen crops 

 were submitted to the examination of the committee, exciting 

 their admiration, and a grateful recognition of the beneficence 

 of the great Ruler of the seasons. 



Of fall crops, the committee reported that they examined 

 ninety-five, in twelve different towns ; that, in consequence of 

 the backwardness of the season, and an unusual quantity of rain, 

 the crops were late in maturing, and could not be estimated by 

 the usual test of weight and measure. Of corn and buck- 

 wheat the crops were, in general, light. Of roots there was, of 

 all sorts, an average in quantity and quality. But of potatoes 

 — the most valuable of all — the crop equalled the old times, 

 and now, to many ears almost fabulous quantity of four and 

 five hundred bushels to the acre. This fact is of great interest 

 to the whole agricultural community. It suggests at once the 

 inquiry whether it is attributable to any peculiarity of seed or 

 of cultivation, or to the favorable character of the season ; — 

 whether it be simply an incident in the good fortune of the 

 cultivators, or the natural result of superior skill in husbandry. 

 We cannot but draw a significant conclusion in the case when 



