APPENDIX. xxiii 



The address, which was delivered by the Hon. George B. Loring, 

 was listened to with marked pleasure by a goodly number, after 

 which the premiums were then paid, which wound up the exercises 

 of the fair. 



F. C. Knox. 



FRANKLIN. 



The twenty-fifth annual exhibition of the Franklin County Agri- 

 cultural Fair was held at Greenfield, on the 24th, 25th and 26th of 

 September. The experiment of a three-days meeting proved suc- 

 cessful, the attendance being greater on the last than the first da}\ 



As a delegate from this Board, I regret to sa}^ that circumstances 

 beyond nry control prevented my reaching Greenfield until late in 

 the afternoon of the 24th. At this time a considerable portion of 

 the stock had been removed, to the disappointment of hundreds who 

 were not able to be on the grounds the first day. It is proper here 

 to sa}' that it is for the interest of the society that exhibitors should 

 be required to^eep their stock on the ground at least two daj-s. 



Franklin Count} 7 presents a genuine old-fashioned cattle-show. 

 But few societies have done more to promote agriculture and horti- 

 culture than this ; and the earnest endeavors were so clearly mani- 

 fest to outdo all former efforts, that its farmers, for the first time, 

 seemed to realize that the cattle-show and fair had entirely outgrown 

 its present grounds. 



An interesting feature of the first da} r was at the grand stand. 

 The approach of the Greenfield Cornet Band was the signal to con- 

 centrate there to listen to the address from Professor Stockbridge, 

 of the Amherst Agricultural College. When the assembly came to 

 order, prayer was offered by Rev. H. C. Manson, of Greenfield, 

 when the president introduced the speaker. He took as his subject, 

 " The Obstacles to Successful Agriculture in New England," which 

 was admirably treated. It was full of sound, practical common- 

 sense, and highly appreciated by all present. His opening argu- 

 ment was, that successful agriculture depends upon a fertile soil, a 

 genial climate, and a good market, all of which New England pos- 

 sesses. But, unfortunately, it is the general opinion among New 

 England farmers that the only place for successful agriculture is in 

 the far West, where there is no hard-pan soil, etc. One factor must 

 always be remembered — the man himself who practises the indus- 

 try. If agriculture is simply a series of spoliations of the soil, then 

 the West is the place ; but if, on the other hand, agriculture means 

 tillage and breaking up of the soil, that nature may work, then the 

 great obstacle to. New England farming is removed, provided we 



