APPENDIX. xxxi 



The exhibition in the hall was a source of attraction. Here were 

 the fruits of the garden, the orchard and the field, in profusion ; here 

 were exhibited the relics of bygone days : a Bible almost 200 years 

 old ; a pewter teapot, in which the grandmothers, perhaps, had a 

 tempest, while imbibing their favorite beverage, more than 200 years 

 ago ; while here was shown a teaspoon 100 3 T ears old, and yet in 

 size onl} T a baby-spoon ; the handiwork of the ladies, in the shape of 

 wreaths, sketches, yarns, stockings, pictures, carpets, flannels and 

 frockings, the pride of husbands and envy of lovers. 



At the close of the first day came torrents of rain, accompanied 

 with thunder and lightning, until the morning sun chased away the 

 fleeting clouds, and made an effort to dry the mud of the previous 

 night. 



In spite of the unfavorable circumstances, came the horses, 

 — draught-horses, matched-horses, single horses, carriage-horses, 

 walking-horses, trotting-horses, running-horses, stallions, mares, 

 geldings and colts. Great as was the interest manifested by this 

 society in neat-stock, it did not forget this noble animal, and 

 showed a commendable spirit in fostering both these departments of 

 husbandry. 



The finances of the societ} 1, stands thus, — 



The society owed, Jan. 1, 1874, $3,774 24 



During the year there has been paid, .... 486 37 



Leaving the society in debt, $3,287 87 



The societ} r has ample grounds, and a good track for the exercise 

 of horses ; a hall for the exhibition of the products of the farm, the 

 dairy, and the handiwork of the wives and daughters, and is in a 

 health}' condition, because its debt is in process of liquidation. 



1 had anticipated much pleasure from meeting my old friend, Col. 

 Leavitt, but found he was necessariby absent on similar duty at the 

 meeting of the Essex society. 



However, during may stay in Charlemont, I found a welcome 

 home beside the cheerful, blazing fireside of Mr. E. C. Hawks, who, 

 with his presence, his counsel, his stock, his orchard-fruits and his 

 farm-prOducts, graced the show, and added interest to the occasion, 

 and who has now been honored with a seat at the State Board of 

 Agriculture of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 



Horace P. Wakefield. 



