xxxii REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



BERKSHIRE. 



The sixty-fifth annual exhibition of the Berkshire Agricultural 

 Society was held on the societ} T 's beautiful and elevated grounds, on 

 the 6th, 7th and 8th of October. 



Organized in 1811, it has the credit of being the oldest agricul- 

 tural society in the United States that held exhibitions. It is truly 

 a live society, and manifests in all its departments that it has 

 profited by the ripe experience of maivy 3-ears. 



Having the privilege of attending only the first day of the fair, 

 we report from personal observation of the superior exhibition in 

 the hall, and of all the stock, except the horses. The large number 

 of cattle and sheep on exhibition was a splendid sight to behold. 

 Most of the thoroughbreds were represented. 



In the hall, the dairy products were superior ; seeds and roots 

 very fine ; fruits extensive, though apples ordinary in quality, owing 

 to the light crop in this county. 



A glance at the list of entries will show, b} T the great number in 

 each department, the general interest manifested by all classes to make 

 the fair a success. There were 21 entries of farms, and 24 of orchards 

 and fruit-trees. Of farm crops there were 343 entries, divided as 

 follows : wheat, 9 ; rye, 42 ; oats, 71 ; corn, 57 ; barley, 11 ; buck- 

 wheat, 18 ; sweet-corn, 10 ; sowed corn, 13 ; grass, 18 ; carrots, 7 ; 

 beets, 9; turnips, 11; ruta-baga, 19; onions, 2; cabbages, 17; 

 gardens, 12 ; flower-gardens, 6 ; compost-heaps, 5. All these entries 

 were for the best crops that grew on land varying from one-quarter 

 of an acre to four acres in extent. In the hall there were 38 entries 

 of butter ; cheese, 13 ; bread and biscuit, 108 ; vegetables, 75 

 seeds, 71 ; fruits, 134 ; floral, 40 ; household manufactures, 469 

 manufacturers' department, 16; paintings and works of art, 80 

 agricultural and mechanical implements, 42. Total entries in the 

 hall, 1,086. 



Of thoroughbred neat-stock there were 38 entries, including 12 

 bulls and 26 cows and heifers. Of grade-stock there were 98 entries, 

 including 8 entries of herds of cattle, and 6 of herds of milch- 

 cows for the dairy. There were 70 entries of sheep, 13 of swine, 

 and 40 of poultry; horses, 91 — ploughing, 11. There were 402 

 sheep on exhibition, 251 cattle, and 86 swine. 



The new and novel premium offered for the best band of music, 

 drew out four entries, who made most excellent music during the 

 fair, and were awarded premiums to the amount of $225. 



In looking at the treasurer's report, we conclude that their finances 

 are in a healtlvy condition. With over $700 in the treasury, the 



