APPENDIX. xxxiii 



receipts for the past year have been $4,718.17, and expenses 

 $4,077.26, leaving a balance of $640.91 in the treasury. 



The number of premiums given was 834, amounting in all to 

 $2,982, of which $395 were in cash ; the balance, over $2,300, in 

 silver plate. 



"We have only to say, in conclusion, that the society is abundantly 

 able to extend its influence for usefulness throughout the limits of 

 the count}'. Having means to work with, and no interest to pay, 

 with plenty of noble men and cultivated women, thoroughly inter- 

 ested, to plan and execute in a most efficient manner, it need not 

 retrograde, but advance year by year in the future, as in the past, 

 and " yet more abundantly." 



H. M. Sessions. 



HOUSATONIC. 



The annual exhibition of the Housatonic Agricultural Society 

 was held at Great Barrington on September 30 and October 1 

 and 2. 



Failing to connect at Pittsfield with the Housatonic Railroad, I 

 did not arrive there until late the first day. Nearly all the stock 

 had left the grounds, but I was told it was the finest exhibition of 

 cattle ever held by the society, and I should judge so from those 

 that I saw. Perhaps it would be safe to say that no society is doing 

 more to improve the different breeds of cattle than in the limits of 

 this society ; and there is no better soil in this State for farmers to 

 develop themselves than in southern Berkshire. 



The number of entries of cattle was over 200. The show of 

 horses the second day was very good ; 102 entries. There has been 

 a decided improvement in horses within the last ten years in this 

 ,societ}', but not as great as in their cattle. 



Of summer crops there were 213 entries ; fall crops 208 ; with 

 more than 100 premiums. From what I could learn, I think the 

 offering of premiums for summer and fall crops has done more to 

 stimulate the farmers of Berkshire County than in an} r other county 

 in the State. I think it would be well for other societies to give 

 more attention to this branch of their fairs. 



The display in the hall was very good. There were, in all, over 

 1,300 entries. The floral department was especially fine. There 

 were 48 entries of butter and 60 of bread, all of which did great 

 credit to the farmers' wives of Berkshire. 



They have a live set of officers in this society ; and what is still 

 5* 



