324 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



The ploughing match was held on the society's ground, on 

 the morning of the second day, there being thirteen entries of 

 horses, and five for oxen. The work was decidedly better than 

 that which I witnessed at several other fairs. It was so per- 

 fect, the committee found it difficult to decide the premiums. 

 I can in no way do better justice to the ploughmen, than to 

 quote from the report of the committee, who say : " We believe 

 our ploughing matches have now reached the point, long the 

 cherished object of the society. The great numbers in attend- 

 ance attest the unabated interest of the public in the trials of 

 these precursors of civilization. And doubtless all who gazed 

 upon the straight furrows and rough surface made smooth by 

 the strong arm and steady nerve of the sturdy tiller of the soil, 

 uttered the silent prayer of gratitude to Him who has promised 

 ' seed-time, and harvest,' that our beautiful grounds are not 

 torn up by the tramp of armies, or ploughed with the messen- 

 gers of death shot from the deadly cannon. Was there one 

 present who did not breathe the silent petition that soon a 

 wicked, causeless rebellion shall be crushed, peace return, and 

 the sword beaten into ploughshares ? Was there one who 

 doubted such a result ? Bid him gaze upon the ploughmen, 

 and reflect, of such are our armies now in the field composed." 



The third day was devoted expressly to the horse, which 

 drew together a large crowd of spectators. The increased 

 interest manifested in this branch of the stock department, and 

 the superiority of the animals exhibited is highly gratifying to 

 the society, and speaks well for its future success. . 



There was a greater quantity of butter and cheese in the hall 

 than is often seen at a county fair, and the quality would not 

 suffer in comparison with that of any other society in Massa- 

 chusetts. 



There were fewer agricultural implements there than we are 

 accustomed to see at our county fairs. 



Of fruits and flowers there were fine specimens, but not as 

 large a collection as would have been shown in a fruit-bearing 

 season. 



Specimens of needle-work, drawing, and paintings were 

 presented, much to the credit of the wives and daughters of 

 the farmers of Southern Berkshire. 



