HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 243 



ing to the farm, a specimen of which is exhibited at the show- 

 here to-day. They were feeding in one pasture, and enjoying 

 the rich herbage ; but such huge hills of flesh looked capable 

 of finishing many a field of corn, before the winter is over, if 

 they have not found their way to market. 



The labor of the farm has been performed, since the spring 

 work, by one span of horses, two yoke of oxen, four hired 

 men, the owner, and a boy of twelve years. A single cow 

 has supplied all the milk and butter used by the family, 

 throughout the season. 



In view of the great improvements effected on this farm, 

 within three years, and the amount of labor expended in pre- 

 paring it for ultimate rather than immediate returns, the com- 

 mittee recommend an honorable premium, in order that others 

 may be encouraged to pursue the same direction. They would 

 enforce their conviction upon all, that permanent agricultural 

 improvements are of an order of their own, and are not to be 

 subjected to the ordinary rules of economy, which are properly 

 applied to other applications of labor and capital. All other 

 products will perish, sooner or later ; the fashions and demands 

 which now make them valuable, will change, and they will 

 become valueless ; but in return for agricultural investments, 

 the fruits of the earth will always yield their increase, and they 

 will always supply the unchangeable necessities of mankind. 

 Their profits, unlike those of successful trade, are not a mere 

 transfer of wealth from one possessor to another, which occa- 

 sionally heaps up wealth in fortunate hands ; but they are won 

 from reluctant nature, and they remain, to their author, and 

 those who shall come after him, forever, — a possession and ben- 

 efit to the human race. 



For the committee, 



SAMUEL FOWLER. 

 Springfield, October 3, 1849. 



Reclaimed Swamps — Grain and Root Crops. 

 The Directors of the Hampden County Agricultural Society, 

 who have the above subjects in charge, take pleasure in calling 



