256 BERKSHIRE SOCIETY. 



Sheep. 



The number of fine wooled sheep was, perhaps, less than 

 has been presented on some former occasions, yet it was suf- 

 ficient to indicate that our growers of fine wool are not wholly- 

 disheartened, in the competition with the farmers of the west, 

 in which they have been called, within a few years past, to 

 engage. We commend them for their courage, yet the pros- 

 pect for a final triumph we believe to be in favor of the west- 

 ern grower. Still, we have much to encourage us. The 

 demand for wool is yearly increasing, and as success is sure to 

 attend all well directed eff"orts for the improvement of our 

 sheep, in size, form, and weight of fleece, while the fineness, 

 if not wholly retained, may not be much impaired, we think 

 there is sufficient inducement for us to go forward. If we can- 

 not succeed in the improvement of our flocks, so as to realize 

 from them, annually, an income of five pounds per head, of 

 fine, well washed wool, as a celebrated grower in Vermont has 

 done, we may, perhaps, never be numbered among the van- 

 quished in this competition. 



MORGAN LEWIS, Chairman. 



Fruits and Vegetables. 



The specimens and difl"erent varieties of fruit, especially of 

 winter fruit, presented at the fair, indicate that much more is 

 doing in this department than formerly, not only by the farm- 

 ers, but by all classes of our citizens. Still, there is ample 

 room for further improvement. Let our farmers set themselves 

 diligently to work, and in a few years our markets would be 

 plentifully supplied with wholesome fruit. The climate of 

 Berkshire is favorable to the growth and production of all the 

 standard varieties. 



The garden vegetables were of an excellent quality, and 

 large growth, particularly the varieties of potatoes, which were 

 exhibited by Stephen Reed, of Pittsfield, editor of the Berk- 

 shire Culturist. For these, the committee feel bound to pre- 



