262 HOUSATONIC SOCIETY. 



HOUSATONIC AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



This society has had an existence nine years. It originated 

 in the fact, that Berkshire County, one of the richest of the 

 agricultural counties of the State, is divided in two parts, by a 

 range of hills running across it, separating the meadows of the 

 Hoosic from the meadows of the Housatonic ; and the old 

 county society, which holds its annual fairs at Pittsfield, 

 could not afford those facilities and advantages, to the farmers 

 of southern Berkshire, both necessary and desirable. A volun- 

 tary society was formed, and for seven years, it struggled 

 against difficulties and obstacles entirely unforeseen, at the time 

 it was organized. Many of its members were also members 

 and contributors to the funds of the county society, and it be- 

 came a serious tax upon the ardent and persevering authors of 

 the Housatonic society, to sustain it. Finally, in the year 

 1848, this society was incorporated by the Legislature, and at 

 the session of 1849, was endowed with all the benefits and 

 privileges of other agricultural societies ; and in November last, 

 received the bounty provided by the State. 



This society promises great usefulness to this part of the 

 Commonwealth. The bounty will be expended to the best 

 profit of our citizens ; it will fall upon us like the gentle sum- 

 mer rains, to refresh and bless. 



The eighth annual cattle show and fair of the Housatonic 

 Agricultural Society,— being the first under the new act of in- 

 corporation,— took place at Great Barrington, on Wednesday 

 and Thursday, the 26th and 27th days of September last. The 

 weather on both days was favorable, and the town was crowded 

 with people. Never was witnessed a more agreeable farmer's 

 holiday. 



