2Q BOARD OF AGEICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



dious Berkshire Inn, furnished with all the modern improve- 

 ments and fixtures necessary to make a first-class hotel, built, 

 while churches and schools equal to any in the State, a large 

 free town library, healthy atmosphere, good sanitary regu- 

 lations, excellent roads, magnificent views, beautiful scen- 

 ery, and pure water, are among the attractions which have 

 contributed to make Great Barrington so popular a resort 

 for summer visitors, vieing with Stockbridge, Lenox and 

 other towns in Berkshire County. 



On the westerly side of this village there flows a stream 

 of clear, pure water, made from the numerous springs along 

 the easterly slope of the slaty hills which separate Massa- 

 chusetts from the State of New York. The waters from these 

 springs run easterly and southeasterly, coming together, 

 and forming w^hat is popularly called the Green River — 

 by the Indians, White River — mentioned in an Indian deed 

 recorded in the registry of deeds in Springfield, describing 

 a piece of land "near where the White River empties into 

 the Husutunnuck." Chemical analysis shows this water to 

 be free from any deadly poisonous substances — perfectly 

 pure. It was on this account that a sample was requested 

 and sent to Chicago for the World's Columbian Exposition. 

 Although much lower than the village, by the use of steam 

 power it is brought into and made to supply the wants of 

 every part of the village, and whoever partakes of it as it 

 is taken from the river has the satisfaction of knowing that 

 he is drinking pure water. 



I welcome you in behalf of those engaged in the oldest, 

 noblest and highest calling of man, in behalf of the farmers 

 of Southern Berkshire. 



Mr. Barton. It is fitting that a few words in response be 

 tendered by the Board for the cordial welcome we have re- 

 ceived. The secretary of our Board, the Hon. William R. 

 Sessions, will now speak to us. 



Mr. Sessions. Mr. Chairman and friends from Southern 

 Berkshire : I am happy to respond for the Board. We have 

 come here, not to show ourselves, not to get honor for our- 

 selves, but to discharge, as far as we may be able, the duty 

 we owe the ao;riculture of Massachusetts. It is the custom 

 of our Board, as the gentleman who has welcomed us has 



