ADDRESS. 



GzHfLEMEN OF THE BERKSHIRE AcRICULtURAL SoCIEn-, 

 AND FELLOtt'^-Cll'IZENSy 



E are again permitted to assemble to review 

 the events of the past year, which relate to 

 our institution, and to execute the duties which the 

 occasion has imposed. A meeting so interesting and 

 auspicious to human happiness, is not more a subject 

 of joy, than of gratitude, to the great author of nature, 

 who iias preserved us, and who has caused his bles- 

 sings so richly to descend on us, individually, and so- 

 cially ; and who has inspired us to devote our best 

 services to render the cultivation of the earth more 

 fruitful, and the condition of man more independent 

 and happy. Five years have elapsed since this insti- 

 tution was incorporated, and we this day witness the 

 sixth celebration which the Society has caused to be 

 observed. During this period, the Society has faithr 

 fully and zealously pursued the objects committed to 

 its trust. With what success our labors have been 

 crowned, with what value public opinion has stampt 

 them, may be seen in the rapid increase cf the fruity 

 pf agriculture, and the rise and progress of manufac- 

 tures. Public fame has done justice to your preten- 

 sions, and your fellow-citizens are gathering a rich and- 

 glorious reward in the prosperity of this highly favor- 

 ed county. The constitution of our Commonwecilth 

 has made it the duty of the legislature, " to encour- 

 age private societies, and public institutions, to grant 

 rewards and immunities for the promotion of agricul- 

 ture, arts, sciences, common trades, manufactures, 

 and a natural history of the country." The legisla? 

 tuie on whom these duties were imposed have delega- 

 ted to you^ the power of performing on the spjali 



