APPENDIX. xxxiii 



The age of the society, its ample means and reputation, the fine 

 pasturage of this region, the fact that it had not suffered as other 

 I^arts of the State from the long continued dry weather, all con- 

 spired to create this expectation. 



In the main, we were not disappointed. The grounds of the 

 society are now extensive and beautiful. The scene presented on 

 the opening of the fair was animating and exciting to the lover of 

 the form and its interests. Every one seemed interested and deter- 

 mined to make it a success. The good natui-e with which they 

 met all inquiries concerning it, the attention of the officers, the 

 large number of past officers present, all gave you the assurance of 

 interest and prepared you for its success. 



On examining the stock we found 132 head beside some four 

 herds ; 64 sheep beside some eight flocks ; a score of swine of both 

 sexes. We were disappointed iji one point, viz., in thoroughbred 

 Shorthorns. 



"We supposed this region excelled in 'the perfection of this breed. 

 We found fine native cows, which we think led all other breeds for 

 numbers. The Alderneys, Ayrshires, Plolsteins and Shorthorns 

 were well represented in the milking stock, but we think the latter 

 were the smallest in number. 



Th^ working oxen were large animals, showing great power. 



The fowls were fully represented in some thirty entries. If 

 judged by the purpose of furnishing eggs or meat, this part of the 

 show is seldom excelled. . 



There were also a large number of agricultural instruments here, 

 as at other fairs. 



We noticed four different instruments, invented and exhibited by 

 one man, showing that Berkshire farmers are evidently using their 

 brains to lighten and hasten the work of their hands. 



The visit to the hall showed us very large quantities of bread 

 and biscuit with their counterparts of golden butter and rich cheese. 

 There is, as there should be, great competition for the premiums in 

 this department. When the shows stimulate a large number to 

 try for the prizes, we may be sure of their good effects. Let me 

 then simply state that over one hundred wives and daughters of 

 the Berkshire farmers presented bread and biscuit, some sixty put 

 'forth their butter, over fifty presented factory and family cheese, 

 and one can see that the right ambition is aroused. Nor are fancy 

 articles wanting. 



As every where, this year the fruit was very extensive. The 

 vegetables and seeds especially attracted our attention. The num- 

 ber of specimens was large, and the quality very fine. We con- 



