xxxiv REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



sider the latter very, important. As far as our observation goes, we 

 think the growth of seeds too much neglected, and in this respect 

 this exhibition deserves most hearty commendation. Henry S. 

 Goodale had arranged most beautifully one hundred and fifty varie- 

 ties of potatoes. Another exhibited twenty-four varieties. All of 

 which at once begot the assurance, that the farmers and their wives 

 and daugliters, nay judges and artisans, were incited to that cai'e^ 

 whose products will bless the State pecuniarily, physically and 

 morally. 



The second day, October 5th, opened for an exhibition of horses. 

 We confess to little interest in raising horses for fancy purposes 

 only. When, however, agricultural societies encourage the raising 

 of fine animals for driving and work, it is perfectly legitimate to 

 their aims. We think the society here are doing a good work. 

 Their farm horses showed great p9wer, excelled only by their long- 

 trained draught animals. Rarely have we seen a finer stock ot 

 voung horses ; their form, style and gait bid fair to make Berkshire 

 celebrated for the fine horses raised among her own hills. 



The display of fine matched horses, raised or not raised in this 

 region, must cultivate both taste and judgment in those engaged in 

 this branch of agriculture, and lead us to look forward confident- 

 ly to a time when this part of our fairs may be lifted above the 

 demoralizing tendencies of the race-course and its accessories. 



The third day, October 6th, was given the address of Hon. Levi 

 Stockbridge of the Massachusetts Agricultural College, which has 

 since been published in full by the society. Then came the novel 

 feature of awarding and distributing silver plate as premiums, fol- 

 lowed by the races. 



To the above brief glance at this fail*, we wish to add a convic- 

 tion or two produced by it. 



1st. That the State's encouragement has done and is doing much 

 to bring u}) the agricultural interests of the State, and generally 

 the annual grants from the treasury are well expended. I think 

 this will hold true of this long established society, as seen by 

 reference to the answers to questions put forth by this board and 

 herewith returned. 



lid. The societies generally need, and will be i>rofited by, the 

 continuance of this aid from the State. 



The time is rapidly hastening when both economy and necessity 

 will demand that we produce much more from our own soil. In fact, 

 with fertilizers accumulating from abroad to enrich our lands, we 

 shall be unfaithful to our opportunities, if we do not produce more 

 and more food each year, for man and beast. Indeed we owe it 



