APPENDIX. xxix 



the industry which occupies the attention of the farmers there. Of 

 spring wlieat there were 5 entries ; of winter rye, 13 ; of oats, 18 ; of 

 meslin, 5 ; of barley, 13 ; of grass, 4 ; of sowed corn, 2 ; of corn, 25 ; 

 of beans, 3 ; of flax, 1 ; of tobacco, 7 ; of carrots, 1 ; of turnips, 2 ; of 

 ruta-bagtis, 1. The quahty of these products was good ; and it was 

 encouraging to find so many entries in this Large grain-growing section 

 of the State, in accordance with the rules laid down by the Board of 

 Agriculture, for securing an accurate account of the mode of cultiva- 

 tion and the crop. We truly wish that these statements were published 

 in full by the society. Those methods of cultivation which will produce 

 36 bushels of wheat to the acre, 70 bushels of winter rye to the acre, 

 88f bushels of oats to the acre, 45^ bushels of barley to the acre, 72^ 

 pounds of corii to the rod, " the green weight on an average rod of 

 ears," as stated by the committee, or 11,500 pounds to the acre, — ought 

 to be carefully recorded for the benefit of those in other parts of the 

 Commonwealth, who are striving to raise good crops. These returns 

 are worthy of special notice. 



Of vegetables, and articles of food, the entries were numerous. And 

 the butter and cheese, those important farm-products, weve well made, 

 and indicated a highly commendable care and skill. To enumerate the 

 household manufactures would -be impossible in the short space allowed 

 us ; and to praise their appearance, would be only to repeat compli- 

 ments which the farming community of Berkshire have so deservedly 

 received for many years. 



The quality of the cattle on exhibition was excellent, and in their 

 shape and variety they indicated judgment and care in breeding. The 

 oxen especially attracted our attention, as peculiarly fitted for farm- 

 work, by their compact and well-formed structures, and for the shambles 

 by their well-organized systems. There were also many well-made and 

 conveniently-sized colts and horses. 



The show of sheep was highly encouraging. It is evident that very 

 considerable attention has been given here to the improvement of wool- 

 bearing sheep within the last few years ; and there were flocks on 

 exhibition which might vie with some of the best in Vermont, or any 

 other State, where the Merino is brought to high perfection. It appears 

 that the hills of Berkshire are well-adapted to the feeding of the 

 " improved American Merinos." The production of the heaviest fleece 

 with the least amount of food in winter, and on pastures where heavy 

 cattle and coarse-wooUed mutton sheep would starve, is found to be a 

 very profitable branch of agriculture, and it cannot be too strongly urged 

 upon that section of the State, where this industry is already advancing. 

 Farmers who have passed through the trials and disappointments which 

 attend the breeding of French Merinos and Saxonies, and have learned 



