APPENDIX. xxvii 



The address of Dr. Wakefield (read on account of the Doctor's 

 indisposition b}- Chaplain Foster) was a most direct and enconr- 

 aging appeal to the farmers to stand b}' their position, and b,y an 

 intelligent nse of opportunities to make their calling remunerative, 

 and to challenge respect bj- the neatness of their homes and the 

 urbanity with which they presided over them. 



We were informed that this Societ}^ is endeavoring to encourage 

 the raising of horses by offering no premiums where speed alone 

 governs the award. 



The officers of the Society, and those most deeply interested in 

 its success, are evidently working hard to make it what it should be, 

 and certainly are encouraged by an increasing interest in the com- 

 munity where it is located. 



William Know^lton. 



DEERFIELD VALLEY. 



The third annual exhibition of the Deerfield Valley Agricultural 

 Societ}' was held at Charlemont, September 30th and October 1st. 

 I arrived the previous evening in a drenching rain, and feared it 

 would dampen the ardor of the farming community and others in 

 their preparations for the fair. The following morning was bright 

 and clear, and as I made my way among the herds and vehicles which 

 seeifled to crowd upon each other up a steep ascent among the hills, 

 I wondered where a spot could be found suitable for the exhibition. 

 But I was soon ushered through the gateway, when my ej'es fell 

 upon as beautiful and level a plot of ground as an}- society could 

 desire. It seemed as though nature had made a special effort to 

 prepare this place for just this purpose. The surrounding mountain 

 sceneiy was beautiful to behold. M}- attention was next called to 

 the exhibition. 



This Society', although an infant in years, is mature in its growth 

 and management, showing conclusivel}' the enterprise of the people. 

 I was told, that at the first show, two years ago, there w^as no 

 thoroughbred stock on the ground. But this year there were many 

 herds of valuable and ver}' fine thoroughbred animals. The show of 

 oxen particularl}' attracted my attention. Over one hundred 3-oke 

 of oxen were on the ground, and as fine a display as I have ever 

 witnessed. I noticed one pair of oxen, belonging to D. O. Fisk, of 

 Shelburne, that weighed 4,550 pounds. Another pair belonging to 

 N. H. Harris, of Coleraine, that weighed 4,340 pounds. There were 

 manj- others which I might enumerate of statel}' and symmetrical pro- 

 portions, and which would do honor to any show. There were some 



