xxxii REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



poor one for apples, no one would have suspected it who saw the fine 

 display of fruit in the hall. Great credit is due to those who, at so 

 much abor and expense, prepare fruit for exhibition. 



The thanks of the Society are due to Whitney L. Warner for the 

 energy and taste he displayed in arranging the numerous articles in 

 the hall ; also to F. G. Smith, superintendent of stock, G. P. Car- 

 penter, superintendent of horses, Samuel J. L3'ons, marshal, and 

 their assistants, for the efficient and gentlemanly manner in which 

 they performed their arduous duties ; also to A. K. Warner, super- 

 intendent of grounds. 



The exercises at the dinner of the Society at the Mansion House 

 were of more than ordinary interest. The address was at the Unita- 

 rian church. President Crafts presided on the occasion, and, after a 

 prayer by Rev. F. A. Warfield, introduced Hon, Geo. T. Davis as 

 the orator of the da3\ The address, sparkling with wit and pleasant 

 anecdotes, was quite in contrast to the usual stereotyped agricult- 

 ural orations, and was listened to with the closest attention. 



The Franklin Farmer's Institute held several interesting meetings 

 during the fall and spring, and much desirable information was dis- 

 seminated among its members. 



During the year there have been added to the list of life-members 

 the names of forty-three males and seven females. 



S. B. Phinney. 



BERKSHIRE. 



As substitute for Capt. Miles, I attended the sixty-fourth annual 

 fair of the Berkshire Society. It was held on the beautiful and con- 

 venient grounds of the Society at Pittsfield, October 7th, 8th, and 9th. 



The weather on the opening day, which is the cattle-show, was all 

 that was not desirable for such an occasion. The rain fell in torrents, 

 and the accompanying breezes were neither gentle nor bland. 

 Nevertheless, the farmers brought out their stock in great numbers, 

 and the various premiums were duly awarded, and paid, as the cus- 

 tom is, in solid silver. 



Considering the importance of the dairy-interest in tlie comity, 

 the number of breeders of thoroughbred stock appears to be quite 

 small. There were on exhibition thirteen Shorthorn animals, six 

 Devons, nine Ayrshires, ten Jerse3-s and four Dutch. The native 

 and grade cows were numerous and excellent. 



There were a few Southdown sheep, but no swine of an}^ par- 

 ticular breed. The horses numbered 134 in all classes, and were 



