BERKSHIRE SOCIETY. 281 



BERKSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The forty-first anniversary of this society was held at Pitts- 

 field, on the 1st and 2d of October last. The address was 

 delivered by the Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, of Dorchester. 



Agricultural Products. 

 The committee, in the performance of their duty, have had 

 occasion to notice the agricultural interests of Berkshire, and it 

 is a source of pride and pleasure that they are enabled to re- 

 port her rapidly advancing. As an agricultural district she is 

 regarded as second to none, and in contrast with her sister 

 counties, soon may be seen (if she is not already) leading the 

 van. 



The wonderful changes which have been effected in the ap- 

 pearance of many portions of our county within a few years, 

 are indeed highly commendable. Waste and broken lands, be- 

 fore entirely unproductive and considered worthless, have been, 

 by judicious management, reclaimed, and now comprise some of 

 our fairest meadows, yielding a rich annual tribute. Exhaust- 

 ed lands have, by the application of science and good hus- 

 bandry been renovated, and now fields of rich grain are seen 

 upon lands which a (ew years ago were supposed to be beyond 

 the hope of recovery. Many new and beautiful dwellings with 

 neatly ornamented grounds, richly displaying taste and refine- 

 ment ; barns and other buildings of superior plan and structure, 

 stored with the bountiful harvest which the present season has 

 furnished ; all have attracted the attention of, and been survey- 

 ed with great pleasure by your committee. 



Indeed, in all portions of our county indications of the spirit 

 of improvement were observed, not only in agriculture but 

 horticulture. Some beautiful gardens of flowers, fruits and 

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