HOUSATONIC SOCIETY. 293 



After the ploughing was complpted, the annual address be- 

 fore the society was delivered by Marshall Warner, of Stock- 

 bridge. 



A close attendance upon the proceedings of the fair that has 

 just passed, has more than ever convinced us of the useful 

 influence which agricultural societies and their annual iiolidays 

 have upon the community. We have seen the hardy yeo- 

 manry of our county, the mechanic, the professional mnu, 

 and last, though not least, the fair daugliters of norkj;!iire, 

 come together, with smiling faces and hearts full of welcome 

 for each other, for the purpose, though incited to a certain ex- 

 te.)t by a laudable spirit of rivalry, of laying their offerings of 

 real and substantial products upon the altar of public good. 

 We have seen many classes and branches of industry here 

 represented in one common gathering. — have seen the toiling 

 sons and daughters of southern Berkshire niiugle together in 

 the enjoyment of their annual holiday, incited by a spirit of 

 enterprise and good will, which cannot fail to operate for lasting 

 good upon the hearts of our whole people. 



Agricultural Products. 

 The committee were invited to examine and report upon 

 one hundred and eighty growing and ripened crops, and eight 

 gardens, there being in all not far from one hundred com- 

 petitors for the premiums to be awarded by the society. Of 

 winter wheat there were fifteen entries and of spring wheat, 

 ten ; nearly all of these crops were good, giving promise of 

 abundant returns for the labor bestowed. On winter rye there 

 were thirty-two claimants for premiums. Rare indeed is it to, 

 see this crop so universally abundant and extending over so 

 large a portion of our county. It is not to be expected that 

 the committee could see with the eyes of the claimants, yet 

 they have earnestly endeavored to award the premiums as 

 justly as it was in their power to do. Competitors should ever 

 bear in mind that to bestow premiums for the most suc- 

 cessful efforts, is but a small part of the object of the society, 



