296 HOUSATONIC SOCIETY, 



Agricultural Implements. 



Agriculture is so much dependent upon the mechanic arts, 

 that it can never attain its highest triumphs until the inventive 

 genius of our mechanics sliall seek an appropriate field for (he 

 display of its powers, in future improvements upon the con- 

 struction of the implements of husbandry. 



Among those shown at the fair, was a fanning mill to clean 

 grain and seed, manufactured by Martin Rees, of West Stock- 

 bridge. It is on a new principle, simple and easy to be kept 

 in repair, and does the work with great rapidity. After wit- 

 nessing its operation, the committee came to the conclusion 

 that they had seen nothing better. 



They were also shown some superior forks, manufactured 

 by William K. Gates, of Lee. There are few agricultural 

 implements tliat have received more improvement within forty 

 3'ears tlian the forlc. The old forks that were then in use, 

 would now almost lie considered a load for a man, while those 

 maiuifactured by Mr. Gates are sought after for the pleasure of 

 using them. 



A. GIDDIiXGS, Chairman. 



Ploughing Match. 



The ploughing match, if we are to judge from the thousands 

 assembled to witness this delightful and exciting scene, is the 

 main attraction of this, the great holiday of southern Berk- 

 shire. 



The land selected for this interesting trial, was again on the 

 beautiful meadow owned by Benjamin Coles. The land was 

 marked out into quarter acre sections, each twenty rods long 

 by two rods wide. 'I'lie time allowed for doing the work was 

 o;ie lionr, including a rest often minutes after the first twenty- 

 five miiiutes. '['he furrow to he not more than twelve inches 

 wide, and in dtpih not less than six inches. The whole num- 

 ber of competitors entered wag 17, — horse teams, 12; ox 

 teams, 5. 



