MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 465 



lar varieties in cultivation, and which, for size and beauty, 

 could hardly be surpassed in New England. We were happy 

 to learn, that an increasing interest prevails among the farmers 

 of the Connecticut valley in the culture of fine fruits. The 

 perfection and general excellence of those on exhibition, indi- 

 cate that Hampshire county could make this branch of cultiva- 

 tion successful and profitable. 



The ploughing match, always a scene of interest and excite- 

 ment, was witnessed by a large number of spectators. There 

 were about twenty teams, which entered the list for competi- 

 tion. The land was rather stiff and stony, well adapted to try 

 the skill of the teams. The work was remarkably well done 

 under the circumstances ; some of the ploughmen managing 

 with great ability and skill. 



We noticed here, as well as at the exhibitions of other agri- 

 cultural societies, the Michigan sod and subsoil plough. It 

 resembles, if it is not identical with, the plough of Morton, de- 

 scribed in a recent French publication, in possession of Presi- 

 dent Hitchcock. This plough, in the opinion of your com- 

 mittee, is worthy of all the commendation which has been 

 bestowed upon it in this country. From personal experience, 

 and from an opportunity of witnessing its performance, your 

 committee recommend it, as worthy of adoption by every 

 farmer. The Michigan plough is constructed with two shares ; 

 one in advance, turning over the sod ; and the other covering 

 it with the lower soil. This process exposes to the beneficial 

 influences of the atmosphere, the inorganic substances of the 

 subsoil which are thrown up ; and by covering the sod, pre- 

 vents the escape of the fertilizing gases, during its decompo- 

 sition. For turning in of grass lands and stubble, this imple- 

 ment is considered one of the most important that has recently 

 come to notice. 



Your committee would not omit to mention that indispensa- 

 ble part of the exercises of the day, the annual dinner. This 

 was attended by about three hundred ladies and gentlemen, 

 who sat down to tables abundantly spread with the fat things 

 of the land, and ornamented with the offerings of Flora and 

 Pomona. 



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