XXX APPENDIX. 



The striking features of the exhibitions of this society are, the pay- 

 ing of the premiums to the successful competitors, in plate, in the hall 

 on the last day of the show, in the presence of the assembled multitude, 

 and the very general competition for the premiums on crops. The 

 scene of the plate distribution, its interest and influences, are very 

 striking and instructive, but have been described by former delegates. 

 The very great interest in crop premiums is a sure indication of the 

 wide influence of the society, and of the healthy, prosperous condition 

 of its agriculture. 



The society is evidently guided by wise councils, accomplishing great 

 good, and distributing the bounty of the State in accordance with the 

 spirit and letter of the law. Levi Stockbridge. 



HOUSATONIC. 



As delegate from the Board, I attended the twenty-fourth annual 

 exhibition of this society, at Great Barrington, on the 27th, 28th and 

 29th of September. 



The facilities of the Housatonic society for holding their exhibitions, 

 in the way of ground and buildings, are ample and commodious, and the 

 exhibition, on this occasion, was well sustained by the farmers of South- 

 ern Berkshire, both in contributions of stock and farm products, and in 

 attendance. The stock, although not numerous, was of excellent quality, 

 and in most instances presented to the eye manifest evidence of 

 improvement from the introduction of pure-bred animals for breeding. 



I noticed one inconsistency in the award of premiums on stock, 

 which I think the society will do well to correct. The first premium on 

 native bulls was awarded to one which was evidently a high grade, a 

 class which, at the present time, is quite commonly discarded for 

 breeding purposes, and which, we believe, should not be encouraged by 

 our agricultural societies. If premiums are offered for native bulls, the 

 awards should be confined to such ; in which case probably few would 

 be awarded. 



The exhibition of dairy products was large and of excellent quality. 

 The ploughing-match attracted a good degree of interest, and the 

 ground being in a bad stote to plough, from the extreme drought, was 

 well adapted to develop the skill of the ploughmen. 



In conclusion, I desire to express to the Board my conviction that 

 this society is accomplishing, diligently and successfully, the work of 

 improving and encouraging the agriculture of the district. 



P. Stedman. 



