APPENDIX. xxxvii 



the countless inquiries in relation to the origin, quality, yield, and 

 comparative value of his different varieties. We were told that he 

 makes the raising of potatoes a specialty, and for this display he is 

 certainly entitled to great credit. This Society is in a flourishing 

 condition. It numbers 1,300, is out of debt, has commodious 

 grounds and buildings, and is perhaps doing as much to develop its 

 agricultural resources and to stimulate production, as any society 

 in the State. The competition among farmers for the growth of 

 crops, is very liberally and we think very properly encouraged. 

 During the year 1868, there were 123 summer crops and 196 fall 

 crops entered for premiums, all of which were examined and re- 

 ported on by the committee appointed for that purpose. This indi- 

 cates to some extent, the spirit which animates the farmers of 

 Southern Berkshire. Would it not be well for other societies to 

 increase the number and amount of their premiums for superior 

 crops, even though it should sensibly lighten the purse, reserved 

 for the " fastest horse in or out of the county." 



During our visit we were the guest of T. D. Thacher, Esq., a 

 member of this Board, and to him we are indebted for the rare 

 pleasure of a ride in an open carriage some forty-five miles in the 

 charming valley of the Housatonic. The numerous thriving vil- 

 lages found at every cascade on the river, connected by smooth, hard 

 roads and substantial bridges, the even surface of the valley car- 

 peted with a dark rich verdure, the numerous large, well filled bams 

 and opulent dwellings of the formers, the pure bracing air and 

 clear cold streams gushing from the hills, the beauty and grandeur 

 of her mountain scenery, heightened by the early autumnal tints, 

 truly and justly declare the glory of old Berkshire. Her fame is no 

 longer a mystery. 



A. P. Slade. 



NORFOLK 



On Thursday and Friday, Sept. 23d and 24th, 1869, the Norfolk 

 Agricultural Society held its twenty-first annual exhibition on its 

 new grounds at Readville. The weather was delightful both days, 

 and it was considered the most successful show ever held by that 

 Society. It seems scarce a day ago since the jDlain of Readville was 

 all alive with the tramp of our brave brothers and sons ; even the 

 surrounding hills were made to echo with the sound of the war 

 bugle and the drum. But the sorrow and darkness which then 

 overshadowed our land has been dispelled, peace restored, and we 



