374 HOUSATONIC SOCIETY. 



nowncd I^ydian mountain, with its saffron odors. The plough- 

 share is an emblem of the institutions of our northern clime, 

 and preeminently does the New Englander walk in glory, when 

 he walks behind his plough. 



He was a public benefactor, who first suggested the com- 

 peting for victory amongst the knights of the plough. Our 

 hill tops and fields, rugged as they naturally are, witness this 

 truth, that since this competition was instituted, new achieve- 

 ments, as it were, under new auspices, have been gained. The 

 torn and ragged furrow of olden time, was a type of the back- 

 ward condition of agriculture and its kindred arts ; the smooth 

 and beautiful furrow that now adorns our plough-fields, is 

 equally typical of agricultural advancement, and also of the 

 cultivation of intellect and of morals. In view of advance- 

 ments so successful and important, who does not desire to 

 unite in the acclamation which the better portion of the world 

 is uttering, — "God speed the plough!" 



****** 



The whole number of premiums provided, is fourteen, giving 

 a total amount of fifty-six dollars. If within the means of the 

 society, we would respectfully suggest that the number of pre- 

 miums for subsequent ploughing matches, be increased to at 

 least twenty-four, with an aggregate sum of not less than one 

 hundred dollars. 



The number of competitors to-day, was fourteen, viz. : nine 

 with horses, and five with oxen. 



In awarding premiums, we have regarded the rules pre- 

 scribed by the society, and award as follows : 



Horse teams — 



1. Edson Sexton, of Stockbridge, time, forty-three 



minutes, thirty-three furrows, 



2. Joshua R. Lawton, of C4reat Barrington, time 



forty-three minutes, thirty-two furrows, 



3. John G. Wilson, of West Stockbridge, time 



thirty-eight minutes, .... 



4. Lebbeus M. Pixley, of Great Barrington, time 



forty-five minutes, thirty-one furrows, 



5. A. P. Earner, of Egremont, time, thirty-eight 



minutes, thirty furrows, . . . • 3 00 



$7 00 

 6 00 

 5 00 

 4 00 



