248 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



HOUSATONIC. 



The exhibition of the Housatonic Society was held on tlie 

 25th, 26th and 27tli, of September, at the beautiful fair 

 grounds in Great Barrington — so beautiful and picturesque, 

 that the first attention of the visitor is confined to the display 

 which nature herself has provided, in this romantic section of 

 our State. The selection of grounds in such scenery is iiuleed 

 worthy of notice, and whoever would witness and admire the 

 luxuriance of a landscape in Massachusetts, should visit this 

 spot. To the Housatonic and Berkshire and Hampden 

 societies, we are indebted for exhibitions of natural scenery 

 in the location of their fair grounds such as is rarely seen in 

 any quarter of the globe. 



After due attention to the attractions of nature, your 

 delegate was called upon to examine the exhibition of animals, 

 crops, and manufactures. The hall of the society was crowded 

 with a remarkable display of articles of taste and usefulness, 

 mostly the handiwork of the families of the farmers of the 

 region. The exhibition of grain and root crops, and of fruit 

 was excellent. 



The entries of cattle were numerous. The quality of the 

 dairy stock was especially worthy of notice. The oxen were 

 remarkable for symmetry of form, and for uniformity of size 

 best adapted to labor on New England farms. 



The sheep exhibited, indicated care and attention to this 

 animal, worthy of imitation throughout the State. Fine-wool 

 predominated. 



The swine were well selected and evidently well cared for ; 

 the best specimens being of the breed commonly known as 

 " By field." 



The ploughing-match was well conducted, but both with the 

 ox and horse teams, there was a deficiency in the deptli of 

 ploughing. Of ox teams there were seven entries, and of 

 horse teams twelve, it being evident that on the easy lands of 

 this valley the latter receive the preference. 



The horses on the ground were numerous and attractive ; and 

 it is doubtful whether any society in our State could show a 

 better collection of stallions, mares and colts, horses of all 

 work, and matched pairs. The trials of speed were good. 



