REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 133 



who seemed to speak with illumined countenances, which I 

 understood to mean that they were determined to do their part 

 in elevating the course of rural affairs. I cannot close without 

 saying, I have never attended a show where there was less bustle 

 and more good order than I found under the direction of 

 president Edwards, for the kind attention received from all, has 

 left on my mind a day well and pleasantly spent. 



B. V. French. 



HAMPSHIRE. 



By appointment as delegate from the Board of Agriculture, I 

 was in attendance upon the ninth annual fair of the Hampshire 

 County Agricultural Society, and witnessed with pleasure and 

 profit the success and completeness of the exhibition. Notwith- 

 standing the weather after the opening day of the exhibition 

 was cold and stormy, the interest of the visitors could not be 

 checked until the programme had been completed. 



The annual address was made before the members of the 

 society and as many earnest hearers as could find room in the 

 spacious church, by his excellency N. P. Banks. Subject : 

 "The development of American wealth by the labor and inven- 

 tive genius of the people, and the character and need of the 

 agricultural interest." 



Such were my impressions after an examination of the con- 

 tributions made to the fair, and an acquaintance with many of 

 the active members of the society, that I was led to an examina- 

 tion of the history of its doings. Tlie society was formed in 

 the year 1850 with 340 members, and has increased to 1,010. 

 The treasurer has received since its organization, (independent 

 of State contributions,) $6,763.88, to which maybe added State 

 contributions, $4,800 ; making a total sum of $11,563.88. The 

 number of entries made on the secretary's books for premiums 

 as ascertained, is 7,155. The number of premiums earned and 

 awarded, 2,205. Amount of premiums paid and other disburse- 

 ments of the treasurer, as ascertained, seven thousand nine 

 hundred and sixty-six -^^^^ dollars ; leaving to credit of perma- 



