12 



life of our first race of farmers. Two generations hence their grandchildren will 

 be occupying the reserved seats on this platform. We have a wonderful power of 

 assimilation in old Berkshire. These hills breed men; for it is a truth as wide as 

 the universe that honest, intelligent hard work tells and has its due appreciation, 

 whether on the farm, in the mill or in the arctic seas making scientific researches 

 for the world's benefit. 



There have been changes, too, in the relative position of our population. Once 

 the people were more evenly distributed among the towns. Some sought the 

 business centers, many emigrated, as we have seen, to more fertile lands; many 

 from abroad sought our manufacturing towns. As the farming and business in- 

 terests have changed, so our population has shifted. Vet our agricultural pro- 

 ducts have increased, in 1880 being $2,032,314. 



Thus we have briefly considered some of the phases of and changes in Berk- 

 shire agriculture since 18 10. Time would fail to note them all. We have noticed : 



1 . A comparison of the population by decades. 



2. The early settlers. 



3. The agricultural standstill. 



4. The organization of this society. 



5. Its object — the promotion of agriculture and domestic manufactures. 



6. The growth of the manufacturing interest and the effect on agriculture. 



7. The period immediately following the organization of the society contrast- 

 ed with the present period. 



8. Changes in sources of farm revenue. 



9. Changes in stock. 



10. Changes in the breeding of horses. 



1 1 . Sheep raising in the county. 



12. Changes in the aspect of the count}-. 



13. Changes in the character of the manufacturing and farming population. 



14. Changes in the position of the population. 



The proper consideration of any one of these topics would fill at least an hour's 

 discourse. One of the great lessons of the periods we have reviewed is the depend- 

 ence of all industries upon each other and the effect of generous sympathies which 

 should exist between them. What would now have been the wealth and popula- 

 tion of Berkshire if her agricultural industry had frowned upon her manufacturing 

 industry? How beautifully .they have aided each other 1 How their united strength 

 has secured the present and the future, fulfilling the prophecies of the founders of 

 the society. 



