20 



Sowing, 



Cultivating, 



Hoeing, 

 Sept. 17, Cutting, binding and stocking, 

 Oct. 20, Husking 209 baskets at 3 cts., 



Rent of land, 



Total cost of crop. 



By 1043-^ bush, corn at 40 cts., 

 4 tons stover at $7, 



Total value of crop, 

 Deduct cost. 



Profit, $ 6 02 



This is not a very large margin ; but it must be remembered that 

 this has not been a good corn year, that the price of corn is very low, 

 and that the items of grass seed and sowing are not strictly chargeable 

 to this crop. And in this connection it may be proper to mention that 

 on the adjoining acre, treated in the same way last year, the hay crop 

 was fully two tons this year, as against 500 lbs. in 1895. The balance 

 of profit would also be pleasantly enlarged if I should be awarded the 

 Society's premium for the best acre or corn. 



Respectfully submitted, 

 Amherst, Mass., Oct. 21, 1897. John C. Dillon. 



REPORT OF FAIR. 



To the Committee on Agricultural Societies of the State Board of 

 Agriculture : 



Detailed to inspect the fair of the Hampshire Agricultural Society at 

 Amherst I beg leave to offer the following : The managers were favored 

 with fine weather and a fair attendance on both days. On Tuesday, 

 the first day, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry were shown in large num- 

 bers. The extra good quality of the milch cows proved that the patrons 

 of the creameries were breeding cows for a purpose. Nine thorough- 

 bred bulls were offered for premiums, while several more were shown 

 from the college farm. The new breed of swine, '• Belted." was quite 

 an attractive exhibit. 



Wednesday was horse day, when the best nags and finest colts from 

 the country about were shown. These as well as the cows showed that 

 the owners were careful breeders, and were trying to improve the qual- 

 ity of their animals. Two quite spirited races were trotted which were 

 enjoyed by all. 



Considerable interest was manifested in the poultry department, both 

 on account of the size of the exhibit, and the good breeding of the same. 



