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XIII. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The county of Beiicsliire has been many years distinguished for its 

 agricultural society, which, in intelligence, enterprise, and public spirit 

 is second to none in the country. It is reniarkable likewise in respect 

 to this society that in every part of the county, among the farmers 

 themselves, who, as a class of men are generally distrustful of the advan- 

 tages of such associations, and seem in such matters oftentimes as well 

 skilled as their oxen in the art of " holding back," its utility is univer- 

 sally acknowledged and a strong interest felt in its success. They are 

 every where disposed in this good matter to pull together ; and it would, 

 as it seems to me, be difficult to find, what is technically termed an 

 " off" ox in the team. I regret that I cannot say the same things 

 of all the agricultural societies and all the farmers in the state. If 

 the farmers do not take a strong interest in these institutions, who 

 can be expected to ? The state has for a long time extended a lib- 

 eral patronage towards them ; and the mone}'^ bestowed, if properly 

 applied, would be productive of immense benefits. 



All agree that in respect to the county of Berkshire, the best ef- 

 fects have resulted from its agricultural society. It has every where 

 excited and cherished a spirit of generous emulation ; and men of the 

 highest distinction in the county for education, character, political 

 standing and wealth give their time and zeal to its excellent objects. 



The society called the " Berkshire Agricultural Society for the 

 promotion of Agriculture and Manufactures," was incorporated 25lh 

 February, 181 L It has received the annual grant of the govern- 

 ment amounting to 600 dollars per year ; and has bestowed it in va- 

 rious premiums upon stock, agricultural improvements, and crops. 

 Their first ploughing-maicb took place on the 7th October, 1819. 

 Since that time the society have held a cattle-show, exhibition of 

 domestic manufactures, and a ploughing-match every autumn. It is 

 holden for two days; and the farmers and the farmers' wives and daugh- 

 ters, lending their encouraging aid and presence to this rinal and de- 

 lightful festival, are congregated from all parts of the county. Ap- 

 plications for premiums on cultivation are made early in the sea- 

 son ; and a committee is delegated to visit the premises of ev- 

 ery claimant, and examine the growing or standing crops which are 



