108 BERKSHIRE SOCIETY. 



different kinds of manure which accumulate in the yards and 

 about the buildings of every farmer, and by composting this 

 with the wash of the roads, or with the muck from the marsh, 

 by which process the fluids are absorbed, and thus become most 

 powerful auxiliaries in perfecting this great work. 



We find another evidence of the good influence of this Society, 

 (although its influence in this may be considered indirect,) in 

 the visible improvements in the dwellings, and, perhaps, more 

 especially in the barns and other outbuildings of the farmer, — 

 showing most conclusively, that they not only have a regard for 

 their own comfort and convenience and that of their famihes, 

 but also for that of their flocks and herds, for which Berkshire 

 county is becoming so much distinguished. 



We can speak most favorably, also, of the general neatness of 

 appearance and judicious management of most of the farms that 

 we were called to visit ; but, in some instances, we found a luxu- 

 riant growth of weeds and bushes, which, we think, should be 

 removed and give place for other productions more profitable to 

 the owner, and more beautiful to the beholder. 



We believe, also, the influence of this Society is fast tending 

 to the removal of the dishonor (if any has ever existed) attached 

 to the agricultural pursuit, and that the old adage is fast gaining 

 favor in this community, that — 



" He that by the plough would thrive, 

 Himself must either hold or drive." 



For, in most instances where we were called to examine 

 crops, the owner was most diligently engaged in the labor of the 

 field, either in promoting the growth of the crops then in the 

 process of maturing, or in harvesting and securing those already 

 matured. This truth is not only applicable to those in the hum- 

 ble walks of life, but to some of those also who have been called 

 by your suffrages to represent you in the public councils, thus 

 showing that the intellect, which has been honorably employed 

 in devising laws for the State, may, without incurring reproach, 

 successfully guide the hands in the cultivation of the soil. 



The number of crops entered for premium, we believe to be 

 without a parallel in the history of this Society's proceedings. 

 They numbered one hundred and sixty-one ; and, in addition to 



