26 



The weather and ground were so very unfavorable, that the energy displayed 

 in coming out and ploughing on such a morning, entitles the persons to con- 

 sideration; We therefore recommend that the following named persons that 

 ploughed and performed their work so well — so w r ell indeed had they come within 

 the time perscribed would have entitled them to higher premiums. 



H. W. Burget, Egremont, ■ $2 00 



Patrick Burns, Stockbridge, 2 00 



Garret Burns, Great Barrington, 2 00 



Joseph Ramsey was ploughman for Mr. Joyner, Michael W. Kilduff for M r. 

 Wmthrop. All the other competitors drove their own team. 



B. N. Clark, ) 



Henry Baker, > Committee. 



Jerome Curtiss, ) 



plowing — ox teams. 



Best Plowing, Ox Team, B. E. Stoddard, Alford, $8 00 



E. N. Hubbard, — Chairman. 



ORCHARDS. 



Your Committee on Orchards for 1870-72, respectfullv submit the following 

 report : There were five entries of Apple Orchards, only three of which came 

 within the rules of the society. Those examined were C. D. Langdon's of Monte- 

 rey, S. H. Bushnell's of Sheffield, and H. D. Hollenbeck's of Egremont. Lang- 

 don's and Bushneirs orchards were set in spring of 1870, and consisted of fifty 

 trees each, set 24x24 feet. Langdon's trees were planted in a sandy soil, with 

 an easterly slope, Bushnell's in a gravelly soil, with a more northerly slope. Both 

 orchards has been cultivated by planting potatoes and corn. Most of the trees 

 showed a vigorous and healthy growth, and when last visited, several were bear- 

 ing beautiful specimens of fruit. The orchard of Mr. Hollenbeck stands in a 

 good location, and contains nearly one hundred trees, set twenty-seven feet 

 apart each way, which we like better than twenty-four feet. The orchard when 

 first examined, looked anything but promising. We think he made a bad mis- 

 take in the selection of his trees, many of them being small and low, besides had 

 been too long exposed to the rays of the sun, before setting. On our final exami- 

 nation we found them much improved, Mr. Hollenbeck having done all, and 

 even more than we expected ; but it will take several years, with the best of care, 

 to make up for the first mistake. We would suggest to those who think of 

 setting trees, to choose the more hardy varieties, and accept none which are not 

 of proper size and height, to make a handsome tree. Select a place where they 

 will be the least exposed to our severe winds, and expect to wage perpetual war 

 with the insect tribe. We regret to say there were no entries of Pear Orchards 

 subject to the rules of the society. We award as follows: 



Best Apple Orchard, C. D. Langdou, Monterey, $10 00 



2d do., S. Hopking Bushnell, Sheffield, 8 00 



:id do.. H. D. Hollenbeck, Egremont, 6 00 



H. A. Steomax, i n ... 

 A. Taft, { Committee. 



