68 "Reports of Committees. 



REPORT OX COMMITTEES. 



It is much to be regretted that Mr. E. W. F>. Canning, chairman of the 

 committee on reports, a gentleman known t<> be so well qualified to judge 

 of the point and literary merit of the different reports, was obliged to with- 

 draw from serving. Tin 1 other members respectfully submit the following . 

 Although there are excellent opportunities for the different committees to 

 make valuable practical suggestions in reference to the various subjects 

 which come before them, only a few have to any extent availed themselves 

 of these opportunities ; so few that the labor of deciding which reports are 

 worthy of a premium has not boon very arduous. 



To make a good report requires effort. In the first place materials must 

 be gathered in the way of principles and facts in the different departments ; 

 and in the second place practical information, suggestions and conclusions 

 must follow, plainly expressed, and to the point. These reports are so 

 widely distributed among the intelligent farmers of Berkshire County that 

 great good would be likely to result, were they more carefully studied, 

 more full and complete. The reports on Orchards and Summer Crops are 

 examples worthy of imitation. These are clear and instructive on the sub- 

 jects of which they treat. The writers do not run off into a discussion of 

 the importance of neatness and thrift, the waste of fertilizers, the high call- 

 ing of farmers, how they can better their condition, &c, &c, but give the 

 results of their study and experience on the xulijeet* before them. No fault 

 can be found with most of the reports on account of a want of unity. The 

 authors carry the virtue of brevity to such an extent, as to render it impos- 

 sible for their reports to be otherwise than good examples of unity. 



In conclusion we would urge upon the committees that may be hereafter 

 appointed, to give to this society the results of a -careful study of the sub- 

 jects that may come before them, in the form of clear, full and well diges- 

 ts! reports. 



We award the first premium of $S, to the report on Orchards, Alexan- 

 der Hyde, Chairman. The second premium of $0, we award to the report 

 on Summer Crops. M. I. Wheeler, Chairman. The third premium of $4, 

 is awarded to the report on Velocipedes, M. Warner, Chairman. 



I]. V. Paksoxs, ) ri 

 , T . T ' Committee. 



J. Dewey, Jr., ) 



