Connecticut western news., 1891-10-08
AN HISTORIC EVENT.
Exhibition of The
 HOusatOnic Agricultural Society.

Good Weather and a Large Attentl- The semi-centennial exhibition and cattle show of the Housatonic Agricul- tural Society on the Fair Grounds at Great Darlington last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, was decided success in nearly every department. The abundant crops. the beautiful weather and the enthusiasm of the Berk shire County farmers combined to pro- duce this result. The managers of the Assscciation started out to make the fair success by giving an attractive program, and they accomplished the desired result
 The Housatonic Society dates its ori- gin from the meeting of few farmers at the Berkshire House in Octo Der, 1841. The next fall cattle show was held on Main street, and counting that show with the one held last week makes the jubilee number of fifty exhibi- tions.
 Wednesday, the first day of the fair, has ever since the first exhibition. been called cattle show day, and few old farmers who are yet living delight in telling the oft repeated story that many years ago Governor Briggs attended the show, and that ''Major Samuel Ros- setter walked proud behind the blow, while before at least hundred oxen were aligned. while His Excellency Governor Briggs and magnates walked behind" That is ancient history, and in order to return to the present it is only necessary to say that on Wednes- day the old Housatonic Society was honored with the presence of William E. Russell, the young democratic Gov ernor of Massachusetts. His Excellen- cy, accompanied by part of his staff and such magnates as Mayor Hubbard, High Sheriff Crosby, Representative J. O. Crosby and others, of Pittsfeld, ar- rived on the g. II train, and in great four-in-hand drag driven by George Clark, of Pittsfeld, was taken about town and ultimately to the Far Grounds. Though the Governor and magnates did not march "proud behind the blow" they did what evidently suit ed them better, by ascending the grand stand, where the Governor, after being introduced by President Alonzo Brad ley, made good speech to the assem- bled thousands who stood on the ground in front of the stand. At the conclu- sion of the address the distinguished party, with few nabobs of this village, were driven to the residence of Col William l.. Brown, where they were wined and dined to their entire satisfac- tion. As only one reporter was admit ted to the royal guest chamber it is diff ficult to describe the elaborate spread, but 1t is said the table was adorned with cut flowers and smilax and that the only ladies present were Mrs Brown with the beautiful and accomplished Miss Thompson, of St Louis.
 But to return to the subject of this letter, the cattle show was an excellent one. In herd book stock the Holsteins led in size and attractiveness, if not in numbers. The chief exhibitor was President Bradley, of Lee, who was awarded all first premiums offered in that division. His perfect Holstein COW, Catharine, which gives from 95 to 90 pounds of milk day, imported from Holland, attracted great attention.
 The Jerseys were represented by sev- eral breeders but the finest herd of all was from the stables of J. Milton Mackie, of Great Darlington. Edward F. Searles, Mrs W. B. ,Teht. c. N. Gil bert also received first premiums in this division.
 Guernseys were ont in small num- bers, but they were noble specimens of the breed. The royal bull, ''Timon, 3d." owned d by Judge J. H. Rowley, of Egremont, was awarded the first pre- mium of $7. Walter Cutting, of Pitts field, and Deacon D. w. Beckwith, of Great Burlington, were also given first prizes on Guernsey heifers and COWS.
 As usual from year to year the chief exhibitors of Ayrshires were Theron l., Foote, of Lee, and w. I. Walker, of Great Burlington. As expressed by one of the judges, several of the ani- mals were fine, while others were not worthy to be shown on the Fai1 Grounds.
 The Durhams were out in full force. Those receiving the highest honors were J. Fl. VanDeusen, of Sheffield, Fred Abbey and E. N. Hubbard, of Gt Burlington.
 The exhibition of working oxen was about the same as at recent fairs but nothing in comparison to what it was forty years ago. All other grade ani- mals, especially COWS, were we'll repre-. sented. A fine milch COW owned by J A. Grifeth. of Sheffield, took the first premium of $7.
 The display of Southdown, Hamp shiredown, Merino and grade sheep wal
 excellent and the forty pens devoted tt
 their use were nearly all occupied. Th'
 greater part of these valuable animal'
 were from Egremont, though Sheffield
 Afford. Lee and Great Harrington wer'
 represented. For Southdowns w. s Wilcox, of Sheffield, took several frs premiums for Hampshires, T. L
 Foote, of Lee for grades, l.. M. Joy