306 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



Whilst every man comes here merely to get a small premium upon the 

 largest apple, or the finest horse, or the biggest cow, the society has no 

 power; it only affords, perhaps, pastime for a few to congregate and 

 exchange ideas upon the manner of raising fruit and stock. But it does 

 not meet the question. Each citizen must belong to the society; must 

 hold himself responsible for its success, and not come here expecting 

 that six, eight or ten men will be responsible for its success, as is now 

 the case. I will venture to say that outside of twenty men there has 

 been no one to look after the affairs of this society, or to feel any very 

 deep interest, further than in the exhibition of his own particular pro- 

 ductions. And where one man comes with the spirit to sustain the 

 society and to make it a success, many come with a spirit of captiousness 

 and complain that the} T have not been fairly treated. By whom ? By 

 themselves ; they are the society. They have the say, and they have the 

 vote. But they attempt to tear it to pieces. They have not yet suc- 

 ceeded, and I apprehend never will. But it makes it disagreeable, and 

 every man who has the honor of presiding over this society, either as 

 President or otherwise, once, resolves never to receive the like honor 

 again. And I confess that a man must have more good nature than I 

 possess to go through it without being somewhat roiled. 



I regret exceedingly that there is not a greater number of farmers 

 present to-night. I had prepared in my own mind a little ground work 

 for a talk to them, but on seeing that I had to address an audience, who 

 perhaps will not feel themselves responsible for the success of this fair, 

 I am somewhat thrown off the track. I regret that I cannot entertain 

 them in a better manner. But I will excuse m}'self by saying that on 

 to-morrow evening if they will come, they will have the pleasure of lis- 

 tening to the eloquent Dr. McKaig, who will address them upon the sub- 

 ject of agriculture. And now, after thanking you all for following me 

 in these abrupt remarks, I will bid you good night. 



