MAINE STATE SOCIETY. 47 



by the late Executive Committee. About the middle of June, 

 the Trustees received notice from the Secretary of the Society, 

 that the committee having that matter in charge had decided 

 that the show and fair for the season should be held at Water- 

 Tille. A meeting of the Trustees was at once called at that 

 place, for the purpose of making definite arrangements for the 

 exhibition. On consultation with the Trustees of the North 

 Kennebec Society, upon whose grounds it was proposed to hold 

 the fair, and from whom the proposition to the State Society to 

 hold its show in Waterville came, it was considered of doubtful 

 expediency to attempt to hold the show at that place. Plaving 

 heard the desire very generally expressed, that the exhibition 

 of the State Society should be held in Portland the current 

 year, the Trustees adjourned this meeting to that place; and 

 having received a favorable proposition from some of the lead- 

 ing business men there, it was decided to change the location 

 of the show and fair to the city of Portland. 



Of the success of the exhibition as an exhibition, the multi- 

 tude there present as spectators, with leisure to examine, are 

 better judges than the Trustees. Of its success financially we 

 can only say, the year was commenced, as shown by the Treas- 

 urer, with an empty treasury — it closes with $2,923.27, as a 

 fund in store for the future. The Trustees with pleasure ac- 

 knowledge the efficient aid rendered the Society by the citizens 

 of Portland, in subscribing to a contingent fund ; and especially 

 would they acknowledge their obligations to the officers and 

 members of the Board of Trade, the Mechanics' Association, 

 tlie Mercantile Library Association, and the City Committee of 

 Arrangements, for their assistance in money, time, labor and 

 counsel, in preparing the grounds and halls, and in conducting 

 the Show. 



The Society is yet in its infancy, and it would have been 

 strange indeed, if, at the outset, the best methods of managing 

 its concerns had been devised and acted upon. Each succeed- 

 ing year will doubtless suggest improvements, and the experi- 

 ence of the one just closed is not wanting in its lessons of 

 instruction for the future. The Trustees take the present 

 occasion to offer some suggestions for the consideration of the 

 Society, relative to the future management. 



