8 MAINE STATE SOCIETY. 



ties of the latter city, upon terms apparently securing the Society 

 against loss, and promising financial success. 



But, notwithstanding such favorable prospects, the Trustees, think- 

 ing it prudent, required and obtained a bond, signed by several 

 responsible gentlemen of Portland, indemnifying the Society against 

 loss. 



Immediately upon the execution of said bond, public notice was 

 given of the time and place of holding the Show and Fair, and the 

 prize list made up and published. The other usual necessary prepa- 

 rations for the exhibition were actively commenced. 



The Society, through the liberality of the city government, were 

 accommodated with the spacious rooms and halls of the new city 

 building, where were exhibited an unusual variety of agricultural 

 and horticultural products, while the show of domestic manufac- 

 tures, dairy products, agricultural implements, new and improved 

 machinery, and mechanical inventions, together with such miscella- 

 neous articles as are generally collected at such exhibitions, filled 

 several large rooms and halls. 



One of the most attractive features of the exhibition was the 

 picture gallery, contributed principally by the citizens of Portland, 

 which, for variety and extent of value, has never been equalled in 

 this State, and the artistic skill and good taste manifested in the 

 arrangement of the several paintings, added materially to its attrac- 

 tions. 



The horticultural department, managed by the Portland Horti- 

 cultural Society, was also an exceedingly pleasant and attractive 

 feature of the Show. 



The first day of the Show was stormy and quite unfavorable for 

 the operations upon the grounds, but the exercises assigned for that 

 day were duly performed — the stock all properly arranged for the 

 examination of the committees and the public. 



The display of neat stock was extensive and of the very first 

 quality, indicating an increased interest and a growing determina- 

 tion on the part of the farmers of the State, not only to obtain 

 improved breeds of cattle and other stock, but also to improve 

 themselves in the practical science of breeding the same. 



The attendance upon the grounds, probably owing to there having 

 been, during the seasoDj so many exciting public meetings, and also 



