SECRETARY'S REPORT. £3^ 



be well sustained. One strong and efficient society can do more 

 than three or four feeble ones. It is not impossible that in some 

 cases, the efforts of several might be concentrated with better re- 

 sults than would follow the establishment of new ones. 



It may be well to inquire how far the complaints sometimes made- 

 are well founded, that features of an objectionable character, and 

 having no legitimate connexion with agriculture, are introduced at 

 our annual exhibitions, merely for the purpose of drawing a crowd ; 

 such as trials of speed with horses, female equestrianism, trials of 

 fire engines, &c. With regard to the latter, it may be remarked 

 that our statute, respecting agricultural societies, mentions manu- 

 factures as equally under their patronage with agriculture. Now 

 if balloon ascensions, trials of fire engines, and the like, are connected 

 with the progress of manufactures, it is something equally to the 

 point, and they may properly come in. For one, I see little con- 

 nexion with either, and yet something may perhaps be allowed to 

 the consideration that Americans, as a people, have fewer holidays 

 and festive occasions than almost any other ; and farmers, certainly. 

 no more than other classes among us. Occasions of public amuse- 

 ment and recreation of an unobjectionable character, might doubt- 

 less be introduced to advantage to a greater extent than now exists. 



Equestrian exercises certainly furnish an excellent and healthful 

 exercise for both sexes, and it is a very desirable accomplishment 

 for any one to be able to ride well. It is not easy, however, to 

 see how public displays of female equestrianship tend to promote 

 agriculture or the mechanic arts, but whether this be insisted upon 

 or not, it should at least be shown that they do not conflict with a 

 healthful state of public morals, nor with good taste, before they 

 be admitted to form a part of our exhibitions. A good cause needs 

 no support, and should accept of none from improper means, or 

 from any of doubtful propriety. The Jesuitical maxim, that the 

 end justifies the means, has no more truth, when applied to agri- 

 culture, than to any other worthy object. 



Trials of speed with horses, appear to me to occupy a different 

 position. They are legitimately connected with the purposes for 

 which agricultural exhibitions are held. That they are sometimes 

 accompanied with much which is objectionable, is not denied ; but 

 the connection is not a necessary one. They can be, and should 

 be, elevated entirely out of the sphere of jockeyism. Speed is an 

 element of value in a horse as really as power, endurance, or 

 action. It is everywhere so recognized, and will command its 



