22 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



out his projects for public improvement, but he gave freely 

 of his substance. He gave five hundred dollars towards 

 building our soldiers' monument, — one-third of its entire 

 cost ; and, during his residence here of some nine years, 

 he labored constantly to improve the minds and beautify the 

 homes of our people. He has passed away ; but the good he 

 has done still lives, and grows stronger and brighter with 

 each succeeding day. I need not add that his memory is 

 embalmed in the hearts of all, the old and the young, in 

 this community. 



The Fay Library, which occupies a part of this building, is 

 free to all. It consists of nearl}' five thousand volumes. It 

 was founded and endowed by the late Francis B. Fay of 

 Lancaster. Mr. Fa}' was born and bred in this town ; he 

 was jealous of her good name, and ever mindful of her best 

 interests. 



St. Mark's School, modelled after the great schools of 

 England, was established in 1865, and is located here. It 

 has a good record, and is now fitting fifty boj-s for the lead- 

 ing colleges of this country. 



Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I should fail in my duty if 

 I did not, in behalf of this club, render to your Board the 

 thanks of all its members for the great benefits we have 

 derived from the yearly reports of your doings ; and I would 

 especially thank your late secretary, C. L. Flint, for his 

 constant and uniform kindness. He was our old and tried 

 friend, ever ready to answer questions, furnish information, 

 and aid us in every way. 



I cannot pay him the official tribute which he deserves at 

 your hands ; but, in his voluntary retirement from his long 

 and arduous labors, I wish for liim that happiness which 

 must come from a sense of faithful service and from the 

 tribute of a multitude of gratcfid hearts. 



His successor, Mr. Russell of Leicester, is a Worcestei- 

 county man of whom we are justly proud. I believe he is 

 well qualified to perform the duties of the office to which 

 you have elected him. I congratulate you upon being able 

 to secure his services, and I congratulate him on his official 

 position, which is one of usefulness and honor ; and I take 

 pleasure in bidding him welcome to Southborough. 



I will not detain you. 1 know that important essays are 



