SUMMARY. lix 



SUMMARY 



In the report for 1874, 1 gave a brief resume of the financial condition 

 of the various societies, together with an analysis of the various opera- 

 tions of the year, as preseuted in the returns made to this office. The 

 figures proved so interesting and suggestive, that I venture to present a 

 similar summary for 1875. 



It is a curious fact, that although the weather was bad on most of the 

 days of exhibition of the societies, throughout the State, and, conse- 

 quently, unfavorable for a large attendance from the crowds who usually 

 flock to the agricultural shows, as a recreation, and who are generally 

 supposed to be the reliance of managers for filling their treasuries, the 

 total receipts of the societies were, in 1875, considerably in excess of those 

 for 1874, the aggregate being, for 1875, f 149,837.58, while, in the year 

 before, they were $132,842 60. 



If we remember that the amount received from the state treasury, in 

 the way of bounties, was about the same in both years, that the income 

 from the permanent fund was greater in 1874 than in 1875, that the 

 receipts from new members and donations were also greater in that year, 

 we conclude that the difference in the aggregate receipts must have been, 

 almost entirel}-, from what is known as " gate-money " or admission fees. 



The exact difference in figures between these fees, allowing for the dif- 

 ference in the other items of receipts, is $12,135.35. That the societies 

 should, under such unfavorable circumstances, have so favorable a show- 

 ing, is, indeed, a matter of congratulation. 



The weather was certainly not the kind most likely to have drawn out 

 a " horse crowd," and this fact furnishes another point to those who do 

 not believe that the horse-trot is at all requisite to the success of the agri- 

 cultural fair. 



The " premiums offered " were in about the same proportion to " pre- 

 miums paid," in both years. 



The current expenses of 1874 were less than in 1875 by $13,967.84, but 

 this difference is accounted for by the unusually large expenditure, by 

 the Worcester North Society, of $13,399.61, above the premiums and 

 gratuities. 



The total disbursements for the year were $144,892.79, or less than the 

 total receipts by $4,944.79, while, in 1874, they were less than the receipts 

 by $6,533.43. 



The indebtedness of the societies has increased within the year 

 $23,682.35, but the value of the real and i^ei'sonal property belonging to 

 them has increased in a much greater ratio, being valued at $749,862.88, 

 while, in 1874, its valuation was $546,753.03, a difference of $203,109.85. 



The above facts and figures certainly show that our county societies are 

 in a flourishing condition, and that they are judiciously managed. 



I append a table of figures, comparing the financial status of the socie- 

 ties in 1865 and 1875 : — 



