REFOKM IN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 73 



tions, and are not, at the same time, aiming to gain some 

 sellisli end for themselves or their friends at the expense of 

 the public. There exist too many persons of this kind, just 

 at present, and the eyes of unsuspecting people should be 

 upon them. 



It is not well always to trust to the opinions of. the loudest 

 and most fluent talkers. It is much better to study and form 

 one's own opinions from what we can read and hear. 



Do not let personal animosities or prejudices influence us, 

 for often a personal enemy may be one Avho could best serve 

 us in an ofiicial capacity. 



Many members take no pains to attend the annual election, 

 and so withhold their counsel in appointing the nominating 

 committee. Every member should make such arrangements 

 as will enable him to attend the annual meeting, and then we 

 should have all parts of the county well represented, which, 

 while it would add greatly to the usefulness of the meeting, 

 would add much to the pleasure of the day. 



The most needed improvement at our shows seems to be 

 covered jpens for the unfortunate animals that now favor the 

 shows with their presence, and have been exposed to the 

 severe storms that have at times taken place. Farmers can- 

 not readily find outside shelter in case of rain or cold, and 

 more often would not care to be put to that expense ; con- 

 sequently, many valuable animals, which would afiord excel- 

 lent instruction, are not exhibited to our farmers. Ayrshires, 

 Shorthorns, Jerseys, etc., will be exhibited only in small 

 numbers until their owners can be assured that proper pro- 

 tection from the weather will be provided. 



I am convinced that the society ought not to locate. To 

 locate would simply be suicidal. I would urge all members 

 who have its best interests at heart, strongly to oppose all 

 attempts to locate. 



It is impossible for the society to own portable covered 

 pens, or the lumber necessary to make them, on account of 

 the expense of transporting them. 



The New York State Society has, until the last four or five 

 years, held its shows at difierent places each year, and has had 

 pens, built by contract, of rough boards, which were sold after 

 the show. The boards were but little cut or injured and the 



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