104 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



making spirit will defeat all the generous purposes of the asso- 

 ciation for the public good. 



Our annual shows have become very popular with all classes, 

 and bring out large masses to enjoy the pleasures of the " far- 

 mer's holiday." It is the duty of those who manage and con- 

 trol these great gatherings to guard against every thing that 

 tends to vitiate the moral sense or encourage practices that 

 detract from the useful objects of life. 



The order and decorum hitherto observed on these occasions 

 will be a fact in history of pleasing example. What shall be in 

 the future depends much upon the character given them by the 

 present managers. The purchase of grounds suitable and suf- 

 ficient for all the purposes of the Society, when properly enclosed, 

 places the whole assemblage more completely under the control 

 of the managers than the most stringent laws would otherwise 

 effect. It is a matter of serious consideration, what the ultimate 

 effect upon the taste and habits of posterity will be of the con- 

 struction of riding courses, now becoming fashionable, around 

 the grounds. They will be sources of pleasure and attrac- 

 tion to the amateur horse-feeling now prevailing among us. 

 They are, must and will be used for racing, rather than for 

 testing the qualities of the horse most valuable to the farming 

 and productive labor of the community. It is a change with 

 which all seemed pleased. It gives us pleasure, and puts money 

 in the treasury of the Society. All seems to go well now, and 

 " all is well that ends well." 



I cannot conclude without a word upon the closing part of 

 the exhibition. The dinner was grand. Every dish was fit for 

 an alderman, and they were numerous enough for a whole 

 city government. The most fastidious epicure must have been 

 more than satisfied. 



At the close of the feast we had, by way of dessert, speeches 

 from several of our most eminent citizens, which gave much 

 pleasure by their sprightly wit and humor. All were made 

 joyful and happy. The occasion was much indebted to the 

 worthy President, Gen. Chandler, who performed all his duties 

 with his wonted grace and dignity. 



Seth Sprague. 



