26 



articles, and flowers, the latter making a gorgeous display, and the 

 whole very complete and creditable. 



Delegate F. G. Howes of Ashfield was on the ground both days, and 

 several newspaper men and other distinguished guests were present. 



Music was furnished on both days by the Williamsburg Cornet band. 



Three Institute meetings were held by the society during the year, at 

 Cummington, Chesterfield and Worthington, also a union meeting at 

 Ashfield, all of which were instructive and interesting, and were pat- 

 ronized by appreciative audiences. 



At the last annual meeting it was voted to hold an Institute meeting 

 on the evening of the first day of the Fair, and three others during the 

 coming year. 



Taking a backward look over the four j'ears of the chartered existence 

 of the society, we see a constant, uniform growth in everything pertain- 

 ing to its interests. The entries this year numbered 25 per cent more 

 than any pie«;eding year, and nearly double those of 1884, the first year 

 the full State bounty was leceived. As the exhibits increase, and the 

 circle widens, the necessity is felt for a larger appropriation for premi- 

 ums, and we look for the time when the finances will justify our adding 

 to the premium list from our own resources. 



A word of exhortation to committees of award: — Promptness is one 

 of the cardinal virtues, and prompt action on j^our part in making your 

 examinations and awards "is a consummation devoutly to be wished", 

 and would avoid the annoyance sometimes caused by the failure of com- 

 mittees to repoit. 



AMOUNT AWAEDED EACH DEPARTMENT. 



Horsemanship, $6 50 



Fruits, 31 75 



Garden Vegetables, 20 75 



Grains and Seeds, 20 00 



Butter, 15 00 



Cheose, 8 00 



Bread, 10 00 



Maple Sugar and Honey, 10 00 



Canned Fruits and Wines, 8 00 

 Domestic & Fancy articles, 54 35 



Pictures and Paintings, 5 00 



Flowers, 6 50 



Mechanic Arts, 6 00 



Youths' Department, 19 55 



