SECRETARY'S REPORT. 383 



principally to the storm, and from the fact of the second day 

 being devoted to the exhibition of the horse, most persons 

 residing at a distance, and unable to be present on both days, 

 chose the latter. 



The grounds belonging to the society are ample, and level ; 

 the soil is of that sandy, loamy nature usually foun^ in river 

 bottoms, which absorbs water almost immediately, leaving the 

 ground hard and comparatively dry. 



The distance of the exhibition grounds from the town being 

 more than a mile is a serious objection, especially as the roads 

 in that direction are very narrow, and no provision is made for 

 the convenience of foot passengers. (I would suggest that a 

 sidewalk could be made at a slight expense, which would add 

 much to the comfort of pedestrians, and unquestionably prove 

 a good investment for the society.) 



A large and attractive building has been recently erected for 

 the convenience of the society. It is two stories in height ; the 

 lower one used for the indoor exhibition, while in the upper 

 hall the address was delivered and the collation served ; one 

 thousand persons can be comfortably seated in this room, which 

 is admirably adapted to the purposes for which it is intended. 



A convenient and roomy building for cattle pens occupies 

 one corner of the lot, while a broad and smooth track, half a 

 mile in length, affords every convenience for the display of 

 horses, leaving an abundance of room for all other purposes. 



It was very evident, on entering the grounds, that the show 

 was under the charge of energetic officers. Everything was 

 found in order ; punctuality was noticed as the rule, and so 

 strictly were the regulations observed, that at 3 o'clock, with 

 two exceptions, every horned creature came off the grounds, 

 which were deserted for the day. 



The entries of live stock and other articles intended for 

 exhibition were so numerous, that had the weather proved fine, 

 the show would have been complete in nearly every depart- 

 ment. 



• The entries of neat stock included two hundred and forty- 

 eight animals, among which were eighty pair of oxen ; of 

 sheep, thirty head; of horses, one hundred and thirty-two; 

 swine, nine entries ; of fruits and vegetables, eighty-six — some 

 of which included from thirty to fifty-five varieties. 



