xiv REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



the weather appears to be a necessity for this societ} r , if we may 

 judge from the report of its secretaiy, which says, " The weather 

 was all that the oldest attendant had a right, founded upon long 

 experience, to expect, being cold, rainy and disagreeable to the last 

 degree." It further states, " It is to be regretted that when the 

 general court, in its wisdom, fixed the day of holding the annual 

 show, it should have neglected to settle the weather also." 



I insert the above for the consideration of the Board, that if it can 

 arrange, by consulting " Old Probabilities," or through any other 

 source, for the relief of the society, its labor of love will be grate- 

 fully appreciated. 



I learn that this society has been under a cloud for several years, 

 from the weather and other causes. I trust the members will not 

 deem the suggestion officious, that the} r may have made a mistake 

 in deciding to hold their fair but one day instead of two, as formerly. 

 Had it been otherwise the present year, they would have enjoyed 

 one fair day, and probably have much replenished their treasury. 

 The expense and labor of arrangement for a cattle-show is all 

 incurred for one day that would be required for two or more, and 

 mone} r being one of the necessities of an agricultural society as well 

 as of all other enterprises, it seems desirable that a society should 

 avail itself of all opportunities or chances for favorable weather. I 

 trust our friends will not give way to despondency. The sun 

 always shines, although its light may be obscured for a time. 

 Perseverance and honorable endeavor will secure success. "We 

 must all learn " to labor and to wait." 



The character of the exhibition, as a whole, was commendable, 

 and I accord with the following statement of the secretary : — 



" The show of neat-stock was remarkably fine. The herds of 

 Shorthorns, Ayrshires, Jerseys and Jamestowns presented an 

 exhibition of thoroughbred stock seldom equalled at cattle-shows. 

 The display of working-oxen and fat cattle was good." 



That of poulhy was exceptionally so. 



The trial of working-oxen and steers, of family-teams, gentle- 

 men's driving-horses, etc., all duly occurred. But as the society's 

 building afforded much better protection than our umbrella, we were 

 content to take it for granted that part of the exhibition was per- 

 fectly satisfactory. 



The display in the hall, though not extensive in some of its 

 departments, was creditable. The fanc}'-work evinced the active 

 minds that designed, the skill of the fair hands that wrought, and 

 could hardly be excelled. 



The exhibition of flowers was very fine. The quality of the fruit 

 was good. 



