1891.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 4. 9 



during the annual fairs are crowded with interested people. 

 This society has for a number of years past held a joint exhibi- 

 tion in connection with the New England Agricultural Society, 

 thus enlarging its premiums and drawing out the very best 

 of farm products. The yearly expenses of the society are 

 about $25,000, including $13,000 paid out in premiums. 

 The gross income is about $30,000. The premiums are dis- 

 tributed in sums calculated to bring out the best cattle, 

 horses, sheep, swine, and farm and dairy produce in New 

 England. The society has jtbout 1,700 members. Law- 

 yers, doctors and farmers are equally interested in the wel- 

 fare of the society. Among the early presidents were the 

 late Governors Lincoln and Bullock, Daniel Waldo, Isaac 

 Davis and Wm. S. Lincoln. Most of the leading citizens 

 are on the list of members. 



The Worcester County Horticultural Society is closely 

 allied to the Agricultural Society, although it confines its 

 attention to floriculture and horticulture. It was organized 

 Sept. 19, 1840, with the late Dr. John Green as president, 

 and Wm. Lincoln as secretary. The society was incorporated 

 in 1842, and has had a long and brilliant career. The first 

 exhibition was in the town hall, and the society continued 

 to hold its meetings in various halls until 1852, when it 

 purchased the land this building stands on. The rise in 

 value of this property has made the society financially inde- 

 pendent. It yields a handsome income, which is expended 

 in premiums and in making additions to its valuable library. 



The Worcester Grange was organized in 1873. It has 

 267 members, being the largest grange in the State. This 

 organization began in a very modest and quiet way, in the 

 library of this hall. As its membership increased, it removed 

 to larger and still larger rooms, until this year, when the 

 hall it had been occupying was to be remodeled, the Grange 

 took the lease and fitted it up for its use in a tasteful and 

 suitable manner. Just how much benefit these societies 

 have been to the farmers of this vicinity, it is impossible to 

 tell ; but it is certain that a change for the better is indicated 

 by improved stock, better cultivation, and by the evidences 

 of comfort and refinement that mark the home of the farmer 

 of to-day. 



