1892.] FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY. 77 



danger, as a training-ground for our railita, a breathing-place 

 and a resting-place for the people. 



President Parker. — The first Treasurer of the Society, F. W. 

 Paine, Esq., was one of the first founders, greatly interested in 

 the Society's success and husbanding its scanty resources with a 

 careful hand. The inclentient weather has kept away apparently 

 those few earliest members still surviving from whom we expected 

 some reminiscence of those early days and original founders, 

 but Mr. Paine is represented here to-night by a near relative 

 holding the same office as his honored ancestor, that of Treasurer 

 of the Society. I present to you Nathaniel Paine, Esq., our 

 Treasurer. 



Nathaniel Paine. Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : — 

 After the very complete and interesting historical address of 

 our President, there seems to be but little more that can be said 

 of our early history, even if time would permit. This is an 

 occasion for rejoicing over the growth and present prosperity of 

 the Society after half a century of existence. Previous speakers 

 have so freely expressed their pride and gratification in our 

 progress, that I can add nothing in that direction. 



My own recollections of the early days of this Society are cer- 

 tainly most agreeable and 1 recall with pleasure the annual fall 

 exhibitions held in connection with cattle-show. It seems to me, 

 Mr. President, that these exhibitions were more popular with the 

 general public than the present plan of monthly or weekly ex- 

 hibits, although they may not have been as productive of good to 

 the interest of horticulture. I recall with pleasure the time when 

 I was considered old enough to be allowed to assist in arranging 

 the fruits and vegetables for these annual exhibitions. One of 

 the first of these, that I remember, was held in the newly erected 

 block on Main Street, just south of the residence of Dr. B. F. 

 Heywood, at the corner of Central Street. 



The first public exhibition of the Society held in 1840, was in 

 what was then known as South Town Hall, other parts of the build- 

 ing being occupied by exhibits of the Agricultural Society — the 

 annual cattle-show at that time took place on the Common. 



