20 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 



the state of the weather, and by the requisition found neces- 

 sary, of entry being made on the day previous. The plan of 

 charging a small admission fee, answered the purpose intended, 

 by keeping the rooms in a condition to accommodate those 

 who wished to see and examine what was exhibited. It Avill 

 unquestionably be found a salutary regulation, in fair weather, 

 with a numerous attendance. 



The show of fruit was very fine, superior to any before seen 

 in this County. For the success in this department, the Soci- 

 ety are under great obligations to our Horticultural friends in 

 Salem, the exhibition by the Essex Institute being united with 

 that of this Society. 



For an examination of the animals and articles presented, 

 and the premiums and gratuities awarded, reference may be 

 had to the reports of the several committees : — which do or 

 should contain a complete specification of all presented, and all 

 awarded, together with the reasons of the award ; — that those 

 who read may have as full an understanding of the awards, as 

 those who saw the objects for which they were made. It can- 

 not be expected that committees will view with the eyes of 

 competitors ; — if they did, it would be a hopeless task to ex- 

 pect any awards. Disinterested as committees are always re- 

 quired to be, and selected for their special qualifications for the 

 purpose, it is desirable that they shall continue to command, as 

 they have heretofore received, the confidence of the public ; — 

 and especially of the farmers whose interests they are anxious 

 to promote. 



The premiums awarded are but a small part of the objects 

 of the Society. The information elicited and disseminated is 

 the grand purpose of the organization. This is done through 

 the medium of the Reports. It cannot therefore be too strong- 

 ly impressed on the minds of competitors and committees, that 

 on the fullness and accuracy of their statements and reports, 

 will mainly depend the usefulness and reputation of the Socie- 

 ty, In regard to some of the objects upon which reports are 

 to be made, it is not easy to say any thing new ; — neverthe- 

 less, if worth examining at all, they are worthy of description. 

 " Line upon line, and precept upon precept," will be found to 

 make salutary impressions in agriculture as well as in morals. 



