COUNTY AND DISTRICT REPORTS. 319 



Notwithstanding the protracted rain storm which greeted us on our opening 

 day, and continued with little internii.ssion up to Wednesday night, we had the 

 largest number of entries e%'er made on our grounds. 



The attendance during the week, however, was very much reduced by the in- 

 clement weather, so that practically we had but two days' fair, and those, with 

 roads in such bad condition that only about half the usual number of tickets were 

 sold. 



The Association this year made strong efforts to present a varied and interest- 

 ing programme to its patrons, by dispensing among the usual sources of entertain- 

 ment, balloon ascensions, bicycle races, and good music, and we feel that under the 

 adverse circumstances the fair of this year was a success. 



The number and quality of exhibits in Floral Hall was unusually good, show- 

 ing a marked increase in taste and quantity of production of those articles tending 

 to the beautiful in textile fahrics. The exhibit in the Fine Art Department Avas 

 unusually good. Total numbt-r of entries in Floral Hall, 501. 



Exhibits in the Mechanical Department were rather less in number than usual, 

 but the display was found to be interesting, with a number of new mechanical con- 

 trivances in addition to those usually found. Number of entries in this depart- 

 ment, 171. 



Agricultural and horticultural products made a much better showing than for 

 a number of years; and it is observed that the general supply of such products in 

 this district, much exceeds, on an average, that of several years previous. Total 

 number of entries reached l,r28. 



The exhibitions of live stock were well sustained, and the parade of premium 

 stock was fairly up to the standard. This is the more encouraging from the fact 

 that this stock was entirely made up from our own district, and not fiom foreign 

 show herds; and is indicative of a growing vigor and pride among our home far- 

 mers in the production of blooded stock. This, we believe, is due very largely to 

 the comparisons Mnd ideas gained atour annual agricultural fairs, and is a sample 

 of the influence they are exerting toward a gradual improvement in all kinds of 

 stock. Entries in this department, however, were fewer in number than usual. 



The society completed, previous to the fair, a new and commodious poultry 

 house, and were rewarded by the largest and most interesting exhibition of poultry 

 ever seen in this district. 



Our Speed Department was well filled, and races as interesting as could be ex- 

 pected, considering the heavy condition of the track. 



The permanent improvements made on the grounds during the year, comprise 

 the poultry house before alluded to, a new Secretary and Treasurer's office at the 

 entrance gate, well fitted and furnished for that purpose, and increased facilities 

 for water privileges. The beauty of the grounds has al^o been enhanced by the 

 addition of about two hundred shade trees. 



I am pleased to report the affairs of the vSociety in a prosperous condition, with 

 the expenses and improvements of the year fully paid, and an indebtedness of only 

 $700. 



I append hereto a full statistical report of entries and premiums, receipts and 

 disbursement for the year. D. A. Garwood, Secretary. 



