APPENDIX. xlvii 



received from the horse. While horse-rachig at some of the fairs 

 maj- be carried to excess, I should deeply regret an}' action of this 

 Board which should exclude premiums from being offered for trials 

 of speed in horses. 



The show of working-horses was very fine indeed, as also of 

 carriage-horses. I noticed some splendid stallions and colts ; there 

 being separate classes for colts for trotting purposes and colts for 

 all-work, which seemed a very proper division. 



Your delegate is very happ}' to say, that he found connected with 

 this Societ}', elements for future growth and prosperity. In fact, it 

 almost seems as though it must continue a successful Society. 



As I walked about over its spacious and commodious grounds, 

 and beheld the large contributions in almost all the several classes, 

 the large concourse of people and the earnest, active, energetic spirit 

 which they manifested, I naturally inquired of myself, Wh}' is this? 

 What should make so much difference between the appearance here 

 and that of some other societies which I visit? But before I left 

 the grounds I had satisfactorily solved the problem. I found the 

 officers and managers of the Society were live men and tvomen. 

 With an e3"e to look and an ear to hear what seemed to be for the 

 best interests of the Society, they had toiled and worked together, 

 unitedly and harmoniously. And here I desire to sa}-, that the 

 agricultural societies of the CommonwealtL can insure their success 

 in no better way, than by keeping close vigilance over the election 

 of their officers, and seeing to it that none but energetic, active, 

 thorough-going men are placed in charge. The rotation adopted 

 by some societies, in order that all may share in the honors, is, in 

 my judgment, detrimental to the interests of the societ}-. The most 

 successful societies are those who have carefulh' selected their 

 ofHcers, and, when found competent, have retained them. 



I cannot conclude this report without extending my heartfelt 

 thanks to the officers of this Society for the ver^- courteous and 

 obliging aid they rendered me. And especially am I under very 

 great obligation to our worthy associate, Hon. John A. Hawes, 

 president of the Societ}', and to his estimable lady, for their kind 

 hospitalit}^ to me, at their beautiful home in Fairhaven. Among the 

 man}' pleasant associations connected with my membership on this 

 Board, as I retire, not the least among the number will be pleasant 

 memory of my visit to the Bristol Central Society. 



May the inspiration and zeal manifested by its officers be com- 

 municated to and retained b}' all its members, and the future of this 

 Society will be a bright example, worthy of imitation. 



F. F. Fay. 



