204 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



many animals and articles which would otherwise have been 

 entered did not appear. 



I regretted the disagreeable weather also on another account, 

 as preventing, what I had proposed, a ride over and a cursory 

 view of some portions of the territory embraced by the charter 

 of the society. 



The exhibition was holden on the grounds of the society, 

 within the city limits, which are of such an admirable character 

 for the purpose, that notwithstanding the great rain of the day 

 previous, they were perfectly dry and comfortable. 



The grounds cover about fifteen acres, lying on an elevated 

 sandy plain, costing originally $750 ; they are enclosed by a 

 liigh, close, substantial board fence, costing $1,800 ; a hard, 

 well graded track of half a mile in length, costing '11,200, is 

 laid out, leaving a sufficient width for a free passage around ; 

 within this are the cattle pens, and the building, a large, com- 

 modious structure, laid out in the form of a cross, one hundred 

 feet in length each way, and thirty-one feet in width, well 

 lighted with gas ; the southern wing is made into a comfortable 

 tenement for the use of the superintendent of the grounds. 



The ground floor is well arranged for the display of fruits, 

 vegetables, and all manufactured articles ; while the large, clear 

 space of the hall above affords room for the dinner, the address, 

 and a social gathering in the evening of " cattle-show day." 

 The cost of the building was $3,300, besides $800 for gas and 

 fixtures. 



Payment of three dollars constitutes one a life-member, 

 entitling him to a free ticket on the grounds with his wife and 

 minor children, if he has them ; all others pay twenty-five cents 

 each. The fair is holden but one day, but with its receipts 

 from the "levee" in the evening, and an exhibition of horses 

 (not the society's) on the next day, the society takes about one 

 thousand dollars. 



If 1 were to make any suggestions to this well-managed 

 society, one would be that they have material enough to occupy 

 two days with their show. It is quite impossible for a person 

 commencing at ten o'clock and leaving at one — the dinner hour 

 — to see the ploughing match, the show of horses, the trial of 

 working oxen and draught horses, the spading match, and to 

 examine the stock with any thoroughness. I also venture the 



