SECRETARY'S REPORT. 131 



bestowed in this county upon swine. With this exception, 

 Worcester appears ahead of some other societies in stock. 



The cavalcade and horse show seemed the great object of 

 attraction to many of the fast young men ; and truly a more 

 elegant display of horses it has rarely been my lot to witness. 

 With the exception of enc or two slight accidents from collision 

 while trying their speed, all went off well ; but the society's 

 grounds are hardly large enough to admit so many vehicles and 

 enjoy the race-course at the same time. 



The society had just completed a beautiful building, about fifty- 

 five by one hundred feet, in the lower floor of which the manu- 

 factured and fancy articles were exhibited. Above, the dinner 

 was provided. This, having been disposed of, was followed by 

 an address by his Excellency Governor Washburn. Every 

 word seemed to the point — brief, able, and highly interesting. 



The only objection to the otherwise perfect arrangement was 

 the absence from the table of the wives and daughters of the 

 members of the society, to whom much of the success of our 

 farmers is owing; and I must protest against the lords of 

 creation appropriating all the credit of our shows to them- 

 selves, while all the in-door manufactures are prepared by fe- 

 male hands, and by their patient toil brought before the public. 



One fact is worthy of notice. The gathering was uncom- 

 monly large ; the utmost order prevailed throughout the city ; 

 hardly a case of intemperance or rowdyism (so common at 

 public gatherings and horse shows) met my eye. Yet no police 

 were visible, or wanted, except the officers upon the show ground ; 

 and the exhibition of well-behaved, steady New England farmers 

 and mechanics by far exceeded the fine display of the society's 

 products. 



Respectfully submitted, 



Wif. G. Lewis. 



