87 



same way, and no addition made to the permanent fund. A notice 

 had heen received from the Secretary of the Board of Agriculture, 

 that the bounty would be withheld unless it was expended in premi- 

 ums, or added to the fund. The Society had arrived at a point 

 where something must be done to revive its waning prosperity. 



With all these facts and reasons before them, and after a full and 

 free discussion of the subject in all its bearings, by members from 

 various towns, a vote was passed by a large majority instructing the 

 Executive Committee to purchase or lease grounds and fit them for 

 exhibition purposes, if it could be clone within the limits of the fund. 

 Many members had expressed fears that the measure would be de- 

 moralizing in its influence, from the undue preponderance it might 

 give to the exhibition of horses ; and that the fund might be lost or 

 impaired by taking it from investments secured by mortgage, and 

 expending it on grounds and fixtures. All, however, appeared to 

 acquiesce in the proposed measure cheerfully, willing to give it a 

 fair trial. 



As soon as practicable, the Committee, with no personal or private 

 ends to accomplish, but simply to obey their instructions, and pro- 

 mote the best interests of the Society and the farming community, 

 commenced their labors in accordance with the vote. It was con- 

 sidered desirable to select a location for the grounds near Amherst 

 Center; and much time and labor were expended, in efforts to that 

 end. But the attempt was a failure. Owing to the inequalities of 

 the surface, the nature of the soil, and the price of land in that vi- 

 cinity, it was found to be utterly impracticable ; and a location was 

 ^elected in East Amherst, one and one-fourth miles from the Com- 

 mon. The plot of land secured contains sixteen and one-half acres, 

 is perfectly level, and beautifully situated on the Belchertown road. 

 The soil a sandy loam, with a gravelly sub-soil, and in every re- 

 spect exactly suited for its intended purpose. It was cheaply pur- 

 chased for six hundred and fifty dollars. 



As soon as it became generally known that a site had been se- 

 lected and probably purchased, great dissatisfaction was expressed 

 in certain quarters, and an attempt made to prevent the accomplish- 

 ment of the plan resolved upon by the Officers. A meeting of the 

 disaffected was called, and resolutions couched in the strongest lan- 

 guage were passed, impugning the motives and condemning the 

 course of the Committee. At this juncture, the Officers, in order to 

 allay the groundless excitement, and to bring their plans before 



