38 



was held in 1820. From that time to the present we 

 have gone on increasing in numbers and in wealth. Its 

 23roperty at the present time amounts to something over 

 $11,000; all invested in stocks, which would sell to-day 

 for over $12,000. It has a valuable library, it owns a 

 farm, and I call that success for the Essex Agricultural 

 Society. And now, my friends, for the first time for 

 many years we are honored with the presence of the 

 Chief Overseer of the old Massachusetts Farm, and I 

 have now the honor to present the Governor of the 

 Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 



REMARKS OF GOVERNOR BULLOCK. 



Mr. President, — There is something unique about the 

 old Essex Agricultural Society which interests me. This 

 is one of the oldest societies in the United States ; and 

 the ancientness of its organization makes it venerable. 

 Then, I believe, your county is an exception among all 

 the other large counties by having only one chartered 

 agricultural society ; and that fact gives to it an added 

 dignity. I hear that you own no exhibition grounds or 

 buildings, and that, like another Essex Institute, you 

 make the circuit of the county, dispensing good equally 

 over the whole. They tell me, also, that more nearly 

 than others you adhere to the traditions and customs 

 of the founders, and that you have not entirely given 

 way to the modern horse heresy which is sweeping so 

 many of us into its vortex. In short, here in the coun- 

 ty of Essex, which has more cities than any other coun- 

 ty of the Commonwealth, where the mechanic arts are 

 at their height, and the air murmurs with the stitcher 



