on any of recent years. There were no state officials present, no 

 balloon ascension and very few of the fakirs that usually make life a 

 burden on such occasions. As an agricultural fair and cattle show 

 the occasion was a pronounced success. The Societj' after two suc- 

 cessful seasons feels encouraged to hope for still better things in the 

 future. It would seem that an interest has been awakened which 

 may restore to the Society its old-time prosperity. There is need of 

 more money to pay off the accumulated debt, and while the Society 

 is able to fulfill all its obligations premium winners would do a grace- 

 ful act in contributing the amount of their premiums to the Society's 

 treasury." — Amherst Record. 



The fair of 1 890 was a success financially and in receipts exceeded 

 a little that of 1891, but by a careful analysis of the two it will be 

 seen that in number of entries, in excellence of exhibits and in the 

 interest manifested, this year's fair far excelled last. 



The officers of the Society of 1890 and 1891 decided to offer as 

 liberal purses for trotting and other attractions as the present finan- 

 cial condition of the Society would warrant. Favored with fair 

 weather both days, the program drew about fifteen hundred people 

 to the grounds and brought sufficient receipts to pay all bills and 

 carry the Society through the year, but were not sufficient to reduce 

 the debt. Improvements have been made on the grounds and as 

 more are greatly needed, it will require the excess of receipts above 

 expenses for some years to make needed improvements, and it seems 

 that some plan must be devised to pay our indebtedness. As the 

 principal additions to the Society by way of new members come from 

 those exhibitors who apply a part of their premiums to pay for life 

 members' tickets, and as this number averages yearly only about 

 fifteen it is suggested that a committee be appointed in each town 

 interested to solicit new members and contributions, and with the 

 receipts our debt could easily be removed and the Society would be 

 greatly benefited by the increased membership. 



It is thought by many that the Society would be greatly benefited 

 by employing experts to judge horses, cattle, sheep, swine, and 

 poultry. This question came up for discussion at the last annual 

 meeting and was voted down because of the expense attending the 

 adoption of this plan. It is hoped the question will come up for 

 discussion at our annual meeting, and some way devised by which 

 the plan may be adopted without great expense. We must admit 



