SECRETARY'S REPORT. 



The outlook for the Executive Committee of our Society at the 

 commencement of the present year was not altogether pleasant. 

 The fence enclosing the Park was badly out of repair, and nearly all 

 blown over by the heavy winds. The Hall needed sliingling, and 

 other repairs. The old Secretary, who had hitherto taken a large 

 share of the responsibility upon himself, had gone, but the Committte 

 are to be commended for the care, perseverance and economy with 

 which they have managed the affairs of the Society. 



A change was brought about in the time for holding our Annual 

 Exhibition, but unfortunately, the same days were selected upon 

 which the Agricultural Fair was holden at Palmer. This seemed in 

 a measure a source of regret, as it deprived us of many entries from 

 Palmer, Springfield, and towns in that vicinity, and undoubtedly the 

 amount of money taken at the gate was much less on this account. 

 We trust that this difficulty will be removed before our next Annual 

 Fair. 



The weather, which it has been the custom of the Secretaries of 

 this Society to comment upon in their report, with a sort of despair of 

 ever having two good days during the Exhibition, was remarkably 

 clear and bright. The dust was laid by the rain of the niglit before 

 the opening of the Exhibition, leaving the track good and the air 

 cool and comfortable. 



The fine display in the Hall and upon the grounds, indicated that 

 the interest so encouragingly spoken of in the Secretary's report of 

 last year, had not in the least abated,. and the interest manifested in 

 the examination of exhibits, encouraged us that the higher aims and 

 purposes of the Society were being secured ; that those in attendance 

 sought not only pleasure, but knowledge and advancement in those 

 arts which beautify and enlighten our hoaaes, and add pleasure and 



