SECRETARY'S REPORT. 



The thirty-fourth Annual Fair was held on the grounds of 

 the Society on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 28th and 

 29th, 1886. We were unfortunate in having two unfavorable 

 days, and particularly the first, being one of the most disagreea- 

 ble days of the season, and bringing a very small attendance. 

 The second day opened with a drizzling rain and remained 

 threatening until nearly noon, when the sun came out, giving us 

 a most beautiful day, but too late to attract but a small attend- 

 ance from the surrounding towns. Thanks to our home people, 

 they apparently appreciating the extra effort made by the com- 

 mittee of arrangements to give the patrons a programme of 

 amusements never equaled before in the history of the Society, 

 turned out in masses. 



The display of live stock was especially good, there being 

 one of the largest displays of thorough-bred stock ever on the 

 grounds, some Holsteins worthy of special mention being ex- 

 hibited by Vice-President L. C. Albee of Fitchburg, P. M. Har- 

 wood of Barre, and S. K. Pierce of Gardner ; also a herd of 

 Devons by N. B. Reed of Princeton. 



The trial of oxen and steers both in plowing and draught 

 was very creditable. 



Trials of draught horses appear to be gaining in favor, 



judging by the interest taken in our last exhibition. I think 



societies should encourage this feature of their programme. 



We also had one of the best exhibitions of gentlemen's 



, driving horses, single and matched driving and family horses, 



^ and a growing interest with many of our farmers to equal if not 



rU lead some of their city friends with a good horse. Still they 



^ cry the horse must go, not on the track of the Society's grounds, 



^ but from competing for the premiums. 



