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The Exhibition of Horses was not equal to those of some previous 

 years, a result to be attributed in a great measure to the fact that 

 two extensive and exclusive Horse Shows were held about the 

 same time, — one at Springfield and the other at Chelsea, — which 

 not only drew away horses which would otherwise have appeared 

 upon our own grounds, but also attracted many citizens of the 

 county, who have heretofore taken a deep interest in this depart- 

 ment of the Exhibition. Although this Society has heretofore 

 occupied a very prominent portion in the department of Swine 

 and Poultry, yet for the last two years there has been a decided 

 falling off of interest. 



But if the out-door departments of the Exhibition, owing to the 

 causes which have been named, have been surpassed by those of 

 some former years, the show in the Hall was, as a whole, superior 

 to that of any previous year. The Ladies' Department presented 

 a choice and elegant array of tasteful and beautiful articles, 

 arranged with skill and care, which attracted the admiring gaze 

 of crowds of visitors who thronged the tables during the entire 

 day. The display of Fruits, notwithstanding the unproductive 

 season, was very fine, and fully sustained the well-earned reputa-' 

 tion of the county in this department. The Floral contributions 

 were very numerous and elegant, giving an increased charm to 

 the whole appearance of the Hall. The show of Vegetables Avas 

 also very creditable, and gave evidence that this important de- 

 partment of agriculture had not been neglected. In the depart- 

 ment of Manufactures, domestic and otherwise, the Exhibition 

 was enriched by contributions of useful and elegant articles, many 

 of which were from parties who have heretofore taken but little 

 interest in the Society, but whose aid and assistance may be relied 

 upon in the future. The receipts at the Exhibition were large, 

 and the general result of the year's operations of the Society com- 

 pares favorably with those of any previous season since its organi- 

 zation. 



MARSHALL P. WILDER, Fresiderit. 



HENRY 0. HILDRETH, Recording Secretary, 



