SECRETARY'S REPORT. 



The advancing seasons and flight of time has again brought the 

 dut3- of printing the annual transactions of the society. This year 

 has been a peculiar one in the history of the society, everything 

 seemingly working against its best interest. The severe drought 

 during the summer affected vegetation so that crops of all kinds were 

 poor. Cattle and sheep were not in as good condition on account of 

 it. When the time arrived for the Fair, a severe storm commenced 

 on the first day and continued dui'ing the Fair ; Hon. John E. Russell 

 who had been engaged to deliver the address, was prevented from 

 being present on account of sickness ; with this series of misfortunes 

 and disappointments, with some others, the officers have had much 

 to contend with, yet by hard work, by exerting every effort, and 

 with cooperation of the members, we have succeeded in not merging 

 the society in debt. 



Much could be said of the Fair, yet a few words will suffice. The 

 exhibition of stock on the first day, in spite of the storm, all admit 

 was the best for a number of years. The exhibition in the Hall was 

 first-class in all respects ; the awarding of premiums by the various 

 committees gave universal satisfaction, and we tender to them our 

 sincere thanks for the prompt and impartial manner in which they 

 discharged their duty. 



The financial condition of the society can be ascertained by an 

 examination of the treasurer's report ; the debt has been reduced 

 $100, and the interest paid to July 1st. The amount of the debt is 

 now $800. Had the weather been propitious, notwithstanding the 

 other misfortunes, there is every reason to believe there would have 

 been at least $100 in the treasury', that could have been applied on 

 the debt. 



In accordance with a vote passed at the annual meeting a list of 

 the members is published. It has been impossible to publish a full 

 and complete list, as some of the records were destroyed in the fire 



