filled with teams of every description. At the precise hour adver- 

 tized, the balloou was cut loose and shot into the air with Prof. James 

 K. Allen in the basket, for some time it hovered over the grounds 

 and was watched by the thousands of people who had gathered. It 

 slowly drifted to the west, descended and rose again and finally landed 

 on the north end of Mount Warner in North Hadley. That it was a 

 grand success there can be no reasonable doubt, and the officers 

 desire to extend their thanks to Prof. Allen, whom they recommend 

 to all as a thorough, competent and daring aeronaut. That the 

 balloon was the chief attraction of the Fair was proved by the fact 

 that soon after the ascension a large number of people could be seen 

 leaving the grounds. The result is the gate receipts were more than 

 they have been for ten years previous. Though the society did not 

 quite pay all the bills for the year, yet there can be no doubt, that 

 this is more than offset by the new interest and enthusiasm that has 

 been awakened and diffused among the people of Hampshire and 

 adjoining counties in our annual Fair. 



Space will not permit to give an account of the fine exhibition of 

 stock on the ground, and numerous articles collected in the hall, suf- 

 fice it to say all who attended were well paid. 



An examination of the treasurer's report will show the financial 

 condition of the society. The insurance expired on the hall and it 

 was necessary to renew it, the rates were increased by the Insurance 

 Board so that it cost $50 for three years on $2000. The track and 

 hall are in good condition, about $25 was raised during the summer 

 and expended on the track. 



The required number of institutes was held during the winter and 

 were fairly attended. I trust that all will attend those to be held 

 this winter as farmers and all may learn and profit by them. 



Thanking all who contributed and assisted at our Fair and espec- 

 ially the officers who have worked with untiring zeal for the best 

 interest of the society and trusting that the society will prosper in 

 the future I am yours truly. 



Frank E. Paige, Secretary. 



