SECRETARY'S REPORT. 



Members of Hampshire Agricultural Society: 



The prospects of a successful Fair were never more favorable 

 than this year. The seasons for farmers have been exceptionally 

 good. No long drought or early frost occurred to injure crops, and 

 the farms under the careful, competent and prudent management of 

 their occupants showed every evidence of a large and bountiful yield. 

 The officers of the society were confident of a successful Fair ; nor 

 were they disappointed in this. 



The first day of the Exhibition was a total failure on account of 

 the severe storm, and many who would otherwise have exhibited 

 were kept away. Yet there were a large number of energetic and 

 enterprising farmers who. in spite of rain and mud, brought their 

 produce and drove their stock, some coming from a long distance. 

 The officers deemed it prudent to postpone the exhibition to next 

 day, and combine horse and cattle show together. Shelter was pro- 

 vided for all stock on the grounds, in the sheds and barns of the farmers 

 adjoining the grounds. The second day proved the ideal of a far- 

 mer's holiday — warm, clear and cloudless. Early in the morning 

 could be seen herds of cattle, flocks of sheep, large numbers of 

 swine, horses, poultry and other exhibits on their way to the grounds. 

 At the grounds the officers were busy in their various duties, and the 

 attendance constantly increased, until noon, when there had gathered 

 a large crowd of people. There were exhibits and competition enough 

 among the various departments to furnish amusement and instruction 

 to all. 



Outside the hall was a large display of choice cattle, sheep, horses, 

 swine, poultry, farm implements, etc. Within was displayed vege- 



