SECRETARY'S REPORT. 



The eighteenth annual Cattle Show and Fair was held on the 

 grounds of the Society, on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 

 27th and 28th. The show of thoroughbred stock on the first day 

 was unusually fine. Over ninety entries were made, all of them 

 superior animals. In the other classes, the exhibition of stock was 

 very good. The display in the Hall was hardly up to that of 

 former years, although many exhibitors made fine displays of 

 vegetables, fruits, and manufactured articles. 



The exercises of the first day commenced with a plowing match 

 at nine o'clock, followed by trials of working oxen and steers and 

 an exhibition of town teams. 



At one o'clock, dinner was served in the dining hall. Mr. 

 Woodbury, President of the Society, presided at the table, and the 

 Divine blessing wa's invoked by Rev. H. L. Jones of Fitchburg. 



At the close of the dinner Mr. Woodbury introduced President 

 Clarke of Amherst Agricultural College, the delegate from the 

 State Board of Agriculture, who spoke briefly, referring to the 

 pleasure he felt in being present and dwelling on the need of edu- 

 cation for farmers. 



At the close of Prof Clarke's remarks, Hon. Alvah Crocker, of 

 J'itchburg, was introduced as the orator of the day, and spoke 

 upon the subject of '^ Western and New England Homes." His 

 address is printed in another part of these " Transactions." 



After the address all repaired to the vicinity of the track, where 

 the remainder of the day was spent in trials of speed between 

 horses owned in the neighborhood. 



