^5 



ferred on the social life of this county can scarcely be 

 measured. Long may it continue its proffered opportuni- 

 ties for Essex County farmers to know each other by 

 shrewd comparisons, friendly emulations and fraternal 

 handshakes. May sweet reasonableness and nature's own 

 moderation and peace prevail in this organization. 



Welcome, Essex County Agricultural Society, to your 

 permanent home in Peabody. I speak for the whole 

 citizenship of this town when I express gladness that you 

 have cliosen to make with us your abiding place. In this 

 town, that borders on Salem, the oldest city of the county, 

 and on Lynn, the hirgest city, and is within hailing 

 distance of Beverly, the youngest city in our county up to 

 date, you are in the centre of a large population, — and a 

 population that is likely to become more and more 

 interested in the objects promoted by your society. Here 

 you have found accessible and attractive grounds, and a 

 hall for the display of the fascinating products of the 

 garden and the home, not surpassed by any hall in th6 

 county for comeliness and convenience. With hearty 

 good-will and a desire to render you whatever help we 

 may, we bid you welcome ; and we hope, through many a 

 year to come to give under propitious autumnal skies, a 

 cordial annual greeting to the Essex County Agricul- 

 tural Society. 



