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feature of this Cattle Fair, 'as it is made a very social gath- 

 ering of friends. It may well be said that the conduct of 

 this Society's annual exhibitions is successful, by remain- 

 ing true to the legitimate object of an Agricultural Fair. 

 It offers an object lesson for careful study of all the best 

 products of the farmer's efforts, it affords an opportunity for 

 free social enjoyment, it interests the whole people, 

 and its success refutes completely that common ex- 

 pression, that cq.ttle shows must have outside attrac- 

 tions, such as can better be seen at a dime museum, all 

 sorts of games of chance in order to encourage our boys 

 and young men to gamble, various monstrosities, and other 

 exhibitions of doubtful moral influence. What a disgrrace" 

 ful commentary this is, upon the intelligence and morality 

 of the farmers and others of Massachusetts. 



The Houghton Horticultural Society, at Lynn, has here- 

 tofore confined its annual exhibitions to fruits and flowers. 

 This year it extended its scope by adding woman's work, 

 such as fancy needle work, and domestic manufactures. 

 Its show of fruits and flowers this year was hardly excelled 

 anywhere, except by that of the Massachusetts Horticul- 

 tural Society, at Boston. That this Society has exerted a 

 great influence in its special line cannot be doubted, for the 

 city of Lynn is a perfect bower of foliage and flowers dur- 

 ing the season, and we know full well that a large portion 

 of our first premiums on fruit go to Lynn. 



And furthermore unquestionably the existence of Lynn 

 Public Park, is one of the results of the influence of the 

 Houghton Horticultural Society. This park contains over 

 1000 acres of land, closely adjoining the city proper, it is 

 covered with a natural growth of trees of all varieties in- 

 digenous to our locality. A large artificial pond of many 

 acres has been formed by the construction of dams, which 

 affords a water supply for the city. Many miles of ex- 

 cellent roads have been built through valleys and over high 



