22 * TEANSACTI0N9. 



PROCESSION, ADDRESS, AND DINNER. 



The procession, on Thursday, at half-past eleven o'clock in the 

 forenoon, was formed by Acting Chief Marshal, Horace Lyman of 

 Sunderland, The South Hadley Band, the best of all our local 

 bands, considering the style of music and the number of pieces, did 

 escort duty. The procession marched through the principal streets, 

 to the First Congregational Church. The assembly was greater than 

 ever before gathered in Amherst, to hear an Agricultural address. 

 Rev. Edwaed S. Dwighx of Amherst opened the exercises with 

 prayer. The Band discoursed excellent music. Rev. W. Clift of 

 Stonington, Ct., delivered a well-'svritten address, abounding in good 

 points, which was received with great favor. After music by the 

 band, the procession again formed, and marched to the Amherst 

 House. 



The Dinner was Avell attended by ladies and gentlemen. The 

 President officiated at the table. The chairmen of the several Com- 

 mittees announced the premiums. The Secretary stated, that, dur- 

 ing the past year, the Funds of the Society had increased from $3200 

 to $3500, and that the number of Life Members had increased from 

 734 to 800. The sixty-six new members are from Amherst, Belcher- 

 town, Granby, Hadley, Leverett, Montague, Northampton, Prescott, 

 Sunderland, Ware and Williamsburgh. Speeches were made by 

 Hon. Edwaed Dickinson ; Major Joseph Colton of New York ; 

 Samuel Nash of Hadley ; Hon. John W. Proctor of Danvers ; 

 Rev. W. Clifx of Stonington, Ct. ; Prof. John A. Nash ; Rev. 

 Mr. BuEFiNCH of Dorchester ; and Hon. Joseph Smith of Hadley. 



On motion of Samuel Nash, seconded by Major Josejih Colton, the 

 following resolution was unanimously adopted : 



Resolved, as the sense of this society, that its prosperity and use- 

 fulness would be promoted by a larger and more convenient Hale, 

 in which to exhibit the various articles, entered at these annual 

 fairs. 



