SECRETARY'S REPORT 



The Thirtieth Annual Fair of the Society was held on 

 Tuesday, September 26th, 1882. The weather was very favor- 

 able, although in the early morning indications were of a contin- 

 uance of the rainy weather of the week previous, which doubtless 

 reduced the attendance from the adjoining towns. But in the 

 afternoon the number present was the largest for a number of 

 years, it being estimated at four thousand persons, which was 

 due to the variety of first-class entertainments offered, and liberal 

 advertising, together with a price of admission within the reach 

 of all 



The show of cattle was large and fine, several herds being 

 present for the first time. 



The display of fruit and vegetables was not so large as 

 usual, but many fine specimens were shown. 



There was a very large display in the fine art and fancv 

 article departments, showing much taste and skill in execution, 

 and the display of manufactured articles was very good, and 

 would have been much more extensive had not the lack of space 

 prevented. 



Three farmers' institutes have been held during the year. 

 The first, at city hall, in January, had a fair attendance, consid- 

 ering the weather. Dr. Faxon, of Quincy, addressed the meet- 

 ing on the subject of silos, and Capt. J. B. Moore, of Concord, 

 spoke on the subject of silos and grasses ; and remarks were 

 also made by Dr. Jewett, and others. 



The second institute was held as a field meeting, with an 

 exhibition and trial of haying machines and tools, at the city 

 farm, in June, was largely attended, and much interest shown. 



The third institute was held at the city hall, in December, 

 and was well attended. The protection and care of fruit 

 orchards was ably explained by Dr. J. Fisher and others. 



F. A. CURRIER, Secretary. 



