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SECRETARY'S REPORT. /'^^ 



The thirty-first annual exhibition was held on the grounds of 

 the Society, September 25th and 26th, 1883. For the first time 

 since 1876, it was voted to hold the Fair two days, and the 

 result fully sustained all the hoped-for advantage from such a 

 change, affording time to carry out a large and varied pro- 

 gramme without the hurry and confusion incident to a one-day's 

 show. The issue of season tickets, at a reasonable price, con- 

 tributed largely in inducing many to attend both days, and 

 making the Fair the most successful for many years. We were 

 fortunate in having pleasant weather both days, although the 

 high wind prevailing the first day caused considerable trouble 

 and reduced the attendance, particularly from adjoining towns. 



The show of cattle was about the same as usual, but for 

 some reason did not attract the attention it merited. A very 

 small percentage of the number present gave any time or atten- 

 tion to examining the fine stock exhibited. One subject it will 

 be proper to mention here, — the practice of hitching horses to 

 the sheds containing cattle, thereby preventing those who desire 

 to see the stock from getting near them ; ic is an insult to the 

 owners of the stock, who have been to the trouble and expense 

 of bringing their herds to the Fair ; and it is to be hoped that at 

 the next Fair all teams hitched in that way will be removed by 

 the officers. Also, the owners of stock should in all cases report 

 to the Superintendent of Stock, and he will designated the sheds 

 they are to use, and they should intrude on no one else. 



The offer of special premiums for the best display of fruits 

 and vegetables by towns drew out a fine display from Leomin- 

 ster and Westminster, and a good but small display from Lunen- 

 burg. It was a matter of regret to the Committee of Arrange- 

 ments that other towns, especially Ashburnham and Ashby, did 

 not enter for these premiums, as they would no doubt have been 

 able to have made a good showing, and added much to the 

 interest in this department. The premiums offered were pav- 

 able to the treasurer of the town Club, as being the best repre- 

 sentative, and were in addition to the regular premiums offered 

 for individual competition. Thus everything brought in from a 

 town assisted the town's exhibition and received its individual 



