4 SECRETARY S REPORT. 



premium awarded as usual. This feature seems to have been 

 received with marked favor, and it will be renewed next season 

 with more extended premiums, and separate premiums will be 

 offered for fruits and vegetables. An extended report of this 

 matter will be found from its proper committee. 



The exhibition of gentlemen's driving horses, matched and 

 single, was not as large as it might easily have been with the 

 large number of fine "turn-outs" owned in this vicinity, of which 

 let us hope we may have a larger representation next fall. 



The hall exhibition was not so good as usual, and various 

 reasons are assigned for it. It is sometimes suggested that our 

 merchants should be willing to make a good display and help 

 along the Society, but the matter of expense and trouble in- 

 curred in doing so, are often forgotten, and errors of committees 

 in awarding premiums in this department have caused many to 

 discontinue bringing their goods. But with a two-day's show, 

 and appointment of a committee who will act, it is hoped this 

 may be changed and a largely increased display made in this 

 department. 



The display of fancy articles was large and varied, and the 

 thanks of the Society are due to the ladies of the committee for 

 their pains-taking services. 



The annual dinner was held at the Fitchburg Hotel, owing 

 to lack of room at grounds and the disadvantage of having it in 

 a tent. Landlord D. L. Fuller made a very liberal offer as to 

 price and transportation, which was accepted by the Committee 

 of Arrangements, and the change was very generally approved. 

 We were not compelled to beg for food for dinner, as has been 

 the custom for several years. 



The increased space of the Fine Art Department was all 

 occupied, and many fine specimens were displayed. 



On the morning of the Fair, the large number endeavoring to 

 make their entries and obtain their cards, all at the same time, 

 causes confusion and greatly increases the labor of the clerks. 

 If each person would only make out a list of articles they wish 

 to exhibit, sign their name and residence — something like this : 



Collection of Vegetables — Potatoes, Squashes — lo speci- 

 mens of Baldwins. {Signed,) John Smith, Fitchburg. 



