4 SECRETAEY'S REPORT. 



The show of neat stock was remarkably fine. The herds of 

 A. & E. Whitman's Short-horns, Capt. E. T. Miles' Ayrshires, J. 

 F. Brown's and Alden Derby's Jerseys and Stillman Stone's 

 Jamestowns, presented an exhibition of Thorough-bred stock sel- 

 dom equalled at cattle shows. The display of working oxen and 

 fat cattle was good, and that of poultry has never been excelled 

 at any previous exhibition of the Society. Entries of horses were 

 very numerous. 



In the hall the show was about the average. There was a 

 smaller quantity of fruit but the quality was fully up to the 

 usual standard. The display of flowers by Mr. J. M. Sawtell 

 was very fine and the contributions of last year by Mr. Sylvan us 

 Sawyer were missed. 



The department of fancy articles and fine arts was well 

 filled and of the usual variety while that of mechanics was 

 empty. 



Great credit is due to Capt. E. T. Hayward and his efficient 

 aids for their services in preserving order throughout the day. 



At 2 o'clock P. M., notwithstanding the chilly, uncomfortable 

 weather and drizzling rain, wliicli rendered the track heavy, and 

 greatly reduced the number of visitors, there was a very successful 

 exhibition of trotting horses, for premiums offered by the Society. 



Two years ago, this branch of the exhibition was discontinued, 

 on the ground of "reform," and because the " 'Agricultural Horse 

 Trot ' was losing favor among the Agricultural Societies of New 

 England." As in most reforms, attention was wholly given to 

 effects, while causes were neglected ; the reformers' one idea sub- 

 stituted for human experience and average common sense, and the 

 result was a depleted treasury, and an increased demand for horse 

 trots, while, instead of " losing favor," no Agricultural Society in 

 New England has been without its horse trot the present season, 

 and still the standard of morals is believed to be as high as ever. 



The experience of this year, proves the statement of the sec- 

 retary of a year ago, that one or two men cannot make a Fair. 

 The citizens of Fitchburg, in particular, must either show more 

 interest in the well-being of the Society, or else be prepared to 

 see it go where all good Agricultural Societies go — to some town 

 whose people manifest a desire to promote the growth and devel- 

 opment of agriculture and kindred pursuits, and whose merchants 

 and manufacturers are willing to devote a part of one day in the 



