Botanical Gardens.

A total of 2,285 people turned up to see the best of Bermuda's plants, animals and food.

Despite the figures being down by 810 on last year's, organisers were delighted that most of the visitors had arrived despite prospects of bad weather in the morning.

One or two showers failed to spoil a generally warm and sunny outing for most of the crowd.

Director of Agriculture, Parks and Fisheries, Mr. John Barnes said that the first day had been a success and he was looking forward to today and tomorrow continuing in the same vein.

Exhibits were slightly down on last year but were of high quality, judges said. Poultry, rabbits, home-made food, flowers and vegetables were all judged during the day and prizes awarded by the Governor, Lord Waddington.

Lord Waddington told the crowds that he is no stranger to agricultural shows having formerly represented an English rural constituency with large areas of farming.

Children were encouraged to participate particularly in the vegetable sculpture and food competitions.

Mr. Barnes said: "The food competition was excellent, particularly some of the work done by the Oriental chefs.

"Mel Bartholomew's square foot gardening also proved what you can do in the smallest back yard. He sold a lot of videos.'' Popular displays included The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show involving pole racing and wood chopping events. There was also some audience participation.

Fisher and Thompson Inc., from Pennsylvania, gave a display of milking a line of cows. Mr. Amos Fisher said: "There has been a lot of interest. Children tend to think the milk comes from cardboard cartons in supermarkets.'' Mr. Barnes was particularly impressed with ventriloquist Bob Trent, from the US, who delighted all the children at the show.

Youth and Sports Minister Sen. Pamela Gordon said: "It is all a part of our history and our heritage.'' The show continues today beginning at 8.30 a.m. The lumberjacks will continue their displays both days.

Full results of the first two days judging will be carried in tomorrow's newspaper.

SAW POINT -- Mr. Robert Jacobs and Mr. Lee LeCaptain use muscle power to take on the power saw of Agriculture, Parks and Fisheries officer Mr. Maurice Trott, during the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show at the 1993 Agricultural Exhibition yesterday.