170 



Our society now numbers one hundred and fifty members, 

 and new ones are coming in daily. At no former period in 

 the history of Rush county, have our farmers been so deeply 

 aroused to the importance of sustaing in their midst, a society 

 of this character. They are disposed to lend it their coun- 

 tenance and aid; and, in a county like this, possessed of a 

 deep, rich soil, and filled with intelligent and able farmers, 

 their efforts cannot fail to be of great service in advancing 

 the agricultural interests of the State. 



I would state to the Board, in compliance with what I 

 regard as the wish of this society, that some change should 

 be made in the present law, that would enable us to encour- 

 age horticultural pursuits, without the organization of a sep- 

 rate society. 



This is prevented at present, by a regulation of your Board, 

 which prohibits premiums from being allowed upon root 

 crops for less than one-fourth of an acre. It being very dif- 

 ficult, in most counties, to sustain properly two societies 

 having in view so nearly the same object, the abolition of 

 the rule spoken of, or the portion of the law requiring it, is in 

 my opinion imperatively demanded. 



Not being prepared to furnish any reliable statistics of in- 

 terest to the Board, I respectfully submit the above report, 



meagre as it is. 



By order of the society: 



GEO. W. HARGITT, 

 Secretary of the Rush Co. Ag. Society. 



