PROCEEDINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 215 



for such expenses, certified by him as correct, rejected by the Business Committee, 

 though the same were subsequently, after full explanation by Superintendent in charge, 

 paid. 



It may be that this Department has been more expensive than the Executive Commit- 

 tee deem advisable. Your Superintendent can only say that he has regarded it as a 

 very interesting and valuable feature of our annual Fairs; has always, when in charge, 

 given it liis constant and undivided attention and endeavored to make the most of it. 



The Viewing Committee, composed of some of the most experienced and competent 

 judges in this class of exhibits, have for two successive Fairs suggested a change in 

 premium list, placing professional exhibits in a list separate from the amateur list, and 

 your Superintendent has on such occasion joined in such recommendation. The matter 

 has doubtless been overlooked by Committee on Premium List, but I trust the sugges- 

 tion will be adopted. It is very discouraging and hardly fair to amateurs to be com- 

 pelled to compete with those who, with all the advantages of education and culture, 

 have devoted theh- lives to the profession. Neither class should be excluded, but should 

 not be as now, required to compete in the same class. 



To avoid the annoyance that has arisen by a necessity on the part of the Superintend- 

 ent in charge, in order to secure a creditable exMbition in the professional department, 

 making promises to pay expenses of boxing, transportation, msurance, etc. — promises 

 which may be rej^udiated by the Business Committee— yom- Superintendent would sug- 

 gest offering for the art collection of paintings, not less in number than 100; a first and 

 second premium sufficiently large to meet all such expenses and still prove a stimulus 

 to professional artists and collectors to make an exhibit. 



Respectfully submitted, 



W. J. BAXTER, 

 Superintendent of Division N. 



Superintendent Anderson, of Division M, offered the report of the depart- 

 ment as follows: 



DIVISION M — MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, ETC. 



To the President and Executive Committee of the Michigan State Agricultural Society: 



Gentlemen— The Superintendent of Division M, Classes 58, 59 and 60, begs leave to 

 make the following report : 



Class 58, there were 45 entries; no awards. Classes 59 and 60 no entries were made. 

 In Class 58 the display was very satisfactory and very much larger than in former years. 

 Exhibitors were well pleased, and from the growth of interest taken it must be perfectly 

 satisfactory; therefore I would advise no change in the rules. 



Respectfully submitted, 



M. P. ANDERSON, 



Supeiintendent. 

 Accepted. 



The Secretary read the report of Miss Brow, Superintendent of Division 0, 

 and Q., as follows: 



DIVISIONS AND Q — NEEDLE WORK AND CHILDEEN's DEPARTMENT. 



To the Executive Committee of the Michigan State Agricultural Society: 



Gentlemen — The display of work in Division O was never finer than at the Fair of 

 1885, and will warrant a continuance of this department, which has proved so instruc- 

 tive and entertaining. Entries in Division O numbered 443, and premiums awarded 

 $263.50. Division Q, entries 30, premiums $18.50. The premium list is quite complete, 

 and according to the best judgment <5f your Superintendent, needs no revision at this 

 time, excepting the introduction of a clause, stating that work done by sewing-machine 

 operators will not be allowed to compete with that done by amateurs. The absence of 

 such a rule was the occasion of some confusion and considerable misunderstanding at 

 our last Fair. 



The above is respectfully submitted, 



MINNIE H. BROW, 



Superintendent. 



Accepted and referred to Committee on Premiums. 



