STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 207 



number any other breed of blooded cattle in the State. Tlieii is it not best to stim- 

 ulate and foster most that in which we are weakest, and not tliat in whicii we are 

 strono-est? I would therefore recommend tliat the same amount of monej' be ex- 

 pended in premiums for eacli class. Let us henceforth place all these classes on an 

 equal footing. The dairyin.s? interest of the State will have a just reason of com- 

 plaint unless this policy is adopted. 



HORSES. 



As regards horses, our premiums are liberaL This is as it should be, as it is our 

 duty to encouraoje in every legitimate way the imi)rovement of this noble and useful 

 animal. Still this interest must be so held in check as not to allow it; to overshadow 

 others of at least equal importance; as in our opinion to permit this would be a 

 departure from the object of the Society as defined in the tirst article of the consti- 

 tution, wiiere it is set forth as being "to promote the improvement of agriculture 

 and its kindred arts." In itself considered, it is as legitimate to test a hoi-se for 

 speed as for any other quality; but viewed in its relation to agriculture, this quality 

 is of much less importance. Still, I do not wisli to be understood as desiring to have 

 the premiums for this class cut down. I only desire that in connection with the 

 trials of speed something could be done to prevent what is immoral and unlawfuL 

 This is due to ourselves as representing the Societj', and as the custodians of its 

 good name; it is due to the people at large; it is due also to those gentlemen who 

 are striving to improve the liorse, and to whom the country is much indebted for 

 what they iiave accomplished. 



The interests of these men are identical with our own, and as a class they are as 

 much opposed as we are to betting and gambling, and equally desirous for its sup- 

 pression. I would therefore recommend a careful revision of the rules governing 

 this class. Would it not be well to reqnii-e that during trials of speed that the spec- 

 tators be required to occupy the grand stand, excepting such as are permitted on the 

 judges' stand, and that they be under the strict surveillance of the police and officers 

 of the Society. 



SHEEP. 



The sheep is one of the most useful and profitable animals on the farm. And the 

 men who have made the improvement of sheep a specialty and exhibited their flocks 

 at our annual fair are among the best men we have. A very marked improvement 

 has been achieved as a result of their labors, as shown by the census from time to 

 time published. The average weight of fleece has been very nearly doubled within 

 the last 25 years. 



This class should receive close attention and liberal encouragement. 



SWINE. 



Exhibitors of swine are of necessity i)ut to a great deal of trouble from the pecu- 

 liar nature of the animal exhibited. They surely earn all they receive at the Fair. 

 The vast extent and rapid growth of the interest represented by this class should 

 not be overlooked. In 1S73 the pork marketed in this State was 15,298,404 pounds, 

 an increase of 4G 16-100 per cent from 1SG3. 



The hog we must have to grease the wheels of society. Let us do what we can to 

 encourage his owner. 



One year ago the i)remium list from Division E, Class 31. to Division N, Class 66, 

 was carefully revised, and the result was highly favorable, as seen in the large ex- 

 hibit made at our last fair. The able superintendence of the different departments 

 will, doubtless, make recommendations in the above classes better culculated for tlie 

 instruction and guidance of the Board than anything I might recommend. 



NORTHERN EXHIBIT. 



The department know^n as the Northern Exiiibit proved to be a very useful and 

 attractive feature of our last Fair. 1 fed confident that in recommending the con- 

 tinuance of the same general plan with reference to it, the recommendation will 

 meet with your hearty indorsement. 1 think in this way we can do a much needed 

 and highly important work in bringing more prominently into notice the northern 

 counties of the State, and in some measure arrest the constantly flowing stream of 

 emigration to the west and direct its course to lands in our own ^tate, where the 

 iudicious expenditure of labor and capital will be lil)erally rewarded, and where the 

 location with reference to markets, school houses, etc., is greatly superior to what 

 they are likely to find further west. 



