REPORTS FROM COUNTY SOCIETIES. 451 



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portance. The exhibitions of the past year, as a general rule, have been very success- 

 ful. While a goodly number have sent in returns, still many societies have failed to 

 do so, or to provide for sending delegates to the convention. It is true, our inculca- 

 tions, decisions, and resolutions are not binding; they have no legal significance. 

 Societies are free, of course, to conduct the business of their respective organizations 

 in their own way. 



Possibly some may have devised methods they do not wish to disclose; others are en- 

 tirely satisfied with themselves and their plans, and so we do not quite get that hearty 

 cooperation in the work of our association that we otherwise would. Still we are 

 glad to note a healthy state of public interest, a patriotic zeal highly commendable 

 on the part of those present; and I may say that the success of tliis meeting is 

 already fully assured. It is to be hoped that in all our deliberations we may have a 

 candid, free interchange of thought and ideas upon all topics that may be oflered. 

 We none of us perhaps feel entirely confident tliat our respective rules and regula- 

 tions are perfect; that we cannot learn anything to our advantage. I think we are 

 all of us more or less perplexed at times ; we realize that we have to deal with a capri- 

 cious public, thronging the gates to-day and leaving us in the lurch to-morrow. 



Agricultural societies as a general rule do not receive that sure and reliable sup- 

 port that they are entitled to. Hence all sorts of make-shifts are resorted to by 

 officers in charge to raise funds necessary to pay premiums and expenses. We ought 

 to discountenance and banish from our annual fairs everj^thing debasing, or that iu 

 any way detracts from the true dignity of the occasion. It may be that a Beecher, 

 an Ingersoll, a balloon or a wedding — all well enough in their proper place — may 

 attract a large number who would not otherwise attend; but do we not all sincei-ely 

 wisli that our people were so educated, so determined, so appreciative, and so thor- 

 ougldy conscious of their own responsibilities that we should not need to resort to 

 such practices as a mere speculation to replenish the treasury? 



Again, there are prejudices and jealousies to overcome — unreasonable and un- 

 founded as they may be— that the public entertain against tlie officers and their 

 management. We are frequently importuned for special favors; to deviate from a 

 well established, equitable rule; to influence awards, and to do many things — I had 

 said manifestlj" mean and dishonest; a denial of which is sure to transform, it may 

 be, a friend into an enemj% 



A large number of our very worthy people are disposed to look upon the society 

 as a private, money-making institution. That if they can secure all its benefits free 

 of cost they certainly are fortunate ones. They do generously hope that yowr fair 

 may be successful; and that you will get money enough to pay up everything. 

 SlioulJ they contribute anything at the gate or buy a membership ticket, they have 

 by so much enriched the officers; and they are entitled at least to honorable mention 

 for their public spirit and liberality. Besides this, there is still another class of 

 very deserving people, it may bo too imassuming, too modest, to claim their just 

 rights; who sadly and solemnly believe that the society confers its privileges and 

 favors only upon the rich and influential. 



There are manj^ branches of farm industry that should receive special attention. 

 Societies ought in every way possible to stimulate the breeding of an improved 

 type of farm animals. A heavier class of business horses should be encouraged, as 

 essential in the arduous labors of the farm. 



Liberal premiums should be oflered for approved pure blood cattle and their 

 grades, while the breeding of natives should be discountenanced. Dairy interests 

 have been sadly neglected. We have scarcely a supply of butter and cheese sufficient 

 for home consumption. 



An cflicient and economical renovation of impoverished soils is an all-important 

 question for every farmer whose lands are becoming enfeebled by a constant drain 

 of organic material. 



I will read in this connection a valuable letter from Judge Marston, of Bay City, 

 to whicli 1 invite your special attention: 



Bay City, December 11, 1879. 

 Trank Little, Secretary, etc : 



Dear Sir,— Yours of the lOtli inst., inviting me, iu behalf of your association, to 

 deliver the annual address, is received. I should be most happy to comply, and 

 Would promptly and cheerfully accept, could 1 be present. This is not, however, 

 among the possibilities, as the next term of the Supreme Court commences January 

 6, and continues until some time in Februar}'. 



Am really sorry that I cannot meet with you, not because I would be at all likely 



