453 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



to prcsoiit anythinpj now or eiitoitaiiiiiii;- ; l)iit I :uii (Iccjily interested in the agri- 

 cultural ixrowtli, proijross and dovelopincnt of onr Stato, csiU'oially I lie central and 

 nortlicrn portions thereof, and n-conriiizing the inii)()rtance of our a^rienltnral socie- 

 ties in promoting; this work, I Khonld like to aid them, even with my limited expel 

 rience. I should expect, however, during the session, to learn much more than - 

 conld impart. At such meetings, each will liave something to relate of interest, 

 and hy picking up and treasuring those stray items, we get a I'nnd of i)r;ictical infor- 

 mation of inestimable value, thereby enabling us to manage! our fairs more success- 

 fully than we otherwise would. To my mimi oflicers of agricultural societies have 

 to consider more important matters than merely liow to make our fairs liiiuncially 

 successful. 



The importance of financial success I do not overlook or underestimate, as the life 

 and welfare of the society depends thereon. There is something, however, be}'ond 

 this; in oflering premiums how can we best advance our agricultural prosperity; 

 how suniciently encourage the propagation of new and improved varieties of farm 

 products and excellence in all things? 



Can we induce some one to give us .a new varietj' of wheat that will equal or excel 

 the Clawson in yield per acre, and be its superior for flouring purposes? A potato 

 that will take the place of the early rose ami peachblow, now fast running out? Are 

 there any new crops the growth of which should be particularly encouraged? Can 

 we raise beets successfully and manufacture our own sugar? Can we induce our 

 farmers to improve their stock by the use of thoroughbreds, and thus drive scrub 

 and grade bulls out of the State? How may we have "gilt-edged" butter the rule, 

 uiei-ely good butter the exception, and all other grades unknown? 



These, my dear sir, are but a few of the many questions that should engage earnest, 

 careful thought and discussion of the best agriculturists of our State. 



Can societies, bj' oflering liberal premiums, induce farmers to give us our supply of 

 sugar? to add five bushels of wheat per acre to the present yield? 50 bushels per acre 

 to the potato crop? 50 pounds of butter to the annual product of each cow, at th'e 

 same time improving the quality of each? If so, then estimate what has thereby 

 heen added to the wealth of the State and to individual wealth and happiness. 



There is anotlier subject of vital importance to agricultural societies, especially in 

 the new counties, in reference to which it might be Avell to take action. County 

 societies are not designed or intended to benefit or enrich a few, neither do officers 

 derive any pecuniary gain therefrom. 



Societies struggling under indebtedness for grounds and buildings cannot offer 

 sufficiently liberal premiums. Why should not the grounds at least be purchased and 

 held by the counties? This has been done under special acts in some instances, why 

 not in all ? I speak solely in reference to the policy of such a system of purchase and 

 ownership. 



But 1 tear I am running beyond the limits of a private letter and will close. 



Yours respectfully, ISAAC MARSTON. 



The question has been frequently asked of late why societies as a general rule have 

 abandoned the practice of having an address given at the time of the amiual fairs. 

 It may be answered that there has been a large increase of business in the conduct of 

 fairs, as compared with former years. By far the largest number of people attend 

 the exhibition on Thursday of the week. That is the day usually set apart for the 

 address — a day that taxes the official management to the utmost, in time and energy. 

 The public have come by trains or in wagons, long distances, to see the show, and 

 they will have little time to spare from that object. Then, again, it is next to im- 

 possible to secure capable, reputable gentlemen to deliver the addresses. 



Some years since your secretary i-eceived a letter in answer to an invitation to 

 address the agricultural society at Kalamazoo, from the Hon. John Wentworth, of 

 Illinois, which bears so directl}^ upon this question that I may be pardoned in quot- 

 ing from it: 



Chicago, July 27,1864. 



Dear Sir: — I thank you for you complimentary note, but I have been present too 

 often for the last twenty years at the delivery of agricultural addresses for me to 

 accept of your invitation. Most societies have abandoned that part of their early pro- 

 gramme, and 1 concur in their wisdom. People want to see the show, and not to hear 

 addresses. I have had iniumierable invitations from States and societies, and have 

 always declined, because I have seen how illy able much better men than myself have 

 heen to compete with the animals that the public come to see. 



Your obedient servant, JOHN >yENTWORTn, 



