REPORTS FROM COUNTY SOCIETIES. 4G5 



BERRIEN COUNTY. 



In uccorduiice with tlic laws of the State I herewith present the report of our 

 society for tiie year 1879. 



The y9th iinnual fair of tlie Berrien County Agricultural Society was held 

 upon the society's grounds in the city of Niles Sept. 23d, 24th, 25th and 20th. 

 The weatlier was very favorable, being cold for tiie time of year, but only part 

 of the second day was disagreeably so. The entries and attendance were less 

 than usual wiih us, partly on account of the fair being earlier and the farmers 

 being Inter than usual with their seeding, caused by the dry weather in August 

 preventing ])lowing from being done at that time. Nevertheless many depart- 

 ments were well filled. The exhibit of cattle, sheep and swine was good, both 

 in quality and quantity. Of farm products and fruit there was a fair show. 

 But the deficiency was very apparent in floral hall and the implement depart- 

 ments, wliich are expected to be filled mostly by the people of the towns, who 

 have, with a few notable exceptions, failed to encourage the society either by 

 their exhibits or presence, unless they are given some special privilege or a 

 chance to make some money out of it. 



But if we have not saved a few hundreds to apply upon the debt, it is a satis- 

 faction to be able to meet all demands, including about §200 for perniiinent 

 improvements. 



Tiie following is a condensed statement of the entries and awards in the 

 regular list. As some premiums were donated to the society, this and the 

 Treasurer's report do not appear to correspond. 



No. of Amount 



Entries. Awarded 



Horses 80 $143 00' 



Cattle 35 93 50 



Slieep and Swine 63 105 00 



Field Crops and Vegetables 116 23 75 



Fruit and Flowers 154 37 50 



Dairy, Domestic Manufacture, and Needle Work 91 34 SO 



Implements, Furniture, Merchants' Goods, etc 59 55 75 



Total 598 $493 30 



The whole amount of premiums offered in the regular list was 8800, and 

 about as much in a special list upon which percentage was ciiarged for entries. 

 The Treasurer's report is as follows: 



RECEIPTS. 



From membersliip tickets sold $138 00 



From gate money and grand stand 800 93; 



From rent of stands and donations 151 00' 



From percentage on special premiums 212 50) 



Total $1,302 43 



DISBURSEMENTS. 



Paid lumber and labor for improvements $200 00 



Paid contingent expense - IGtJ 2G 



Paid premiums, regular list 433 30 



Paid premiums, special list 455 00 



Total §1,254 5G 



Balance on hand 47 87 



59 «1,302 43. 



