10 



ANNUAL REPORT 



OF THE 



BOARD OF DIRECTORS 



To the Members of the State Agricultural Society : 



Gentlemen: In presenting their annual report, the Directors of 

 the State Agricultural Society congratulate the members thereof, and 

 the people of the State generally, on the prosperous condition of its 

 management, and the usefulness which has attended its progress 

 during the year just closed. It was supposed that the natural and 

 unavoidable drawbacks attendant upon a dry season would have the 

 effect of greatly weakening, if it did not entirely exhaust, the vitality 

 of the Society; but, on the contrary, and in testimony of the oft- 

 repeated expression that "all signs fail in dry weather," the fair of 

 eighteen hundred and seventy-seven was one of the most successful 

 ever held in the State, exceeding in a marked degree the revenue of 

 the one held in eighteen hundred and seventy-six. More and 

 increased interest seemed to be manifested in the well-being of the 

 Society, and every effort was put forth by all classes to add to its 

 importance and place it upon a strong foundation. During the year 

 improvements have been made on the grounds of the Society at 

 Agricultural Park, which cannot fail to conduce to the comfort and 

 convenience of those exhibiting stock at its fairs, as well as to add 

 to the pleasure of those visiting the Park upon such occasions. The 

 grounds referred to are in thorough and complete order, and will 

 present advantages at the coming and succeeding fairs never before 

 vouchsafed those attending them. This, of course, has involved a 

 great deal of attention and labor, and a heavy outlay of money. A 

 handsome and broad avenue has been constructed around the 

 grounds, in order that visitors may reach and examine the stock 

 without being inconvenienced by vehicles; and a walk has been 

 constructed to the east side of the Park, which, for ladies and chil- 

 dren, will be found to be of great advantage. 



In making this report it must of necessity be very brief, for the 

 reason that the Legislature restricted us to such an extent in its 

 preparation, confining us to one hundred pages in all, that any allu- 

 sion to the industries and products of the State must be so meagre as 

 almost to render them unintelligible. There are many things in 

 connection with the welfare and progress of the society, and agricul- 

 tural interests generally, in regard to which we would like to speak 

 elaborately, but, for the reason just stated, we are debarred from so 



