STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 13 



Their report is replete with facts of interest to the State, and with infor- 

 mation of great value to those seeking homes among us. 



In the exhibition each year of county products, all necessary encourage- 

 ment is given to the producer; an interest of competition is awakened that 

 is productive of much good, and the advantages of every section of the 

 State most fully shown. 



The result of this is the impulse it gives the newcomer to follow the 

 example before him, and instead of laggard ways about the farms, life and 

 animation is given, improving the appearance, and adding attractiveness 

 and value. As a result, the extensive grain fields that have in the past 

 been thought of only as such, will be transformed into paying orchards, 

 vineyards, and garden spots, thereby creating an increased demand for 

 good land throughout the State, and the building up of a happy and pros- 

 perous community. 



This demand has already caused an increase in values, and owners have 

 awakened to the fact that land that will sell for $100 per acre is most too 

 valuable for wheat growing, and as a consequence are disposing of such 

 land to those who desire to engage in fruit growing. 



The result is most remunerative to the landholder, and beneficial to 

 the State, as it fully demonstrates the fertility of our soil, and is conclu- 

 sive proof that the greater part of our State is adapted to the growth of all 

 kinds of fruit, and that land heretofore considered wild can be utilized for 

 grain. 



The display made each year in the Agricultural Machinery Department 

 is most interesting. It is here all kinds of modern improvements can be 

 seen, and the purchaser is educated up in the uses of improved utensils, 

 whether farming or household. 



THE STATE APPROPRIATION. 



Claims have been made by unscrupulous and designing persons that 

 improper uses were made of " the people's money." 



It would not be out of place, under this head, to show by facts and fig- 

 ures to what uses the appropriations made each year by the Legislature is 

 put. 



It has always been the aim of this Board to apply the appropriation to 

 the payment of premiums, and care of the State Exhibition Building. 



By reference to past reports it will be seen that it has been applied to 

 those purposes. 



In the year just closed our — 



Premiums paid (exclusive of racing) amounted to $14,538 92 



Insurance of building --- 1,000 00 



Watchmen(two) -- 1.500 00 



Total $17,038 92 



The appropriation was $17,500. Thus it will be seen that the amount 

 paid out, as heretofore stated, nearly equals the appropriation, to say noth- 

 ing of the expenses attendant. 



As our appropriations increased, the premiums increased in the same 

 ratio. We desire to call your especial attention to these facts, that you 

 may fully understand that not one cent of the money appropriated by the 

 State is squandered, but on the contrary, placed back into the hands from 

 whence it came, after having performed a service to the State. 



