16-1 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



ticular notice of his efforts to introduce into our State the cultivation of 

 the mulberry, and we may safely say he'is the pioneer in this new work 

 of silk raising. The committee most warmly commend this enterprise ; 

 and in noticing this fine plantation of over twenty-five thousand mul- 

 berry trees, they feel that at least a just and appreciating notice of his 

 laudable exertions is due to him at the hands of the Visiting Committee." 



Thus it will be seen that for thirteen years at least Prevost labored 

 disinterestedly and, as we all know, faithfully, to introduce into our 

 State his favorite industr} T . Of late years, every dollar of his money 

 and almost every moment of his time was devoted to this cause. Mem- 

 bers of this society and visitors of the State fairs will miss his cheerful 

 presence and his simple but enthusiastic representations of the value to 

 the State that the cultivation of silk would one day become. While we 

 miss him, let us not forget his services. 



These annual fairs of our State society have come to be regarded by 

 our citizens in all portions of the State as a general holiday — a day of 

 enjo}-ment and recreation. We are apt to forget the real objects of the 

 fair — the real lessons the annual exhibition of the evidences of our prog- 

 ress are intended to inculcate. Let us not throw away the occasion, 

 but note the improvements that are being made from year to year, and 

 see whether we cannot in turn, within the next } T ear, produce something 

 worthy of a place in the next exhibition. Let us strive to make these 

 exhibitions worthy of the name our State has attained. When we each 

 of us do this we shall not feel like apologizing to our visitors for the 

 meager display in this or that department of our exhibitions. In the 

 name of the society, I invite each and all to an examination of the 

 articles we here see spread out before us. 



To our visitors from abroad 1 extend a hearty greeting, and give you 

 the right hand of fellowship of the society. It will be my pleasure, and 

 the pleasure of every member of the Board of Managers, to extend to 

 you such attentions and such hospitalities as the occasion and the per- 

 formance of our several duties will permit. 



We hope, now that the distance between the Pacific and Atlantic 

 States has in a measure been annihilated, to become better acquainted 

 and more neighborly, and to receive and return not only personal visits, 

 but to interchange the products of our several States on the occasions of 

 our annual fairs. 



Hoping that the week's entertainment may prove agreeable and bene- 

 ficial, and that the exhibition may incite all to renewed exertions in the 

 future, 1 return my sincere thanks for the respectful attention } T ou have 

 given me, and again extend to you a hearty welcome to the enjoyments 

 of the occasion. 



