324 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. 



delivered by the President, E. Pier, who, belonging himself to 

 the practical farmers, entered into that branch of business. He 

 showed the connection of farming with the mechanical arts, and 

 with commerce, and the dependency of all branches of industry 

 upon the prosperity of agriculture. He also alluded to the many 

 deceptions practiced upon the unsophisticated farmers by hum- 

 bugs — such as china-tree corn, Rohan potatoes, mulberry mania, 

 and introductions of new varieties of cattle and sheep of doubt- 

 ful value, frequently brought to this country for the purpose of 

 fleecing a credulous public more than for that of actually improv- 

 ing our breed of animals, etc. 



His address was well received, and Mr. P. undoubtedly hit 

 many humbugs of the day in a very forcible manner, and kept 

 his audience laughing heartily when he showed how some poor 

 ignorant farmers were deluded by these speculators. 



Unfortunately the roads were in a horrible condition, owing 

 to the heavy rains of a few days previous, and had caused such 

 a flood that the Fond du Lac river could not be crossed ; conse- 

 quently but little stock could be brought upon the fair grounds. 

 The entries were but 84. 



Amount paid for premiums in cash and books, $175. 



Officers for 1S56. — President, Selim Newton, Fond du Lac ; 

 Treasurer, J. M. Taylor, Fond du Lac ; Recording Secretary, 

 H. D. HiTT, Oakfield ; Corresponding Secretary, GcrsTAVtrs De 

 Neveu. 



The annual meeting was held at the Court House in the City 

 of Fond du Lac, on the I5th and 16 th of October. A good show 

 of animals and farm products was made, which, together with 

 the mechanical and fancy department, rendered the fair probably 

 the most attractive of those held by the society. At 2 o'clock 

 p. M., of the second day, the President delivered an excellent 

 address which was listened to by as large and intelligent an au- 



