EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 517 



Prompted by a desire to improve still further, if possible, in 

 tbe cultivation of our great staple, wlieat, by the introduction of 

 the best possible kinds of seed, the Society despatched an expe- 

 rienced and sagacious practical farmer, (Hon. David William?, 

 of Walworth county), to Canada, during their wheat harvest, 

 with instructions to examine their different kinds and qualities 

 of wheat, grown upon their various soils and under various cir- 

 cumstances ; and to report his views upon the advisability of its 

 introduction, as seed, among our farmers. The gentleman per- 

 formed his mission in a highly satisfactory manner, and duly 

 reported its results, which have been spread before the people, 

 and will undoubtedly lead to the obtainment of new and valuable 

 seed. 



Early and ample pains were taken, on the part of the Society, 

 for the holding of its Annual Fair ; and in view of the extensive 

 hotel accommodations, convenient fairgrounds, railroad approach- 

 es, and i^romising public spirit of the citizens of Janesville, that 

 place was settled upon for the purpose. In anticipation of a 

 large turn out, not only among our own people, but also from 

 the neighboring State of Illinois, (unto whom we wished to 

 make a creditable show), very ample, and somewhat expensive, 

 preparations were made for the occasion ; providing not only for 

 the show of the more substantial features of agricultural produc- 

 tion, but also for the more attractive novelties sometimes employ- 

 ed to embellish such occasions. 



As was anticipated, the occasion and the outlay met with a 

 fair and full response on the part of the people, both exhibitors 

 and spectators. The entries were considerably larger than at 

 any previous f lir, and emhraced many animals, articles, and pro- 

 ducts that are not surpassed in quality in the United States. 

 Every department of the fa:/. Animal, Agricultural, Horticul- 

 tural, Floral, Mechanical and Miscellaneous, was well filled, and, 

 altogether, displayed a striking evidence of the progress of our 

 young State. How much of this progress and improvement is 

 attributable to the teachings and effects of the State and county 

 fairs, we will leave for the observing and philosophic to deter- 

 mine. 



