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selves with the general remark, that the State Fair afforded most con- 

 vincing and gratifying proof that, in all the useful arts and leading 

 branches of manufacture, our young State has already attained a respect- 

 able rank, and that she can count among her citizens, mechanics as inge- 

 nious and skilful as any to be found in the older eastern communities. 



Having thus, in accordance with the law, given a brief sketch of their 

 own proceedings during the past year, the Executive Committee, in con- 

 clusion, would urge upon the Legislature the importance of encouraging, 

 by every suitable means, the improvement of the great and paramount 

 interest of Agriculture. To this, the leading interest in Wisconsin, and 

 the true basis of all State and National wealth, it is eminently proper and 

 fitting that the representatives of the people should freely extend the 

 fostering hand, and by wise and judicious patronage aid to place it in its 

 proper position. 



Our soil is pre-eminently adapted to all the purposes of the Agricultur- 

 ist, but by careless and injudicious cultivation, its virgin strength must 

 soon become exhausted. To prevent this disastrous result, by spread- 

 ing abroad among our citizens a knowledge of Agricultural Science, 

 and the results of Agricultural research, is the special duty of the State 

 Agricultural Society. In the discharge of this duty, it needs the aid and 

 countenance of every good citizen, and of every one interested in the well 

 being of Wisconsin. 



In resio-ning' their trust into the hands of their successors, the members 

 of the Executive Committee enjoy a satisfaction in feeling that in all their 

 labors and efforts they have been actuated by a sincere and honest desire 

 for the advancement of the Society, and the great interests which it has 

 in charge : and though they may not have accomplished all that could 

 have been desired, they trust that it will be found that in none of their 

 decisions have they greatly erred. 



On behalf of the Executive Committee, 



Respectfully submitted, 



ALBERT C. INGHAM, 



Corresponding Secretary. 



