325 



terest, a mutual dependence, hopes in common, and common incentives 

 to improvement. In most State and County Societies over the Union, the 

 advancement of the interests of the artizan are embraced in their objects 

 and operations. Such is particularly the case with the Wisconsin State 

 Agricultural Society, which invites the co-operation of every class of 

 industry, in all its doings and objects, and has an equal eye to agricul- 

 tural and artizan improvement and progress. Such being the case, the 

 relation of artizan industry to this Society needs no further elucidation. 

 This relation becomes clear, and the duty it imposes becomes clear and 

 imperative. That duty — is it not to grasp the hand of brotherhood ex- 

 tended by agriculture, and help, by our exertions and every requisite 

 aid, to accomplish the objects for which the State Agricultural Society 

 labors ? Should not the mechanic and manufacturer in every part of our 

 State enlist with the farmer in this Association intended for their mutual 

 benefit; aid the funds of the Society by their fees of membership, and 

 contribute to its periodical exhibitions articles of utility or skill ? 



If the mechanics and manufacturers of the State will turn out to these 

 annual gatherings, they will ever make an occasion of interest and profit 

 — profit in the new incentives they will gather from what they will see, 

 and in the acquaintance they will increase — profit in the self-respect with 

 which such great gala-days of industry will not fail to inspire the indus- 

 trial classes, and in the respect which will be impressed upon other classes 

 for industrial pursuits. 



We hope that at our next Annual Fair, mechanics and manufacturers 

 will be there from all quarters, with displays of their skill, emulous to 

 excel and to carry away the prize of excellence by every fair and honor- 

 able exertion, in the spii-it of that brotherhood which should exist as 

 well between individuals of the same pursuit, as between the different 

 pursuits of life. 



With these very imperfect thoughts on the subject proposed, Mr. Sec- 

 retary, thrown together very hastily and amid interruptions, I have 

 attempted to fulfil the duty assigned me. I only wish that time and 

 circumstances had enabled me to prepare something more worthy of 

 your volume. 



I remain, most respectfully yours, 



RICHARD E. ELA. 

 To AiJ3ERT C. Ingham, Esq., 



Sec. of the Wis. State Agt. Society. 



