12 



glance, the progi-ess made in the construction of implements and ma- 

 chinery from generation to generation. 



I would make a collection of samples of grain, wool, insects, and 

 whatever would be interesting and beneficial to the members ef our 

 Society ; be they husbandmen, mechanics, manufacturers, or of any 

 other occupation. All would find something within our walls to instruct 

 and interest them. 



I have already made a beginning in this matter ; but for the want of 

 funds and a convenient room, could not proceed. 



By a donation in books from our State Legislatare ; the occasional 

 purchase of a book ; exchange of Transactions with other Societies, (fee, 

 we have a small collection of books, which forms but a starting point 

 for such a library as we ought to possess. 



The establishment of an Agricultural College and experimental farm, 

 has already occupied your attention. You have petitioned the State 

 Legislature to establish, or to aid you in establishing such an institution. 

 Your petitions have been heard, and some action had respecting them. 



Your first petition may be found in the Transactions of the Society, 

 vol. 2, page 12. The second in the same vol., pa2:e 23. Respecting 

 this institution, I have received two letters, one from Mr. Shearman, the 

 Superintendent of Public Instruction, the other from Dr. Tappan, the 

 Chancellor of the University of Michigan. 



The following is the letter from Mr. Shearman : 



STATE OF MICHIGAN", 



Office of Sup't of Public Instruction, 

 September 21, 1852. 



J. C. Holmes, Esq., Secretary of the Michigan State Agricultural 

 Society: 



Dear Sir — Herewith I send you a circular notice, relating to the 



dedication of the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, on the 5th day of 



October next. My object in calling your attention to the subject at 



this time, is the provision made in the law establishing this institution, 



for instruction in the Mechanic Arts, the Arts of Husbandry, and in 



Agricultural Chemistry. These are objects identical with the interests- 



of the Society, of which you are Secretary, and in which you have 



taken so deep and laudable concern. 



