422 



though, each year there was a large advance in the amount of premi- 

 ums offered, based in part upon the amount of funds raised and appro- 

 priated by the Board of Supervisors, under the law, for the benefit of 

 the Society, yet thus far the amount of receipts, aside from the amount 

 thus raised and appropriated, has been sufficient to pay all premiums 

 and meet all expenses, and leave a balance of $195 82 in the hands of 

 the Tre^urer. This certainly must be exceedingly gratifying to the 

 friends of the Society. 



A new feature has been added to the premium list of 1853, which 

 we would recommend to be continued in lists of premiums hereafter to 

 be offered. We refer to the plan of awarding agricultural books and 

 periodicals, as premiums. Those who have received premiums of this 

 kind, have expressed much satisfaction, and have manifested a prefer- . 

 ence for them, over money premiums alone. Agricultural books and 

 periodicals to the amount of $86 00 have been awarded. 



The Hon. F. W. Curtenius, of Kalamazoo, delivered the address on 

 the occasion of the Fair, and by a vote of the Society, as also a con- 

 curring vote of your committee, he was requested to furnish a copy of 

 the same for publication, which said requests were duly communicated 

 to him by the Secretary, but, we regret to say, we were unable to pre- 

 vail on him to gratify our wishes. 



That the agricultural interests of the county may be greatly bene- 

 fitted and advanced, by the means which your Society affords of dis- 

 seminating intelligence, and the opportunity it gives to the farmers of 

 the county and othei*s, of exhibiting their stock and productions, and 

 of comparing notes and views relative to the same, we have no doubt, 

 and we trust the time will be far distant, when its beneficial influences 

 shall cease to be felt. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



J. H. McCOLLUM, 



Secretary. 



