SECRETARY'S REPORT. 27 



been accomplished. We may be privileged to speak of what the 

 State Agricultural Society has not yet accomplished in its short 

 history, to aid the inquirer in his researches in this direction, and 

 ■what it may seem desirable that it should attempt to accomplish in 

 the immediate future. » 



Through the want of pecuniary means to indulge in any extended 

 system of liberality towards the mechanic, no money premiums have 

 been offered to be awarded beyond the state. Beyond the common 

 privilege to be enjoyed on these occasions — that of advertising — but 

 little inducement has yet been extended to mechanics either within 

 or beyond the state, to fill up our exhibitions. The hope of even 

 an honorahle mention in the society's transactions, may now well 

 nigh have died out from the mind of the most sanguine. 



From the first two exhibitions no reports in that class have yet 

 reached the public eye. From the thinly a brief report is found ; 

 and we wish to be understood as aiming no disrespect in any direc- 

 tion, when we express ourselves in relation to it, that it comes very 

 far short of what such report should be. 



In relation to the foi(?-th, and coming report for that class, we 

 will venture the prediction, that new and important machines, de- 

 signed and apparently adapted to supply pressing wants, are passed' 

 over without even a mention. We say never a word of this by way 

 of complaint for any neglect of duty by any gentleman. 



In the workings of these voluntary associations, men are invited 

 to the post of judges, with neither opportunity on the part of the 

 executive of the society to examine into their fitness to discharge 

 the duties of the trust, nor power to so order circumstances as to 

 secure their attendance. Gentlemen, through their love for the 

 cause, will make an effort to respond to such call ; and often at the 

 sacrifice of business they make long journeys, spending time and 

 money, and depriving themselves of the enjoyment of the show in 

 its other departments, — and when all is passed, we have not left to 

 us even the miserable right to complain of anything, short of gross 

 acts of favoritism or rank injustice. 



Much importance is, and of right should be attached by the pub- 

 lic to awards of the state society, and if these shall be incorrectly 

 made, much mischief may be done by misleading the farmer, and 



