400 STATE BOAED OF AGRICULTUKE. 



those wlio have the fair in charge. My behef is that four days is all the time that 

 is profitable to hold the fair ; that gives ample time for the examination of ani- 

 mals and articles in every department^, and sufficient time for all those who wish 

 to visit the fair. I can see no object in undertaking to hold the crowd, even if 

 Ave should have the power to do it, for an unreasonable length of time, or so 

 long that they will have no desire to attend another fair during their natural 

 lives. I would recommend that the fair shall close on Friday. That will 

 give all in attendance a fair prospect of reaching their homes before Sunday, 

 which I have no doubt will be profitable as well as agreeable for most people. 



The time for the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia is approaching, and 

 it seems to me that this society should at least make an effort to stimulate our 

 people to the preparation for a magnificent display of the products of Michigan 

 in that exposition, with all our available resources, and we make the most of our 

 opportunity. I know no reason why Michigan should not take a front seat in 

 that exposition with any other State or country. I deem it important that we 

 sliould commence early to perfect our arrangements that we may secure suitable 

 space for our products. 



Adjourned to 1 o'clock P. M. C. F. KIMBALL, Secretary. 



Met as per adjournment at 1 o'clock P. M. Called to order by the President. 

 Roll called and quorum present. 



The Treasurer submitted his report for the year 187-i, stating the total 

 receipts at $31,716.54. 



The report was received and referred to the Finance Committee, with the 

 following resolution of instructions : 



Fesolved, That the. Finance Committee be instructed in reporting upon tiie Treas- 

 urer's report, to itemize and classify the expenses as nearly as possible, so as to show 

 the particular and aggregate expenses of each particular department. 



The Secretary presented his report of the proceedings of the Society for 1874 ; 

 the financial portion of which Avas referred to the Financial Committee, under 

 tlie same resolution. 



Mr. Baxter presented the following report from the Committee on President's 

 Address : 



The special committee, to wliom Avas referred the President's address, Avith 

 instructions to recommend the reference of the different features to appropriate 

 committees, recommend its reference as follows : 



1st. So much as refers to the general encouragement of agriculture be refer- 

 red to the Committee of the Whole. 



2d. That so much of it as refers to the undue prominence given to horses and 

 to trials of speed, be referred to the Committee of the Whole, and also to Com- 

 mittee on Premiums. 



od. That so much as refers to the number of days the annual fair shall be 

 held, be referred to the Business Committee. 



4tli. That so much as refers to special encouragement to Pomological Depart- 

 ment, be referred to the Finance Committee. 



5th. That so much as refers to participation in the Centennial, be referred to 

 a special committee of five, to be appointed by the President. 



Respectfully submitted. 



W. J. BAXTER, 

 J. W. CHILDS, 

 J. M. STERLIIS'G, 



Co7n7nUtee. 



