516 STATE BOAKD OF AGEICULTURE. 



Mr. L. B. Potter, of Lansing, was chosen Vice-President of the association. 

 Convention then adjourned until 7 P. M. 



EVEXIXG SESSION. 



Called to order b_y the President. 



Eesnmption of to^jic Xo. 5, "Agricultural Societies," general topic. 



President Luce said that the benefits to be derived from these organizations 

 are conceded to be beyond all question. They exert a large influence in pro- 

 moting the agricultural interests of the country. 



Kemarks were also made by Mr. Potter, Mr. Cameron, Mr. Little, Mr. 

 Stearns, and Mr. Markillie. 



6th Topic, '^'Time of holding county fairs." Mr. Potter thought the first 

 week in October was as good or better than any week preceding, on account of 

 weather, etc., yet wished tliat the State fair could be fixed later in the season. 

 This seemed to be the prevalent idea with tlie speakers. The idea that the 

 State fair should hold its annual meeting later than now, indeed after the 

 county fairs instead of hefore tliem, letting the little meetings all contribute to 

 the big ones, was strongly urged, and all the bearings of the subject given. The 

 fact that tlie State fair came before all the county fairs, it was urged, was injuri- 

 ous to the success of the latter. 



7th Topic, "Objects in farming needing special encouragement." Mr. Glid- 

 den thought premiums on sheep ought to be increased. Mr. Stearns thought 

 the production of hay ought to be encouraged. 



Some time was spent in the relation of experiences in regard to the conduct 

 of fairs. Mr. Potter thought tliat the premium lists shou.ld be gotten out ear- 

 lier, and that the secretarv should have more time to make the entries. Mr. 

 Little, Mr. Glidden, Mr. Luce, and some others explained their systems. The 

 plan was found to work well to give general publicity to the premium, list 

 which is issued in June in pamphlet form, and as the time of the fair 

 approaches tj get in as many entries as possible before the opening day of the 

 fair, keeping the books open, till the afternoon of the second day. Then, with 

 proper assistance, the books for the committees could be prepared in time. 



Mr. Little said the press of this county had been very liberal in placing all 

 items in regard to the fair before the public, and in making an interest in the 

 society widely felt. 



After much other talk upon questions connected with subjects before the cou- 

 vention, Mr. Glidden moved that the convention adjourn to meet on the first 

 Wednesday in December, the place to be fixed by the president and secretary. 

 Carried, and the convention adjourned. 



