^82 STATE BOARD OF AGEICULTURE. 



tfroni which, as yet, no reports have been received. I trust this matter will re- 

 ceive the attention dne at an early day. All joersons receiving seeds through 

 the club from the department of agriculture should report the result of the 

 experiment. If a failure, from what cause. If a success, kinds of soil, man- 

 ner of cultivation, etc., or any fact tending to throw light on the matter by 

 which others may profit. Several pictures, charts, and maps have been placed 

 ^u the walls of the club room, which are both useful and ornamental. 



The Club is indebted to Mr. R. G. Baird, Secretary of the State Board of 

 Agriculture, for a supply of the Reports for 1875, for the use of the Club. 

 Also to J. P. Thompson, Secretary State Pomological Society, for several 

 copies of the doings of that Society for 1875. These reports are both replete 

 with good practical information. Every farmer should read and re-read them 

 to profit. 



The poultry exhibition given under tlie auspices of the Club in January 

 feought together the finest collection of poultry ever shown in Central Michi- 

 gan. The attendance of visitors was not creditable to the public, though the 

 •display of high-bred poultry certainly reflected great credit on their fortunate 

 possessors. I would suggest that this feature of ihe Club be maintained, as I 

 believe it has already proved a source of revenue to all who liave endeavored to 

 profit by it. 



A plowing match was held in June last, which was voted a complete success. 

 The attendance was large and competition close in all classes. For full partic- 

 ulars see report of Secretary. 



In addition to essays and exhibitions named, discussions of wide range have 

 been licld at various times, which must result in good to those who participated 

 in or listened to them. 



The association has paid for the use of this room the past year §30. This 

 ,amount was jmid promptly from membership dues, the only regular source of 

 revenue enjoyed by the Club. 



The annual membership fees were fixed at |1. This, by economical and 

 judicious management, has proved ample to meet all necessary expenses. 



In conclusion, let me say that our prospects were never better than now for 

 •doing regular and prosperous work in tlie Club, and it is my conviction that 

 .the year '77 will be quite prolific in good results. 



L. H. IVES, Secretary. 



KALAMAZOO COUNTY. 



secretaet's report. 



Time in its resistless flight has brou2:ht ns to the close of another vear — the 

 •centennial year of 1876. The members and friends of the Kalamazoo County 

 Agricultural Society have assembled here to-day to review the transactions of 

 ithe Society for the past year, and to make such preparations as may be deemed 

 advisable for the business of the cominsf vear. 



JNotwithstanding the unfavorable weather of the last two days of the fair, I 

 ^m pleased to announce that the receipts from all sources were sufficient to pay 



