574 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



accomplish is given to the world gratuitously, without money and without price; 

 yet, to our astonishinpnt, a large percentage of the people they are designed to ben- 

 efit, seem totally iiidiircrent as to their success or failure. 



Upon a careful examinatiou of the census returns of the State, wherein maybe 

 found a classified list of the occupations of the entire population of male adults, 

 then, taking the total memberships and the aggregate receipts of all the societies 

 of the State into account, we are strongly inclined to conclude, that of the farming 

 class, embracing young and old of both sexes, full seventy per cent do not contribute 

 in any way, directly or indirectly, to the support of agricultural societies. Excep- 

 tion is here made, of course, to those few counties in the State, whose boards of super- 

 visors levy a small tax in aid of their respective societies. A tax reprisal is not a 

 contribution, in the sense of the term as here used. 



It should be said in mitigation, that our Michigan farmers are no worse in this 

 respect, than those of other States. Probably no where in the United States are ag- 

 ricultural exhibitions patronized by the entire population, as in the leading coun- 

 tries of Europe. There, nearl}^ every incorporated town has its annual grand cattle 

 show and fair; lasting in many instances, two or three weeks. 



In our own State it is undoubtedly true, that nearly all the county agricultural 

 societies languisli, and hold a precarious existence, for the want of financial support. 

 Oflicers and business managers of fairs realize the gravity of the situation, in view 

 of a capricious public; responsibilities incurred, means to be secured to pay pre- 

 miums and expenses; so that the final outcome at the treasurer's ofiice is always a 

 matter of anxious solicitude. 



Realizing that so manj', for reasons best known to themselves, are indisposed to 

 support these societies as a matter of principle, I had said, religious duty,— all sorts 

 of questionable expedients have been resorted to: tricks to induce people to enter 

 the grounds, premium lists are arranged, offering most ridiculous and nonsensical 

 l)rizes. Large sums of money are appropriated, frequently from a bankrupt treas- 

 ury'', to place on exhibition monstrosities, human or otherwise; while greased pigs, 

 fat women, profligate preachers, defunct politicians, race horses, pool sellers, mam- 

 moth squashes, weddings, baby sliows, etc., divide the attention of an appreciative 

 audience. 



Is it wise? is it manly for us to engage in this work merely as a financial specula- 

 tion, and upon the basis above indicated? Have not the people already wearied of 

 these a«rrtc(io?is, so-called? Do they not know that all such schemes are at best a 

 fraud and a cheat, yielding no beneficial results whatever? 



But I have alread}'^ trespassed upon the time of the convention. I would most 

 cheerfully endorse the recommendations and suggestions of our worthy president, 

 and anticipate much practical good to result from this meeting. 



There are a few topics, that I trust may be incorporated in the report of the com- 

 mittee to be chosen, on the order of business of the convention ; of which I will give 

 a mere outline : 



First, As to an equitable division of prizes. 



Second, Privileges if any to be given exhibitors over the general public. 



Third, Officers of fairs competing for and receiving prizes. 



Fourth, Number of daj'S that fairs should be held. 



Fifth, The general rule of competition defined. 



Before closing my report I wisli to note tlie gratifying fact, that there is a grow- 

 ing interest taken tliroughout the State in the '"institutes*' that arc being held and 

 conducted bj' the officers and faculty of the Agricultural College; and also in the 

 meetings and discussions of the State Pomological Society. The lectures, essays and 

 practical suggestions there given, are of world-wide interest, and as a part of our 

 agricultural literature, are invaluable. I trust the daj' is not far distant, when we 

 shall have active, efficient organizations in all the older counties of the State; hold- 

 ing stated meetings, for the free interchange of experiences and practical discussions 

 upon the whole science and business of farming. 



I may add in this connection, that the published annual reports of the agricultural 

 department of the State, compiled and prepared by the Secretary of the State Board 

 of Agriculture and the Secretary of the State Pomological Society, are both valuable 

 documents, eagerly sought after and read by the people of the State. 



The tabular statement referred to at the beginning of this report, with the 

 statistical returns from such societies as responded to tlie circular sent out by the 

 secretary, is herewith respectfuUi' submitted. 



[See report at close, immediately following proceedings of the convention.] 



FRANK LITTLE, Sec'y, &c. 



