192 MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



dred dollars and the Treasurer should not receive more than one hundred 

 dollars for a book-keeper. It also strikes me that too much money is paid 

 out for printing. I recommend a full consideration of these subjects at this 

 meeting. I am also of the opinion that too much money was expended last 

 year foe exhibits in the Art Department. This should receive careful 

 attention. 



The President's lunch room, which in the past has been a very popular 

 place at certain hours each day of the Fair, and which was quite an expense 

 to the Society, was discontinued at the last Fair by my request. 



The usual number of complimentary tickets were issued by me, and 174 

 were issued to the crop reporters by the Secretary of State. I am" not aware 

 that any abuses were practiced in the use of " attendants' tickets." The num- 

 ber issued must necessarily be large, and if superintendents will use proper 

 care, I think the present plan of issuing them is as good as any that could be 

 devised, I would, however, amend the rule relating to tickets furnished to 

 the renters of booths and privileges. 



I renew the recommendation made last year that all the departments, 

 except Stock and Agricultural Implements, be placed in charge of one super- 

 intendent, for the assigning of space to exhibitors up to the opening day of 

 the Fair, then to be turned over to the superintendent in charge of the exhib- 

 its. This would be less expensive to the Society and more satisfactory to 

 exhibitors. 



The rules governing the management of the Fair were generally well 

 observed, and the best order was preserved on the grounds. In one instance 

 only, was force required to preserve order, and that was in the afternoon of 

 the last day of the Fair. 



As the Executive Committee was called tegether at Jackson in May, it was 

 decided to postpone the annual visit to the Agricultural College in June last. 

 These visits heretofore have been very pleasant to the Committee, and I 

 believe, profitable both to the College and the Society. We are under obli- 

 gations to the State Board of Agriculture and the officers of the Agricultural 

 College for the fine exhibits they have furnished our Fair from the Agricult- 

 ural farm, free from any expense to the Society. We appreciate their efforts 

 in our behalf, and trust they may have their reward. 



This Society, under the contract made with the Jackson County Agricult- 

 ural Society, have the privilege of holding the Fair on the Jackson grounds 

 this year free of charge, if you elect to do so. I think it would be well if a 

 decision could be reached at this meeting where the Fair should be held. 



I am under obligations personally to each and all of you, gentlemen, for the 

 efficient aid you have given me, and for the skill you have shown in the man- 

 agement of your respective departments, and thanking you for the honor the 

 Society has conferred upon me in electing me for a second term as President, 

 and hoping the year 1887 will be a more prosperous one for the Society gen- 

 erally, I am ready to assume the duties pertaining to the Chair. 



The Secretary then read his report as follows : 



SEflEETAEY's KEPOKT. 



To the President and Executive Committee of the Michigan State Agricultural Society : 

 Gentlemen — I have the honor to submit the following report of the trans- 

 actions of the Secretary's office during the year 1886 : 



