204 MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



So far as I am'informed, this was the largest exhibit of cattle at any State Fair in 

 1886. 



The awards made in most classes by experts were generally satisfactory, and but for 

 the lack of accommodations exhibitors were satisfied. I earnestly hope that m the future 

 accommodations may be ready at the beginning of the Fair for all stock entered for 

 exhibition. 



The practice of selecting single expert judges has worked to my entire satisfaction, and 

 although increasing the expense somewhat, is in my opinion the best method for doing 

 justice to both exhibitors and the Society. 



In view of the large expense to the Society for forage, I think it would be best to limit 

 to some extent]^the number to be shown by one exhibitor in any one class, allowing only 

 sufficient number to make a fair show in the different ages. 



I recommend that the premium for herds of thoroughbred cattle read "the herd to 

 consist of one bull one year old or over, one cow four years old or over, one heifer three 

 years old, one heifer two years old, one heifer one year old, one heifer calf," and that 

 young herds be stricken out, and premium for bull and four of his get be added 

 in classes 3, 3 and 5 ; also that a class be made for grade females for dairy purposes, 

 making two grade classes, one grade of beef breeds and one of dairy breeds. 



I. H. BUTTERFIELD, 

 Superintendent. 



Report accepted and referred to Committee on Eules and Premiums. 

 The report on Horses was presented by Supt. Phillips. 



DmSION B— HORSES. 



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

 There were entered on the Secretary's books 551 horses, as follows : 



Class. Entries. . Awards, 



Cla;s. Entries. Awards. 



9. 14 '. $76 



10. 16 170 



11. 153 485 



12. 39 205 



13. 74 154 



14. 24 145 



15. 19 169 



16. 48 216 



17. 33 $173- 



18. 45 171 



19. 31 480 



20. 30 470 



21. 10 225 



22. 15 180 



TotaL551.. $3,313 



In this large number of horses there was not a poor one to be found, and I am fully 

 satisfied that there is a marked improvement in the horses shown over former years, 

 especially in the young animals. 



In Class 15— Clydesdale and English Draft Horses Registered— this heading admits a 

 cross of blood. I recommend that hereafter there be added a rule so definite that no 

 cross breed can compete. 



Class 16— Norman Percheron and other French Draft Horses Registered. The present 

 rule reads, ' ' all horses four years old or over entered in this class must weigh not less 

 than 1,600 pounds, and the entry shall be accompanied with a reliable certificate of 

 weight of not exceeding one week previous to the opening of the exhibition." It vsrill 

 be readily seen that this rule is an error, as many of the best Percherons do not weigh 

 1,600 pounds. For instance, Mr. Woodman's Duke of Perch, the horse Senator Chan- 



