PROCEEDINGS AND REPORTS. 217 



more than a just and suitable recognition of Prof. Abbot's long and valuable services, 

 to give Prof. Abbot indefinite leave of absence from the active duties of his professor- 

 ship, to enable him, if possible, to recuperate his health and strength; and that during 

 such suspension of active service, his salary be continued, and this Committee agree 

 with the State Board of Agriculture that such action on their part would meet with the 

 hearty approval of this Committee, and as they believe, of the entire people of the 

 State. 



On motion the Secretary was instructed to forward a copy of the resolu- 

 tion to each member of the State Board of Agriculture. 



The following report was then read and adopted by a unanimous vote : 



To the Executive Committee of the State Agricultural Society : 



Gentlemen : — Your Special Committee appointed to prepare resolutions relative to the 

 death of our late associate, F. V. Smith, would recommend the adoption of the follow- 

 ing preamble and resolutions : 



Whereas, Since our last meeting, one who for many years was an earnest, active 

 and efiicient member of this Committee, one of our most valued friends and associates 

 in the State Agricultural Society, has been removed by death: therefore 



Resolved, That in the death of our friend and associate, F. V. Smith, our Society has 

 lost one of its earliest and warmest friends and supporters, this Committee an active, 

 eflScient and useful counselor and co-laborer, and all of us as individuals, a much loved 

 friend and companion, whose genial face and kindly greeting we shall greatly miss, 

 whose vacant place for many of us who have been his life-long associates, can never be 

 filled. 



Resolved, That we extend to the bereaved widow and family our sincere condolence 

 and sympathy, and assure them that as the beloved family of one whom we all greatly 

 loved, they will ever have a warm place in our hearts. 



Respectfully submitted, 



W. J. BAXTER, 

 G. W. PHILLIPS, 

 A. F. WOOD, 



Committee. 



The Secretary read the following communication: 



Ypsilanti, January 10, 1887. 



Hon. William Chamberlain, President State Agricultural Society : 



Dear Sir — I herewith resign the ofiice of member of the Executive Committee of the 



State Agricultviral Society, and take this opportunity of thanking you and the members 



of the Society for the many kindnesses shown me by them. Wishing for the future 



success of the Society, I remain 



Respectfully yours, 



JOHN GILBERT. 



Upon motion the Secretary was instructed to write Mr. Gilbert and ask 

 him to withdraw the resignation. 



Chairman Cobb of the Transportation Committee presented the report of 

 the Committee: 



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

 Gentlemen — Your Committee on Transportation would respectfully report as follows: 

 The Michigan Central and its branches carried all articles to and from Jackson free, 

 28 



