MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 441 



iiiunber of art specimens on all descriptions of material and in various forms, by 

 local artists scattered over the State, has made the labor unusually onerous; but with 

 this labor comes the most gratifying conviction that largely through the stimulat- 

 ing influence of this Society art in all its varied forms has made progress, and that 

 notwithstanding the small premiums offered as compared with other interests, 

 material or esthetic. The refining influences of the brush, transferring to canvas the 

 marvelous developments of nature in all its varied forms, are taking fast hold of the 

 public mind with most promising future results. Your committee at some future 

 time will take the liberty of making some recommendations in reference to premi- 

 ums in this interest, which may, perhaps, be changed with credit to the Society and 

 satisfaction to the artist. Respecfully submitted, 



PHILO PARSONS, 

 P. HAYDEN, 

 H.C.LEWIS, 



Committee. 



Eeceived and placed on file. 



Mr. Parsons then read the following : 



Twenty years' constant, active service in behalf of a great public interest benefit- 

 ting individuals and promoting intelligently the best material progress of a mighty 

 State demands some recognition at the hands of associates and such acknowledgment 

 as our friendly feelings may prompt. The State of Michigan has more than doubled 

 its population and nearly tribled its assessed valuation since our esteemed associate, 

 F. M. Manning, became connected with us in the arduous responsibilities of enlarg- 

 ing and broadening the utilities of this, our cherished institution, and we have great 

 pleasure in expressing our high sense of the value of his services, and our apprecia- 

 tion of the uniform courtesies of his intercourse; therefore, 



Resolved, That in retiring from the position he has so long occupied on the Board 

 of Management and on account of advancing years and local consideration, he carries 

 with him the unfeigned respect and esteem of his associates, and their earnest wishes 

 for his health and happiness. 



The resolution was adopted by a rising vote. 



Keport of Superintendent of Division F was read and adopted. 



Keport of Superintendent of Division K read and adopted. 



Superintendents of Division H reported recommending three discretionary 

 premiums. 



On motion, the report with recommendations of superintendent was accepted 

 and adopted. 



Eeport of Superintendent Division G was read, recommending several dis- 

 cretionary premiums on articles enumerated in the premium list, and on other 

 articles, without naming amount of premiums. 



It was moved and supported that the report, with the recommendations of 

 the superintendent be adopted, with the exception of discretionary premiums 

 recommended on articles enumerated in premium list. Carried. 



On motion, the president, treasurer, and secretary were appointed a com- 

 mittee to fix amounts for several premiums recommended by superintendent of 

 Division G, and approved by Executive Committee. 



Mr. Parsons offered a protest against the award on butter. The protest was 

 not sustained. 



Superintendent of Division J reported a number of discretionary premiums. 

 Report accepted and adopted. 



At the request of President Phillips, Mr. Beckwith took the chair. 



Superintendent of Division I read his report. 



Mr. Phillips moved that a diploma be awarded Eough Bros, for a display of 

 wagons. After a lengthy debate on the question, Mr. Phillips withdrew his 

 motion. 



Mr. Chamberlain then renewed the motion, and it was supported. 



