444 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



of President Garfield, a man beloved and honored as few if anj' others have ever 

 been. A great calamity befell our State in the fearful destruction of life and prop- 

 erty by fire in the counties of Sanilac, Huron, and part of Tuscola. Much has been 

 done through the considerate kindness and generosity of people in various portions 

 of the country to mitigate the suflFering that the loss of property must otherwise 

 have occasioned. 



Turning to matters more directly connected with this Society, you are all aware 

 that our custom has been to change the place of holding the State Fair generally 

 every two years, while three years is the most that we have ever held it consecu- 

 tively in one place, and this was an exception to the rule. Of course there are some 

 things gained by these changes of location, as during a series of years we bring the 

 Fair nearer to the homes of a larger number of people. 



The advantages, however, would require to be very great in order to overcome the 

 pecuniary disadvantages, if there is any truth in the old adage, which is as applic- 

 able to an organization of this kind as it is to a household, viz.," two removes are as 

 bad as a fire." 



In looking over the expenses of the society for a number of years past, I find that 

 the expenses of holding a fair in any given place is much larger for the first year 

 than for the second. This is shown by the amount disbursed under the general classi- 

 iication of " Business Orders." Treasurer's report for 1878 shows that for the first 

 fair at Detroit, the business orders amounted to $28,197.70; while for the two succeed- 

 ing years it was $19,C27.82 and $16,970.44. 



The business orders for the last fair, including about $1,500 expenses of the previ- 

 ous year, amount to a little over $17,000, or $11,000 less than the first Detroit lair. 

 This is a good financial showing, in view of the outlay we found it necessary to make 

 on returning with the fair to Jackson. The question of permanently locating the 

 fair atone or more places is one of great importance, and will doubtless have to be 

 •decided in the near future. We could thus secure better and more ample accommo- 

 dations with less outlay than we now have. 



During a great part of our history as an organization, there has been nothing 

 between our State society and county societies but cordial feelings. There are now 

 organized three large district agricultural societies in the State, each of them hold- 

 ing an annual fair, the Central, Western, and Northeastern. Tlie first of these has its 

 fair located at Lansing, the second at Grand Rapids, while the third may find it 

 desirable to change the place of holding its fair from one to another of the three 

 cities within its district, viz.: Bay City, Saginaw, and Flint. We must regard these 

 district societies as kindred rather than rival organizations, seeking, though in a 

 limited sphere, to do a similar work to that which we are doing ourselves. 



I trust that our harmonious and cordial relations with the State Board of Agricult- 

 ure and the Executive Oflicers of the State Horticultui-al Society, may be long con- 

 tinued. I have a growing appreciation of the work of these organizations, and of 

 the faithfulness and ability of the gentlemen to whom that work is committed. 



He then introduced the president elect, Mr. Henry Fralick, who addressed 

 the committee as follows : 



MR. FRALICK'S ADDRESS. 



■State Agricultural Society : 



In assuming the position of president of this society, I wish to express to you and 

 the members of this association, my thanks for this mark of your and their confidence, 

 and trust that in the discharge of the responsible duties pertaining to the office, I 

 may be so fortunate as to have your hearty co-operation, and merit your approval. 



The object of this society is briefly expressed in its organic law, which states that 

 it is for the" improvement of agriculture and its kindred arts throughout the State 

 of Michigan," The words are few, but their meaning is capable of indefinite exten- 

 sion and enlargement, but I will content myself and 1 trust not to weary you, with a 

 few brief statements and references to its past history, its undoubted great and good 

 Influence on the prosperity of the State and its people, a few thoughts on the 

 theories and foundations of our great and valuable work, and a few brief suggestions 

 and recommendations on their practical application. 



AGRICULTURE 



Is the oldest as well as the most useful industry in the world; without it there can 

 be little or no material progress or prosperity. It is the foundation of all worthy 

 and honorable employment; without it there can be no civilization, no progress, no 



