MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 445 



advancement from the roaming nomad of the desert, or the savage of the forest. We 

 have but to contrast the countries where the agricultural pursuits are but sparsely 

 carried on, with the United States, or any other intelligent people or country, where 

 agriculture is made a principal occupation of a large share of its people. It has been 

 well said the farmer is the only man whose calling is essential to life; the only per- 

 son for whose immediate and material ends all the forces of nature work without 

 ceasing. Therefore let the intelligent tiller of the soil honor and improve himself, 

 and he will surely be honored and prospered in his calling. While it is generally 

 admitted that agriculture proper, such as raising all of the various direct products of 

 the soil for personal use, and home and foreign markets, the raising of cattle, horses, 

 sheep, swine, poultry, etc. is of very great importance and absolutely essential to all 

 other trades and industries. The language used in our organic law, stating the object 

 of this society, is much broader than the name of the society indicates, and very foi-- 

 tunately and properly its founders and managers conceived and carried out the prin- 

 ciple that it really embraces nearly all the industries of the State; therefore, in 

 legislating for its interests, we must endeavor to include all that our organic law 

 fairly construed brings under our jurisdiction. 



To be a successful farmer it is essentially necessary to have an agricultural educa- 

 tion, which will embrace a thorough knowledge of the soil, its strong and weak 

 points, its best natural productions, the manner of its best and cheapest permanent 

 drainage, the character and kinds of fertilizers the best adapted to the soil he culti- 

 vates, of the best kinds and quality of seeds to be used, that they were thoroughly 

 ripened and carefully preserved for use when needed, and the kinds of fruit best 

 adapted to the soil and general character of his farm. Without this knowledge, suc- 

 cess cannot be expected, and generally will not be obtained. 



STOCK. 



Almost every kind of cattle, horses, sheep, swine, and poultry can be successfully 

 and profitably raised in Michigan that are indigenous in the same climate in the 

 United States. But to be a successful stock breeder and raiser of any kind requires,, 

 first, a thorough knowledge of the subject, then time, care, good judgment in selec- 

 tions, and close attention to all the material points. 



The stock interest of this State has now become so large and valuable that it is 

 entitled to the careful consideration of this committee and the society, and every 

 encouragement must, that consistently can, be given to induce the improvement of 

 our breeds and increase in their numbers and value. 



In mj^ judgment one of the most direct and proper methods for this society to 

 foster and promote this important branch of husbandry is to offer the most liberal 

 premiums and awards that the means of the society will permit; then there must be 

 a careful and wise discrimination in favor of the best and most profitable of their 

 kinds of each and as a whole ; but to make such selections, and to arrive at just conclu- 

 sions on so important a matter, great care and good judgment must be exercised in 

 selecting and procuring impartial experts, as near as possible, in every case forjudges. 

 That, undoubtedly, would be somewhat difficult to do, but we should approximate as 

 near to it as can be done within our means. The lack of competent, impartial 

 judges in the past, in this and many other departments, has been not only a source of 

 annoyance to the officers of the society, but in some cases a serious injustice and 

 wrong to exhibitors, and a seeming cause of reproach to the society. 



I recommend a careful consideration of this subject of judges or committees, pre- 

 miums and awards, and as far as can be done within reasoiiable means, apply the 

 remedy where needed. 



MAKUFACTURES. 



The business of manufacturing has already become a very important factor in the 

 problem of the great and permanent prosperity of this State and its people, and is 

 an important element of one of the kindred arts of agriculture. This industry is 

 very valuable; the field is large and much of it yet unoccupied. Every proper 

 encouragement that can consistently be given to its improvement and increase in 

 the State is the duty, and I feel confident will be the pleasure, of this committee and 

 the society. 1 respectfully recommend that the classes in this department be care- 

 fully examined and revised by the Committee on Premiums and Awards, and more 

 liberal oflers made on all materials and manufactured articles of general utility and 

 value, as it is very desirable that the production and exhibition of such materials' 

 and articles be largely increased. 



