MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 467 



The superintendent has no changes to recommend in regard to the premium list. 

 The exhibition, botli in numbers and quality, was superior to that of any previous 

 year since I have had charge of the department. To the Awarding Committee, I am 

 much indebted for the thorough and impartial manner in which they discharged 

 their arduous duties. The difficulty in obtaining thoroughly competent men to serve 

 on these committees, is year by year, becoming more difficult. Few men are willing 

 to give their time and bear their own expenses, their only reward often being the 

 unjust censure of those disappointed bj^ tlieir decisions. Some of the committee at 

 the last fair expressed their determination never to serve again without pay. 



All of whicli is respectfully submitted. 



J. Q. A. BURRINGTON, 



Superintendent. 



Accepted and referred. 



Mr. Ball, Superintendent of Division I, made the report from that depart- 

 ment as follows : 



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



In Division I, Class 46, the number of entries were 1 48. The exhibit, in my opinion 

 was, so far as quality was concerned, superior to any previous one since ray connection 

 with that department. Some little embarrassment arose on account of a lack of 

 space desired by some exhibitors, but in the end everything proved comparatively 

 satisfactory. The usual modesty belonging to exhibitors in that department was 

 observed, and with an exceptional outburst of temper, everything passed off in good 

 humor. WILLIAM BALL, 



«• Superintendent. 



Accepted and referred. 

 • Mr. Chamberlain read the following report as Acting Superintendent of 

 Division L. : 



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



The undersigned was placed in charge of this department on the second day of the 

 fair, after many of the exhibitors had been assigned space, as many of the exhibits in 

 this department are not entitled to premiums. The exhibitors of musical instru- 

 ments and sewing machines desire considerable space to make a good display of their 

 goods, and as these displays are an attractive feature of the fair, ample space should 

 be given. I would suggest that it is important that superintendents who have 

 charge of these departments, should be on the ground early, and remain until all are 

 well fixed. The display in this department was very good, and more satisfactory 

 than when premiums are offered. 



There were four exhibitors of musical instruments, and as many more of sewing 

 machines. 



In classes 55 and 56 nearly ninety dollars in premiums were offered, but only five 

 dollars in premiums and diplomas were awarded. W. CHAMBERLAIN, 



Acting Superintendent. 



Accepted and referred. 



Mr. Chas. W. Garfield, Secretary of the State Horticultural Society, sub- 

 mitted the following report of the Pomological Department: 



Mr. President and Members of Executive Committee State Agricultural Society: 



Gentlemen, — The report of the Pomological Department of the fair will be 

 printed in full with schedule of prizes in our annual volume as usual. It will be 

 issued soon, and advance sheets sent to each member of this committee. I wish 

 simply to make one suggestion concerning the fruit and flower exhibit at this meet- 

 ing. People visiting the hall want to be surprised by something new and beautiful, 

 and it seems to me that it is just as important to educate the public taste as it is to 

 cultivate a knowledge of fruits and flowers. Hence my suggestion that some plan 

 be adopted by which the interior walls of Horticultural Hall be completely decorated 

 in the same way the shelves and tables are decorated — by people who are competing 

 for premiums. This is the place for such embellishment, and I am satisfied the most 

 beautiful effect can be produced by the appropriation of a small amount of premiums 

 in this direction. The State Horticultural Society, should it exhibit with you again, 



