526 STATE BOARD OV AGRICULTURE. 



the capital invested, as compared with tliose looked for but rarely received by mer- 

 cantile men, are confessedly small, yet the investment is, in at least nine cases out of 

 ten, more safe and the returns more regular. Land is not fugitive property, it will 

 neither run away nor burn up. 



It is also observable that in all well managed farms, the land upon which the care 

 and labor of the farmer are bestowed, is by the continued new investment made in 

 improvements, constantly increasing in value; and many farmers of limited knowl- 

 edge, who have struggled for years with small crops and low prices, at last find 

 themselves comparatively rich, simply from the enhanced value of their farms. (Com- 

 pare the counti-y through, we find no class in the community better off, with more 

 of the real solid comforts, and even the better kinds of luxuries, than the farmers, 

 and where science and skill are understood and applied, they never fail, either in the 

 old States or the new, to become comparatively wealthy, while the proportion wlio 

 become and remain so in commerce or by professional labor, is invariably small. 



With a climate and soil suited to every variety of product that a civilized people 

 require; with cheap lands, light taxes, free and good schools, just and wise laws, a 

 healthy, intelligent, and moral people — what more is necessary to constitute this the 

 most favored agricultural community on earth? 



Nothing more than to avail ourselves of the benefits of science, and to establish 

 and maintain those institutions whose oject is to diffuse a correct knowledge of the 

 laws of nature — the statutes by which God governs the earth. 



MANUFACTURES. 



The business of manufacturing is one of the kindred arts of agriculture (and 

 although ours is a comparatively new State) it has already become a very important 

 element in our prosperity, and is rapidly increasing and extending its productions, 

 and is entitled to, and should have, every encouragement that this Society can prop- 

 erly give. 



A large share of the present productions of our factories is composed principally 

 of wood, in which our State now abounds; but still it is not inexhaustible, like our 

 coal, iron, copper, gypsum, and salt, and it, therefore, augurs well for the future of 

 our State that our manufacturers are rapidly extending their business to all branches, 

 and especially to all those based mainly on iron and copper, of which our State pro- 

 duces not only the best quality of both, but the supply is without limit as to time 

 or quantity. 



MACHINERY. 



The exhibition of machinery has fallen off materially at our fair for the last three 

 years, which is a matter of regret, as the home production of all kinds of machinery 

 used in the State is important. As our manufactures multiply and expand, the 

 demand for first-class machinery will increase. We have plenty of all kinds of mater- 

 ials necessary, and we certainly have the skilled workmen to manufacture it. This 

 subject should have a careful consideration, and, if possible, adopt some method to 

 induce the production of all, or nearly all the machinery required in the State by our 

 own manufacturers, thereby not only saving a large amount of money annually to 

 our own citizens, which now goes out of the State, but foster and promote the educa- 

 tion of our own people in this important and indispensable branch of industry. 



NORTHERN EXHIBIT. 



There has been no exhibition at our last two fairs, of what is understood as the 

 "Northern Exhibit," as such; the two preceding years to that they made a very fine 

 and interesting exhibition, largel}^ of their soil productions. It very naturally 

 attracted a good deal of attention, and elicited much inquiry, and undoubtedly was 

 one of the causes of the rapid advance that has been made in the sale of lands, and 

 the many improvements in the Upper Peninsula, and the northern part of the Lower 

 Peninsula, in the last four years. 



I think the subject an important one, and that a liberal policy extended to that 

 part of the State by our Society would be wise, just and remunerating, and recom- 

 mend that the subject be referred to a special committee. 



FINE ARTS. 



The display in this branch of our exhibition last fail, was very good. I would 

 recommend that the most liberal encouragement, consistent with the means of the 

 society, be given to this department. A large and well selected display of good 

 paintings, engravings, and chromos (to which I would also add plants and flowers), 

 add largely to the attractions of our fair. They are highly appreciated by the best 



