MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 553 



some cases, of larger amounts. The premiums awarded in some instances, on most 

 meritorous productions, hardly compensate for the attendant expenses and anxiety 

 connected with their exhibits, while the constant crowd in the art hall during the 

 fair afforded ample evidence that this interest should be earnestly fostered and 

 encouraged by the utmost liberality. 



Respectfully submitted, 



C. A. HARRISON, 

 P. PARSONS. 

 Accepted and referred. 

 On motion of Mr. Gilbert, it was 



Besolved, That the thanks of this society be tendered to the Atlas Engine Works, 

 Indianapolis, Ind., for the fine engine they furnished free of cost to the society, for 

 running the machinery in Mechanics' Hall, at our last fair at Jackson, and to their 

 engineer in charge of same, for the gentlemanly and efficient manner in which he 

 performed his duties. 



The president appointed as committee on that part of the President's 

 Address relating to the State Horticultural Society, Messrs. Parsons, Mitchell, 

 and Burrington; on that part relating to the Agricultural College, Messrs. 

 Baxter, Howard, and Reed ; on that part relating to Fair Circuit, Messrs. 

 Dean, J. M. Sterling, and Smith. 



Mr. Baxter, Chairman of the Special Committee on so much of the Presi- 

 dent's Address relating to the Agricultural College, reported for that commit- 

 tee as follows : 

 To the Executive Committee of the Agricultural Society: 



Your Special Committee to whom was referred so much of the President's Address 

 as refers to the Agricultural College, would respectfully report that they entirely 

 concur in the views expressed by the president, as to the value and importance of 

 the work done by this institution, its eminently practical character, and the influ- 

 ence it is exerting upon the important industries it was designed to promote, in 

 elevating the character and broadening the views of those engaged in farming, 

 stock raising, and kindred pursuits. 



Education, culture, and refinement belong to no class or condition, but should be 

 found in all, and this college is doing much to strengthen and render general the 

 conviction that education, culture, scientific knowledge, and refinement in thought 

 and conduct, are of no less value to the farmer, the mechanic, and the artizan, 

 than to the professional man. 



It is eminently proper that this society should hold close and intimate relations 

 with the Agricultural College, and that it should, by all suitable measures seek to 

 win to the sympathy and support of the institution all who represent the varied 

 industries of the State. They recommend that the invitation to meet at the college 

 on the second Wednesday in June be accepted, and in order that the visit may be of 

 as much practical value and profit as possible, that a special committee of three be 

 appointed at this meeting, whose duty it shall be at such visit to carefully note all 

 matters of interest, make suggestions growing out of conditions or circumstances 

 existing, or wants to be supplied, and make a full report at our next winter meeting. 



While much has been accomplished in the direction indicated, neither the college 

 nor this society can afford to rest satisfied with what has been done. The world 

 moves, and we must all move forward with it, or be left in the race. To forsake 

 agricultural, mechanical, and industrial pursuits for professional, to leave the beaten 

 path of gradual but sure accumulations for feverish speculations and buying and 

 selling what we could not )»ay for or have not to sell, in the hope of gain by manipu- 

 lating markets, is not evidence of advance, but rather of the decay of manhood. One 

 great aim of this society should be to make men engaged in agriculture, stock raising, 

 mechanical, and industrial pursuits proud of their occupation, and happy and con- 

 tented in their pursuits. The Agricultural College is greatly aiding in this work by 

 elevating the mind and character of those engaged and pointing out better and more 

 scientific methods of work and culture, and that college and this society may 

 efficiently work together to accomplish what both were designed to promote, and 

 mutually bid each other, God speed. 



Respectfully submitted, 



W. J. BAXTER, 



F. L. REED, 



D. W. HOWARD. 



