REPORTS FROM COUNTY SOCIETIES. 601 



I 



Thursday, February 8, 1883, 9 A. M. 



The convention met on Thursday morning and was called to order by Presi- 

 dent Ball, who delivered the following address: 



•Gentlemen of the State Association of Agricultural Societies of Michigan: 



The primary object of this association in its yearly meetings, is to discuss in a 

 general manner topics pertaining to the best methods of conducting the various 

 agricultural and mechanical fairs under the auspices of the different agricultural 

 societies of this State; to determine, if possible, some plan or plans by which these 

 yearly exhibitions shall be of the greatest benefit to the various industries repre- 

 sented, and at the same time prove remunerative to the organizations holding the 

 same. 



As an agricultural State Michigan has few equals. Tlie variety of her productions 

 is great, and her yields immense. She excels as a wheat growing State, both as to 

 quantity and quality. Her soil is well adapted to the growth of Indian corn, as the 

 large amounts yearly raised bear testimony. Large quantities of barley, oats, 

 potatoes, beans and clover seed are yearly raised, as well as immeu'^e quantities of 

 hay and other cereals that go to make a first-class agricultural State. As a sheep 

 producing State she is one of the first. Micliigan sheep are sought after both from 

 the east and the west. From the east for her wethers to feed on account of their 

 size, good fattening qualities, and strong, vigorous constitutions. From the west 

 the demand is for her ewes for breeders and heavy shearers, and largo numbers are 

 yearly sold to supply the demand. Her fine wools are also wanted in the west and 

 southwest, and already the trade is large. Her dry soil and cool climate are advan- 

 tageous to tlie growth and development of this kind of stock. 



Michigan is fast taking a position as one of the leading cattle States of this Union . 

 Already she possesses large herds of improved breeds of cattle of great merit. 

 Shorthorns, Holsteins, Jerseys, Herefords and some other breeds are found whose 

 excellence stands unquestioned. Her horses are among tlie best, both as regards 

 speed and draught. Breeding establishments are springing up in various parts of 

 the State, and may we not hope in the near future to see her the equal of Kentucky 

 or other old horse breeding States? 



Her swine are equal to those of any State, and her poultry a credit to those 

 engaged in its improvement. No State in the Union surpasses her in the variety 

 and excellence of tiie fruits of all kinds, and I think I may safely say that ours is par 

 excellence an agricultural State But we must not stop here. Added to her agricul- 

 ture are her vast resources of pine and other timber of untold value. Her mineral 

 wealth cannot be computed. Her coal beds are becoming sources of profit. Her brine 

 is inexhaustible and the best in the world, and already she manufactures more salt 

 than any other State. Her railroad facilities are among the best. Her water naviga- 

 tion excels any inland State. Her position, geograpliically, places her on the great 

 thoroughfare from east to west, and it is not too much to say that, containing natu- 

 Tally all that makes a State rich and great, Michigan has no equal. 



It is no longer a matter of doubt that agricultural fairs are a great benefit to the 

 State when properly conducted, and also to those niaking the exhibit. 



The important question to be settled is, h)w shall our fairs be conducted so that 

 those attending shall be benefited, the exhibitors satisfied, the various industries 

 of the State or location best promoted, and at the same time be pecuniarily success- 

 ful. To tiiis proposition I propose to say a few words, hoping that if no other 

 good results come from them, they may provoke some discussion on matters of vital 

 importance in managing agricultural exhibitions. There are many causes that help 

 make fairs succest-ful or unsuccessful. The responsibility does not rest entirely on 

 those having the immediate control of their management. Verj- much depends 

 upon the generosity and interest of the community where an exhibition is held. 

 Where a village or city is liberal to the society which holds its fair within its limits, 

 takes an interest in its success, and does not act as if it was a matter of necessity 

 that the fair should be held there; where hotel rates are as reasonable during fair 

 Tveek as at other times; where Floral Hall is the recipient of the care and attention 

 that those living in town should bestow; where a general interest is manifested by 

 the citizens for ihe success of the Society rather than see how much can be made by 

 them during the fair; where there is a determination to make the fair pleasant, 

 agreeable, and profitable, success usually crowns the effort. 



Much more depends upon the citizens of towns where fairs are held than is gener- 

 «rally felt. Every organization should have some line of policy applicable to its 



