614 STATE BOARD OF AGEICULTURE. 



vill;io;e; and in point of excellence, I may siij'- that these exhibitions will compare 

 favorably witli any of like character given at the same time in the State. 



The Society never owned this or any other fair ground, but leased the park from 

 year to year at a large cost for rent and repairs. At the close of the fair of 1880, the 

 officers were advised by the owners of the grounds that under no circumstances would 

 the lease be renewed for the coming year. 



An attempt had been made in the spring of ISSO to secure an appropriation of 

 $12,000 by tax upon the property of the county to aid in the purchase and fitting up 

 of public grounds for the use of tlie Society. The heel of their disapprobation was 

 set severely down upon this proposition by the people of the county, so much so that 

 the officers of the Society experienced a feeling of almost criminal shame and morti- 

 fication that they had in any way urged on and abetted such a movement. 



Thus it seemed that in 1880 the end had been reached, and that it was simply our 

 melancholy duty to wind up the tlie afl:airs of the Society, and with the surplus earn- 

 ing erect a monument over the remains. 



Such was the practical situation of the Society last March, when it was learned 

 fi'Om reliable sources that the Society could have the use of the grounds at School- 

 craft for holding the fair of 1881, and satisfactory arrangements were soon after 

 entered into on the part of the officers of both organizations to tiiat end. 



The fair, which was held at Schoolcraft September 27 to 30,1881, although deficient 

 in some respects, yet as a whole was fairly credible, considering its remoteness from 

 the northern and eastern portions of the county. 



The whole number of exhibitors and of entries in the various departments as a 

 whole, but slightly exceed one-half of the usual average. Still had the weather been 

 favorable, it is believed that the gate money would have exceeded in amount that of 

 the year preceding, at Kalamazoo. 



The society is under obligations to the citizens of Schoolcraft and vicinity for 

 their special efforts in its behalf. The ladies, particularly, of Schoolcraft are deserv- 

 ing of special mention. They labored industriously and with much enthusiasm in 

 fitting up, decorating, and securing articles for exhibition in Uoral and art hall. 

 Their success in this respect won general commendations. 



It w'ould be invidious, perhaps, where all were so faithful and efficient, to compli- 

 ment the venerable superintendent in charge of the paintings, needled and fanc}' 

 work, and the floral department. We consign him bodily to the tender ministrations 

 of the fair subordinates of his division, with whom he seemed in such hearty accord. 



*1* *F ^ ^ #t^ ^ «7^ ^t* 'n ^ 



Geographically considered, Kalamazoo village is undoubted the most convenient 

 point in tlie county for holding the annual fair, and here permanent grounds for that 

 purpose should be located. 



If the people of the county really desire to maintain the organization, they must 

 in some more marked Vi^ay than heretofore evidence such a wisii. 



The officers certainly do not want to urge the subject undul}\ If the farmers and 

 citizens of the count}'' are unable or unwilling to place the society upon a firm basis 

 by providing the necessary facilities for holding the annual fairs, we hope they will 

 candidly say so. 



We have no special directions or recommendations to make in reference to procur- 

 ing fair grounds, save a cash purchase of a suitable piece of land, and properly fitting 

 up the same. We would not deem it prudent to incur either collective or individual 

 liabilities in reference to the purchase of grounds. 



At the late fair, in consequence of the storm, the programme of Friday in reference 

 to the grand cavalcade was suspended. There were also trials of speed to take 

 place, but neither races filled, there being but one entry in the " running," and two 

 in the "free for all." 



No blame can fairly be attached to the officers for bad weather or lack of enter- 

 prise of horse owners. 



****** *********** 



The following tables show the business transactions of the society for the year 

 1881: 



EXHIBITORS. 



Whole number of the fair of 1881 175 



ENTRIES. 



Horses in general list 80 



Horses in special list , 20 



Cattle . 5a 



