522 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE 



On llie whole, I think the fair, as far as Division F was concerned, was a great 



iSUOCfSS 



Submitted by, 



F. L. REED, 

 Superintendent Agricultural Department. 



REPORT, SUPERIXTENDKXT BEES AND HONEY. 



To the President and Executive Committee of the State Agrlculiural Society of 

 Michigan: 



Gentlemen— Your superintendent of the Department of Bees and Honey and the 

 Dairy, would respectfully report: In the Bees and Honey Department there were 

 57 entries and six exhibitors. There was the largest, most artistically arranged, 

 attractive and instructive display of honey ever exhibited at any State fair since 

 I have had the superintendency of the department. I believe all the different breeds 

 of bees Avere on exhibition for the study and instruction of all people interested 

 in those wonderful little industrial insects. 



As to the amount of premiums offered and paid, you are referred to the secre- 

 tary's report. I have no recommendations to make in this department. 



In the Dairy Department there were 82 entries; only three of these were cheese. 

 Why the cheese-makers show so little interest in exhibiting their products at the 

 State fair, is a question I have not been able to account for. There was a very 

 large exhibit of butter of high quality. The refrigerator arrangement for presersing 

 the butter in excellent condition was a complete success and convenient in hand- 

 ling. 



There was the largest exhibit of bread of all kinds in use, made by the experience 

 and skill of the better half of mankind. The special class in this department was 

 well filled with specimens of bread and cake in all their known varieties. Much 

 interest was taken by the ladies, in this department. 



In the class of pickled vegetables, maple sugar and syrup, there were but few 

 exhibits, but the goods were meritorious. There was no exhibit of sorghum 

 products. 



The Michigan State Dairymen's Association have employed Mr. E. N. Bates to at- 

 tend the State fair two days during the fair to test milk and answer various ques- 

 tions in relation to malcing butter and cheese, and in the line of higher grades of 

 products along that line. 



He also performs the duty of judging the cheese and butter of which he is an 

 expert, the society paying his hotel bills in consideration of such service. All of 

 which is respectfuUv submitted. 



[Signed.] M. J. GARD, 



Superintendent Bees and Honey. 



REPORT, SUPERINTENDENT AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 



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

 Michigan: 

 Gentlemen— I. being superintendent of the Agricultural Implement Department, 

 would say that we had a very fine display of implements. Some departments 

 were not as full as in 1895. The thresher department was short, also the drill 

 department; their excuse for not exhibiting Avas on account of shrinkage in business 

 and stringency in money matters. The exhibitors were all pleased with the cour- 

 tesy they received from the executive committee. 



Very respectfully, 

 [Signed.] W. P. CUSTARD, 



Siiperintendent Agricultural Implement Department. 



REPORT, SUPERINTENDENT MANUFACTURED GOODS. 



To the President and Executive Committee. Michigan State Agricultural Society: 



Gentlemen— As superintendent of manufactured goods, music and art, I beg leave 

 to make the following report: 



