LECTURES AND ESSAYS. 487 



more closely to this organization, which has for its sole object the promotion 

 of the interests of its members as Shorthorn breeders. 



I recommend to your consideration this proposed change, as calculated to 

 subserve the best interests of the association. 



LEGISLATION. 



I have noticed that the Grange, the State Horticultural Society and 

 kindred organizations, at their annual meetings preceding legislative sessions, 

 appoint a committee to look after their interests in legislation. This seems 

 to me eminently wise. There i3 strength in organized combined effort. 

 Organizations have voice, influence, can secure desired action. I therefore 

 suggest the appointment of such a committee by this association. Surely 

 the improved live stock interests of Michigan are second to no other, and the 

 representatives of these interests may justly and with great propriety demand 

 recognition, not only in legislation but also in the filling of the Boards of 

 Control which represent agricultural interests in our State. 



Quite a number of sales have been held by members of this Association 

 during the year. While prices have ruled low, I think the averages realized 

 will compare favorably with those reported from other States. 



SALES. 



The dispersion of the Rigdon Huston herd on the 21st and 22d of Novem- 

 ber, at Dexter Park, Chicago, was a marked event in the Shorthorn annals 

 of the year. We are all proud of the fact that in the close competition for 

 the plums of this herd, our breeders were at the front, and four Airdrie 

 Duchesses and a Duke, as well as a number of other well bred ones, were 

 secured for Michigan. For Michigan did I say? Aye, for the enterprise and 

 pluck of her sons in any department of legitimate effort are justly the pride 

 and heritage of the State. We congratulate each and all of the buyers of 

 this State on their purchases, and sincerely hope that they will prove a pleas- 

 ure and profit to their owners, and add to the prestige of Shorthorns in Mich- 

 igan. The number of Duchesses and Grand Duchesses now in the hands of 

 Michigan breeders must almost if not quite equal the number to be found in 

 any State of the Union ; while the individual quality of the members of this 

 famous family owned here, is conceded by those most capable of judging, to 

 be unexcelled. 



DAIRY SHORTHORNS. 



The action of the National Shorthorn Breeders' Association favoring the 



creation of a special class for dairy Shorthorns at our fairs, I think will be 



conceded as timely and of much importance in maintaining the supremacy 



as the all round animal for which the Shorthorn has been so long famous. 



The resolutions adopted were as follows: 



Whereas, An effort is now in progress for the purpose of holding a National Dairy 

 Fair in the city of Chicago during the fall of 1889, having for its object a practical 

 exemplification of all dairy interests, including dairy cattle, dairy products, implements 

 and methods, and 



Whereas, This Association acknowledges the importance of the dairy industry.be it 

 Resolved, That this Association heartily indorses such an enterprise, and does appoint 

 a delegate or committee to represent them at the meeting which will be held for final 

 organization of the National Dairy Fair Association; and be it further 



