PROCEEDINGS AND REPORTS. 529 



our premium list. We are aware that this question has two sides. There 

 is no doubt about our committee having acted upon their honest conviction 

 in adopting their present policy. It is our opinion, however, that if the 

 time shall come when they shall see fit to open their exhibition to the 

 whole country, they will greatly add to the standing of the Society as a 

 State institution. 



We find after our Society (one of the oldest State Societies) has reached 

 the age of forty years, that we are surrounded by great and important 

 changes, and great progress in every department. In the animals offered 

 for exhibition, we find lineage the first requirement. While the individual 

 is not entirely lost sight of, his value is greatly enhanced by being so bred 

 that he is entitled to enrollment in the herd book of his family. 



It is good policy to so frame our exhibitions that our patrons have the 

 opportunity to see as much as possible of the best in every department, 

 whether owned in Michigan or any other State. In other States the exhibi- 

 tion of stock is as broad as the exhibition of implements^ 



In choosing implements for the farm or workshop, our citizens have the 

 advantage of seeing all new improved machinery and farm utensils. Why 

 not allow them the same advantage of seeing and choosing from the stock 

 of the whole country? Quite sure are we that Michigan stock -growers 

 would not suffer in the least by a comparison of their stock by the side of 

 any that could be produced. 



The question of location is a very important one for your consideration. 

 The migratory plan has about exhausted itself. Most of the desirable loca- 

 tions in our State are now so largely interested in local fairs, that they 

 hardly feel like breaking up present connections for any chances that might 

 accrue to them from booming the State Fair. The question of permanent 

 location has received some attention, so far as appointing a committee. 

 Very little can be done by a committee until they find somebody to confer 

 with. If anything can be done in this direction, it must be done with local- 

 ities that have already become large commercial centers, with numerous 

 railroads or waterways for carrying purposes, surrounded by large popula- 

 tions. The large population of our largest cities are to a great extent 

 patrons of exhibitions in their midst. When the State Fair was held in 

 Detroit, our receipts were greatly enlarged by the different associations, 

 trades, etc., each selecting a day, and then all turning out. 



The Society had its own selection of week last year. No open antagonism 

 existed to our dates. We had good weather, and after all these favorable 

 surroundings, but one day of good receipts. The lack of attendance cuts 

 down any disposition to invest in booth or show privileges. We have been 

 in the habit of looking to this now limited source for much larger financial 

 aid in years gone by. It is easy to see that our shortage is not all at the 

 gates. 



During the past year one of our oldest and most reliable members has 

 gone to his rest. We refer to the Hon. Witter J. Baxter. We shall feel 

 his loss in our councils. His death will be more fully noticed during this 

 meeting. 



The Hon. H. C. Sherwood, the valued President of the West Michigan 

 Society, has also been taken away — a much esteemed gentleman, and a per- 

 sonal friend of some of our members. His death will also receive further 

 notice. 



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