540 MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



DIVISION D— SWINE. 



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

 The total number of entries in this division was 291 ; last year, 284. The entries in 

 each class were as follows: Berkshire, 31; Essex, 41; Suffolk and Small York, 57; 

 Poland China, 103 ; Duroc Jerseys, 11 ; Chester Whites and Large Yorks, 33 ; Fat Hogs, 

 9. Total amount awarded, $707, and 6 diplomas ; also a special by the Berkshire Asso- 

 ciation of a silver medal. 



The exhibits were above the average in quality as well as numbers, and were very 

 creditable to the swine breeders of Michigan. Have no changes to recommend. 



All of which is respectfully submitted, 



JOHN LESSITER, 



Superintendent. 

 Accepted. 



DIVISION E— POULTRY. 



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



Gentlemen : The amount awarded in premiums in this division at the Fair of 1888 

 was §158.00. The number of entries, 379. Not as many as at some of the previous 

 fairs, still the exhibit was creditable, and showed that in the raising of fine poultry a 

 marked improvement is taking place in our State. Few who have not given the 

 subject considerable attention are aware of the magnitude of this interest or of the 

 amount of money invested in it, and the income derived from it each year. The 

 poultry interest, in the last few years, has advanced at a wonderful rate on our farms 

 and elsewhere. No department at our annual fairs attracts a larger number of visitors 

 than this. At our last fair the poultry building was each day crowded from morning 

 until night with visitors, who manifested a deep interest in the exhibition. 



If new grounds are fitted up for the fair this year, I would recommend that exhibitors 

 be required to furnish their own coops in which to exhibit their fowls; an arrangement 

 which will be less expensive to the Society, and one which I am assured will meet tke 

 wishes of the exhibitors. Under such an arrangement the Society will only have to 

 place shelving at the sides of the building, on which the coops could be placed. 



I would also recommend that the premiums be raised at least as high as is offered by 

 our county fairs, and that a third premium be added to each variety. 



Respectfully submitted, 



J. Q. A. BURRINGTON, 



Superintendent. 

 Accepted and referred. 



DIVISION F— FARM AND GARDEN PRODUCTS. 



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



The exhibit in Division F, Farm and Garden Products, was a creditable one con- 

 sidering the dry season and the early date of holding the Fair. Total number of entries, 

 489, against 372 the previous year. Class 35, Grain and Seeds, 148 entries, §130.50 

 offered, $118.50 awarded. Class 36, Roots and Vegetables, 329 entries, §172.50 offered, 

 $153.50 awarded. Class 37, Display of Roots and Vegetables, 3 entries, $130 offered, 

 $65 awarded. 



