352 STATE BOAED OF AGRICULTURE. 



organized for that purpose the Michigan State Agricultural Society in the year 

 1849. Its progress for a time was slow. The people and State were poor, not 

 only in purse but in the necessary knowledge of agriculture and its kindred 

 arts. But its founders and supporters were men of the right stamp. They 

 adopted "Excelsior" for their motto, and the result is now before the people 

 of the State. 



It was the fruitful gem (well cultivated), from which have sprung as auxila- 

 ries and co-educators of our people, no less than thirty county and district 

 agricultural, pomological, and horticultural societies in this State, some 

 embracing as many as twenty counties, also a large number of farmers' insti- 

 tutes, cattle, horses, sheep, and swine breeders' associations, in various parts 

 of the State, and all of which are in a prosperous condition, disseminating 

 valuable information, and at their fairs annually disbursing premiums and 

 awards by the thousands of dollars, and which are attended by tens and 

 twenties of thousands of people. 



The members and friends of this society were the first to organize in the 

 United States a successful Agricultural College, which is thoroughly practical 

 in its aims and objects. " Its classes are taught in the fields as well as in the 

 recitation rooms. No time or attention is given to ancient or foreign lan- 

 guages, but thorough training in the English language and literature is pro- 

 vided for, and especial attention is given to the practical sciences, and their 

 application. For example : It at present teaches surveying, leveling, the lay- 

 ing out of grounds, mechanics as applied to implements, building, stock- 

 breeding, agricultural chemistry, and horticulture, and experiments for the 

 promotion of agriculture are systematically and continuously prosecuted, and 

 their results are given to the public in the annual reports of the State Board 

 of Agriculture, and in lectures delivered by members of the faculty at farm- 

 ers' institutes, which are now held annually in all parts of the State, and 

 which have proved of much value to the farmers of Michigan," and while 

 the means have been so well and liberally provided in our State to become an 

 educated and thereby a successful agriculturist. 



In no state of the union is the fact more thoroughly recognized and acted 

 on than in Michigan, that to be a successful farmer it is essentially necessary 

 to have an agricultural education, either book, practical, or both, which will 

 embrace a thorough knowledge of the soil, its strong and weak points, its best 

 natural productions, the manner of its best and cheapest permanent drainage, 

 the character and kinds of fertilizers the best adapted to the soil he cultivates, 

 of the best kind and quality of seeds to be used, that they were thoroughly 

 ripened and carefully preserved for use when needed, and the kinds of fruit 

 best adapted to the soil and general character of his farm. And no less to be 

 a successful stock breeder and raiser of any kind (which has of late years 

 become so important to the farmers of Michigan as well as most other states) 

 it requires, first, a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the subject, 

 then time, care, good judgment in selections and management, and close 

 attention to all the material points. Wlien this information is obtained and 

 properly applied they are certainly entitled to success, and nothing short of an 

 act of Providence will prevent it. 



THE BEST MANNER OF PKEPARING THE GROUNDS AND CONDUCTING THE PAIRS. 



Obtain for a State or large district fair not less than 60 acres of ground, 

 and SO acres if obtainable are better, of nearly level surface, a good, dry grav- 

 elly or loam soil is the best, well supplied with good water, and of easy, effective 



