AGRICULTURAL FAIRS. 



Mr. Frank Little, of Kalamazoo, in his annual report as Secretary of the 

 State Association of Agricultural Societies, spoke as follows on the manner of 

 conducting agricultural fairs : 



Agricultural societies are expressly organized for the advancement and 

 promotion of agriculture— a distinct and important branch of human industry 

 — and they should be mainly educational in character. 



It is their mission to elevate the general tone and thrift of the farming 

 class ; to illustrate new methods ; to awaken new ambitions ; to aid the intro- 

 duction of improved stock, and of new varieties of seed ; to exhibit in an 

 attractive way and upon a grand scale, the agricultural products and resources 

 of the locality; and, as public institutions so organized and so conducted, 

 they are certainly deserving of a liberal support. 



In furtherance of these objects, and to promote unity of action, the 

 *' Michigan State association of agricultural societies" was formed. It is an 

 open, voluntary organization, and it seeks to embrace a full representation 

 from every agricultural society in the State. 



Its principal objects, concisely stated, are : To secure a more uniform 

 practice in the management of fairs. A free interchange of views and com- 

 parison of methods. The adoption of such general rules and regulations as 

 may seem expedient, and the discussion of such questions as the exigencies and 

 interests of agriculture may from time to time require. 



This outlines to you, gentlemen, the important work that is before us. As 

 we meet in convention to-day, as representatives of our several societies, to 

 take under consideration many important questions, may we appreciate the 

 objects and the responsibilities involved. May we divest ourselves of pre- 

 judice, bigotry, and intolerance of opinion ; and may we conscientiously, 

 cordially, and fraternally enter upon the duties of the hour. I am proud to 

 note that our conventions in the past have been models of good order, gentle- 

 manly courtesy, and a kindly, charitable regard for the views and opinions of 

 others. In all our discussions there has been no clamor, malice, or evil- 

 speaking; no acrimony in debate; but good will and a general good feeling 

 has prevailed throughout our deliberations. 



Agricultural societies are, as a rule, organized upon a common basis ; they 

 have certain wants in common, and they all, theoretically, strive after the 

 accomplishment of the same general results. In our proceedings we cannot 

 adopt an inflexible set of rules, applicable to all. Circumstances differ, and 

 each society of course is free to control its own affairs independent of others. 

 There are many topics of general import, however, that may be profitably con- 

 sidered by us. The following are respectfully suggested : 



