358 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Leading farmers are of the opinion that the time has come for an experimental 

 station in Michigan— manj' believe it should be at the charge of the general govern- 

 ment. While it may be desirable to shift the cost, each State should control its own 

 station, and it should be located in Michigan at the Agricultural College farm, under 

 the control of the faculty of tliat institution. The necessity and advantages of such 

 stations are too apparent to require a recital. 



The same arrangement, with reference to the fair circuit, prevailed in 1883, which 

 proved so pleasant and satisfactory the previous year. At a meeting held in Detroit, 

 December 12th last, this society being fully represented with five other associations, 

 it was unanimously resolved to continue the plan, if agreeable to you, of holding the 

 fair for Michigan September 15th to the 20th inclusive. The meeting of the fair 

 circuit committee was interesting and valuable in suggestions which will be brought 

 to your notice by the secretary. 



The financial condition of your society was never more satisfactory, the balance in 

 the hands of the treasurer being $26,134.54. But for the extraordinary expenses last 

 fall, and unfavorable weather the most important day of the fair, your balance could 

 not have been much less than $35,000. It is agreeable to know, however, that a fund is 

 accumulating from which drafts for permanent improvements, if thought advisable, 

 can be made. The management of your finances continues entirely satisfactory. 

 The treasurer, Mr. Dean, has earned your warmest thanks for his intelligence, fidelitv, 

 and thoroughness in the discharge of his official duties, and the courtesy and ability 

 of your secretary are also entitled to hearty recognition. The business and other 

 committees have been untiring in their devotion to all interests involved in the line 

 of their duties. Through your efforts, gentlemen, the society never occupied a higher 

 position, or was more entitled to the confidence of the public,tlian at this date of its 

 history. Your energy and practical judgment have greatly aided in the develop- 

 ment of the resources of this great State. The consciousness of work well done, with 

 the fruits of success everywhere apparent, is your ample reward. I trust this annual 

 meeting may be harmonious, profitable, and productive of future prosperity. 



President Fralick resumed the chair. 



The secretary's report was then read as follows : 



SECRETARY'S REPORT. 



To the Honorable President and Executive Committee: 



Gentlemen — I liave the honor herewith to submit the detailed annual report of 

 the transactions of the Michigan State Agricultural Society for the year 1883. 



Three hundred and sixty-one orders, amounting to $24,967.99, were drawn upon the 

 treasurer for the payment of accounts audited by the business committee, signed by 

 the secretary, and countersigned by the chairman of the business committee. The 

 detail of the general expenditures for which the above orders were issued has been 

 classified and arranged under the proper heads, and will be found in the report of 

 the business committee ; a record of the same will be found in the secretary's register 

 of accounts for 1883, and upon the stubs of the orders. Vouchers corresponding with 

 the orders are on file in the secretary's office. 



Three hundred and ninety-four checks, amounting to |9,916.98, were issued for the 

 IDayment of premiums awarded at the annual fair; $90 of this amount was awarded 

 to cattle exhibited by the State Agricultural College and subsequently donated to 

 the society, leaving a balance of pi-emiums to be paid by the treasurer of $9,820.98. 

 A ful and detailed statement, showing number of checks, amount, and to whom 

 issued, will be found in the accompanying schedule. 



Tiie following table exhibits the amount of money premiums offered and awarded 

 in each division; also a statement of diplomas and medals offered and awarded: 



