MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 371 



Upon motion, the addresses of the retiring and incoming Presidents were 

 referred to a committee of t*iree to be appointed, for a division of subjects. 



The President announced as such committee, Messrs. Chamberhiin, Baxter, 

 and Shoemaker. 



I. H. Butterfield, Jr., Superintendent of Division A (cattle), reported as 

 follows : 



DIVISION A— CATTLE. 



To the President and Executive Board of the Michigan Stale Agricultural Society: 



The exhibit of cattle at the last Fair was unpredeeented in numbers and in most 

 classes in quality. The total number of entries on the Books of the Secretary were, 

 including herds and sweepstakes, 759, of which about GOO head of cattle were exhib- 

 ited, tiie remainder failing to appear on account of the presence of Texas fever in 

 the vicinity of the city of Detroit and false rumors regarding the same. 



It was in one respect fortunate that more did not come. As it was, about IGO new 

 stalls were required, besides the number that had been used at former exhibitions. 



The number of entries and amount of premiums awarded in the several classes 

 were as follows: 



Amount 

 No. Entries. Awarded. 



Class 1— Short Horns... 266 $616 00 



" 2— Devons 59 358 50 



3— Herefords 60 367 50 



" 4— Ayrshires 25 - 273 00 



" 5— Jerseys 90 563 50 



" 6— Galloway and Angus 20 --- 188 00 



7-Holstein 120 - 491 50 



u s— Grades 75 231 00 



" 9— Oxen and Steers 10 89 00 



" 10-Fat Cattle - 29 199 00 



" Non-enumerated Guernseys ,. 5... 25 00 



Total 759 $3,402 GO 



It will be seen that Shorthorns continue to be popular. They continue to increase 

 in numbers and improve in quality. Devons remain about stationary as to numbers 

 and are slowly improving in quality. A manifest improvement in size would 

 increase their popularity in this State. 



The exhibit of Herefords was very fine this year, and the number was somewhat 

 greater than ever before. Their magnificent beef qualities make them worthy of 

 encouragement in this State, and the great demand for them from the west will 

 make their breeding profitable. 



Ayrshires are neglected in this State, the only herd at the fair, owned in the 

 State, being a small one from the Agricultural College. While they have some qual- 

 ities which recommend them to farmers in sections of rough or scant pastures, 

 where a dairy cow is wanted, I do not deem them desirable in Michigan, in the pres- 

 ence at least of other breeds that are for every purpose better adapted to our soil, 

 climate, and methods of farming. 



Jerseys are increasing in the State, and show a slight increase in numbers at the 

 fair. They are becoming quite popular as a family cow for the village or city, and 

 are proving valuable for the butter dairy. Polled blacks are not increasing fast, and 

 tiiose bred are mostly sold for the Western market. One herd of Galloways and one 

 of Angus was exhibited. 



Holsteins and Dutch Friesians are increasing fast and are becoming quite popular. 

 At least one hundred and sixty head, imported direct from Holland, have been 

 brought into the State during the past year. All who have tried them are enthusi- 

 astic in their praise. For the milk and cheese dairy, they are undoubtedly superior 

 and for general purposes are likely to find a place. 



The number of grade cattle shown was nearly as large as ever before, and as only 

 females are shown they may be considered as one of the largest exhibits in point of 

 numbers. The quality was superior, and since they are the medium through which 

 is shown the merits of the various improved breeds for practical use, their exhibi- 

 tion should be encouraged. Working oxen and steers are few in numbers and add 

 very little to the value of the exhibit. One well fattened steer of fine proportions 

 and good weight will attract more attention than all of the usual exhibit in this 



