MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 383 



crs with equal, if not greater success. Platform bintlers were sliown by several firms, 

 each c\?an\\ng perfect work in the field, but many needed improvements will no doubt 

 be made before they will be broug^ht into general use. 



Mowers and reapers are of lighter draught, combined machines are going out of 

 use. Simple i-eapers and mowers are now made as separate machines, which are no 

 doubt better adapted to the work to be performed. There was a large variety of 

 hay rakes and feeders on the ground. Success seems to have attended the efforts of 

 inventive genius to supply this want of the agriculturist. The heavy and unwieldy 

 hay loader has been supplanted by a lighter draught and more practical machine. 



Class 43 was well filled with a great variety of portable and traction engines, 

 threshing machines, clover hullers, feed mills, straw and stalk cutters, fanning "iiills, 

 wind mills, etc., etc., though all the machines run by wind were not confined to this 

 department or placed on high derricks. Noted improvements have been made, and 

 this class was an attractive feature of the fair. We had in class 44 the usual large 

 display of dray and circular sawing machines, stump pullers, etc. W. S. Penfield,''of 

 Detroit, made a fine display of the smaller tools used on the farm, as well as feed 

 cutters, grinders, etc., etc.. and was unwearied in his efforts to make this department 

 a success. Woodford & Niles, also of Detroit, made extra exertion to make their 

 exhibit attractive, covering a platform 40 by 100 feet with the large assortment of 

 tools of which they are agents. 



To every exhibitor v/e are indebted for tlie kind consideration shown us during 

 the fair. While all wanted the most desirable location, eacli took what was allotted 

 them (when they could do no better). 



We repeat that the exhibition was a great success, doing credit to the exiiibitors, 

 and honor to the society for their liberality to them. We have no suggestions for 

 the future, unless we recommend that a covered building be provided for the shafting 

 with a charge to each holder equal in two years to the expense of erection and 

 maintenance. Until we establish some permanent location for the fair, it will be 

 difficult for us to make our department as complete or systematically attractive as 

 we would desire, but hope to see some improvement in the future. 



Kespectfully submitted, 



H. O. HANFORD, 

 ABEL ANGEL, 



Superintendents. 



Mr. Fralick reported an unsettled account for boxing pictures, etc. Mr. A. 

 J. Brow explained the charges, and, on motion of J. M. Sterling, the same 

 was allowed and ordered paid. 



Mr. Young presented the following, which was accepted and adopted and 

 the thanks of the committee tendered the donors: 



To the ExecxLtive Board Michigan State Agricultural Society: 



Gentlemen— You may offer on your premium list for 1884, to be competed for at 

 the annual fair, a special premium of one of our full-rigged three-horse "Economist" 

 sulky plows, with reversable shares and revolving landside, keel frame and wheels, 

 which shall be awarded by a committee of your selection to the farmer or farmer's 

 son, resident of the State, who exhibits the best two bushels of wheat of his own 

 raising. 



The plow will be delivered by us to the winner of the premium on the fairgrounds. 



Please advise us if you accept tliis offer, and oblige. 



Yours very respectfully, 



"ECONOMIST" PLOW CO., 



Per E. O. Meagheu, 8ec''y. 



A communication from Mr. Stevens, of Detroit, recommending certain 

 changes in the premium list for boots and shoes was read, and, upon motion, 

 referred to the committee on premiums, 



Mr. Whitney proffered tickets to his opera-house this evening to all members 

 of the committee, which, on motion of Mr. George \V. Phillips, was accepted 

 with thanks. 



