420 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



grounds and back, to say nothing of the cost of caring for them, I strongly 

 recommend that the premiums for greenhouse plants be increased, with 

 the usual precautions that the highest premiums only be paid to worth 

 exhibits. 



The premiums for single plates of fruit are smaller than are offered by 

 most states, and instead of the present premiums of one dollar and fifty 

 cents, I would recommend that three premiums of SI. 50, $1.00, and 50 cents, 

 be offered, with the proviso that the first premiums will only be awarded 

 to plates scoring 95 out of 100 points, and that to receive the second pre- 

 mium they must score at least 90 points. Without greatly enlarging the 

 premium list this will greatly increase the grade of the fruit shown. 



I am also considering several minor changes in the list to avoid duplica- 

 tion. I would also suggest that as five or six counties from the north-east 

 series have been in the habit of exhibiting, some of which could not receive 

 a premium, however worthy, that one or two counties be transferred to the 

 northwest series, in which there were but two entries in 1905 and none in 

 1906, although two or three would have sent exhibits had it not been for the 

 early date of the fair. 



I was greatly aided in the work of superintending the installation and 

 care of the fruit exhibit by my assistant, Mr. T. A. Farrand, of Eaton Rapids, 

 while Miss Vesta Haney showed much taste in arranging the exhibit of 

 canned fruit, which was placed in her charge. 



Much credit is also due the judges in this department for the care given 

 the work and the ability shown in making the awards. Mr. Thomas Gunson, 

 Agricultural College,, made the awards upon the plants and flowers; Mr. 

 M. L. Dean, of Napoleon, upon the fruit, and Prof. F. W. Robison, of Lan- 

 sing, chemist of the State Dairy and Food Commission, and Dr. Hayward, 

 chemist of the Detroit Board of Health, passed upon the canned fruit, jellies 

 and wines. 



In conclusion, I wish to tender to you, and to the members of the business 

 committee in particular, my hearty thanks for recognizing the importance 

 of the department by furnishing the splendid Horticulture building for its 

 use, and for the words of approbation upon the character of the exhibit, 

 which you were kind enough to speak. 



I cannot close, however, without expressing my appreciation of the sup- 

 port given the department by the horticulturists of the state, and particu- 

 larly by those who made exhibits. From the beginning of the work of in- 

 stalling I received the heartiest co-operation from one and all, and without 

 exception they accepted and adopted the many suggestions that from time 

 to time it seemed advisable to offer in order to secure an harmonious ex- 

 hibit. 



Respectfully submitted, 



L. R. TAFT,- 

 > Superintendent 



MINERAL EXHIBIT. 



To the President: 



At the Michigan State Fair, held at the city of Detroit, from August 30th 

 to Sept. 7th, 1906, the mineral exhibit proved one of the principal features 

 of the Fair. From an instructive, as well as an attractive standpoint, the 

 display of minerals was particularly unique and interesting, and perhaps 

 among the most remarkable exhibits held in this or any other state. It was 

 visited by thousands of people and evidently thoroughly enjoyed. 



