MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY 455 



conducted, they are attractive, and encourage the breeding of the only 

 American breed of horses, "the standard bred" and are patronized by ail 

 classes of people, and I may say, cost the society but little net money 

 after deducting the fee for entries and the receipts of the grand stand. 



PREMIUMS. 



Last year the premiums were slightly reduced with a view of aiding 

 the Society to throw off its debt. iWhether it is wise to restore the 

 amount to its former value I leave with you. In general, I believe in 

 diversifying the premium list so as to cover as many articles and lines 

 of industry as possible, thus securing the interest and co-operation of 

 all people and interests connected with the material interests of the 

 State. 



There are at least twenty-five breeders of Dorset Horn Sheep in the 

 8tate and they ask for a class. The breeders of Tamworth Swine, I 

 think, asked for one last year. It seems to me that these breeds have 

 attained sufficient standing in the State to w^arrant a class in our pre- 

 mium list, 



RENTS AND PRIA'ILEGES. 



The department of rents and privileges has been criticized to some 

 extent, and is somewhat troublesome to handle because of the liability 

 to imposition by those who obtain privileges. The Midway at the Colum- 

 bian Fair followed by that of Atlanta and other expositions together 

 with the street fairs in numerous cities, have inaugurated features and 

 exhibitions that are not always consistent with good morals and which 

 ask for space at state and other fairs. The Society should protect it- 

 self by refusing admission to objectionable exhibitions or features, and 

 promptly ejecting any who impose on it by false representation. The 

 rule of the superintendent of 1898 requiring advance payment in full is 

 a good rule to follow. It protects the Society from loss and at the same 

 time protects the legitimate and honest party who pays his rent. 



ADVERTISING. 



While the Society has been holding fairs for fifty years, and the simple 

 announcement of the date and place would seem to 'be sufficient to 

 draw a large attendance, it is found that the numerous counter attrac- 

 tions that exist in these days make extensive advertising of the annual 

 fair necessary. From what experience I have had, I believe this to be 

 important, and recommend liberal appropriations in this line with the 

 expectation of good returns. The best method of advertising, I leave 

 to your judgment or to that of the business or advertising committee 

 who may be selected. In this connection I may say, what you all know 

 to be true, that to make the annual fair a success, the co-operation of 

 the various railroads of the State is needed. The managers have here- 

 tofore been liberal with the Society and I hope the mutual friendly re- 

 lations may be maintained, for the benefits are also mutual. Low rates 

 of fare are the greatest inducements to bring people out, and when these 

 are secured, success is assured. 



The city of Detroit is preparing to hold a bi-centennial exposition in 

 1901, which shall be of magnitude, covering not only the State, but 



