THE ANNUAL FAIR OF 1881. 



GENEKAL AERANGEMENTS. 



It was predicted by everybody who had any accurate knowledge of the fruit 

 crop of Michigan for 1881. that the annual fruit show must be very meagre 

 indeed. It is often remarked that during a year of scarcity one can count on 

 finer specimens because the whole strength of the trees is used in perfecting a 

 fraction of a crop. This remark never comes from one who has made exhibits 

 of fruits at fairs for a series of years. He knowa that although he may 

 occasionally find monstrous specimens, still to get perfect samples he wants 

 a year of plenty witli a large crop from which to make selections. 



Collectors for our autumn fairs of 1881 found it particularly difficult to 

 secure good plates of fruit, but extra time was put into the work of collect- 

 ing, and as a result the State Fair had a very creditable exhibit. It was 

 remarked by a number of gentlemen upon the Executive Committee of the 

 State Agricultural Society who have for years watched our exhibits, that we 

 had every reason to be well satisfied with our part of the fair. 



The fair was held in the city of Jackson, September 19th to 23d 

 inclusive. Our society occupied the same liall that was given us several years 

 ago when we last exhibited in Jackson. It is in a beautiful grove which 

 gives it a cosy appearance from the outside but makes it very gloomy inside. 

 However the Agricultural Society placed skylights in such positions as to give 

 all the sunlight possible, and whitewashed the inside walls so as to diffuse all 

 the light that entered the hall. The arrangement was understood to have 

 been made in advance of the fair by which the plant exhibit was to be 

 in main hall where there was good light and better space, but on account of 

 the pressure for space by other departments it was found impossible to accom- 

 modate the plants there and the few that were shown were crowded into our 

 hall with no preparation for them. Through the courtesy of Mr. D. W. 

 Howard, Superintendent of Agricultural Product Department, space was made 

 from his allotment for the amateur display of plants in pots, and by encroach- 

 ing on the space given to special exhibits of fruits a space was given to the 

 only professional exhibitor of greenhouse plants. 



A large table in the center of the hall w^as given up to single plates of fruit, 

 which, when arranged in place on Wednesday morning, made really the most 

 tasteful show that we ever had in so limited a space. The table held above 350 

 eight-inch plates and was completely filled. 



