FIFTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART VII. 625 



' 'You will here perceive that all persons who desire to become members 

 of the society, must sig^nify their intention and pay a fee of one dollar on or 

 before the first day of June next. 



"By these small sums from each member, it is expected to raise an 

 amount sufficient to meet the demands of the society, together with such 

 sums as may be donated by those who are willing to give a larger fee to aid 

 the society in its infancy; and it is hoped that many will be found in the 

 State to come forward and give in this way. As inducement for others to 

 come forward, I now propose to give fifty dollars in aid of the first fair, to 

 be expended in the following manner: Twenty-five dollars for the best five 

 acres of Indian corn raised in the State; fifteen dollars for the second best, 

 and ten dollars for the third best; all competitors to give a detailed account 

 of the mode of cultivation and quantity of products, as well as the measure- 

 ment of the land, accompanied with the sworn certificate of at least two 

 respectable citizens, not members of the family of the competitors. These 

 premiums to be awarded under the management of the society. 



''With a view of accomplishing this important object (the raising of 

 funds) , I respectfully recommend that all the officers of the society take im- 

 mediate steps to have subscription papers circulated in their respective 

 counties, at as early a day as possible, calling on every citizen to become a 

 member. This labor can be divided by the officers appointing others to as- 

 sist them in each county. I can not too earnestly urge upon the officers of 

 the society, and all others who feel an interest in its success, the impor- 

 tance of Industry in its behalf . The funds, when collected, can be sent to 

 the treasurer, Mr. W. B. Chamberlain, in Des Moines county. At least 

 that officer should be informed of the amounts that maybe relied on, by the 

 first day of June next, when the officers of the society will meet at Fairfield 

 for the purpose of consulting upon the premiums to be awarded, and mak- 

 ing arrangements for holding the fair on the 25th of October next. 



"Farmers! It is not only your duty to become members of the State 

 society, but you should by all means attend the fair, and bring with you 

 something for exhibition. 



"As I have not the pleasure of an acquaintance with the officers elected , 

 and was not at the convention, I have not the means of knowing their re- 

 spective postoffices (the same not having been published among the pro- 

 ceedings), they will therefore confer a favor upon me by addressing me upon 

 the subject, making any suggesiions that may seem to them advisable, for 

 the interest of the society." 



Respectfully your fellow citizen, 



T. W. Claggett, 

 President State Agricultural Society. 



The foregoing address was published early in the month of February, 

 1854. On the 10th day of April following, the secretary caused to be pub- 

 lished the following card: 



40 



