secretary's annual report. 23 



served with the purpose of utilizing them sometime in publishing 

 a gallery of familiar faces. 4 



My relation to the horticultural exhibit at the state fair would 

 render it not appropriate for me to make some statement connected 

 therewith, but as Mr. Wyman Elliot, in his dual relation of officer of 

 both associations, may more properly discuss the subject, I will 

 not consume your time; but I am sure that I voice the wishes of our 

 society when I express a personal desire that one who has served 

 us so long and well, and who has done so much in late years to re- 

 deem the fair name of the State Agricultural Society and place it 

 on a sound financial footing, may consent to forego a natural desire 

 to retire from active participation in so large a measure of public 

 service as has been thrust upon him and continue to give to that 

 institution the benefit of his practical common sense and hia 

 sturdy, old-fashioned honesty. No position in that organization is 

 so exalted that Mr. Elliot would fail to do it honor and reflect honor 

 as well upon this association. 



FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 



RECEIPTS. 



Advertisements in magazine $124.20 



Subscribers to tlie magazine from Wisconsin 4.00 



Boolissold 13.00 



Life membership fees 38.00 



Annual fees for 1896 410.50 



Annual fees for 1897 70.00 



Total $659.70 



DISBURSEMENTS. 



Postage $105.70 



Express 66.12 



OflBce supplies and fixtures 14.62 



Office rent 144.00 



Printing 70.00 



Expenses annual meeting, 1895 51.89 



Expenses annual lueeting, 1896 12.65 



Directing and mailing magazines 16.70 



Insurance 5.60 



Books for premiums 23.70 



Assistance in office 19.70 



Reporting annual meeting 84.05 



Sundries 13.34 



Exnenses delegate to Iowa 12.00 



Balance paid to treasurer 19.63 



Total 1659.70 



There is a degree of sadness as well as of satisfaction in closing 

 the work of any period. The things done pass before 3'ou, some 

 well done, others only fairly so; and the things you have left un- 

 done or slighted also rise up in reproachful review; 3"ou recall the 

 faces of those associated with you in the work and remember the 

 kindly words that have brought needed encouragement. Some of 

 these faces, perhaps, you will see no more in this life, and none of 

 those pleasant and helpful hours may be lived over again, nor a 

 single act recalled. But life and its duties are still before those of 

 us who are here tonight, and at the beginning of a new epoch we 

 again assume them with strengthened purpose to perform to the 

 best of our ability whatever of service shall be asked of us. And 

 may it ever be our lot to have as pleasant service and associates as 

 we meet in advancing the interests of this most beneficent organi- 

 zation! 



