264 ANNUAL EEPOKT 



specialists, as the sickle and the threshing floor of the ancient 

 Egyptians are behind the harvesters and steam threshers of today. 

 I have conferred with some of the regents of the University and 

 am satisfied they will do all in their power to broaden the scope of 

 its usefulness by extending every branch of agricultural knowledge 

 that will promote the prosperity of the masses and the welfare of 

 the state. 



THE FAIR. 



In the spring of 1889 I had the honor to appear as your repre- 

 sentative before the committee of the State Agricultural Society 

 charged with revising the premium list; and by calling attention 

 to the importance of our industry secured a respectable appropria- 

 tion for our department which enabled us to make the largest and 

 best display of bees' honey and aparian supplies ever seen in the 

 Northwest. About two tons of honey was furnished and nearly 

 half put on exhibition, while the balance remained unpacked for 

 want of adequate room and facilities for its display. I would 

 recommend that steps be taken to build a pavilion for our own 

 use if we can make satisfactory arrangements with the Agricultural 

 Society to that effect. 



One feature we should aim to develop in all future exhibitions is 

 the public handling and manipulation of bees. Disappointed in 

 securing the man I expected for this purpose by his sickness I was 

 obliged to take his place and was surprised to see the interest ex- 

 cited by a few of the simplest operations in the everyday work of 

 the apiary. 



With knowledge gained by experience, we could make another 

 exhibition far more interesting and instructive to all; yet it is 

 gratifying to know that our first effort in that direction received 

 commendation from all quarters and proved a credit to the Asso- 

 ciation. 



Our status in connection with the Horticultural Society, should 

 receive your consideration, for I am well aware of the fact that 

 some of our members do not approve of my endeavors to cultivate 

 the closest relations of friendship with this older organization. 

 Yet I believe all such kindred associations should work together 

 for the common good, and think it best that we should act as au 

 auxiliary of that society and strengthen its hands in seeking addi- 

 tional aid from the legislature, rather than to enter as a competitor 

 for legislative favors which might result disastrously to both. 



You have a mission work to do, a sacred duty to perform, a labor 

 which should be a labor of love, to combat the ignorance of the 

 day with the light of truth. Facts are the strongest arguments in 

 all cases. The problem of successful wintering is solved. There 

 is no more danger of loss in wintering fifty swarms of bees than as 

 many cows. The problem of successful handling and manipulation 

 is solved. With proper management they are as harmless as so 

 many flies and much more easily controlled. 



But you, need no encouragement. It is the farmers who live 

 upon our prairies and in the great woods, who neglect to secure 

 the treasures of nature that surround them, that need our sym- 



