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REPORT 



Gentlemen: — This being tlie year in which no report to tlie 

 Governor is required by hiw, the Board will reserve a more de- 

 tailed report of the year's transactions until the proper time shall 

 an-ive, and proceed to give to the members of the Society a brief 

 account of their stewardship, and to make such suggestions and 

 recommendations as their experience and the condition of the 

 Society and the State seem to demand. 



One year ago, when we assumed charge of the affairs of the 

 Society, it was at the close of a year of prosperity to all classes 

 of indUjStr}^ in the State. The agriculturist had been blessed 

 with a plentiful harvest, which had enabled and induced him to 

 ^ prepare for an extensive field of operations, with bright hopes 

 ~ that his renewed efforts would again be crowned with success. 

 The miner, in addition to extracting from the placer deposits 

 and quartz ledges the usual quantities of the precious metals, had 

 '^' extended his discoveries and developed new regions of unusual 

 r . richness, and was confident in the prospect of a year of unequaled 

 ~; prosperity. The mechanic, the manufacturer, and all other 

 If- classes of the community dependent on the two former for en- 

 [ couragement and support, had received a corresponding iin]iulsc 

 and were looking forward lo the new year cheered with confi- 

 dence and hope. 



Undtr the judicious and economical management of our imme- 

 diate predecessors, the financial cojidition of the Society had 

 been much improved. A portion of a large debt which had been 

 allowed to accumulate against the Society during a series of 

 previous years had been canceled. A change of administration 

 had, to a certain extent, checked the increasing dissatisfaction 

 and want of confidence, so prevalent in the community toward 

 the Society and its management. Under these circumstances, 

 and with reliant expectation of material aid from the State, 

 the Board met on the 9th of February, and by unanimous vote 

 resolved to hold a general Fair of every Department of Industry 

 of the State in the Ibllowing September. 



The Legislature, then in session, contrary to our expectations, 

 and, as we think, acting upon a very short-sighted policy, with- 

 held the usual appropriation for the payment of premiums. Tho 



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