X BO.IED OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



had hoped to attend nearly every fair, to personally exam- 

 ine into all the detail of the workings of the management 

 and the character of the exhibitions, and their agricultural 

 value and instructiye worth. Sickness stopped me in my 

 work, and the later inyestigation was done by others. 



Seldom does September pass without a liberal number of 

 rainy days, and this ^ear was no exception. Some fairs must 

 be unfortunate in date, and a storm is sm*e destruction to the 

 best-aiTanged progi-amme, and a financial set-back to any 

 society. Such societies must face the financial loss, and 

 with courage face the uncertainties of the next season to 

 recoup their losses. A series of such unfortunate dates dis- 

 courages the society, and it is sad indeed if, like the sick, 

 " we change the spot but keep the pain," and later look out 

 at the bright sun of the former date, and from under an 

 umbrella sigh for the old days again. 



The societies are aided by the State, and this aid is a ery 

 essential to the suc<*ess of the fairs. It is a bright spot that 

 giyes comfort even to the dashed hopes from a rainy day. 

 It is a wise proyision for the improyement of her agri- 

 culture, and constant improyement and advance attest its 

 wisdom. 



The society owes, therefore, loyalty to the State, to the 

 end that her laws for the guidance of these fairs shall be 

 respected and enforced, not only to the letter but in their 

 intent also. Our fairs sufier because, unintentionally per- 

 haps, confounded with other agiicultural fairs over which 

 we have no control. This Board must watch carefully to 

 presene the good name of these institutions of the State 

 over which we have control, and the inspector sent by this 

 Board to examine and criticise does not do his full duty 

 if he does not report any serious infringement of the salu- 

 tary law of the State. 



The Catti.e Bureau. 

 It is a pleasing courtesy for this Board to note the acces- 

 sion to our number of the chief of the Cattle Bureau, Dr. 

 Austin Peters. We do most heartily welcome him to our 

 Board and to our counsels, and endorse and commend the 



