ANNUAL REPORT. 15 



in one case a larger hall had to be secured for the meeting. 

 This will be obviated in the new State House, where commodi- 

 ous and comfortable quarters are provided, and are expected to 

 be ready for occupancy in two years. The last meeting of these 

 associations was held in joint convention, so as to not conflict and 

 follow immediately after each other, thus getting the full benefits 

 of the agricultural rooms and accommodations, and securing 

 railroad tavors that could not be done otherwise ; also, giving 

 members interested an opportunity to attend more than one 

 meeting without additional expense. For instance, the Short- 

 horn Cattle Breeders met on Tuesday forenoon, held sessions 

 afternoon, evening and next day forenoon; then the Jersey 

 Cattle men took possession, held sessions afternoon, evening 

 and next day forenoon, and then the Wool Growers took pos- 

 session. These arrangements continued the following week 

 with other State associations, and proved to be so very satisfac- 

 tory that it is agreed on for the next annual meetings. The 

 wisdom of holding separate sessions for each stock interest has 

 been demonstrated by the thorough investigations of important 

 questions that arise, and the dissemination thereby of useful 

 knowledge through the printed Agricultural Reports, which 

 could not be so thoroughly accomplished in a meeting of varied 

 interests, or in too limited a time to bring out discussion. 



We take pleasure in producing for a frontispiece of this book 

 a portrait steel engraving of Dr. Stevenson, the pioneer in 

 importing improved cattle in the State, one of the original 

 incorporation of the Board of Agriculture ; President of the 

 Board for three years, at an early day; always foremost in agri- 

 cultural matters; a liberal contributor as essayist; and a repre- 

 sentative "Hoosier" at home and abroad. His biography will 

 be found at the close of this report, and good reading for young 

 people as well as the elderly. 



The Board of Agriculture are much encouraged with the re- 

 sult of the last State Fair. It was a success in every particular, 

 and professional exhibitors pronounced it second to none any- 

 where as an Agricultural exhibition; the full details of which 

 are given in the officers reports beginning on page 47. 



