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We should be ungrateful to a beneficent Providence if on such an oc¬ 
casion as the present, we should fail in expressing our feelings of deep 
gratitude for the abundant products of our harvests, and the continuance 
of the blessings of health which have distinguished our favored State 
during the present year. The rich reward of labor that has been so 
bounteously bestowed upon the farmer, and the increased product of the 
farm-yard, and the work-shop, as evinced by the contemplation of our 
Annual Exhibition, foreshadow the increasing greatness and prosperity of 
Wisconsin, and demands our heartfelt thanks to the All-Wise Giver of 
every earthly gift. 
Permit me, Gentlemen of the Society, to repeat to you my warm con¬ 
gratulations on the occasion of our meeting at this, our Third Annual 
Cattle Show and Fair, and to express the hope that each year will add 
increased value to the beneficial effects of our Society. The power to do 
good in our department is certainly with us—let us iiot neglect the oppor¬ 
tunity, but faithfully endeavor to do our duty and great will be our reward. 
The President, in concluding, introduced to the Society Gen. William 
Rudolph Smith, of Mineral Point, who pronounced the Annual Address.* 
ADDRESS OF GEN. WILLIAM R. SMITH. 
It is certainly much to be regretted, my respected audience, that the 
gentleman to whom was assigned the province of delivering before you, 
on the part of our Society, the Annual Address, has been by unforeseen 
circumstances prevented from fulfilling his task. The absence of this 
address not only causes a void in our expectations, but deprives us of 
the benefits which would naturally flow from an exposition of the design, 
uses, and the results of the establishment of our State Agricultural 
Society. 
Called upon, assuredly to me, unexpectedly, to supply an unfortunate 
deficiency in the proceedings of our Annual State Fair, by addressing 
to our very numerous friends now present, a few remarks pertinent 
to the occasion, I comply cheerfully, crude as those remarks may be 
* The gentleman who was expected to have delivered the Annual Address was i n- 
fortunately detained, and from unavoidable causes prevented from being present. 
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