annual report—Convention. 
8i 
tions and products, and by furnishing an impartial though inter¬ 
ested umpire to pass upon their merits and test their relative val¬ 
ues. The direct benefit of this accrues to the mechanic and man¬ 
ufacturer himself, but the farmer also secures advantages; first, 
by being aided in reaching proper conclusions as to the relative 
value of things invented and manufactured for his use; secondly, 
by afterwards reaping the fruits of the inventor’s stimulus, in the 
form of still better machinery. Finally, the social benefits se¬ 
cured by the intermingling of individuals at the annual county 
fairs, are of very considerable importance. They afford tempo¬ 
rary rest from overwork—extend the farmer’s field of observa¬ 
tion—help cure his prejudices—enlarge his views—quicken and 
strengthen his sympathies with his fellows, and thus better fit 
him for intelligent co-operation in whatever promises to improve 
his condition and exalt and dignify his calling. 
The state society and state board take up and carry on the work of 
county organization; by operating upon a larger scale, they pos¬ 
sess the advantage of bringing together from a wider area such 
products as have gained a local superiority, and thus enable 
the state to make comparison of the progress of whole com¬ 
munities. But they have another important work to do—that of 
systematically gathering in stores of information from every 
quarter of the world, and disseminating it through the medium of 
their publications, and through the channels conveniently afforded 
by all subordinate societies of every grade. The fruits of such 
works, well and wisely done, are not perishable with the year, 
but enduring as time. These publications afford not only a 
means for the careful sifting of innumerable facts, but also a 
practical guidance in the application of scientific knowledge. 
Holding to these views, I deem it a ground of satisfaction and 
of pride to the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society, as well as 
to all the citizens of our state, that its publications have taken, 
and now hold a prominent place in the appreciation of the 
agricultural public of'this country. How much good thej* have 
accomplished by their able discussion of principles and the fearless 
advocacy of far reaching and comprehensive views of industrial 
policy, we cannot well estimate. As Wisconsin now numbers a 
6 
