422 
WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
the aid in this way of all frien'ds of agriculture; and I believe this 
is the only aid for which it should ask; believing as I do that there 
is place and room and need for the association; believing as I do 
that it may have a prosperous and useful career, I look to those in¬ 
terested in agriculture for its support. It seems to me we have now 
reached a position from which we may ask this support, feeling that 
the congress is able to give a full return for all it will receive. 
The leading obstacles to success, as it seems to me, are three. 
First, the very magnitude of the work proposed and the wide field 
sought to be covered. As a rule, our successful associations con¬ 
nected with agriculture have had a special object, devoting them¬ 
selves to the advancement of a specialty. The American Pomolog- 
ical Society, which has done a great work and won a deservedly 
high position; the American, Northwestern and various state dairy 
associations which have been so largely instrumental in the rapid 
advancement of the dairy interests of America, may be named as 
cases in point. This is a real difficulty and to prevent the injuri¬ 
ous effects of it will require wise and prudent management. The 
second great obstacle to success is of kindred nature and is found 
in the vast extent of our country, making it costly in time and 
money for many who may be interested to attend the meetings of 
the congress. This may be met in part by having the meetings 
held in different portions of the country, and is also partly met by 
the delegates as well as by personal membership which has been 
provided. By this, the presence of even a single representative 
ma}^ give expression and emphasis to the views of the members of 
a largo society or the mass of farmers in even an entire state. The 
third obstacle to popularity is one which, if human nature were per¬ 
fect, need not be named. It is found in the fact that the associa¬ 
tion makes no direct appeal to purelj? selfish motives. It does not 
promise immediate, direct and specified pecuniary advantage to 
members. It offers no high salaries to induce men to become its 
leaders. It is not probable that it will try to advance the political 
aspirations of its members. It offers little in the way of fame to 
those who work with it. Its hopes and expectations are rather 
that, quietly, perhaps slowly, it may exert an important influence 
in advancing and developing the agricultural interests of the whole 
country, doing most for those regions and those individuals who 
will most earnestly and effectually work with it. 
