Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. 
351 
The trials of speed were, with one exception, of no interest, 
owing probabl} 7 to small purses and their mal-arrangement. 
Notwithstanding the well-meant opposition of some to racing, to 
see the horses go, is what draws the mass of people to a fair-ground, 
and gratifies them after they are there. On this account, I sug¬ 
gest a judicious increase in speed-premiums, founded on the exper¬ 
ience of our most successful sister societies. 
CATTLE DEPARTMENT. 
BY GEO. E. BRYANT, SUPERINTENDENT. 
Major Chas. H. Williams, of Baraboo, Sauk county, has for so 
many years superintended the cattle department, that his name has 
become as a household word to the exhibitors of neat cattle at the 
annual exhibitions of the society. Aside from being a veteran 
breeder of thoroughbreds himself, his urbanity of manner and gen¬ 
eral fairness towards exhibitors, has made him a great favorite in 
the ring, and it is much regretted that years and failing health 
should compel him to withdraw from active service as an officer of 
the society. But if any one thinks his interest has waned in bo¬ 
vine flesh let him visit the Major’s beautiful farm beyond the Devils 
Lake and he’ll find he still admires the noble Short Horn though 
he may not dote on the diminutive Jersey. 
Our exhibition equaled in numbers and probably excelled in 
character any of its predecessors. There has been constant pro¬ 
gress in this department from year to year. Some of the finest an¬ 
imals in the world were in our ring of 1874. Although 25 addi¬ 
tional stalls had been built they were all filled. Many valuable ani¬ 
mals found new owners. Good feeling prevailed among exhibitors, 
and your superintendent here bows his thanks for their prompt¬ 
ness and courtesy towards him and each other. 
