94 
Wisconsin state agricultural society. 
been, upon the whole, a bountiful one, and leaves us little cause 
to murmur at the dispensations of Providence. The present dis¬ 
play of the products of the farm, the orchard, the vineyard, the- 
dairy, the garden, household arts and the workshop, is excellent, 
doing credit alike to the skill and industry of the producer, and 
to their enterprise in’ bringing them in such condition and quan¬ 
tity to this, our annual exhibition. But we must not conclude 
that anything like perfection has been reached. It must not be 
forgotten that these are but samples of the best of our products. 
It is the cream that rises to the surface on occasions like this. 
So far as this, the Twentieth Annual Exhibition of the industry 
of Wisconsin bears upon the material interests of the state, there is 
no good reason why it may not be made the most useful of the 
series. Little good, however, can come of all the preparation* 
thus far made, unless those who are to systematize and watch over 
the several departments, shall do their work well and faithfully. 
To this end I would especially and earnestly urge upon the super¬ 
intendents of departments, and upon the judges who are to exam¬ 
ine and pass upon the articles and animals on exhibition, the 
necessity, though often delicate and difficult, of a patient and 
faithful discharge of the duties devolving upon them. 
It now remains for me, in behalf of the society, to declare the 
exhibition open, and to urge upon all present to make the best 
use possible of the opportunities it affords. 
