EXHIBITION OF 1864. 
[From the Secretary’s Record.] 
The Exhibtioii of 1864 is at length among the things that were. It was 
gotten up with great effort on the part of the officers of the Society, and in 
spite of diflBculties, which, in the estimation of very many of its friends, 
promised nothing but defeat and ruin. The sequel has shown that the Com¬ 
mittee were right in going ahead; for, although the results were not equal 
to those of other and more favorable years, they were more satisfactory than 
anybody had dared to hope; the more interesting, and, just now, important 
departments, to wit, the fruit, the sheep, and the machinery and implement 
departments, being very handsomely represented, and the receipts being 
suflScient to pay all the expenses^and all premiums, with a surplus of uearly a 
thousand dollars. 
Had the weather been favorable, the receipts would have been full seven 
thousand dollars—larger by one thousand dollars than ever before. Next 
year we hope the skies will be more propitious. 
BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE DEPARTMENTS. 
At the right of the gate of entrance, and extending along the enclosure 
for some distance, were 
The Sheep pens, filled with as fine specimens of the ovine race as ever 
graced even an international exhibition. The Spanish Merinoes were in 
greatest force; the long wool and middle wool sheep next. Wool growing 
is, at present, and will be, for some time to come, the most profitable branch 
of husbandry in Wisconsin, and we are glad to see the evidences that this is 
becoming the 43onviction of our farmers. The list of premiums awarded 
will show who are foremost in this businees. 
Next, in order of place, came 
The Swine, occupying several pens. Mr. Ruble was king in this depart¬ 
ment, showing one Yorkshire boar for which he had been offered $800; 
weight, 1,200 pounds. 
The Poultry Pens were likewise pretty much monopolized by Mr. Ruble. 
This branch of husbandry does not receive the attention it deserves, and we 
are glad of the interest awakened by Mr. R’s fine display. 
The Horse Department was worthily represented as to quality, though the 
number of animals on exhibition was not large. The Thoroughbreds, the 
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