Exhibition—Superintendents’ Reports. 
89* 
warrant the expense of an engine to operate, and after diligent in¬ 
quiry, I found this to be almost the universal feeling among those 
who had been exhibitors, viz., that the inducements offered by the 
Society were too insignificant in comparison to the expense and 
trouble of getting heavy operative machinery to the grounds and 
back, and of operating it while there; hence, nearly all had deter¬ 
mined not to exhibit. 
What was to be done was the question that had to be answered 
promptly, and it of necessity was determined that the Society 
would assume a part of the expense rather than fail in a creditable 
exhibition, a course which it seems to me is not correct under or¬ 
dinary circumstances, and one which need not occur again if the 
proper course is pursued, and it is of the utmost importance that 
you should carefully consider this question and provide against any 
repetition of the kind. I am not fully convinced what is the best 
course to pursue to encourage and induce manufacturers of heavy 
machinery to make this department even better than ever for the 
fair of 1876. Whether it shall be by reasonable cash premiums, or 
by the use of medals or diplomas, or all combined. But I am fully 
of the opinion that this department does not, nor has it received 
the consideration it merits. I am not aware that the recommenda¬ 
tions of my predecessor, or of the awarding committee in classes 
thirty-seven and thirty-eight for the fair of 1874, though they 
were worth}^ of serious and careful consideration, have secured any 
improvement in the position of the Society towards this branch of 
industry. Now, if it is desirable that each division superintendent 
should at this meeting show how competent he is, not only in the 
management of his department, but in the matter of presenting 
his views in writing as to necessary improv^nents in that depart¬ 
ment, it is equally desirable that some notice should be taken of 
his report. 
After a careful reading of the reports referred to, as found on 
pages 362, 366, volume of 1874-5, of transactions, I am convinced 
that nothing better can at present be said or recommended, and I 
hope you will carefully consider and adopt such of these recom¬ 
mendations as the financial condition of the Society will warrant. 
I would respectfully suggest a list of well-classified premiums on 
separate pieces of machinery, as also a generous offer on the part 
of the Society for the best and largest exhibition. 
