CONSEQUENT SCANTY RECEIPTS.

For the first time the sale of intoxicants was entirely prohibited and prevented on the grounds, thus cutting off a large source of revenue from the sale of beer stands. When the expenses and premiums were paid we were $3,000 in debt, which we raised by giving a new mortgage on the lands belonging to the society at Madison and by the three principal officers of the society giving their personal obligations. The state fair grounds at Madison were in fair shape but there was scarcely a roof that did not leak badly, and most of the stalls and department buildings were fearfully out of repair. This was the situation of affairs when it became the duty of the board to fix on the location for this year's fair. We looked about and determined to avail ourselves of the best point that would offer the best inducements. Milwaukee came to our rescue and offered to do for us just what you see here to-day in the way of grounds and improvements, all free to the society. We considered the situation, the inducements and the location, and determined on this point. We have no apoligies to make. We acted as our judgment indicated would best serve the society and the people of the state. If a mistake was made, it was of the head and not of the heart, and I trust that the outcome will prove that it was neither. Ladies and gentlemen, we mean to be honest. We intend to be honest with the state and live up to the law giving us an annual appropriation. Honest with the enterprising citizens of this city, that have done so much for us, and we hope at the same time a good thing for their city. Honest with our exhibitors and pay 100 cents on the dollar on all premiums awarded, as we always have done, through thick and thin, rain and shine, and honest with the people of the whole state, giving you the best entertainment we can, hoping to make it better and better as the years go by. In this land where a single state is an empire, where people of diverse origin, habits and modes of thought are brought within our political boundary, it is most desirable that no opportunity be lost for bringing them

together and facilitating that interchange of ideas whose very friction is the beginning of assimilation. The man who has listened to nothing but the praises of a particular politician or political idea, may find that outside of his own circle, his idol may have a very impish look. And thus in every respect practical, material and social, the effect of a crowded, brilliant exposition is to educate and to enlarge the mind and heart. I realize that most of you did not come here to listen to speech-making and that any effort that I might make would be fruitless, especially so when I have gentlemen back of me that will address you who are more used to addressing large assemblies, far more eloquent and entertaining, that can give you better views and sounder information. Ladies and gentlemen, I again most cordially welcome you all to this our social gathering and Industrial Exposition, hoping that you may find it both entertaining and profitable.

REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENTS.

DEPARTMENT A.- HORSES.

To the Executive Board of the State Agricultural Society

Superintendent of Department A, begs leave to present the following report:

A marked improvement was the very notable feature in the exhibit of 1886. Every class was well represented. The draft breeds were largely in a majority; evidence of an increased interest our breeders are taking in that direction. I think it would be a proper thing for the society to offer premiums for grade draft horses.

While

many of the most fashionably bred trotting horses of the state were exhibited, larger inducements in the way of increased premiums must be offered to make this exhibit

a telling

success.

I would suggest to the Board the necessity of making a track for the better showing of carriage and road horses. It might easily be done by opening the fence above and below the judges' stand, and grading a track round it; giving the judges a better opportunity of more practically judging the animals. Those interested could occupy seats in the amphitheatre; this of itself forming an attractive feature of the fair.

I think we should change the classing of horses, showing 4 instead of 3 years old, at head of class. I believe all three years old and over, excepting brood mares, should be shown in harness.

Experience has proven that a division of labor in this department is of absolute necessity. The superintendent should be relieved of the Speed Department, and the latter