The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-05-13
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OFFICE OF VIRGINIA STATE AGRICULTURAL }
SOCIETY,
RICHMOND, May IL, 1878. )
TO the People Of Virginia:
The present seems to be proper time
for inviting your attention to the work ant
objects OF your State Agricultural Society
use the word yo,tr in q Legitimate sense
not only in respect to name and purposes
but its property and investments. You will
bear in mind that there are no individual
property rights involved, but that all the
| resources OF the Society constitute fund
which, under its charter and constitution,
is sacredly pledged for the advancement in
the State Of "agriculture, horticulture, and
the auxiliary mining and mechanic arts
Each citizen is therefore identified with it,
and its benefits are designed for all.
Membership confers certain privileges,
and the door is open to ali, and none should
hesitate or wait for the invitation to enter,
but claim to do so rs right. The terms OF
membership are easy TO thousands who are
not now members, and it would seem that
all that is necessary is to arrest their atten-
ton, and they will see the advantages which
will result to them Individually and to an
organization which is laboring for the ad-
yancement OF the material interests OF the
Commonwealth. Twenty dollars in cash,
or five dollars annually for five years, con-
stitutes a member for life, and entities the
holder of certificate TO free admission to
fairs, together with his wife, unmarried
daughters, and sons under twenty-one years
Of age, and to become exhibitors without
charge. 1t also gives him sitting and
right to participate in all general meetings
OF the Society, and to such publications as
the Society may be able to issue for dlstri-
button; and he will have free access to the
rooms and records and all sources Of in
formation which they may afford.
At this time new and ample rooms are
being fitted up, which will be, as far rs
means will allow, made attractive and use
fu!. Physical maps OF each county in the
State will, as far as possible, be procured
and displayed, showing soils adapted to
particular crops, mineral deposits, market
facilities, &C.; and to these will be added
special geological, climatological, botanical,
and geological maps-all OF which will af-
ford to an inquiring immigrant the mostre-
liable information as to the character and
resources OF our State. Education, reli-
cious, social, and other facilities will have
proper consideration.
The Society's transactions, for which 1t is
hoped means can be secured for the annual
publication, will embody not only the gen
eral information alluded to, but also much
valuable matter IN connection with practl-
cal agriculture, horticulture, &C., which
may be procured from premiums Tor es-
says, crops, experiments, &c.
This brief outline OF the Society's work
will illustrate its objects and give some idea
OF the means which will be required. The
State. so closely identified, in time, when
relieved OF the burden Of its public debt
by wise and judlcious provision Tor It's
payment or adjustment, will and should
lend helping hand; but we should not
wait for this when so much can be done
without the direct aid OF the State Govern
ment. The Society makes no appeal for
benefactions, but only presents its claim
upon the people, as privilege and duty, 10
become members on the terms before stated.
1t would seem easy that each county, anu
city having the population Of county,
should furnish annually ten members, and
this would be equivalent to sum OF about
$50, 900, which in few years would aggre-
gate an amount which, safely invested,
would WELD an annual income ample for the
largest range Of beneficial work, bringing
benefits alike to the citizen and the whole
Commonwealth.
trust that these suggestions Will not 1all
dead on the minds OF the people OF Virginia.
but that shall have frequent and contlnu-
GUS calls for certificates of membership. 1t
may be mentioned that arrangements are
now being made with the railroads, which il
Is hoped will be successful, to secure free
transportation to and from the fairs for all
persons becoming members within the pre-
ceding twelve months.
Twill close this communication by stating
that the premium-list for the next fair is
now in press, and will in 4 few days be
ready for distribution through the mails,
and all persons interested are invited TO call
for copy either in person or by postal
card.
The next fair promises unusual attrac-
tions:
l, The list of premiums has been care.
fully revised, together with rules and reg
ulations to meet all complaints OF eNhibi.
tors and protect the good name OF the
Society.
9. liz all the departments care has been
taken to keep the exhibition up to good
and improving standard. Premiums FOL
farm, garden, orchard. and floral products
have been diversified, which will add to the
extent and interest in these classes.
3. In the intervals Of rest from cNamina
ton OF the general exhibition visitors viii
find entertainment in carefully-revised speed
trials; and arrangements are on loot FOL
characteristic exhibitions Of national games
4. Equestrian trials by ladies are also pro
vided for-so regulated that the most fas
tidious may participate, and visitors can
not fail to witness thenT without lively In
| tereSt.
5. The trials OF saddle-horses under tht
saddle, and paired horses to harness il
| the quarter stretch before the grand-stanc
other than speed trials.
| G. The annual address by an eminent clti
zen, hereafter to be selected and announced
and other addresses by distinguished in
vited guests.
7. The general meetings OF the Society
| each night of the fair, for business, lee
lures, addresses, discussions, DC.
AS proper notice to all exhibitors who
may see this address, it may be we'll to state
that all entries will close on Tuesday, 22t
| October, one week before the fair, and
for good reasons, cannot be relaxed.
TO the general public it may also bt
stated that no tickets OF admission will b.
used. The abuses incident to ticket sys
tenn, and the great loss to the Society, have
! induced the Executive Committee to adop
plan OF payment at the gates and auto
matte registers, which will be in no way in
convenient to visitors (other than member
and guests except to provide the prope
change for the admission-fee, which the.
III n Nv,