The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1880-01-14

The board OF agriculture met Tuesday in
regular annual session, with President
Mitchell in the chair. The members
present we're Messrs Mitchell, Haynes, Han
cock, Quick, MUTT, Seybold, Raglan, Meri-
dith, Barnes Custer Lockhart, Sutherland,
Turner, Sample, Cofeld and Seward.
PRESIDENT MITcHELL's ADDRESS.
In accordance with a time-honored custom,
/ feel called upon, as your executive o1ncer, 10
indulge IN a few brief remarks with reference
to general topics that has come under my OBJ
servation while IN the discharge OF official
duties, and will preface them by quoting from
the report of the commissioners of agriculture
to Abraham Lincoln, In 1867. In speaking OF
country and England, and the influence
Of agricultural societies such as ours,
he says: Lands are being extensively under
drained, deep and subsoil ploughing practiced,
and great care and considerable skill exer-
oised In the preparation and application of
manure. In the use of improved agricultural
implements a great change has everywhnere
plows, rollers, cultivators, reapers. threshers,
horse and steam powers, and thousand other
labor-sa wing machines, the result of skill and
This sketch of agricultural improvement In
the country IS given in order to show that
progress has not been the result of mere rou-
tine farming out of practically applied science
% classified knowledge. The great channel
for the most part through which this knowl-
societies and publications. Since nave been
connected with the operations of this asSocta-
ton nave been deeply impressed win tne
truth Of this assertion. Let our
course then be upward and onward.
1t Will be conceded, l presume, that the past
year has been one of great abundance OF crops
over the entire State, whereby the tlller OF the
soil has received his tull reward. We are not
only amazed, but highly gratified, to feel as
sured that our society exhibitions, since Its
organization, has done SO nobly toward light
creasing me productiveness of the soil I'm
proved machinery Tor agricultural
purposes has not thrown men
the MARKET but the result is that labor is light
ened, time is gained for literary and home en-
pushed by MS crops maturing, and oppressed
by his harSest's labor, now is enabled to take
his rest. secure his grain, and find time to look
around seeking for general information how
10 better his business and improve his farm
The president here reviewed the success of
the past years fair in sacn department.
To the general superintendent secretary and
treasurer OF this State board, L will say, well
doEe. good and faithful servants. You have
accom- plished Iaborious work the past season,
and deserve the thanks of this board for the
prompt and cheerful manner in which you
discharged yOur duties. The business men of
Indianapolis gave much assistance and made
nne displays IN furtherance of the exhibition
they are entitled to the thanks of this
board, and the expression of the hope
ard and c 1rnfort on ali future occasions. To
the mem bers OF the State board feel under
many obligations for their kind assistance
having been honored by You to MI the highest
position on this board, have tried to dis
charge nay duties faithfully and for the inter
After the presidents address the report of
the secretary was submitted.
REPORT OF SECRETARY HERON
Secretary Heron submitted his report as
follows:
January Z, 1879, cash in hand of treasurer,
S7,6S3.52; total receipts from State appropria-
ton, admission, rent OF stalls, etc, SS5 50i60;
total expenditures, S22,9l5.50; total amount In
treasury, sI2, 26s.99; The receipts for 1879 ex-
by 5000. In conclusion he says: The pub
llshed annual reports containing the proceed
to the agrtcuIturai Interest generally. have
met with a large demand. There should be
more copies of them published for
to detailed descriptions of the State.
1t was remarked, in connection with the ne
cessity and Importance, that educated people
can tell more about Italy and foreign coun-
tries than Indiana. would respectfully call
centering at this point In giving favorable
rates for this meeting, especially to the pas
senger agent of the Panhandle railroad and
branches in conceding rates and terms not
granted 10 other associations The street rail-
road company should receive some recogni
at the last fair to assist in making IL success;
and TO the press of the city and state is due an
expression of thanks for the will and interest
Again I nave the pleasure of acknowledging
the kindness and courtesy from all with whom
have been associated.
Respectfully submitted.
ALEX. HERON, Secretary.
sUPERINTENDENT's REPORT.
The following is the report of the general
superintendent, r. III. Lockhart:
1 have the pleasure OF submitting to you my
second report as superin tendent of.your board.
Being my own successor, l beg leave to refer
you TO my fist report made at the annual
meeting Of 1873, showing the condition of the
State fair grounds and buildings at that date.
Early In the spring of 1873, the horsemen,
who desired TO train horses on the race track,
became clamorous for extensive repairs on the
track. Il was well-known fact that the old
race track was worn out until IL had become
as hard as an ordinary turnpike. L COM
menced work on the track on the 18th OF
April. Prior to that time the most OF the
horsemen had gone to the South Park track,
thinking that would not put the exposition
track IN such condition as IL should be placed
in 10 make IL suitable track for the training
After Commencing work, / concluded that
the best thing that could do for the interests
OF the board would be TO make the track first
class IN every way, IN order 10 induce
better class OF horses to come to
our fairs to compete for the purses offered.
proceeded TO widen out the home stretch
from 40 70 30 feet and the back stretch from
80 to A.
In making the turns 1 made rise Ct one
inch 10 the foot, and in order to get the dis
lance and grade 1t became necessary to move
over 5000 loads OF dirt on wagons.
covered the entire surface of the track with
four inches of soil, and when completed was
pronounced by the best horsemen of the city
as equal 10 any half-mile track in this any
Ofthe adjoining states.
In connection with this 1 viii say that
have not allowed the manure made on the
grounds TO be taken away, and would suggest
10 my successor that the same be spread even
~ over the track in the month OF March, and
plowed under, being careful not to turn the
soil to depth greater than three inches. If
this plan is adopted IL will keep the track in
good driving condition at a small expense to
the board each season. In rebuilding the track
1t became necessary to remove the old fence
which was rotten that but few OF the parts
could be used in the construction OF the new
fence. Those that would not answer / used In
the way OF stringers In refiOoring the hog
pens.
As stated I'm my former report, and con-
Cured Ia by the committee on fair grounds,
the roof on the exposition building and also on
the engine house had to be recovered,
which was done by contract at cost Of S2O4
per square. The material used was the best
quality OF felt q ply with pitch and gravel,
the work being warranted Tor a term of five
years. A portion OF the floor of the EXPOSE
ton building had 10 be relaid, as also the floor
of the yeranda on the south side OF building;