The Cincinnati Horticultural Society likewise had their exhibition at the same time, and, of course diverted a magnificent display of Fruits and Flowers, which, under other circumstances, might have been exhibited with us. Notwithstanding this adverse circumstance, we had a very handsome collection of fruits and flowers, for which, we were mainly indebted to the Ladies of Cincinnati, and to the same fair hands, in conjunction with Mr. Elliot, we are under obligations for the exquisite taste manifested in the arrangement and decoration of Floral Hall, and we hereby tender them our sincere thanks. The display in the various departments of Agriculture, Manufactures and the Mechanic Arts, was highly creditable to the energy and skill of our citizens. That the Board did not overrate the utility and importance of such exhibitions, was fully manifested from the great interest and the general satisfaction expressed by the immense concourse of citizens in attendance from all parts of our State, as well as the great numbers from abroad. And we flatter ourselves, that with the experience now obtained, and the spirit now aroused, we shall be able another year, to bring forward such an exhibition of our agricultural products and manufacturing industry as has not heretofore been witnessed in our State, and which will infuse into our people a spirit of emulation and improvement that will long continue. All intelligent farmers now understand that there exists an intimate connection between Chemistry, Geology and Agriculture, and the time is fast approaching when the people will demand that the elementary principles of these sciences shall be taught in our common schools, our academies and colleges, That a scientific agricultural survey of the State, with reference to the character and improvement of the soil, and the products best suited to the different varieties of soil and climate to be found within the State, would be highly useful, will be readily admitted by all. One step towards carrying out this idea has been taken by the Board, on the recommendation of the last convention of agricultural delegates, by appointing to the post of Corresponding Secretary and Agricultural Chemist, Prof. Wм. W. MATHER, a gentleman of varied scientific acquirements, and practical experience in the analysis of soils. This is, emphatically, an age of science and improvement, and if we would not lag behind in the race, we must take care to qualify ourselves by education and preparation, and by the proper use of all legitimate means within our power, to contend with a competition directed by skill and science, and quickened by keen and intelligent self-interest. We must not forget that agriculture is a science as well as an art, and he who best understands its principles, and applies them in practice, will, ordinarily, be the most successful. It is by means of annual exhibitions, the formation of numerous county and local agricultural societies and the general diffusion of intelligence, that we may hope to arouse a spirit of emulation and of improvement among our people, which will result in an increasing development of all the great natural resources of our State. There is already a manifest spirit of progress and improvement abroad in the land, which we hail as a bright harbinger of the time when, in accordance with the rapid advance of this enlightened age, our own Ohio shall stand proudly pre-eminent in the general intelligence of her citizens, and as a noble example of the well-directed energy and industry of a Free People. M. L. SULLIVANT, President. PROCEEDINGS OF THE OHIO STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE, AND ITS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 1850. MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. CINCINNATI, JANUARY 5, 1850. Present-Messrs. Lapham, Gest and Bateham. Consultation was had with members of the Cincinnati Horticultural Society, and of the Mechanics' Institute, in regard to the union of the several exhibitions. It was found that both these associations preferred holding their shows separately in their own halls, and did not see fit to co-operate as societies with the State Board, on any terms that were deemed acceptable; but it was believed that many of their members would assent as individuals. Accordingly, it was decided that the Board would go on with the arrangements for the State Fair, without having any reference to the other exhibitions. The list of premiums was made out, and ordered to be appended to the annual report now in the hands of the Legislature. Mr. Lapham was directed to make observations in regard to suitable grounds for the Fair; and, also, to advertise for proposals for erecting fences, buildings, &c. MEETING OF THE BOARD. CINCINNATI, MAY 8 AND 9, 1850. Prent--Messrs. Sullivant, Watts, Gest, Lapham, Bateham, Pugsley, Elliot and Edwards; also, Col. Taylor, President of the Hamilton County Agricultural Society, and several other friends of the cause in that vic nity, during a part of the deliberations. Numerous letters were presented by the Secretary, received in answer to a circular, and giving names of suitable persons for serving on committees for awarding premiums at the State Fair. A full list of judges was made out, and some amendments of the premium list; also, rules and regulations for the Fair. These were all ordered to be published in pamphlet form, for general distribution. The members of the Board spent half a day in looking at different fields of ground near the city, on which to hold the Fair, but did not positively decide upon any, leaving the question to be settled by the Executive Committee, who were also instructed to make contracts for all necessary erections, such as tents, buildings, fences, &c., on a liberal scale for the Fair. MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. CINCINNATI, JUNE 5, 1850. Present-Messrs. Lapham, Gest and Bateham. After viewing several other localities, the committee decided to adopt the grounds known as "Camp Washington," as the place for the Fair. Contracts made by Mr. Lapham for lumber and labor for fences, buildings, &c., were read and approved; proposals were also received for making several large tents, and the matter was referred to Mr. Lapham, for him to make further enquiries, and to complete a contract on the best terms. The committee finding that no design had been presented for a di̟ ploma, called on several artists, and finally bargained with Mr. Ouken for a design, and if approved, the work to be on stone. Printed circulars were directe to be sent by mail, to the persons appointed as judges at the State Fair, informing them of their appointment and inviting them to attend. Large handbills were also ordered to be printed, announcing the regulations for the show, to be circulated throughout the State and region adjacent. 1 THE CHOLERA-DEATH OF MR. LAPHAM. About the first of July, the cholera again made its appearance in Cincinnati, and continued to prevail with more or less violence for about two months, throughout most of the Southern and Western towns of this State and parts adjoining. Among its victims was DaRIUS LAPHAM, a much esteemed and most useful member of this Board and of its Executive Committee, who was at the time engaged in su perintending the erections for the roposed State Fair. He died at Cincinnati, on Saturday, July 20, 1850, aged 42 years. THE FAIR POSTPONED. At a meeting of the Executive Committee and others of the Board, called by order of the President, at Columbus, August 12, 1850, it was Resolved, That in consequence of the continued prevalence of the cholera in many parts of this State and the West, the time for holding the State Fair be postponed to the 2d, 3d and 4th days of Octo ber next. Resolved, That Editors of papers in Ohio and adjoining States be requested, immediately, to give notice of this change. Resolved, That the Secretary send notice to the officers of the American Pomological Congress, and request them to change the time of meeting of that body accordingly. The President was appointed member of the Executive committee, in place of Mr. Lapham, deceased. Mr. Bateham was directed to go to Cincinnati, and look after the necessary arrangements there at the present time. |