There was also a good display of boots and shoes. O. E. Fitch & Co., of Madison, made a fine display of hats, caps, gloves and mittens. Under the heading of Miscellaneous Articles not on list, there were quite a number of articles worthy of notice. Among the said articles was Geo. V. Hecker's self-raising flour, which I think attracted more attention than any other article on the grounds. The Racine Boat Co. exhibited three boats which attracted a great deal of attention, and were well entitled to notice. There were many more articles, too numerous to mention, upon which I recommended a diploma. At the annual meeting of the Board, I will suggest a very few changes in the premium list in this department. DEPARTMENT B.-CATTLE. HON. A. A. ARNOLD, SUPERINTENDENT. The undersigned, superintendent of cattle department at Wisconsin State Fair for the year 1880, respectfully reports as follows: The whole number of cattle shown was two hundred and twelve, of which seventy-nine were Short-horns, forty-nine Ayrshires, forty Devons, twenty-five Jerseys and nineteen Holstein. The following are the names of exhibitors and kinds of cattle exhibited. Wm. Kiser, twelve head of Short-horns. J. Kiser, fifteen head of Short-horns. Col. Reynolds, one Short-horn. J. E. Owens, eight head of Short-horns. Mr. Buchanan, nineteen head of Short-horns. E. Gill, fourteen head of Short-horns. State University, ten head of Short-horns and four head of Holstein. G. E. Bryant, nine head of Short horns. J. Johnson, fourteen head of Ayrshires. W. Blanchard, one Ayrshire. J. W. Morse, five head of Devons. Mr. Baker, sixteen head of Devons. N. N. Palmer, fourteen head of Jerseys. The exhibition, though not as large as in the year 1879, still was equal to it except in the Short-horns, and in this nearly equal, except as to number. On the whole, the exhibition was very creditable to the breeders of cattle in our state. With the liberal premiums offered, it would seem that breeders in the adjoining states might be induced to show their cattle at our fairs, if ours was not held at a time to interfere with other state fairs in Illinois, Iowa aud Minnesota. Unless some new feature can be introduced at our state fair to make it more attractive, I would not recommend an increase in the list of premiums offered, but would sug gest that the secretary make the coming year an especial effort to obtain offers of special premiums from the leading business men of our state, who by so doing, would not only vastly assist our fair, but they may, if desirable, offer the special premium. coupled with an advertisement, thus killing two birds with one stone. To the several committees in my department, I take this occasion to tender my sincere thanks for the very efficient manner in which they adjudged in their several classes. As proof of which there was not a single appeal, and as far as I learned, no grumbling, as is often the case. When they misjudged (if at all), it was where honest and competent men would often differ in judgment. FORAGE DEPARTMENT. The supplies of hay, straw, feed and water furnished by the Society to the horses, cattle, sheep and swine, on exhibition at the last state fair, were good in quality, and in sufficient quantity for the wants of the stock on exhibition in those departments. The hay was particularly fine, and was furnished by Mr. M. H. Harriman, from the farm of General Bryant. On the care and proper distribution of those supplies depend the comfort of the stock, and the convenience and good temper of the exhibitors. The expenses of this department for the fair of 1880 were $557.11; the amount paid for the fair of 1879 was $577.13. A. A. Boyce, Superintendent. RECEPTION OF GEN. U. S. GRANT. The first citizen of the United States was in attendance during the exhibition of 1880, which was held in Madison on the fair grounds of the society, the historic "Old Camp Randall," at 1:30 P. M. of September 7th. Gen. U. S. Grant was escorted from the residence of his host, Col. Wm. F. Vilas, on Gilman street, to the state fair grounds, the procession moving in the following order: Madison Band-Lake City Guards, Capt. Chapman - Governor's Guard, Capt. Heinkel - Squad of Veterans' Club- Carriage containing Gen. Grant, Gov. Smith and Col. Vilas - Squad of Veterans' Club - Carriage containing Col. Fred. Grant, Gen. Rowley, Capt. Kasson and Capt. King-Squad of Veterans' Club, forming hollow square. Upon arriving at the grounds, the prominent personages of the procession, with representatives of the press, officers of the fair and municipal authorities, took position in the judges' stand. The races were viewed by the party for nearly two hours. A number of prominent persons were presented to Gen. Grant, the distinguished guest being unusually talkative, discussing war reminis cences, horse racing, etc., with evident gusto. At four o'clock, the visitors resumed their carriages, and being driven out upon the race track, in front of the grand stand, the militia companies formed a hollow square with the notables within. In introducing Gen. Grant to the assembled throng, Gen. George E. Bryant, secretary of the society, addressed the hero of Vicksburg as follows: "GENERAL GRANT:- By the courtesy of the officers of the State Agricultural Society, whose guest you are, I have been commissioned by the veteran soldiers of Wisconsin, who with you wore the blue, to speak a word of welcome. Many of us |