Held at Appleton, Wisconsin, February, 1880.

WITH OTHER PRACTICAL PAPERS.

VOL. VII.-April 1, 1879, to April 1, 1880.

COMPILED BY

R. D. TORREY, Secretary.

C MADISON, WIS.:

DAVID ATWOOD, STATE PRINTER.

1880.

INTRODUCTORY.

It is expected that authors or compilers shall make some kind of preface or introduction to all books that come from their hands; in fact no book seems complete without it, and yet not one reader in five hundred probably stops to read it. This last thought prompts me to write this introductory.

Of the society and its work, nothing need be said. Those who have watched its steady growth for the last ten years are ready to accord flattering testimonials to the good it has accomplished in the state, unless, indeed, they are persons of extreme selfishness, with whom nothing is a success unless it contributes to their own individual interests financially.

The conventions of the society alone have been of incalculable benefit to the state; that of last winter, at Appleton, being specially noticeable for its good results.

Its fairs have been uniformly well managed, and always successful, unless bad weather interfered with its arrangements.

The society has had from the beginning some of the best men in the state as its managers, who have worked hard for success, which they have gained; and as the writer pens this introductory, he can but feel that at last a time has come when the society is acknowledged everywhere to be the leading one in the northwest.

The Board of Control for 1880 is no exception to those which have preceded it, in point of business capacity, integrity and perseverance. Come to the fair this fall and see for yourself.

The likeness of Hon. A. M. Skeels, of Ripon, is presented in this

volume. Mr. Skeels was the first president of the society, a position he held for nearly four years, until failing health compelled him to decline to serve longer. To him is due, more than any other one, the placing of the society on a good foundation, from which it has steadily advanced to its present success.

I desire to thank all the patrons and friends of the society for the uniform courtesy and kindness which for ten years has been shown me while acting as your secretary. That I have made mistakes, I freely admit. That my intentions have been good, I as freely claim. That the society may continue to grow and advance the interests of all classes and professions, I earnestly hope.

Yours respectfully,

R. D. TORREY,

Secretary.