ulture and forestry to be present. A large number of
papers and reports are to be read, followed by discussions. These
reports are by persons who possess a thorough practical acquaintance
with the subjects presented, including such men as Peter M. Gideon, J.C.
Plumb, Dr. T.H. Hoskins, Prof. C.W. Hall, Prof. J.L. Budd, Dr. F.B.
Hough, H.J. Joly, J.F. Williams, and others. A number of premiums are
offered for apples, grapes, plants, and flowers, vegetables, seeds, and
miscellaneous objects. John S. Harris, of La Crescent, is President, and
Oliver Gibbs, Jr., of Lake City, is Secretary.

ILLINOIS STATE BOARD.

The Illinois State Board of Agriculture held a business session in
Springfield last week. All the members were present at one time or
another during the meeting. The premium list was revised for the fair of
1884. The premiums for speed were somewhat increased over last year. In
cattle sweepstakes classes it was decided that no animals can be allowed
to compete except the winners of a first prize in other classes in which
they had been entered, except in the case of the grand sweepstakes, to
which will be permitted animals not previously entered for any prize.

The Board is to make a laudable attempt to stimulate corn culture and to
benefit the corn growers of the State. It offers $100 for the best
bushel (ears) of corn grown in each of the three grand divisions of the
State, and a second prize of $50 for the next best sample in the three
divisions. The premium samples are to become the property of the Board,
and the winners of prize premiums must deliver on cars directed to the
agricultural rooms, Springfield, twenty-five bushels (ears) of same
variety that shall equal in merit the premium bushel. The winners of the
second premiums must send the samples and fifteen bushels of same
variety and of equal quality. The premiums will not be paid until the
comparisons of the premium corn with the larger lots are made by a
committee of the Board at its winter meeting in January next. The corn
thus donated to the Board will be distributed to farmers throughout the
State for planting in 1885.

Premiums are to be offered for tools, implements and appurtenances used
in the coal mining and handling industry of the State.

Premiums for poultry have been increased, and an expert will be selected
to do all the judging in the poultry department.

The chicken exhibit at the Fat Stock Show will not be continued.

The com