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The patronage accorded the speed department in 1900 by campaigning 

 horsemen was such as to indicate that, in the main, the present policy of the 

 board and the action of the superintendent are indorsed. The number of 

 entries shows a good increase over the preceding year, which is more than 

 was expected. In fact, if there had been a falling off, no one should have 

 been surprised, as the early indications of the racing season pointed to a 

 shortage of horses for the fall meetings. 



As usual, the question of charge for stalls was raised. The basis of com- 

 plaint is that other state fairs do not make such charge. Our total revenue 

 from that source is less than $600. Whether, in the long run, we would gain 

 by announcing free stalls for horses actually entered in races is a question 

 that experiment alone can answer. It would at least save the superin- 

 tendent of the speed department from the annoyance of numerous interviews 

 with dissatisfied patrons. 



Concerning the success of this department last year, there is little to be 

 said. As you are well aware, the inclement weather ruined that part of 

 the fair. However, the showing made in the figures herewith presented is 

 sufficient proof that had the conditions been favorable the department would 

 have done well. 



The amount of money appropriated last year will be sufficient for the com- 

 ing fair. We have learned that our purses are large enough, and there is 

 every reason to believe that an increase in them would do more harm than 

 good. We have a list of patrons who want just what we have to offer, and 

 we had better holdfast to them, especially when we can do so without incur- 

 ring increased liabilities. 



There is no longer any question as to the value of the speed ring as an 

 adjunct to a great fair. We have ours on the proper basis and its mainten- 

 ance there will be satisfactory to all concerned. 



Regarding the matter of special attractions, early in 1900 we entered into 

 an agreement for a race between Joe Patchen and John R. Gentry. The 

 event was widely advertised, and gave promise of being a great attraction 

 for the fair. Unfortunately for all concerned, the horse John R. Gentry 

 broke down, and at so late a date that it was impossible to secure an attrac- 

 tion of merit to take the place of this especial race. 1 mention this to show 

 that we were acting in good faith with the public, for the above mentioned 

 agreement is on file in the secretary's office, and speaks for itself. 



Respectfully submitted, 



Geo. H. Madden, 



Superintendent Class B, Section III. 



CLASS C— SHEEP. 



E. B. DAVID— Superintendent. 



lo the State Board of Agriculture: 



Gentlemen — As superintendent of sheep 20 years ago, and as the superin- 

 tendent of the same department for ten years, at intervals, since that time, I 

 can fully realize the importance of many new breeds brought before the 

 public, as well as the improvement in all classes and breeds. Sheep have 

 shown a vast improvement in taking on flesh, as well as distributing the 

 same over the carcass, to increase their value on the block. Many breeds 

 have made great gains in the texture and quantity and weight of the fleece. 



Two years ago, when the premiums were cut 40 per cent, the number of 

 sheep shown was only 336, but last year, with increased premiums and many 

 invitations sent to exhibitors, the number of sheep was 491, and the quality 

 of the exhibit was increased in the same ratio. 



Experts in the handling of sheep gave much praise to the exhibit of 1900, 

 with the remark that " no better sheep were ever shown.'' 



—2 A 



