90 AGRICULTURE) OF MAINE. 



The Danbury, Connecticut, fair is probably as notable an 

 example here in the East as could be found. This fair draws 

 hundreds out from New York City every year, and the amuse- 

 ments, and the industrial and agricultural exhibits are in a well 

 balanced proportion to each other. 



No doubt I have said more than is necessary, or perhaps called 

 for on such points as these, but there should never be a time or 

 an occasion in this free country, where it is improper to discuss 

 problems relating to the welfare of coming generations, and so 

 as one deeply interested in the educational advantages, as well as 

 other things, offered by fairs, I have taken the opportunity to 

 speak as I have. 



In taking the stand that agricultural products must occupy 

 such a prominent place the question of buildings must needs be 

 one of the first considerations. In the first place the general 

 aspect of the whole grounds should be pleasing to the eye. Peo- 

 ple are bent on gaiety and pleasure at such a time as this. The 

 buildings in which the different exhibits are shown should be 

 roomy, light, substantial and dry. The most ideal form of 

 those which have been brought to my notice is the 

 form of a hollow square. This allows the crowd to pass in 

 through the exhibits, viewing them to good advantage, and the 

 space in the center can be devoted to many other purposes. On 

 account of the uncertainty of weather conditions the buildings, 

 both halls and stables, must be substantial enough so that valu- 

 able articles will not be ruined, or animals unduly exposed. 



We often hear it said that there is not much value in show- 

 ing grains and other like products. The trouble is that too 

 little attention is given to the displaying of such things. A sack 

 of grain is left here, there and everywhere. Each variety should 

 be put into a bucket or attractive measure and placed on tables 

 or benches whose sides slope upward toward the rear so that 

 every sample can be readily seen. 



In the showing of fruit I know of no better method than plates, 

 as used at the present time. Besides this there should be 

 samples of all the newer and more approved styles of packing 

 boxes and baskets, and these should be filled with the produce 

 ready for shipment. 



In the matter of vegetables, too much stress has been laid 

 on the showing of especially large and abnormal specimens of 



