48 



had over those not in atteandance, the first of last year had rightfully become 

 last of this year, and the last had become first. In order to increase the 

 space and fully utilize the frames we had, the two large cases were repaired 

 and made double their former capacity, two new cases were constructed 

 upon the bases of two of the old screens, and two new stands were made, 

 having 50 movable frames each, having a combined capacity of 200 mounts. 

 With all this increase of space for exhibits, there was no space unoccupied. 



There are five more large screens with bases four feet wide by eight feet 

 long, each holding 24 mounts, which as they now are occupy much useless 

 space, being of the same size as the new stands which hold 100 mounts each. 

 These bases can be utilized to advantage by tranforming them into cases, at 

 a loss of space of only eight mounts each. Two of these bases were made 

 into cases last year as an experiment and found to be very advantageous. 



As extra space will be required next year, your superintendent would rec- 

 ommed that this work be done early in the season and that artisans be re- 

 quested to submit bids for the work, in order to reduce the cost to a mini- 

 mum. The past year's work, although ordered fairly early in the season, 

 was postponed by the contractor until nearly the last thing, when the rush 

 of the work of fair was at its highest stage, then presented his bill for more 

 than double what it ought to have been. As evidence of the extra charge, 

 the frames that would cost $14 delivered at the depot in Chicago, with 

 possibly $2 freighi added, making $16 here in Springfield, cost $35, and other 

 things were in proportion. 



Your superintendent desires to call the attention of the board to the able 

 assistance and interest shown in the school by the Superintendent of Public 

 Instruction, the Hon. Alfred Bayliss, and his assistants, they having entire 

 charge of the exhibit and the arrangements of the same, from July 1st until 

 it was delivered on the grounds a few days before the fair. 



The following table gives a comparative statement of the exhibits of this 

 department for the last 23 years: 



