90 BOAKD OF AGRICULTURE. 



harness, etc., for the care of the track and the grounds. I consider this 

 one of the best investments ever made by the Board. It gives us abso- 

 lute control of our worli, and allows it to be done in a way entirely satis- 

 factory to the Superintendent. This could not be done under the old 

 method of hiring teams and laborers as needed. The race track has grovrn 

 in popularity, a large number of good horses were trained there during 

 the season of 1901, and the prospects are that a still larger number will 

 occupy the stables in 1902. 



I have but few recommendations to make to the incoming Board. I 

 believe that at the earliest possible moment a half-mile race course, or 

 training track, should be constructed inside of the present njile track. It 

 should be so constructed that it will be completely drained and made of 

 such material that it will soon dry and be in condition for use after a rain. 

 I think that the grounds on the interior of this half-mile track and directly 

 in front of the grand stand should be put in first-class condition for a drill 

 ground and athletic park. During the last fair we felt the need of a level 

 and commodious drill ground, and if the suggestion that the State Militia 

 holds its regular annual reviews at the Fair Grounds is adopted, such an 

 improvement will be in the nature of a necessity. With the outlay of a 

 small amount of money this work could be done, as the two teams owned 

 by the Board could be used to excellent advantage in its construction. I 

 would also suggest that a broad and substantially built drivewvay be con- 

 structed around the outside of the race track, so that the visitors can have 

 an attractive drive and easy access to all parts of the ground. I believe 

 that a new department should be created and a superintendent appointed, 

 who would have charge of the musical and other special attractions given 

 from time to time upon the grounds during the fair. Under the present 

 arrangement this duty seems to devolve upon the President, and is often- 

 times neglected. 



Well directed efforts should be used to interest the people of Indian- 

 apolis in the State Fair. No one thing brings more people and money to 

 Indianapolis than the annual meetings of the State Fair, and the meagre 

 support given the institution by the merchants and citizens is a reflection 

 upon the enterprise and push of the capital city. A careful and conscien- 

 tions scrutiny of the figures furnished by the railroads and the transfers 

 handled by the street railway, shows that a very small per cent, of the 

 crowds that went to the Fair Grounds in 1901 were citizens of Indianapolis. 

 The people of Indianapolis owe a more liberal support to the State Fair. 

 The importance of their patronage should be impressed upon them and 

 every effort possible made to attract and merit their good will and support. 



I want to congratulate the managers of the State Fair upon the ex- 

 cellent services rendered in 1901 by the Indianapolis Street Railway. The 

 service was all that could have been asked, the immense crowds being han- 

 dled with regularity and despatch. Complaints of former years were not 

 repeated, and the service met all of our requirements. 



