420 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



supervision of Secretary Buttertield and Professor Taft. Trees and 

 shrubs have been planted and walks laid out and driveways improved, 

 and our grounds are the most attractive in the country. 



The Grand Trunk Kailway has constructed additional side tracks 

 in accordance with my recommendation of last year. These tracks 

 have served to make the fair much more popular with exhibitors. 



The new department organized to look after transportation has been 

 successful and should be continued. 



While we are all aware of the fact that a great deal of money could 

 be put into additional desirable and almost essential improvements, still 

 I can hardly feel like recommending any great investment under exist- 

 ing circumstances. 



From the last three years' experience, I would recommend that benches 

 be placed in the band grove where visitors may rest and eat their lunches 

 in comfort. 



We should plan for the future to have a structure where the im- 

 plement and vehicle exhibits could be placed under cover. The manu- 

 facturers would gladly pay the association for such space, as they 

 would save the money they now expend for tents. Before this fair 

 reaches its full importance it must have a building where power is 

 furnished to show the process of manufacturing the different commodi- 

 ties made in the state. 



Our races have been handled in a commendable manner, neverthe- 

 less, the superintendent of the speed department Avill agree that a 

 great improvement can be made if the association provides for several 

 big stakes. If this were done the number of other purses may possibly 

 be cut down and the public interest in the races increased. 



A proposition will be made, which if accepted would provide a track 

 which would be unexcelled and would increase the receipts of the 

 association. 



Among the important improvements in the operating end of the fair, 

 I mention the following: Wholesalers of supplies and produce have 

 been provided with buildings on five year contract. It is now convenient 

 for state fair visitors to go to the grounds in automobiles since the 

 checking system and reservation of space for machines has been made. 

 The live stock parade, through the grounds made a decided hit and 

 adds considerable interest. 



The night shows as conducted last year were not only profitable in 

 themselves, but helped the concessions and the Wonderlust consider- 

 ably. The class of free attractions and the program before the grand 

 stand received much favorable comment and helped to make the fair 

 popular. In the Wonderlust itself were many shows of unusual in- 

 terest. This feature is necessary to the success of such an institution 

 as ours. The manag-ement found itself short of ground space for this 

 department and due allowance should be made in the future. 



I think I express the sentiment of this body when I say that the 

 exhibits of minerals, while attractive to a few, does not give satisfactory 

 results when the item of expense is considered. We are too far away 

 from the mineral district for a successful exhibit of this kind. I would 

 recommend that in its place we show an elaborate collection of war 

 relics and historical souvenirs. 



The school exhibit attracts considerable attention and I think can 



