724 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Dainj, Domeslic and Apiary: 



In tlic Dairy Department the rearrangement of tlie Building, tlie construction of the 

 fountain in the center and the moving of the ice box to the nortli end of the Ijuilding gave 

 a very attractive appearance anci the exliibitors seemed to be well pleased with the changes 

 made. The space was all sold several weeks before the Fair opened, although the rate 

 was increased over 1915 from 15 cents to 25 cents per square foot. 



In the Domestic Department, we had a very good exhibit in the way of food stuff and 

 canned fruit and from what can be learned from the exhibitors and visitors at the Fair 

 we will have a much larger exhibit next year. 



In the Apiarj' Department we had but one exhi!)itor this year, although wo increased 

 the premiums more than 100%. This was due largely to the drouglit during the summer 

 and also to the death of Mr. Nichols, who has been the largest and best exhibitor in the 

 Apiary Department for many years past. 



Needlework: 



The Needlework exhibit was exceptionally good, although we were late in getting the 

 upper floor of the Woman's Building ready for its occupancy. However, another year 

 will see the finest needlework exhibit ever show in Michigan. 



Handicraft and Fine Arts: 



This was shown in our new Art Building and although this building was completed 

 after the opening of the Fair, it was a point of much interest and found many admirers. 

 I am sure these two buildings have had more to do with the increased interest of the women 

 of Michigan in the Michigan State Fair and brought us in closer touch with the home than 

 any other work we have attempted. 



Educational Department: 



The Educational Department was placed on the upper floor of the Administration 

 Building and although somewhat short of room was very creditably arranged an<l had 

 many visitors. 



Boys' State Fair School: 



The Boys' State Fair School was of unusual interest and I am sure is good advertising 

 for the Michigan State Fair throughout the State, as it gets us in close touch with at least 

 one home in every County in Michigan. 



Physical Educational DeparlmeM: 



We held a Body-Building Contest covering a period of six months from March 1st to 

 September 1st, 1916, in which we had 47 contestants. 



We also held a Physique Beautiful Contest in which there were 4 contestants. We 

 believe these are the first contests of this kind ever inaugurated at Fairs and think it will 

 tend to create a spirit of physical evolution and more sanitary conditions, which cannot 

 fail to be of gi'cat benefit to the people of our State. 



We also had contests for boys and girls, which met with considerable favor, and in all, 

 the Physical Educational Dejiartment is, I believe, a step in the right direction to en- 

 courage at Fairs. • 



Better Babies' Contest and Childs Welfare: 



This was held on the first floor of the new Woman's Building and was a point of more 

 than usual interest to all visitors of the Fair. This building with its accommodations 

 was especiaUy appreciated by the Women and Children of the State and next year will 

 see greater interest in this Department because the building will be entirely finished. 



