MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 299 



any other exhibit in the building. The exhibitions of the educational 

 institutions of the State were of the best and should be encouraged. 



Very few of the exhibits in my charge are entered for the purpose of 

 obtaining premiums or diplomas. There were 23 entries. The Depart- 

 ment offers $42 and of this amount $8 was awarded, with a number of 

 diplomas. 



Respectfully submitted, 



F. E. SKEELS, 



Superintendent. 



On* motion, the above report was accepted. 



ART DEPARTMENT. 



To the OflScers and Members of the Executive Committee of the Michi- 

 gan State Agricultural Society: 



Gentlemen — As Superintendent of Art at the State Fair, held at 

 Pontiac, Michigan, September 7, 1908, 1 submit the following report: 



Total premiums offered all classes, 1891.50. Awarded, $797. 



We had a very fine complimentary exhibit from the Art Museum of 

 Detroit, work of some of the best artists in the State, which added 

 largely to the display and with very little expense. For this we feel 

 under obligations to Prof. A. H. Griftith, superintendent. 



1 was informed by artists and exhibitors who have attended the State 

 fairs, that we had the largest, also the best exhibit this year in this 

 Department ever made in this State. 



Recommendations. — I would recommend that premium lists be printed 

 on separate sheets so they can be placed in the hands of the artists a 

 little earlier to give them more time to prepare new work for this depart- 

 ment. 



That skylights be put in and the side windows boarded up, this would 

 give better light and would show up the work to a better advantage, 

 and it would also give more room to display oil paintings. 



That different color than red cloth be put on the walls as the red 

 destroys the effect of the paintings. 



Respectfully submitted, 



BYRON E. HALL, 



Superintendent. 



On motion, the above report was received and referred to proper 

 committee. 



NEEDLE WORK AND CHILDREN'S WORK. 



OflScers and Members of the Executive Committee of the Michigan State 

 Agricultural Society: 



Gentlemen — As Superintendent of Needlework, I desire to report: 

 The exhibit was the finest ever made- during my experience with your 

 Society. 



With a desire to draw out a finer display from professionals and art 

 dealers your committee, at my suggestion, kiadly changed the profes- 

 sional list, grouping the exhibit under one head and offering one large 

 premium of $175. The result was very disappointing as the large firms 



