400 STATE BOARD OP AGRICULTURE. 



of the State than at previous fairs, not mentioning the very large increase 

 coming over the suburban Hnes. 



The exhibits and entries as shown by the secretary were: 



Total entries 8,955 



Total amount of premiums offered, exclusive of speed and cups 



and medals $29,393.25 



Total amount premiums awarded — cash 21,720.35 



Value cups and medals 2,500.00 



A grand total of premiums 24,220.35 



These totals are, I am informed, about 25% greater than ever before. 



IMPROVEMENTS. 



While we have much larger facilities for holding a fair than ever before 

 we are handicapped by lack of buildings for the proper display of our ex- 

 hibits. The Society has, however, though laboring under disadvantages 

 as to time, provided buildings and accommodations which, though inade- 

 quate, will house large exhibits. It was thought the stock barns erected 

 this year would accommodate all the entries that could be expected, but 

 we found at the beginning of the fair that fully one-third of the cattle, sheep, 

 and swine were lacking shelter, and tents with temporary quarters were 

 provided for them. This temporary shelter is very expensive, because all 

 that is done in that line is of no value after the fair. The requests of the 

 superintendents of these departments for greater space are warranted, and 

 if possible should be provided before another fair. The live stock exhibit 

 is a great feature of any fair, and the continuation of large exhibits is de- 

 pendent on the convenience and accommodation given to exhibitors, and 

 while the exhibitors this year were discommoded by use of temporary quar- 

 ters, they realized the situation, and I think left with the feeling that they 

 would all come again. 



The Poultry Department, the Farm and Garden Department, and the 

 Dairy Department also found the space, though larger than heretofore, 

 entirely too limited for their respective departments. The requests of the 

 superintendents of these departments for more space is entirely justifiable 

 and should be met if possible. The horticultural department seems to 

 be more nearly accommodated than any other department and the build- 

 ing is entirely satisfactory to the superintendent and the exhibitors. As 

 shown by the report of the superintendent it was the finest and largest 

 exhibit in that department ever seen in the State. 



The Art, Needlework and Educational Departments, though fairly well 

 housed, can never be made what they should be until more and better space 

 is provided. The Needlework Department especially needs dust-proof 

 cases in which to show work, or exhibitors of the best handicraft will not 

 exhibit their goods. With the permanent location of the fair the improve- 

 ments made remain for continued use and there is no question but that 

 with the increased receipts which can be expected the Society may annually 

 add to its equipment, but owing to the large amount needed it will still 

 lake several years to complete the equipment of the grounds from the receipts 

 so as to make them convenient for holding a large exposition. 



The arrangements for water and toilet conveniences are now fairly ade- 

 quate and satisfactory to visitors. With an increased attendance hoped 

 for and expected there will be more toilet conveniences needed. 



Lease and contract was made by the Business Committee with Watson 

 Bros, for the construction and maintenance of six toilet rooms for a term 



