MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 401 



of 3-ears, with the privilege of charging a five cent admission, and of purchas- 

 ing" at the option of the Society after October 1st, 1907, at prices stated, 

 and agreement to purchase at the end of five years. 



During the height of the exhibition the water pressure at the grounds 

 was quite low. In order to overcome this it has been suggested that a well 

 be put down from which water could be pumped with a gasoline engine 

 that would augment the supply furnished from the city water mains. I 

 understand that a driven well of moderate capacity will in that section 

 furnish an unfailing and abundant supply of water. 



The premium list was greatly increased, in amount and the classification 

 enlarged in 1906. Exhibitors showed their appreciation in the large exhibit 

 made. The improvement in the premium list should be continued until 

 it becomes equal to the best among the State Fairs. 



It has been suggested that exhibitors of carriages and vehicles might 

 be willing to combine and erect a building for the exhibition of their goods 

 under a contract for the use of certain space therein for a term of years. 

 I am told that the annual expense to these exhibitors in providing tem- 

 poraiy quarters is very large interest on the sum that would be required 

 for a proportionate cost of erecting the building, and the latter would be 

 far more satisfactory for the display of goods. If there is such a feeling 

 among these exhibitors I suggest that the Business Committee take the 

 matter up with them and ascertain what can be done in that line. 



Shelter is also needed for exhibition of agricultural implements, and should 

 be provided at as early a date as possible. 



TRACK. 



The mile track on the grounds, having been graded just jDrevious to the 

 fair of 1905, was left in a very crude condition. Considerable labor was 

 expended on it during the spring of 1906, and while not perfect, horses in 

 some of the classes were able to make very fast time. However, it is not 

 yet in condition for the best work, and will need attention at the earliest 

 moment in the spring. I think it advisable to keep the track in good order 

 and encourage the use of the track and stalls by horsemen. Horsemen 

 are favorably disposed towards the location, and I think will use the track 

 for training to a large extent provided that it is in good order. The rent 

 of stalls in that would pay for the care of the track and bring it to fair time 

 in perfect condition without expense, and at the same time make it popular 

 with the horsemen and in that way bring more entries to the races. 



TRANSPORTATION, 



In consequence of the very large exhibit made in live stock and farm 

 implement departments the railroad facilities at the grounds became en- 

 tirely inadequate. The Grand Trunk Railway did the best it could with 

 the conveniences at hand, but the track room is far from sufficient for hand- 

 ling the exhibits of a large fair. Conference has already been had with the 

 superintendent of the G. T. R. R. relative to an increase of siding on the 

 grounds, the suggestion being made that an additional track be put in at 

 the south end for unloading heavy implements, and that a siding be put in 

 at the north end of the grounds sufficient to accommodate all live stock. 

 This will separate live stock from other cars, and bring the siding much 

 nearer to the stock barns and provide plenty of room for unloading and re- 

 loading. The superintendent approved the necessity for these improvements, 

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