202 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



The position of the race traclv is shown shifted to the north slightly 

 in order to accommodate the new steel amphitheater, which is shown 

 lying just south and between the track and Grand avenue. By shifting 

 to the position indicated, and securing the Sims tract to the north of 

 the present fair grounds, a mile of track could be installed, using the 

 same starting place, judges' stand, and amphitheater as for the half 

 mile. The greatest objection to doing this would be the enormous cut- 

 ting into the hill which would be required. The hill rises very rapidly 

 here and a cut of some thirty feet would be quite probable. The little 

 creek at the west end would also need to be bridged. 



To the east of the proposed amphitheater several building sites are 

 shown. The locations at present are covered with makeshift machinery 

 buildings, which would be removed upon the completion of Machinery 

 Hall. These sites all have good views down upon the Administration 

 building and the privilege grounds to the west and south of it. The 

 horticulture, dairy and agricultural extension interests of the state are 

 clamoring for room and these positions are suggested for them. 



At the head of Rock Island Avenue the site is unusually gcoJ an 1 

 commanding. Here an imposing building could be installed with one 

 axis lying en the avenue and the other parlalel to Grand Avenue. The 

 other sites are not so good, being somewhat too far removed from the 

 center of activity. Further, the placing of a large permanent dining hall 

 just to the east, with its back doors looking out upon this territory has 

 very much decreased the value of the locations for building sites. This, 

 however, could be partially remedied by screen planting along the creek. 



A word regarding plantings. At present the association is expending 

 large sums of money on beds and bedding plants and their upkeep. This 

 is a serious mistake. These plantings are seen but a week or two during 

 the whole year, and their cost is out of all proportion to the benefits 

 derived from them. A much less sum of money expended in planting a 

 well devised scheme of hardy schrubbery and trees would produce far 

 more desirable results in every way. 



The tree planting at present is very faulty in that it. is not planned as 

 to material or arrangement. Sending out gangs of day workmen with 

 spades and stakes to set in incongruous and unrelated rows of box elders, 

 cottonwoods, and soft maples can hardly be excused on a ground such as 

 the one under consideration. 



In view of these mistakes that are being made, and recognizing the 

 fact that no adequate plan for the fair grounds is in existence, we 

 earnestly recommend that a thoroughly competent, authoritative landscape 

 architect be at once engaged to work out a definite and permanent plan 

 for the treatment of the whole ground. We do this because the interest, 

 attendance and magnitude of the fair are bound to grow yet for decades 

 at least, and it behooves Iowa to house this greatest agricultural and 

 industrial exposition in the middle west, and in some respects in the 

 whole world, in a fitting manner. Awaiting your service, I am. 



Yours ver}^ truly, 



(Signed). K. A. KIRKPATRICK. 



