TENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART VI 263 



Copies of the various circular letters issued from time to time are 

 attached to this report. A special edition of the premium list was issued 

 early and widely distributed both from Mr. Simpson's office and my own. 

 Many interviews were held with superintendents regarding the work. 

 There was much sympathy with the work, but there was a general feeling 

 that the time was too short to prepare creditable exhibits so some hesi- 

 tated to enter. However, a number of superintendents and principals 

 responded right royally and rendered invaluable assistance in making the 

 exhibit a success. J. E. Cundy, the county superintendent of Buena Vista 

 since principal of the public schools of Marathon, was appointed assistant 

 superintendent. 



The executive committee assigned for our use the three booths on the 

 north side of the east wing of the exposition building, which was some- 

 what reduced by our sharing the west booth with the traveling libarary 

 exhibit. This being the first exhibit it was difficult to forcast the amount 

 and kind of exhibits and to prepare properly for them. With the helpful 

 assistance of Mr. Deemer the booths were slightly altered, some old show 

 cases procured and preparation made for displaying and protecting the 

 work. State Superintendent E. C. Bishop of Nebraska was procured to 

 judge the work and place the premiums, which he did to the satisfaction of 

 the exhibitors and the superintendent. I attach hereto a complete report 

 of all premiums awarded. Where there were many entries more placings 

 were made than the number of premiums awarded to provide against 

 possible necessity of moving some up because of error or ineligibility. 



Considering all the conditions under which the first exhibit was held 

 the results are highly gratifying and I think the board should be congratu- 

 lated on creating this department and be encouraged to continue it as a 

 feature of their annual exposition. 



If the department be continued another year, as I believe it should be, 

 I desire to make the following suggestions: 



1. That the general plan of the premium list be followed. 



2. That some slight changes be made therein especially in adding third 

 premiums to several of the numbers in Class 164. 



3. That the amount of space be materially increased. 



4. That the space be divided into two general divisions, one for mis- 

 cellaneous exhibits and one for collective exhibits. 



5. That the miscellaneous exhibits be grouped in three classes; viz., 

 rural schools, graded schools and high schools. 



6. That the space devoted to collective exhibits be divided into small 

 booths and then assigned to individual schools, cities, counties, etc. 



7. That the premium list be issued earlier. 



8. That that amount of money appropriated to this department be the 

 same as appropriated last year. 



In addition to the above suggestions for next year I would like to sug- 

 gest that in the general plans of the fair for the ensuing year we contem- 

 plate the following additional features: 



1. A model country school house, grunds, garden, equipment and 

 furnishings. 



