C58 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



provided for swine although much smaller in scope. It is hoped that 

 "this building may be erected from the profits of the fair, although this 

 board never counts its chickens until they are hatched and awaits the 

 balance sheet before making definite promises. The extensive unpro- 

 tected machinery exhibits cry aloud for a shed, and plans are drawn 

 for a serviceable shelter for this department. When the weather pre- 

 mits a maximum attendance the profits of each fair will go well along' 

 toward improvements, but such drafts as those of this year must be 

 made on the public purse. On Wednesday Governor Carroll and more 

 than 60 members of the legislature which had generously provided the 

 funds which have been so judiciously expended, had much pleasure in 

 reviewing the work of the board and taking personal stock of the 

 tangible account given of their stewardship by these faithful public 

 servants. This demonstration is certain to afford a receptive hearing 

 when the board presents the further needs of this state institution to 

 the attention of the men who order the public affairs of the common- 

 wealth. 



So much for the shell. What of the fair which the shell housed? 

 All sections cannot be maintained forever at a maximum. The in- 

 dustry is subject to many fluctuations which would militate against 

 such a result. In broad survey, this was the best which the years have 

 giyen attendants of the Iowa State Fair. There was a little weakness 

 in the beef cattle section, counterbalanced by a record breaking dairy 

 cattle show. A little slackening in two of the draft breeds was more 

 than offset by astonishing exhibits of two other breeds. Light horses 

 and ponies were notable. Swine were fewer in numbers, to the better- 

 ment of the average qualitj', and sheep overflowed into a few vacant 

 swine pens. Some of the big threshing outfits were absent from the 

 implement field, but the. total number of exhibitors was greater than ever 

 before. Agricultural exhibits made decided strides forward toward 

 the goal which the greatness of the state has naturally set for this 

 fair, and the exhibits of subsidiary interest were of gratifying volume 

 and character. The record was one that appealed to the state pride of 

 every Hawkeye, and clinched the demonstration that the present mana- 

 gers of the fair are succeeding admirably in their energetic and intelli- 

 gent attempt to live up to their obligations and opportunities. 



Iowa's agriculture was typified in the agricultural building. For some 

 years past the agriculture of the enterprising Northwest has been 

 dominant in it. Certainly these bright-minded breezy men from the 

 pioneer sections know a gccd thing when they see it. They are not to 

 be blamed for displaying their attractive wares, unimpeachable evidence 

 of the richness of virgin soil, in the most desirable space in Iowa's 

 agricultural building. They could not get better advertising space. 

 But "home firsts" is a pretty fair motto in such matters. In sharp con- 

 trast with some preceding years, more than 600 Hawkeye farmers 

 ■were represented by farm product exhibits in the agricultural build- 

 ing, and the proselyting exhibits from the Northwest, our newer states 

 ■and Canada, were under tents, at so much per front foot for exhibition 



