286 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



for all departments. The classification or division of exhibits has 

 made it an easy matter for the fair visitor to find anything he desires 

 to see with the shortest possible expense of time. It is a fair grounds 

 planned and builded upon a business basis, yet with natural fitness 

 that charms the visitor with its beauty. 



The machinery display was a very large increase over former years 

 and exceeded the prepared exhibition space by more than twenty acres 

 of out-of-door room. In the thousands of machines on display it was 

 asserted that there was not a single one but had some improvement 

 over last year. This department was thronged with visitors and 

 buyers, and the machinery dealer has good prospects for a big trade 

 for next season. 



The agricultural and horticultural divisions at this fair are strong 

 features. They are not planned solely for show and magnitude of 

 exhibit, but based upon the educational advantage that these exhibits 

 may contribute to the visitor who is seeking information. The county 

 and farm displays are under supervision of the county agent, who in 

 this case is J. W. Coverdale, state agent of the work in the state of 

 Iowa, an appointee of the federal Department of Agriculture. No 

 exhibit' can go into these displays that does not in all respects conform 

 to the published requirements laid down by the superintendent. 



All articles of farm production must be accompanied by a full 

 description of how they were produced, when planted, kind of soil 

 grown in, preparation of the ground, cultivation, etc., so that with 

 each article any visitor at the fair may inspect and study a full account 

 of its production, thus making the farm products show in reality an 

 educational study and a benefit to the student of crop work or seeker 

 for information. 



It has been established that merely a feast for the eye is not a con- 

 solation to the soul; that the fair exhibit, if it is to serve its best 

 purpose, must teach the lessons of advantage by information to be 

 given out to those who are interested inquirers. Blank forms are 

 provided for the grower or producer to fill in, showing every feature 

 of work in production. These are ready with the exhibit for inspec- 

 tion at all times. Large premiums are offered for these displays, 

 based upon a pro rata division, according to the score of the exhibit. 

 This promises to be a successful method of exhibition and is meeting 

 with great favor by agricultural experts from all parts of the country. 



The fruit show was, in all respects, the best ever put up in the 

 state. Apples, pears, peaches, plums and grapes were of excellent 

 quality. Unfortunately, however, the fruit crop of Iowa is very short, 

 due to a failure in blooming which has not been satisfactorily ac- 

 counted for. Insect damage has also been a contributing factor in 

 lowering the yield. 



