FOURTEENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART IV. 299 



put on a fine poultry exhibit. Refrigerated poultry products were on dis- 

 play, five birds were killed, dressed and boned at definitely announced 

 hours daily, and interested home managers exhausted both demonstrator 

 and superintendent demanding more. A prospective feature during the 

 coming year is a poultry contest among school children. Twelve county 

 organizations of enthusiastic youngsters already exist, and more are 

 promised. 



The chronicle halts as the implement section is approached. It grows 

 more unwieldy of description with the years. The bark of the gas motor 

 is over it all, as challenging the substitution of its vapory force for human 

 brawn in many fields of exertion. The big machinery manufacturers were 

 liberally represented, and plowing demonstrations by gas and steam motor 

 drew their crowds. Roadmaking machinery was an impressive display. 

 The "silo city" was the center of attraction. Sample of silos built of wood, 

 vitrified tile and cement competed for the favor of farmers. In the hand- 

 some machinery hall special emphasis was laid on the inventions which 

 make for the comfort and convenience of the farmer and his family. Pal- 

 pably, manufacturers believe that the Iowa farmer has reached that period 

 of affluence when modern inventions for the home as well as the farm 

 appeal to him. Horse-drawn vehicles were in ample display, and elec- 

 tric lights for night use on buggies were shown. Storm buggies with 

 the suggestion of auto fronts were the newest styles among the exagger- 

 ated fashion in sidebar and endspring buggies. 



The agricultural college at Ames continues its instructive exhibit of the 

 work in various departments, supplemented by lectures. Indeed the lec- 

 ture feature has been much amplified. Demonstrations in the use of 

 cholera serum claimed much attention. The boys' encampment is work- 

 ing well and meets the end in view in its establishment. Wherever the 

 visitor turned novel and instructive exhibits greeted him, proving the fun- 

 damental educatiton idea of the fair. It is growing in these graces en- 

 nually. 



The plan of opening the fair on Thursday and closing the next Thurs- 

 day proved so satisfactory to the directors that it is believed it will be 

 continued. Protests came from some exhibitors at starting the heavy 

 judging on Saturday, as it required absence from home over Sunday If 

 they witnessed the contests. The Hereford judge was not present on 

 Saturday, hence steers of that breed were sent through under another 

 judge. The mare classes in the draft breeds were first considered, as ex- 

 hibitors objected to showing stallions on Saturday before the heavy coun- 

 try attendance had arrived. The concluding Thursday registered an at- 

 tendance of 18,000, the most suscessful closing attendance in many years, 

 and a strong programme was presented at that night's show. The at- 

 tendance and receipts for the week aggregated record height in the his- 

 tory of the fair. A surplus of about $50,000 will remain. The further ex- 

 periment with the middle-to-middle-of-week plan will be watched with in- 

 terest. New York tried it faithfully and finally abandoned it. 



