TWELFTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART X 449 



EXHIBITS. 



The fair in its main feature is an exhibition. Its character is there- 

 fore determined almost entirely by the grade and variety of the articles 

 that it displays. Since its main purpose is to improve rural life in all 

 of its phases, the exhibits should be of a kind that will contribute to 

 that end. The basis, therefore, of the fair should be exhibits from the 

 farm, the garden, the wood lot, horticultural exhibits, household exhibits, 

 poultry, domestic animals, agricultural implements and machinery, models 

 of country homes with sanitary surroundings and modern conveniences, 

 forest products,- manufactured articles, and educational exhibits of meth- 

 ods, courses of study, school buildings and grounds, and school gardens 

 adapted to rural conditions. 



The entries for premiums should be open to individuals, to institutions 

 and to communities. A brief statement made out upon a card should 

 be attached to each exhibit showing by whom it is exhibited, the feature 

 it is intended to display, with such additional information as may be 

 important to a proper understanding and appreciation of its use and eco- 

 nomic value. 



Each class of exhibits should be set up by an expert and be attended 

 by some one capable of explaining the quality and uses of the several 

 articles in his section. Whenever possible the exhibitor of the article 

 or animal should be present in person during the fair and call atten- 

 tion to the valuable features of the things that he is exhibiting. If 

 samples only are shown of larger quantities on hand for sale, they should 

 be accompanied by a statement of the quantity that is thus available and 

 the price, with a guarantee that the goods to be delivered shall be true 

 to sample. 



JUDGING. 



The judging for premiums ought to be by disinterested expertg. and 

 every award should be accompanied with a statement showing why it was 

 given, and the judges should be ready to make a public defense, if called 

 upon, in support of their conclusions. The State department of agriculture 

 might have lists of persons on file certified as capable judges in the vari- 

 ous groups of exhibits, who would be available for service at county fairs 

 at a stated compensation. 



SPACE. 



A moderate amount of space should be furnished free to each exhibitor, 

 and any additional space required should be charged for at a reasonable 

 rate. 



FEED AND ATTENDANTS. 



Hay and bedding for animals could in many localities be provided free. 

 Grain for feeding should be kept on hand to be sold at moderate rates 

 to exhibitors of animals or to visitors who merely wish a single ration. 

 A list should be kept at the secretary's office of reliable persons who 

 may be hired by exhibitors to take care of their stock or for such other 

 service as may be required. 



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