118 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



product of the farms will show that this has been the most prosperous 

 year in the history of the State, and I am pleased to say that the great 

 Iowa State Fair has kept pace with the agricultural interests which it 

 represents. The farmers of Iowa are especially interested in the success 

 of this fair, and believe that it ranks with the other State educational 

 Institutions and should receive liberal financial support for the construc- 

 tion of permanent buildings on the grounds. 



The Iowa State Fair is yet in its infancy and more land is needed for 

 the growth of same. The land lying between the south entrance and 

 the Rock Island depot should be secured and the legislature asked to 

 make an appropriation to build a hog pavilion suitable to care for the 

 swine exhibit, which is the largest exhibit of its kind in the world and 

 which represents one of the greatest interests to be found in the State. 

 If the above suggestions should be carried out, the space now occupied by 

 the swine pens could be used for the horse exhibit and would avoid any 

 congestion which now exists in that part of the grounds. The twenty- 

 acre tract north of the race track, on which we have an option, should 

 be purchased, and the race track moved farther north. This would give 

 more space for the machinery and other exhibits, which is now, and will 

 be in the future, much needed. This will require the building of a new 

 steel amphitheater of sufficient size to accommodate the people and which 

 for years has been needed, and if built, would not only secure the safety 

 of the people that patronize the same, but would be a source of revenue 

 to the society which we do not have under the present conditions. 



Many other improvements are needed, a part of which can be provided 

 for by the society, but all permanent buildings, such as a swine pavilion, 

 a steel amphitheater, a manufacturers' building, and other buildings, 

 should be provided for by the General Assembly. Other improvements 

 are under consideration, such as a water supply from the city, a new 

 system of lighting, improvements on the streets, etc., all of which the 

 future Board are amply able to provide for without any recommendations 

 on my part. 



The total receipts for the year 1906 were $110,229.85; expenses 

 amounted to $72,459.39, and the net profit of the same amounted to $37,- 

 470.46, detailed statement of which will be found in the Secretary's report. 



Today my connection with the State Board of Agriculture as an officer 

 will cease. The years that I have been associated with the members of 

 this Board have been the most pleasant years of my life, and for the many 

 acts of kindness which I have received at their hands and for the support 

 which I have received from the delegates to the annual meetings, many 

 of whom are delegates here today, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks. 



President IMorrov^^ again took the chair. 



Following the reports of Secretary and Treasurer (Part 1), Mr. 

 J. E. Sage. Director of the Iowa Weather and Crop Service, gave a 

 review of the weather and crops for the season of 1906, which 

 report will be found published in Part Two of this volume. 



The President: "We will now listen to a paper by Mr. E. A. 

 Larson of Montgomery county. 



