416 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



trol his unwieldy vehicle very satisfactorily. The impression made upon 

 the people, however, was that this mode of locomotion would not be- 

 come popular in the very near future. The evening crowds were enter- 

 tained with an excellent exhibition of gymnastics, trained animals, fire- 

 works, etc., in front of the grand stand. 



A year ago we spoke of the necessity of several new buildings on the 

 fair grounds. The two buildings most needed now are a new fire-proof 

 grand stand and new barns and exhibit hall for the swine department. 

 Fortunately nothing occurred this year to jeopardize the throngs which 

 filled the grand stand every afternoon and evening. Everyone who is 

 familiar with the conditions there, however, will agree with us when 

 we say that the need for a substantial steel and concrete grand stand 

 Is absolutely imperative. A fire in the present structure, or a panic 

 of any sort would result in a tremendous loss of life. The State of 

 Iowa cannot afford to have so many of its people subject to this kind 

 of a risk, and the Legislature next winter should not permit the session 

 to close without making an adequate appropriation for the kind of a 

 building which is needed. 



The need for better barns and a show pavilion for the swine depart- 

 ment is also imperative. Everything went along in this department 

 satisfactorily this year, but simply because of the ideal weather. The 

 experience of two years ago, when heavy rains completely flooded that 

 part of the grounds in which the swine barns are located, should not be 

 forgotten. The swine exhibit at the Iowa State Fair has, almost from 

 Its beginning, been one of the leading features. It is the greatest hog 

 show in the world, and the swine breeders are fully justified in insist- 

 ing that the Legislature make better provisions for their comfort and for 

 the comfort of the people who wish to see this exhibit. When the books 

 are balanced this year the State will find a nice surplus on the right 

 side of the ledger, but this will all be needed in making the minor Im- 

 provements on the grounds and in laying by a small surplus fund 

 against an unfavorable year. The Legislature should not expect the 

 State Board of Agriculture to erect any of the larger buildings. The 

 fair funds will not permit. 



THE STOCK SHOW. 



Never have Iowa's resources as a live stock State shown to better 

 advantage than at the Iowa State Fair of 1906. 



It was a great show of an industry that has made Iowa rich and 

 powerful. Like the State, the show was well balanced, with few "thin 

 spots," and the thousands of Iowa farmers who came from all parts 

 of the State thoroughly enjoyed it. At all times while the judging was 

 going on the commodious live stock pavilion was crowded. Indeed, 

 most of the time every seat was taken and the aisles were crowded so 



