128 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



of about the capacity of the two large barns we now have is needed. 

 The fence along the north and south side of the grounds should be 

 rebuilt. About $3,000.00 should be appropriated for a miscellaneous 

 improvement fund, to provide a fund for matters coming up during: 

 the season which we cannot foretell at this time. The question of more 

 light should be considered, either by running in the city gas mains and 

 using the gas for street lights and our own light for buildings and the 

 night show, or increasing the capacity of the present lighting plant, 

 or by an arrangement with the Des Moines Edison Light Company (if 

 such an arrangement can be made) to put in a lead to the Fair Grounds 

 which would be of sufficient capacity to about double our present 

 number of lights. 



Now as to what new buildings and improvements you will ask from 

 the coming session of Legislature, that will be for you gentlemen to 

 say. A new hog barn has been suggested, and we might say contem- 

 plated for two or three years. A building in which to exhibit the pro- 

 ducts of the Iowa factories is being urged by the Iowa Manufacturers 

 Association. A larger and fire proof amphitheater has been suggested, 

 as well as an appropriation sufficient to cover the expenses of the water 

 supply for fire protection. 



The matter of attractions should have your careful consideration, 

 and whether or not j'ou wish to continue the night show. 



Another question which you will be called upon to decide is what 

 dates you desire for the next Fair, and whether you wish to have the 

 Fair extend over two weeks. This matter should be settled at this 

 meeting, before our representative meets with the American Associa- 

 tion of Fairs and Expositions at Chicago on the 20th of this month, at 

 which time and place the several state fair dates will be arranged. 



We believe that the rules in our premium list should be thoroughly 

 revised and brought up to date before being published in the next 

 premium list, and that a committee should be appointed for this purpose. 



SCHEDULE OF PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS FOR FAIR GROUNDS. 



Remodeling Eposition Building by putting in cases, ceiling- 

 putting on drop siding, etc $6,000.00 



Water supply 8,100.00 



Dining halls (to utilize lumber from amphitheater should new 



amphitheater be erected 5,000.00 



Gas Mains 4,000.00 



Miscellaneous improvements and repairs 3,000.00 



Cattle barn 3,000.00 



Sanitary closet 3,000.00 



New fencing (an absolute necessity) 2,500.00 



Lighting (if capacity of present plant is Increased) 2,500.00 



Walks 1,200.00 



Curbing and guttering 1,000.00 



