284 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



This Avould not take into consideration any improvements the 

 board may decide to make. 



The board should at this time determine what permanent im- 

 provements we expect to ask the legislature to make appropria- 

 tions for and authorize the committee to have sketches and es- 

 timates made up for the information of the Agricultural and 

 Appropriation Committees. 



A sheep barn and show ring is probably the most needed im- 

 provement at the present time and could be built at a cost of 

 $25,000.00 or $30,000.00. A cross section of the permanent cattle 

 barn and the completion of Machinery Hall should be considered 

 in the list for state appropriations this year. 



There is also a movement started by the women's clubs through- 

 out the state for a women's building in keeping with the other 

 permanent improvements on the grounds, and we will be obliged 

 to admit there is considerable merit in their request. 



We should also ask the legislature to appropriate a sufficient 

 amount to purchase the eight lots to square out the southwest 

 corner of the grounds and the corner where the drug store is 

 located. 



On account of the condition of our treasury any improvements 

 made at the grounds this year will necessarily have to come from 

 state appropriations or anticipated receipts of the 1913 fair. 

 These, I believe, should be taken up at a board meeting after we 

 know what the legislature is going to do in the way of appropria- 

 tion. 



Needed improvements that should have the attention of the 

 board at this time or a later date, and to be made from anticipated 

 receipts of the fair would be the completion of the street car 

 entrance, covering ditch from machinery building to south line 

 of grounds, installing closets in new horse barn, cement walk on 

 south side of the street from street car station to Eock Island 

 Avenue, and such other minor improvements as the board may 

 deem necessary, and the general repair and maintenance of 

 grounds and buildings must also be taken into consideration. 



I also wish to call the attention of the board to the following : 



Insurance expirations for 1913 will amount to $2,155.00, against 

 $550.00 during the past year. However, they will not come due 

 until along in September. At present we have no insurance on 

 the amphitheater and it has been suggested that we carry $15,000 



