EIGHTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK-PART IX. 413 



ground, but it is wanted from the ground, not from the clouds. Iowa 

 aforetime has demonstrated its ability to rise superior to the elements, 

 and here was another proof. Preparation had been made for an exhibit of 

 surpassing excellence in most departments, and all other conditions con- 

 joined to write new records concerning this great display of live stock 

 and machinery, but it seems impossible to turn off the faucets of the 

 sky this season. They like water in the Hawkeyo State. By statutory 

 enactment they have recorded their preference for that fluid over others 

 of more harmful character, but there nevertheless is a place for every- 

 thing, and the place for rain is not on a fair ground. Writing at this 

 early date, it is impossible to submit anything lilie a summary of the 

 week's attendance, but the promise of the preliminary preparation days, 

 when thousands of people flocked to the grounds, was much marred 

 by the rains on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. About midnight on 

 Wednesday a windstorm and a deluge joined forces over the grounds 

 and after a number of tents had been torn from their moorings the 

 exhibits they contained were waterlogged. The airship and the captive 

 balloon went up — in flames, kindled by contact of the gasbags with 

 a live electric light wire. Between two and three inches of water fell. 

 The country round about was in a panic the next morning over the 

 swollen streams and the engines which pulled the excursion trains 

 into the city consumed little coal in handling the few country people 

 who ventured away from home. The surrounding section of the State 

 was deluged. Gate receipts were materially reduced for the week, 

 which is unfortunate indeed, as the fair needs every penny it can acquire 

 through earnings and appropriations. 



The Iowa State Fair resembles somewhat a lad in his last summer's 

 pants. The work of rebuilding outgrown and antiquated quarters goes 

 bravely on, however, and the realization of hopes and plans is clearly 

 to be seen. Never was the money's worth better obtained than in the 

 use of the stock judging pavilion this year. Those who had shown on 

 its site a quarter of a century ago, on a railed-in grass plot, appreciate 

 its comfort, its convenience and its protection not only to the stock, 

 but to the thousands of men, women and children who sought its 

 friendly portals when the pelting rain drove them to seek shelter. 

 Its inadequacy in size was again demonstrated. The attractions of the 

 arena were quite sufficient to keep the seats and promenades full the 

 week long, saying nothing of the demands on the pavilion for shelter dur- 

 ing showers. We were all of too small faith when the pavilion was built 

 only a few years ago. Nothing remains but to follow the example of 

 Illinois and knock out the end of the building and enlarge it fully 

 one-third if not one-half. 



That the horizon of the fair manager has materially broadened in 

 recent years finds unimpeachable proof in the magnificent swine depart- 

 ment which greets exhibitors at Des Moines. Iowa farmer's banks accounts 

 are bottomed on corn and hogs. The swine show on this fair grounds 

 has for years been unexcelled and seemingly unapproachable. Its housing 

 might have been called a joke, if it were not a serious matter. Some 



