248 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



of these buildings is but a short time each 3^ear, yet they should be per- 

 manently constructed and of fire-proof material. Practically all fair man- 

 agements are now adopting the above plan. 



That the object of the Iowa state fair is the improvement of our stock 

 and agricultural products we believe to be true, for in no other way 

 would Iowa ever have achieved the high standard upon which she now 

 rests. It is generally conceded that in no place in the world can such a 

 swine show be seen as we annually find at the Iowa state fair, both as to 

 numbers and quality. It has been a very interesting subject with me, 

 both to study the exhibit and the exhibitor. I have had a young breeder 

 suggest to me that his stock looked pretty good to him at home, but when 

 he got to the show ring he was outclassed. I suppose some give up in dis- 

 gust and quit, but most of them go home resolved to do better next year, 

 and often in one year's time they are able to produce a prize winner. 



The object of all fairs and expositions should be self-supporting except 

 in the building of permanent fire-proof buildings. It should be the en- 

 deavor of the management to offer as liberal premiums as possible and 

 to give the people the best entertainment possible. The exhibits in all de- 

 partments should be of the best. The show in every -way should be of a 

 clean, moral character, a place where we can take our families in absolute 

 safety. Such I believe the Iowa state fair to be. There we should find 

 the finest type of the various breeds of horses, cattle, swine and sheep; 

 the best of manufactured products and the best of agricultural products. 

 It is said that "Of all that is good Iowa affords the best." I believe this 

 to be true. I also believe that the cream of what Iowa raises and produces 

 can be found at the Iowa state fair. May its object be ever thus. 



I believe it to be the duty of exhibitors to bring nothing but worthy 

 exhibits to the fair. There has been a little tendency in the swine depart- 

 ment, among a few exhibitors, to bring inferior animals, with the sole idea 

 of making sales at a price below good stuff. This, to my mind, should be 

 discouraged among breeders. 



It is the duty of exhibitors to properly prepare their exhibits before 

 starting for the fair, and to bring nothing but meritorious animals. The 

 start from home should be made in plenty of time to get to the grounds and 

 in quarters by Saturday evening before the fair opens. Entries of all stock 

 should be made with the secretary by letter before leaving home. Like- 

 wise pens should be arranged for in the same way. 



It is the duty of the exhibitor to keep his exhibit in the best of shape, 

 as well as the surroundings near him, all during the fair. Thousands of 

 visitors will pass his quarters during the week, and it is human to admire 

 seeing a neat and clean exhibit. He should be prompt in having his ex- 

 hibit in the ring when they are being judged. During the day there should 

 constantly be an attendant at or near the exhibit. 



I believe it is the duty of exhibitors to follow the rules and instructions 

 as laid down by the fair management. These rules are made for the best 

 interests of all concerned. I consider it the duty of the superintendent 

 and his assistants to look carefully after the wants and welfare of the 

 exhibitor. 



Of the two hundred swine exhibitors who come annually to the Iowa 

 state fair, I consider them a fine representative body of men and I assure 



