OBSERVATIONS ON EASTERN FARMERS AND EASTERN PAIRS. 



of the localities in which they are held; they mark the progress, the 

 ingenuity, the enterprise, and the energy of the people; they are edu- 

 cational, giving lessons of practical value ; they provide holidays for the 

 masses; they stimulate and encourage all lines of production; they 

 broaden and improve markets; they present an illustrated record 

 of development, and they are of direct value to the cities, and great 

 general value to the states, in which they are held." It may be said 

 in addition that they stimulate home pride, produce a greateFltegree of 

 contentment, and tend to hold farmers to their homes and induce city 

 people to invest in farms. In short, they lead to rural improvement and 

 development. 



MINNESOTA. 



The fair grounds of Minnesota consist of 200 acres, located just mid- 

 way between the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, about five miles 

 from the center of each, with a combined population of about 400,000 

 people. All their improvements are in one inclosure. On these grounds 

 they have'some eighteen buildings, exclusive of thirteen horse and cattle 

 barns and eight stables for trotting horses. Their grand stand is a 

 double decker, conceded not to be desirable, and will seat about 6,000 

 people, and in addition to this they have uncovered seats (bleachers) 

 for about 12,000 people. For general admission to the grounds they 

 charge 50 cents, to the grand stand and bleachers 25 cents, and to the 

 grand-stand boxes 50 cents. When the races are over in the afternoon 

 the grand stand is cleared, and for the evening entertainment, consisting 

 generally of vaudeville, athletics, etc., on ground in front of the grand 

 stand, illuminated for the occasion by search lights, another admission 

 is charged. 



Among the permanent buildings of the Society on the grounds is a 

 hotel which brings a big rental during fair week, and this, with restau- 

 rants, soft drink stands, and other concessions, makes their privileges 

 very valuable. Their show buildings are splendidly designed for the 

 purpose intended, being well lighted and well ventilated. Some of the 

 latest are brick or concrete with slate roofing, and are presumed to be 

 practically fire-proof. They have just completed a mammoth amphi- 

 theater for showing and judging live stock, constructed mainly of 

 concrete and steel, at a cost of $100,000. It is ofal shaped, with 

 exterior dimensions 200 by 359 feet, arena 120 by 270 feet, and seats 

 7.500 people. It is the latest and best building of the kind in the 

 United States. Others have fine, large, fire-proof live-stock amphi- 

 theaters, but the one in Minnesota must stand as a model and stimulus 

 to others for the present, at least. It is a splendid recognition by the 

 Society and the State of the large and growing live-stock interests of 

 Minnesota. Their main exhibition building is intended largely for such 

 displays as are made by merchants, traders, etc., and these displays in 



