Bureau of Ageicultueb. 435 



tile perfect cleanliness of every part of the prison, and 

 the happy, cheerful spirit cf the prisoners. After work 

 was finished, and we were returning to the prison, I over- 

 heard one convict say to another as he looked admiringly 

 at the prison building, "Bob, we've got the prettiest 

 house in Eddyville." 



The trips to Henderson, McCracken, etc., were for 

 instruction to agents, and a better acquaintance with lo- 

 cal difficulties. In early August a trip was made to Es- 

 till county to participate in one of a series of meetings 

 to stimulate interest in better farming, the meetings be- 

 ing arranged by Berea College. A talk on Home Science 

 and a demonstration in tomato canning were given. 

 Visits were also made to Madison, Magoffin, Lawrence, 

 Owsley, Jackson and Laurel counties. Demonstrations 

 in canning and packing were given, many local visits 

 made, and general instructions given. With the excep- 

 tion of Madison, the roads in these counties are, at best, 

 far from good, but after the fearful rains of July, which 

 continued into August, travel was very difficult, if not 

 positively dangerous. Many miles were done on foot, 

 rather than risk the fearful hills and gullies filled with 

 mud. I found some of our agents caiTying canners, cans, 

 jars, and other necessary supplies on horses or mules, 

 holding these in front of their saddles for miles over 

 steep and slippery mountain paths, that the girls might 

 be helped to do better and more efficient work. It was 

 gratifying to note the interest of many of these mount- 

 ain girls, who despite the loss of part, or sometimes the 

 whole of their crops from excessive rain, seemed in no 

 wise discouraged, but were always hoping and planning 

 for better things next year. A visit to the Carter Coun- 

 ty Fair, September 2d, was made and demonstrations in 

 canning beans given, but I had no message as interesting 

 as were the side shows and races, and very fe^v attended 

 the demonstration. Preparations for our State Fair 

 exhibit were begun September 7th, and continued during 

 the rest of the week, as decorating, unpacking and ar- 

 ranging the different county exhibits consumed a great 

 deal of time, as did the fitting up of the Home Demon- 

 stration feature of the exhibit. The week of the fair was 

 spent in charge of our exhibit, which, by its excellence, 



