The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-09-25
OPENING DAY OF THE FAIR.
The Usual Delays and Confusion In
cident to the First Day.
A Successful Exhibition Promised-Some of
the Exhibitors and What They
Have to Show.

Monday, the first day of the fair, was, here
tofOre, exasperatng. Everybody was behind
time in arranging their exhibits, and there was
the rasptng of saws and the din of hammers all
day long until nightfall. A grand rush was made
at the entry office, and the clerks were hard at
it entering stock, machinery and merchandise
that should have been booked no later than sun
day. AT least half Of to-day will, to measure
able degree, be spoiled by tardy exhibitors 1t
is to be hoped the State Board will next year
make and enforce rule that all entries close on
Sunday preceding the opening day, and that ex-
hibiters must have their displays in order no
later than noon of Monday. Professor King the
Reronaut, intends to begin his captive balloon
ascensions to-day. The filling of the monster
a1r-ship Eagle Eyrie' Will begin this morning
and when fully inflated the first ascension will
take place. The space allotted TO the balloon is
the erass-plot north of the Exposition building
a little west of the main entrance. The Profess
sor has received number of letters from
persons over the State who are desirous
Of making the cut-away ascension with him
Friday. It il the intention to make the can
1--WE ascensiOns 900 feet high ia fifth Of milel,
which to the sight-seers IN the balloon and the
gazers below will really be more satisfactory
than the lengthy flight with which tine Profess
sor will conclude his engagement.
The womens department on the second floor
is we'll advanced toward completion, and by 10
O'CLOCK This morning Will De III shape for visitors.
The art exhibit in this department is a special
feature, and, as showing wOmeu's work, deserV-
ing of the highest praise. In oil and water col
Ors and decorated china the showing is nearly as
large as has heretofore been shown IN the entire
fair. The kindergarten training school exhibit
is feature.
The geological department has bandsomer
specimens and better arrangement this year than
last d. X. Green, OF New Albany, has over
1000 specimens, most of which come from jeff
ersonville, this State. The finest coral reef in
the world is at the Falls OF the OHIO The coral
is silica and the matrix limestone from which
1t has been relieved by eating it out with diluted
Inuriatic acid. This field of fossils has been
known to the most noted scientists. Corals of
the species favosites are found there three feet
in diameter.
The cattle on exhibition are better than ever
before shown here, including greater variety of
breeds Fletcher, Holt & Co. yesterday entered
seven head of polled Angus cattle and five he id
of Hereford, all imported. The poled Angus are
Scotch hornless cattle, black in color and besuti-
full in their glossy coats. Postma ster-general
Gresham was at the fair yesterday, and put the
greater part of the time spent there among the
cattle, at which he looked with an admiriBg eve
If not the eye of a cOnnoisseur.
The showing of machinery is large, particular
~ IN the agricultural department. Ftfteen twine-
Olnder haFvesfers, crowned with their harvest
victories ut VIII be remembered they were all
victor1ous) are on exhibition, each with from
one 10 six takers extOlling its merits.