All the merchantable timbers of the State were displayed in the forestry exhibit, which contained over 500 samples, highly polished and superbly finished, one of the largest and best collections shown.

In the Department of Fish and Game were exhibited all varieties of native fresh and salt water fish, birds, and wild animals.

In the Educational Building Mississippi showed the best work from the colleges and high schools of the State.  The Agricultural and Mechanical College had a fine display in the general Agricultural and Mechanical College section.

Other displays were the following:  A varied and attractive collection of building stone, cement material, clays, phosphates, mineral waters in the Mineral Building; buggies and wagons made in the State in Transportation Hall; engines, sawmills, and other heavy machinery in the Machinery Building; a rare old double plate-glass electrical machine was exhibited in the Electrical Building, the contribution of the State university.

Mississippi was awarded over 30 prizes for her various exhibits, including 2 grand prizes on cotton and timbers; 6 gold medals and 3 silver medals on agriculture; a gold, silver, and bronze medal on fish and game; 2 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze medals on education; 2 silver and 3 bronze medals on minerals; a silver medal on wagons; a bronze medal on machinery; a gold medal on fruits, and a gold medal on pecans.

Less than $47,000 of the $60,000 appropriated by the legislature was spent on the State building and on the collection and installation of the exhibits, and from $10,000 to $15,000 of the appropriation was turned back into the State treasury.  The expenditure proved of incalculable benefit to Mississippi, and good results are already being felt.

The executive commissioner, Col.  R.H.  Henry, is a native Mississippian.  He was born in Scott County, May 15, 1851, and received education in the schools and academies of Mississippi.  He engaged in journalism in early life, has been an editor and publisher over thirty years, and is regarded as the most successful journalist of his State.  As the executive commissioner and the State’s only representative at the exposition Mr. Henry designed and personally supervised the installation of the different Mississippi exhibits, ten in number, and the award of over 30 medals, including 2 grand prizes, abundantly attests and amply proves the merit and value of the Mississippi products.

MISSOURI.

The largest appropriation for exposition purposes by any State was by Missouri, namely, $1,000,000.  In every exposition building where a State could have an exhibit Missouri’s exhibit was found.  In every building where only exhibits by individuals, business firms, or corporations were permitted, Missourians made display of the products of their industry and skill.  The Missouri State Building was among the finest upon the grounds.  The displays of the State in the Agriculture, Horticulture, Education, Mining, Forestry, Live Stock, Poultry, Dairying, Fish and Game, and Woman’s Work were noted for artistic beauty and comprehensiveness.