d space was reserved in
the great exhibit palaces of Mines and Metallurgy, Education,
Agriculture, Horticulture, and Forestry, Game, and Fish.

Subsequently, on April 1, 1903, a further appropriation of $100,000 was
voted by the Minnesota legislature.

The style of the Minnesota State Building resembled the Byzantine. It
was designed for a southern climate. The entire lower floor could be
thrown open by means of large glass doors opening upon corridors and a
wide promenade, which was protected by awnings. A low wall surmounted
this promenade, broken at intervals by abutments, on which were placed
large vases of flowering plants. This added color, and with the beds of
cannas, which extended along the base of this wall, and large beds of
brilliant scarlet geraniums on the lawn, made a handsome setting for the
building. These plants were Minnesota grown. The cannas grew to huge
proportions, and at the height of the season there were few landscapes
on the Plateau of States more effective than that of Minnesota.

The building was ample for its uses. There was a reception room 30 by 50
feet in size, with reading tables, the files of the State papers, a
post-office, check room, and superintendent's office. A men's room and a
women's room, each 20 by 20 feet, opened from the reception room. Two
pianos were free for the use of guests, and were a much-appreciated
feature. Every possible convenience was afforded to visitors. That the
general public, as well as visitors from Minnesota, appreciated the
building was shown by the hundreds who visited it daily and the many who
came day after day to write letters, read the papers, or merely to rest
and enjoy its coolness. The location gave it added prominence, as it was
near the southeast entrance, one of the most convenient for visitors,
close to the Inside Inn, and with the Massachusetts, New York, Iowa, and
Kansas buildings as neighbors.

The financial statement shows that the construction of the building,
with furnishing, landscaping, maintenance, care, and salaries of
employees, cost a total of less than $29,000.

In the agricultural display, while wheat was not neglected, especial
stress was laid on Minnesota's grasses, both tame and wild, and its
general forage crops. It was conceded by experts that no State made a
better display in that line of products. Corn was also made prominent.
Two elaborate butter models were shown, one in this department and one
in the exposition re