Some of the most interesting features of the exhibition were:
First. A collection of over 200 varieties of fibers prepared under different processes and taken from different altitudes. Nearly all were prepared by a machine invented by Dr. J. Lameda, who collected and took the greatest interest in the fiber exhibit. From the coarsest to the finest were to be found among these fibers. The longest was of the musa variety, a coarse fiber which grows to the length of 10 feet. The Annanassa sativa, a fine fiber, grows to the length of 5 feet. This was the only collection of the kind at the exposition or which has ever been shown at any other exposition.
Second. The magnificent collection of hard woods from the Government States of Carabobo, Zulia, and Guayana, each comprising over 600 specimens of native logs, woods for cabinetwork, for building construction, lumber, staves, dyewoods, tanning, resinous, oil, rubber, and fragrant woods.
Third. A most unique and complete collection of forest plants, roots, herbs, leaves, barks, seeds, fruits, resins, gums, and dyeing and flavoring materials used by herbalists and pharmacists. These were collected, prepared, and classified by E.M. Ambard.
Fourth. A complete collection of all the minerals and precious stones (uncut) found in South America, prepared, collected, classified, and catalogued by Dr. Louis Plazard, who devoted nearly all his life to this work.
Fifth. A collection of cocoa beans from different regions, which is considered to be one of the best and most nutritious cocoas in the world, and has always obtained a far higher price than any other cocoa; also a collection of coffee from different altitudes, considered by authorities to be of very fine flavor and high grade.
The Venezuela Government had no special building. The exhibits were shown in the various exhibit palaces on the grounds.
VATICAN.
The Holy See having been requested to take part in the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition, accepted the invitation and sent to St. Louis, Mo., as its commissioner, Mr. Francis Cagiati, of Rome.
The exhibits sent by the Vatican to the fair were phototypical reproductions of the most valuable manuscripts existing in the Vatican Library, as well as some excellent specimens of works in mosaic, manufactured by the Studio del Mosaico Vaticano.