In Group 58 was eventually placed the wonderful piece of embroidery of the "Sistine Madonna," the work of Miss Ripberger, of Berlin. The linen upon which the life-like figures were wrought was probably 6 by 8 feet in size, and in order to reproduce the colors the silk had been matched with the colors in the original painting. The reproduction of Raphael's wonderful work was a marvel of artistic ability and patience, and was exquisitely executed. It justly deserved the grand prix accorded it.
Department H, agriculture, Mr. Frederic W. Taylor, chief, comprised 27 groups and 137 classes, the board of lady managers being represented in but five groups.
Group 78, Mrs. W.H. Felton, of Cartersville, Ga., Juror.
Under the heading of "Farm equipment—Methods of improving lands," the three classes into which it was divided represented: Specimens of various systems of farming. Plans and models of farm buildings; general arrangement; stables, sheepfolds, barns, pigsties, breeding grounds; special arrangements for breeding and fattening cattle; granaries and silos; furniture for stables, barns, kennels, etc. Material and appliances used in agricultural engineering, reclaiming of marshes, drainage, irrigation.
Mrs. Felton says, in a letter accompanying her report:
In accordance with your official request, I have prepared a short résumé of the work as juror in Group Jury No. 78. It was the central group—I mean, the leading group in the Department of Agriculture. There were no exhibits by women, because we passed upon matters so immense that it was the work of States and foreign governments, rather than of individuals, that was noted.
Mrs. Felton's report is as follows:
I was selected as a juror for Group Jury No. 78, and entered upon the duties assigned me on September 1, 1904.
Group Jury No. 78 organized, and after the chairman and vice-chairman were selected I was made secretary, which position I held until the minutes and report were handed in to the office of Hon. Fred. W. Taylor, chief of Department of Agriculture, on September 19.
As secretary, the work of the Group Jury No. 78 came immediately under my supervision, and I found the work exceedingly pleasant, and my colleagues (all the members were gentlemen except myself) were most agreeable, and we concluded our work without the least friction or antagonism to the close.