SHOKT-HOEN breeders' ASSOCIATION. 325 



years. What is the best form of prize to award? Take the case of the 

 youug breeder. Ought the preniium always to be paid in money, or should 

 there be something that will be more permanent than a money prize'/ 

 My mother was the best farmer I ever knew, except my grandmother. 

 My mother began showing cattle at an early day, and each of her children 

 has today a silver cup \\hich she received as an award. Nearly all of 

 them have a soup ladle or two obtained in the same way that have been 

 handed down. I have distributed among my children some gold and 

 silver medals which are constantly exhibited. In England I have seen 

 upon sideboards displays of silver that have been won in the prize ring' 

 by two or three generations of exhibitors. At Dean Willis's I saw a num- 

 ber of ti'ophies. At other places I saw a number that were of historic 

 interest that had been handed down from father to son. I think Colonel 

 Wallace and others should consider that question somewhat. It seems to 

 me in our awarding of prizes we have put everything on the basis of filthy 

 lucre. Can not we devote some of the money, especially in the special 

 classes, to a number of permanent souvenirs that will be a constant incen- 

 tive to those who come after us? 



Mr. Wallace: That is a splendid idea! In discussing the state classes 

 in the board the most serious proposition we ran up against was the 

 expense to the exhibitor. They said the exhibitors did not have the 

 money. They said it was all right for such men as Mr. Robbius to come, 

 because he had a show herd and entered in all classes. It would be but 

 a small additional expense for the state board to offer such prizes, and 

 I promise I will advocate the furnishing of a cup or medal, or whatever 

 the state breeders may suggest. I am still in favor, however, of hanging 

 up a liberal purse to help them share the expense. There is a great deal 

 of sentiment in this idea, of course, and I don't know how much senti- 

 ment there is in the Indiana breeders of short-horn cattle. 



Senator Harris: I do not mean that the money prizes shall be cut out 

 altogether. 



Mr. Wallace: I believe I will advocate the purchase by the board of a 

 handsome cup or medal to be offered as a sweepstakes prize, or something 

 of that character. I will join Avith this association in advocating that 

 before our board. Then the state association or some individual might 

 offer another cup or medal. 



Mr. George W. Thomas: I think there should be a prize offered for 

 the younger breedei's or the boys to compete for. I have always had in 

 mind that something that would increase in valuation was better than 

 money prizes. For that reason I think the offer of a pig or a calf would 

 be a good idea. Some breeder of hogs might contribute a pig to be com- 

 peted for by boys of sixteen. That Avould encourage the boy and allow 



