364 REPORT OF OFFICE OF EXPERIMENT STATIONS. 



in large numbers. This year delegations of students were sent from 

 at least 16 colleges, Missouri leading the list with 395 men. 



The exhibition of live stock, not only at the International but at 

 Stat« shows, has been in the nature of a necessity during: a certain 

 stage in the evolution of the agricultural college. But the time has 

 come when it is a debatable question in some of the colleges whether 

 the}^ should not withdraw from prize contests and confine their 

 exhibits, if made at all, to animals shown for educational ends solely, 

 eliminating entirely the competitive feature. 



This is a question for each college to decide for itself. In some 

 States it may not be necessary longer to demonstrate the importance 

 of the college to the agricultural community, but in many places such 

 evidence of the practical character of the institution is helpful in 

 winning the cooperation of the farmers, and the exhibits themselves 

 have an educational value. In all cases, however, the spirit of com- 

 mercialism and shrewd competition should be absent, and the plain 

 effort should be to educate the people by furnishing illustrations of 

 the application of scientific principles to the practical affairs of 

 breeding and feeding. 



THE CXJIxLEGES AT THE FOURTH NATIONAL DAIRY SHOW. 



The Fourth National Dairy Show was held October 14-24, 1909, 

 at the Auditorium in Milwaukee, Wis. The show was opened by 

 President Taft and Gov. Davidson, of Wisconsin, the former setting 

 the machinery in motion by telegraph, and the latter serving as pre- 

 siding officer on the opening night. The attendance was exception- 

 ally good throughout, this being attributed in part to the marked 

 local interest in the show, the daily jaress devoting much attention to 

 the enterprise. 



In the way of educational exhibits the show was particularly strong. 

 One of the most noticeable features was a working dairy of 16 grade 

 cows, shown by the Dairy Division of this department. Com2)lete 

 records were posted each day as to the cost of food and net profits 

 for the different animals, as a demonstration of the value of keeping 

 records; and there were comparative trials of different methods of 

 feeding. The Daily Division also showed photographs of modern 

 dairy equipment, barn j^lans, and other illustrative material relating 

 especially to the care of milk on the farm and in the home. The 

 University of Wisconsin, the Pennsylvania State College, and the 

 Minnesota Dairy and Food Department also had educational dis- 

 plays. The agi^icultural colleges and this dei^artment contributed 

 numerous speakers to the various conventions held in connection with 

 the show, and in the stock-judging contest. Director Hayward, of 

 the Delaware station, served as judge in the Ayrshire class. 



