60 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



breaking all state fair records, as regards numbers, and measuring up 

 to the highest standard of average excellence. Most of the live stock 

 was bred and raised in Iowa, and most of the prizes were awarded to 

 Iowa exhibitors, despite the fact that outstanding show herds, flocks and 

 studs from many other states introduced the stiffest kind of competition. 

 The judging throughout in this department was as competent and satis- 

 factory as we have ever had at a live stock show. The superintendents 

 did their work excellently; the judging schedules were followed system- 

 atically and dependably; exhibitors were dealt with by men who under- 

 stand their special problems; the public was given every opportunity of 

 studying the live stock exhibits. 



The oflBcial catalog of the entries was prepared at a big expense, but 

 it was invaluable to all interested students of the show. We have not 

 seen so complete, accurate and useful a catalog at any other state fair 

 stock show. We commend it as a model to state fair managers. 



Agricultural machinery and automotive exhibits were almost infinite 

 in variety, and occupied, in the machinery hall and outdoors, more space 

 than has ever before been asked for by manufacturers and dealers. Much 

 more space was applied for than could be supplied. It was a stupendous 

 showing, overflowing into other sections of the grounds hitherto reserved 

 for other concessionaires. 



It was too early in the season for a representative display of farm 

 crops, but seventeen counties made individual composite exhibits indi- 

 cating the quality and wide variety of agricultural production in Iowa. 

 Polk county won the sweepstakes prize. 



Boys and girls, who are members of baby beef, calf, pig, sheep and 

 other clubs, were enthusiastic participants in many contests, won many 

 cash prizes, and, under organized direction, learned much about every 

 section of the big fair. More than 180 boys were in a camp on the grounds 

 during the week. Farmers' wives and daughters were appealed to by 

 many kinds of instructive, practical and entertaining exhibits, lectures 

 and demonstrations. The principles and practice of social and personal 

 hygiene were graphically presented. After seeing the sideshows, many 

 of which were disreputable and disgraceful, a self-respecting and sensitive 

 visitor would be doubly thankful for the hope of race improvement held 

 out by the lecturers on hygiene, baby health and related subjects. Sci- 

 ence and common sense blacklist unsound animals for breeding purposes, 

 jut sentiment and dogmas are standing in the way of their application 

 *o the human race. 



Despite threatening weather every day, and showers on Wednesday 

 And Thursday, the total attendance for the week was 380,000; last year 

 it was 408,147. The total receipts this year were $400,000, and profits 

 $80,000. 



THE HOG SHO^V. 



Four thousand hogs proved too many, even for the big Iowa hog barn. 

 Two large tents covered overflow pens, while a third tent housed all the 

 pig club entries. Thus did the state demonstrate the tremendous interest 

 now being taken in pure-bred hogs. The usual plentitude of sale stock 



