TENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART XI 687 



EXHIBITION OF ALFAiFA. 



The exhibition of alfalfa by the State Department c f Agriculture was 

 made a special feature and. fairly demonstrated that Iowa can raise alt 

 falfa just as good for all feed purposes as any other state in the central 

 west. The samples of alfalfa, both in sheaf and baled hay, were fine, 

 nicely cured, excellent in color and in all respects quite perfect as a hay 

 product. Four crops in 1908 were shown, where seven tons and 400 

 pounds per acre were harvested. The seed crop in almost all cases proved 

 a failure. It was agreed that it did not pay to try to get a seed crop. The 

 corn exhibit of 1908, ear corn, was highly creditable. 



The textile, ceramic, fine art, mercantile, domestic science and educa- 

 tional exhibits were all nicely observed and tastefully displayed. The- 

 educational exhibit was under -the supervision of Prof. A. V. Storm and 

 was Iowa's first effort in this line of display. 



OLD SOLDIEES' EEUNION. 



The old soldiers' reunion on the State Fair grounds is made one of the 

 strong features at the Iowa State fair. It is participated in by old sol- 

 diers from all over the country. Grand army officers and representatives 

 were present from many states. The enthusiasm and demonstration of 

 patriotic spirit that is aroused in these meetings, among those old gray- 

 haired veterans of the civil war can never be equaled by any other set 

 of American citizens. The attendance of General Fred Grant at this 

 meeting served to add a life and spirit to the occasion that seemed almost 

 a living over again the days of the peerless General Grant at the head of 

 the union army. 



The Iowa State fair of 1909 can be summed up in all its details and 

 departments as the greatest exhibition this association has ever conducted. 

 It fairly sets forth the onward movement in state fair improvement that is 

 abroad in the land. It points to the higher standard in methods of state 

 fair lines that is now being encouraged and observed among all up-to-date 

 fair associations. 



SHOETHOENS. 



It seems that every year the class of Shorthorns that are exhibited at 

 the Iowa State fair are a little better class all through than the pre- 

 ceding year. We are convinced that the breeders are all coming to realize 

 that it is no use to exhibit stock unless they are in good condition. Very 

 few cattle were shown that were not a credit to the exhibitor. 



ABEEDEEN ANGUS. 



The breeders of Aberdeen-Angus cattle always make a remarkably 

 strong show at the Iowa state fair. This breed is steadily growing in 

 numbers and in popularity. Angus cattle have made a place for them- 

 selves and in every place they have made good. It is a pleasure to see 

 the splendid herds that come up to the fair. In point of quality, in uni- 

 formity of type, and, generally speaking, in proper fitting for the show 

 ring, they are not surpassed by any others. This year was no exception, 

 and those who have followed the fairs year after year had no hesitation 



