TENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART XI 689 



done by Prof. W. J. Kennedy, with referee, Prof. H. H. Kildee, Ames, la., 

 and from our own observation and ringside comments we think the judg- 

 ing was as satisfactory as we ever saw and much better than most years. 

 The show showed improvement in that there was not so many common- 

 class animals shown. Very seldom was one driven into the ring that was 

 not a fairly good specimen of the breed. We regret very much to report 

 that our brother breeders from east of the Mississippi river were successful 

 in winning every first on boars down to pig under 6 months. In the aged 

 class Golden Model 2d, owned by Waltemeyer Bros., was one of the best 

 boars we ever saw exhibited of the breed and in pink condition, but the 

 judges gave first to B. & Cs Colonel, who is a great hog, being close to the 

 ground and very thick. Do not think, western breeders, that you have 

 no good hogs, but you must give more attention to the fitting of your herds 

 if you intend to win against the breeders of the east. 



BEBKSHIBES. 



There was a splendid show of Berkshires at the fair. A number of well 

 known breeders from several states had entries and without exception 

 the quality was very high. This much may be said for the Berkshire 

 men; they do not show as many head of hogs as the Poland-China breed- 

 ers or the breeders of Durocs, but they show animals of more uniform 

 quality, and fewer tail-enders. 



TAMWORTHS. 



There was a good show of Tamworth hogs at the fair this year, said by 

 many good judges to be the best ever held in the state of Iowa. Three or 

 four well known breeders took nearly all the premiums. 



HAMPSHIRES. 



There was a good exhibit of Hampshire hogs, although this breed is 

 not very well known in the west. It bids fair, however, to increase in 

 popularity and shows like that made at the Iowa state fair will help to, 

 make many friends for the breed. 



THE HOMESTEAD. 



DES MOINES, IOWA. 



Fifty-five years ago Iowa held its first state fair. History records that, 

 although small, it was interesting and the young state-made a creditable 

 showing. It was the psychological moment, for the eyes of the east were 

 beginning to turn toward the Promised Land just beyond the Mississippi 

 River and the famous advice, "Go west," was quickening the ideas and 

 crystallizing the ideals of thousands of eastern folks who realized that a 

 vast empire of possibilities was being opened up. This year Iowa held its 

 fifty-fifth annual state fair and the possibilities of that vast empire were 

 last week visually realized as never before. Fields which had once been 



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