24 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



Third. A large increase in the number of fine wool sheep. Ten breeds 

 were represented, owned by twenty-one exhibitors. All classes were well 

 filled except one. In total numbers the breeds ranked as follows: 



1. Shropshires. 



2. Merino. 



3. Oxford. 



4. Rambouillet. 



5. Southdown. 



6. Lincoln. 



7. Cotswold. 



8. Hampshire. 



9. Cheviot. 

 10. Dorset. 



BECOilMEXDATIOXS FOR THE 1914 FAIR. 



I need only mention the need of a new sheep barn, as the board knows 

 the condition of the present pens, and that the sheep show has entirely 

 outgrown its present accommodations. 



In regard to the changes in the classification, owing to the large 

 increase of Merinos, I would suggest that the present class No. 55 for 

 Merinos, American, Spanish and Delaines, be changed to "B" type Merinos; 

 also that the Iowa special class for Merinos, American, Spanish and 

 Delaines, be changed to "B" type Merinos, owned and bred in Iowa; and 

 that two new classes for "C" type Merinos be added, — an open class and 

 the Iowa class for this type. 



All of the leading state fairs have recognized the two types of Merinos 

 and I feel sure that the fine wool and Merino show will increase more 

 than 50 per cent if this change is made in classification. As the Merino 

 class now stands it is very difficult to judge both the types together and 

 it is unsatisfactory to the exhibitors. 



I also recommend that a class for breeders' young fiock be added to 

 each of the breed classes, the breeders' young flock to be owned and 

 bred by exhibitor and to consist of one yearling ram, two yearling ewes, 

 and two ewe lambs. This is a class that is found in the premium list 

 of all the state fairs and should be added to ours. 



Thanking the board for the courteous treatment they have shown me 

 during the past season as superintendent of the sheep department, I beg 

 to remain, 



'Very sincerely yours, 



Mark G. Thornburg, 



Superintendent. 



j\Ir. Reeves moved that the report and the recommendations be 

 referred to the executive committee and the superintendent of the 

 department with power to act. Motion carried. 



Mr. Reeves moved that the matter of Poland China futurity be 

 referred to the executive committee and the superintendent of the 

 swine department with power to act. Motion seconded and carried. 



The report of E. C. Bishop, superintendent of school exhibits, 

 was read as follows : 



