EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART IV 257 



in evidence. There was no noticeable lack of fleshing-. The numVjer of 

 entries in the pig- classes far exceeded that of the older animals, and 

 there v,'ere fewer older boars and sows than last year. The junior year- 

 ling classes in both sexes were filled to overflowing-. There was a goodly 

 number of senior pigs, and a fair number of junior pigs. The futurity 

 show brought out a good lot. W. T. Harris, Morganfield, Ky., awarded 

 the prizes. 



THE SHEEP SHOW. 



Iowa staged one of the best shows of sheep ever held in the state. 

 The exhibit was interesting and instructive for both the exhibitors and 

 visitors. Every p^en was filled and some crowding -was necessary in 

 order to accommodate the fiocks. Before the sheep were comfortably 

 arranged in the pens the buyers were on hand and a great many sales 

 were made. Never' in the history of the show has there been sucli a 

 demand for breeding sheep, from not only men who desired to purchase 

 breeding rams, but men who were looking for seventy-five to 100 ewes. 

 Many flocks will be started from foundation stock purchased. Sales were 

 made in many distant states. 



Practically all of the sheep shown by Iowa exhibitors were home-bred 

 and in excellent breeding conditions, none being overdone. Most of the 

 sheep show was made by Iowa exhibitors. The condition of the sheep 

 evidenced considerable improvement over that of former years, indicating 

 that Iowa breeders are gradually learning the proper methods of fitting. 



In most of the breeds competition was keen and in many instances 

 there was little difference in the individual merit of the winners. 



A very interesting and instructive farm sheep demonstration exhibit 

 was made by the Department of Agriculture in charge of " Prof. E. L. 

 Shaw of the bureau of animal industry. The exhibit consisted of charts 

 illustrating the oppoi-tunities and reasons for sheep raising and the im- 

 portance of using good sires. Enlarged illustrations with descriptions of 

 the leading breeds of sheep in this country and models of sheep sheds, 

 hay racks, feed troughs, lamb creeps and hurdles were also shown. En- 

 larged illustrations were used to show the process of manufacturing wool 

 into cloth, samples of the market grades of wool, a mill sort of an in- 

 dividual fleece and; various instruments used for docking, marking and 

 specimens of parasites affecting sheep all attracted considerable atten- 

 tion. A model farm of 160 acres was plotted off for handling a flock of 

 from 60 to 75 head of! sheep in connection with general farming, with 

 charts showing the Iowa dog law and methods for flock protection. 



It was surprising to see the large number of people who were inter- 

 ested in this exhibit. Many new ideas were secured by the visitors which 

 will be of great benefit to them in flock management. Much praise was 

 heard for the exhibit. Many traveled flockmasters pronounced this the 

 best exhibit of its kind they had ever seen. Representatives of other state 

 fairs were especially anxious to secure this exhibit. 



Considerable interest was created by the wool show this year. Some 

 excellent fleeces were on view, indicating that breeders know what a 

 good fleece should be like. The slieep shearing contest was a decided 

 improvement over that of last year. The contestants were judged on 

 time, method of shearing, condition of fleece and condition of sheep. 

 Classes were held for both professional and amateurs in machine and 

 hand shearing. Great crowds showed their interest by remaining during the 

 entire contest. 



Robert Miller, Stouffville, Ont., judged the mutton breeds In a very 

 painstaking manner and his awards were well received. Prof. W. L. Bliz- 

 zard, Stillwater, Okla., passed on the fine-wool breeds in a very satisfac- 

 torj'- manner. Prof. E. L. Shaw awarded the prizes in both the wool ex- 

 hibit and shearing contest in agreeable fashion. 



The Shropshires made a remarkable show. In fact Mr. Miller pro- 

 nounced it the best Shropshire show he had ever seen at a state fair. 

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