258 IOWA DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE 



The winning- animals were of remarl-cablo quality and type, the cham- 

 pions being- American-bred. The three leading winners were H. Y). Ed- 

 dingfield, Mt. Pleasant, la.; A. T. Jones & Sons, Everly, la., and C AV. 

 Chandler, Kellerton, la. The competition was very keen throughout the 

 entire show. 



A very represent.-itive exliibit was made by the Hampshire breed by 

 Walnut Hall Farms, Donerail, Ky., and A. W. Arnold, Galesville, Wis., 

 Walnut Hall taking the lead with an especiariy well fitted flock. 



While the Oxford show contained a number of excellent individuals 

 the exhibit as a whole wa^ not quite up to the usual standard. The 

 leading exhibitors were: John Graham & Son, Bldora, la.; Iowa State 

 College, Ames, la.; C. C. Cropen, West Liberty, la., and Richards & Rich- 

 ards, Lodi, Wis. 



The Southdowns made a very creditable shewing, much better than in 

 foimer years. Iowa State College won most of the awards on an especially 

 well fitted flock. 



Only one flock of Dorsets were exhibited but tliis flock was worthy of 

 strong competition. Three exhibitors furnished competition in the Cheviot 

 breed. An excellent lot of Cotswolds and Lincolns were exhibited, most 

 of the prizes going to A. W. Arnold, Galesville, Wis. 



As usual there was an excellent lot in the fine-wool division. The fol- 

 lowing exhibitors furnished the competition: Watson Lovett, Zanesville, 

 O.; Richards & Richards, Lodi, Wis., and A. J. Blakely & Son, Grinnell, 

 la. An excellent flock of Ilambouillets was exhibited by King Bros., Lara- 

 mie, Wyo., and it is to be regretted that such a flock did not have com- 

 petition. 



THE DRAFT HORSE SHOW. 



Some speculation had been indulged in as to the extent to which the 

 horse department would measure up to the precedents of previous shows. 

 The mare classes of draft horses were judged first, and they were not 

 heavily filled, so some pessimistic comment could be heard. But the 

 stallion classes came out in much strength, especially in Percherons and 

 Belgians. The Belgians never made a better show. Considering the 

 absence of inferior horses, it may be said that the whole draft horse 

 show proved just as interesting and instructive if not quite so extensive 

 as ever. Excellent grade mares and geldings also filled the iftility classes 

 Mules added considerably to the numbers of animals for exclusive work 

 use and some very big- "nervy" mules were shown. A few well-made big 

 jacks rounded out that part of the show. 



Light horses and ponies in numbers and variety were sliown before 

 the grandstand daytimes and in harness and under saddle in the Coliseum 

 at night. In addition to some of the veteran campaigners in these classes 

 there were a number of unfamiliar names belonging to first-class young 

 horses. The harness and saddle lots were particularly brilliant and popu- 

 lar, from the larger horses down to the wee Shetlands. 



The classes were taken up in rotation by a printed schedule, and the 

 judges kept to the hours with surprising fidelity, even in handling bulky 

 groups. It was a successful plan and eliminated much delay' and con- 

 fusion that usually have occurred. 



Excepting for complaint about costly feed and insufficient farm help, 

 the horsemen seemed pleased with the trend of their business. Orders 

 were on hand to buy especially meritorious horses of several ages and 

 of the different breeds. The principal difficulty with that part of it was 

 the extremely exacting requirements as to perfection of type, legs, feet 

 and action, on the part of would-be buyers. 



THE PERCHERONS. 



It was altogether a very high-class show of Percherons. Of course the 

 ■distribution of animals was different from old-time precedents, and num- 

 bers were smaller than usual. Excepting in the aged classes where a 



