562 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



slowly, yet surely, very surely, gaining ground in Iowa. It is a short 

 decade since a flock of sheep in an Iowa pasture was occasion in plenty 

 for exclamation. Now these fleecy scavengers of the fields are common. 

 Such a change must needs be felt last in the show-ring, for wise men 

 will not make the leap from no sheep to show sheep at the first try. It 

 is this condition which makes the sheep department in the Iowa State 

 Fair largely dominated by a few importers. Their stuff is good. That 

 is fortunate. It sets a type each year that is strong and a safe guide. 

 And even this year the fact that some Iowa breeders absented them- 

 selves until the open classes were done and the Iowa classes begun was 

 the occasion for some uncomplimentary remarks about their nerve and 

 some complimentary remarks about their sheep. A taste of blood would 

 have done them good — and they likely would have got it. 



"W. H. Beattie. Wilton Grove, Ont., passed on most of the mutton breed- 

 ing classes. The Shropshire classes 'proved a triangular fight among 

 McKerrow, Chandler Bros., and Renk & Sons with Chandler Bros, holding 

 the long end. With yearlings and ram lambs they led, showing also 

 the first and second-prize yearling ewes. Renk showed the winners in 

 both classes for aged isheep. Both championship ribbons went to the 

 Chandler Bros. The ram championship class found three fine sheep wait- 

 ing. All were wooled to suit. The aged ram was thick and typey in 

 the fore quarters and neck, while the yearling carried his best width 

 farther back. The judge found the lamb combining the excellencies of 

 the other two and gave the little fellow the purple. 



Oxfords brought out the McKerrow flock, Cooper & Nephews and John 

 Graham & Sons with C. S. Hechtner in with a yearling ewe of out- 

 standing first and championship calibre. The championship on rams went 

 to McKerrow on the yearling. While the aged ram was deeper in chest, 

 the yearling was squarer and wider especially in rump, and width was 

 Beattie's call in the Oxford classes. 



Postle & Sons and G. W. Parnell made the Cheviot classes largely a 

 duel. James Scott, from Scotland, who was exhibiting the Collies in 

 sheep driving trials, placed the honors in this division. His work was 

 somewhat different from the average and was keenly watched. The width 

 of back from neck to rump, the wooling on the belly, and the carriage 

 of the sheep were particularly noted. Every sheep was turned loose and 

 given a turn around the ring. That might spoil a fine pose on an 

 awkward sheep, but it is not liable to injure the sheep any. Some know- 

 ing ones smiled at first, but their smiles turned to respect when the big 

 tenderhearted Scotch shepherd laid a restraining hand on some of the 

 holders who were a little rough with their own sheep. And later those 

 who questioned found that a keen eye went with the tender heart. He 

 knew the sheep he had worked upon, every one. The Cheviot show he 

 classed as good — "some common yet some very good sheep, good in any 

 country." Four firsts and a championship went to each of the firms 

 mentioned. 



Nash Bros, and Alex. Arnold made up the Dorset show with many 

 of the classes not filled. Cooper & Nephews won the lion's part in the 

 Hampshire department with Wm. F. Renk running next in winning. The 



