TWELFTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART XI 591 



that wins a championship at the Iowa fair usually also becomes champion at 

 the great International Live Stock Show held in Chicago in the fall. In 

 some respects the live stock exhibits this year were superior to those of 

 a year ago. There were more exhibitors and also a larger total number 

 of animals. 



The horse show was not quite so large as it was a year ago. The total 

 number was 1,016 as compared with 1,126 last year; these figures include 

 ponies and mules. There were 140 horse exhibitors as compared with 101 

 last year. Of cattle there were 1,044 as compared with 858 a year ago and 

 there were also 20 more exhibitors this year than last. In numbers the 

 Short-horns fell a little below last year, but there were more Herefords 

 than usual. The Hereford show was immense. The entries amounted to 

 237 head as compared with 204 Short-horns, 108 Aberdeen Angus, and from 

 36 to 96 of the other breeds of beef and dairy cattle. The dairy show was 

 by far' the largest that has ever been held in Iowa. The Jerseys were es- 

 pecially strong; they numbered 96 head as compared with 52 a year ago, 

 and the Guernseys 61 as compared with 53 last year. The quality of all 

 the stock was uniformly high. There were few tailenders to be seen. 



The sheep exhibit was also very strong. The total number of entries 

 was 680. The Shropshires, of course, were in the lead, yet nine different 

 breeds were on the grounds. The swine pavilion was filled to overflow- 

 ing and the number of entries practically the same as last year. Breed- 

 ers reported a brisk demand for hogs and in general were exceedingly well 

 satisfied with the business outlook for the coming sale season. The judging 

 pavilion was unusually well filled, especially on Tuesday, Wednesday, and 

 Thursday. Judging from the attention which the public is giving to the 

 placing of the live stock awards, enthusiasm over pure-bred stock is rap- 

 idly growing in the State of Iowa. 



The new feature of the futurity stakes for colts was a great success. 

 These stakes, including cash and the cash value of cups, medals, etc., 

 amounted to $3,461 — the largest sum ever offered in the world for an ex- 

 hibit of draft colts. This futurity plan was originated by J. H. S. John- 

 stone of the Chicago Daily Live Stock World. This journal deserves a 

 great deal of credit for the work it has done in thus encouraging the draft 

 horse breeding industry. Mr. Halliwell, publisher and proprietor, has 

 not only given Mr. Johnstone his moral support, but he also donated a 

 considerable sum of prize money. The breeders owe the Chicago Daily 

 Live Stock World their sincere gratitude. The Percheron nominations 

 alone numbered over 140; 40 paid the full entry fees and 28 colts ap- 

 peared in the ring. The Shire, Clydesdale and Belgian breeds were also 

 well represented. It was generally remarked that these colts made the 

 finest display that has ever been seen at any state fair. The breeding asso- 

 ciations, the Iowa State Fair management, and several of the large breed- 

 ers of horses offered money prizes for this futurity show. It is to be hoped 

 that this exhibition may be continued, but owing to the large amount of 

 work required to get a show of this kind under way it is doubtful wheth'er 

 it will be attempted next year. 



