SEVENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK-PART IX. 435 



seemed very true indeed. Although the entries were not numerically 

 so great as made in some of the other breeds, the general quality was 

 fully as high. No sensational horses were shown, but the general run 

 was of the good kind the farmers love to see. The prize winners were 

 not so highly fitted as those of the other breeds, but were in excellent 

 breeding condition. In addition, it may be said to the credit of this 

 Scottish breed that the tail-enders were a minus quality in the com- 

 petition. 



PERCHERONS. 



Supporters of the Percheron breed of horses have reason to be proud 

 of the showing made by the representatives of this breed at Des Moines. 

 Since it was the opening fair of the season, only a medium show was 

 expected, but the hopes of the few who have this section in charge were 

 more than realized when 140 head had to be supplied with stall room. 

 The barns were taxed to their full capacity. A great deal better showing 

 was made than last year, both as to numbers and quality. The stallion 

 classes brought out a number of well-fitted entries from the McLaughlin 

 stables, the other breeders not having so high a finish on their horses 

 as this firm. However, that did not prevent the outsiders from breaking 

 into the money, as usefulness carries more weight in judging than does 

 finish. In the mare classes very breedy females were the order all the 

 way through, no highly pampered stuff being present in these classes. 

 McLaughlin Bros, had some newly imported winners from France that 

 made the competition very interesting in the aged, the three-year-old 

 and the two-year-old stallion classes. Lakewood Farm deserves special 

 mention for the high class of their females and young stock by Calypso. 

 The old champion has proved a most excellent getter and is one more 

 of the show winners that have helped to disprove the statement that 

 "show stock are not good breeders." The large number of entries made 

 good classes, and the task of picking the winners was no easy one. 

 Professor Kennedy, however, made the awards to the satisfaction of 

 all concerned. 



ENGLISH SHIRES. 



Some fifty head of English Shires were on exhibition in the big barns. 

 Among this number were some good, drafty horses of quality and of 

 the right breeding sort. Classes were not very full and the judging 

 was a comparatively easy task. R. B. Ogilvie was unable to go through 

 the whole breed and Mr. Galbraith finished for him. As a rule the horses 

 shown were of the leggy kind and lacked substance, although some few 

 were shown of good, massive type. 



CO.'i.CHERS. 



The French and German coachers were clashed together, there being 

 only two divisions, one for stallions over four and one for three-year- 

 olds. Some good actors were brought out, but the classes throughout 

 were not so well filled as in former years. There were some good ones, 

 just the same. 



