SEVENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART IX. 445 



get their cattle before the public is to bring them to the fair and 

 let the farmers see the difference between high class dairy stock and 

 the common stock that is ordinarily used to supply our markets with 

 milk and butter. The milk cow test was a success. Quite a number of 

 cows were entered in this test, and the results secured were very sat- 

 isfactory. It is to be hoped that the fair management will encourage 

 this feature more in the future. 



The swine exhibit was unusually strong. There were over 1,000 

 Duroc-Jerseys. 1,174 Poland Chinas, 167 Berkshires, 30 Large York- 

 shires, and quite a number of Tamworths and Chester Whites. From 

 the interest manifested in the Durocs it was quite evident that this 

 breed is becoming more and more popular. Their prolificacy is evi- 

 dently interesting the farmers very greatly. The college at Ames 

 offered $600 for Advancer, by Advance, the first prize aged boar, 

 owned by Johnson Bros. & Newkirk and C. W. and Wm. Reed, while ' 

 F. W. Harding, it was stated, offered $1,000 for the third prize aged 

 boar, Glendale Critic, by Tolstoi, the property of E. Z. Russell. A 

 great many breeders were of the opinion that Glendale Critic should 

 have taken first prize in preference to Advancer. Among the Poland 

 Chinas there were some very fine individuals and some that if they 

 had been for sale would have brought enormous prices. The Berkshires 

 at the show were all of very good quality. There were eight exhibitors 

 of Berkshires, and the different classes were well filled. Considerable 

 more interest was manifested in the Large Yorkshires this year than 

 has ever before been observed. While there were only two exhibitors 

 of Large Yorkshires, viz., Thos. H. Canfleld of Lake Park, Minnesota, 

 who is the largest Yorkshire breeder in America, and B. F. Davidson of 

 Menlo, Iowa, competition was nevertheless keen. 



It is quite evident that the high price of mutton and wool, which has 

 prevailed during the past few years, has created great interest in the 

 sheep industry throughout the State of Iowa. All through the judging 

 of the sheep there were a great many farmers present who mani- 

 fested much interest in the different breeds and classes. As usual, the 

 Shropshires were more numerous than any of the other breeds. Quite 

 a number of Iowa Shropshire breeders were in attendance with very 

 fine flocks. More room will be needed to accommodate the sheep, and 

 it is to be hoped also that better quarters for judging will be provided. 

 The sheep industry will in the future become a very important part of 

 the great live stock industry in the State and sheep breeders should be 

 given all the encouragement possible. 



