460 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



THE POLAND CHINAS. 



The strongest class of Poland Chinas was that of junior yearling 

 boars, consisting of nearly forty entries. Uniformity of type and at- 

 tractive condition distinguished the collection. It has been many a day 

 since so many good ones competed in one class. The get of boar class 

 was also noteworthy. Entries were numerous in each contest, and it 

 took good ones to win. Yearling sows were the features of last year's 

 show; this year they were very much below the standard then set. 

 Most of them were overfitted. Thirty were shown. In the older classes 

 there was a lack of quality which was fairly well off-set by the re- 

 markable strength of the pig. The pigs were not so well developed, 

 however, as they were last year, owing to the earlier date of showing. 

 It was a contest between Iowa and Illinois for the championships. 

 Illinois has been gaining these coveted honors with considerable regu- 

 larity at Des Moines. A repetition of the performance was strenuously 

 worked for, but Iowa won the boar championship and Illinois took the 

 other one. Keen interest entered in these contests. For the female 

 purple, John Francis & Son, New Lenox, Illinois, had a very handy 

 winner in Director Perfection, but the rub for the boar champinoship 

 was harder, and it was not a universally popular decision which gave 

 the prize to S. P's. Perfection, shown by S. P. Chiles of Iowa. It was 

 a capital pair that gained these honors. The Francis sow is altogether 

 one of the most satisfactory propositions seen in recent years. Smooth, 

 deep and broad, correct on her feet, chuck full of quality and nicely 

 marked, this sow was licensed to achieve distinction in the strong ring. 

 The champion boar is an admirable type, compact and smooth. Per- 

 fection Heart 2nd, shown by F. L. Brumback of Illinois, was his 

 strongest rival. Each animal had many friends for the honor but the 

 judge preferred the younger hog. Mrs. S. B. Thomas of Missouri, had 

 the first prize aged boar, a very smooth one for his age, and with unusual 

 strength of bone. 



DUROC JERSEYS. 



Duroc Jerseys showed in larger number than ever before at Des 

 Moines. This breed is making rapid strides in the corn belt. It was 

 a strong showing that its adherents put up on this occasion. Compared 

 with previous exhibits it was distinctly superior, younger class show* 

 ing in number of outstanding entries. Refinement of the breed is being 

 effected. The Duroc-Jersey of today differs to his advantage from hia 

 progenitors of a few years ago. No longer is the "cat ham" comment 

 passed on a modern hog of this breed. Iowa and Nebraska breeders 

 preeented an exhibit that would compare favorably with any in the 

 department. It was big numerically and of uniform excellence. 



The champion boar appeared in the yearling class. Crimson Wonder 

 Again, shown by H. S. Allen of Iowa, easily gained first place In the 

 class and was a strong card for the purple, which was awarded him. 

 Royal Blossom, exhibited by Edmunds, Shade & Company of Iowa, 

 made a most acceptable champion sow. The get show was a sensation. 



