990 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



likewise set new standards in all departments save the horse section, 

 which, while not weak did not attain to former marks. Visitors did 

 not sweep down upon the fair in one day, hut the crowds were well 

 distributed through several days. It was therefore possible for Des 

 Moines and the transportation lines between the city and the fair 

 grounds properly to care for the people. Congestion of cars, streets 

 and hotels surely would have resulted if the one-day idea had been 

 followed, but as it was everybody could be reasonably comfortable. 



The writer has always been impressed with the system and order 

 which distinguish the management of this fair. Catalogued events are 

 presented on time and at the place designated. There are no delays 

 or hitches in the carrying out of the bulletined programme. Visitors 

 know when and where to see a particular performance or feature of 

 the fair. Each day has its special attractions appealing to certain peo- 

 ple. Each day is featured. This helps to make it a six-day fair instead 

 of a briefer show. Business management tells in fair administration. 

 It has been responsible in large measure for the wonderful growth of 

 the Iowa fair. 



About 700 cattle were shown, embracing five beef breeds, two dairy 

 breeds and one of dual-purpose breed. Short-horns led in numbers 

 and made a strong state exhibit. Angus were next in numerical stand- 

 ing, and in uniformity were, perhaps, ahead of the other breeds. Here- 

 fords were contributed largely by outside breeders, professional exhibi- 

 tors in fact, and the Galloway show was composed of home-bred and 

 outside entries in about equal numbers. Four herds of Polled Dur- 

 hams were shown, the first ever exhibited at this fair, as hitherto no 

 classification has been provided for this breed. Red Polls were shown 

 by three breeders, Jersey by six or eight and Holstein Friesians by 

 three breeders. Quite a creditable showing was made of pure-bred and 

 grade fat cattle. 



Hogs numbered 3,100 head, with Poland-Chinas in the lead as usual, 

 Duroc-Jerseys being a close second. Chester Whites ranked third in 

 numbers and Berkshires fourth. It was commonly remarked that the 

 "reds" made the strongest showing in this section. The white hogs 

 also made an excellent presentation of their merits. Accommodations 

 for these porcine visitors were greatly overtaxed. Pens were sadly inade- 

 quete for such an overwhelming collection. No department is in greater 

 need of improvement than this. Not only was it overtaxed, but we 

 v^ere informed that at least 500 hogs were kept away owing to lack 

 of room. The judging w^as done outdoors, and if the weather had been 

 what it was two years since at Des Moines a nasty mess would have 

 developed. Fortunately the weather was almost ideal throughout the 

 week. 



Only two of the buildings on these grounds are of permanent con- 

 struction; all others are of wood and cost heavily for repairs each year. 

 They are old, inadequate for the purposes intended and look out of 

 place in sight of the big live stock pavilion and the big building devoted 

 to agricultural, horticultural and dairy displays, both of which are of 

 permanent construction and thoroughly up to date. 



