SIXTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART IX. 991 



Sheep made a stronger exhibit in quality and numbers than ever 

 before, all the mutton breeds being well repi-esented. Prof. W. J. 

 Rutherford of the Iowa Agricultural College, who judged these classes, 

 pronounced the exhibit the best he had ever seen at Des Moines. Iowa 

 flockmasters were out in stronger array than hitherto, the state classes 

 attracting them from all parts. Draft horses were forward in ragged 

 classes. Old time interest in this section seemed wanting. The little 

 Shetlands had the lion's share of public attention, and the biggest dis- 

 play ever seen at a state fair was the verdict after the diminutive horses 

 had finished entertaining the swarms of children in the pavilion. 



Poultry set a new mark; more birds were shown than heretofore, and 

 the character of the display was considered above any of its predecessors. 

 Never was a larger or more comprehensive exhibit of agricultural 

 machinery seen at a state fair than occupied acres in the western part of 

 these grounds. It Avas marvelous in its variety and completeness, an 

 education in itself, the labor-saving idea presented with great effect. 



Ornately artistic displays of corn were conspicuous in the agricultural 

 building, liberal prizes being offered for them. Most of the corn on 

 exhibition was of last years growth, though a small lot of early varieties 

 of this season's crop was in evidence. A bumper yield is expected in 

 Iowa, and nearly everywhere else in the corn-belt this year. Those who 

 do not think of Iowa as much of a fruit state would change their mind 

 on seeing the rather elaborate exhibit of autumn apples in this build- 

 ing. Peaches, pears, grapes and plums also made an excellent impres- 

 sion. Quality loomed up as the chief characteristic of this luscious assort- 

 ment of fruit. Near it the Iowa Agricultural College had a varied dis- 

 play, consisting mainly of corn and products shown in glass jars. It 

 was calculated to interest the people in the work of that progressive 

 institution of learning. Garden and field products of the usual sorts 

 were big and showy, potatoes of numerous varieties suggesting a fine 

 output of "murphies" this year in Iowa. Dairy machinery and ap- 

 paratus occupied their usual space in the building, and the dairy dis- 

 play itself was about the same in character as that of last year. 



The fair was clean; fake side shows were absent. A moral at- 

 mosphere was present. Farmers could bring their famili^ with con- 

 fidence that the management had prepared a thoroughly good agricultural 

 fair, clean and high-class, worthy of their presence and capable of enter- 

 taining, instructing and inspiring. 



AGRICULTURAL FAIRS. 



dkovee's joubnai,. 



Agricultural organizations date back to the day of Washington, Jef- 

 ferson and Adams, who were largely interested in the agricultural develop- 

 ments of the United States. Washington advocated a national fair as- 

 sociation with state auxiliaries. State agricultural societies were advo- 

 cated during Washington's administration and fairs subsequently held 



