994 IOWA DEPAKTMKNT OF AGlUCLfLTUKE. 



big apples. He can't raise them — same kind, too. Well, he leariis that 

 the exhibitor takes care of his orchard. He learns why his orchard is 

 a failure and goes home with a new inspiration. 



Best Dairy Exhibit Ever Slioion. 



The dairy display was the best ever shown. State Dairy Commis- 

 sioner Wright said the state was getting aroused along dairy lines. A 

 system of district buttermakers' conventions and dairy men's picnics is 

 having its effect upon the quality and quantity of Iowa products. In 

 spite of the fact that Iowa is a corn state, a great beef state, a state 

 that does not show moie than a handful of dairy cows at the fair, "Iowa, 

 my Iowa!" is the greatest butter state in the union by far. Iowa with its 

 ricrubby, beefy, duel purpose cows, can make butter just the same. What 

 it will do when Mr. Wright and his able assistants get the state thor- 

 oughly aroused along dairy lines can only be surmised. 



Over in the old Agricultural hall the roosters were crowing in solos, 

 duets and choruses, and the hens sang on the refrains.. 



Why shouldn't they crow! Iowa is the greatest poultry state in the 

 union. 



At the poultry show the farmers' wives have their say. They tell 

 you what's what about chickens. They have that job on the farm. How 

 they would praise a fine specimen and how scornful was their comment 

 upon a poor sample. Really, some were very poor samples. Scabby 

 legs, pale combs, bleary eyes, lousy heads and general debility indicated 

 that they should not be allowed in a show. But that's where the farmer 

 has a chance to see what breeders have good, clean, healthy stock, and 

 he should place his orders accordingly. 



There Are Lessons Galore. 



Down in the machinery quarters there were lessons galore. This is 

 an age of machinery. The farmer no longer uses his brawn to any great 

 extent. There are implements, machines and contrivances whereby he 

 may save time, labor and money in his work. But the farmer who stays 

 away from the state fair is not aware of the new helpful things that 

 await his purchase. Gasoline engines of many makes were there in great 

 numbers. These engines are found on all up-to-date farms. The wind- 

 mill swings idly on its bearings while the gasoline engine pumps water, 

 grinds feed, etc. The merits of the different engines can be compared on 

 the fair grounds. The traction gasoline engine has come to break the 

 steam engine union. Lighter in weight, costing less at first cost, and 

 costing less to run it, doing away with the water and coal wagons, skilled 

 engineer, and costing nothing while not actually working, the gasoline 

 traction engine should interest the farmer as well as the thresherman. 

 It stands the farmer well in hand to get posted on this subject. He may 

 save money when he threshes. 



There were many new things in gates and fences that it pays to in- 

 vestigate. Just because the heavy board gate has done well is no reason 

 why there is nothing better. 



