38 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The classification prepared has been gone over with great care in an 

 effort to give to each breed or variety recognition in due proportion to 

 its accepted usefulness to man. The plan has been consistently fol- 

 lowed of giving the animals more widely recognized and of greatest 

 utility a larger allotment than those which have not so generally proved 

 their usefulness. In doing this rank has been accorded hased upon 

 statistics as to numbers and values furnished by those most competent 

 to speak concerning the breed under consideration. This is in some 

 respects at variance with the customary practice, Dut I think is based 

 upon sound reasoning. A live stock show of the magnitude of that to 

 be held in St. Louis next year will be unworthy its opportunities if it 

 fails to make some new standards and yield new precedents. When- 

 ever occasion arises for a change of this sort the step is not taken until 

 it is clearly evident that the new precedent or readjusted standard 

 makes for the advancement of animal husbandry. 



In regard to the details of the classification I shall not weary you 

 with any soporific statistics, but a brief review of some of the newer 

 features in each division will doubtless have a value. Horses, asses 

 and mules form the first of these six divisions. The mule, while last 

 named, does not by any means possess an obscure classification. In the 

 last decade and in previous years he has by his sturdy performance, 

 whether in war or on a railroad contract, proved himself worthy of a 

 luster about his head as well as at his heels. His patient usefulness 

 has been recognized in the World's Pair classification in arrangement 

 of awards tnat has received the full commendation of his best friends. 

 T^e horse for business, war or pleasure has been been given greater 

 attention than is commonly allotted him. The market class of horse 

 has a place entirely equal to his usefulness. Roadster, harness, busi- 

 ness and saddle geldings and mares; artillery, cavalry, coach, draft, 

 express, fire department and omnibus horses and ponies in harness have 

 special classes and liberal awards. This is not in any way at the 

 expense of the breeding rings, in which the sum of $80,000 is appor- 

 tioned. 



Tjwenty classes of cattle are given place, from Shorthorn to buffalo 

 and catalo. The dairy test is retained and enlarged, ana in addition are 

 features to demonstrate the merits of the cow in beef production as 

 well as dairying. Sheep, goats and swine all have the usual prizes 

 enlarged and new classes added. The Angora has made his way nearer 

 to the front in late years and his larger station has been duly recog- 

 nized. Fowls and the smaller animals will have opportunity to com- 

 pete for upwards of seven thousand five hundred awards. The Depart- 

 ment of Live Stock has in its province arrangement for the display of 

 nearly all animals and fowls of domestic utility to man, but no matter 

 how much money might be placed at our disposal it would be impossible 

 to give entire satisfaction to each of the varied interests concerned. 

 We have tried to be as exact as possible in making just provision accord- 

 ing to the knowledge obtainable. 



Throughout the classification an especial attention has been paid to 

 the skill of the breeder whose attention to the progress of animal hus- 

 bandry makes possible the winnings of the exhibitor. The breeder. 



