718 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The speed department was up to the average of former years, and 

 the horse exhibit made a splendid showing. The exhibit of cattle, while 

 not as large as usual, was a very creditable showing. Over two hundred 

 head of swine were entered for premiums, and the art hall, as 'usual, 

 was well filled, as was also the agricultural department. 



Considering the wet weather we had, the board of directors of our 

 society feel well satisfied with the fair. Premiums were paid in full. 

 A special and interesting feature was the display of sch'ool work. 



Oats are very good in this county, being favored wth g'ood weather 

 at harvest time. Hay was an exceptionally large crop, and generally 

 put -up in good condition. Potatoes were of a fair yield and quality. 

 Pasturage being good, stock of all kinds is in excellent condition. Corn, 

 while not as good as some years in the past, is, on the whole, better 

 than last year. At this writing (October 5th) we have had no killing 

 frosts. 



TAYLOR COUNTY. 



W. F. Evans. 



Fair held at Bedford, October 14. 15 and 16, 1903. 



On account of unfavorable weather the fair was postponed from dates 

 originally set. September 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th. to the above dates, 

 but the continued dates were anything but favorable for outdoor exercise, 

 and the attendance was light. 



The showing in most of the departments was excellent, and fully up 

 to the standard, both in quality and quantity, of former years, although 

 quite a number 'of fine stock raisers were prevented from making a 

 showing of their favorites, on account of the almost impassable condition' 

 of the roads. 



The fair was a success in every way except financially, the attend- 

 ance being the smallest in the history of the society, owing very largely 

 to the disagreeable weather and muddy roads. 



Friday, October 15th, was "Educational Day," and all children under 

 twelve years 'of age were admitted free on this day. Under the infiuence 

 and untiring effort of our efficient county superintendent. Professor H. S. 

 Ash, this day has become the big day of our fair. The school exhibit 

 was a very interesting feature to all who attended, every school, whether 

 rural or graded, had something on exhibition from every pupil who could 

 write. 



We exclude all games of chance, and find that our people, with small 

 exception, highly approve of it. 



Horses: There has been a general breeding up of the better grades, 

 especially in draft. Percheron, Clydesdale and Norman are the leading 

 breeds. There was 12.064 head assessed in this county for the year of 

 1903. at a value of $681,370. No disease reported. Prices range from $75 

 to $175, and in many cases individuals of extra quality bring $200. These, 

 of course, are exceptionally heavy fellows, .combining weight, color, 

 style, etc. 



