NINTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART XI 543 
Shropshires made by far the strongest show. Three money prizes for 
American-bred sheep and seven ribbons for Iowa-bred stock, in addition 
to the open class premiums, brought out a great many of the less promi- 
n3nt breeders. These American-bred rings while showing very markedly 
the lack of proper and sufficient preparation yet greatly excelled those 
same classes of previous years, especially in the ewe classes. The open 
classes were practically all won by imported stock. The aged ram class 
was well filled with very strong individuals. A ram of unusual indi- 
viduality and masculinity with wonderful constitution, back, loin and leg, 
which to the ringside looked good for first place, finally stood second 
to a very typey, thick one that walked with more freedom and grace. The 
yearling ram which afterward was made champion showed splendid type 
throughout and in thickness of firm flesh was almost ideal; in wool, how- 
ever, he was somewhat coarse, though densely covered. Type and char- 
acter in the head, shortness of leg and depth of body placed an excellent 
ewe of McKerrow's at the head of the aged class. In the various yearling 
ewes the pick of the display presented itself in Chandler's first prize 
and champion winner. Seldom has the purple been tied on a more ac- 
ceptable type of Shropshire. She stands four square, with a sweet well 
covered head, a very smooth, broad, compact shoulder and a depth of firm 
flesh everywhere that is wonderful. She was in beautiful fix and a delight 
to every lover of Shropshires. 
In Oxfords competition was not keen, but splendid specimens of the 
breed gained the coveted positions. Depth, compactness, shortness of leg, 
flesh and a uniformity that should delight every true breeder's heart 
were shown in the rings of this breed. 
Although only two breeders presented Cheviots the display was a splen- 
did one for the breed and these compact meat-laden little sheep with their 
long wool and alert clean faces w^on the admiration of the onlookers. 
Only three contestants were forw^ard in the Rambouillet class. These 
were Moore, of Michigan; Uriah Cook oc Sons, of Ohio; and Robt. Taylor 
of Nebraska. The exhibit comprised only 35 head all told, but the animals 
were high class. The largest winnings went to Mr. Moore's flock, which 
had in it the champion ram and ewe. Both were aged and of high merit. 
This flock also won the prize for besi pen, but the other contestants also 
won good money. 
The two Delaine flocks in the contest came respectively from Mr. Moore 
and Messrs. Cook & Son. The latter won considerably the larger share 
of the honors. The champions of both sexes were in this exhibit. They 
were two years old and of prime quality. No American Merinos were 
on the ground. 
FARM BOYS' JUDGING CONTEST. 
The boys' judging contest, conducted by Prof. J. A. McLean of the 
Iowa Agricultural College, developed the fact that the farm boys of Iowa 
are well versed in stock judging. There were over 30 contestants and all 
were under 21 years of age. The contest provided for points on judging 
