NINTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART XI 583 
excellent specimens were represented. The judges were strong in their 
commendations of these latter classes, v hich, being almost purely Amer- 
ican bred, and largely of Iowa, adds to the high appreciation in which 
they are held. 
The splendid new swine pavilion was, as usual, filled with the best of 
the various breeds. The total number in the show, however, was a couple 
hundred less than last year. It was unfortunate perhaps that quite a con- 
siderable number of breeders reserved and paid for pens and then failed 
to make their appearance at the fair, thus barring out a large number of 
other men who would gladly have been present and who had in fact been 
refused admittance because the pens had all been disposed of. However, 
it continues to be the greatest hog show on earth. There was a marked 
absence of high fitting this year except in one or two herds that are con- 
ducted by what we may call professional show men. The high price of 
feed operated against superfatted hogs, but the buyer of breeding stock 
will no doubt be the beneficiary from this condition. There was nothing 
of a sensational character in any of the shows. In fact, in most breeds 
there was lacking some of the toppyness of finish and high character that 
have hitherto made the Iowa State Fair notable. An exception to this 
rule, however, applies to the Chester Whites, which breed presented the 
strongest rings of the week. Berkshire breeders increa.sed their numbers 
over previous years through active work of their state orgaization and 
got together a highly creditable showing. A new feature in the swine 
department was the Hampshire or thin rind breed given its first classifi- 
cation here this year. Gentlemen engaged in the forwarding of the intp'^ 
ests of that breed have been particularly aggressive in their efforts to put 
the Hampshire prominently before the public, and so brought about a hun- 
dred and fifty head to this fair. But one herd of this number came from 
Iowa. While this breed doubtless has advantages that justify its exist- 
ence, the average farmer frequently asks what its advantages are over 
the more firmly established breeds. 
In the sheep rings there was more enthusiasm among our home breeders 
than has been noticeable for quite a number of years. Iowa men got out 
in greater numbers and with a higher order of individual merit. In 
most classes the judges faced specimens of more than ordinary quality. 
It was particularly apparent that Iowa breeders who at one time were 
loth to show in open classes, this year never hesitated to get into the 
world's competition. A hopeful aspect is here shown for the betterment 
of Iowa's flocks, and if we mistake not in the near future there will be a 
decided increase in flocks in this state and quality will in no wise suffer 
thereby. 
The world must bow to the aristocracy of Iowa live stock as seen at 
the Iowa State Fair. The supremacy of its products is already firmly 
established in foreign countries, and it can be but a matter of a few 
years until the supply of breeding animals of the world must be drawn 
from the sections from which come the animals that make up this 
exhibit. 
It is a flattering testimonial to the intelligence of the Iowa farmers, 
and their aptness in recognizing the important position that good live 
