EIGHTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART IX. 437 



stand very low degrees of temperature, that we see no reason why grape 

 growing cannot be pushed a degree further north, with the great possibil- 

 ity of some hybrids of this variety adding others to the list. From what 

 we could see and learn the Iowa experiment station is doing great work. 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY. 



The experiment station of the Iowa Agricultural College made a very 

 fine artistic display in the agronomy department, which was composed 

 largely of specimens of corn that had taken premiums in different corn 

 shows and fairs in the last year. But they had in evidence their many 

 prizes and trophies which had been awarded this department in the last 

 few years. Professor Bowman and his able corps of assistants were there 

 explaining to the farmers that it was not expected of each farmer that 

 he would run a scientific experiment station, but by the proper selection 

 of seeds of different kinds that the farm crops could be doubled many 

 times from 30 to 50 per cent. They showed their experience in wheat 

 growing, different grasses and other farm products. The good derived 

 by farmers in coming in contact with these gentlemen is not to be calcu- 

 lated in dollars and cents, and pays Iowa or any State many fold the 

 money expended in giving back to the people the information that they 

 want along these lines. The artistic corn displays in this department 

 were very large and some of them very fine, indeed, and it was the opin- 

 ion of the experts in corn growing and breeding that the corn display 

 was one of the best ever shown and gave evidence of high degree of work 

 In this line. It was highly spoken of by experts. 



CATTLE DEPARTMENT. 



SIIORT-nORNS. 



This year's Short-horn show at the Iowa fair was by unanimous vote 

 by far the greatest and best ever witnessed by visitors at that great ex- 

 position. It outnumbered last year's exhibit by nearly 100 head and at 

 the same time there was greater merit throughout. The long classes of 

 beautiful beefy forms clad in rich robes of red, white and roan were in- 

 deed an impressive sight that will long remain in the memory of Iowa 

 fair visitors who admire good cattle. While Iowa made the largest con- 

 tributions, the five other states represented made competition pretty -hot 

 for the former, who frequently had to be satisfied with the money awarded 

 for Iowa breeders only. There were some notable exceptions, however, as 

 the list of awards will show. On frequent occasions the judge found his 

 task exceedingly difficult and, after the first few classes had been disposed 

 of, Mr. E. B. Mitchell was called in to assist. 



HEREFORDS. 



"What's the matter with the Hereford breeders?" was a question fre- 

 quently asked at the ring side. Somehow the classes as they passed 

 seemed to leave the impression that the Hereford end of the show was 

 far below the standard that had been set at stock shows in previous years. 



