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IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The new sheds are not surpassed by any in the world and the only criti- 

 cism which can be made is that an additional shed might have been placed 

 along the vacant side. This would have necessitated the building of the 

 pavilion in the center of the court, but ample room would have been left 

 for the exercise of the hogs. Some of the additional room might have been 

 used this year, for we are told by the superintendent of swine that he was 

 obliged to turn down many applications for pens because of the lack of 

 same. 



Last year the hogs for judging were placed in hurdles scattered promis- 

 cuously over several acres of ground, among sheds and tents, and along 

 the paths. The judges were compelled to do their work with hundreds 

 of people gathered around the hurdles. This year the new pavilion 

 gave a pleasant change. A fence separated the workers from the sight- 

 seers and work was carried on with comfort during the hard rains which 

 frequently visited the fair. Iowa is to be congratulated on its new swine 

 buildings. 



The number of hogs on the ground this year was not as great by thirty- 

 six as last year. There were the same number of breeders showing as 

 last year. We have prepared a table for reference which we think breed- 

 ers will find interesting. It shows at a glance the number of breeders 

 making exhibits, and the number of hogs shown in each breed during 

 the last three years. The Duroc-Jersey gained in number this year 

 while the Poland-China lost. Last year witnessed the showing of two new 

 breeds, the Yorkshires asd Tarn worths, while this year brought in one 

 more, the Hampshires. Following we print the table: 



Total for 1904, 2,423; 1903, 2,576. 



The general impression prevailed that the show was of better quality 

 than last year. Some strong hogs appeared in every breed, while in the 

 two large breeds many excellent ones were shown. All told it is probably 

 the greatest and best hog show of the year. A ribbon won at the Iowa 

 fair is not to be overlooked in breeding circles. 



DUEOC-JERSEYS. 



The Duroc- Jerseys led in numbers. It has been increasing in numbers 

 and quality for several years and this year was no exception to the rule. 

 Everywhere were heard remarks as to the excellency of the showing as a 

 whole and the outstanding breed characteristics of many of the individuals. 



The very first showing set the tongues of the onlookers wagging with 

 wonder. Twenty-two big Duroc boars over 2 years old were walked into 



