826 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



the Iowa State Fair for three years in succession. For the same length 

 of time the winners of first as produce of sow have been by the same hog. 

 Lewis E, himself, has been shown but one year and was a prominent 

 prize taker. Mr. J. M. Stewart judged this breed also. 



BERKSIIIRES. 



The Berkshire show was a good one as Berkshire shows go, but it 

 was not up to the old-time standard of the breed. It was really somewhat 

 disappointing for the reason that, although extraordinarily attractive 

 premiums were offered by the Berkshire association, the number was 

 scarcely greater than in other years, and the quality only a triflle of 

 an improvement. 



Without Mr. Corsa and his herd there would have been a hole in 

 the Berkshire department. His exhibit managed to attach an even dozen 

 class ribbons of the sky blue tint, and four championships. 



It is something of a misfortune to the breed that Berkshire breeders 

 should permit themselves to become entangled in a difficulty that involves 

 the whole Berkshire interest and prevents a harmonious action in for- 

 warding the welfare of the breed. The situation cropped out at every 

 turn throughout the entire week and under all circumstances. So intense 

 was the feeling that a referee was required to be constantly present in 

 the ring competitions. The judges were N. H. Gentry, Sedalia, Mo., and 

 Wyman Lovejoy, of Roscoe, 111., with Geo. W. Berry, of Topeka, Kan., as 

 referee. f: 



The grand champion boar, Julia's Duke, is a magnificent specimen of 

 the breed. He shows the strong vitality and vigor of a breeding animal, 

 withal his excellent conformity to show-yard requirements. Julia's Duke 

 is an excellent specimen of what judicious breeding will produce. 



Without question the showiest show of the week was the finely fitted 

 young herds that came out in the Berkshire classes. They were like 

 as peas in a pod and of a very high standard of excellence. 



HAMPSHIRES. 



The Hampshire men made a remarkable increase in the numbers of 

 their exhibit over those of previous fairs. They also held up to a high 

 standard in the merit of their animals. Their exhibit was really entitled 

 to more attention than it received. The show brought out several breed- 

 ers who had not before made their appearance in the show ring, and the 

 winnings of these newer men were quite creditable. The distribution of 

 championships was more general than in any other breed. 



Without indulging in any criticism of the judge, it may be said 

 that it was the consensus of opinion on the part of exhibitors that 

 he failed to observe correct Hampshire type, and made his decisions 

 more largely from a lard hog point of view. This it was said, had 

 a harmful influence among uninformed observers, in that it conveyed 

 an incorrect idea of the type most encouraged by the breeders them- 

 selves. Mr. George B. Buck, Sunny Hill, 111., placed the awards. 



