82 
WISCONSIN STATE AGRIGULTURAL SOCIETY. 
who had made entries of stock were prevented from exhibiting 
them, owing to the continuous wet weather during the fair. 
The breeders of this state have made a steady advance in the 
improvement of sheep, in all the desirable qualities. They have 
by importation added to their flocks many choice pure bred animals. 
They merit the thanks of all who appreciate the importance of 
sheep husbandry in this state, and with proper encouragement there 
is no reason why Wisconsin should not soon take rank with Ver¬ 
mont, New York, or any other state, in the number and value of 
pure bred sheep. Our soil and climate are well- adapted to sheep 
husbandry. 
■ AMERICAN MERINOS. 
The show in this class, though not large in numbers, has rarely 
been excelled in the excellent quality of the stock. The intelli¬ 
gence and energy of the gentlemen engaged in this state in fine 
wool growing and the breeding of American Merinos have resulted 
in a marked increase in the weight of both carcass and fleece, while 
the quality of the wool has also been improved. 
LONG WOOL. 
The exhibition in this class was particularly good; nearly equal 
to that of last year. The wet weather prevented some from bring¬ 
ing their stock; otherwise the exhibition would have been one of 
the best ever made at our state fairs. The increased attention 
given to sheep in this class has produced so marked an improvement 
in numbers and quality, that our breeders are no longer under the 
necessity of importing pure blood animals, but are prepared to self 
to others. 
SOUTH DOWNS. 
In this class there were a few pens of very good sheep that at¬ 
tracted the attention of the friends of this, the best of all sheep 
for mutton. 
DEPARTMENT D. —SWINE. 
BY A. A. BOYCE, SUPERINTENDENT. 
The exhibition in all the classes of this department was undoubt- 
