EXHIBITION OF 1871—SUPERINTENDENTS’ REPORTS. 87 
REPORTS OE SUPERINTENDENTS. 
REPORT OF THE HORSE DEPARTMENT. 
BY N. S. GREENE, SUPERINTENDENT. 
The show of horses at the last state fair far exceeded that 
of any former exhibition, both in numbers and in the quality 
cf the animals. So great was the increase, that notwithstand¬ 
ing the extensive additions made the past year to the stalls, a 
much larger number of animals were entered than could be 
accommodated. This, with the improved quality of the stock 
exhibited, shows conclusively an increased interest among 
breeders in raising this universal favorite servant of man. 
The various classes were all well represented, but particular 
mention should be made of the exhibition of thorough-breds, 
roadsters and draft horses. Many of the animals in e?ch of 
these classes would compare favorably with the best of their 
kind in the country. 
The trials of speed were creditable and exciting, and seemed 
to create more interest than any other feature of the exhibi¬ 
tion. However numerous the objections that are uiged against 
races at our state fairs, all must admit that they contribute 
largely, both to the numbers that attend, and to the interest 
felt in these exhibitions. 
A much larger number of entries were made in competition 
for the sweepstakes premiums than heretofore, and all of the 
animals presented were of superior quality. The continually 
increasing interest felt in this class of premiums, denotes a com¬ 
mendable strife among the breeders of good stock, and we 
trust will continue to stimulate them to still greater improve¬ 
ments in this direction. 
The plan adopted for selecting judges, and the manner of 
