Exhibition—superintendents' reports . 
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REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENTS. 
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HORSE DEPARTMENT. 
BY JOHN L. MITCHELL, SUPERINTENDENT. 
The show of horses at the fair of the state society, held in Mil¬ 
waukee in September, 1873, probably exceeded in quantity and 
quality that of any preceding one, but the weather, which showered 
anything but blessings, made it impossible to exhibit the animals 
as they deserved. 
The roadster class was the most conspicuous for its excellence. 
It showed that Wisconsin also is moving in the national direction 
of trotting-breeding, and with no laggard step, for the stock-horses 
on the grounds represented the most sought-for strains in the 
country, and were evidence in themselves of the value of “ blue 
blood ” in the horse. It may not be out of place here to mention 
the stables of Richard Richards of Racine, Geo. C. Stevens of Mil¬ 
waukee, and Geo. D. Doubleday of Whitewater ; they were prom¬ 
inent for their numbers and merit, and their proprietors are doing 
the state much service. 
The draft class was full and fine, owing mainly to the stock of 
H. B. Sherman of Burnett Junction, and Simon Ruble of Beloit. 
These gentlemen presented weighty reasons for the belief they 
have in the heavy horse. 
The thorough breds were few. In fact thorough breeding can 
hardly be said to exist in Wisconsin. Most of the premiums in 
this class went without competition, and in some instances were 
awarded to animals not qualified in the way of pedigree. 
The class for general purposes was as usual filled to over¬ 
flowing, and in a great measure by non-exhibitors. This is the 
convenience class through which parties secure cheap and easy 
stall-room upon the grounds, by obtaining an entry tag, without 
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