COUNTY EEPOETS. 445 



The address was delivered by the Hon. H. C. Hobart, which 

 was listened to with attention, by the numerous company. 



We feel encouraged and strengthened in the belief of the 

 beneficial effects of the Society, at the present time, and have 

 high anticipations of its progressive usefulness. 



GEO. A. JENKINS. 



IOWA COUNTY. 



To THE SeCEETARY OF THE StATE AgrICUCTURAL SOCIETY : 



Sir : — Iowa county has been generally classified as one of the 

 mining counties of the State. This, however, is only partially 

 correct. The " Military Eidge" running through the centre of 

 the county in a westerly course, and dividing the tributaries of 

 the Wisconsin, from those of the Pecatonica, forms the north 

 boundary of the "diggins," leaving the north half of the county 

 to rely upon its agricultural resources and manufacturing facili- 

 ties. Moreover, in the decline of mining as a business of regular 

 and uniform character, the attention of the people has been 

 gradually turned to the opening and improving of farms. Within 

 three years thousands have abandoned the fascinating but ex- 

 hausting employment of following veins, and sinking shafts, 

 and burrowing in muddy drifts far from clear sunshine and free 

 air, and now find more ample remuneration in " diggings" that 

 are measured by inches instead of fathoms. During the last 

 year the agricultural productions of the county have exceeded 

 the mineral productions considerably, and this without including 

 the value of stock on hand. Thousands of virgin acres have 

 during the past summer been " ravished by the ruthless share." 



Yet our county, which from its age, its soil, and the markets 

 which it commands, ought to be among the first of the agricul- 

 tural counties is behind many of its sister counties, which have 

 less advantages. 



