No. 112.] 469 



Hon. George Geddes, who delivered the annual address, has 

 perhaps truly interpreted our elevation and geological condition 

 in regard to the production of our agricultural products. He 

 says : — " Comparing Oneida with Niagara county, by an examina- 

 tion of your soils and your surfaces, a man of agricultural science 

 would at once determine that Niagara must chiefi^ raise wheat, 

 and Oneida grass and the spring grains. 



" An occasional large crop of wheat may be produced in Oneida, 

 but generally it will not be the most profitable' crop. Here it is 

 cheese, butter, wool, and meat, and but little wheat, and in 

 Niagara it is wheat, and but little else than wheat. Oneida and 

 Niagara illustrate these advantages, and the canals and railroads 

 combine them." 



Hops are produced, doubtless, to the extent of about half a mil- 

 lion of pounds in the south part of the county, which has proved 

 . a money-making business to those engaged in their culture fur 

 the past three years, as large prices have been obtained. But 

 like all the lands of gold, too many diggers are engaging in the 

 business to realize their anticipations. 



Teazles are also raised to supply the neighboring factories, and 

 considerable quantities are sent to the Eastern States. 



Fruit. Oneida has long been noted for its fine apples, which 

 are grown to perfection, and in great abundance, and thousands 

 of barrels are annually sent to tlie eastern markets. Much in- 

 creased attention is now paid to raising of all kinds of fruit, i»ar- 

 ticularly that of pear5, and in some l(^*alities peaclies. 



The late intrtxluction of dwarf pear trees has enkindltd new 

 zeal in the cultivation of this delicious Iruit. 



The old doctrine that those wlio raised pears raised tliem for 



hciiSjhdS exploded, as may now annually be seen, many an old 



grey-head, evincing as much zeal with his dwarf pear tnes. as 



though in pursuit of a new wife, with an evident assurance 



hut he could reap ([ukk returns liooi the Iruits of his labor. 



