24 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



REVIEW OF THE YEAR. 



The yoar 1886 may be placed on record as one of reasonable pros- 

 perity for farmers in general. Though prices of most products of 

 the farm may be said to have ruled low in value, vet the unprecedented 

 low cost of all commodities for the family which are purchased, and 

 a like low expense for the needed equipments of the farm, more than 

 offset the shrinkage in the value of products sold, so that as a rule, 

 throughout the State, money has been easy among farmers and fairly 

 satisfactory gains have been made. In no former year have the}'' 

 purchased so freely of farm implements and machinery or of com- 

 mercial fertilizers ; and dealers report collections easy and bills closely 

 paid up. The contentment and prosperit}' found on the farm are in 

 pleasing contrast with the discontent and disturbance seen on every 

 hand among the laboring classes of the cities. The privileges and 

 advantages of farm life never were more apparent than at the present 

 time. It ma}' also be said that they never were better appreciated 

 by our people. 



The farmers, too, are wide-awake and active in their own affairs 

 and are looking sharply after better means and better metlfOds 

 throuirh which still better results may be secured. This activity of 

 mind never was so apparent before. Better stock is being secured 

 in every direction and better methods of feeding it practiced ; better 

 crops are raised and at less cost ; and substantial improvements are 

 being made which add to the productive powers and real value of the 

 farm. 



Either as a cause or sequence of this general thrift and prosperity 

 there is felt a higher appreciation of the advantages afforded by our 

 State for a home for its people. It is being seen more plainly than 

 ever before that the opportunities offered for successful farming are 

 as favorable here in our State as are to be found elsewhere. 



The crops of the year gave no remarkable return in any direction. 

 The grass crop, the chief reliance of the farm, was something above 

 an average, though not as large as the famous crops of 1882 and 

 1883. Comparing figures formerly given and on the same basis, the 

 crop of the State would reach one and a quarter millions of tons. 

 This was harvested in fairly average condition. In fact, with the 

 equipments for haying now at hand and a greater experience in their 

 use, the hay is secured under like conditions of weather in much 

 better order than was the case formerly. 



