42 "^EST WASHINGTON SOCIETY. 



There were some fine horses on exhibition, and as many entered 

 for premium as at any Fair. 



Neat cattle were driven to the Show in greater numbers than 

 ever before, but owing to the dryness of the season, which reduced 

 the amount of pasturage very much, they were not in very good 

 condition. There were many fine oxen and young cattle, and but 

 few cows. Improvement in stock seems to be uppermost with the 

 farmer within the limits of this Society. The market value of cat- 

 tle has fallen fifty per cent, within six months here. Stock will 

 come to the barn earlier than usual on account of the drouth. 

 There will probably be fodder enough for all stock kept. 



Some sheep were exhibited, but the interest in their improve- 

 ment seems to have fallen off. Sheep raising is mostly confined 

 to the islands along the coast, where they are kept without the 

 expense of feeding in winter. 



The display of fancy articles was much better than that of last 

 year. Many very fine articles of superior workmanship were ex- 

 hibited. The cloths of domestic manufacture were fine and nice. 



As a general thing the crops were about an average this year. 

 The early part of the season was cold, wet and backward ; July, 

 August and September dry and not very warm. A middling crop 

 of potatoes, very fine in quality, was harvested. Oats about an 

 average yield. Barley below an average, although some obtained 

 good crops. Corn almost a failure, owing no doubt to the cold, 

 wet weather in the early part of the season. Beans light. Hay 

 crop not large, but secured in excellent condition. There never 

 was better weather for curing hay in this section. All crops were 

 harvested in good condition. 



This Society has effected a marked improvement in the condi- 

 tion of agriculture since its organization ; especially is it seen in 

 the improvement of domestic animals. 



James L. Bucknam, Secretary, 



