SECRETARY'S REPORT. 165 



IV. — Agricultural Productions of the County. 



The farmers of Somerset county pursue a mixed course of hus- 

 bandry. It cannot be said that any particular branch receives 

 special attention at their hands. Corn is grown to a greater extent 

 than any other crop, and it is as reliable a one as can be cultivated. 

 It is true, that the season has some influence upon it, and if the 

 ground is prepared in the most complete manner, the crop may 

 prove a failure ; but as a general rule, it is safe and reliable. Grain 

 crops, with the exception of wheat, are cultivated to a considera- 

 ble extent. Although in previous years the wheat midge has 

 caused much destruction and farmers abandoned the growing of 

 wheat, yet, at present, more attention is bestowed upon it, and not 

 wholly without success. Its general culture may once more be- 

 come one of the prominent features of our agriculture. 



Stock husbandry, in the different branches of horses, sheep and 

 neat stock, forms the leading business of a large proportion of the 

 farmers of .the county. In each of these departments, a decided 

 improvement has been going on during past years. To increase 

 the size of a four years old ox from six to seven feet in girth, at 

 the same time making corresponding improvement in his form and 

 working capacity, also adding to his market value more than one- 

 half his original worth — and this, the work of twenty years, is no 

 inconsiderable matter. I think farmers have neglected the reairing 

 and improvement of the breeds of milch cows, as much as any 

 part of stock husbandry. Cows are too often left to take care of 

 themselves, while a favorite yoke of oxen receives extra care, when 

 in fact, no stock gives a better return for good keeping, than milch 

 cows. The breed most common in the county is grade short-horn. 



The working oxen seen upon most farms, and also found in the 

 lumber regions of the northern part of the county, consist of the 

 most choice specimens of stock ; and for beauty of form and color, 

 large size and good working qualities, cannot be excelled in any 

 section of the State. They are usually purchased of farmers, in 

 the fall, for the business of lumbering, and after being worked in 

 the swamp two years, are fattened for beef. The work upon farms 

 is chiefly performed by ox labor, as it is proved to be better, 

 cheaper and safer. 



Somerset county is well adapted for sheep husbandry, but this 



