854 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



Horses — More horses being raised. More farmers are lodging for pure 

 bred stoclv in all classes or breeding. Tendencj^ toward driving horses 

 is increasing. 



Stoine — Not as many in the county as usual, but the display at our 

 fair was better in quality than ever before. 



Sheep — The number of good sheep is on the increase. 



Poultry — This county is fully up to other counties in the poultry busi- 

 ness. Much poultry raised; most of them fine stock. 



Bees — But few kept. Season unfavorable for honey crop. 



Drainage — Some work being done in the western portion of the county. 

 Local drains put in a few years ago have beeen very beneficial. 



La7i(ls~<r-Frice of farm lands increasing. Good farms command $140 to 

 $175 per acre, with a goodly number of sales. 



Report of Fair— Held at Marshalltown, September 6. 7. S. 9, 10, 1909. A 

 good display in all departments and about $2,300 paid in premiums outside 

 of speed. Improvements were added during the season and will close 

 the year with a good balance in the treasury. 



MILLS. 



I. J. SWAIN, MALVKRX. OCTOBKR 20, 1909. 



General Condition of Crops and Seasoti — Notwithstanding the season 

 was about three weeks late the general crop conditions are above the 

 average. Excessive rainfall soon after planting seriously retarded culti- 

 vation and has resulted in an unusually weedy aspect. 



Corn — Good stand secured by all who tested their seed; others not so 

 fortunate. Splendid growth; development slightly checked by drouth but 

 yield will be a little above the average. 



Oats — Ideal conditions throughout the season and yield considerably 

 above normal. 



Wheat — Excellent crop; harvested in fine condition; yield from eight 

 to fifteeen bushels for spring wheat and twenty to thirty bushels for fall 

 wheat. 



Rye — Very little grown ; good crop. 



Barley — Good yield but very little grown. 



Flax — None grown. 



Buckwheat — None grown. 



Millet — Very little grown. 



Sorghum — None. 



Timothy — Above the avereage: saved in good condition. 



Clover — Good yield, but somewhat damaged by a week of wet weather 

 at harvest time. 



Prairie Hay — Average yield or better; fine quality. 



Potatoes — Above the average in yield and quality. 



Vegetables — Average yield and quality. 



Apples — Very light crop, but quality superior. 



Other Fruits — Quite satisfactory in most instances. 



Cattle — Abundant pasturage; cattle in good condition and of superior 

 quality. 



