. SIXTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART X. 1067 



Drainage. — Much has been done in the past year to improve farms by- 

 draining the low lands, the cost of which has been repaid in larger 

 returns from more tillable acres. 



Land. — Values are steadily increasing. Present prices range from 

 $75 to $125 per acre. 



Report of Fair. — Held at Malvern, September 5-7, during one of the 

 rainiest weeks of the year; as a consequence the society came out in 

 debt, but as ever has been their practice, premiums and every liability 

 were paid in full. All departments fairly well fielled, and the ex- 

 hibits of horses and swine w^ere excellent. 



MITCHELL. 



W. H. H. GABI.E, OSAGE, OCTOBER 20, 1905. 



General Condition of Crops, Etc. — The season was exceptionally 

 favorable, and generally speaking all crops were good. 



Corn. — Usually good. Crop fully matured before frost. 



Oats. — An excellent crop, both in quality and yield. 



Wheat. — Very little raised. 



Rye. — Considerable is raised in this county, and yielded an average 

 crop. 



Barley. — Good, both in quality and yield. 



Flax. — Very little raised. 



Buckwheat. — Small acreage, but yield and quality good. 



Millet. — An excellent crop. 



Sorghum. — Very little raised. 



Timothy. — Smaller acreage than usual, but yielded a good crop. 



Clover. — Above the average. 



Prairie Hay. — Good average crop. 



Other Grains and Grasses. — Good. 



Potatoes. — Not as large acreage as usual, but yielded a good crop. 



Vegetables. — Excellent. 



Apples. — Fair average. 



Other Fruits. — Good, both in quality and yield. 



Cattle.-^Are raised extensively, and are mostly of the better grade; 

 some very fine herds of Shorthorns, Angus, Galloway and Jerseys. 



Horses. — Are of the best grades and sell well in the market. The 

 breeding of fine horses is on the increase. Imported draft and coach 

 horses appear in different parts of the county. 



Sivine. — A great many raised, and are of good quality. Poland China 

 and Duroc Jersey breeds predominate. 



Sheep. — This department at our fair made a verj- creditable show- 

 ing, as also did the Angora goats. 



Poultry. — Interest in this industry is increasing. All breeds were 

 represented at our fair. 



Other Industries. — Building stone abundant; also lithograph stone 

 quarries are being opened near Osage. 



