FOURTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART XII. 691 



able corn was planted very late, and the season being cool and unfavor- 

 able for its growth a great quantity will not mature, and will be unsal- 

 able. 



Oats 'were about half the average yield, and are very light in weight. 



The hay crop was the heaviest had for years, of good quality and 

 well cured. 



DELAWARE COUNTY. 



James Bishop. 



Fair held at Manchester, September 2, 3 and 4, 1903. 



The condition of agriculture in this county compared with former 

 years is a fair average. The continued wet weather in the spring re- 

 tarded planting in the low lands, and corn in these localities is very 

 uneven. On the uplands, where the soil is a little sandy, the corn is 

 maturing fast, and will be a good crop, while that on the low lands is 

 poor and will need the whole of September in which to mature. Oats and 

 barley are generally poor, in both yield and weight. Rye is a fair aver- 

 age with former years. Not much wheat is raised in this county. Vege- 

 tables and fruit were a good crop. 



Dairying is in a flourishing condition, the yield of milk being in 

 excess of all former years, owing to the excellent pasturage. Fair prices 

 are received for all dairy products. New milch cows are in demand, and 

 bring prices ranging from $40 upward. 



Stock of all kinds are in excellent condition, and with rough feed in 

 abundance the average farmer has nothing to fear, even if he does have 

 some soft corn. 



The breeding of fine horses is on the increase, and many imported 

 draft and coach horses are being brought in. 



DES MOINES COUNTY. 



C. C. Foioler, 



The annual exhibition of the Burlington District Agricultural Society 

 was held in that place September 8, 9, 10 and 11, 1903, and was a success 

 in every respect. The live stock exhibit was the largest and best made 

 In many years, a number of the animals exhibited carrying ribbons 

 awarded them at the Iowa State fair of 1903. 



The following is a summary of the crop and live stock conditions in 

 this county for the year of 1903 : 



Corn: White and Yellow Dent are the principal varieties raised. The 

 yield will average fifty bushels per acre, and is of fair quality. There was 

 an increase, of perhaps 10 per cent, in the acreage planted, but the quan- 

 tity will not reach the average, owing to that which was planted on th*- 

 bottom lands along the Mississippi river being drowned out. 



