FOURTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART XII. 709 



MAHASKA COUNTY. 



Ed Pritchett. 



Fair held at Oskalaosa, September 8, 9, 10 and 11, 1903. 

 Following is a summary of crop conditions in this county this season: 

 Oats: About one half the average crop, and of a poor quality. 

 Corn: Average about twfo thirds of usual crop. 



Grass and pasturage: 'An abundant crop, and generally was put up 

 in good condition. 



MAHASKA COUNTY. 



N. D. Bates. 



Fair held at New Sharon, September 16, 17 and 18, 1903. 



We had one of the best fairs held here in several years. While the 

 attendance was small on account of the prevailing bad weather, the ex- 

 hibits in all departments were fine, especially the display of cattle. 

 There were complete herds of the leading breeds that would do credit 

 to any showering. 



The display of agricultural pioducts while good was somewhat lim- 

 ited on account of the late season. 



The corn crop in this locality, while not up to the average of former 

 years, on account of the late and wet spring, is better than was expected; 

 will probably average fifty per cent of a crop. The lateness of frost 

 this fall has helped to mature corn that would have been otherwise soft. 

 The small grain was not as good a crop as usual, owing to the unfavor- 

 able seas'on. 



Hay and pasturage was never better, the hay crop being an enormous 

 one for this locality. 



MADISON COUNTY. 



T. J. Hudson. 



Fair held at ^interset, September 16, 17, 18 and 19, 1903. 



Considering the unpromising weather, the fair was a success. By 

 a few days postponement more favorable weather was secured, but the 

 continual rain preceding and including the first day of the fair mate- 

 rially interfered with the attendance and exhibits. 



The cattle department was well filled, and in the horse department 

 few draft horses were shown, but in the standard breed trotter and 

 roadster classes some fine animals were exhibited. 



Many fine hogs were shown, comprising principally the Chester 

 White, Poland China and Duroc Jersey. 



