FOURTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART XII. 713 



The management was compelled to diouble the capacity of the hog pens, 

 and add a third more to the cattle barns, and with these additions there 

 were a number of exhibitors who could not be accommodated with pens 

 or stalls. 



A large amount of credit is due to the ladies of this county in filling 

 the floral hall with their handiwork in domestic, ornamental and fine 

 arts. The weather was a dismal failure, as it rained or threatened to 

 rain every day of the fair but one. and on that day the attendance was 

 good. 



Crops in this county are about an average with former 

 years. Small grain was damaged to some extent by excessive 

 rains. Corn on the lowlands was almost a failure, on account of it being 

 planted late, and too wet to cultivate. Potatoes were a light yield, and 

 some rotting in the ground. Hay was in abundance, but somewhat dam- 

 aged by rain. Stock of all kind is in good condition. Hogs are plentiful, 

 and no cholera is reported in this vicinity. 



POWESHIEK COUNTY. 



James Nowak. 



Fair held at Molcolm, September 7 to 12, 1903. 



Rain prevailed throughout the days of tne fair, and the attendance 

 was not as large as in former years, when only a three days' fair was 

 held. From point of exhibits the fair was a success, every department 

 being well filled. However, receipts were sufficient to pay all bills and 

 premiums in full. 



Owing to the exceedingly wet spring, corn was late in being planted. 

 and some of it will be eoft and unmarketable, but the? yield is good and 

 7 per cent of it is of fair quality. 



Wheat, barley and oats were of an average yield and quality. Apples, 

 peaches and other fruits fairly good. Potatoes were about 80 per cent 

 of the average crop, but of extra good quality. 



Horses and cattle are bringing good prices. Hogs are free from dis- 

 ease, and are also bringing good prices. Sheep are in good demand. 

 Poultry and dairy industries are profitable ones to the farmer. 



Good farming lands are bringing from $60 to $125 per acre. 



Nearly every farm house in this county has telephone service and 

 rural free delivery mail service. 



POWESHIEK COUNTY. 



C. H. VerhecTc. 



Fair held at Grinnell, September 1, 2, 3 and 4. 1903. 

 The season has not been a profitable one for the farmers of this 

 county, it having been cold and wet. Corn planted early and on high 



