776 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



exhibition at Fonda, August 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th. The weather was favor- 

 able, attendance large, and exhibits large and of excellent quality in all de- 

 partments except that of agriculture, which owing to the early dates upon 

 which fair was held was light. The exhibit in the swine department was 

 exceptionally large and many good animals were shown. 



In point of exhibits and entertainment furnished, the meeting was pro- 

 nounced the most successful one ever held by the society. 



POTTAWATTAMIE. 



Caleb Smith, Avoca, Iowa, October 12, 1904. 



The we ither conditions the past season has been very favorable for all 

 kinds of agricultural products, with the exception of spring wheat, which 

 was almost a failure. At this writing no killing frost has visited this district 

 and pasturage is in excellent condition. 



Corn—Oi better quality than last year. In some fields the stand was thin, 

 owing to poor seed, and considerable replanting was done. It is maturing 

 well and promises to yield a large crop. 



Ojits — The best crop had for years, both in quality and yield. 



Wheat — Yielded a light crop and was of unmarketable quality. 



Other grains— NQxy little rye, barley, flax, buckwheat, millet or sorghum 

 raised in this county. 



Timothy — Yielded from one and one-half to two tons per acre, of excel- 

 lent quality and is bringing on the market an average of $6 per ton. 



Clover — Yield and quality good; considerable was cut for seed, which 

 yielded well; young clover has made the best stand seen for years. 



Prairie hay— Yery little wild hay left in this county excepting on low 

 places, which yielded well and as the season was favorable at cutting time it 

 was generally put up in good condition. 



Potatoes— YiQldiQd. an unusally large crop and were excellent in quality. 



Fruits — Did well, with the exception of winter apples which are not as 

 plentiful as last year. 



Cattle — Are in good condition; principal breeds raised are Shorthorns 

 and Polled Angus. Prices for grades are not as high as last year. Con- 

 siderable dairying is carried on in this district. 



Norses— HsLve done well, demand and prices being good. There is an 

 increase in the number of colts being raised. 



Swine — A great many raised the past year, and no disease is reported 

 among them. This is one of the leading industries of the county, and a 

 great many thorougbreds are raised and sold annually. 



Poultry— A large number was raised the past season, and have proven 

 very profitable. 



Report of /a?V— Held at Avoca, September 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th. 

 Although the weather the first two days was very unfavorable the exhibits in 

 every department were well filled, and the attendance was much better than 

 expected. All premiums and expenses were paid in full, and the fair, as a 

 whole, was a very satisfactory one. 



