NINTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART XIII 797 
LOUISA. 
J. R. Smith, Columbus Junction, Skptember 28, 1908. 
General Condition of Crops and Season-The season has been favorable 
to the growth of all crops; there has been no excessive rains nor serious 
droughts but crops on the river bottoms were damaged to some extent 
by the overflow of the Cedar and Iowa rivers in May. However these 
were largely replanted and have matured a fair crop of corn 
Corn-The corn in this county is fully up to an averag^^ and at this 
time ninety per cent of it is secure from damage from frost. 
Oats-Oats are rather light and the yield will not exceed twenty to 
twenty-five bushels per acre. 
W7iea^— While not extensively grown is excellent both in quality and 
quantity; both spring and winter varieties are good. 
i?ye— Not extensively grown but is of good quality and averago yield 
Barley— Not much grown except for feed and in connection with oats 
Flax — None grown. 
BuckiuJieat — But little grown; quality good. 
Millet— Crop good; but little grown. 
Sorghum — Good average crop. 
Timothy— ExcemonaUy good and the hay nearly all si-cured in very 
fair condition. 
Clover— Above the average and most of it secured without serious 
damage. 
Prairie Hay— But little made. 
Potatoes— Early potatoes are good in quality but not a large yield; 
late varieties are reported fair. 
Vegetables— Have done exceptionally well this season. 
Apples— The crop is light and wormy. 
Other Fruits— Peaches were plentiful and of good quality; cherries 
about a half crop; berries and pears small yield; grapes fair, and plums 
scarce. 
Ca^^^e— Raising and feeding for beef is an extensive industry and the 
condition of stock and prices are highly satisfactory; no disease is re- 
ported. 
Worses— The stock is large and condition entirely satisfactory. 
Swine— With but few exceptions, and in the early part of the season 
hogs have been healthy. The high price of corn led to some sales. 
Sheep— This is not an extensive industry in this county; have heard 
of no disease and 'what flocks are kept are in good condition. 
Poultry— The hen, as usual, has covered herself with glory and is 
now renewing her plumage; no disease; can give no estimate of value, 
but it is im_mense. 
Bees— Have done better than usual. 
Drainage— Is on the increase, both as to tile and open ditches. 
Other Industries — Very good. 
Lands— Land values are firm and gradually increasing; this is more 
nouceable in the best and highest priced lands than in the cheaper grades. 
The methods of farming show a vast improvement over former vears; 
many farms are producing better crops than ever tefore. 
