ANNUAL REPORT. 



IX 



The milk producers of the State appear to prefer to 

 dispose of their milk to contractors at a low price, rather 

 than to risk the slight uncertainty attending the financial 

 returns from co-operative creameries ; but, as the business 

 increases and time brings experience and skill in the 

 management, we believe that these establishments will 

 furnish the needed competition with the milk contractors, 

 and the milk problem will thus be solved. 



I am enabled, by the favor of Mr. Carroll D. Wright, 

 Superintendent of the State Census, to give the agricultural 

 products of the State for 1885 in comparison with those of 

 1875, and the United States Censuses for 1870 and 1880. 



When we take into consideration the very large increase 

 in the fruit crop in connection with these statistics, we 

 cannot but be encouraged at the substantial increase in the 

 products of our soil. 



* These figures show the total production of milk, not only what was sold, but 

 the quantity used in the manufacture of butter and cheese. The figures in the other 

 columns indicate only the number of gallons actually sent to market. 



