XVI 



BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



[Jan. 



-was fully an average one. Root crops, other than potatoes, were 

 just about an average in quantity and quality. As to whether the 

 season had been a profitable one or not, seventy-seven replies were 

 received, of which forty-four said it had, and thirty-three said it 

 had not. The following table will give a partial idea of the 

 extent to which farms are mortgaged : — 



The percentage of mortgaged farms, though in many cases high, 

 does not necessarily indicate that farming in this State is not a 

 paying business. Some of these mortgages were no doubt placed 

 by parties desirous of becoming farmers, but not having sufficient 

 capital to buy the property outright. Other farms were undoubt- 

 edly mortgaged in order to raise money with which to make 

 desirable improvements, and to carry on farming operations with 

 greater profit. The fifth question, " In your opinion, is the number 

 of deserted farms in your vicinity greater than it was ten years 



