264 . BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



to board and wire fences. Not a great amount of hedge fence in our county. The 

 tendency is towards the wire fence. Formerly fences were built to keep stock out 

 of the farm, but now the object, as a general rule, is to keep the stock in. A large 

 per cent, of stock is not permitted to run at large. 



Ditching is extensively done, and underdraining extensively practiced in our 

 county. As we become more experienced in this branch of drainage, we are deep- 

 ening the drains and using larger tiling. As a drain four feet deep will cany 

 twice the water of one a foot deep and cost the same for tile, it is economy to con- 

 struct deep underdrains. 



The condition of agriculture in our county is good. The old and erroneous 

 idea that the farmer mvist necessarily be* an "undei-strapper" and ignoramus, is 

 fast disappearing, and the farmer is regarded as an important factor by all classes. 



Eapid improvements have been made in building the last few years in both 

 town and county. 



D. S. Hog IN, 



Secretary. 



HAMILTON COUNTY. 



It becomes my province under the provisions of law to submit the following as 

 the annual report of the Hamilton County Agricultural and Fair Association for 

 the year 1884. 



The ."^ixth annual exhibition was held on our grounds, one-half mile west of 

 Noblesville, Ind., August 25 to 29, 1884, inclusive. Our fair was a success in every 

 particular. The departments were all well filled, the weather was fine, and our 

 beautiful grounds were filled to overflowing with our happy and prosperous people. 



Such was the interest manifested by the ladies of our county that our new and 

 commodious Fine Art Hall was tilled to overflowing with specimens that will be a 

 lasting tribute to the art and industry of the ladies of Hamilton county. 



The di-play of horses and cattle was very fine, especially so was the show of 

 Norman and Clydesdale horses. 



The Hog and Sheep Departments were well filled with as fine specimens as are to 

 be found anywhere in the State. The poultry show was very good, showing quite 

 a number of varieties. The total number of entries in the Live Stock Department 

 was the largest ever had in a single year. 



The Agricultural De^jartment was well represented, showing that our farmers 

 are taking a liveiy interest in procuring the first and finest varieties, and vieing 

 with each other in the production of the same. 



The horticultural display was very creditable, Ijiit not so good as last year. 



Altogether the fair was a good one, and, so far as came to my knowledge, has 

 given universal satisfaction ; and we desire to express our thanks to the good people 

 of Hamilton and adjoining counties for that generous patronage which enabled us 

 to pay our premiums in full, the running expenses, and also for our new hall. 



