268 



BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



There is no timber culture. The treatment of timber is more nearly that of tim- 

 ber destruction. 



The question, "What is the best farm fence?" is yet unsettled, and remains a 

 problem to our people. There Ls considerable hedge fence, but none put out during 

 the last year. Some barbed wire fencing put up still, but this is growing less in 

 favor each year. 



This year has witnessed the erection of many new buildings throughout the 

 county. Quite a number of conveniently arranged and substantial farm-houses 

 have been built; also, a number of barns. The growing tendency among farmers 

 to properly care for and house their stock is noticeable. 



From the .statistics on file I append the following table, to show the per cent, of 

 increase or decrease in the products or articles mentioned, comparing the two fiscal 

 years 1883-'84. ending June 1st of each year: 



TABLE OF STATISTICS. 



The packing firm of Baldwin, Roberts & Co., doing business at Newcastle, have 

 killed during the season just ended, 22,995 hogs; average weight, 283 pounds. In 

 1883 they killed 17,490; average weight, 267 pounds. »They paid out for labor 

 this sea'^on about $8,400, and for hogs, Si2o6,290.57. 



The tweniy-third annual fair of the Henry County Joint Stock Agricultural So- 

 ciety was held at New Castle, September 16 to 22, 1884, inclusive. lu many re- 

 spects the fair was the best it has ever been. 



The show of horses, consisting of imported or full-blooded draft hor-^e.", heavy 

 draft, general purpose horses, farm and match teams, was the best it has been. 



The show of thoroughbred cattle, Shorthorns — recorded, Alderneys and Jerseys, 



