276 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



force; every j'ear finds the bounds widening. Improvement in farm buildings is 

 very perceptiljle. The farmers generally are practicing a more thorough system of 

 cultivation. 



The Horse Department was well represented, especially in general purpose and 

 heavy draft, there being quite a number of imported horses in these rings. 



The cattle show was good, and of the finest blood ever exhibited at our meet- 

 ings. 



The Hog and Sheej) Department was well filled, and superior to any previous 

 fair. 



Floral Hall was not so well filled perhaps as in former years, but the articles 

 on exhibition were far superior to any heretofore shown. 



The Flower Department was splendid. The greenhouse erected for that purpose 

 was filled with choice collections of pot plants and cut flowers. 



The Mechanical Department was better represented than in former years, but 

 still room for improvement, which we hope for in the future. 



The Lecture Department was a failure, as those who had been selected to lecture 

 were so situated tliat they could not be with us. We will try and have that part 

 well supplied with able hcturers in the future. 



Our next meeting will be held on September 1 to 4, 1885, inclusive. 



We heartily thank those that helped to make this exhibit what it was, and are 

 sorry that we were not able to f»ay the premiums in full, and do cordially invite 

 them to meet with us in the future, and will promise them to do all we can con- 

 sistently to make it a success. Thos. H. Watmngton, 



Secretary. 



JOHNSON COUNTY. 



Owing to delay in selecting a suitable tract of land on which to hold a fair, the 

 Johnson County Fair Association did not hold a fair this year, but we expect to 

 get our grounds in shape so as to hold a fair in the autumn of 1885. 



This county is largely an agricultural district, and our crops are principally 

 corn and wheat, with good markets for both. There are two large starch works in 

 this county, which consume large quantities of corn annually; and we have a num- 

 ber of the very best flouring mills which aflTord an excellent market for the wheat. 

 The corn and wheat crops for this j^ear were up to the usual average, and the now 

 growing crop of wheat promises well, but as to the number of acres sown last fall, I 

 think it will fall short of previous years. 



Our farmers are in a prosperous condition, with their farms in a high state of 

 cultivation. Most of them have fine houses, good fencing, careful drainage, with 

 an excellent quality of all kinds of live stock, all of which is conducive to their 

 health and prosperity. 



Our cities, towns and villages are steadily going forward, with good morals, in- 

 crease in population, and substantial improvements; so we think, summing it all 

 up, we have no great reason to complain. D. H. Miller, 



Secretary. 



