■:280 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



The mechanical department was not as fully represented as formerly, but agents 

 have lately relied more on trials of excellence in the field, and less at our local 

 iairs. The aid given by the inventive genius of the age in increasing the produc- 

 tive po ver on the farm is one of the marvels of this century, and it is a great 

 problem whether this increased production shall be freely distributed among the 

 great family of nations, or whether we shall reduce production to our own nation's 

 wants, and live within ourselves, isolated from the commerce of the world. The 

 ■latter seems impossible : It is restriction ; it is retrograding; it is fighting the nine- 

 teenth century, and the sooner we recognize these facts, the sooner we recognize 

 that we are part of the great brotherhood of man scattered all over the world, and 

 adjust oui-selves to these condition8, the better it will be, not only for us, but for 

 ;*H those who share with us on the vast commercial activity of the world. 



Fences — Barbed wir r; is used more than ever, and any legislation that tends to 

 make it dearer is a tax on our industry, and an increased cost to every rod of 

 fence on our farms. 



Dogs. — Tax the dogs and save the sheep. 



Road Laws. — Let us have a rest. 



Statistics. — Must have them. Our assessors will learn better how to get them, 

 -and our people will in time better appreciate their value. 



Tile Draining— Tiles are made at Hobart and at Crown Point, and their use is 

 increa-sing every year. 



Silos — We are watching the result of experiments in ensilage, and this being a 

 beef and milk producing county, we expect this system will come into use here. 



Our grounds are owned by the county. A lake of twelve acres forming nearly 

 the center of a natural amphitheater, makes it naturally fitted for an agricultural 

 fair. 'I'he trotting track forming a circle around this little lake, and kept as it is 

 in good order, makes our trials of sjjeed quite showy and interesting Many things 

 can be improved on, and some things objectionable thrown aside, and we feel con- 

 fident, that the interest can be kept up for a good fair in 18S5. 



Harry P. Hewoili., 



SccieUiry. 



LAPOKTK COUNIY. 



In accordance with custom, and in compliance with the statute of the State, it 

 becomes my duty and privilege as Secretary of the Laporte County Agricultural 

 Association, to submit our report of the lliirty-third annual fair held in this county. 

 This exhibition was held at the County Fair Grounds, near Laporte, September 

 :23d to 26th, inclusive, and notwithstanding the rain ihefii-st two days, the fair was 

 a complete success in every respect, and one of the most satisfactory ever held in 

 the county. More interest than usual was manifested by the people generally, and 

 -aa increased feeling of confidence and appreciation of the utility and benefits of 

 these annual exhibitions is observed by all, and especially by the business men of 

 laporte. 



