COUNTY AND DISTRICT REPORTS. 281 



The third day of the fair the Circuit Court adjourned, our manufacturing estab- 

 lishments, banks, stores, and nearly all places of business closed, giving proprie- 

 tors and employes an opportunity to spend the day upon the fair grounds. 



The display in all departments was very good. The improved condition and 

 number of thoroughbred horses in this county in past few years is marvelous^ 

 Some of our horses took premiums in four difl'erent State fairs during the season of 

 1884. 



Until recently but little attention has been paid to the improvement of the 

 breeds of cattle. Now our county contains a number of choice herds. 



During the past year William O. Orr, one of our most prosperous farmers, im- 

 ported one of the choicest herds of Hereforel cattle ever brought to the State, -w-hich 

 has been verified by the fact of their taking the first prizes in every county, dis- 

 trict and State fair where their owner placed them on exhibition. 



Sheep and hogs are not by any means being neglected, and the bee industry or 

 bee culture is receiving considerable attention. An exhibit of silk worms or silk 

 cocoons, by Mrs. Allison of this county, created considerable interest, and was quite- 

 an attraction. 



The display in the Ladies' Department was grand, and beyond the power of the 

 secretary to elescribe or to give any adequate idea of the many choice and magnifi- 

 cent specimens of handiwork placed on exhibition by the cultured ladies of La- 

 porte county. This display was made more attractive by the taste and skill 

 displayed in the arrangement of the articles on exhibition in Fine Art Hall by the 

 ladies, and much credit is due them for the interest they have taken to make oar 

 annual fairs a success. 



The display of the products of the farm, garden and orchard was not ciuite as 

 good as it has been in years past, but was much better than our last exhibition. 



Crops the past season were very good, the condition of agriculture is ])rospei-oue, 

 the most approved kind of implements are in demand, while elegant and commo- 

 dious residences and barns are taking the place of the old buildings, thereby adding 

 to the comfort and convenience of our prosperous farmers. 



The old rail fence is being replaced by board, barbed wire and hedge fences- 

 rail timber is becoming scarce; hedges and wire will become the fence of the 

 future. 



A markeel improvement has been made in our wagon roads, and could the broad 

 tire be substituted on all wagons used for conveying heavy loads, less labor and 

 money would be necessary to keep our roads in good condition. 



During the past year the Association has erected a number of good and sub- 

 stantial buildings upon the fair grounds, including a wing to Floral Hall 24x50 

 feet; a stable for the accommodation of cattle, 28x100 feet, and a building for 

 sheep and hogs, 20x100 feet; these buildings being substantially built, placed on 

 etone foundations, with good shingle roofs. Our receipts this year were sufiBcient 

 to pay for all these improvements, pay all expenses of the fair, including premi- 

 ums in full. 



Our grounds and buildings are in good condition, and the Association is in good 

 ehape for future exhibitions. Geo. C. Dorland, 



Secretary^ 



