COUNTY AND DISTRICT REPORTS. 285 



valuable and produciive. The county has almost three hundred miles of gravel 

 roads, the greater part of which are free. 



My last report failed to find its way into the Agricultural Report of 1883, and 

 fearing this may meet a like fate, I will stop here. 



F. L. Snyder, 



Secretary. 



NOBLE COUNTY. 



The Noble County Agricultural Society held its twenty-ninth annual fair on 

 the grounds of the Society, at Ligonier, Sepi. 30, Oct. 1, 2 and 3, 1884. This ex- 

 hibition was a complete success and has encouraged the management to put forth 

 greater efforts in order that the purpose for which these exhibitions are held may 

 be accomplished. 



The exhibits in all departments compare favorably with other years; some, 

 however, deserve special mention. The first is that of hoi-ses, wliich was full to 

 overflowing, there l)eing one hundred and fifty entries, among which were a num- 

 ber of imported Clydes^dales and Normans; a splendid exhibit of Hambletonians, 

 and many fine farm and road hoi-ses, owned by our thj-ifty farmers throughout the 

 county. It is generally conceded that Noble is .second to no county in the State in 

 number and value of fine horse?. 



The Catile Department was represented by splendid specimens of Shortorns, 

 Jerseys and Holsteins, and some excellent grades with about an average number of 

 tntries. Hogs and sheep were fairly represented. Agricultural Hall and Me- 

 chanical Department were less than former year.-;, but moderately well represented. 



The Horticultural Department showed a marked improvement. 



The Ladies' Departmtnt was exceedingly fine, as it always is. This department 

 has become one of the njost interesting features of our fairs, and shows much im- 

 provement from year to year. The ladies deserve much credit for the interest 

 taken. Taking everything into consideration, this was one of the most satisfactory 

 fairs ever he d by this Society. The attendance was a little below the average, 

 caused by the abolishing of the "family ticket," and the adoption of the single 

 admission ticket. The finances, howevei*, were all right. Premiums and expenses 

 were paid in full, and a portion of last year's deficiency liquidated. The amount 

 of premiums paid was §1,947; repairs and running expenses, $580.56, leaving us a 

 balance of $233 in the treasury. 



The Society is in excellent working condition. The grounds and improve- 

 ments are owned by the organization, and the entire indebtedness is S245. 



The growing of wheat and corn occupies a large share of the farmer's attention, 

 although the raising of improved stock is gaining steadily. There is a marked 

 improvement in the manner of farming. The care of the soil is receiving more at- 

 tention, seed selected more carefully, and the planting and cultivation exe'Uted 

 with greater care. In the way of improvements, the march has been steady and 

 sure. Comfortable, and in many instances, commodious residences have been or 



