290 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Talk about pumpkins and potatoes, as much as we love them, and would 

 gladly give them the first place if possible, but are compelled to yield. They will 

 not draw like the horse. 



In cattle, the Durhams, Holsteins, Polled Angus, Herefords, Jerseys, and grades, 

 were represented. 



In the sheep jjens were but two classes, the fine wools and downs, showing good 

 breeding. 



The hog pens were full of pure bred Poland Chinas and Suffolks, good repre- 

 sentatives for a State Fair. 



The poultry was not what it should have been in number of entries. 



The most of the stock on exhibition being owned by farmers of our own county 

 is evidence of the enterprise of the people. 



Of farm and garden products the number of entries was second only to the 

 horse, and the exhibits were very fine. 



The show of fruit was fair, but not quite as large samples as usual. The 

 di-ought during .July and August lessened the size somewhat. 



The Art Hall was attractive, being completely filled with specimens of womens' 

 handiwork and collections and displays of art. 



The speed ring, that feature of the fair so difficult to harmonize to the satisfac- 

 tion of lovers of the turf (and they are many), plainly showed by their actions that 

 they thought it Avas good for them to be there. They seemed to be filled to over- 

 flowing with pleasure. Even the good, sturdy old farmer stepped more lightly, his 

 eyes sparkled ; in fact it was as a shock of electricity to him, starting the very 

 blood in his veins to rushing as in youth, and the vast multitude seemingly lost to 

 all else around them, their eyes being steadily fixed on the te.-t of speed. 



After all this demonstration of pleasure, talk of leaving out the horse! Can 

 we do it? I fear not, until you change human nature. 



Our agricultural interests are principally corn, oats, wheat, grasses, potatoes 

 and millet, in acreage of each in order named 



Farmers are learning that it is far better to have le.ss acres in crops well farmed, 

 than to hog over large fields for the same number of bushels, alternating their 

 crops, using all manure available, and seeding often to clover as a fertilizer. 



Quite an improvement is noticed in our roads since the introduction of graders, 

 as tht'y leave the roads in a better condition after working for proper draining. 



Osage hedge, wire, and board fences are mostly used for enclosures. The old 

 rail fence is gradually passing away, and will soon be a thing of the past. 



In some sections farmers have learned that it is cheaper to fence stock in, than 

 out, and have made such a law, but as yet it is not universal. 



In sections where needed, the laying of tiling is being done as fast as circum- 

 stances will admit of it. 



The past season the yield per acre has been better and the quality more perfect 

 than for several seasons past, and all that now hinders farmers from being the most 

 independent class of laboring men is the exceedingly low price of grain. Notwith- 

 standing the reduction in prices the taxes are greater than usual, consequently, 



