COUNTY ANT) DISTRICT REPORTS. 303 



them. They are allowed no compensation for it, and are required to complete all 

 their work within t\yo months— something which can not be done and done 

 properly. The State could, with advantage to its citizens, afford to make a liberal 

 appropriation annually in this direction. 



With four other counties we have formed the Western Indiana Fair Circuit this 

 year. Our dates will harmonize, and each will work for the success of all. In this 

 manner we expect to increase the number of exhibitors largely, and thereby secure 

 a larger number of visitors. 



It is the opinion of this Society that our Legislature should change the law in 

 regard to the amount to be paid over as show license. The present one is too loose 

 in its provisions, and gives show proprietors an unfair advantage. In a county 

 like this a circus will often take away from us $5,000 or $6,000 in a single day, on 

 a license of not more than $50, and even with such a small sum to pay will threaten 

 to return during fair week at a future time and break the Society. This was done 

 recently in one county, and its prevention should be looked after. Circuses are no 

 benefit to any community, and where they exhibit they should pay reasonably 

 for it. W. TI. DuNCAM, 



Secretary. 



WABASH COUNTY. 



The Wabash County Agricultural Society held its annual fair on its grounds, 

 in the city limits of the city of Wabash, fronj the 8th to the llth of September. 



Our show Mas good, especially in the Live Stock Department, the entries num- 

 bering 2,0.30. Our receipts were $5,068.05. After paying all expenses, including 

 $300 for improvements, wc had on hand $363. 



The crops of our county were over the average. Corn was unusually good, 

 especially on the black grounds, which predominate. Taking the entire crop and 

 fruits, we have seldom realized a more generous yield. 



Our road system is Avorthy of mention. Some half dozen gravel roads center- 

 ing from all parts of our county in the city of W^ abash afford grood trading facil- 

 ities to our citizens for tranacting their business. Gravel in abundance and 

 easy of access very much facilitates the construction of these roads. 



Our county is blefsed with inexhaustible quantities of stone suitable for build- 

 ing purposes. 



As timber becomes scarce and increases in value, the attention of our farmers 

 is directed to other methods of fencing than the original rail fence. Hedging as a 

 fence is beginning to take the place of the old rails. 



Public ditching has brought most of the level portions of our county into culti- 

 vation. Tiling has been successfully carried on in the greater portions of our 

 county. 



We have three railroads through our county, giving an outlet in almost any 

 direction. 



Agriculture is in a prosperous condition, the diversity of our soil aSording op- 

 portunities for a diversity in cultivation. Our rolling lands produce wheat, and 

 our low lands corn and grass. Frederich J. Snavelly, 



Secretary. 



