COUNTY AND DISTRICT REPORTS. 313 



Interested parties all have their notion in regard to making a fair a "financial 

 success," 80 far as relates to all games of chance, and things of that kind. This 

 matter was disposed of at the commencement by an article of agreement between 

 the association and parties of whom the grounds were obtained, making ihem re- 

 vert back in case these things are allowed at any time. The good order that pre- 

 vailed, together with the hand-'ome dividend that resulted, made all satisfied with 

 the agreement. 



The object of the association is to advance— not stand still or go backward. 



The show of live stock was particularly fine. Those obtaining premiums had 

 something to work for. 



Floral Hall was full to overflowing, and presented a fine api)earanc€. 



Agricultural Hall was not extensive in its line, but creditable. 



The poultry made a fine showing, and attracted a great deal of attention. 



Our farmers turn their attention principally to the raising of com and wheat, 

 and all are more or less interested in the growing of stock, and there appears to be 

 an increasing interest in the improvement of the same. Imported and thorough- 

 bred animals are getting to be common, and the preceivable advancement made 

 within a few years past in the quality is noticed. Hay is now being grown con- 

 siderably, with a view of finding a market by shipment. The growing of flax, at 

 one time quite extensive in this section, is almost entirely abandoned, but the 

 relative prices offered for that product in comparison to other grain may, if con- 

 tinued, result in a revival in its growth. The wheat and corn crop this season was 

 above an average in amount as well as quality. 



A large amount of land is being reclaimed through a system of drainage. The 

 large number of tile factories scattered through this region find ready sale for their 

 products,-and is the means of making our most productive lands Hu>^cej.tlble of 

 cultivation; and as to health, where ague and malaria once held sway, is known 

 no more. Ours is a healthy country. A great amount of dissatisfaction exists in 

 regard to the ditch laws. The prevailing opinion is that it takes too much money 

 to get under way and complete a ditch under the present state of afl'airs, what a 

 smaller amount in a different manner would accomplish. 



As to fencing, we have all kinds. The old-fashioned rail fence predominates, 

 but is gradually disappearing. Timber is too valuable to keep them np, and are 

 giving way to the hedge, barb-wire and plank. There seems to be a great deal of 

 thought and experiment in regard to fencing— a cheap fence, to answer all pur- 

 poses, is the object. As a fence is a costly improvement any way they can be con- 

 structed, it will eventually result in a " fencing-in-law," as they have in the West- 

 ern Statts where prairies abound. 



The free turn-pike system works only tolerably satisfactory here; the opinion 

 prevails, better make your roads toll, as the free system virtually means the same. 



As to the future of our county, we look forward with hope. We have the foun- 

 dation to build upon— an inexhaustible soil— and the substantial improvements 

 being made, in way of buildings, go to show the citizens are generally satistied and 

 fixing to stay. The season so far indicates a repetition of our good fortune the 

 past year. Wm. C. Winslow, 



Secretary. 



