IN TROD UC TOR Y. 3 



A large number of abandoned houses, however, were 

 observed ; the farms connected being, probably, in some 

 way passed over to the care of a neighboring husband- 

 man. 



With the assistance of a gentleman well informed as 

 to the financial standing of the farmers of this section 

 of the county, we gather data ; and arrive at the conclu- 

 sion that not less than 25 per cent, of the farms are in 

 the grip of the usurer. This, it would seem, is a grow- 

 ing evil. During the twelve months, ending 31st July, 

 1889, there were 30 per cent, more mortgages given, in 

 this county, than releases granted. At this rate of in- 

 crease, in less than fifteen years, 50 per cent, of the 

 farms will be under mortgage. 



Dairying, once a leading industry, has decreased fully 

 50 per cent, in the last score of years. And it would 

 require an outlay of large proportions to dot these old 

 hill-side pastures over again with the milk herds of 

 twenty-five years ago. 



The value of farm lands has seldom been lower dur- 

 ing the last thirty years than now ; notwithstanding the 

 fact that this is an important part of the much-famed 



apple region of , which has lately come into 



prominence. 



The average $5,000 invested in farming (not including 

 the dwellings), at the present estimated value of farms, 

 will give to the farm proprietor about $750 per year 

 gross income, including value of amount consumed by 

 his family. Out of this, at least $250 must be paid by 

 the average farmer for labor (including board), and at 

 least another $150 for direct taxes, insurance, fertilizers, 

 and renewal of machinery, wagons, and harness, etc. : 

 leaving $350 for the farmer. A good farm laborer will 



