108 AcrRicuLTritAL Manual 



DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY 



After the land had been partly cleared by the production of 

 ashes, lumbering began and continued for many years to be the 

 leading industry. As the primitive pine forests disappeared the 

 business of the county became more and more exclusively agri- 

 cultural. From about 1827 to 1835 there were many changes of 

 location among the settlers in some sections, which, to a certain 

 extent, resulted in a new set of inhabitants with a decided 

 improvement in the general thrift and intelligence of the people. 

 Farming then began to be conducted in a more thorough and 

 systematic manner. Grains were produced, sheep and cattle were 

 raised, and butter and cheese were manufactured. 



At present, dairying is the principal agricultural business of 

 practically the entire county, and most farms have comparatively 

 large dairies. During the last few years increasing attention has 

 been given to the production of grains in order to maintain the 

 dairies. Beans are grown extensively, Hume leading in their 

 production. Potatoes are grown in most localities, Andover pro- 

 ducing the greatest amount. Considerable attention is given to 

 the poultry business in many sections. Hay is extensively raised 

 and large shipments are annually sold in New York and Phila- 

 delphia. In the two southern tiers of towns, with the exception 

 of Genesee, the production of petroleum oil is of considerable 

 importance and gives profitable results. 



CLIMATE AND RAINFALL 



The meteorological records here given for Allegany County were 

 taken at Alfred at an elevation of 1.720 feet. The present observer 

 is Professor J. N. Norwood. 



Average dates for the last killing frost in spring and the first 

 in fall are May 17 and September 24, respectively, giving a grow- 

 ing season of 130 days. 



The following table, compiled from observations covering the 

 period 1899 to 1916, shows both normal and extreme temperatures 

 and precipitation: 



