Hamilton County 347 



In the early sixties, one Gerritt Smith owned a large tract of 

 land in what is now known as township No. 3 of Totten and 

 Crossfield's purchase, where he attempted the colonization of the 

 negro. He granted forty-acre tracts of land to be cleared into 

 farms. Owing to the cold climate, however, the venture was not 

 successful, and the land eventually reverted to the state for non- 

 payment of taxes. 



DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY 

 Although Hamilton is not generally well adapted to agriculture, 

 the early settlers, particularly of Arietta and Morehouse, raised 

 good crops of wheat, rye, barley, oats, potatoes, and hay. A 

 large part of the county is adapted to grazing, and both sheep 

 raising and dairying are of importance. Lumbering is a promi- 

 nent occupation in the northern section. This section is much 

 frequented during the summer vacation, as it furnishes excellent 

 opportunities for hunting and fishing. 



CLIMATE AND RAINFALL 



The meterological station of Hamilton County is located at 

 Indian Lake, the elevation being 1,705 feet above sea level. The 

 present observer is Lester Savarie. 



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

 in fall are June 11 and September 4, respectively, giving a 

 growing season of 84 days. 



The following table summarizes records covering the period 

 1899 to 1918: 



