370 Agricultural. Manual 



as corn, was a very important crop in Jefferson County. When 

 the changed conditions resulted in the decrease of wheat pro- 

 duction, the cultivation of oats came rapidly to the front. Barley 

 was an important cereal crop between I860 and 1890. Potatoes 

 have never been largely raised, owing to the fact that soils suitable 

 for their production have not been extensively developed. Hay 

 has always been extensively grown, particularly since the decline 

 in wheat production. 



Water power being abundant, mills were numerous during the 

 early years. These included grist mills, distilleries, saw mills, 

 woolen mills, and tanneries. Present-day activities have sup- 

 planted these establishments by paper mills, hydro-electric plants, 

 carriage factories, foundries, and machine shops. 



As early as 1825 there were nearly 100,000 sheep within Jeffer- 

 son County, and twenty years later the number had nearly doubled. 

 Since then sheep raising has decreased, while dairy farming has 

 increased to large proportions. Today dairying and the produc- 

 tion of hay for market are the leading agricultural occupations. 

 Cheese making was begun on the farms in 1834. In 1861 the 

 co-operative cheese factory system was first established, and has 

 since occupied an important place in the business of the county. 



Barley, oats, corn, rye, and peas are staple products. Jefferson 

 County Leads in the production of oats, and excellent seed oats 

 are produced. Tn the production of bay, not including alfalfa, 

 the county stands second only to St. Lawrence. Peas and beans 

 are grown to a considerable extent in the towns of Hounsfield and 

 Adams. 



Manufacturing is of considerable importance at Watertown 

 and Carthage, particularly wood pulp and paper. Machinery, 

 furniture, and flour are prominent among the Watertown manu- 

 factures. 



CLIMATE AND RAINFALL 



Climatological records for Jefferson County are taken from the 

 Watertown station. The present observer is C. B. Parsons. 



The average dates for the last killing frost in spring and the 

 first in fall are May T and October 3, respectively, giving a 

 growing season of 149 days. 



