Montgomery County 437 



Fifty years ago wheat was largely produced in Montgomery 

 County. Later it was gradually replaced by other crops, and 

 hops became an important product. Much of the alluvial land 

 was devoted to the raising of broom corn. All of these crops have 

 nearly disappeared until within the last four years, when wheat 

 has again been grown to some extent. Instead of shipping milk, 

 butter and cheese were generally made; but at present milk and 

 hay are the chief cash crops. Corn, oats, and buckwheat are 

 largely grown and are used in the production of milk. Alfalfa 

 is an important crop. 



Several pure-bred herds, usually of Holstein stock, may bo 

 found in different parts of the county, especially in the townships 

 of Canajoharie and Minden. Sheep raising occupies a less 

 important position than formerly, although the business could be 

 followed to advantage anywhere in the county. 



The raising of beans is becoming an important line of farm 

 work. With proper care and management fruit can be grown, 

 some of the orchards being highly productive. 



Two additional industries worthy of especial note in Mont- 

 gomery County are the Beech-Nut Packing Company at Cana- 

 joharie, which employs over five hundred people, and the knit 

 goods and carpet mills at Amsterdam, which are among the lead- 

 ing ones of their kind in the country. 



CLIMATE AND RAINFALL 



Climatological records for Montgomery County are taken from 

 the Amsterdam station at an elevation of 610 feet. The present 

 observer is Emery Elwood. 



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

 in fall are May 1 and October 5, respectively, giving a growing 

 season of 156 days. 



The following table covers records extending from 1902 to 

 1918: 



