662 Ageicultdbal Manual 



development of industry 



Once a clearing was made, the settlers planted their various 

 crops of corn, wheat, rye, pumpkins, turnips, and potatoes. There 

 being but little frost, potatoes were often dug as they were needed 

 for use, those remaining in the ground in spring being dug at that 

 time. 



Because of the absence of transportation in early days prices 

 were low. In 1816 a bushel of wiieat could be sold in the town of 

 Seneca for two shillings and sixpence, ashes being at that time 

 the only article of production profitable for sale. 



Apple trees were grown by the Indians in their clearings, and 

 wild plums, often of excellent flavor, were common. With the 

 exception of apples and pears, the settlers soon supplied them- 

 selves with fruit, peaches being especially abundant. In these 

 days fruit has come to receive general attention. Flax, which 

 was once extensively produced, having been found to be exhaustive 

 to the land, is no longer raised. Sheep raising was begun in 

 about 1800. 



Seneca County might be termed a hay- and grain-farming 

 section. More than 3,000 cars of hay were shipped from stations 

 in Seneca County during the year 1918. Most of the soil is well 

 adapted to the production of hay and grain, clover often coming 

 in without seeding. In sections where intensive farming is car- 

 ried on, considerable clover seed, especially alsike, is raised. As 

 a result of grain being so largely produced, poultry interests as- 

 sume considerable importance. 



The county has an excellent reputation for growing well- 

 colored fruit, particularly apples. Xorthern Spy, Mcintosh, 

 Hubbardston, Baldwin, and Greening varieties do especially well. 



The production of fruit trees is an extensive occupation in the 

 vicinity of Geneva. 



The grape industry, which has been very prominent in the 

 past, has become relatively unimportant. 



One of the largest manufacturing interests is the manufacture 

 of pumps at Seneca Falls. 



