Tompkins County 723 



for the water transportation of wheat to the markets on the coast. 

 As a result, all of that part of Tompkins County contiguous to 

 Cayuga Lake became a wheat-producing section. When the new 

 wheat, lands were developed in the west, this county, in common 

 with other sections, found wheat growing less profitable. The 

 production of grain, as well as hay, is, however, of considerable 

 importance. 



Much of the land being suitable for grazing, dairying and stock 

 raising have become prominent. The northeastern part of Tomp- 

 kins County is more generally devoted to dairying than any other 

 part ; this is no doubt partly due to the excellent facilities for 

 transportation offered by the railroads which cross this part of the 

 county. 



The northwestern end of the county is more particularly a 

 crop region. The town of Ulysses produces large quantities of 

 beans and grain, wheat being used in the rotation with beans. 

 The northern part, especially through the town of Lansing, is a 

 hay and grain region. The southwestern and southern parts are 

 particularly adapted to sheep raising. The southern part also 

 offers excellent opportunity for raising potatoes and buckwheat. 



Since climatic conditions are favorable, fruit growing is espe- 

 cially important near and on either side of Cayuga Lake. Peaches, 

 plums, pears, cherries, and apples are grown to good advantage. 

 Grapes, raspberries, and strawberries are grown to some extent. 



Ithaca produces a great variety of manufactured articles 

 (p. 728). 



CLIMATE AND RAINFALL 



The United States Weather Bureau station of Tompkins 

 County, which is located in Roberts Hall, Ithaca, lies at an eleva- 

 tion of 926 feet above sea level. This station is in charge of Dr. 

 W. M. Wilson. 



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

 in fall are May 4 and October 12, respectively, giving a growing 

 season of 161 days. 



The following table covering a period of 59 years, ending with 

 3917, shows both normal and extreme temperatures and precipi- 

 tatation : 



