416 
WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
ciency and usefulness. In the character of school buildings there is a 
marked advance. They are more tasteful, more commodious, and better 
finished. 
Besides the evidences of special progress I have given, I might add that 
the rapid increase of better buildings of all kinds, the almost universal 
adornment and tasteful furnishing of private dwellings, the planting of 
shade and ornamental trees, and the cultivation of flowers to make homes 
more attractive and beautiful, are all sure indications of social and moral 
advancement. 
GREEN LAKE COUNTY. 
BY M. n. POWERS, DARTFORD. 
Green Lake county is one of the smallest counties of Wisconsin, being 
four townships in length by three in breadth in the southern part, and two 
in the northern; ten townships in all. 
It is situated near the geographical center of the state. The Fox river 
traverses it from near the southwest cornerto the northeast, passing through, 
or forming a portion of the borders of five of the towns, and affording trans¬ 
portation facilities, in a greater or less degree, for the entire county. 
The Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad passes near its eastern boundary 
and enters the county in the town of Berlin. Several projected lines of rail¬ 
road are before the public, some of which, if they are consummated, cannot 
fail to pass through its territory either in its northern or central portions, or 
both; and surveys of the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad have been made 
looking to an extension towards Stevens Point, Lake Superior, and a con¬ 
nection with the Northern Pacific. 
The Fox and Wisconsin rivers ship canal has many warm advocates in 
this county. Its early completion, it is believed, would greatly promote 
every material interest, not only of this county, but of the adjoining coun¬ 
ties, as well as of the whole Northwest. 
By the census of 1860 the population of the county was 12,663; in 1870 
it is 13,287. Berlin, Princeton and Markesan are the incorporated towns in 
the county, of which Berlin is the most important, having a population, in 
1870-, of 2,778. It is situated on the Fox river, at the point where the Mil¬ 
waukee and St. Paul Railroad connects with it, giving it the advantage of 
both railroad and water communication. It is the seat of a very extensive 
trade, especially with the country north and west of it. Several branches 
of manufactures are established here, which are growing into very respect¬ 
able proportions. Among which may be specified mills for the manufacture 
of lumber, from one to three of which have been running since the settle¬ 
ment of the town, and have added not a little to its development and 
wealth. Some three or four wagon and carriage shops have given employ- 
