INDUSTRY OF COUNTIES. 
431 
of the most picturesque assemblages of the bone and sinew that has ever 
met in the county—surpassing in interest the annual agricultural fair. 
We have been more successful in the cultivation of fruit than most of 
the counties of the state. A great variety of apples, are exhibited at our 
annual fairs. The apple crop of the county supplies most of the demand for 
home consumption. From 1855 to 18G0 many things combined to injure 
fruit and fruit trees, but since that time there has been a marked improve¬ 
ment in the general health of the orchards, as well as an increase in the 
yield. The bark louse has entirely disappeared in a large ’number of the 
old orchards, thereby indicating an improved condition in the health of the 
trees. 
Our experience on locationps in favor of dry soil, and shelter from the 
wind. Upon north and south exposure we have the experience of two 
farmers, who thirty years ago planted each two orchards, facing north and 
south. To-day there is no difference in the four orchards; about half of each 
are dead, of the remaining trees twenty-five per cent, give signs of speedy 
decay, the remainder look healthy. Prospects are very flattering that our 
farmers will soon enjoy all the fruit from the apple tree that their wants 
demand. 
Some varieties of plums succeed. Pears have been grown of a very fine 
flavor; the cherry promises - but little; the peach has several times been 
brought to the highest perfection in fruit, but immediate death followed the 
first fruiting; grapes are grown in great abundance, their culture on a small 
scale is quite general. 
An unusual degree of interest has always been manifested in the breed 
of horses. The early habits of the people led to the introduction of the 
race horse, both for the turf and the saddle, the breeding of which was 
pursued with much expense. Upon the decline of lead-mining consequent 
upon the discovery of the gold mines, the turf was abandoned, the high 
prices paid for half bloods soon removed our fast horses which were 
replaced with larger animals. We are now breeding the heavy Norman 
horse, and the race horse—good breeders endeavoring to maintain the 
breeds distinct. 
We have, according to late statistics,excess of mules over any county 
in the state. Mostly the growth of the last ten years, but owing to a fall 
in prices and their disagreeable company on the farm their rearing has 
been mostly abandoned. 
The first thorough-bred cattle brought into this state were kept in this 
county; this was about thirty years ago; but they were not in the hands of 
practical farmers, and w r ere soon lost in indiscriminate crosses with all 
kinds of natives. We now have a number of herds of Durliams, a few 
Devons and Alderneys—the Durham chiefly. We still are unsettled as to 
the respective merits of the Durliams and our native cattle. It is claimed 
that like care bestow r ed upon the native will give as good results in beef, 
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