132 
STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
bringing forth the most bountiful crops—crops, too, of a quality 
which we are more confirmed by the decision of to-day, are 
not, nor can be surpassed by any section of country north or 
south of us. 
The residents of Pierce County have had to contend with 
all the hardships of a frontier life, yet they have been indus¬ 
trious, contented and happy; and while blessed with such 
abundant harvests as they have gathered from year to year, 
11 They envy not the clime that lies 
In ten degrees of more indulgent skies.” 
Six years ago Pierce County was unknown in the geography 
of the State. The territory now within her limits, then be¬ 
longed to St. Croix County, which reached from Chippewa 
County on the south and east to Lake Superior on the north; 
and from the then territory of St Croix County has sprung the 
County of Pierce, rich in its soil, climate and in its diversified 
prairie and woodland, its sparkling streams and valuable water- 
powers. St. Croix County may well be proud to be the moth¬ 
er of Pierce, since the development of our agricultural re¬ 
sources ; and she is well worthy of her progeny, for I know of 
no section of country that has the natural advantages desirable 
for quiet independent and happy homes, which the valley of the 
St. Croix offers to those seeking homes in the West. 
While our farmers have been busily engaged in producing 
their crops, they have also continued to improve and enlarge 
their farms; and this summer alone seven thousand acres of 
prairie land have been broken up and prepared for crops the 
coming year. 
Coming, as we do, from the far north, representing a popula¬ 
tion of less than five thousand, and contending with difficulties 
of transportation from so great a distance, the honor of hav¬ 
ing won this beautiful Banner, is one of which we may well be 
proud; and with you, sir, I trust that it will prove an incen¬ 
tive to further effort on the part of our people to maintain the 
credit of our County at further exhibitions of the Society. 
Sir, I am proud on behalf of Pierce County to accept this 
magnificent Banner, so generously offered by the citizens of 
