The wheat crop the past year was light, having been winter-killed. The corn crop was above an average, about sixty bushels per acre. Oats, a very good quality, and a fair yield. Hay not so heavy as usual by twenty-five per cent. Potatoes a light crop, though generally sound; injured in places by the "Colorado bug.”

We regard our future prospects as flattering. At this fair, as usual, we had the best of weather, and a very fine attendance. Our fair has become what may be called one of the "fixtures" of the county. The people, both young and old, look forward with a degree of auxiety to the time when they shall meet old friends on the fair ground, and be able to congratulate each other upon their success as mechanics, farmers, stock raisers, etc.

At our late fair, notwithstanding the great political contest that was then approaching us, everything went off pleasantly, and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves well. No intoxicating drinks were allowed to be sold or given away on the fair ground, and if, perchance, a man happened to get drunk on the outside of the grounds, and afterward get inside the grounds, he was sure to be shown the way out.

HIGHLAND COUNTY.

The Highland County Agricultural Fair for 1872 was held at Hillsboro, Ohio, September 25th, 26th and 27th. The weather was fine, except a little too dry. The stock on exhibition was very fine, in fact, all departments were well represented. The attendance was better than for several years. The county commissioners have, during the last year, assumed the indebtedness of the Society, and made marked improvements in the grounds and buildings, by improving the trotting park, and erecting new, and recovering the old stalls. Crops in our county were above the average, especially corn The Colorado potato-bugs did us some injury in their line, but not that amount, from appearances, their numbers would warrant. As for fruit, the crop is of excellent quality and of great abundance, especially apples, peaches and pears. Vegetables on exhibition were of good quality, and made a fine appearance. Taking things in general, the prospects of the Society for the future are improving.

HOCKING COUNTY.

The twentieth annual fair of the Hocking County Agricultural Society was held on their ground, near Logan, Ohio, on the 3d, 4th and 5th days of October, 1872.

The weather, which was a little cold on the first day, changed to be very pleasant on the last two days, and the attendance was unusually large. Our county, althongh bordering on the great grain-growing counties of the State, cannot be said to be a great agricultural county, from the fact that our valleys, though rich, are narrow, and our hills, though naturally well adapted to the growing of all kinds of grasses, readily yield to the devastating influence of the plow, and, if cultivated much, become barren and unproductive. But in these same hills are locked up untold millions of dollars in the shape of immense deposits of stone-coal, iron-ore and lime-stone. From this fact, our farmers must soon turn their almost entire attention to the grazing of cattle and sheep, relying on our neighboring counties for grain to support them through the winter months. This would be far better than to exhaust the native vigor of their own land. But to be

cattle and sheep raisers, requires a larger amount of capital; yet this may be had by their selling a part of their mineral lands, which may now be readily sold for from $100 to $200 per acre. The remainder of our people must become miners and manufacturers, from whom our farmers will find a paying market for their meat and such grain and vegetables as they can raise without too much impoverishing the soil.

On the whole, we see no cause of complaint on the part of Hocking county farmers, but, on the contrary, think they have bright prospects before them.

In our mining and manufacturing neighborhoods, the farmers receive the very highest price for farm products, and the miners and laborers can afford to pay well for them because they receive the very highest wages.

Since the completion of the Columbus and Hocking Valley railroad, some three years ago, we have communication with "the outside world," and our town and county have an enviable reputation abroad. Within the last two years, capitalists from all parts of the country have come among us, and invested largely in our rich coal and iron-ore lands. We have already a woolen factory, sash and chair factory, foundry, soap and candle factory, two flouring mills, two iron furnaces, and, in the immediate vicinity of Logan, quite a number of coal mines in active operation, all of which afford employment to an army of men, and, when pay-day comes, our town presents the appearance of a city to a degree that is delightful to our merchants. In addition, our citizens are contemplating the erection of another iron furnace, to be followed by a rolling mill, machine shops, glass factory, and all the other first-class appurtenances of a manufacturing metropolis. To attain these objects, we have organized a Board of Trade, the directors of which body are among the most substantial and enterprising of our citizens, to whom is left the lead in any movement looking to the advancement of the interests of our town and county. In short, we, of once benighted Hocking, are holding up our heads

But, to return to agriculture. Our fair of 1872 was universally acknowledged to be by far the best ever held in our county, both in regard to attendance, and the number, variety and quality of live stock and articles on exhibition. The only drawback-and it was the same in other counties-was the immense clouds of dust. This was unavoidable, yet deterred many from attending.

Our department of horses was well filled, as usual, and the animals were as good as at any previous exhibition; yet we are far behind our neighboring counties in the production of horse-fl sh. We have some thoroughbred horses, but, in our humble opinion, they should be of the great broad-chested, big-limbed Percheron and Norman strains, instead of the cleau-limbed, fleet-footed racing stock that our farmers have been breeding to. The former kind would certainly be best adapted to the uses of our hilly country. And this seemed to be the opinion of our committee on horses, for, in many cases, the big-boned, well-built horse, of common stock or unknown pedigree, carried off the ribbon over the head of his "better bred" smaller brother.

The horse disease, at this date (Dec. 28, 1872), is fast leaving us, with few deaths and very little serious injury. Some horses escaped entirely.

Our department of cattle every way surpassed that of horses. We have some magnificent specimens of the "gentle bovine." All looked well, though not in show coudition, owing to the short pasturage of the season. While the large Durhams predominate, the smaller Devons are cherished for their peculiarly good qualities. We have no other dis

tinct breeds of cattle.

We had almost every breed of hogs, and some thoroughbreds, from imported stock. The Poland-Chinas exceeded the other breeds in number. Spotted hogs are fast taking the place of Chesters, though our county has long had the reputation among stockbuyers of having good hogs, and they were nearly all Chesters.

The display of sheep, though good, was not large. Our farmers seem to prefer the Merinos, with very often a cross with the Cotswold. They seem to be healthy, and thrive well in large flocks.

The poultry fanciers exhibited the usual number, with some improvement on the oldfashioned, yellow-legged dunghill. Game, Dorking, Spanish, Brahma, etc., were all there. The Agricultural or Farmers' Hall, which we had erected new this year, was filled to its utmost capacity with almost every variety of grains, vegetables and fruits, and each the very choicest of its kind. All were commendable.

In fruits, apples carried off the palm for the largest display, variety and quality. Our county is a good fruit-growing county. We have the largest and most delicious peaches and plums.

Our grape-growers have male a good beginning, and have invariably met with flattering success. While wheat is still among our staple products, not so much is sown as formerly, and sometimes less is reaped than sown. Last year there was but half a crop, and no more is anticipated the coming season. Barley is grown more than formerly, and with better success than wheat or oats. The latter is not raised for itself alone, but for the purpose of seeding the land to clover and timothy. Clover is sown more than timothy, on account of its fertilizing properties. Both crops were extremely light this year-not even half a crop. Hay is worth from $25 to $30 per ton, and not to be had in some places at these high prices.

The Mechanic's Hall could not accommodate all the exhibiters. Some were compelled to exhibit their articles under "the broad canopy of heaven," and made the best of that necessity. Ours being a manufacturing as well as an agricultural community, the display here was entered into with spirit, and the consequence was a magnificent exhibition, not large, but first-class. Our manufactories were out in their holiday dress. In labor-saving farm implements we had the latest improvements; among which were a two-horse corn-plow, corn-planters, harrows, hay-elevator, land-roller, etc.

Floral Hall, by the kindness of our young ladies, was decorated profusely and tastefully with evergreen, and was the most charming feature of the whole exhibition. Besides domestic and wild flowers and house plants, the works of fine art and musical instruments were given a place in this hall.

A citizens' purse having been offered to the best equestrienne, the competition between two young ladies became rather spirited during the ride, which terminated in a race, and the judges awarded each the first premium. The purse was doubled, and equally divided.

Our trotting races were not as good as they might have been; but our track is small, and cannot be enlarged until our grounds are extended. There were some horses from other counties, and very fair trotters. With our present track and grounds there is no danger of our fairs becoming exhibitions for the speed of race-horses. While we have no reproach of conscience on the subject of horse-racing, our failure to make it the leading feature is more from necessity than choice. We are satisfied that if our grounds would admit of the construction of a half-mile track our attendance would be doubled We are not in a condition of independence to be indifferent.

The rule adopted by our Board last year, permitting no intoxicating liquors to be sold and no gaming devices to be exhibited on or in the vicinity of the grounds, having given universal satisfaction last year, was rigidly enforced this fall, and the consequence was no drunkenness or quarreling, but, on the contrary, quiet and hearty social intercourse. The statistics of the crops of our county have, of course, been long since furnished you.

Our number of entries was 868; membership, 557. Total receipts from all sources, $1,505.69. Paid in premiums, $695.10. All other expenditures, including repairs and work and labor for present year, $637.67. Balance in treasury, $172.92.

HOLMES COUNTY.

In this county, neither the County or the Agricultural Society are the owner of grounds on which to hold the fairs, and having to rent, is a serious impediment in its way for promoting the interest of agriculture. In 1869 very convenient grounds were fitted up for the purpose of holding fairs, by a gentleman residing at this place, who rented the Same to the Agricultural Society during its annual fair for that year, receiving therefor a certain per centum of the proceeds, which netted him $505. In 1870 and 1871 the proprietor of these grounds, believing it would be profitable, preferred holding and managing the fair himself to renting the ground to the Society at a price they were willing to pay. In both of these years the fair proved a failure in exhibition and cash receipts. The Agricultural Society, believing it inexpedient to hold a fair under the circumstances, merely kept up its organization. Hence no reports were made for 1870 and 1871. On the 1st day of April last, the Society leased these grounds for a term of years, at an annual rent of $400.

The season being advanced before the premium list was issued, no premiums were offered on field crops.

The annual fair was held on the 18th, 19th and 20th days of September. The exhibition of stock was small, but in all the other departments, especially fruit, it far exceeded any heretofore held in the county. The show of green apples was the largest I have ever seen at a county fair, some of which I think worthy of special mention. Mr. D. Daer had over sixty varieties, and took the first premium in variety. Mr. L. T. Duer had fifty-five varieties, five specimens of each. He took the first premium in variety, size and beauty to rule. Both these collections contained many of the most approved varieties, among which I will mention Chenango, Strawberry, Lowell, Porter, Hallack's Favorite, Alexander, Gravenstein, Fall Pippin, Grimes' Golden Pippin, Vandevere Pippin, Newtown Pippin, Ohio Nonpareil, Maiden's Blush, Belmont, Jersey Sweet, Baily Sweet, Cogswell, Cooper's Market, Golden Russet, Tulpahocking, H. Nonsuch, King, & Spy, Ortley, Peck's Pleasant, Pryor's Red, Rome Beauty, Esopus Spitzenberg, Red and Blue Pearmain, Ben Davis, Nickajack and others, all of which were large and fine. He was the most successful of any of the competitors, taking eighteen first and six secDas enterprising farmer. Mr. Elias Mars, had on exhibition twenty varieties of cereals

ond premiums,

as follows: Two first premiums on mules; seven first and one second

premium on sheep; two first premiums on fowls; two first and two second premiums on cereals; one first and one second premium on provisions; one first and one second premium on green fruits; one first and one second premium on preserves; and two first

premiums

on domestic manufactures

The Society numbers but 136 members. The number of entrees were 663. Number of premiums awarded, 359, amounting to $651. Total receipts for the year from all sources, $1,832.61; total expenditures, including rents and premiums, $1,784.81, leaving a balance in the treasury of $47.80

The principal crops of this county are wheat, corn, oats, clover seed, fruits, cattle, pork and wool. In commercial value, wheat stands first in the list, wool second, and pork (which is usually sold on foot), third.

Although the wheat plant was considerably injured by the sudden change and severe cold weather in December, and the continued cold, dry winds of March, the crop is fully an average in quantity, and over the average in quality. Oats are an average in quantity, but deficient in quality. The yield of corn, notwithstanding the cut-worm destroyed whole fields, causing the farmer to replant them, is the largest and best during the last decade. Potatoes are an entire failure, occasioned by the Colorado bug. Hay is very light, not more than half a ton per acre. Clover seed is fully an average crop. There are but few peaches, they being killed in the bud during winter. Grapes are about half a crop. Apples and pears are very abundant, and of excellent quality. The product of wool is about that of 1865, but the quality is superior.

The insects causing the greatest injury to crops are curculio, the potato-bug, and cut

worm.

It is surprising that the crops have been so bountiful, when we take into consideration the dry weather for the last two years, during which but little more than half the usual amount of rain has fallen. Farmers in some parts of this county are experiencing great inconvenience for the want of water for their stock. Most of the springs of water-for which this county has been so noted—have failed, some having gone entirely dry.

The disease (epizootic) which has raged so fearfully among the horses of this county for the last sixty days, has nearly disappeared. But few cases proved fatal, and they, perhaps, were more the result of neglect and former hard usage than the disease itself.

HURON COUNTY.

The eighteenth annual fair of the Huron County Agricultural Society was held at Norwalk, on the 1st, 2d, 3d and 4th days of October, 1872. During the entire year the officers of the Society labored with untiring zeal and commendable energy to work up the agricultural interest of the county, and make the fair a success. Though their efforts have not been rewarded by sufficient receipts to pay all of the old indebtedness of the Society, yet they are gratified to see an interest manifested in the fair of this county, which has not been felt for years, and which promises, in the end, to reward them nobly for their labor, by fairs hereafter unsurpassed in the quality and number of articles exhibited, and financially behind none.

The number of entries was 929, exceeding by but a very few the entries of last year. The entries were undoubtedly very much reduced in number by the very heavy and incessant fall of rain during the first day of the fair. All articles, however, on exhibition were of the finest quality. The show of cattle was not as good as last year, but in other departments of stock it was fully up to the average of years; while in the horse department the show was never so good before in this county, and perhaps never surpassed at any county fair in the State.

Total amount awarded in premiums, $1,442.50. Number of entries, 340. Receipts from all sources during the year, $2,560.37.

Our Society always having occupied grounds rented for the purposes of the fair, and deeming it advisable to own their own fair grounds, during the past year have turned their attention to the matter of permanent location, and for the purpose of purchasing and fitting up grounds have succeeded in raising the sum of six thousand dollars, hoping and expecting that the commissioners of the county, when asked, under an act of the Legislature of the State of Ohio, passed at its session during the winter of 1870 and 1871,