The Middlesex County Board of Agriculture held five meetings during the year, four regular meetings and one special; the special meeting was held in October for the purpose of having an exhibit of

fruits and vegetables. The northern portion of the county, where the land is red shale, suffered very badly from the severe drought in May and June, and the crops of wheat, rye, grass, oats and potatoes, as well as vegetables, were not half of an average crop, while in the southern portion of the county, where the land is a sandy loam, the early crops were much better, averaging about 75 per cent. of a good crop. Corn was above the average and fall pasture has never been better.

Both wheat and rye were sown later than last year, and, owing to the exceptionally favorable weather since seeding time, it looks fine, and there is no damage from the Hessian fly.

Owing to the building of stone roads and the consequent easy access to markets at all times of the year, the production of milk, vegetables, poultry and small fruits are increasing rapidly, and will continue to do so, especially in the northern part of the county, where we have exceptionally good local markets.

DELEGATES TO STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.-Frank Denise (one year), Freehold; William Morrell (two years), Hazlet.

REPORT.

BY THE SECRETARY.

Three meetings have been held by the board during the past year. The first, on February 18th, when Delegate D. Aug. Vanderveer read his report of the annual meeting of the State Horticultural Society, and Delegates George L. DuBois and Frank Denise read

their reports of the annual meeting of the State Board of Agriculture. Hon. Peter Forman, of Manalapan, read a paper on "The Science of Road Building."

Second meeting was held on March 18th. The subject of establishing a creamery was considered. Addresses were made by Charles Howell Cook, Esq., of Trenton; Franklin Dye, Secretary of State Board; D. C. Lewis, Esq., of Cranbury, and members of the County Board.

The third and annual meeting was held on November 25th. Officers were elected for the ensuing year. President Hal Allaire delivered his annual address. E. P. Cole, Lecturer of the New York State Grange, delivered an address on "Organization and Co-operation." Following is the Directors' report by townships:

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP.

The year past has produced but few changes in methods of agriculturists. While some crops have been almost a failure, others have been unusually large.

The corn crop in this township was more than the average. One hundred and ten per cent. would seem a fair estimate as to quantity. The quality was damaged by high winds and rain in the fall.

Potatoes, which might be termed the money crop, after having the best lands on the farm and a liberal supply of fertilizer, and the very best of care and cultivation devoted to their growth, did not produce more than 70 per cent., although size and quality were both good.

The hay crop was probably the poorest for a number of years in this section, yielding not more than 30 per cent. Clover and mixed hay were very scarce. Wheat and rye did not do as well as the early season promised, the yield being about 75 per cent.

Apples and Keiffer pears were unusually productive. Both size and quality were remarkably good. Apple yield was not less that 115 per cent. and pears about 100.

Orchards neglected as to care and fertilizer produced fruit of inferior size and quality. Spraying little good for looks and quality. Peaches little grown; prices good; yield light. The dairy interest has grown considerably during the past two or three years, principally in the way of production and sale of milk.

C. D. B. FORMAN.