Stark County, Ohio - Chapter 15, 1881

Po.Mological And Horticultural Societies

THE majority of the readers of these pages arc farmers, hence a resume of agriculture in the State, would not only be appropriate, but valuable as a matter of history. It is the true basis of national prosperity, and, therefore, justly occupies a foremost place.

In the year 1800, the Territory of Ohio contained a population of 45,305 inhabitants, or a little more than one person to the square mile. At this date, the admission of the Territory into the Union as a State began to be agitated. When the census was made to ascertain the legality of the act, in conformity to the "Conqiact of 1787," ni> endeavor was made t(j asccrtaiti additional .statistics, as now ; hence, the cultivated land was not returned, and no account remains to tell how much existed. In 1805, three years after the admission of the State into the Union, 7,252,850 acres had been purchased from thi' (rcneral Government. Still no returns of the cultivated lands were made. In 1810, the population of Ohio was 230,760, and the land purchased from the Gov- erameut amounted to 9,933,150 acres, of which iiiiiouiit, however, 3,569,314 acres, or more than one-third, was held by non-residents. Of the lands occupied by resident laud-owners, there apjjear to have been 100,968 acres of first-rate, 1,929,600 of second, and 1,538,745 acre.s of third rate lauds. At this period there were very few exports trcjm tlie farm, loom or shop. The people still needed all they produced to sustain themselves, and were yet in that pioneer period where they were obliged to produce all they wanted, and yet were opening new farms, and bringing the old ones to a productive state.

Kentucky, and the country on the Monongahela, lying along the western slopes of the Alleghany Mountains, having been much longer settled, had begun, as early as 1795, to send considerable quantities of flour, whisky, bacon and tobacco to the lower towns on the Mississippi, at that time in the possession of the Spaniards. At the French settlements on the Illinois, and at Detroit, were being raised much more than could be used, and these were exporting also large quantities of these materials, as well as peltries and such commodities as their nomadic lives furnished. As the Mississippi was tlie natural outlet of the West, any attempt to impede its free navigation by the various powers at times controlling its outlet, would lead at once to violent outbreaks among the Western settlers, some of whom were aided by unscrupulous persons, who thought to form an independent Western country. Providence seems to liave had a watchful eye over all these events, and to have so guided them that the attempts with such objects in view, invariably ended in disgrace to their perpetrators. This outlet to the West was thought to be the only one that could carry their [jnnluce to market, for none of the Westerners tlien dreamed of the immense system of railways now covering that part of the Union. As soon as ship-building commenced at Marietta, in the year 1800, the farmers along the borders of the Ohio and Muskingum Ilivers turned their attention to the cultivation of hemp, in addition totheirothercrops. Ina few years sufficient was raised, not only to furnish cordage to the ships in the West, but large quantities were worked iqj in the various rope-walks and sent to the Atlantic cities. Iron had been discovered, and forges on the Juniata were busy converting that necessary and valued material into implements of industry.

citizens of ^larietta. Their construction gave a fresh impetus to agriculture, as bj' means of them the surplus products could be carried away to a foreign market, where, if it did not bring money, it could be exchanged fiir merchandise equally valuable. Captain David Devoll was one of the earliest of Ohio's shipwrights. He settled on the fertile ^Muskingum bottom, about five miles above Marietta, soon after tlie Indian war. Here he built a "floating mill," for making flour, and, in 1801, a ship of two hundred and fifty tons, called the Muskingum, and the brig Eliza Greene, of one hundred and fifty tons. In 1804, he built a schooner on his own account, and in tlie spring of the next year, it was finished and loaded for a voyage down the Mis>issi]ipi. It w;is small, only of seventy tons burdrn. nl'u liglit draft, and intended to run on the lakes i-,ist of New Orlean.s. In shape and model, it fully sustained its name, Nonpareil. Its complement of sails, small at first, was completed when it arrived in New Orleans. It had a large cabin to accommodate passengers, was well and finely painted, and sat gracefully on the water. Its load was of assorted articles, and shows very well the nature of exports of the day. It consisted of two hundred barrels of flour, fifty barrels of kiln-dried corn meal, four thousand pcjuuds of cheese, six thousand of baciin, one hundred sets of rum puncheon shooks, and a few grindstones. The flour and meal were made at Captain Devoll's floating mill, ami the cheese made in Beljire, at that date oneof ( (hid's must tlniivi>liinL; imrieultural districts. TheCaiitaiiiaiiilotliersearrieil mi Ijoatingas well as the circumstances of the days permitted, fearing only the hostility of the Indians, and the duty the Spaniards were liable to levy on Imats iioing down to New Orlcaas, even if they did m.t lake it into their erratic heads to stop the entire navigation of the great river by vessels other than their own. By such means, merchandise wa.s carried on almost entirely until the construction of canals, and even then, until modern times, the flat-boat was the main-stay of the shipper inhabits ing the country adjoining the upjier Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.

Commonly, very little stock was kept beyond what was necessary ibr the use of the family and to perform the labor on the farm. The Scioto Valley was perhaps the only exception in Ohio to this general condition. Horses were brought by the emigrants from the East aii<l were charaet<>visfic of that region. In the Freneh settlements in Illinois and about Detroit, Freneh ponies, marvels of oil Jurance, were chiefly used. They were impracticable in hauling the immense emigrant wagons over I lie mountains, and hence were comparatively unknown in Ohio. Until 1828, draft horses wi-re chiefly used liere, the hest strains being brought bj- the ''Tunkers," " Mcnnonites," and '' Ormish," - three risligious sects, whose members were invariably agriculturists. In Stark, Wayne, Ui limes, and Richland Counties, as a general thing, they ciiugTcgated in communities, where tlie neatnes.s of their farms, tlie excellent condition of their stock, and the primitive simplicity of their manners, made them conspicuous.

In 1828, the French began to settle in Stark County, where thoy introduced the stock of horses known iis " Selim," "Florizel," "Post Boy" and "Timolen." These, crcssed upon the descents of the Norman and Conestoga, produced an excellent stock of farm horses, now largely used.

Ta the Western Reserve, blooded horses were introduced as early :ls 1825. John I. Van Meter brought fine hor-scs into the Scioto Valley in 1815, or thereabouts. Soon after, fine horses were brought to Steubenville from Virginia and Pennsylvania. In Xorthern Ohio the .stock w;us more miscellaneous, until the introduction of improved breeds from 1815 to 1835. By the latter date the strains of horses had greatly improved. The .same could be said of other parts of the State. Until after 1S25, only farm and road horses were re((uired. That j'ear a race-course - the first in the State - was established in Cincinnati, shortly followed by others at Chillicothe, Dayton and Hamilton. From that date the race-horse steadily improved. Until 1838, however, all race-courses were rather irregular, and, of those named, it is difficult to determine whicli one has priority of date over the others. To Cincinnati, the precedence is, however, generally given. In 1838, the Buckeye Course was established in Cincinnati, and before a year had clap.sed, it is stated, there were fifteen regular race-courses in Ohio. The efl^ect of these courses was to greatly stimulate the stock of racers, and rather detract from draft and road hor.scs. The organization of companies to import blooded horses has again renved the interest in this class, and now, at annual stock sales, these strains of horses are eagerly sought after by tho.se having occasion to use them.

Cattle were brought over the mountains, and, for several years, were kept entirely Ibr domestic uses. By 1805, the country had so far settled that the surplus stock was liittened on com and fodder, and a drove was driven to Baltimore. The drove was owned by George Reuick, of Chillicothe, and the feat was looked u]jon as one of great importance. The drove arrived in Baltimore in excellent condition. The imjietus given by this movement of Jlr. Rcnick stimulated greatly the feeding of cattle, and led to the im]irovement of the breed, heretofore only of an ordinary' kind.

Until the advent of railroads and the .shipment of cattle thereon, the number of cattle driven to e;ustern markets from Ohio alone, was estimated at over fifteen thousand annually', whose value was placed at §(500,000. Besides this, large numbers were driven fiom Indiana and lUinoi.s, whose boundless prairies gave free scojjc to tlie herding of cattle. Improved breeds, ''Short Horns," "]jong Horns" and others, were introduced into Ohio as early as 1810 and 1815. Since then the stock has been gradually improved and acclimated, until now Ohio produces as fine cattle as anj' State in tlie Union. In some localities, especially in the Western Reserve, cheesemaking and dairy interests are the chief occupations of whole neighborhoods, where may be found men who have grown wealthy in thLs business.

Sheep were kept by almost every family, in jiioneer times, in order to be supplied with wool for clothing. The wool was carded by hand, spun in the cabin, and frequently dyed and woven as well as shaped into garments there, too. All emigrants brought the best household and fanning implements their limited means w^ould allow, so also did they bring the best strains of horaes, cattle and sheep they could obtain. About the year 180U, Mr. Thomas Rotch, a (Quaker, emigrated to Stark County, and brought with him a small flock of Merino sheep. They were good, and a part of them were from the original flock brought over from Spain, in 1801, by Col. Humphrey, United States Minister to that country. He had brought 200 of these .sheep, and hoped, in time, to see every part of the United States stocked with Jlerinos. In this he partially succeeded only, owing to the prejudice against them. In 181 G, Messrs. Wells & Dickenson, who were, for the day, extensive w^oolen manufacturers in Steubenville, drove their fine flocks out on the Stark County Plains for the summer, and brought them back fiir the winter. This course was pursued for several 3'cars, until farms were prepared, when they were permanently kept in Stark County. This flock was originally derived from the Humphrey importation. The failure of Wells & Dickenson, in 1824, placed

'- The first merinos brought to Ohio were doubtless by Seth Adams, of Zanesville. They were Humphrey's Merinos^undoubt<.^dly the best ever imported into the United States, by whatever name called. He kept them part of the time in AVashington, and afterward in Muskingum County. He had a sort of partnership agency from Gen. Humphrey for keeping and selling them. They were scattered, and, had they been taken care of and appreciated, would have laid a better foundation i)f flocks in Ohio than any sheep brought into it from that time till 1852. The precise date at which Adams brought them cannot now be ascertained ; but it was prior to 1813, perhaps as early as 1804."

"The first Soiii-hdowns," continues Mr. Humrickhouse," " New Leicester, Lincolnshire and Cotswold sheep I ever saw, were brought into Coshocton County from England by Isaac Maynard, nephew of the famous Sir John, in 1834. There were about ten Southdowns and a trio of each of the other kinds. He was offered 1500 for his Lincolnshire ram, in Buffalo, as lie passed through, but refused. He was selfish, and unwilling to put them into other hands when he went on a farm, all in the woods, and, in about three years, most of them had perished."

The raising and improvement of sheep has kept steady tread with the growth of the State, and now Ohio wool is known the world over. In (|uantity it is e(|ual to any State in America, while its quality is unequaled.

The first stock of hogs brought to Ohio were rather poor, scrawny creatures, and, in a short time, when lefl to themselves to pick a livelihood from the beech mast and other nut« in the woods, degenerated into a wild condition, almost akin to their originators. As the country settled, however, they were gathered from their lairs, and, by feeding them corn, the farmers soon brought them out of their semi-barbarous state. Improved breeds were introduced. The laws for their protection and guarding were made, and now the hog of today .shows what improvement and civilization can do for any wild animal. The chief city of the State has become famous as a slaughtering place; her bacon and sides being known in all the civilized World.

Otlier domestic animals, mules, asses, etc., have been brought to tlie State as occasion rc([uired. Wherever their use has been demanded, they have been obtained, until the Stat* has her complement of all animals her citizens can use in their daily labors.

Most of the early emigrants brought with them young fruit trees or gi-afts of some favorite variety fi'om the " old homestead. ' Hence, on the Western Reserve are to be found chiefly - especially in old orchards - New England varieties, while, in the localities immediately south of the Reserve, Pennsylvania and Maryland varieties predominate ; but at Marietta, New England fruits are again found, as well as throughout Southeastern Ohio. One of the oldest of tb.ese orchards was on a Mr. Dana's farm, near Cincinnati, on the Ohio River bank. It consisted of five acres, in which apple seeds and seedlings were planted as early as 1790. Part of the old orchard is yet to be seen, though the trees are almost past their usefldness. Peaches, pears, cherries and apples were planted by all the pioneers in their gardens. As soon as the seed produced seedlings, these were transplanted to some hillside, and the orchard, in a few years, was a productive unit in the life of the settler. The first fruit brought, was, like everything else of the pioneers, rather inferior, and admitted of much cultivation. Soon steps were taken by the more enterprising settlers to obtain better varieties. Israel Putnam, as early as 1796, returned to the East, partly to get scions of the choicest apples, and, partly, on other business. He obtained quite a quantity of choice apples, of some forty or fifty varieties, and set them out. A portion of them were distributed to the settlers who had trees, to ingrafl. From these old grafts are yet to be traced some of the best orchards in Ohio. Israel Putnam was one of the most prominent men in early Ohio days. He was always active in promoting the interests of the settlers. Among his earliest efibrts, that of improving the fruit may well be mentioned.' He and his brother, Aaron W. Putnam, living at Belpre, opposite Blennerhasset's Island, began the nursery business soon afl«r their arrival in the West. The apples brought by them from their Connecticut home were used to commence the business. These, and the apples obtained from trees planted in their gardens, gave them a beginning. They were the only two men in Ohio engaged in the business till 1817.

Appleseed." His real name w;is John Chapiuau. He reuoived his namo frum his habit of planting, along all the streams in that part of the State, aj)plo-secds fioui which sprang many of the old orclianls. Ho did this as a religious duty, thinking it to be his especial mission. He had, it is said, been disappointed in his youth in a love aftkir, and came West about 1800, and ever after followed his singular life. He was extensively known, was quite harndess, very patient, and did, without doubt, much good. He died in 1817, at the house of a 3Ir. Worth, near Fort Wayne, Indiana, who had long known him, and often befriended him. He was a minister in the Swedenborgian Church, and, in his own way, a zealous worker.

The settlers of the Western Reserve, coming from New England, chiefly from Connecticut, brought all varieties of fruit known in their old homes. These, whether seeds or grafts, were j)lanted in gardens, and as soon as an orchard could be cleared ou some favorable hillside, the young trees were transplanted there, and in time an orchard was the result. Much confusion regarding the kinds of fruits thus produced arose, partly from the fact that the trees grown from seeds did not always prove to be of the .same (|uality as the seeds. Climate, soil and surroundings often change the character of such fruits. Many m:\v varieties, unknown to the growers, were the result. The fiuit thus produced was oft«n of an inferior growth, and when grafts were brought from the old New England home and grafted into the Ohio trees, an im])rovement as well :is the old home fruit was the result. After the orchards in the Reserve bi^gan to bear, the fruit was very often taken to the Ohio lliver for shipment, and thence found its way to the Southern and Kastcrn scalinard cities.

Among tln' individuals ]ininiiiu'nt in introducing fruitsintolhc State, wrrr Mr. Diile, of Euclid, Judge Fuller, Judge Whittlesey, and Mr. Lindley. George Hoadly was also very prominent and energetic in the matter, and was, perhaps, the first to introduce the])(^ar to any extent. Ho was one of the most persistent and enthusiastic amateurs in horticulture and pomology in the West. About the year 1810, Dr. Jarcd Kirtland, father of Prof J. P. Kirtland, so favorably known among horticulturists and pomologists, came from Connecticut and .settled in Poland, Mahoning County, with his family. This family has done more than any other in the State, perhap.s, to advance fruit culture. About the year 1824, Prof J. P. Kirtland, in connection with his brother, e.stabli.shed a nursery at Poland, then in Trumbull County, and brought on from New I'jngland aljove a hundred of their best varieties of apples, ciicrries, peaches, pears, and smaller fruits, and a year or two aft«r brought from New Jersey a hundred of the best varieties of that State; others were obtained in New York,. so that they jxjsse.ssyd the largest and most varied stock in the Western i-ountry. These two men gave a great impc'tus to fruit culture in the West, and did more than any others of that day to introduce imjirovcd kinds of all fruits in that jiart of the United States.

Another proujinent man in this branch of nidustry was Mr. Andrew H. Ern.st, of Cincinnati. Although not so early a settler as the Kirtlands, he was, like them, an ardent student and iiroi)agator of line fruits. He introduced more than six hundred varieties of apjiies and .seven hundred of pears, both native and foreign. His object was to test by actual experience the most valuable sorts for the diversified soil and climate of the Western country.

The name of Nichohis Longworth, also of Cincinnati, is one of tin; most extensively known of any in the .science of Injrticulture and pomology. For more than fifty years he made the.se his especial delight. Having a large tract of land in the lower part of Cincinnati, he established nur.series, and planted and disseminated every variety of fruits that could be found in the United States - East or West - making occasional importations from European countries of siu-h varieties as were thought to be adapt(!d to the Western climate. His success has been variables, governed by the season, and in a measure b}' his numerous experiments. His vineyards, cultivated by tenants, generally Germans, on the EumpeaM plan, during the latter years of his ex|MTicMcc paiil liini a handsome revenue. He introdiicci! the famous Catawba grape, the standard grape of the West. It is stated that Mr. Longwortli bears the same relation t« vineyard culture tjiat Fulton did to steam navigation. Others made earlier effort, but he was the first to establish it on a permanent ba.sis. He Inis also been eminently successful in the cultivation of the strawberry, and was the first to firmly establish it on Western soil. He also brought the Ohio J'lverbearing Ra.s])l)erry into notice; in the State, and widely disseminateel it throughout the country.

In chronology and importance, of all the cereals, corn stands foremost. During the early pioneer period, it was the staple article of food for both man and bea,st. It could be made into a variety of firms of food, and as such was not only palatable but highly nutritious and strengthening.

It is very difficult to deterniiuc wlietlier corn originated in America or in the Old World. Many prominent botanists assert it is a native of Turkey, and originally was known as " Turkey wheat." Still others claimed to have found mention of maize in Chinese writings antrduting the Turkish <lisciivory. Grains of maize were found in an Egyi)tian mummy, which goes to prove to many the cereal was known in Africa since the earliest times. Maize wa,s found in America when first visited by white men, but of its origin Indians could give no account. It had always been known among them, and constituted their chief article of vegetable diet. It wa,s cultivated exclusively by their squaws, the men coiisidi-riiig it beneath their dignity to engage in any manual labcpr. It is altoLirtlh'r |irolinlile coin was known in the Old ^Vorld long before the New was discovered. The Arabs or Crusaders probably introduced it into Europe. How it was introduced int« America will, in all jmibability, remain unknown. It may have been an indigenous jilant, like many others. Its introduction into Ohio dates with the settlement of the whites, especially its cultivation and use as an article of trade. True, the Indians had cultivated it in .small (|uantities ; each lodge a little for itself, but no eft'ort to make of it a national support began until tlie civilization of the white race became established. From that time on, the increase in crops has grown with the State, and, excepting the great corn States of the West, Ohio produces an amount e<(ual to any State in the Uni(in. The statistical tables printed in agricultural reports show the acres planted, and bushels grown. Figures speak an unanswerable logic.

Wheat is probably the next in importance of the cereals in the State. Its origin, like corn, is lost in the mists of antiquity. Its berry was no doubt used as food by the ancients for ages anterior to any historical records. It is often called corn in <ild writings, and under that name is frequently mentioned in the Bible.

and, with corn, aside from animal food, has formed one of the chief alimentary articles of all nations ; but as the wheat plant has nowhere been found wild, or in a state of nature, the inference has been drawn by men of un([uestioned scientific ability, that the original plant from which wheat has been derived was either totally annihilated, or else cultivation has wrought so great a change, that the original is by no means obvious, or manifest to botanists."

It is supposed by many, wheat originated in Persia. Others affirm it was known and cultivated in Egypt long ere it found its way into Persia. It was certainly grown on the Nile ;iges ago, and among the tombs are found grains of wheat in a perfectly sound condition, that unquestionably have been buried thou.sands of years. It may be, however, that wheat was grown in Persia first, and thence found its way into Egypt and Africa, or, vice versa. It grew first in Egypt and Africa and thence crossed into Persia, and from there found its way into India and all parts of Asia.

It is also claimed that wheat is indigenous to the island of Sicily, and that from there it spread ajouii the shoi-es of the Mediterranean into Asia Minor and Egypt, and, as communities advanced, it was cultivated, not only to a greater extent, but with greater success.

The goddess of agriculture, more especially of grains, who, by the Greeks, was called Demeter, and, by the Romans, Ceres - hence the name cereals - was said to have her home at Enna, a fertile region of that island, thus mdicating the source from which the Greeks and Romans derived their (\iiili<i. Homer mentions wheat and .spelt as bread; also corn and barley, aud describes his heroes as using them as fodder for their horses, as the people in tlie South of Europe do at present. Rye was introduced into Greece from Thrace, or by way of Thrace, in the time of Galen. In Cae.sar's time the Romans grew a species of wheat enveloped in a husk, like barley, aud by them called "Far."

Dr. Anson Hart, Superintendent, at one time, of Indian Affiiivs in Oregon, states that he found numerous patches of wheat and flax growing wild in the Vackemas country, in Upper Oregon. There is but little doubt that both cereals were introduced into Oregon at an early period by the Hudson Bay, or other fur companies. Wheat was also found by Dr. Boyle, of Colunibus, Ohio, growing in a similar state in the Carson Valley. It was, doubtless, brought there by the early .Spaniard.?. In 15SII, one oi' Cortex's slaves found several grains of wheat aeeideiilally mixed willi the riee. The careful negro jilanted the handful of grains, and succeeding years saw a wheat crop in Mexico, which found its way uortliward, probably int<j California.

Turn where we may, wherever the foot of civilization has trod, there will we find this wheat plant, which, like a monument, has perpetuated the memory of the event; but nowhere do we find the plant wild. It is the result of cultivation in bygone ages, and lias been produced by "progressive development.'

It is beyond the limit and province of these pages to discuss the composition of this important cereal ; only its hi.storic j)ro])erties can be noticed. With the advent of the white men in America, wheat, like corn, came to bo one of the staple produces of life. It followed the pioneer over the mountains westward, where, in the rich Mississippi and Illinois bottoms, it has been cultivated by the French since lli'JO. When the hardy New Englanders came to the alluvial lands adjoining the Ohio, Muskingum or Miami Rivers, tliey brought with them this "staff of life," and forthwith began its cultivation. Who sowed the first wheat in Ohio, is a question .Mr. A. S. Guthrie answers, in a letter jiublished in the Agi-icultural Report of 1857, as follows:

"My father, Thomas (luthrie, emigrated to the Northwest Tt^-ritory in the year 17HH, and arrived at the mouth of the ^Muskingum in July, alxnit three months after (ien. Putnam had arrived with the first pioneers of Ohio. .My fatlua- brought a bushel of wheat with him from one of the frontier counties of Pennsylvania, which h(^ sowed on a lot of land in Marietta, which he clean^l for that purpose, on the second bottom or plain, in the neighborhood of where the Court House now stands."

From that date (jn down through the years of Ohio's growth, the crops of wheat have kept pace with the advance and growth of civilization. The soil is admirably adapted Ui the growth of this cereiil, a large luimber of varieties being grown, and an excellent (juality produced. It is firm in body, and, in many citses, is a successful rival of wheat

Oats, rye, barley, and other grains wore also brought to Ohio i'rom the Atlantic Coa.st, though some of them had been cultivated liy the French in Illinois and about Detroit. They were at first used only as food for houu; ('onsumption, and, until the successful attcmj)t.s at river and canal navigation were brought about, but little was ever sent to market.

Of all the root crops known to man, the potato is probably the most valuable. Next to wluiat, it is clainu^d by many as the staff of life. In some localities, this a.ssumption is undoubtedly true. What would Ireland have done in her famines but for this simple vegetable? The potato is a native of the mountainous districts of tropical and subtropical America, probably from (!hili to Mexico ; but there is considerable difficulty in deciding where it is really indigenous, and where it has spread after being introduced by man. Humboldt, the learned savant, doubted if it had ever been fimnd wild, but scholars no less famous, and of late date, have expressed an o|)pnsit(' opinion. In the wild plant, as in all others, the tubers are smaller than in the cultivated. The potato had been cultivat<:d in America, and its tubers used for food, long l)efore the advent of the Europeans. It .seems to have been first lirought to ]"]urope by the Si)aniards, from the neighborhood of Quito, in the beginning of the sixteenth century, and spread through Spain, the Netherlands, Burgundy and Ital}-, cultivated in gardens as an ornament only and not for an article of food. It long received through Huropean countries the same nana; with the batata.s - sweet potato, whi(;h is the plant meant by all English writers down to the seventeenth century.

It appears that the jiotato was brought from Virginia to Ireland by Hawkins, a slave-trader, in 15(55, and to England by Sir Francis Drake, twenty years later. It did not at first attract much notice, and not until it wa.s a third time imimrted from America, in 1()2H, by Sir \Valter Ualiigh, did the Europeans make a practical use of it. Even then it was a long time before it was extensively cultivated. It is noticed in agiicu'tural journals a.s food for cattle only as late as 17 lit. Poor people began using it, however, and finding it highly nutritious, the Royal Geograpliiial Society, in ICGij, adojited measures for its propagation. .\bout this time it began to be used in Ireland a.s food, and from the begiuniug of the eighteenth century, its use has never declined. It is now known in every quarter of the world, and has, by cultivation, been greatly improved.

The inhabitants of America learned its use from the Indians, who cultivated it and other root crops - rutabagas, radishes, etc., and taught the whites their value. When the pioneers of Ohio came to its fertile valleys, they brought improved species with them, wliich by cultivation and soil, are now greatly increased, and are among the standard crops of the State.

The cucurbitaccous plants, squashes, etc., were, like the potato and similar root crops, indigenous to America - others, like the melons, to Asia - and were among the staple foods of the original inhabitants. The early French missionaries of the West speak of both root crops and cucurbitaccous plants as in useamong theaborigiiial inhabitants. "They are very sweet and uiii>li'S(inic," wrote Manjuette. Others .speak in the. same terms, though some of the plants in this order had found their way to these valleys through tlie Spaniards and others through early Atlantic Coast and ^Ickican inhabitants. Their use by the si'ttlcrs of (be West, especially Ohio, is traced to New I'higlaud, as the first settlers came from that portion of the Union. They grow well in all parts of the State, and by cultivation have been greatly improved in (juality and variety. All cucurbitaeeous plants recjuire a rich, porous soil, and by proper attention to their cultivation, excellent results can be attained.

Probably the earliest and most im])ortant imj)lement of husbandry known is the plow. Grain, plants and roots will not grow well unless the soil in which they are planted be properly stirred, hence the first rei|uirement was an instrument that would fulfill such conditions.

The first imiilcnients were rude indeed ; generally, stout wooden sticks, drawn through the earth by thongs attached to rude ox-yokes, or fastened to the animal's horns. Such plows were in use among the ancient Rgy))tians, and may yet be found among uncivilized nations. The Old Testament furnisiies numerous instances of the use of the plow, while, on the ruins of ancient cities and among tlie pyramids of Egypt, and on the buried walls of Babylon, and other ixtinct cities, are rude drawings of this useful inqilcnicnt. As the use of iron became apparent ami general, it was utilized for plow-points, where the wood alone would not penetrate the earth. They got their plowsliares sharpened in Old Testament days, also coulters, which shows, beyond a doubt, that ironpointed plows were then in use. From times mentioned in the Bible, on heathen tombs, and ancient catacombs, the improvement of the plow, like other farming tools, went on, as the race of man grew in intelligence. Extensive manors in the old country required increased means of turning the ground, and, to meet these demands, ingenious meclianics, from time to time, invented improved plows. Strange to say, however, no improvement was ever made by the farmer liimself. This is accounted for in his habits of life, and, too often, the disposition to "take things as they are." When America was settled, the plow bad become an implement capable of turning two or three acres per day. Still, and for many years, and even until lately, the mold-board was entirely wooden, the point only iron. Later developments changed the wood for steel, which now alone is used. Still later, especially in prairie States, riding plows are used. Like all other improvements, they were obliged to combat an obtuse public mind among the ruralists, who surely combat almost every move made to better their condition. In many places in America, wooden plows, straight ax handles, and a stone in one end of the bag, to balance the grist in the other, are the rule, and for no other reason in the world are they maintained than the laconic answer:

After the plow comes the harrow, but little changed, save in lightness and beauty. Formerly, a log of wood, or a brush harrow, supplied its place, but in the State of Ohio, the toothed instrument has nearly always been used.

The hoe is lighter made than formerly, and is now made of steel. At first, the common iron hoe, sliarpened l)y the blacksmith, was in constant use. Now, it is rarely seen outside of the Southern States, where it has long been the chief inqilement in agriculture.

The various small phiws iiir the cidtivation of corn and such other cro])s as necessitated their use are all the re.sult of modern civilization. Now, their number is large, and, in many places, there are two or more attached to one carriage, whose ojierator riiles. These kinds are much used in the Western States, whose rootless and stoneless soil is admii'alily adapted to sucli machinery.

was the only iiistruiiK'iit used. It was a short, curved iron, wIkpso inner edge was sharpened anil serrated. In its most ancient form, it is dimhtfhl if the etlge was but little, if any, serrated. It is mentioned in all ancient works, and in the Bible is freiiuently referred to.

" Thrust in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe." wrott! the sacred New Testament, while the Old chronicles as early its the time of Moses: '- As thou beginnest to put the sickle to the corn."

In more modern times, the handle of the sickle was lengthened, then the blade, which in time led to the scythe. Both are yet in use in many parts of the world. The use of the scythe led some thinking person to add a " finger " or two, and to change the .shape of the handle. The old cradle was the result. At first it met considerabli' oppnsition from the laborers, who brought forward tlu^ old-time argumimt of ignorance, that it would cheajien labor.

Whether the cradle is a native of America or Europe is not accurately decidi'd; probably of the mother country. It came into common u.se about 1818, and in a few years had found its way into the wheat-pnjducing regions of the West. Where small crops are rai.scd, the cradle is yet much used. A man can cut from two to four acres per day, hence, it is much cheaper than a reaper, where the crop is small.

The mower and reaper are comparatively modern inventions. A rude rca]iing machine is mentioned ))y Pliny in the first century. Itwas pushed by an ox through the standing grain. On its front was a sharp edge, which cut the grain. It was, however, impracticable, as it cut only a portion of the grain, and the pc^asiuitry ]ircfcrrc<l the sickle. Other and later attempts to make r<'a]icrs do not seem to have been successful, and not till the present century wa.s a machine made that would do the work required. In 1826, Mr. Bell, of Scotland, constructed a machine which is yet used in many parts of that country. In America, Mr. Hu.ssey and Mr. MeCormick took out patents for reaping machines of superior character in 188:1 and 18.S4. At first the cutters of these machines were various contrivances, but both manufacturers soon adojitcd a s(Trated knife, triangular shaped, attached to a bar, and driven through finger guards" attached to it. by a forward and backward motion. These are the common ones now in use, save that all do not use serrated knives. Siner these pioneer machines were introduced into the harvest fields they have been greatly improved and changed. Of late years they have been constructed so as to bind the sheaves, and now a good stout boy, and a team with a " harvester," will do as much iis many men could do a few years ago, and with much greater case.

As was e.vpccted by the inventors of reapers, they met with a determined resistance from those who in former times made their living by harvesting. It w;us again absurdly argued that they would cheapen labor, and hence were an injury to the laboring man. Indeed, when tlu; first machines were brimght into Ohio, many of them were torn to pieces by the ignorant hands. Others left fields in a body wlu^n tlui j)roi)rietor brought a reaper to his farm, l-ike all such fallacies, these, in time, pa.ssed away, Ic-aving only their stain.

Following the rea|jcr came the thresher. As the country (illcd with inhabitants, and men increased their possessions, more rapid means than the old flail or roller method were demanded. At first the grain was trodden out by horses driven over the bundh's, which were laid in a circular inclosurc. The old flail, th(! tramping-out by horses, and the cleaning by the .sheet, or throwing the grain up against a current of air, were too slow, and machines were the result of the demand. In Ohio the manufacture of threshers began in 1846, in the southwestern part. Isaac Tobias, who cauu; to Hamilton Irom Mianiisburg that year, commenced building the threshers then in u.se. They were without the cleaning attachment, and simply hulled the gi-ain. Two yenrs later, he began manufacturing the combiiicd thresher and cleaner, which were then coming into use. He continued in business till 1851. Four years after, the incrca.scd demand for such machines, con.sec|uent upon the increa.sed agricidtural products, induced the firm of Owens, Lane & Dyer to fit their estab- ILshment for the manufijcture of threshers. They afterward added the matiufacture of steam engines to be used in the place of horse power. Since then the manufacture of these machines, as well as that of all other agricultural machinery, lias greatly multiplied and improved, until now it seems as though but little room for inijirovi'ment remains. One of the largest firms engaged in the manufact- \u-e of threshers and their comiionent machinery is located at Mansfield - the Anltman it Taylor Co. Others are at Ma.ssillon, and at other cities in the West.

- too many to bo meutioneil in a volume like this. Under special subjects they will occasionally be found. The fanner's life, so cheerless in pioneer times, and so full of weary labor, is daily becoming less laborious, until, if they as a class profit by the advances, they can find a life of ease in farm pursuits, not attainable in any other profession. Now machines do almost all the work. TJiey sow, cultivate, cut, bind, thresh, winnow and carry the grain. They, cut, rake, load, mow and dry the hay. They husk, shell and clean the corn. They cut and split the wood. They do almost all ; until it seems as though the day may come when the farmer can sit in his house and simply guide the affairs of his farm.

Any occupation prospers in proportimi to the interest taken in it by its members. This interest is always heightened by an exchange of views, hence societies and periodicals exercise an influence at first hardy realized. This feeling among prominent agriculturists led to the formation of agricultural societies, at first by counties, then districts, then by States, and lastly by associations of States. The day may come when a national agricultural fair may be one of the annual attractions of America.

Without noticing the early attempts to found such societies in Kurope or America, the narrative will begin with those of Ohio. The first agricultural society organized in the Buckeye State was the Hamilton County Agi'icultural Society. Its exact date of organization is not now preserved, but to a certainty it is known that the Society held public exhibitions as a County Society prior to 1823. Previous to that date there were, doubtless, small, private exhibitions held in older localities, probably at Marietta, but no regular organization seems to have been maintained. The Hamilton County Society held its fairs annually, with marked success. Its successor, the present Society, is now one of the largest county societies in the Union.

During the legislative session of 1832-3.3, the subject of agriculture seems to have agitated the minds of the people through their representatives, for the records of that session show the first laws passed for their benefit. The acts of that body seem to have been productive of some good, for, though no records of the number of societies organized at that date exist, yet the record shows that " many societies have been organized in conformity to this act," etc. No doubt many societies held fairs from this time, for a ereater or less number of years. Agricultural journals* were, at this period, rare in the State, and the subject of agricultural improvement did not receive that attention from the press it does at this time ; and, for want of public spirit and attention to sustain these fairs, they were gradually discontinued until the new act respecting their organization was passed in 1846. However, records of several county societies of the years between 1832 and 1846 yet exist, showing that in some parts of the State, the interest in these fairs was by no means diminished. The Delaware County Society reports for the year 1833 - it was organized in June of that year - good progress for a beginning, and that much interest was manifested by the citizens of the county.

Ross County held its first exhibition in the autumn of that year, and the report of the managers is quite cheerful. Nearly all of the exhibited articles were sold at auction, at greatly advanced prices from the cuiTcnt ones of the day. The entry seems to have been free, in an open inclosure, and but little revenue Wiis derived. Little was expected, hence no one was disappointed.

Washington County reports an excellent cattle show for that year, and a number of premiums awarded to the successful exhibitors. This same year the Ohio Importation Company was organized at the Ross County fair. TJie Company began the next season the importation of fine cattle from England, and, in a few years, did incalculable good in this respect, as well as make considerable money in the enterprise.

These societies were re-organized when the law of 1846 went into effect, and, with those that had gone down and the new ones started, gave an impetus to agriculture that to this day is felt. Now every county has a society, while district. State and inter-State societies are annually held; all promotive in their tendency, and all a benefit to every one.

The Ohio State Board of Agriculture was organized by an act of the Legislature, passed February 27, 184G. Since then various amendments to the organic law have been passed from time to time as

These were the early agricultural journals, some of which yet survive, though in new names, and under new management. Others have, also, since been added, some of which have an exceedingly large circulation, and are an influence for much good in the State.

tlie iiecessities of the Board ami of agriculture in the State (loruandcd. The same day that the act was passed crcaliiiir the State Board, an act was alsii ]ia.-sod iirovidiiijr for tlic erection of nmiilyand (li>Iri(t sniictics, midcr wliic-li law, with .-ulisc(|UL'iit amciiiliiieiits. the jircseut county and district agricidttiral societies are luauajred. Duriuji the years from 184() down to the ])rcseiit time, great improvements have been made in the manner of conduct ing these societies, rcstdting in exhiUitions unsurpassed in any other State.

Pomology and horticulture are branches of industry so closely allied with agriculture that a bri(?f n-siime of their operations in Ohio will he eminently ada])ted to these pages. The early ])lanting ami care of fruit in Ohio has already been noticed, .\mong the earliest ])ioueers were men of fine t;Lstcs, who not only desired to benefit themselves anil their country, but who were pos,scssed with a laudable ambition to produce the lust fruits and vegetables the State could raise. For this end they studied carefullj- the to]iography of the countr}', its soil, climate, and various influences upon .such culturi', and by careful i xpiTinicnts with fruit and vegetables, proiluced tlie exeellenl varieties now ill use. ^Mention has been made of .Mr. Loiigworth and Mr. Krn.st, of Cincinnati ; and Israel and Aaron W. Putnam, on the Muskingum River ; Mr. Dillc,

Judges Fuller and Whittlesey. Dr. .Tared Kirtland and his sons, and others - all practical eiithusiast.s in these departments. At first, individual efforts alone, owing to the condition of the country, could be made. As the State filled with .settlers, and ini'aiis of communii-ation became better, a diwire for an interchange of views became apparent, resulting in the establishment of periodicals devoted to these subjects, and societies wluire diflereut tines could meet and discuss these things.

A Horticultural and Pomologieal Society wa.s organized in Ohio in 18(Jt5. Before the organization of Stat* societies, however, several distinct or independent societies existed; in fact, out of tlu'.se grew the State Society, which in turn ]iroduced good by stimulating the creation of county societies. All these societies, aids to agriculture, have progressed a.s the Stjite developed, and have done much in advancing fine fruit, and a taslc for lesthetic culture. In all parts of the West, their influence is seen in better and improved fruit ; its culture and its demand.

To-day, Oliio stands in the van of the Western States in agriculture and all its kindrcMl associations. It only needs the active energy of her citizens to keep her in this i)lace, advancing as time advances, until the goal of her ambition is reached.