HISTORY: Chapter 13, History of Cayuga Co., NY 1879; Cayuga co., NY submitted by W. David Samuelsen *********************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ny/nyfiles.htm *********************************************************************** 1789 - History of Cayuga County, New York, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, by Elliot G. Storke, assisted by Jas. H. Smith. Pub. by D. Mason & Co., Syracuse, N.Y. 1879 CHAPTER XIII. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES AND STATISTICS. EARLY DISADVANTAGES - FIRST SOCIETY AND ITS PROCEEDINGS - SECOND SOCIETY- ITS OFFICERS AND PROCEEDINGS - MORAVIA AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY - NORTH CAYUGA AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY - GENERAL HISTORY OF THE PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY - CAYUGA COUNTY PATRONS - FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION-AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. In a County naturally so favorable to so varied and abundant agricultural productions as Cayuga, associations might be expected among the farmers for their own mutual improvement; but for nearly a quarter of a century the early emigrants had to maintain a stern contest with rude nature and had little time or means for any-thing else. The forest had to be removed, roads constructed, streams bridged, mills erected and most of their own clothing prepared. Those who enjoy the improved facilities of the present day, with all the arts and conveniences of life, can but feebly conceive the difficulties and embarrassments under which the first settlers labored. They had a fertile soil to cultivate, when once the trees were removed, which needed nophosphates to enrich it, yet mowers and reapers tedders and hay-rakes, had they then been known, could not have been used among the knolls and stumps of the early farms. The old "bull plow" with its wooden moldboard, and wrought iron and steel-pointed share; the home-made drag, supplied with wooden teeth, and formed of the forked branch of a tree; the native cattle, pastured in the woods in the summer and often " broused" in winter upon buds and branches of forest trees; the swine, fed upon the native roots and nuts and running free and wild in the woods, all as nimble as the other wild animals; all these rude accompaniments were not suggestive of public exhibitions. The "art and science of agriculture" was not then known to, or thought of, by the early farmers. "What they knew about farming," was to clear the land and cast and cover the seed; protect its growth from the ravages of beasts and vermin; harvest and secure the products, and then to find some means to grind enough grain for the family supply, and to find a market for the remainder, which for a few years was supplied by the needs of the new comers. In 1818, however, a successful effort was made to form the Cayuga County Agricultural Society. On the fourth day of February in that year a a meeting was held at the house of Amos Adams in Scipio, and an organization completed. David Thomas, was made President; Silas Holbrook, Vice-President; John Tifft, Treasurer; and Joshua Baldwin, Recording Secretary. On September 7th following, David Thomas delivered an address before the society, which is believed to have been the first address upon agriculture delivered in the County. In that address Mr. Thomas said: "Cayuga County, which we have to cultivate, contains 697 square miles with less than one square mile of waste land; nearly every other part is suitable for a garden." David Wright, Esq., of Auburn, also addressed the same meeting and said: "If the farmers of Cayuga County do not march in the van of the agricultural host, the fault must be theirs. Nature has been no step-mother to them. With a soil of great fertility and well adapted to the growth of the principal agricultural productions of this latitude we have, in addition, inexhaustible beds of gypsum, quarries of lime-stone, swamps of marl and a fair promise of an abundance of salt." On the 20th of October ensuing, the first Fair and Cattle Show in Cayuga County, was held at Auburn. The animals were exhibited in a field on the farm of William Bostwick, south of the Court House, and the other articles in one of the stores of the village. The fair was held for two days and was an occasion of great interest, being largely attended. The church bells were rung for a half hour in the morning of each day, an expression of the jubilant satisfaction of the people of the village at the presence of their rural friends. The exhibition was closed by a long and formal procession from the Court House to the Presbyterian church. Here prayers were offered, hymns sung and an address delivered by David Thomas, full of sound practical thoughts. Twenty-five prizes were awarded, consisting of silver cups and teaspoons, of the aggregate value of two hundred and thirty-one dollars. One of these cups then awarded is still in the possession of H. H. Bostwick, Esq., of Auburn. These Fairs were annually held for many years, and were a decided benefit to the farmers of the County. But the burden of maintaining them fell upon a few who became weary of bearing it and, after about fifteen years, the enterprise was abandoned. Another society was organized on the 22d day of July, 1841, of which Humphrey Howland was the first president, and the following gentlemen were the Vice-Presidents : John M. Sherwood, of Auburn; Loring Willard, of Aurelius; Isaac Bell, of Brutus; Luke Hollister, Cato; Levi Colvin, Conquest; David O. Durkee, Ira; William F. Tompkins, Fleming; Mathias Hutchinson, Genoa; Wing Tabor, Moravia; Samuel Bell, Mentz; Isaac Sisson, Locke; John I. Brinkerhoff, Owasco; Jonathan Richmond, Ledyard; Mr. Fuller, Sempronius; John W. McFadden, Sterling; E. A. Howland, Venice; Mathias Vanderheyden, Victory; John Sittser, Sennett; U. F. Doubleday, Scipio; Luther Fuller, Niles; Henry Crane, Springport; and Martin Barber, Summer Hill. The following were the Presidents of the Society from 1841 to 1855 inclusive, namely: Humphrey Howland, 1841 John M. Sherwood, 1842-1845 Ezra W. Bateman, 1846 Chester Gridley, 1846-1849 Lyman Sherwood, 1850 William Howard, 1851-1852 E. W. Sheldon, 1853 John S. Clark, 1854 Abraham Burlew, 1855 The following were the Secretaries of the Society for the same period : William Richardson, 1841-1845 Benjamin F. Hall, 1845-1848 John B. Dill, 1849 T. M. Pomeroy, 1850 H. H. Bostwick, 1850-1853 Luman W. Capin, 1854 John B. Dill, 1855 There was a reorganization of the Society under the act of April 15th, 1855, when new articles of association were formed under the name of the Cayuga County Agricultural and Horticultural Society. The first associates were Thomas S. Bentley, Charles P. Wood, David Wright, Abraham Burlew, Harrison Hopkins, Henry Fellows, Benjamin Ashby, Henry S. Dunning, John B. Dill, Harvey A. Lamphere, Hiram O'Hara, Henry H. Bostwick, I. W. Quick and others. The first directors were Thomas S. Bentley, of Brutus, President; Horace T. Cook, of Auburn, Secretary; H. H. Bostwick, Treasurer; William D. Osborn, of Mentz; Abraham Burlew, of Springport; Henry Conklin, of Owasco; Charles P. Wood, of Auburn; and Mathias Hutchinson, of Genoa. The Presidents of the Society from its reorganization until the present time have been as follows: Thomas S. Bentley, 1856 Grove Bradley, 1857 Henry W. Dwight, 1858-1859 William Webster, 1860 Alanson M. Clark, 1861-1868 Allen D. Morgan, 1868, 1869-1870 Jay Lewis Grant, 1871-1874 John B. Shank, 1875-1878 The Secretaries of the Society since its reorganization have been the following: Horace T. Cook, 1856 Larned C. Mann, 1857-1859 B. B..Snow, 1860 John G. Hosmer, 1861-1867 A. S. Hamblin, 1868-1869 John G. Hosmer, 1870-1872 A. B. Hamblin, 1873-1878 The Vice-Presidents were Henry Willard, of Aurelius; Harvey A. Lamphere, of Brutus; Moses Robinson, of Cato; Hardy Cole, of Conquest; Calvin Leach, of Fleming; Henry Pardee, of Genoa; John E. Terpening, of Ira; J. Hewitt, of Moravia; John S. Clark, of Mentz; M. D. Murfey, of Locke; George Thomson, jr., of Owasco; Elijah Brown, of Niles; Samuel C. Crowley, of Ledyard; Hector C. Tuthill, of Sempronius; Morell S. Fitch, of Scipio; Henry Fellows, of Sennett; George W. Truesdell, of Springport; J. Barber, of Summer Hill; Joseph Eldridge, of Victory; Mason White, of Venice; and George B. Cole, of Sterling; Horace T. Cook, Secretary. Larned C. Mann has held one or the other of the responsible offices of secretary or treasurer of this society since its reorganization twenty-three years ago. H. H. Bostwick held the office of treasurer for six years, John G. Hosmer that of secretary for ten years, and A. B. Hamblin the same office for eight years. It is a compliment to the capacity and fidelity of these officers that they continued so long to discharge, for a trifling consideration, so arduous a duty, and that the records and accounts of the society, for so long a period, have been so faithfully kept. Among those who have delivered addresses before the society are David Thomas, David Wright, Humphrey Howland, B. P. Johnson, Nathan Burchard and A. S. Divens. In 1856 a new departure was taken by the introduction of riding, driving and trotting matches. In the "ladies' riding match" in 1856, nine prizes were offered and awarded to as many different ladies, and in the "ladies' driving match" seven prizes, Mrs. Henry taking the first prize in both, Miss Smith, the second prize in the "riding match," and Miss Cuykendall, the second prize in the "driving match." It was the first and only experiment of the kind. In 1856 the conclusion was reached to purchase permanent exhibition grounds and to erect thereon buildings and show-pens, and grade a half mile track. Nineteen acres were bought for this purpose of Henry S. Dunning, at $150 per acre, and the ground fenced and improved with the track, show-pens and necessary buildings, costing in the aggregate about $6,000 and forming ample and very complete accommodations for the intended purpose. An effort was made to change the location of the grounds to the eastern part of the 'city, provided a sale of present -grounds could be made on satisfactory terms. - They were accordingly advertised ; but satisfactory offers for the same not being made the contemplated change was not effected. This offer to sell the property created the false impression among many that the society was about to disband, which was not contemplated. Among the novelties and objects of interest often shown at the annual fairs, was an old and unique clock, shown in 1859 by James Law, which was owned by an English sovereign three hundred years ago, a card upon which bore the following inscription: "Three hundred years have nearly fled Since my royal owner lost her head; Amid her country's pomp and power, I marked the time and told the hour." MORAVIA AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY .- The constitution of this society was adopted September 10th, 1858, and its by-laws on the 26th of the same month. Sidney Mead was the first president of the society; M. W. Alley, secretary, and E. P. K. Smith, treasurer. Its first purpose was to perfect a town organization for social and agricultural improvement. The first fair was held October 12th, 1858, and annual fairs have now been held for twenty years with very gratifying success, both as respects its financial receipts, which indicate the attendance, and the display of the animals and agricultural and mechanical products, which have regularly increased. The entire receipts of this society the second year of its existence, from all sources, was but $114, while the total receipts for 1877 were 51,229.01. It was early found that the residents in the ten southern towns of the County took a lively interest in this organization, to the administration of which they were admitted in 1859, with the following Vice-Presidents : G. L. Mead, Moravia; E. W. Bateman, Venice; J. C. Smith, Scipio; H. C. Tuthill, Sempronius; E. E. Brown and H. W. Lockwood, Niles; Grover Stoyell, Summer Hill; Jonathan Conklin, Locke; Albert Lester, Genoa; and Thomas Gould, Ledyard. The Directors appointed at the same time were Sidney Mead, James H. Jewett, P. M. Stoddard, John Cortright, E. P. K. Smith, and P. D. Livingston. The southern towns of the County were this year cordially invited to participate in all the operations of the society and the invitation was generally accepted. This cooperation has since been uniformly maintained, so that, though bearing the local name of the town in which the enterprise originated, and to which is due the credit of its institution, it is still in its practical operations the "South Cayuga Agricultural Society," which as the antithesis of the "North Cayuga Society," would be now its appropriate name. As the means of the society increased, suitable buildings and show-pens have been provided including a track for the trial of the speed of horses. The history of this society, as shown by its records, presents a very gratifying exhibition of progress, indicating that the localities which for twenty years have sustained it with increasing interest, will continue to do so, and that it will remain a fixed and permanent organization. The following gentlemen have been the Presidents of the society : Sidney Mead, C. C. Jewett, John Stoyell, James H. Jewett, C. S. Jennings, and E. Greenfield. The latter gentleman has held the office from 1866 to the present time. The following have been the Secretaries of the society : M. K. Alley, William Tallman, John L. Parker, M. L. Everson, Henry Cutler, Jr., A. H. Livingston, B. Alley, M. E. Kenyon, W. H. Day and Edward Thomas, the latter gentleman having held the office for four years. The following have been the Treasurers: E. P. K. Smith, B. F. Everson, H. H. Tuthill, B. F. Everson. Thomson Keeler, three years, M. L.. Everson, C. S. Jennings, M. R. Allen, S. Edwin Day, L. D. Sayles, William E. Keeler, the latter for the past four years. The society has had in its Board of Directors and as vice-presidents and patrons, many of the best practical farmers of the towns which patronized it. The present Directors, 1879, are: C. S. Jennings, Moravia; J. Grant, Locke; J. H. Holden and M. Rooks, Moravia; V. S. Richard-son, Sempronius; O. Snider, Moravia; John Tifft, Genoa. The Vice-Presidents are: D. B. Satterlee, Locke; Emmett Leghorn, Locke; Walker Wood and Chauncey Hamblin, Genoa; Delos Kimball and Harmon Mosher, Venice; Calvin Tracey, Scipio; G. B. Wyckoff, Owasco Lake ; Henry A. Morgan, Aurora; John R. Austin, Owasco; A. W. Ellis and E. Brown, Niles; Julius Fitts and Gardner Mason, Dresserville; F. Mix and B. Robbins, Summer Hill; Lorin Smith, Fleming. The first annual fair of this society was held at Weedsport in October, 1878, and was well patronized and attended notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather. The ten towns embraced in this society are among the richest in the County and their varied and fine productions of grain, fruits, animals and vegetables and the handicraft of their households and mechanic shops, furnish ample material for exceedingly interesting public exhibitions, which, it is believed, now that they have been inaugurated, will be permanently maintained. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. Agricultural Societies were early fostered and patronized by the State. Its contributions to this purpose were not large and were conditioned upon the raising of an equal amount by the societies to which the State patronage was extended. The small pittance bestowed by the State stimulated the activities of the farmers so generally as to lead to the formation of such associations in nearly all the counties and a large number of towns and districts of the State. Their great utility, when properly managed, cannot be questioned. The best skill and the greatest success of the practical farmers of the section represented at the fairs, are brought to the notice of all who attend them. Proper emulation is excited by seeing what others have done and an ambition is aroused in many observers to imitate their example, whether it be in the production of grains or fruits, the rearing of animals, or in the utilizing of the improved tools and implements which are thus brought to their notice. Agricultural fairs have not only an economic, and a money value in the direction intimated; but when instituted in and conducted by a rural population, and confined to the exhibition of farm and household products, and the tools and implements appropriate to their production, they are occasions of pure and pleasant social intercourse. Counting the several annual County Fairs, from their first institution to the present time, they cover a period of over fifty years, and the interest in them is greater to-day than at any former period of our history. Under the present County Society, they embrace a period of thirty-eight years, in which the organization has been maintained intact, and exhibitions continuous. The district associations which had been formed, independently of the central society, have withdrawn some of the patronage which the latter would otherwise have enjoyed; yet these local societies have done, and are doing great good. They have brought nearer home the exhibitions of agricultural progress and success; and a larger number can therefore conveniently patronize and attend them, than could be induced to gather at a County center. Large and deeply interested throngs attend them, the premiums offered are satisfactory, and the receipts equal or exceed the expenses. The town, district and County associations, are auxiliary to the State Agricultural Society, to which they report. The State society was formed in 1832, revived and extended in its scope in 1841, when the first State fair and cattle show was held. Since the latter date, annual fairs have been held, and a large and exceedingly valuable volume of the "transactions" of the society annually published. That work has now reached its thirty-eighth volume. These trans-actions have been published in large numbers and widely circulated in this County and through-out this State. They comprise papers of great value to our farmers, and have tended greatly to improve the agriculture of the State. energy and force of character which had marked his management of the great stage lines of John M. Sherwood & Co., but not with equal success. His large farm was finely improved and thoroughly cultivated and stocked with the choicest of flocks and herds. He reared none but the finest animals which he spared no care nor cost to procure. In that respect he benefited his County and State more than himself. The flocks and herds which have descended from those of his introduction still remain and some have been exported as very superior animals. Col. Sherwood was president of the first reorganized agricultural society of the County in 1842. Cayuga County has supplied but one president of the State society, Col. John M. Sherwood, of Auburn. Col. Sherwood began his agricultural career at 5o years of age. He had spent his life till then in management of the great stage lines running from Albany to Buffalo, of which a full account is given under the head of transportation and travel. He carried to his farm the same energy and force of character which had marked his management of the great stage lines of John M. Sherwood & Co., but not with equal success. His large farm was finely improved and throoughly cultivated and stocked with the choicest of flocks and herds. He reared none but the finest animals which he spared no care nor cost to procure. In that respect he benefitted his County and State more than himself. The flocks and herds which ahve descended from those of his introduction still remain and some have been exported as very superior animals. Col.Sherwood was president of the first reorganized agircultural society of the County in 1842. PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. GENERAL HISTORY OF THE ORDER. - This association of the tillers of the soil originated with O. H. Kelly, a farmer of Minnesota, his purpose being to unite and secure the cooperation of the various agricultural societies of the country, for their mutual aid and benefit. He submitted his plans to various gentlemen in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere, in cooperation with whom the draft of the first degree of the Order was completed on August 6th, 1867. In September following, a circular was prepared by the leader of the movement, and sent to individuals, prominent in agriculture, by whom the plan was very cordially and generally approved. Some fifty different names were suggested ; yet "Patrons of Husbandry " was chosen as the most appropriate name and the word "Grange" selected to designate the place of meeting. These facts then should be borne in mind, the individual is a "Patron of Husbandry," the place of meeting is a "Grange." The National Grange was organized, December 4th, 1867, at the office of Master Wm. B. Saunders, at Washington, D.C., there being less than twenty members present. The following were the first officers: Master, William B. Saunders, Washington, D.C.; Overseer, Anson Bartlett, of Ohio; Lecturer, J. R. Thompson, of Vermont; Steward, Wm. Muir, of Pennsylvania; Assistant Steward, A. L. Moses, of New York; Chaplain, Rev. A. B. Grosh, of Pennsylvania; Treasurer, Wm. M. Ireland, of Pennsylvania; Secretary, O. H. Kelly, of Minnesota; Gate-Keeper, Edward P. Farris, of Illinois. The Patrons of Husbandry embrace the following subordinate organizations: First degree, Laborer, (man), Maid, (woman); second degree, Cultivator, (man), Shepherdess, (woman); third degree, Harvester, (man), Gleaner, (woman); fourth degree, Husbandman, (man), Matron, (woman). State Grange-fifth degree, Pomona, (hope). National Grange - sixth degree, Flora, (charity); seventh degree, Ceres, (faith). New York State Grange was organized in November, 1873, first Master, George D. Hinkley. CAYUGA COUNTY PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. The first introduction of the Order into this County, was made January 12th, 1874, by the organization of Cayuga Grange, No. 47, at Meridian, in the town of Cato. This was followed, at different times, by the organization of the following in the different towns : Brutus, No. 48 ; Mentz, No. 49 ; Throop, No. 70 ; Union, of Owasco, No. - ; Scipio, No. 74 ; Union, of Springport, No. 86 ; Logan, No. 107 ; Kings Ferry, No. 125 ; Springport, No. 182 ; Levanna, No. 187 ; Moravia, No. 201 ; Sherwood, No. 208 ; Home, No. 232 ; Fleming, No. 258 ; Owasco, No. 271 ; Aurelius, No. 371 ; Sennett, No. 383 ; Genoa, No. - ; making a total of 19 Granges with a total membership of about 1,500. Embraced in the number are very many of the best agriculturists of the County, and by frank intercourse with each other in the Grange, very interesting social and business acquaintances have been made. Among the many worthy gentlemen who have served in the several offices of the Order, may be mentioned, Milton Rude, M. C. Remington, Milton Munroe, H. H. Treat, J. E. Hadden, H. A. Putnam, E. B, Marvin, Abraham Brinkerhoff, from the north, and J. W. Shank, J. and A. Baker, John Shank, J. C. Peckham, Wm. Peckham, J. L. Searing, Wm. P. Sisson, D. C. Gould, L C. Goodyear, J. Corwin, from the south part of the County, together with a large number of other gentlemen, equally active and efficient, whose names we have not the space to record. In the spring of 1876, the National and State Granges recommended the counties to organize the Pomona, or fifth degree. This was not satisfactory to the delegates in Cayuga County; but the latter determined to reorganize the local council, and appointed a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws. This constitution was adopted by the council on June 1st, and the following officers elected : Master, Wm. Sisson ; Overseer, Abraham Brinkerhoff; Lecturer, J. C. Peckham; Chaplain, Milton Rude; Steward, William Peckham ; Assistant Steward, Edgar Howell ; Secretary, C. W. Brown : Treasurer, A. House ; Gate-Keeper, Millard Coburn ; Ceres, Sarah Van Sickle ; Flora, Mrs. E. Culver ; Pomona, Catherine Eaker ; Lady Assistant Steward, Minerva Hadden. Executive Commit-tee, E. B. Marvin, H. H. Treat and J. W. Shank. Purchasing Agent, M. C. Remington. The annual meeting of this council is held in the city of Auburn, on the first Tuesday in June, and quarterly meetings are held in June, September, December and March, at the different Granges, as may be determined, and special meetings are called at the pleasure of the council. Though this council was not strictly regular, or in full compliance with the rules of the Order, it was nevertheless of much practical benefit in the purchase of agricultural implements, groceries and fertilizers. The executive committee arranged with dealers in Auburn and elsewhere, to procure goods for awhile at highly satisfactory discounts; yet from neglect, or other cause, the members of the Order did not generally avail themselves of the full benefits thus offered them. The purchasers were too generally anxious to avail themselves of the advantage of wholesale discounts on the purchase of single articles, or goods in small quantities ; and dealers soon saw that in a trade so conducted, the advantages were all on one side, and the measure, for the time, was, to a large extent, a failure. At present there is no organized system of trade existing in the Order in this County, though purchases are made by some of the Granges, through systems successfully maintained in other counties, and an indirect and decided benefit has resulted, particularly in the purchase of fertilizers. In this item alone there has been saved by the farmers of the County many thousands of dollars, and intelligence has been gained, which will inure to their future benefit. In the sale of their products, in the purchase of implements and tools, in the benefits of the Patrons' Fire Relief Association, in the social and educational influence of the Order, by which each of its members become possessed of the information of all, consists a part of the advantages which the Patrons of Husbandry confer upon its members. It is more comprehensive than the Farmers' Club, in that it embraces both sexes and is rendered more attractive by a pleasing ritual, and the subtle charm of secrecy. PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION.-This association was the happy ' thought of the Hon. Milton Rude, of Weeds-port, and first made known at a meeting of the County councils of the " Patrons " on the first day of March, 1877. A committee was appointed to draft articles of association, consisting of Milton Rude, H. H. Treat, Elisha Cook, J. J. I worth of property had been insured owned by Ammerman, and J. L. Giles. These articles were adopted by the council on the seventh day of June following. On June 3oth, 1877, pursuant to request of the council to send one representative from each grange to perfect their organization, there met in convention in Auburn the following representatives : P. O. Address. No. of Grange. Milton Rude____ Weedsport, N. Y. 48 J. L. Searing____ Poplar Ridge, N. Y. 208 H. H. Treat____ Box 8o, Auburn, N. Y. 70 J. L. Giles____ Skaneateles, N. Y. 271 Pardon Brown__ Aurora, N. Y. 187 D. B. Post Owasco Lake, N. Y. 258 S. C. Van Sickle Cayuga, N. Y. 86 J. H. Baker ____ Aurelius, N. Y. 371 George W. Bell__ Montezuma, N. Y. 107 C. H. Corwin__ Five Corners, N. Y. 132 Alfred Lanterman Kings Ferry, N. Y. 125 Joseph Eldridge_ Union Springs, N. Y. 182 L. W. Treat____ Port Byron, N. Y. 49 Upon consultation it was found that there were fifty-six applications for insurance in the pro-posed organization, of property to an amount exceeding $ 100,000, and that the plan was received with great favor. By-laws were adopted and the following officers chosen : Milton Rude, President, Weedsport, N. Y., Grange No. 48. J. L. Searing, Vice-Pres't, Poplar Ridge, N. Y., Grange No. 203. J. H. Baker, Secretary, Aurelius, N. Y., Grange No. 371. H. H. Treat, Treasurer, Auburn, N. Y., Box 8o. Grange No. 70. The members present were declared directors of the association. The members reassembled pursuant to adjournment, on July 28, at which applications for insurance were reported, amounting to $133,611, and the decision was made to carry out the purpose of the organization. The rates fixed in the first instance were one-ninth of one per cent. on the less hazardous, and one-seventh on the more hazardous risks, the money thus obtained being intended to meet the few expenses incident to the organization and maintenance of the business. The necessary books and blanks were procured by the treasurer, the cost of which was $113.12, and the association was now ready to commence business. The first policies were issued on the eleventh day of August, 1877, and at the next annual meeting on September 19th, $197,412 worth of property had been insured owned by eighty-one persons. The compensation of the officers is two dollars per day for necessary services, and the secretary is allowed fifty cents additional for the issuing of each policy. The local directors are each allowed one dollar for survey and application. On the 27th of July, 1878, one year after the organization of the association, there had been one hundred and twenty-one policies issued on property to the amount of $302,921, with no loss during the year, nor any assessment. No one can become a member of this association who is not a member in good standing, of the Patrons of Husbandry. All the farm property usually insured is embraced in the policies of the association. The successful initiation and progress of this association is certainly remarkable. It is entirely voluntary, without legal sanction, and bound together only by the honor of its members. The principle on which it is founded is clearly a sound one. It is a mutual insurance company in which the risks and benefits are as nearly equal as it is possible to have them. The members are all engaged in the same pursuit and their property is about equally exposed to destruction by fire, and when so destroyed, the associates are united to mutually bear the loss in proportion to their respective interests in the common organization as represented by their several policies. The following tables taken from the census of 1875, will show by towns the area of farm lands, the value of farms, of farm buildings, of live stock and of implements, the area of crops and the amount of agricultural productions : STUDY OF THE CENSUS. PROPORTION OF WOOD-LAND.- The census shows the entire County to contain 418,205 acres of land. Of this 336,165, or more than three-fourths, is improved, while there are in wood-land 59,667 acres, and 22,732 acres, or an average of nearly one thousand acres to a town, which is reported as not being wood-land and as "other-wise not improved." There are in the County an average of two acres of wood-land to fifteen acres of cleared-land. Sempronius and Sterling have nearly one-third of their soil covered with wood; Conquest and Cato nearly one-fourth; Victory more than one-fourth ; Niles and Moravia more than one-fifth ; while Springport has less than one-tenth, and Sennett less than one-twelfth, and the Ieast proportion of wood of any town in the County. CASH VALUE OF FARMS.-The census reports the average value of farms in Springport at about $109 per acre, Aurelius $91, Sennett $83, Cato $76, Owasco $6r, Summer Hill $51, and Sempronius $45, and the average value of the County at $69. VALUE OF STOCK. The gross sales from all the farms of the County in 1874 were $2,886,435, of which Aurelius supplied the largest amount, 184,442; Cato next, $174,375, and Conquest third, $170,i54. USE OF FERTILIZERS. - Ledyard used the most fertilizers, the cost being $7,968; Venice next, $7,020. Fleming expended $5,742 for fertilizers, and Genoa $5,442. All the towns in the County used fertilizers more or less, the least being used in the town of Ira - but $31 worth. PLOWED LAND. - It will be seen that the grain-growing towns of Aurelius, Springport, Sennett, Cato, etc., plowed an average of about one-third of their improved lands, while the dairy towns of Niles, Summer Hill, Sempronius, etc., plowed about one-sixth only. GRAPES. Two towns, Ledyard and Springport, supplied two-thirds of the grapes grown in the County, while the northern towns, in which they would succeed finely, show a very small product. MAPLE SUGAR. Two towns, Summer Hill and Sempronius, supply two-thirds of all the maple sugar produced in the County. TOBACCO. - There were 32,720 pounds of tobacco grown in the County, of which Ledyard supplied nearly one-half, and in sixteen towns the plant was not cultivated. HOPs.-There were but 36 acres planted to hops in the County. FARM BUILDINGS.-Of the rural towns, Cato shows the greatest value in farm buildings, $244; 360; Niles next, $211,540 ; Ledyard third, $211,264, and Genoa fourth, with $211,010.-