ANNUAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.

1903--1904.

The following agricultural statistics, as returned by township assessors in May, are reported to the Secretary of Agriculture by the county auditors, in accordance with Section 1545 of the Revised Statutes.

The crops, to which these statistics relate, being for the preceding year, have value as matters of record and reference, and as a basis for comparison in estimating the condition or prospects of crops during the growing and harvest seasons, which estimates are published monthly by the Department of Agriculture, and give valuable information to farmers at times when most needed and when of the most benefit.

The annual agricultural statistics here published present a very vivid picture of the importance of Ohio as an agricultural state, and the great diversity of her agricutural products, and point conclusively to the counties most noted for any particular production as well as the range of production in the different counties, and in these respects also have interest and value.

In the case of fall seeded grain crops, the area is returned for the current year's harvest, and for the crops of corn and potatoes the estimated area is returned for the anticipated harvest of the year. These stated areas enables the Department to make valuable estimates on probable total production of growing crops and with considerable degree of

correctness.