increases in the numbers of horses, sheep and pigs, but a slight decrease in cattle in Lot 27 in 1871; decreases were also recorded for production of wheat and barley. Cloth continued to be manufactured at home, though slightly more

non—fulled than fulled cloth.

No major natural disasters were reported for the decade, nor did pests and disease seem to be problems. Remarks by John R. Calhoun, representative for the Fourth District, in the House of Assembly in 1878, that his district was the most heavily taxed in P.E.I. (76.75¢ per head)pand received the least in benefits ($1.18 per head)]might dash be taken as a positive economic indicator. (35) Two items are less positive: in 1870 two residents in Somerset received relief money from the public treasury; and in 1879 one resident's farm was sold

at a mortgage sale. (36)

Between 1870 and 1878 farmers at domerset won fifteen prizes 'in the top threafi classvfor their horses at the Prince County agricultural exhibitions; (37) part of this success can, no doubt, be attributed to having in the village an imported,

pure bred racing stallion, called “Abdallah Messenger",owned

by John O'Ronaghan; (38) but several draft horses among the winners indicates concern with the best farm horses’as well

as horse racing; this entertainment takes on great importance

in Somerset in the following decade.

A final item of interest for the 1870's, and one probably indicating economic prosperity in the village,was the addition

of a tower and spire to St. Nalachy's church, in 1872; (39) (See fhwojrafah on Page la’Z, abode).