Rock County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1856 (part 5 of 7)

We ought, forthwith, to form the steadfast resolution that as rational and intelligent men, we will give all reasonable encouragement to home products, and home manufactures. We ought to give a large premium in books t») form a library to the town, which shall be represented at our next annual Fair by the greatest number of persons dressed in household manufactures, in either linen or woolen, or part linen and part wool. The best men that ever lived have been dressed in home spun. Washington was so clad ; the inspiration of whose name has filled the earth with hnngerings and thirstings for the divine right of self-government. And Franklin, at Versailles, where none bnt court dresses were seen in the royal presence, was clad in the plain simplicity of a Republican, with his yarn stockings on. With such bright examples of plain dress and plain men before us, shall we not imitate their plain simplicity ? The language of the Bible is simple and easy to be Understood, and so is the language of the greatest men that ever lived. The language of the sciences would at this time have been as plain and simple as the language of the Bible, had not quacks, and pettifoggers, and pretenders, found it for their interest to keep the multitude in ignorance, thereby placing the small amount of learning they might possess, higJi in the ascendant. - Time was when even the obscure in language was thought sublime. We live in an age of progress, an age of improvement ; when counsel should not be darkened by Latin^ Greek, and other barbarian technicalities, under which every science now groans. Books of scien-ce should be written in- plain English, calculated to meet the wants of the American farmer and mechanic, teaching and explaining in the simplest manner possible, everything that would be useful in the shop or the field. Doctors, L&,wyers, and other professional men, should talk to be understood by plain men, or plain men should be wise enough to rank every man as a quack or pretender, who dares not use plain language. The humbugs of the day should be treated with merited contempt. The doors of science should be thrown open wide to the moral, physical and intellectual improvement of our race, that this great temple of Republican/Liberty may be filled with freemen qualified to do honor to the ballot-box. ^his rubbish and lumber with which the learned books are filled, in treating even the common things the farmer treads upon in his eveiy daywalk, ought not to be popular. The statute books of this land and nation, should be so framed that every man that reads, may understand; and "the way-faring flii' , though a fool, need not«rr therein." Where man is a sovereign, this talking in an unknown tong-ue, should be cast aside with the idols of former ages, "to the moles and bats of ignorance and superstition." The thinking and intelhgent masses of this great and growing community, should discard as unworthy of their confidence and support, the men or set of men who, by precept or example, make one effort to keep alive this outlandish tora-foolery of by-gone day-s. We ought, then, as a society, to put down these miserable quackeries, placing high on the list of what ought to be done the cultivation of the mind of the rising generation, male and female. Our schools should be schools of thought and investigation, as well as schools where the memory alone is cultivated. The evening fireside of every farmer and mechanic, should be a school where instruction of the most useful and salutary character may be obtained by the family, who are preparing to perform the great duties which will rest upon the future men and women of this land of freedom. " Knowledge is power," elevating the character and position of its character. Farmers have msvny unoccupied moments in. every twenty-four hours, that should be devoted to improvement. The every-day labor of the studious cultivator of the soil, brings the inquiring mind into the company of the brightest and most v^^onderful workings of nature, in her own almighty workshop. Shall the student, then, shut up in tlie musty atnio,->- phere of his study, be thought to possess better opportunities for acquiring a knowledge of the great. principl(3S which govern, animal and vegetable life^ than the farmer, depending every moment upon the opening providences of his Heavenly Father for success in bringing to maturity the animal or the plant?

The great volume of nature lies open before him, all its pages invite to study and contemplation, and all its teachings are of a divine and holy character, elevating the affections from nature up to nature's God. It is the high employment of the tiller of the soil, to be a co-worker with that Being that said "let there be light" and there was light. We ought to have associations in every town in the county, to meet once a month, to read essays, and to hold public discussions upon subjects of interest to the farmer and mechanic. Meetings of this description could not fail to be useful. A day, or a half a day and evening spent in this manner, would have a strong tendency to bring into action,, intellectual powers, which might have lain dormant until their possessors slept the sleep of death. A free country should have free thoughts, and opportunities -to give them utterance. ^We ought to give a premium for the best essay upon any subject connectgd with agriculture or the mechanic arts, read before any town association in the county, and pubhshed in one or more of our county papers. Intellectual culture should be regarded by us of the utmost importance, and sBS^d be fostered and sustained in the most energetic manner. The talents oitthe citizens of a free state are public property, and should be waked up and brought forward by every possible means in the power of an association, whose great object is the elevation of the human mind, by calling into action individual talents and individual experience, for the benefit (jf all.

We ought ever to bear in mind that pedantry is far removed from knowledge and learning. Labor in cultivating the soil, is a form of prayer, the exercise of faith, the putting trust and confidence in God, who made the man Adam, and placed him in the garden of Eden, and commanded him "to dress it, and to keep it," sanctifying, by an express command, the labor of tilling the soil, and thereby all honest labor. " Can there be one here so base" that he would despise the express command of his maker, and thereby despise the duty involved in the thing commanded ? " Can there be one here so base" that his heart would not warm with gratitude and thanksgiving and praise, to the infinite source of all light and life, and love, that man is so constituted, that the perfect development of his physiea], mental and moral energies, depends upon labor - ^labor of the body, labor of the mind, and the holy labor of loving his Maker with all his heart, mind and soul, to be happy he must live in continual obedience to this law of the Lord. "And can there be one here so base" as to suppose that it is possible for a man to be a gentleman and a christian, unless he earns a living ? Do not the heavens declare the glory of God ? and doth aot the firmament show forth his handiwork ? And were not the heavens and the earth created in six days, and did not the lord rest from his work on the seventh day ? And did not Jesus, the immaculate Son of God, work as a carpenter till he was thirty years old ? thus, by the special provision and appointment of Jehovah, giving to mechanics of every age, the inspiration of his bright and holy example. And shall we wonder, then, that science and mechanism, have followed where Christianity has spread its soul-cheering rays, that the lightnings have been seized and sent on errands of thought, that water has been manufactured into light, that light has been made obedient to the will of science and mechanism, sketching the landscape in its own loved tints and colors, and penciling the human face divine, that fire is extinguished by gas, that Hoe's uteani press throws off twenty-four thousand sheets the hour, that the steam ship, a gorgeous palace, plows the roaring surges of every ocean, and hark, can you hear the shrill scream (snort if you please) of the iron horse, panting as a thing of life, rushing on fifty miles the hour, over these broad prairies, as he bears, with the roar of his thousand wheels, the products of the soil, the forest, and the mine, to distant markets ?

One thought more and we have done. Young men of eighteen fifty-one, many of you may live to see the commencement of the twentieth century. Your fathers have seen the progress of the last fifty years, spreading in great strength over every branch of science and art. May the deep responsibilities resting upon you, growing out of the commanding position you occupy in the world's history and progress, stimulate you to make manly and vigorous efforts to cultivate your intellectual powers. And may the achievements of the last half of the nineteenth century, far surpass the glory of the first; and the mighty acts of your fathers be far outdone by their sons.

Reports Of Committees And Awards Of Premiums

R. M. Wheeler, Janesville ; Bay Stud ; 1st Premium, |5 and Diploma, Simon Ruble, Beloit; Chestnut Stud; 2d Premium, $3 and Diploma. L. D. Thompson, Janesville ; Gray Stud ; 3d Premium, |2 and Diploma.

Calves

Best Durham bull - Edward Hield, Janesville. 1st Premium, $1. Best Native - F. S. Hitchcock, LaPrairie. 1st Premium, 76 cents. Second best do - J, Corey, Center. 2d Premium, 50 cents.

Dairies And Dairy Products

The cows, from which the samples of butter exhibited at Janesville, at the Fair on the first and second days of October, ult., were made, were kept at that time on timothy pasture, with other feed; they are six in number, and are all of what are termed the native breed of this country.

The milk, wh^en drawn from the cows, is strained into tin pans, and placed in a cool cellar, where it is allowed to stand until it becomes thick or " clabbered," when it should be churned immediately, for if it is allowed to stand long after this time, the cream will become sour and the butter will become rancid. We chum the milk and cream together, and usually chum from three-quarters of an hour to an hour, and use a dash chum that will hold one barrel - fill it about half full of milk, and in warm weather, add from one to one and a half pails full of cold water before we commence churning, and add more before the churning is finished, in order to thin the milk so as to get it all out of the butter. If the milk should be too cool during the churning, which may be known by its " frothing," add a little warm water. We use no thermometer, and therefore cannot tell the exact temperature that may be necessary in making butter.

When the churning is done, the butter is taken out and washed through two waters, and salted - the salt is worked in a little ; is then set by until the salt has had time to dissolve, when it is worked over with a hand ladle until all the buttermilk is worked out of it ; then it is ready for packing, except in very warm weather, when it is left until next morning before packing. The month of June is generally best for butter, as to quantity ; but I think as good butter can be made in September, provided the cows have good timothy, or clover and timothy pasture.

I consider the native grasses of our prairies equal to the best cultivated grasses, for about thi'ee months during the season of grassing; but they are not worth muph for milch cows after the month of August.

I believe that a large share of Wisconsin, as far as I am acquainted, is equally as well adapted in every respect for dairy purposes, as any place in any State - not excepting my native place - " Old Orange County, N. Y." But to make a good article of butter in any place, some things are indispensable, and among these, are good tame grass pastures, especially for spring and fall feed - ^good well or spring water, and not " slough " water, good

«>*8 - a good cellar to keep- the milk and biitter in - ^particular care to keep the milk pails, pans and churn perfectly sweet and clean - a good article of salt - strict attention to churn the milk when it is just in the right condition, and chum just enough and no longer, and then to work all the buttermilk out.

I have kept no account of the amount of butter made or sold the past season. I am just commencing the dairy business in Wisconsin, and have had some little experience in wheat raising; and hope to make the dairy business at least as profitable as raising hedge row.

If anything herein contained should prove to be of any benefit to the Society, or to my brother farmers, I shall be amply repaid for communicating it.

Domestic Manufacture And Miscellaneous Articles

J. Roberts, Beloit; one pair woolen blankets. 1st premium, 50 cents. Henry Nuttle, Rock; one parcel hemp and cord. 1st premium, $1. Miss Mary Burnham ; one pair woolen gloves. 1st premium, 50 cents. John P. Dickson, Janesville; one piece patch-work. 1st premium, 50 cents. A. Hixicon ; one piece patch-work. 2d premium, 25 cents. L. Field ; one rag carpet. 1st premiun-, 75 cents. N. M. Carrier, Janesville ; one rag carpet. 2d premium, 50 cents, do do one satchel. 1st premium, 25 cents,

A. Henderson ; one pair woolen stockings. 1st premium, 50 cents. A. Henderson; one piece lacework. 1st premium, 25 cents. M. P. Cogswell, Turtle; one pair silk stockings, one pair gloves, one lot of sewing silk, two ottoman covers. 1st premium, $1.

Miss D. H. PalmeT; one artificial snow-ball - very good. Istprdniiiun, 75c. Mrs. Coryell; one child's hat. 1st premium, 25 cents. Mrs. Coryell; one child's tidy. 1st premium, 25 cents. Miss Mary Thompson ; needlework. 1st premium, 25 cents.

Painting And Drawing

S. G. Bangs, Janesville; glass box and artificial wax flowers. 1st prem., $1 . Miss Jane Goodrich, Milton; specimen of water color painting. 1st premium, 75 cents. Miss M. Brace, Janesville; specimen of water color painting. 2dprem., 50c. Miss J. Buell, Janesville ; two specimens of drawing. 1st premium, 60 cents.

By J. M. Bub.Gess, Esq

The few feeble and unsatisfactory observations, which I have penned, are designed to show the intimate connection existing between agriculture and mechanical prosperity.

Of the intimate connection of the mechanic arts and the science and practice of Agriculture, it is almost or quite unnecessary for me to speak.

In a country like ours, where capital is scarce, and the proportion of labor to the amount required small, it behooves us to take advantage of all the helps which science and mechanical improvement have thrown in our way. We not only labor under the disadvantage just mentioned, but the additional ones of being far from a market, and ignorant in a great degi-ee of the kind of crops best adapted to our soil and climate, and probably of the best modes of culture. For the remedy, we must locik to time and practical in fpniKition,. which experience has proven, is most readily obtained in an associative form, such as. we are now making an effort to establish.

Beyond a question, wo have no slight task to perform ; we have sacrifices to make, difSculties and discouragements to encounter, and to overcome.

It is difficult, I find, to induce men to take hold, except it be to hold back. Objections of every- character are raised," but the worst obstacle is, that people generally think none are interested but the farmers, not realizing that upon the prosperous condition of agricultural labor depends every social blesaing. More especially is this true of Wisconsin, where all other interests are but effects of this gi-eat cause ; if the source and fountain of our prosperity be dried up, misery and rain must follow throughout the various ramifications of the structure that is based upon it. This, then, is a matter of no small importance, indeed, it is one of great magnitude. It is neither more nor less than a solution of the problem, whether the cultivation of the soil in "Wisconsin can be made remunerative. It is therefore a question of most vital importance, not to farmers alone, but to all classes ; we therefore invoke the most earnest attention, and hearty co-operation of all who wish to place our prosperity on a sure and permanent foundation.

It is to be hoped that the day for acquiring military glory has in this country passed away forever, that henceforth the leaders in agricultural and mechanical improvements, shall receive the meed of praise due to them, as the real benefactors of the human family - shall receive a crown that shall be fadeless and gi-een, when those won on the murderous battle-field shall be withered and forgotten, or only remembered to be execrated as a curse to their kind. It is told of Dr. Franklin, that on the discovery of the air balloon, he was asked by some impertinent fellow, what was the use of it ? The doctor answered it by asking another, "what is the use of a new born infant ?" It may become a man. Between a new bora infant and our Society, there is no little analogy.

But we must not expect to overcome the diflSculties that surround us, and reach the high gronud of prosperity at a single leap ; but we must progress by degrees, first one ascent must be gained, then another, and then another ; patience and persevering industry, assisted by science and mechanical ingenuity, will most assuredly enable us to surmount all obstacles.

If we turn back the pages of history for a period of 150 years, about which time agriculture, commerce and manufactures first - made a decided and vigorous movement onward, we will find that a state of things then existed.

compared with which our condition, unfortunate as it undoubtedly is, is gloriously prosperous ; agricultural products were then not only no higher than they now are, but many of them were very much cheaper ; horses for instance, Macaulay tells us, were on an average, worth in England only about $12 apiece; whilst cotton goods, silks, iron, and manufactured articles generally were much dearer, some of them vastly dearer than they now are ; the products of an acre of land, or a month's labor, would not begin to buy as many of the necessaries of life as they will at the present time. In fact, the day laborer in Wisconsin to day, enjoys more of the comforts and luxuries, than the largest farmer in England did at that time ; and I dare affirm that the people of Wisconsin will this present year, consume more tea, sugar, coffee, silk, satins, calicos and broadcloth, than did the same population in New England, in our Great Grandfather's time, in three years, the blight in the hedgerow, and Brother Thomas Parker to the contrary notwithstanding ; and to what cause are we indebted for this vast increase and enjoyment of the products of labor? The answer is, to the more general diffusion of knowledge, to scientifically directed agricultural and mechanical labor.

It is a fact that from the beginning of the 18th to the first of the 19th century, the products of the soil and the rents of land in England doubled, ^ and from that time to the present, they have doubled again, and yet in mepbanics and manufactures this has been vastly outdone ; in the latter part of the l7th century, the amount of iron manufactured in England did not exceed ten thousand tons annually ; at present, the annual products exceed eight hundred thousand tons, and the whole amount of cotton then imported in a year, can now be spun into yarn and woven into cloth in the short space of two days. It is to an Arkwright and a Whitney no doubt that we are indebted in a great measure for these wonderful' results, but thousands of others have been constantly adding their mites, and helping, by their skill and industry, to swell this mighty stream of production, which has resulted in more than quadrupling her agricultural products, and increasing her commerce, manufacture, and revenues, at least thirty fold.

This is what has been done on the other side of the Atlantic. What has been done on this side within the same period of time ? The whole length and breadth of this western continent was then, with the exception of a few isolated spots along the Atlantic shore, one vast unbroken wilderness. Now the astonishing phenomenon is presented, of a nation which has grown up in the short space of five generations, which is second to but few of the nations of the earth in population and resources, who have built up a commerce almost equal to that of England, and quadruple thai of France; have subdued this vast wilderness almost from the Atlantic to the Pacific, have made very respectable advances in manufactures, and have built more miles of railroad, more steamboats, and more printing presses, than any other nation on the globe. The most of this gigantic work has been done within the last half century; all the railways, all the steamboats, nine-tenths of the printing presses, and most of the manufactories, have been built within that short space of time, and within half that period whole states have grown up ; Wisconsin has been made, taken from the stump, in fifteen years, and is now pretty well grown, able to speak for herself; 'tis true, she is a little vain, as well she may be, for she can boast of having made more fences, more miles of road, built more school houses, court houses, jails and churches, and plowed more new land, than any other state, great or small, in the Union. This is the result of industry, of half a century of persevering, untiring, well-directed agricultural and mechanical industry; in comparison with whose glorious achievements, those of all the warriors from the beginning of time to the present, are utterly insignificant, and weigh as but a feather to a mountain, in the scale of utility and happiness.

For the better illustration of my subject, permit me to read to you the items of an order sent to Glasgow, by General Washington, for supplies for his family, dated Sept. 20, 1759 :

Items. - 2 beaver hats, plain, each to cost a guinea, 1 sword belt of red morocco leather or buff, no buckles or rings, 4 lbs. ivory blacking, 2 best two bladed knives, 1^ reams of paper, 2 flowered lawn aprons, 2 pair woman's white silk hose, 6 pair fine cotton hose, 4 pair of thread ditto, 1 pair white, and one pair white satin shoes of the smallest sizes, 6 pair woman's best kid gloves, 6 pair ditto mittens, 1 black mask, 1 doz. most fashionable pocket handkerchiefs, 2 pair neat small scissors, 1 lb. shaded sewing silk, 4 pieces binding tape, 19 m. pins, different sizes, 3 lbs. scotch snuff, 3 lbs. best violet ttrasburgh, 1 piece white satin ribbon, pearl edge, 1 can of pickles, 1 large Cheshire cheese, 4 lbs. green tea, 10 gross best corks, 1 hhd. best porter, 10 loaves of double and 10 of single refined sugar, 3 snaffle bridles, 9 best girths, 25 lbs. brown soap, 2 doz. packs playing cards, 2 sacks best English oats, 1 doz. painter's brushes, 12 best hand padlocks, 18 bell glasses for gardens, more chair bottoms such as were wrote for in former invoice, 1 more window cmlain and cornice, busts of copper, enameled or glazed, viz : of Julius Caesar, of Alexander the Great, of Charles XII of Sweden, and another of the King of Prussia, these all to be of the same size, in order to fill up broken pediments over dooi-s, and not to exceed 15 inches in height and ten inches in width, Prince Eugene and the Duke of Marlborough of somewhat smaller size than the above, sundry small ornaments for a chimney piece that is five feet long and eight inches wide, 100 lbs. of white biscuit, 2 lanterns, various cloiths are specified, with buttons and thread enough to make up into clothing, 40 ydsj coarse jean or fustian for summer frocks for *negr6' servants, 1 piiece dovrnlass at lOd, i doz. pair coarse strong thrfead hose for negro servants, 450 ells omaburgs, 360 yds. Kendall cotton, 100 yds.' Dutch blankeJtls^ 20 lbs. brown thread, 2 sacks salt, a large quantity nails, 2 doz. best staples, setts of cooper's and joiner's tools, 5 lbs. white sugar candy, 10 lbs. of browh ditto, 1 lb. barley sugar, a largo quantity of drugs tad horse mfedicines of diflferent sorts.

Such then was the state of mechanics and manufactures, in one of the oldest and wealthiest colonies in North America 90 years ago. Articles of the most common kind, such as are now made at almost every fotir corners, were then brought from a foreign country 3000 miles distant.

Virginia at that time stood pre-eininent among her sister colonies, possessed of a virgin soil, exceedingly fertile, with a most salubrious climate, a chivalrous and high minded people. She was significantly called the old dominion, but by neglecting to profit by the lights of science, to encourage the mechanic arts and manufactures within her borders, she Has fallen from the high pre-eminence, and is now outranked by many other states, inferior to her in size and natural resources. Ohio, her neighboring sister, which was then, and for many years after, a vast unbroken wilderness, unmarked by the footsteps of civilization, where no human sound, save the whoop and the war song was heard, has completely outstripped her in the race of prosperity; and even Massachusetts, much less in size, with a climate not to be compared with hers in point of salubrity, and a soil sterile and rocky to a proverb, has, by fostering the mechanic arts and commerce, in connection with agriculture and education, attained a degree of prosperity, which will require many long years of patient labor on her part to equal. Indeed, unless she exchanges her system of slave labor for free, she may never hope to reach it.

Look at Virginia now, and compare her with Virginia at the time above referred to. Lands which were then highly productive, growing bountiful crops of com and tobacco, with comparatively little labor, are now almost wholly unproductive ; even that spot which should be hallowed ground to every American citizen, the Mount Vernon farm, once the pride and pleasure of that patriotic farmer, George Washington, is now so completely exhausted, that an average often or fifteen bushels of corn to the acre, is considered a very satisfactory yield indeed ; and the lands, many of them, in that section of the state are in the same condition, many of them worse, turned out to commons and overgrown with dwarf pines and cedars. Of course manufactui-es are at the same low ebb, for as well might the eaglo attempt to soar to the, clouds, shorn of one of its. pinions, as to expect mechanical or commercial prosperity in the mddst of a debased and ruinous agr riculture. You would smjle, Mr. President, at the sight of the clumsy vehicles and miserable looking, cattle, which are driven, into the Washingtpn , City and Georgetown markets, with produce from the suirounding country ; and you would smile also, or weep, I hardly know which, at the alarming, simplicity of the people who drive those teams. Ah, sir, there is no pro vision made by the state of Virginia for the education of the laboring classes, and until this important step is taken, she may despair of ever rivaUing, the glory of Massachusetts, or the greatness of Ohio.

As, an illustration of the truth of our proposition, I will state that one of the finest water powei's in the Union, equal, I am told, to that of Lowel, is - at the falls of the Potomac, almost wholly unimproved; yes, sir, astonishing; as it may appear, it is nevertheless true, that within the bounds of the old dominion, laved almost by the tide waters of the Atlantic ocean, within two cannon shots of that great nation's capitol, with fields white with the mimic snow of the south's great staple, almost within eye sight, lies this great wealth producing agent, yet really of very little utiHty, and with less improvements than has been made here on Rock river, with comparatively no capital, in the space of fom- short years ; it is useless sir, wholly useless at present ; except as a beacon to others, ,and a monument of the ignorance and folly of her people.

Before I close, Mr. President, permit mo to call the attention of this meeting to the propriety of estabhshing a State Agiicultural and Mechanical College, with a farm and workshop attached, where the theories may not only be taught, but the practice also. I may be enthusiastic in regard to this matter, but in my humble judgment, the State of Wisconsin cannot do an act, involving the same outlay of capital, that will do her so much credit as a State, and insure so directly to the happiness and prosperity of her people, both now and hereafter, as to invest twenty or thirty thousand dollars in the building of an institution of this kind ; I shall not enter into any details at present, but merely wish to call the attention of the people to the subject, in hopes that they will take measures to have the project brought before our next legislature.

And now, in conclusion, let me say that much, very much, cau and must be done throughout our country by individual enterprise ; it is necessaiy that we stimulate and assist each other - the nearer the producer and consumer can be brought to each other, the better it is for both. Let each man, then, put his shoulder to the work as if all depended upon his individual exertion, with the firm, omnipotent resolution, that we will never cease until Rock county stands redeemed, pre-eminent in agriculture and manufactures. The means of progress are everywhere around us, above us, beneath us, let us fix them to us with hooks of iron ; inscribed upon our banners, the motto of the old philosophers, of " higher, forever higher." Throw it to the breeze, aud call upon our sister counties to join us in the glorious fight - mechanics against agriculture. Oh, it is a noble race this - this strife of the field and the workshop, in the glorious contest for supremacy over matter. This strife, of not which shall shed the most blood, or do each other the most harm, but which shall excel in the production of the means of comfort and happiness, is a sight calculated to inspire the philanthropist and patriot with the most pleasurable emotions ; knowing, as he does, that like a race of the Siamese twins, one cannot gain much upon the other, without drawing, by an irresistable power, his brother along with him, they are so intimately connected.

Essay By Orein Denbmore, Esq

Mr. PBEsmBNT : - ^While I attempt the task imposed by a rule of this Society, I certainly feel grateful that I am unrestricted in the choice of subject, and range of effort, and shall avail myself of the indulgence so wisely extended, as I feel decidedly unprepared to offer anything profitable, or even amusing, directly within the range of agricultural subjects, especially in a time like the present, when the ablest efforts, theories, and experiences, are so generally blown to the winds, or merged in disappointed hopes, blighted crops, and depreciated values of agricultural and mechanical products. A glance detects what we all know and feel, that there is very little of the aoreeable in our present condition and prospects, beyond the fact that we are vouchsafed, among other blessings, life, health, plenty of food, and the hope that this association, for the benefit of ourselves and others, may be eminent^ ly successful.

We are not, however, to hope for effects without adequate causes, neither can we expect to reap where nothing is sown, yet as a result of our association, we inay each hope to profit by the experience and suggestions of the wliolc, and if I am to contribute my mite, it is the conviction that we have presumed too much upon the famed fertility of our soil, by the extensive culture of wheat, especially the winter varieties, to the exclusion of other staples, before meteorological observation and scientific investigation of the circumstances of soil and climate had given proper assurances that we might hope for the successful growth and maturity of that desirable crop, and exemption from vicissitudes of weather, while we reap and gather the products of the wide^spread fields, which our easily tilled soil enables us to sow.

The consecutive occurrence of one, two, or even three excellent crops, may, indeed, demonstrate that our soil possesses largely the properties necessary to wheat culture, which may succeed under favorable meteorological influences ; but the recent experience of most of us, shows that those influences are not uniformly favorable, and that we are not blessed with any especial immunity from storm in the harvest season.

If I am right so far, the conclusion is inevitable that our husbandry should be more diversified, embracing all the staples to which our soil and climate are well adapted, and which mature in such succession, that we may reasonably hope to harvest them. There is ample range for the effort, and through it we have good reason to look for success, especially since we have envoked the associate wisdom of the Farmers and Mechanics of Rock county to the work of improving our circumstances, or enabling us to adapt ourselves with better grace to circumstances that cannot be improved.

Presuming that whatever tends to the improvement and progress of man, may with propriety be considered by any association of men, that the great object of our existence, socially as well as individually, should be the elevation and happiness of the human race. I take the liberty to say, that although the cultivation of corn and cabbage, kale and potatoes, might legitimately claim the attention of this Society ; tliat it is highly proper to devise ways and means for increasing the wealth of the people, by improvements in the various arts of productive industry, so as to realize from the smallest investments the greatest return ; how to increase the fertility of our already fruitful soil, so that our fields may wave with unwonted growths of the various crops, increasing the beautiful array of russet cones pointing heavenward, while the ponderous wain still creaks beneath the plentiful sheaves, and our granaries bloat with the gathered stores of the golden giain - gladdening our thankful hearts - that our lowing herds and bleating flocks may cheer the Ixmutiful valleys and sunny hills with the bright prospect of plenty - that the anvil, the last, the mill, the plane, the loom, the trowel, and the untold variety of implements in skillful hands, may eminently subserve our inter- ests and minister to our wants. All this is proper and should be diligently sought, whilo our aim should be constantly " farther and higher " - " onward and upward." The pathway to the honorable acquisition of wealth, with its excitements, toil and patience, is plentifully supplied with the " Poor Man's Physic," and well adapted to the healthy development of our physical and mental faculties, while the possession of a competence thus gained may aid the great work of progi'ess.

I think I am warranted in the belief that man is not yet what it is designed he shall be - ^not yet what his abilities and opportunities should make him - what they will make him, when the causes now operative for his physical, intellectual and moral renovation shall have produced their ultimate results.

He was undoubtedly designed for the enjoyment of a perpetual, pleasurable existence, inteiTupted only by eras of change in his mode of being; and in every stage of that endless existence, destined to progressive development, measured of course by the perfection of his hereditary organism, and circumstances surrounding and attendant upon that existence.

He was perfect in all his parts and the relations of those parts, and altogether a fit subject for growth and improvement, in which the principal care necessary would be the preservation of his original proportions and relations. He was fearfully and wondeifuUy " got up," with faculties, sentiments, and propensities, delicately balanced and embodied in an organism replete with powers and susceptibilities, each of which singly or in combination, might have been made to vibrate to the beautiful harmony of his heaven-born nature. The world too, and especially the beautiful west, is so constituted that man might, with moderate application, provide for all his real wants ; discharge all the duties growing out of his relation to his fellow, and still have ample time to attend to all the higher wants of his nature. But man is not what he once was. Unfavorable causes, too complex and long operative to be traced at this time, have done their work, and left man a harp still, but sadly out of tune.

I will not claim originality in the opinion that the inordinate love of riches has wrought our ruin, for we all have read that " the love of money is the root of all evil," which declaration is this day as truthful and pertinent as when it dropped from the lips of inspiration.

Acquisitiveness, as a subordinate propensity, is necessary to the perfection of our mental organism, doing the duties of a steward in providing for the wants of the physical nature and mental faculties ; a very important office certainly, and as is the case fiequently in other matters; the importance of tlie oflBce has excited the cupidity of the oiBcer, who has usurped entire control, where service only should have been rendered, and perverted all the other faculties to its unholy gratification; tasking us early and late, it presides when we worship, or sit with a friend; it closes the hand of charity, and, like the frogs of Egypt, gets into our ovens and kneading-troughs ; it forbids the body's comfort and the mind's culture, except for purposes of sordid gain.

This is, perhaps, a dark side of the picture, but it needs to be seen that we may apply the remedy, which is the cultivation and encouragement of all desii-able properties, as well as pruning and heading back any and every undesirable overgrowth. There are still ample means for our return to that true order, in which every attribute and affection harmoniously attend, would produce only happiness, and the lower faculties of the mind, guided by cultivated intellect, and restrained by the moral sentiments, wquld give us the cunning and prudent industry of the ant and the bee, to provide for our few real wants. Our physical constitution, which now tells such sad tales of oppression and cruelty practiced upon it by its present unnatural master, would share in the, general renovation, and in return for more rational treatment, would infuse new vigor, and impart unwonted elacticity to the emancipated intellect, and man would again stand erect at the head of created intelligences, the wonder of angels and the living pt-aise of God.

Let us be wise, and whether we carry the hod or guide the plow, to provide for our animal wants, let our higher and constant aim be the moral and intellectual improvement of our race. We shall then be better citizens better neighbors and better mechanics, better fanners and better men.

Education Of Farmers By Hon. J. F. Willaed

Farmers as much need a thorough education, to prosecute the business of Agriculture with success and credit to themselves, as any other class of community, not excepting even the so-called learned professions. And neither is it necessary that they should receive an education peculiar and urdihe that adapted to other professions; but just like it in all respects - let it be tliorougli - let it be liberal - let tbe mind bo disciplined - cultivated - elevated - then it is prepared to- enter upon any field of action or research. And what broader, or iiiore inviting theater of action is presented anywhere, than is spread out before the Agriculturist ! Who has greater incentives to penetrate deeply into the great arcana of Nature ? Who more interested to know how to develop the hidden mysteries of the soil, and make them subservient to the wants of man? Who meets with greater obstacles and difficulties in the pursuit of his calling, than the fai-mer ? Surely none. - Certainly then he should be educated to be prejjared for his high and heavenappointed mission.

If it is necessary that the Divine, the Lawyer and the Physician should be thoroughly educated, and all consider this indispensable, surely the farmer more. The business of these is to cull, classify and combine from materials already provided, and to avail themselves largely of the labors and experience of other men - ^while that of the farmer is to dive into the mysterious labyrinths of nature, and evolve therefrom his own material, from which to furnish sustenance for man and beast.

The farming interest is the formation - the base - of all civilization - of all the refinements and luxuries of society, all rest upon it, and to maintain such important relations honorably, knowledge of the highest order is absolutely necessary. The world never committed a greater blunder than when that popular notion had its origin, that farming is so simple and natural that any person, however ignorant, is qualified to perform its duties quite well enough, and that agriculture was intended by Providence as the employment of the raSiZe and the lower classes; fa:rmers themselves unwittingly subscribing to the doctrine, and humbly submitting to its dictates. Farmers have often educated their sons and their daughters, but not for their own profession - they have sought some higher sphere for them, and we are happy to know that the brightest stars that have shone in the constellations of Divinity) Politics, Law or Medicine, were from the ranks of farmers' sons - but unfortunately, lost to the profession of agriculture, by that false and foolish heresy, that farming is simple and needs only ignoramuses to carry it on. - No one had thought of reaping laurels from farm products, or of immortalizing their names at the plow handles - thus the farmer has been sunk for ages in the depths of ignorance and degradation - and a farmer was only another word for slave or serf.

Sad and disheartening as has been the condition of the tiller of the soil - deep as has been sunk our race - ^long as it has been enshrouded in error and gloom - sure as has felt the aristocrat that his power was perpetual - never- theless, a new destiny is developing itself. Providence, who brings light out of dwkness, is beginning to turn the tide backwards, and to show to the world that he will have his own institution honored and respected.

That being, who had but to speak the word and it was done - to command and it was brought forth - did speak - and gardens, and farms, and landscapes of the most enchanting beauty and grandeur, arose from nothing - and orchards, bending under the weight of golden fruit - and wavy fields of grain - and lowing herds - and bleating sheep, and last of all, man, in the image of his God, came forth, and by the appointment of his creator, entered upon his delightful mission - a tiller of the ground.

Nothing is more indicative of the fact, that farmers are arousing themselves to throw off shackles, which have bound them, than the desire everywhere evinced for intelligence - for education. Om- Common School System has grown out of this desire. It is a creation of farmers - ^it is a stepping stone to those sublime and higher privileges which soon will be within the reach of every farmer's son and daughter throughout our country. There are obstacles to be met - prejudices to be overcome - farmers will be obliged to conquer a position for themselves - they must expect to make their way as " a cannon hall makes its.''

That old idea of the aristocracy, that " the few are born to rule,'' is still rife, and nothing but the steady, persevering efforts of the masses, to elevate themselves by education, can crush it - it must be done - it wiU be done.

This is an age of progress, generally forward - ^but sometimes unfortunately backwards - for the last quarter of a century, agiiculture has been advancing in respectability - ^it has called science and education to its aid, and is beginning to exhibit some features of its primitive beauty - and when it shall have cast off the " crysalis " and appear in its native and original grandeur, it will stand forth as the beau ideal of the race. Then let farmers unfalteringly pursue the course which they have begun - let them educate themselves - their sons - their daughters - and retain them in their own ranks, to grace their own " triumphs," to ennoble and elevate their own profession - then shall all men seek to do it reverence, and the tiller of the soil shall occupy his true position - that of lord of creation.

Then he shall no longer plod contentedly along in the footsteps of his fathers - seeming to ask pardon for being in the world - and depending upon the earth, chance and moonshine for crops, rather than intelligent culture and carefully husbanded resources.

Those days are past - a new and glorious era has dawned upon him ; he has become convinced that he has only to be educated - educated as other people are, to stand an equal chance, and be second to none in the scale of intelligence and influence, since it comes to be said in these times of vice and corruption that the safety of our American Republic depends upon the " virtue and intelligence of the rural districts." There is certainly another incentive for farmers to take good care to prepare theiHselves for the emergencies of the times - the love of cowitry should awaken them, if nothing else, to be ready and qualified by intelligence to take the reins of State and preside in tha councils of the nation, and add at least enough of the " salt of virtue " to save our institutions from the doom threatened by the scarcity of such a composition.

It might be expected that something would be said in respect to the detail of a farmer's education ; this is a broad and important field, and we should weary your patience by entering upon it at this time. Sufiice it to say that the farmer should be so educated in his profession,' and so well understand his business, that he will not be compelled to make such enormous discounts, of four or five hundred per cent., in exchanging his labor for the services of professional men, in other departments of science. We mean no disrespect for the learned professions ; they have earned their position and are entitled to it - ^let the farmers do the same and it will all be well.

We have not expected to enlighten any one upon the subject of education of farmere, but to call attention to certain facts as they have existed in connection with that class, hoping thereby to elicit inquiry into the causes of those facts, and if we have not suggested the right one and the remedy, we hold ourselves open to conviction, and hope to be instructed in the right.

Proceedings Of The Society For 1852

At the annual meeting of the Society, held at the court house in Janesville, Dec. 1st, 1851, the following list of oflScers were chosen for the ensuing year:

Voted that Col. Z. P. Burdick, Prof S. P. Lathrop, of Beloit College, and S. A. Hudson, Esq., of Janesville, be requested to read Essays before the Society at the next quarterly meeting.

On motion of 0. Guernsey, it w-as voted that a memorial, properly signed by the Secretary and President of the Society, be forwarded to Congress, respectfully requesting that Honorable body to pass a law establishing an Agricultural Bureau at Washington.

Messrs. Love, Wheeler and Howland, were appointed a committee to receive proposals from the several towns which are desirous of having the next Fair.

March 1st, 1852. The first quarterly meeting of the year was held at the court house. Essay read by Col. Z. P. Burdick, and on motion of 0. Guernsey, the thanks of the Society was voted him, and a copy requested for publication.

A committee, consisting of Thomas Tuttle, of Clmton ; Samuel Hinman, of Beloit ; L. P. Harvey, of Turtle ; Ira Jones, of Union ; 0. Densmore, of Bradford; A. M. Carter, of Johnstown; J. F. Willard, of Kock; M. Miller, of Harmony ; J. M. Burgess, of Janesville ; J. E. Culver, Milton ; J. L. V. Thomas, of Newark, were chosen to report Awarding Committees for the ensuing annual Fair in September next.

Prof. S. P. Lathrop, of Beloit College, read an Essay, for which the Society voted its thanks, and respectfully solicited a copy for pubhcation.

On motion of J. P. Wheeler, Esq. - voted that it be a standing rale with the Society to listen to the reading of the Essays at 2 o'clock, P. M.

Essays were read by S. A. Hudson, Esq., and Col. 0. Guernsey, and on motion of Col. Burdick a vote of thanks was presented, and a copy of each solicited for publication.

Voted that Messrs. Harvey, of Turtle; Foote, of Center; and Barker, of Beloit, be requested to read Essays before the Society at its next meeting.

An Adjourned Meeting At American Hall

July 3d, 1852. It may be proper here to say, that the Society are under obligations to the courtesy of the gentlemanly proprietor of the American, James M. Burgesr, Esq., for the use of his Hall, for holding the meetings of the Society at va- rious times.

At this meeting, the committee for locating the next Fair, reported that the town of Beloit had offered a bonus of $240 - the highest offer of any town in the county - whereupon it was voted that the next annual Fair of the Society, be held in Beloit.

September 6th, 1852. This was the regular quarterly meeting, and was held at American Hall. Essay read by Hon. L. P. Harvey, of Turtle ; and on motion of J. P. Wheel-

At this meeting. S. P. Lathrop, S. Q. Barker, Daniel Bennett, N. B. Gaston and S. Hinman, Esq., of Beloit, were chosen a committee to make the necessary arrangements for the coming Fair at Beloit.

E. A. Foote, Esq., of Center; S. G. Barker, Esq., of Beloit, and J. P. Wheeler, Esq., were requested to read essays, at the next meeting of the Society. ,

Gentlemen of the HocJe County Agricultural Society and Mechanics' Institute, and Fellow Citizens: - In compliance with this regulation of our Association, I propose to offer a few thoughts upon the subject of agriculture, and matteis connected therewith. It is not my intention to attempt to amuse you by eloquence or a fine speech, as speech making is no part of my business; but hope, by the use of such language as one farmer employs in addressing another, to make my thoughts intelligible to you ail.

Much has been said and much written upon the subject of agriculture. - Yet such is the variety of its employments, and such its fruitful sources of investigation, that unlike most other subjects, it always presents something interesting to the admirer of the profession, and can never be worn out or exhausted, however much it is talked about. The tillage of the soil is the most ancient of all employments, and was ordained by the Deity himself, as the business of civilized man, but like every other branch of human industry, it has its ups and downs, its lights and shadows, its sunshines and its storms. Our forefathers considered the calling dignified anid honorable, but, somehow or other, latterly, the idea has obtained that it is more respectable to live by one's wits than by the labor of his hands ; but believing but few whom I now have the honor to address, have been so unfortunate as to fall into thst error, I shall not multiply words upon the subject, but take it for gi'anted that those convened here to-day, do believe agricultural and mechanical pursuits dignified and honorable, for we have before us the most indubitable

It may not be unfitting the occasion to glance briefly at the condition of agriculture, both past and presfent, in Rock county; and it has occurred to me that in so doing, it might be well to call your attention to some of the mistakes we have committed, and also to some of the eiTors into which we have fallen; for by the lights of past experience rcmsiisxTosrs be guided - more, if possible, than any other class of community. The doctrine of "what has been will be," under similar circumstances, is emphatially true of farming. As the virtue of human action is found in practicing what we already know, well, rather than in searching for new rules of action, you will pardon me for suggesting that we, as farmers, profit in future by the experience we have gained from the past few years in Wisconsin farming.

'"The firet error I shall notice, into which farmers have fallen, is the buying too much land. Three-fourths of the farmers of Wisconsin own too much land. Although owners of hundreds of acres of the rich soil of Our prairies, yet they are poor - land poor. If your land is paid for and free from incumbrances, you are still poor from having too much land. The old proverb of " too much of a good thing is good for nothing," is too true of our land-owning farmers, generally.

Too much land, too much fencing, too many taxes, are burdeos not easily borne. Farmers understand this - ^I need not enlarge. The next error I shall mention, grows directly out of, and is a legitimate result of the one mentioned - too many acres under cultivation. Farmers have wasted their energies and resources, in breaking up, and adding field to field of new ground, while their already broken lands were but half cultivated, and in many instances, left to be overrun by a rampant growth of weeds, hundreds of acres of which may be seen to-day, nodding their heads to the passing breeze in proud defiance of the husbandman, and seem likely to keep possession of their rich acres for some time to come. This is all wrong ; for a crop of weeds, such as grow upon Rock prairie, impoverish land more than a good crop of grain. If farmers had broken but half as much land, and expended the same labor upon that, which they have upon the whole, they would have had more money in their pockets, and felt loss annoyance and chagrin in looking upon their badly cultivated farms.

Another prominent fault of our farmers has been too much wheat-raisina A large share of the population of this county emigrated from the wheat growing districts of the east, and without waiting to test the capabilities of this new country for producing their favorite crop, all hands rushed into wheat raising, investing their funds, as before stated, in breaking and fencing land, and making everything subservient to the one object; and being encouraged and allured on by the partial success attending the first and second crop, on the prairie sod, the mania increased until the farmere of Rock county became, almost bankinptby their untiring and determined efforts to raise wheat, and nothing but wheat. Farms were mortgaged and re-mortgaged to raise funds to make up the deficiencies accruing by the continual losses and failures in the wheat crop, and not until there were no more funds to be raised by mortgaging farms, or from other sources, and the bursting of the great Hedgerow bubble, did farmers get their eyes opened to the fact that too much wheat raising had nearly ruined them. We do not mean to say that wheat raising, to a moderate extent, cannot be pursued here profitably, but that as a leading or sole article of farm production, it can never be profitable. The idea of concenti'ation in respect to farming, may do in some latitudes, and under certain circumstances. Agriculture may be^ and is, practiced profitably in many locations in these United States, by turning the entire attention and energies of the farmer or planter to one, and only one, branch of the business. For instance, in some places which are pecuharly adapted to wheat raising, that business may be made the leading or sole business of that locality, and the same may be said of corn and pork raising in other places, of stock raismg in others, cotton and sugar in others ; but however well this practice may succeed in other parts of the country, it is cekain it can never succeed to a very gi'eat extent here. Too many of us have believed the theory and attempted the practice, but the result has been anything but flattering. We are compelled, then, from past experience, to turn our attention to some other theory, and the one which most naturally suggests itself as safe and practicable, is variety and diversity. It is evident, from the limited experiments which have been made, that our soil is admirably adapted to the culture of various crops, and the rearing of a variety of domestic animals ; and in accordance thereto, many have adopted the variety scheme the present year, and although the agricultural operations of the county,' in the aggregate, are much less than usual, yet the net income will far exceed that of any previous year; and it is easy to see that the improvement in the farmer's prospects does not arise from the fact that the wheat crop is a better one than an average, for the present prices for wheat do not give a farmer anything like a fair profit for his labor. The cause, then, of better prospects, is not found in a little better crop of wheat this year, but in adopting a different fanning practice. Two things operate against us at present, which a»gur to deter us from extensive operations in wheat : one is our remoteness from markel), or in other words, the producer and consumer are too far apart.

The errors aheady alluded to, may be denominated faults of commission ; while there are a large number of mistakes which the farmers of this county have committed, which may be denominated faults of omission. Of the latter I shall notice two or three.

Farmers, like other people, are unable to attend to everything at once ; and while their time and attention have been taken up with their wheat operations, they have omitted to rear or procure herds of stock to consume the oflfal of their grain crops, and convert their piles of straw (which they, in their haste, have burned,) into a fruitful source of enriching their lands, and returns to their jaded wheat fields, some remuneration for their incessant toils; stock, too, in the shape of beef, pork, wool, and working animals, would have been very convenient in stopping the gaps often occurring by the failure of wheat. Another item of neglect will be found in the lack of orchards and fruit trees. Nothing pays better for the outlay than the cultivation of fruit trees. Few farmers, as yet, have done their duty in this department. - When we reflect that Rock county has been settled more than fifteen years, and that it has one of the best adapted soils and climates for the culture of the apple pear and plumb, and that apples are readily sold in the market at $2,00 per bushel, and plums at a penny apiece, we credibly infer that there has been altogether too little fruit-tree planting. It is to be hoped that farmere will attend to this matter, and that every man who owns land will plant fruit trees. If he has not already commenced, begin now - " better late than never," is a good maxim ; but in this case, " never too late " is a better one. If fifteen years have passed without giving this subject due attention, commence now; plant trees this fall - next spring - every opportunity - plant trees, until we become the banner county in fruit raising. - We have the soil, the climate, and I hope the disposition. Then what shall hinder us from revelling in the luxuries of a fruit growing eden?

As ours is, for the most part, a prairie countiy, and destitute of timber, too little attention has been paid to the planting of shade and timber trees. In lands covered with forests, the destruction of trees is the fii-st object; here the scarcity of timber, and the bleak, open prairie, invites, as a first object, to the cidtivation of trees. Groves of the various kinds of timber and shade trees, can be raised nearly as easily as fields of corn, by planting the seeds in the same way; and being so placed as to protect houses, orchards, &o.; serving, at the same time, the double purpose of utility and ornament - affording timber for fuel and fencing, and protection from the prairie winds^ and adding beauty and comfort to a place, as shade and ornamental trees. -

In tliis way, many* a prairie home, which now looks dreary and forbidding, with a little outlay for trees would soon be transformed into the veriest paradise. It has been said by a modem author, that one of the best pieces of advice given by that great writer. Sir Walter Scott, was, " to plant a tree when you have time," said he, " plant a tree. It will be growing when you are sleeping ; yes," said he, " when we are sleeping in the dust. Generations shall rise up and bless us for the deed, and our children's children shall enjoy the shade." Let us, then, erect monuments to perpetuate our names and deeds all over this beautiful prairie, by planting groves of trees.

It has been said that in no one particular is the farming community moi-e deficient, than in their taste for ornamental agriculture. I make the remark in a general sense - ^it is no more apphcable to us in Wisconsin, than to the farming class everywhere ; and I only referred to the fact, hoping that as we have not yet had suflScient time to develop our taste in this respect, we may take the subject under consideration at this early day, and that the suggestion may, in some degree, influence us to show more taste in this department, than have our predecessors. It should be the design of every one who owns a homestead, to make it in the highest degree pleasant and agi-eeable to himself and family. Around our homes should our endearments be concentrated ; should that home be the humblest cabin, the plain cottage or stately mansion, nothing adds more to the external appearance of our homes, than a little taste displayed in the setting out and carefully training a few shrubs and plants. The most humble cabin upon the prairies, with its dooi-way covered with the grape vine and honeysuckle, with here and there a climbing rose fastening itself to its rough sides, overshadowedwith a few native and fruit bearing trees, presents more pleasing and home-like associations tcj the passerby, than the best built house surrounded with its fences, and all the appendages the architect can supply, glittering with its paint and its gaudy blinds, in the absence of those natuitll and subduing accompaniments which a tasteful aiTangement of a few trees and shrubs can give it.

Now, in view of our faults and short-comings, we ought to learn wisdom. Experience is sometimes a dear teacher; yet, in the end, the lessons inculcated make a deeper impression than those learned in the ordinary way. - I think it wiU be so in this instance. Many of our farmera have learned the lesson, and have turned their attention to a variety of farm products, and their purses, which have for so long a time been nearly empty, will again be replenished, and bountifully too, by the sale of their com and pork, their rye and oats, flax and wool, hops and barley, timothy and clover seed, tur- keys, chickens and eggs, &c. This state of things we may set down as ominous of the good time coming for farmers ; nay, we have reason to hope and believe that the good time has abeady commenced, and that the cloud which has so long lowered upon the prospects of the farmer, will soon pass away ; for we see upon its dark front, the glittering bow of promise, and hear only the muttering of the distant and retiring thunder. Then let us be up and doing; and with stout hearts and willing hands pursue with new zeal our time-honored and heaven-appointed profession. As the name and title of our society indicates, so all the facts. The farmers and mechanics of Rock county are united to promote the objects of this association, and it may, with propriety, be said of us, that " united we stand, divided we fall." The mechanic art is the handmaid of agriculture, being nearly coeval with it and honored alike by the sanctions of Deity. In behalf of the farming portion of this society, I take great pleasure in tendering to the mechanics of the same, our grateful acknowledgements for the substantial aid they have on their part rendered, in carrying forward the operations of the society ; also for their persevering efforts to furnish labor-saving machinery and improved farming implements genersdly, for the use and benefit of agriculture. And we congratulate them on the fair prospect in future for their being suitably rewarded in a pecuniary point of view, for their labor and efforts.

We have said the mechanic art is the handmaid of agriculture, and in this connection wish to add, that science bears the same relation to both. No man can be a skillful or successful farmer or mechanic, unless he unites knowledge with labor, and science with practice.

As a society, we have been materially assisted by the suggestions and counsels of gentlemen of the learned professions for which we tender them onr thanks, and bespeak their co-operation in future.

And the Ladies also, who are the handmaids q{ every good thing, we are much indebted; and owe many thanks, for die interest they have taken in forwarding the objects and designs of the society ; may they be richly rewarded for their labor of love.

And in conclusion let me say that the results of our infant society, already apparent, are such as to encourage us still to labor, and that with renewed zeal, to promote its objects.

As we have exchanged views and sentiments, and compared our notes of experience in our associated capacity, we have become acquainted with each other, and the wants of the agricultural community. Those wants are beginning to be felt, and an interest is being awakened throughout our county upon the subject of agriculture, and our prospects are far more flattering

And I would respectfully recommend that every membir of this association, should remain its steadfast fiiend, and exert his influence to induce such farmers and others, as have not yet joined it, to do so ; and then by our increased, united, systematic eifort, diffuse useful information, which, when done, cannot fail to introduce and perpetuate a more enlightened and profitable system of husbandry ; and which, when accomplished, will render agricultural employment the most pleasant, the most reputable, and among the most profitable avocations of life. And then we shall appreciate more fully the sentiment uttered by the father of our country, that agriculture is the most healthy, the most useful, and the moat noble employment of man.

Annual Fair At Beloit Stallions, Geldings, Mares And Colts

Best matched geldings; Howland & Trask - span of bay horses. 1st premium, $5. Remarks. - Holland & Trask sold these horses subsequently for $600.

Third best matched geldings ; D. H. Cobb, LaPrairie - span of gray horses. 3d premium, $2. The committee recommend a diploma to P. W. Dickey, for liis span of

Draught Horses, Asses And Mules

A. Miller being from Blinois, the by-laws of the Society forbid the awarding of a premium. The committee accordingly awarded a diploma. Best span of geldings; Simon Ruble. 1st premium, $3.

Blood Bulls, Working Oxen And Steers

Best Durham bull; C. Loftus Martin, Turtle. 1st premium, $4. Second best Durham Bull; M. P. Cogswell, Turtle. 2d premium, $3. Third best; Yost & Roberts, Beloit - Ayreshire bull. 3d premium, $2 Best yearling buU ; Freeman Hitchcock, LaPrairie. 1st premium, $3. Second best yearling bull ; Jonathan Corey, Center. 2d premium, $2. Best buU calf; Charles Bicknell, Beloit. 1st premium, $1,50. Second best buU calf; Jesse Miles, JanesyiUe. 2d premium, $1. Best pair matched working oxen; T. P. Davis, Harmony. 1st premium, $3. Second best pair matched working oxen; A. C. Brooks. 2d premium, $2 Third best pair matched working oxen; C. R. Gibbs. 3d premium, $1. B. Cheeny ; a good bull calf. Diploma.

Fat Cattle, Dairy Cows, Heifers, Yearlings And

Best fat Durham cow; Peter McVane, Newark. 1st premium, $1. Best milch grade Durham cow; F. Hitchcock, LaPrairie. 1st prem., $1,60. Second best grade Durham cow; G. W. Bicknell, Beloit. 2d premium, $1. Third best grade Durham cow; S. G. CoUey, Beloit. 3d premium, 60 cents. Best Durham cow; Wait Talcott. 1st premium, $1. Best three years old heifer; C. Tuttle, Turtle. 1st premium, $2.

Sheep And Wool

Best Fleece of wool; N. P. Benson. 1st premium, 50 cents. Best Merino buck ; John A. Fletcher, Johnstown. 1st premium, $3. Second best Merino buck ; N. P. Benson. 2d premium, $2. Third best Merino bucy; E. Bradley. 3d premium, $1. Best buck of all grades; Levi St. John, Janesvillo. Ist premium, $4.

Swine Poultry

Note. - The committee were much pleased with a brood of six Cochin chickens, belonging to Mr. Lathrop, three months old, and pronounced them very fine.

Farm And Kitchen Gardens

Daniel Bennett^ Turtle. 1st premium, $3. Best sample hops; Simon Antisdell, Rock. 1st premium, $3. Best five acres of com, with sample, producing seventy bushels to the acre, per acre; raised by Robert Taylor, Spring Valley. 1st premium, |5. S. A. Murry, of Turtle, offered a fine specimen of white flint wheat, but no definite statement of the yield per acre. Awarded a diploma. Best specimen of onions; J. F. Willard. 1st premium, 25 cents. Best specimen of long pink-eyed potatoes ; Richard Dole, Turtle. 1st premium, $1. J. F. Willard ; good specimens of Irish pink-eyed potatoes, of extraordinary orange carrot. Premium, 25 cents. Also best specimen mangel wurzel. Premium, 25 cents. G. Wilgus; specimen of English teazle. Premium, 25 cents.

Best sample of peaches; Daniel Blodgett, Beloit. Ist premium, 50 cents. Best sample black cluster grapes ; Henry T. Woodward, Jr., Beloit 1st

Sample of seedling plums; James Caldwell, Fulton. Premium, 50 cents. Best and largest variety of apples; J. Roberts, Beloit. 1st premium, |2. Best variety of one variety of apples ; Richard Dole, Turtle. Prem., 50 cents.

Plowing Match Farming Implements And Domestic Manufacture

Best platform scales ; N. B. Gaston, " Best counter scales; " ' " " Best packing scales ; " " " B«st fanning mill; Rufus^ Clark, " Best grain cradle ; N. W. Hammond. Saw arbor ; G. Orton - no competition. Hand drill; "

P. A. AUis, Beloit; parts of a buggy harness - excellent. Diploma. Best specimen of printing and wrapping paper ; by S. T. Merrill, Beloit. - barrel - ^beautiful, very. Diploma. Best com basket; J. P. VanVlick - good. Diploma. Best specimen of copper and tin ware; H. D. Waterman, Beloit - good. - superior; George M. Smith. 1st premium, $1. Best specimen window shades; Wm. Hall. 1st premium, 50 cents. Best specimen carriage painting - good ; Oliver S. Clayton, Beloit. Ist

Note. - Although the committee awarded the premium to Mr. Clayton, yet they feel constrained to pass a particular compliment upon the work shown by Mr. Russell, executed by his son, only 18 years of age.

Ladies' Department

Best Oleander; Mrs. S. M. Clarey, Beloit. 1st premium, 25 cents. Best Egyptian lily; Mrs. N. B. Gaston, Beloit. 1st premium, 25 cents. Best boquet of flowers; Mrs. J. F. Willard, Rock. 1st premium, 50 cents. Second best " Mrs. A. Thornburg, Beloit. 2d premium, 25 cents.

Best wreath of flowers; Mrs. Rufus Clark, Beloit. 1st premium, 37 cents. Best arbutian ; Mrs. R. Dole. 1st premium, 37 cents. Best artificial boquet; C. N. May. 1st premium, 50 cents. Second best " Miss Caroline Clark. 2d premium, 37 cents.

Paintings, Shell And Ornamental Needle Work And Wax Work

Division No. 2. PAINTINGS, SHELL AND ORNAMENTAL NEEDLE WORK AND WAX WORK. Mrs. S. C. Crandall, Chairman of Committee. Best Crayon sketches; Mrs. J. W. Thayer. 1st premium, 60 cents.

Second best Crayon sketches Miss S. A. Barker, aged 12 years - daughter of S. G. Barker, Esq., of Beloii> - remarkably well done. Premium, 37c.

Millinery, Dress Maigng And Plain Needle Work Farms And Gardens

" The committee visited the farm and flower garden of J. F. Willard, Esq., of Rock. The fai-m is situated on the east side of Rock River, about two miles below Janesville, and contains about three hundred and forty acres, with a road running from north to south through it, leaving about one hundi'ed acres west of the road, on which, and nehr the road, are located the farm buildina;s ; consisting of an ordinary sized dwelling, known as the ' For- est Cottage, neatly constructed, and admirably arranged for utility and convenience, while within, there seems to be ' a place for everything, and everything in its place.'

" There is also a horse-bam, granary, and other outbuildings, the arrangements of which are in excellent taste. On the top of the horse-barn is an observatory, from which the proprietor can at any time overlook the whole premises, and from which a magnificent view can be obtained of one of those beautiful landscapes, so characteristic of Rock county, and stretching for miles in every direction. There is also, on this part of the farm, a fruit garden, containing a large number of thrifty young trees, well cultivated, among which your committee noticed the Peach, Plum, Cherry, Apple, Siberian Crab, &c., all of which, together with the buildings, are judiciously arranged, exhibiting evidence of skill and taste worthy of imitation. This part of the farm is mostly covered with oa,k openings, and is used mostly for pasturage, furnishing a delightful shade for building and stock. It is watered by Rock River, which forms its western boundary.

" On the east side of the road, the laiid is mostly pmrie-r-nearly level - vdth about two hundred and forty acres enclosed in one field. The committee noticed about a mile of living fence, mostly locusts, with a piece of native thorn fence ; the balance of about two miles consists of rails, stakes with capping, timber set in a trench, &c. There are a few acres of locusts sown broadcast for timber. There is also a thrifty young orchard, of about one hundred and fifty apple trees, doing well, and a moyeable granar}^, which can easily be removed to any part of the farm, to receive the grain when threshed, thereby saving a gr^t amount of labor in the hurrying time of harvest, by avoiding toe necessity of hauling gi-ain a great distance to any given point. We also noticed the awangement of crops, such as com, oats, wheat, beautiful fields of clover, timothy, &c., all evincing taste in their arrangement, while the excellent state of cultivation of the farm, denotes energy and skill in execuiion. On the whole, the committee consider this farm a very good mode!.

" The committee also examined the flower garden of Mr. Willard, where we found the Native and White Cedar, the English, American, Norway and Balsam Firs ; the Scotch Pine, the Mountain Ash, the Golden Willow, the Horse Chestnut, the Cypress vine, three varieties of Honeysuckles, the Flowering Alrnond, double and single Michigan Roses, the Canary Bird Flower, and about thirty varieties of Dahlais ; among which are ' George IV,' ' Russell Anna,' and a thousand et ceteras, delightful to the eye and deliciously odorous ; all tastefully arranged, and giving unmistakeable evidence, in many instances, of the care of a softer hand, a finer touch than that of the ' lords

Essay On Labor By Col. Orrin Guern8Et

"If a man will not work, neither shall he eat," is a law that emanated from a source, which, in former times, was considered of very respectable authority ; but, judging from the present state of things, has lost much of its salutary influence, in guiding the actions of mankind in this age. Now, if a man fails to perform the necessary amount of labor to supply his wants, it either follows that ho starves, or what is worse, ho subsists upon the labor of his fellow man. In the one case, he suffers the just penalty of nature's violated law ; in the other, he eats and wears the fruits of another's industry, and thus a wrong is inflicted. But God has so organized things, that in addition to the result of a man's duty, when faithfully done, there is a satisfaction and recompense in its very discharge. In a rational state of things, duty and pleasure go hand in hand. Labor has an agreeable end in the result we gain ; but the means, also, are agreeable, for there are pleasures in the work itself. The kindness of friends, the love of our children, is, of itself, worth a thousand times all the pains we take on their account. Labor, in like manner, has a reflective action, and gives the working men a blessing over and above the natural result which we expected. The stout muscles of the arm, and the admirable machinery of the hand, show that the duty of labor is written upon man's very body. That it is congenial to our natures, appears from the alacrity with which children apply themselves to it, and find pleasure in the work itself, without regard to its utility. There is some work which even the village loafer or city fop loves to do, as anv one can readily discern, who will take the trouble to carefully study the characteristics of these almost worthless specimens of humanity. Thus, from these facts, we perciove that labor, in some degree and in some manner, is no less a pleasure than a study, and proves that man, by nature, is not a lazy animal. Yet there are some who count labor a curse and a punishment. They regard the necessity of work as the greatest evil brought on us by the Fall; a curse ^-hat will, cling to us to our last sand. But this notion seems to have had its origin in a very absurd idea of the nature of things. Everything in ns. tnre, and out of it, is working. The earth is continually rolling on its axis; besides pursuing, at the same lime, its annual course around its celestial center ; the moon and stare perform their wonted labors ; the sun itself, although continually receiving the laborious homage of the satellites, not exempt from its working duties. The world, in its organization, and the operation of its various elements, goes to prove the working principle, as pervading all nature and all things. Even God Almighty is a worker, and at the same time, the fiiBt and gi'oatest worker. Then -will our analogical reasoning lead us to conclude that nature intended to except man ? Some are so very fooh'sh as to regard it a disgrace, and are ready to apologize if " caught at it." Young men, the sons of honest and industrious parents, who have earned a livelihood, and reared them to manhood, and given them a lihei'al education, perhaps, by hard and assiduous toiling, are ashamed of their father's occupation and forsaking the plow, the chisel, or the plane, seek a livelihood in attending a bowling saloon, or clerking it in some low doggery, because they fancy that it is more respectable. Young ladies are much better pleased with the attention of these " nice young men " than of the hard-handed, but warm, honest hearted son of the farmer or mechanic.

Who does not recollect the anecdota of the young Sophomore, in an eastem college, who, with others, made sport of that " rusty looking man with the blue frock on," not daring to acknowledge him as his father, for fear of the jeers of his fellow students. If this notion of labor being disgraceful, was confined to vain young men and giddy maidens, of idle habits and weak heads, it would be less deplorable ; for then it would be looked upon as one of the follies of early life, and we would rejoice when they had passed through it, knowing that it is one of the " ills that flesh is heir to," and although grievous to be borne, yet comes but once in a lifetime. But such is not the fact. This aversion to labor, this notion that it is a curse and a disgrace, this selfish desire to escape from the general and natural lot of man, is the sacramental sin of those who claim to be the "better classes in our country." - The children of the poor pray to be rid of work ; and who ever heard of the son of a rich man learning a trade or tilling the soil with his own hands ? - They glory in their idleness. One would suppose that a man of useless hands and idle head, in the midst of God's working world, most needs to apologize for his sloth, and ask pardon for violating the commqn law of humanity ; still more should he apologize if he is active only in getting into lis hands the result oi othevs' work, hj fraud or blaoHegging. But it is not so. The man vi'ho is rlcli enough to be. idle, values himself on his leisure, and what is worse, others value him for it. Active men are expected to make a shatneftil excuse for being busy, and working men for their toil, when such idle men are about; as if business and toil were not the duty of all, and the support 'Of the world. But did any one ever examine the nature of this idle man's wealth ? It is nothing more nor less than the a«:umuilated hard earnings of the working man - sweat and toil coined into dollars - and who has parted with it through the fraud, deception and cunning of this man, or peradVenture, his progenitors before him, whose heir he is. One would suppose mankind were running mad, to observe with what reverence they regard those who, by superior cunning, have possessed themselves of the earnings of others, while at the same time, they would make sport of the honest laborer, who does the world's work. Thus the world of mankind honors those who sit in idleness, but pass by with contempt the men who raise corn and cattle, and weave and spin, and fish and build, for the whole human race.

Christianity makes a man's greatness not to consist in wealth and rich trappings, but in the amount of service he renders to the world. Certainly he is the most honorable, who, by his head or his hands, does the gi-eatest and best work for his race. The noblest soul the world ever saw, appeared, not in the ranks of the rich and indolent, but " took on him the form of a Servant," and was continually busy, trying to benefit the human race.

Now, manual labor, though an unavoidable duty, though designed as a blessing, and naturally both a pleasure and a dignity, is often abused, till, by its terrible excess, it becomes really a curse and a punishment. It is a proper amount of work that is a blessing. Too much of it wears out the body before its time, cripples the mind, debases the soul, blunts the senses, and chills the affections. It makes a man a mechanical engine, or a plowing machine ; he ceases to be a man, and becomes a thing.

In a rational and natural state of society, when every man does his share of necessary labor, all might improve in wisdom, virtue, affection, and religion, and labor would never interfere with the cultm-e of what is best in each man. His business would be a school to help develop his soul. His business would be his calling. There is some one thing which each man can do with pleasure, and in which he will excel ; because God made him for it.

Then each maa would labor in his proper vocation, and an excellent faimer would not be spoiled to make a poor lawyer, a blundering physician, or a preacher who " puts the world asleep." Then a few would not be jsampered in gouty worthlessness, nor would the large partbe worn down by excessive labor; so severely tasked as to prevent them from reading, thinking, and con- Versing. Something must be wrong in that state of society, where one portion spend their days and nights in riot and debauchery, and the other are obliged to work 12, 14, or 16 hours every day, to gain a precarious living. - 'No wonder that the laboring class are generally ignorant. Circumstances oblige them to be so ; they cannot be otherwise in the present state of society.

Man was sent into the world to use and cultivate all his faculties in the best way. But when he spends nearly all his time in unmitigated toU, he must neglect the moral and intellectual faculties. Are there no remedies ? A certain amount of labor must bo performed, it is true, that society may be fed, clothed, warmed, relieved when sick, and buried when dead. All that is desirable is, that this necessary labor be properly distributed, not to pamper caprice and luxury, which will never be satisfied, but to minister to the rational wants of society. It is no doubt proper that one man should use the services of another, but only by a proper interchange, when both are benefited. The farmer may use the seiTices of the cai-penter, the blacksmith, the merchant, and in return he feeds them ; and all these require the services of the doctor, to heal the maladies of the flesh, the preacher to attend to the morals of society, or the statesman, who is doing a great service to mankind, in ameliorating their condition by salutary enactments. But the idle man has no claims whatever on the services of his fellow man. The only equivalent for service is service in return. If one man is stronger or more cunning, it does not give him a right to the service of his weaker brother unrequited.

A great and wise man has said, " he who causes two spires of grass to grow where only one grew before, is a real benefactor of his race." So he who invents a machine, a plow, a loom, or a ship, is no less a benefactor. - So they who teach mankind good morals, to live together in peace, to love one another, are the greatest benefactors. But of what advantage the loafer or fop, is yet to be settled. They fancy themselves an ornament to the world, when their very presence is a disgrace and a nuisance. The man who does nothing, either mental or manual, merely because he has been successful in getting wealth into his hands, is a burthen to the world.

The industrious washerwoman is a blessing to community, compared with such a man. She has done her duty, and deserves the thanks of man ; while the idler is really a curse ; and yet mankind honors the one and despises the other. It has been said, on high authority, that if all men and women would toil only two hours each day, the work of the world would be done, and all would be as comfortably clothed, fed and housed, as at present. If this were so, what an amount of time mankind might have for mental and moral culture, and how much better it would be for the individuals, as well as for society, if all men oi leisure - who are so much troubled from sedentary habits - if they would take their hoes and work on the prairies, instead of spending their time in nine-pin alleys or billiard rooms for exercise.

The world, no doubt, grows better. Comforts increase from age to age. Even Solomon, with all his wealth and wisdom, had no glass in his windows, no carpet on his floors, no shirt to his back. The objection to the present state of society is, that these comforts do not fall into the hands of those who create them by their labor. The world has grown rich and refined, but chiefly by the eiforts of those, who, themselves, continue poor and ignorant

It is easy to see these evils and condemn them - to censure some one class of men, as if the sin rested solely with them - while it belongs to society at large. All we want is mankind converted to Christianity, and have a practical application of Christ's doctrines to our social life and legislative enactments.

But the time will doubtless como, when labor will ho pastime ; when the few will not revel in idleness and sloth, at the expense of the many ; when all shall " eat bread in the sweat of their face," and yet find leisure to cultivate what is high and noble in their souls; when men will not be tolerated in society, who, by fraud or force, rob others of their just earnings, and appropriate them to satisfy inordinate desires and capricious tastes. Then shall the world be so managed, that each man can have a chance to obtain the best education society can give him ; and while he labors to supply his physical wants, he may become as gieat and good as his nature is capable of becoming. Then it would not be thought to be inconsistent for an educated man to follow the plow, or work at the anvil ; to shove the plane, or hammer the granite.

Bt B. A. Hudson, Esq

Gentlemen: - In accepting the appointment of essayist for this occasion, I did so only from a desire on my part to aid the objects of the Association, and a willingness to discharge any duty, not too onerous, which your partiality might impose upon me. But in doing this, I have found it no leas difficult to select my theme of discussion, from among the many that present themselves, than to discuss that subject creditably after it has been selected.

In viewing the condition of this young, beautiful and comparatively prosperous State of Wisconsin, and the present weight that seems to hang like an incubus upon all branches of industry, and particularly the agricultural, I have been not a little curious to investigate the causes which have conspired to load us with burdens so grievous, and which we are so illy able to bear. - A singular state of things seems to exist anjong us. It is universally conceded that our adopted state has been settled more rapidly, and exhibited more evidences of thrift and prosperity, than any other of the western states. Her cities and villages have been springing up like magic, and she has become the adopted home of three hundred thousand as intelligent and enterprising inhabitants as ever trod the soil of New England. Yet it is said, and perhaps with much truth, that we are very soon to become a bankrupt people, unless some fortuitous turn of the wheel shall bring immediate relief. Assuming, then, that this last proposition is true, I shall devots a few moments to an inquiry, for the causes of so tearful a result; and here I may say that there are several causes which contribute to the present embaiTassed state of the country, but I shall content myself with noticing but one or two, and those which, in my judgment, more immediately concern the agriculturist.

This state is settled principally by ISew Englanders, New Yorkers, English, Irish, Germans and Norwegians, all of them coming from countries where land bore a high price, and who had little means to purchase with. After they came here, it was natural enough that the beautiful prairies and open-

And as the wave of emigration began to roll westward, the land begun to be snatched up, with not a little avidity. And those pioneers of the west, were led to believe that if they could but acquire land in abundance, all other things, in due time, would be added, and' hence their investments were only limited by the extent of their purse, and finally only by the extent of their credit.

There were two classes of persons who became purchasers of western lands. First, those who purchased with the design of becoming settlers, and in making themselves homes, and cultivating the soil ; and second, those who purchased for the purpose of speculation, without any intention of becoming actual settlers. The former were, as a general thing, men of small means, and whose principal capital consisted in their industrious habits, their integrity and virtue. The latter were men of large means, and nowise straitened by necessity. And in consequence of this speculation, land was greatly enhanced in value, which only served to tantalize the man of small capital, and they became competitors in the market, without means to maintain the unequal competition. They erroneously thought that it was a safe speculation, to purchase wild land, while it bore a low price, although it became necessary to loan money at any rate of interest to make the investment.