Rock County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1856 (part 6 of 7)

Here commenced that system of usurious exactions; and money grabbing extortions, which have preyed Tike a sickly gangrene upon the vitalities of aU industrial pursuits ; and money soon began to be in great demand in the west, and exorbitant rates of interest demanded and paid.

It was said and, perhaps, honestly believed, that money was worth the high rates of interest which were paid, because if invested in property or business, it would meet the capital at even a higher rate. But this was a deceptive argument, because the result of the investment was so uncertain. It might turn out a good investment, and it might be a losing business ; but the man who mortgaged his farm for a hundi-ed dollars at 25 per cent, knew one fact, that at the end of each year he must respond in the siun of twenty-five

But from the fact that in some few isolated cases, men realized large profits on their capital invested in property, the doctrine was still maintained, and all limitation by law to the agreed rates of interest upon monetary transactions were abolished, and at the same time the aggregate of the business of the country, was done at a profit less than one-half of the current rate of interest upon money.

In the traflBc in lands by actual settlers, great reliance was made upon the anticipated profits, and little or no dependence placed upon the pi-ofits ajising from the cultivation of the soil, which had a tendency to bring farming into neglect, and still more so from the fact that the fanners had not the means to carry on farming successfully, their surplus means being all invested in lands. And when our citizens began to turn their attention to farming, they found themselves possessed of large fanns with but few improvements, and scarce any means to make them, or to invest in farming ; and to loan money to invest in wheat growing, which was the only branch they were in a condition to prosecute, was anything but promising; but these large farms must be cultivated, or turned to some good account, because here was capital invested, and would otherwise lie idle, upon which, perhaps, the owner was paying a high rate of interest. Hence the cultivation of the soil has for some years past been carried on undei* these precarious circumstances ; and, added to other calamities, have been unpropitious seasons for wheat raising, which was the more a calamity, because wheat has been the gTeat staple of the country, and when this crop failed, they had not a variety of other products out of which to relieve themselves.

These things, have produced pecuniary embarrassment and distress, and our fanning community learned, when it was too late, that nauoh land had made them poor, and that aU attempts at wheat raising on a large scale had been made at a loss ; and they have been compelled to loan money to avoid a greater sacrifice of property ; and thus has been created a demand for money, and- a cuirent rate of interest, which gave the Shylocks and money shavere, " who know the diameter and circumference of a shilling," a season of rejoicing. It is something that for a long time threatened the ruin of our beautiful state, destroyed her credit, and the confidence which she might look for from abroad, and her prosperity at home ; a state of things which originated in th e folly of her people, and been nurtui'ed and sustained by their necessities ; and the only thing which has, to any' extent, mitigated our pecuniary sufferings, was the constant immigration into the state from abroad, and the influx of money with those who came here to purchase.

It wiU be conceded that a merchant who pays these high rates of interest upon any considerable portion of his capital in trade, is in an unsafe condition, and none ever have succeeded, whom necessity has compelled to pay them ; yet if in the taercantile business these rates are ruinous, where a profit is realized generally twice and sometimes three or four times a year, how can a farmer live and pay such rates, when he does not realize profits upon his capital but once a year ? I refer to those cases where men have large fanns, and have attempted to caiTy on a large farming business, and paying, at the same time, interest on a large portion of their capital, at the rate of from twelve to twenty-five perc&nt. This I understand to be doing business upon borrowed capital in the same sense that a me-rchant or mechanic often does, and if they cannot live and pay these rat«s, how can the farmer?

It is natural for men to love to make fortunes at a strike, 'and few are contented with slow gains ; yet all experience has shown that fortunes acquired by slow gains are most lasting and the. best, -and those who acquire these the best citizens ; and it is also true that that class of community occupying a medium position m society, enjoy the greatest degree of happiness. Hence the man who is a tiller of the soil, has no reason to complain that his position is not more elevated, because they who act well their part, and surround themselves with all the substantial comforts, have obeyed the voice of nature and religion, and have arrived at the highest attainable point of worldly felicity ; 'tis they who enjoy " health, peace and competence ;'' they are " nature's noblemen," and, all else which passes under the cognomen of aristocracy, is but the sickly sentimentalism of a day, that vanishes as a bauble bursts. *

The premises then all being seen, we conclude that good policy would dictate that the number of our acres should be limited to that which can be cultivated in the most approved manner, and without employing extra help, unless our farmers have surplus means for which they have no immediate necessity; and that an attempt to go beyond this, has placed many of our farmers in the relentless grasp of money lenders, and encouraged a state of monetary oppression, such as we have seen during the last few year's ; and has a tendency to make them dependent upon the fluctuation of the mai'- kets and the caprice of others, when they ought to be the most independent class of community. And I have no doubt that those who have adopted the ready pay system, have found that a great amount, in the aggregate, is saved annually, and much perplexity and inconvenience attending the credit system avoided. They can buy much cheaper with ready pay. And you have also learned that you can most always exchange the products of the farm, especially if you have a- variety of them, for commodities which you have to purchase, if you oiJ'er them before the purchase is made; but if you offer your produce to a merchant to pay a long standing account, he is no longer 3-our obedient servant - you must pay the cash, and that with twelve per cent. Instead of being obliged to sell at the price buyers have established you may j^ourself, by the ready-pay system, have something to do with fixing the market price, and demand and receive what the commodity is fairly -porth, or keep it until you can obtain a fair price. Although this may be ttought a slow process to acquire wealth, yet experience has long since proven that it is the most sure, and attended with more peace of mind and domestic tranquility ; and he who pursues the even tenor of his way, and by a patient course of saving and moderate gains, secures a competence, and discharges his duty to his family, his country and his- God, has fulfilled the liigh destiny for which Providence designed him.

Essay On Agriculture Bt Col. Z. P. Burdice

The tillage of the soil, the most ancient and important of all earthly employments, originated from divine authority, in the early history of the world.

The hardy yeomanry in all ages, and in almost all countries, have been content to quietly follow their avocation, and leave it for the well-born, the men of profession, and those of leisure, to guide the ship of state. A voluminous code of laws is the result - so vague in meaning^ and so highly seasoned with technical language, that even the lawyers themselves are puzzled to understand them.

But to the subject. Farming has generally kept pace with the times : and until quite recently, has been carried on in a way to feed the hungry millions, with little or no regard to scientifie or systematic principles.

In civilized countries of a dense population, the soil has been made to produce to its utmost, by the means made use of, according to the knowledge of the agriculturist. Some have already learned to assist their worn-out and exhausted soils, by artificial helps.

By the aid of chemistry, soils long considered barren wastes, have been restored to their former productiveness, with comparatively small expense - say from five to ten dollars per acre - trifling, where the location gives a value of one hundred dollars per acre for productive lands. Instance : The fann of Hon. Reverdy Johnson, near Baltimore, in the state of Maryland. Replacing one ingredient of the soil, exhausted by time and perhaps bad husbandry, which was found wanting by chemical process, the soil was reinvigorated, and now produces in abundance. Ho* important for faraiei's to know of what their soils are composed. And still more important, to keep theip in a good state of cultivation. They must be educated, to be successful. Let the present generation of farmers look to thi?, and the work will be accomplished. Should a farmer wish to educate one of a trio of lusty boys for a doctor or a lawyer, let him first educate the most promising one for the farm. If blessed with girls, for surely girls are a blessing, be sure to instill into their minds, the farmer's sons fii-st, the mechanic's next, and the professional fop the last resort for a good husband.

The farmers of this new and delightful country are greatly favored with advantages, in many respects not enjoyed by those engaged in the same business in the countiies of Europe, and in some of the older states in this republic . Here, the soil is rich and fertile, and easily farmed. It produces well, without the expense of lime, plaster, guaano or other helps, so much resorted to in other localities. Besides, the husbandman is lord of the soU; without tribute, in the shape of rents, to pay to any feudal master, patron, lord of a manor, or any other unfeeling, aristocratic nabob - no taxes on alienation. - He can enjoy his land for a home, or sell it if he chooses, without any unjust exaction, let or hindrance, from any one.

Though enjoying such inestimable privileges, we have, many serious difficulties in the way. The remarkably low prices for wheat, the great staple of the west ; and tbe partial failure of three successive crops, have greatly discouraged the fai-msrs, and especially those of us in debt.

That hard times do exist, all are ready to admit, and every branch of industry sensibly feels the pressure. We are 'by no means unanimous as to the cause or causes- - the why and the wherefore. Nor, could this be expected ; - for the causes are numerous. While some labor studiously to make a '"scape goat" of the government, for the sins and follies that brought the distemper, others readily admit that the disease, with all its malignant features, was contracted a,t home. To me it seems that one of the many causes, so far as the agriculturist is concerned, may be found in his own mismanagement. Who could think of sustaining himself by growing wheat at two shillings per bushel, to say nothing about the uncertainty of a crop. Yet we find it common for farmers to summon their entire forces, to this one particular branch of agriculture. Not that they expect to sell for two shilhngs, but at ev«n at four shillings the bushel, it could not be regarded as judicious farming.

The uncertainty of wheat growing in all countries, would seem to admonish the farmer that his whole reliance should not be placed in that crop alone. Growing wheat in this, the best of countries, is attended with no inconsiderable expense, notwithstanding the great amount of laborTsaving machinery. If the farmer be in debt for his land, he cannot reasonably expect to pay f6v it in this way. Better, far better for Wm to contract his busiaess, sell a portion of his land, be satisfied to live on a small farm well managed, with comfortable buildings and fences. He will then be relieved from the. wear and tear of a hawassed mind, resnlting from his debts and promises ; and from sleepless nights, occasionijd by the blight of his hedge row of Canada club.

One able bodied man and a ten yeai's old boy, with horses plow and cultivator and a few days' work in planting and harvesting; when wages is cheap and labor plenty, can raise forty acres of corn ; which has more value than the same number of acres of wheat, allowing both to be good crops ; especially when you figure up the expense of the wheat over that of the com.

Other crops, such as oats, barley, flax, hemp, tobacco, hops, dtc, can be raised with advantage to the farmer, in suitable quantities and varieties, so that the failure of any one of his numerous crops will not completely unman him.

Dairy business, taking into calculation the amount of capital invested in cows and land, and the faculties for summer and winter feeding, will nowhere pay better. We can make better butter and cheese in Wisconsin, than can be made in Ohio, Indiana, southern Illinois or any state south of us, and as good as can be furnished in New.York^or New England.

Wool growing may be relied upon as safe and lucrative. ' One cent a pound wiU put the article into the eastern market, where the wool grower makes money, on land worth fi'om $40 to $100 per acre.

Statistics of 1840, show thatHoosick, a frontier town in eastern New York, was the banner town in the United States in raising wool. That town is about seven miles square and has a population of about 4000 inhabitants. - The soil is as good for agricultural purposes as any in its locality, with a market unsurpassed in the eastern or middle states for every product of the soil. The land is worth from $30 to $100 per acre ; and yet, the great mass of land holders pursue this business in preference to any other branch of agriculture, as the most successful and profitable. The business of keeping sheep in Wisconsin, as a safe and paying' business, is no longer problematical.

May the time speedily come, when every farmer has a flock of sheep ; when factories shall be erected to convert the wool into fabrics ; when every son and daughter of every farmer, will pride themselves in being clad in garments manufactured from their fathers' own flocks ; and lastly, when every daughter shall learn to spin, weave and knit.

No agricultural state in the union has made Such rapid improvements as young Wisconsin. With many other admirable things, she can boast of one of the very best, most enlightened and liberal school systems iu the states. - Think of her rapid strides in this progresive age ; of her increase in numbers ; only about fifteen years old. She beat her older sister, on the other side of the lake, last November, in voting, and by the spirit now manifested by the associations of farmers and mechanics, the best means of mutual good^ proves full well that they intend she shall be second to none in the sisterhood, in agriculture and mechanics arts, when she becomes of age. Rock county will act her part.

And when the farmere become satisfied with fanns of reasonable dimensions, such as they are able to own and work - purchase what they can pay for, to a moral certainty - ^live Eke christians, within their own means - discard the notious, too prevalent, of apeing the estra\'agant fashions of th3 east - teach their own households to regard honest industry, "working with their hands," honorable and meritorious; and to practice economy as a dutj^, as well as moral virtue, then, and not till then, shall we be relieved from the unwelcome sound of those two words gi'ating on our eara - hard times.

Of the Secretary of the Rock County Agricultural Society and Mechanic^ Institute, at the Annual Meeting of the Society at Janesville, December 12d, 1852:

The Secretary would respectfully report, that the experiment of sustaining a County Agricultural Society in " Old Rock " has been fairly tried, and its stabihty and perpetuity has become one of the " fixed facts " in the public estimation ; that it has now reached a point, from which we need not apprehend a retrograde movement, or entertain any fears as to its permanent existence. Our first annual Fair was held in connection with the State Fair at Janesville, in 1851 - that was an exhibition highly creditable to the farmere and mechanics of om' young and growing State. Many from that time forward, until our last annual Fair at Beloit, not only attributed our apparent success to our connection with the State Society at that time, but predicted a failure if we should attempt to " set up for ourselves," and " do business on our own account." But othei-s, with an energy and perseverence worthy the cause, determined to make an efibrt, and not let the matter go down thus. Accordingly an-angements were made for the Fair, but still the auspices seemed unfavorable, as it was tliought proper, for certain reasons not necessary here to explain, to hold it at one side of the county, which was not only very inconvenient for the people to attend from the northern part of the county, but produced, more or less dissatisfaction for other reasons. Again, the time was injudiciously selected for holding the Fair, during the session of the circuit court in our county, which necessariily detained many of our most influential men as jurors, &c., on whom we had rehed to help sustain and give character to the enterprise. But, notwithstanding these untoward circumstances seemed to conspire against us, yet the result has shown that we have abundant cause of congratulation and pride, for though some departments were not very well represented, yet on the whole, it was of the most commendable character, and marked throughout with a spirit which auguis well for the future ; and so great is our confidence in the resources and indomitable energies of the farmers and mechanics of our county, that we now throw down the gauntlet to all county societies in the Northwest, for we are deteraiined not to be beat in 1853.

Here permit me to say that much credit is due to ovu- President, Mr. WiUard, for his unwearied efforts and exertions in sustaining and placing the Society on a pemianent basis ; also, J. P. Dickson, Esq., our Treasurer, Prof. Lathrop, of Beloit College, Messrs. J. S. Love; S. Gr. Barker and Daniel Bennett, of Beloit, Vice Presidents; Burgess, Burdick and Howland, of Janesville ; not forgetting to award credit to J. P. Wheeler, Esq., of LaPrairie, who may with propriety be reckoned the venerable Father of the Society, together with others whose names we have not space to mention.

Horses. - Some superb specimens of this noble and most servicable animal on the ground, attracted the notice of all. Mr. Wheeler, of Janesville, carried oif the firat premium on his stallion, Hambletonian, which was well desei-ved. Messrs. Blodgett arid Ruble, of Beloit, presented some fine young stallions, very superior. Several sucking colts, veiy fine, together with breeding mares, show that our farmers are awakening to the importance of improving our stock of horses.

Several spans of matched horses were shown, among which, those of Howland & Trask, and Dickey, of Janesville ; W. H. Howard, of Beloit, and D. H. Cobb, of LaPrairie, were superior.

Of draught horses, Messrs. Simon Ruble and D. Sanderson, of Beloit, J. F. Dookstader, of Shopier, J. F. WiUard, of Rock, and S. F. Eldred, of

Jobistown, probably offered the best, although a great number of others on the ground were very fine. On the whole, the show in this department was very good.

Stock. - C. Loftus Martin carried off the first premium on Durham bulls, and well it was merited, although " Old Taurus " was well represented by specimens presented by M. P. Cogswell, Yost and Roberts, J. Corey, Jesse Miles and others. Working oxen were few in number, although several fine pairs were on the ground.

Dairy Cows. - Several fine Durham cows and fat cattle, a credit to their owTiers, were on the ground, among which we noticed one presented by F. Hitchcock, of LaPrairie, very fine. G. W. Bicknell, of Beloit, and Peter McVane, of Newark, also presented good specimens.

Sheep. - The exhibition in this department was better than was expected. Several specimens, exhibited by Levi St. John, of LaPrairie, N. P. Benson and J. A Fletcher, of Johnstown, gave good evidence of the discrimination and skill on the part of wool growers of this region, and we may add, that though not generally known abroad, Rock county taay become one of the best wool gi'owing sections of the world.

t Swine. - The " Swinish Multitude " was also finely represented, both in quantity and numbei-s. Several were large, sleek and dignified, and seemed to grunt a hearty vote of thanks to the good people of Beloit, for the excellent fare provided for them during their visit.

Poultry. - Next in order we noticed " Chanticleer in all his glory," individual representatives being present from the several tribes of Shanghai; Coeliins, Hamburg-s, Chittagongs, <fec., proving that many fancies m this bailiwick go in for extra " Chicken fixens," and eschew all " common doin's " in the hen line.

And although some may think it /owZ business, yet we think much credit is due to Prof. Lathrop, of Beloit College, President Wiilard, of Rock, and Chase, of Janesville, and others, for the pains they have taken to introduce superior breeds of fowl into our county.

Op Farming and Kitchen Garden Peoduots. - If some of our down east fi-iends had been present, they could have satisfied themselves " that we can raise 'taters out west."

Fruits. - The fruit gi'owers of this county are deserving of distinguished credit; and among those first on the list is James Caldwell, of Janesville, for six beautiful varieties of plums, of very superior quality and size. J. Roberts, of Beloit; Wm. Spaulding and his brother, Joseph Spaulding, of Har- mony, and H. T. Woodward, Jr., of Beloit, for specimens of apples, grapes, &c., proving that our county is capable of producing as good fruit as any other in the same latitude.

The plowing match came off on the 2d day. Three competitors entered the field - Reuben Case, James Smith and Eobert Taylor, with horee teams, and so very superior was the work of each, that the committee declare they had a difficulty to determine on whom to confer the premium, and only a difierence of two minutes of time in plowing one fourth of an acre, decided their award in favor of Mr. Case.

Farming Implements. - In so brief a report as this must necessarily be, it will be impossible to do justice to the exhibitions of this department. - The committee say, in reference to the mowing and reaping machines of Messrs. Bai'ker & Love, of Beloit, that they are excellent, and that the efforts of these gentlemen to serve the farming community, have been highly successful and creditable to themselves as machinists and mechanics, as well as to our county. Messrs. Parker & Stone, of Beloit, presented several fine specimens of hoes and hay forks. J. M. Riker, of Janesville, and A. P. Allis, of Beloit, of harness work. S. T. Men'ill, specimen of paper, and HD. Wateiman, of Beloit, specimens of copper and tinware ; all very fine.

The confectionery and bakers' department was poorly represented, although Miss Phebe A. Thomburg, of Beloit, aged only 12 yeai's, presented and obtained a premium on bread, which was certainly very creditable to the young Miss, and an evidence of a good motherly training at home, and the good sense of the committee of that department.

Dairy Products. - The beautiful specimens of butter presented by Mrs. Rufus Clark, of Beloit, will not soon be forgotten by those who saw it. - Other very fine specimens were offered by Daniel Bennett, of Turtle, Edmond Bradley, F. S. Eldrcd, S. A. Murry, E. Thornburg and D. S. Blodgett. Of cheese, F. S. Eldred, of Johnstown, evidently bore off the palm and received the first premium, both as to quality and quantity, although several veiy fine specimens were presented by others.

The Ladies, wives and daughters of the citizens of our county, with praiseworthy zeal, contributed freely of their handiwork, in domestic manufactm-es, embroidery and worsted work, which would compare favorably with down east. It' would afford us pleasure to name many who made exceedingly creditable additions to the exhibition, but space will not admit. TTieir presence and interest manifest, was not only an honor to themselves, but gave an earnest that the Rock County Agricultural Society and Mechanics Institute would succeed, if success depended upon themselves.

At 2 o'cloclj, P. M., on the 2d day, our President, Hon. J. F. Willard, delivered his annual address to a very largo audience of the yeomanry and mechanics of the country, with their wives, sons and daughtera. The production was a plain, practical, common-sense talk, by a scientific, practical farmer, which Mr. W. is, and contained views and suggestions which were not only creditable to the speaker, but which will be found useful to the Society and community.

Immediately after the delivery of the address, the Treasurer made his report, in which it appeared that the receipts during the Fair amounted to nearly $350 00.

Probably three thousand pereons were present at the Fair grounds during the exhibition, and we feel that the people of Beloit deserve the thanks of all for the hospitality extended to the numerous visiters, and the exertions they used to make the matter go off well. In conclusion, your Secretary would suggest the propriety and importance of publishing a volume of Transactions during this winter, as we have much valuable matter on hand in the form of addresses, essays, &c., too good to be lost.

Orrin Guernsey

Messrs. Willard, Guernsey, Miller, St. John, and Bennett from Bi4oit, were chosen a committee to prepare and report a Premium List for the current year.

Messre. J. M. Burgess, Lov-i St. John, J. P. Wheeler and Z. P. Bvirdick, wore chosen a committee to ascertain where proper and convenient grounds can be obtained for holding the next Fair.

A communication from the Secretary of the State Agricultural Society having been read by our Secretary, requesting our Society to send delegates to an Agricultural Convention, to be held at Madison, on the 1 9th day of January, 1853: when, on motion of J. P. Wheeler, Messre. Guernsey and Willard were chosen such delegates.

Charles R. Gibbs, Harmony, E. A. FooTE, Center, Daniel Bennett, Turtle, S. P. Lathrop, Beloit, Jesse Miles, Janesville, E. A. HowLAND, Janesville,

The committee on Premium List reported, which report was adopted, and committee discharged. Just previous to this meeting, S. G. Barker, Esq., one of our most active and energetic members, of Beloit, and at the same time a very estimable and entei-prising citizen, deceased.

When, on motion, the following resolution was passed unanimously : Resolved, That we hear with deep regret the death of S. G. Barker, Esq. of Beloit, one of our most eflBcient and active members, and that the President and Secretary be directed to con-espond with the afflicted family of the deceased, and present the condolence of this Society, which correspondence shall be entered upon the records of this Society.

James M. Burgess, C. R. Gibbs and J. M. Riker, were added to the committee to locate Fair grounds, with instmctions to purchase eligible and convenient grounds, subject to the consent of the Executive Committee.

The next meeting was held at American Hall, June 6th, 1853. Judge Gibbs, from Com., to whom was consigned the duty of securing Fair grounds, reported progress and aisked further time.

be made to purchase Fair grounds by selling life membership ; to be paid by installments of $2,50 each, until the whole sum of $10,00 is paid.

This proved to be a feasible plan for raising funds, and/owr acres of land was purchased of J. J. E. Pease, which was fitted up at once, and the Fair was held there Oct. 4th, 5th atid 6th, 1853.

By Hok. J. F. Willard

Again the Anniveraary of our Society is here. Again we are met to exhibit the products of our industiy and skill, and, for a brief hour, to relax from our cares and labors, and indulge our social natures in making the acquaintance of our fellow laborers-'^-comparing notes of experience and joyfully anticipating the futm-e. And though not honored with the presence of a Seward, or a Greeley, to add the enchatitment of theii' eloquence to the scene ; yet we, as fai-mers and mechanics, can, I have no doubt, contrive to interest ourselves on such an occasion as the present, and derive both pleasure and profit by the interview.

We would not, however, depreciate or disparage the influences produced by the eloquent addresses of such men as we have mentioned. But in our particular case wo conceive our very pursuits and profession have sufficient in them to insphe us with all that is necessary to enable us to appreciate and enjoy most fully our annual festival. Farmers and mechanics have, within themselves, resources for enjoyment which other classes of community do not eminently possess. The few remarks we shall offer at this time, will be confined principally to our prospects, present and future, as farmers and mechanics of the west.

Probably the farmers of Central and Southern Wisconsin have endured more hardships, combatted with more difiiculties, and surmounted more obstacles, in estabhshing themselves in their present circumstances, than those of almost any other portion of the state. With a soil and climate unsur- passed in richness and fertility - our prairies needing but to be plowed and sowed to yield up their abundant treasures - with our broad meadows, affording the finest grazing for cattle and sheep ; all the favors which nature could lavishly bestow upon any country, in her kindest mood, we have enjoyed - with our gi'anaries full and running over; with all the appliances necessary to feed and clothe a nation ; in the midst of an abundance we were poor - dwelling in the very sunshine of nature's richest smiles, darkness brooded over our future. " One thing was needed." We needed connections with the world outside. We needed a market. Yet, amid the days of discouragements and hardships, our people clung to their Wisconsin homes, with a tenacity equalled only by that of the natives, our predecessore, who could only be expelled from these beautiful groves and plains by force of the white man's arm. We spoke of dark days - we mean, of course commercially. They are of too recent occurrence to be forgotten ; we all recollect them well. Waiving further reflection on them, we turn to contemplate the present and future.

It is only by comparison and contrast that we know one set of circumstances to be better than another. It is by this means only, that we arrive at a knowledge of the fact that progress is made in any department.

Now, to ascertain whether as farmers and mechanics we are advancing - whether we have reason for brighter hopes, and whether we are actually any better off, upon the whole, than we were one year ago, we have only to compare the present with our circumstances at that time. Let us see.

One year ago we had no more access to the world at large, than we had ever here enjoyed. Our marketing was done in the old style, of drawing away our farm products over rough roads to some lake port, or selling them at home for such prices as buyers were pleased to give ; the proceeds of sale to the farmer, after deducting expenses, being in either case, scarcely enough to keep body and soul together. Our supplies were obtained through the same tedious process, and cost us too much to be used with profusion. Trade, in all departments, was languid ; mechanics were out of employment, and our towns exhibited an apathy and dullness in perfect keeping with the rest.

What have we now ? The iron horse has made his way hither, and as he snuff's our prairie breeze, his exhilarating neighings have awakened the slumbering echoes of our beautiful valley, and hope and courage seem to have taken possession of every heart. We have the sea-board at our doors ; our surplus products are now transported to market with the speed of the wind, and the returning train comes to us loaded with the necessaries and luxuries of life. Our grains, which were a drug in the market, a year ago, at much ;ess than a remunerating price, have advanced from 50 to 100 per cent. -

Trade flourishes ; mechanics are fully employed, and our towns exhibit a vigor and activity unparalleled since the settlement of the country. Life and health, determination, confidence and joyousness brighten every countenance. I rejoice to see the contrast, visible even in the very faces of the people, as exhibited to-day, and one year ago to-day. We seem, indeed, a new people ; and let me say a youthful people. The present state of things is not, however, altogether attributable to the cause before alluded to. Other circumstances in addition, have largely contributed to our present prosperous condition. For instance, the present year is one in which Providence has richly rewarded the labors of the husbandman, in giving bountifully of the "kindly fruits of the earth." Farmers have turned their attention to raising a greater variety of products, the good results of which have in turn given them confidence, and inspired them with hope, so indispensable to the attainment of prosperity.

If a pai-tial market for a few months, and a few favorable collateral circumstances, so change our prospects, what are to be the glorious results of Wisconsin's future ? What wUl a connection with Chicago, and thus with the whole east and south, do for us ? What the completion of our Southern Wisconsin raih'oad to Dubuque, and our Valley railroad to Fond du Lac ? A brilliant career is before us, and we seem already to have caught its inspiration; as the improvement in our animals, manufactures, and farm products, compared with those of last year, unmistakeably indicate. All evince advancement, improvement, progress. That our soil and climate are admirably adapted to the raising of the finest horses, cattle and sheep, in the world, is demonstrated beyond a doubt ; and that we can compete successfully with any country in producing pork, butter and cheese, io no longer a problem. - And'should the farmers of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, turn their attention mainly to the rearing «f cattle, sheep and hogs, they would, from their geographical location, and other advantages, be able now to compete with any portion of the United States, in supplying the markets with beef, wool, butter and cheese, and eventually to monopolize the business in all eastern markets. When our projected railroads are completed, which I may say will be sooner than most of us expect, we shall have the choice of an eastern, western, northern and southern market, direct. Our beef, pork, butter and cheese, we can send to New York or Boston, to San Francisco or Puget's Sound ; our wool where we please, or keep it at home to supply our own manufactories ; our flour and grain either east or south, as the market promises best ; if to the south, to exchange for cotton, sugar and cofiee, all from first hands. The former we will manufacture here into its various fabrics, and the manufactured article again exchange for more of the raw mate- rial ; and thus on, until our commerce with the south will rival New England, and draw largely from her overgrown incomes obtained from southern trade. Our own Wisconsin will he sought as the summer home of the southerner in pursuit of health, relaxation and enjoyment. Our sunnier sky, and more healthful climate, wiU be more grateful to him than all the east afibrds. And in this connection may I not be permitted to suggest the thought that perhaps an intercourse and acquaintance between Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, and other Southern States, and om'own sectionof the Union, would be promotive of the best results. Might it not tend to do away with those prejudices and asperities which have, for a long time, been cherished between the North and the South ? Is it too much to hope that the Northwest will yet be the great pacifier between the two ; and by its kindness, forbearance, and practical example, win the South to adopt to some extent, our usages and customs ? And thus the iron bonds which shall unite us physically and commercially, serve the double pm'pose of making our interests, feelings and habits, identical.

Were we to attempt to describe the probable results and improvements which will occur to Wisconsin, or even to Rock county, during the next five yeai-s, from causes now being put in operation, we might be ridiculed as an enthusiast, a visionary, or one insane - we shall attempt no such thing. Yet, although we may not set ourselves up as a prophet, or the son of one, we may judge of the future somewhat by the past and present, and our opinion,, based upon those d^ta, is, that we are destined to have some few years, at least, of prosperity a^d success. I know that some, and pereons, too, whose opinions are entitled to consideration, think that we may be, even now, on the eve of a revulsion like that of 1836 ; and give as reasons, our great indebtedness abroad and enormous extravagance at home; that soon we shali be pressed to pay our foreign debts, and then the crash will come ; for, say they, "it was just so in 1836 and 1837."

It is doubtless true that our foreign indebtedness is large, and doubtless quite too true that our people are gi-owing extravagant. I think, though,

But all that does not make out a similar and analagous case to the times of 1836. Then speculation was the order of the day. Then it was no uncommon occurrence for a man to become a miUionaire before breakfast, in buying and selling comer and water lots in some city in the moon, or other outof-the-way place. Banks were as plenty as grasshoppers, and issuing their rags by the million, without a dollar in their vaults to redeem them. Farmers and mechanics left their business and turned speculators ; labor ceased ; everybody was about as a gentleman, expecting to stumble upon a sudden .

fortune. Labor, in fact, by all classes was esteemed to be disreputable, and a man was considered below par ^bo could not get ricb by bis wits. Such a course could but bring ruin and bankruptcy in its train ; and the secjuel showed that not only individuals, but entire states, were engulphed in the general overthrow and destruction.

Now the times have taken an entirely different phase. If we have a large foreign debt, it is not mainly for gew-gaws, but for real substance - ^for railroad iron and the like, every pound of which enriches t)ie country, and renders it better able to pay the debt, than to do without the article. All the foreign debts incurred in this way, will eventually become an income. Our other indebtedness, we may say, will cause us no inconvenience, as we have the money to pay it. Our capital now is bonajicleraouej. Our legitimate bank money is founded upon facts, and our bankers would almost as soon issue gold dollars, as paper ones of their own.

One great cause of the present safe state of things is, that the golden streams of Califoraia, Australia, and other places, are pouring their swollen torrents into the world's treasury, and thereby adding untold amounts of real capital to the already ponderous mass of wealth ; and the rapid expansion of business, and the great railroad impulse, are but natural effects growing out of the circumstance that capital is accumulating and must be used, to render it of any value.

Another, and perhaps more important cause upon which we rely for the safety and perpetuity of our present and future prosperity, is, that the present is an industrious, 'toiling, working age. Men have thrown sloth and idleness to the winds, and adopted the adage that " God helps those who help themselves." They have gone to work with a will. We are just beginning to realize some of the good results ; but a tithe of them is not yet developed. Labor creates capital, and capital in turn demands more labor. Thus labor and capital go hand in hand, each aiding the other, and together working for the common weal.

Without labor nothing can be accomplished. It is a pre-requisite of wellbeing - the sine qua non of health, wealth and happiness. True progress does not consist in obviating the necessity of labor, biit in changing, by means pf improvement in the arts, its character, and rendering it more conducive to the supply of the wants and comforts of man, and to the development of his mental and moral nature.

, So long as the present causes continue their operation, we need not apprehend danger of any considerable change. Our prosperity is not fictitious. - The ago has received its momentum and will not be liable to stop at once. -

Tho question for us, farmers of Wisconsin - farmers of Reck county in particular - to settle is, what course shall wo pursue to avail ourselves of the largest advantages to bo derived from the anticipated "good time coming,'' v^hen our railroads and other improvements are completed? We answer, get ready ior good times - ^have plenty to sell. Again we say, get ready for good times; for times have been so bad heretofore, that we are altogether unprepared for good ones. The more we had to sell, the worse we were off, as every bushel of grain raiied and sold by the farmers of Rock, till within a few months, has made them poorer. The same may be said of beef and pork. Now we ought to raise all the cattle, horses, sheep, and hogs wo possibly can, and, at the same time, improve the blood of all as much and as fast as cireumslances will permit. At all events, do something in that department for it ij easier to mise good animals than poor ones, and certainly they are more marketable. In order to carry on the wool, pork, and stock business profitably, we must have more fencing - 1 mean inside foneas. The farmers of Rock Prarie, and even of Rook county, have, comparatively, but little inside fencing; for the want of which we lose nearly one half of the real income of our farms, every year. And in addition to this, our farms are deteriorating and running down in their fertility, by not pasturing sheep, cattle, (fee, to enrich and keep the land in tilth. Farmers will find it much more profitable to raise more corn, oats, barley and rye, and feed it to their farm stock, thus retaining at homo the means of perpetuating the fertility of their soil, than so much wheat raising; though wheat raising must receive its legitimate attention.

Another important item in a preparation for good times, is a much more improved system of farming generally. Our grounds must be more carefully prepared - more pains taken to procure good seed - and a frequent exchange of seed, especially of whtat, will bo necessary. Again, wo need better fixtures and conveniences for feeding our hogs, sheep and cattle; wo snfier a very groat loss annually by feeding upon the ground, as a majority of farmers have been obliged to do. The fattening of hogs, especially', without good pens and floors, subjects the farmer to 100 per cent, loss in the food, besides ho can never make as good pork. And, finally, we need good t'-ams, good tools, good men, and a reasonable amount of resolution, and thon go ahead.

One thing more, farmers should keep well posted up in rospoct to the markets. They, of all others, should not be caught napping over this subject Our produce dealers are, many of them, we are happy to know, honorable men. Others, we are sorry to say, are sharpr>rs, and farmers inu4 look out for themselves. In order to do this every farmer should take at least one good agricultural paper, in addition to his other nevvspapere, nnd study it

There is oao subject, without alluding to which, an agricultural address would be out of fashion - I mean the subject of government aid, in establishing agricultural colleges, schools, &c. Agricultural addresses abound usually in arguments in favor of the measure. Governor's and president's messages are considered quite incomplete without recommending something of the sort. Our State Legislatures and Congress go to work and mtroduce bilb, and have long discussions upon the subject; but, in the end, nothing is done. The buncomb capital is manufactured - members have exhibited their extreme regard and affection for the farmer, and the thing is put over to furnish a theme for the speech makers of the next season. Such being the fact we shall pass it over without remark.

Mechanics have something to do to get ready and be prepared for the times we are anticipating. They must tax their skill and ingenuity in producing better implements for the farmer, and should immediately augment their facilities for manufacturing five times the amount they have usually furnished. The farmer will ueed them. The inventive capabilities of our enterprising mechanics should be laid under tribute, to develop new improvements in labor-saving machinery - to form new combinations of the mechanical powers, and apply them for their own and the farmer's benefit - thus cooperating with him in bringing to light the hidden resources of our luxuriant soil.

We are gratified to know that the mechanics, especially of Janesville and Beloit, are moving in the matter. At the former place, the mechanics, feeling the importance of greater manufacturing capabilities to meet the increased demand, are about organizing a joint stock manufacturing company, particularly for agricultural implements, on a large scale. And we have no doubt but the patronage of the farmer, will be commensurate with the enterprise. The efibrts of the mechanics of Rock county, heretofore, to supply tools, &c., have been highly commendable, and should not be forgotten. But a golden harvest lies before them if they keep pace with the wants and necessities of community.

The merchant need not be idle, as his business operations can bo somewhat improved, and must be, to meet the large demands of the times. - Large sales and small profits must be his motto, especially if he would make it an object for farmere and others to do their trading at home. Merchants understand this, and we have no doubt they will be on hand with full sup» plies, and cheaper than tho cheapest.

The learned professions, too, will find it necessary to brush up a little - to make some additions to their capital stock. The lawyer will have to apply himself to his authors to ascertain what kind of advice to give his clients when times are prosperous, and everybody too good natured to quarrel.

The physician will be compelled to invent a new sort of remedies, as the ailments and diseases of community will bo quite changed, and a new regimen and treatment will be necessary. Instead of prescribing to men in the lowest stages of hypochondria, induced by hard times, his patients will be full of hope - full of money-making projects - and anticipating a long life of prosperity. We expect our physicians will adjust themselves to the circumstances, and have ih^ panacea ready.

And the clergy, too, must prepare themselves with new motives and arguments to keep the people from worldly-mindedness, and teach them how to enjoy the good things of this life, and to use them in a proper manner, as they hitherto have taught them how to bear the misfortunes and hardships of former times ; and it is hoped that they themselves in turn, may participate and share largely in our temporal prosperity.

And to the ladies we hardly know what to say. They are always so near right, it is hard to find an opportunity to make even a suggestion for improvement. We expect them to be first and foremost in every good enterprise - thank them for the interest they have manifested in our Society, from its commencement - crave their continued co-operation, and hope the good we anticipate to oureelves may not bo without its particular benefit to them.

And now, in conclusion, permit me to say, it is the high privilege, as well as the sacred duty of every one of -us, to labor for the improvement of outselves and each other, and endeavor, to the utmost of our ability, to leave -the world at least a little better than wo found it. But in order to succeed in this effort, we must cultivate other provinces of thought than merely tho^ which belong exclusively to the development of our knowledge of the external World. There are other regions of a higher and holier nature, without the cultivation of which no trw progress can be made.

I thank you for your attention and patience, and wish you for the coming year, and for all years, abundant store of life's best blessings, and every 'Suecess in the pursuits of honorable industry.

List Of Premiums

Awarded at the Annual Fair of the Bock County Agricultural SodetyL and Mechanics^ Institute, held at Janesville, October ith, BtA, and 6th, 1853.

Horses Of All Work

S. H. Potter, Rockford, III, presented two stallions of all work - good. Reuben Boyce, Dane county, presented a two yeai-s old stallion - good. A. W. Smith, Harmony; one yearling colt. 1st premium, $2. Alfred Walkerj Milton; " 2d premium, $1

Oliver VanKirk, Janesville ; four year old gelding - very good. James Allen, Fulton ; single carriage horse - extra farm horse. Clarion lanthus Miltimore, son of Ira Miltimore, of Janesville ; a fine pony. Premium, $1.

Shire

F. B. Cook, Johnstown ; Durham bull, three years old. 2d premium, $5. T. W. Williams, Emerald Grove; Durham cow, seven years old. 1st premium, $10.

T. W. Williams, Emerald Grove; do. 2d premium, $1. S. P. Lathrop, Beloit; short horned Durham heifer calf. 1st premium, $2. Peter McVain, Newark; do. 2d premium, $1.

V. T. Willard Corlcw, Janesville ; one pair oxen, vei-y good, well matched, V. T. Peter McVain, Newark; one yearling bull. 1st premium, $2. C. H. Bicknell, Beloit; one yearling bull. 2d premium, $1. Lewis Reynolds, Milton; one pair oxen, five years old. 1st premium, $6.

M. P. Cogswell, Turtle; fanii. 1st premium, $15. A. M. Carter, Johnstown; do 2d do $10. Mark Miller, Janesville; kitchen garden. 1st premium, $5. H. T. Woodward, Jr., Beloit; do. 2d premium, $3. Charles Holt, Janesville; flower garden. 1st premium, $5.

C. Loftus Martin, Turtle ; apples. 1st premium, $2. Joseph Spaulding, Harmony ; apples. 2d premium, $1. B. E. Mack, Turtle ; discretionary premium for largest variety of apples.^ - Dip. and V. T.

DIVISION NO. 12 - -PRINTING, DAGUERREOTYPES, PAINTING, BOOK-BINDING, &c. Committee. - 8. P. Lathrop, Chairman; Levi Alden, J. M. Burgess. Alden & Holt, Janesville; job and ornamental printing ; no competition. - 1st premium, $2.

The committee speak with commendation of these paintibgs, offered by Mrs. Deyo. C. Loftus Martin presented three superior paintings - on? a landscape with

The committee would encourage the importation of such paintings by distinguished masters, for the great and excellent influence it \would have in the cultivation of good taste among the people. Wm. Macloon, Janesville; specimen of painting in water colors - ^mariner and landscape. 1st premium, $3. John Russell, Beloit; specimen of carriage painting; no competition. Premium, $2. John Russell, do do do trirnming. $3.

Petrie & AUis, Beloit; specimen carriage trimming. The committee speak in high terms of commendation of the manner in which this work is done.

H. C. Bull <fe Co,, Janesville ; specimen of lumber. Committee say it is extra - that the company have on hand a desirable lot of lumber of all kinds. No competition. Diploma,

E. S. Buckingham, Janesville; bird cage and birds; also stuffed birds. No competition ; excellent and well worthy of notice. 50 cents and diploma.

J. H. Budd, Janesville ; lot of mill gear and "wood lathe - extra. The committee would recommend all desirous of work in this, line, to give Mr. - Budd a call. Diploma,

Mrs. E. A. Dunham, Janesville ; fancy millinery ; very nice. Premium, $1 . Miss Stella Howard, daughter of Sheriff Howard, of Janesville, only 8 years such eiforts. 1st premium, $1. Mrs. Hiram Taylor, Janesville; knit coverlet. 1st premium, $1. Mrs. Walls, a blind lady at the Wisconsin Institute for the Blind;

Note. - Mr. Miles requests tho secretary to say that Mr. Alexander, as a plowman, cannot well bo boat, more than himself; and attributes his success mainly to the superiority of the plow that he used; which was of Ai W. Parker's manufacture, Janesville. '

Note. - The Executive Commiteo having expended nearly $700 in purchasiiig and fitting up permanent grounds, find their funds somewhat exhausted, leaving a deficiency for premiums, but do not feel at liberty to avail themselves of the reserved privilege of reducing the premiums; but report them in full, preferring to fall back upon the generosity of those friends who have drawn large premiums, and ask such as are willing to do so, to let their premiums rest, in whole or in part, until next year, when our outlays will be much less, and we may reasonably cxpecl a surplus, as our Society is now founded on a firm and permanent basis : in other word^, our Society is a fixed fact.

By Hon. L. P. Harvey

"Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines, for our vines bear tender grapes," saith the song of Solomon - " Stop for us the leakings, the petty leakings that drain our profits, for our delving brings meagre gains," would be a travesty not without its peculiar significance in the mouth of a Wisconsin farmer of the present time. Starting on this hint, I propose to devote the few moments I may detain your attention to-day, to enforcing the homely truth that little neglects, widening into wastes, ill-directed labor and effprls devoid of System, lie at the foundation of much of the ill-success so generally deplored' in recent, and especially agricultural, enterprises; while little heeds, expanding into valuable economies, labor-saving ingenuities and rigidly systematic exertions, are sure of finding thrift, despite the untoward circumstances now bearing so hardly upon the fortunes of the/arnier. I will not aficct to propose any "sovereign specific" for blight on our staple products, or the general depression of their market value. I do not pretend to have found any universal solvent of " hard times ;" but I am firmly impressed, and hope slightly to impress others, with the fact that neither the adverse changes of the seasons, nor the more adverse operations of the laws of trade have quite suspended the common laws of failure and success. All the minor and major economies that make up thrift, are still worth careful study and rigid prai'tioe - ^all Ijhe lessor and greater wastes that tend to poverty, are still worth learning and avoiding, in mitigation of present embarrassment and disaster; while the retm-ns will certainly reward the persevering and thorough. devotee of i:nprovement, in that good time which is sure to come to this rich and fcrtilu state, are still more worth our unceasing endeavor.

In every pureuit of productive industry, prosecuted under the most favorable circumstances, it is found that the first, and generally by far the greater portion, of its returns are required to defray the inevitable cost for its out-fifi and management. These all must be quit before the proprieter is permitted even a glimpse of that tempting, coy, coquettish sum, the object of all his entei-prise and endeavor, termed profit. This uftcei-tain sum can only be computed ontlie 'margin' of his operations - its itfems CpHectedfrom the little gains or advantages which ingenuity, t^t'and industiy in the managemerit^ glean ptecisely where shiftlessness and ignorance waste by hegle6t. The difference, after all, between what are called "hard times" and those which are confessedly prosperous, consists merely in the breadth of the margiti whifch is left for profits. To the intelligent, far-sighted and indefatigable operator in any calling, the hardest times always leave a chance for gain; afid his profits increase in exact ratio of general prosperity. To the stolid, pur-blind and faint-hearted, general disaster is always individual faihu'e; and "the times " must be easy indeed, that afibrd any advance by his operations. Group the good points discemable in the habits and management of the really thriving fanners within the circle of your acqliaintance, and suppose one fortunate individual to be endowed with them all; what doubt could there be of such an individual's complete success," be his scale of operations never so extended, or " the times " never so hard ? On the other hand, imagine one poor, luckless wight, inflicted with every fault of charaicter and defect in management, observable in the range of " unlucky " farmers within your knowledge; are the law^ of gravitation of^any more certain operation than would be the tendency of such an individual's efforts to disaster and ruin ? - Traits and habits so readily appreciat6d, in the aggregate do not differ in nature or tendency, when parcelled among a claSs or community. To the observant eye, a thousand. little incidents of daily habit and management, point sd truly as the results of his efforts disclose the place which each individual occupies in the range between that excellence -which commands complete success, and the deficiency which warrants eiitire failure. Despite all the unpropitious circumstances,' which embarrass the farming interest in this state, at the present time, there are farmers among us who make a steady advance from year to year in prosperity, in comforts of hving and facilities for "prosecuting their business, and in the improvement and consequent value of their farms. Depend upon it, each one of these successful farmers has some personal merit which is the secret of his success. There is no denying, too, that the great majority of our agriculturalists toil hard froin year to year, just to ' hold their own ;' while very many are kiUing both themselves and the land they till, and at the same time are running behind in property, and every comfort for life, and convenience for conducting their business. Here; too, is no blind fatality of " ill-luck ;" but the results, so plainly apparent, are products of causes in the men themselves, Uttle less difficult of detection.

The habits, traits of character, method and management of a complete " Model Farmer," exist in single virtues among almost every extended firm- ing community, each successful husbandman possessing them in part; while the defects whieh would make out a perfect antithesis, or " Model Failure," are scattered profusely among the thriftless.

I have now in my mind a farmer who governs all his grain-growing operations by one simple i-ule, which, according to my reckoning, has brought him a respectable fortune within the few years I have been an observer of his operations. He says, " I first calculate how many bushels of each kind of grain it is desirable for me to produce for the year; then on how few acres it is possible to raise the given quantity, and cultivatb accordingly." Of course my friend avails himself of all the advantages which reading, observation and thinking afford, as to the best methods of cultivation for each class of grain, and the best means of enhancing the productiveness of his soil - and he does not fail to bestow as much labor in tilling a few acres, as the surfacescratching land-killers around him would spread over the number of acres in their judgement requisite to the production of the quantities he desires. - Somehow even drought breathes moisture upon this farmer's fields, wet seasons turn them greeii instead of yellow, and blight seldom falls upon his harvests. He avoids great outlays for help in harvest time, and always secures his compact burthens of grain in good order. Compute for yourselves the value of all the little economies found in such a system of farming - their list is legion. Make your own estimate of his yearly gains from the superior quality and condition of his crops ! The grand item however of profit from such a system of culture is the increased productiveness and consequent value of the farm itself. The soil is kept clean from noxious seeds, and, being well fed, it waxeth/af from year to year. To day my friend's farm would command several dollars per acre more than any other farm of the neighborhood. Every one says it is "better land ;" but all its "better" quality has been given it by the owaer in following his simple, sensible rule of production. - This rule has kept him in heart and thrift through all "the hard times,'' and laid up for him, besides, all the superior value of hb really fine estate. Would not this rule do for a model farmer ?

I know a neighbor of the farmer just mentioned, who uever fiiids time for "nice farming.'' Gooded by embarrasraents, every year growing more perplexing, he every year strives for an increased surplus to lift h'm from debt by stretching his efforts over more land. He wauts so many bushels of grain, and he means to plant or sow enough to make sure of the quantity - and, to widen the margin, he scratches over a/ew more than his first calculation, after every one else thinks seed time is over. Land pooily tilled - a perfect wreck of farming impliments through haste, and much time and expense lost in getting them repaired; poor, over- worked teams, meagre crops, gram of inferior quality, an;l fall of every kiad of seed to depreciate the value of the grain itself; a harvest time spasmodic with hurry and confusion, extravagant outlays for harvest help hired on compulsion, shocks, bundles, and gavels caught by showers, and finally half secured, in villainous condition; fields of grain left standing to bleach and waste long after they should have been gathered by. every teaching of prudent husbandry, are among the yearly incidents of this farmer's operation. Poorly as he has managed up to harvest time, I firmly believe he would obtain as much grain and more value by attempting to gather only about two-thirds the number of acres sown. Take his operations through, he has fully an equal qhanca o f carrying water in a sieve, as of making money from a business leaking through so many hundred vents. But, to complete the contrast with the neighbor before mentioned, the great item of his losses is in the condition and value of his farm. No prudent purchaser would take it, with all his costly outlays for buildings and improvements, at even price with virgin prairie, The soil is foul with noxious seeds, and yearly becomes leaner through wretched culture, aud continual cropping without food to renew its strength.

Such contrasts as I have cited above, are too.strong to have escaped any one's attention ; and cej:tainly recur with sufficient frequency to have come under every one's observation. I^et us look more closely for the little heeds that bring their items of thrift; and the little laches that result in little losses, among those of our neighbors whose general habits and whose general success present nothing worth especial distinction or notice.

Passing my neighbor W ^'s hog yard the other day, the size and thrifty appearance of his " store liogs," induced me to inquire where he obtained so choice a breed. "The breed is all in the feed," was the instructive answer. Further conversation drew out the fact that this farmer" s success in hog-growing was purely attributable to the care which he bestowed upon them. He is not remarkable for energy or industry in the general management of his business ; but in this item he is systematic and thorough. His pigs are never allowed to get stunted ; his shpats are never thin, nor squeal for lack of food. They take shape on full feed, and the result is a fine form. They are kept from the first in constant growth ajjd thriving condition ; and the gain is, they are ready for th<j pen at about half the age of the common come-up-by-chance race, and are fattened in loss than half the time and at half the trouble and cost. The gain \n size and thiift is peq)etual fiom one generation to another, until my neighbor has pretty good reason ^or his opinion that " there is as good breed in t^ feed as was ever imported." Whatever may be the luck of othei^, tbis man makes money in growing pork. - Another farmer, not far 4is$^nt, man^-ges a trifle better. By a little ju4i-- cious oiitlay, and at some trduble, he has procured a breed of hogs that attain equal if not tetter size, with less feed, than the first. Then he makes a further saving by raising only those pigs that show the proper form and aptitude for taking flesh. He calculates the difference of raising and fattening hogs from the same Utter aA twenty-^ve per' cent. ; and wisely judges that it is easier to save feed than to produce it. A httle time' and care in assorting, saves a gi-eatmany days' hard work in the corn field; or preserves a considerable surplus for sale. My opinion, from two or three years' observation,' is, that either of the men I have mentioned, will gi'ow a three hundred hog, and send him into market, at a less cost than a certain extensive farmer I know of, will turn off' a hundred- and-fifty-poflhd iharlc.

The same sensible practices of my friends, the hog-growers, are equally valuable in aE branches of stock-raising. Very much of the breed is in care and feed. It costs a great deal of expense and trouble to decently repair a "stunt" upon a young animal, from want of propiJr care and food. I doubt if it can ever be fully recovered; But any animal started well is half raised. - Proper food and proper care while a young calf or colt is taking form and developing bone and muscle, have much to do with the size, figure, and constitution ; in short, the value in every respect, of the mature animal. Shelter and warmth in winter, too, are proverbial economists of fodder. Yet there is great difference in " blood," or breed, both as respects cost of rearing, and the value of the animal produced. It is an old proverb that " it costs no more to raise a good animal than a poor one." The difference in value in favor of 'the good animal, should make the ..producer Vratchful that his care and feed are not wasted upon inferior stock. But there is one leak more to be stopped. A careful study of the habits and qualities of good bloods disclose the fact that a good animal costs less to raise it than a poor one. - There are no more .voracious eatere than our native breeds of net cattle ' Or swine. Then there is a wide difference in animals from the sa,me sto'ck,' as respects the return yielded from the same care and feed ; as there is also, as everybody knows, in their adaptation for the uses desired by the grower. A little knowledge and a little care at the outset, might have given many a farmer a choice cow for every one of the diy ruins that encumber his yard, cat Up his forage, and waste his time' - a valuable yoke of working cattle for each pair of sci-awney time-killers he is now working; or a strong, spirited, marketable span of horses, for each pair of "plugs" he is now pushing thi'ough his farm work, or urging over the road to the " lake." The assertion may be thought extravagant, that there! are scores of farmers among the membership of this Society, -frho might produce a given -value in coWs, working cattle, beef OT horses, at one half the cost they are now doing. Yet I know very many farmers in our county of whom this assertion is fai- below the truth. If such make a living at the business now, there is, even in these hard times, a hundred per cent, profit within the reach of better management. When "our vines bear tender .gi-apes," there is poor sense in letting "the little foxes "get them all. \ ,.

In gleaning for the habits of " model farmer," I think now of an acquaintance whose management in the purchase and use of mrnhmery is particularly instractive. There seems to bo no machine of real utility in his business but he is seasonably provided with ; yet his qutUys for these costly helps are apparently less than half the amount expended by some of his neighbors, who never seem to have half as much as he does. His secret is threcrfold. He never buys until he has thoroughly posted himself as to merits and defects of all competing implements for the use he desu'cs ; hence he loses nothing by injudicious investments. He next carefully houses and saves the strength of every implement on his farm, when not in use; hence he secures a double or thi-ee-fold wear of each one over his more careless neighbor. - Lastly, he carefully examines and repairs, generally by his own hand, every machine or tool long before its use in the season's business is demanded. It would not be an easy task to compute how many, expensive accidents, socalled, are avoided by the last item of this fanner'^ management ; how many days' works are saved in his harvest field, lost in others' through such accidents, or how much damage to crops is prevented by the certainty and celerity with which his harvest work advances from commencement to close. It is. a fact of no trifling importance to the account of " profit and loss," that one hundred dollars, on an average, procure to the fai-mer I have just cited, more valuable helps from agricultui'al implements and machinery, than three hundred dollars invested by my neighbor, Broadacres, whose reaper bleaches in the autumn winds, whirls and creaks in the blasts of winter, and rots in the spring rains ; whose tools have no' certain place of deposite, and are never in order or repair; whose reaper, or mower, or thresher, always break down just when the employment of a dozen Jiands or more, are directly dependent upon its being kept in motion. I know not how much stronger I might make the contrast by citing the case of another farmer, not a score of miles from here, whose lack of all prudence or forecast, seems to have especially commissioned him to the work of testing every invention for lightening the labors of the farmer, at his own proper 'cost. , I care not how expensive the machine, nor how flimsy the pretence of improvement upon the one, or the score he already possesses, this man buys everything that is offered. -He is the universal patron of everybody's whim at invention, besides wasting hundreds of money and months of toil upon crotchets of his own proHfic brain.

His barns and yards store worthless fragments of macliinsry, which cost him a respectable fortune. The " little foxes " are gathering all his grapes, and the big mortgage will soon strip him of the vineyard.

An extensive wool buyer from this good village of Janesville, called at my store a few days since, inquiring for the residence of a cleVer farmer in the A-idinity, and particularly if he had sold his clip of wool. I soon learned that here was a chance for the farmer named to sell his wool at his own door, at a very nice advance from the price at which the majority of my neighbors had sold in market. There was no increase in demand or inflation of price prompting the extra pains aod-estra pay to secure this particular clip ; but the buyer sought it because' he knew this farmer produced wool of finer fibre, and put it up cleaner and in better style than his neighbors. I knew the farmer in question to be an enterprising and careful sheep grower, and felt that ho deserved the extra profit which his good management brought him. M. Lasteyrie, the persistent advocate for Merinoes, was of the opinion that '- fine woolcd sheep may be kept up at the Cape of Good Hope, or under the rigorous climate of Sweden, wherever industrious men and intelligent breeders e^yst." My friend has no faculty of book-arguing the question lika the Frenchman, but his practical good sense is daily working out a demonstration of great value to the community among whom he lives, that industry* and intelligence can keep up a flock of fine wooled sheep, and make money by sheep-growing on the prairies of Wiseont-in, even under present embarrassments of the times.

In our observations of the habits and management of farmers who have system and thoroughness enough about them to thrive, as things go now-adays, one nile will be found common to all. The obligations or debts of each are so few in number, and contracted with so prudent a forecast that he 13 never forced to huriied sales. It makes a wide difference in the profits of a year's farming, whether the farmer is goaded by necessity into forcing his grain on the market the first day he can possibly got it ready, or can take his choice of the whole year's range of prices ; whether he is at the mercy of the buyer, comjaelled to take any figure offered ; or in that condition of independence which enables him to place a remunerative price upon his prgducts, and "hold" until they will command the price set. I doubt not a prudent farmer sometimes finds advantage in selling a portion of his crops at a low figure, under pressing call for ready money, rather than light the candle at both ends, by paying high interest on indebtedness or loans, and at the same time suffering inevitable waste in keeping his grain on hand ; but in the systematic plans of a really prudent manager, these pressing calls seldom urge.

progress and lessons of improvement ; laws as wise as " Poor Richard " ever taught, aud solvents for " hard times " that seldom or never feil of the d( - sired result. TJie farmer who in bis own private operations has devised any simple method of rendering labor more. productive; who Las found a shorter way of doing any task upon the farm; who has learned to economize any common waste of product or effort ; who has invented any cheapening of cost, or lessening of power required, or who by man^ement has learned to turn his products to better account than his ne^hbors, is a benefactor of his race. His discoveries have added to the world's wealth in the same line of benefaction with him who causes two blades of grass to grow where but one grew before. His example stimulates inquiry, and his success diffuses hope and enkindles emulation. Observation of such a farmer's operations will detect the secret of his success, but voluntary communication of every simple, practice devise reproduces and multiplies each economy a thousand fold. Here consists the most a,pparent office work of our Society. Beyond stimulating a general spirit of inquiry among the agriculturists of our county, after a better direction of every effort in their calling, it is to be hoped that its meetings, discussions, essays, fairs and addresses will bring out from the prolific store house of a common experience, every neat economy of thrift may be found in isolated practice among us, and diffuse a general and thorough information, derived from actual experiment, of the b( st implements for econmizing labor, the best breeds of every kind of animal that may be profitably bred on our prairies; while detecting and exposing every trait of shifllessness; every common waste of capital or labor, which may be torturing the stringency of the times.

There is no truth more firmly established in the conviction of the writer, than that the calling of the farmer affords abundant field for the exercise of the highest order of intellect, and should command the most earnest and absorbing interest. The conviction is equally strong that no one cai) be a complete farmer, who is not an intelligent, enterprising, inventive, and above all, a thoroughly systematic man. System - system - system, is to tfie farmer as to every other business man, of the same importance which Demosthenes is said to have imputed to action in the orator. What celerity of movement, what promptness o{ execution, what certainty of result, what saving of waste and force there is, where every detail of business is thoroughly mastered by the directing mind - every operation wisely forecast; every operative dropping into his pre-arranged post of labor, and every movement directly towards its object, like the exact motion of nicely adjusted machinery ! Yet how many a strong, blind Sampson, powerful in means, force and energy.

As a means of inducing close observation and patient iuvestigation^ as the ready receptacle of a mass of information constantly accessable for guidance and instruction, as the only certain detector of loss or gain by each enterprise, or experiment, peniiit me to ui-ge upon every fanner the utihty of an exact ACCOUNT BOOK and a DAILY REGISTER. ,The prudent business man will not venture on the transactions of a single day without his account books, however flattering of profits the chances for operation may seom to be. The books are scarcely less indispensable to the farmer, than to the merchant or the, manufacturer. In the more obviou? office of accounts, that farmer gross- , ly mistakes his interest, who foregoes their advantage. A simple record of debts and credits, of articles loaned and liab)e to be forgotten, of lost days of hired helpi would stop many a, leak : draining his profits, correct many mistakes, supply many values forgotten, jind. avoid misundeistandings, which too, often resuU in expensive, and vexfitious litigation. But the thorough , merchant or manufacturer will tell you that upon keeping strict account with his business, he depends for all certain knowledge whether he, is gaining or losipg; and by keeping strict account with each branch of his business, to, detect thg source from whence, comes the profit or loss. Can not precisely the same knowledge of his business; be acquired by the farmer in the same way ? Is it less important to thLorough farming than to successful merchandising or manufacturing, that the precise cost of each article sold should be known, and the gain or loss from its production accm'ately computed ? The farmer has capital invested in lands, buildings, machinery, power or force, tool.?, stock or material, etc., etc., precisely answering to the investments of the manufacturer. This capital should pay interest in the former investment as the latter-^all outlays for labor, material, wear, tear and reproduction of machinery and tools, and expense of subsisting force or power, mufet be returned from the productions of the year. Take a given article of production, charge to its account its production of interest, its share of labor, its expense, in every particular, until sold - credit, proceeds of sale, the value of such proportion as is consumed on the farm, and the result of that venture is before you in the balance between the debt and credit side of your account. Such a system of accounts will convey certain infonnation as to the ventures in farming, which pay the best returns ; while calculations from data furnished by memory are uncertain and deceptive. It is my belief that a knowledge and the practice of double-entry book keeping in systematic farming, would give a firmness and certainty to transactions in this department of enterprise and industry, which nothing else can supply.

But tiiere is anotker- book, of equal utility to tke farmer with any one belonging to Hs system of accounts. - The Farmer's Daily Re&ister. - Fanning is, to a great extent, a series of experiments, the faets about which it is as important should be pr-eseiTed as the itesns of debt and credit; and the results of which are as worthy, of calculation as the actual values of the fanner's products. These should never be left to the uncertainty of human memory ; but every fanner who aspires to progress, or who aims at certainty in the direction of his efforts, should forthwith set about a daily history of his lakors. It will soon grow into a manual valuable for reference as to the best .time for sowing different crops, the best modes of their cultivation, the branches of farming which pay the bast returns, in short, as to evovy thing in which a man should become wiser from his own experience. An incidental value might be given to this Regist6r,'of no less importance than the direct benefits cited. By compiling its records around the fireside, and ccHnparing its f^ets in the family circle, the interests of the whole family may be enlisted, the fanner's boy awajfened to intelligent interest in his calling, a,nd every mind in the household inured to habits of close observation and patient investigation. ,A farmer w^ho works his boys, his girls, and, as many dp, even his wife, with little distinction from any other unthinking, bnite force upon the farm, need not be surprised that stolid hatred of his calling rests like a nightmaj-e over his household. With physical powers developed in the school of slavish endurgmce, and minds untasked and neglected, what wonder the farmer's boy deems the life of a city counter-jumper close upon the confines of heaven, and would rather ,be a bar-tender, a bar-room lounger, or anything rather than endure, his dull, rayless life of toil without intelligence. Farming has work for thought - it thrives by intelligent operations^t should have its pure, in^iring gratifications of taste. HE who first made the earth to bring forth every thing "good for food," decked it also with every thing "pleasant to the eye" - and that system of agriculture which banishes the beautiful from the door-yards and gardens, from the homesteads and their suiToundings of our agriculturalists, divorces what God joinsd at the creation. This is digression fi:om the line marked out for this essay ; but I could not suppress a hint at a favorite thought, that when inteligence shall have established its claim to supremacy in the production of even the grosser alliments of physical want, a day will begm to dawn when beauty and taste shall devise the architecture of our ±arm, buildings and sketch the plans of their gi'ounds ; and cultivation of the ornamental, spread the facinations of refinement about the pursuits of the field.

To come back suddenly frorn this wide digression, allow me to suggest to the farmers before me an opinion to which L am strongly inclined, that the test of an accarate account of cost and return, applied to the different kinds of team foreo, would correct the almost exclusive preference for horses in conducting the operations of the farm. No other team power costs so mttoh for purchase and equipment - none requires so nmch to feed it, or keep its equipments in repair, or so much labor to take care of it, and no other team is np.-iriy as short lived as the horse. In the leakings which drain the profits of farming, has any prudent farmer ever calculated that his expensive team, with its costly harness and wagon has to be renewed as often as once in six years, on an average, under the use and treatment our present circumstances compel ? Has he reckoned the heavy black-smith's bill of each year - 'the three hundred and sixty-five. bushels of oats at the least, consumed - ^the wagCs and board of the hand must constantly accompany the span of horses whether employed or unemployed ? A close account of all the items of extra expense would not foot up very favorably for the active, showy, short-lived, voracious, expensive and inedible horse. The Tiistory of each mortgage resting upon the farms of our county wOuld bo instntctive in many ways; but, in my opinion, a large plurality would be found to have been brought there and kept there through destruction of capital in horse teams and their equipage. In the general malediction? we hear aimed at our frail and expensive patent machines, as the fruitful source of debt, mortgage and disaster, the' spry, handsome and greedy teams of our farmers have been too partially treated. Like those machines they tempt, by dispatch of execution, to sowing broader fields and undertaking wider enterprises - the use of each power is alike expensive and attended with constant liability to accident and injury, while thoir common frailty demands frequent renewal of the capital invested. I have seen the statement in some agricultural periodical of authority that ssveral agricultural Societies of the old Bay State refused, nearly ten years ago, to offer premiums on horses of any class; assigning for reason that "they are the most expensive of all machines, animate or inanimate, employed in the business of the fai-m." 1 would not recommend the same course for our society. The breeding of horses for market is a good business. We can grow them at far less cost than eastern farmers, and we ought to produce as good, or better horses. If any farmers, moreover, can afford to keep fine horses for uses of convenience or luxury, the time is not far distant when Wisconsin farmers can as well afford to sport fast and fancy bloods as any. But the above statement, founded on the observation and experience of the Massachusetts farmers, of the coist of horses as team power in farming, isjiist beyond question. A mule team is kept at a far less cost, is exempt from most of the diseases which render horses so uncertain property; while a mule team will live and do good service about three times as long as a horse team.

The author of tho "Pkkwick Papers" has amusing rafereuca to the long<?vity of the mule in the dialogue relatsd between Samivol Well'>r and the coachman; as follows: -

So, for all the coachman knew, either on sight or evidence or hearsay a donkey is immortal. I adopt this qotation from the very sensible and pratical address of Hon. John S. Skinner, the father of tho American Agricultural Press to the farmer of Suffolk County, N. Y., in which the views hinted at above are enforced at great length.

It is probable, however, that, under our circumstances, oxen afford the most profitable team power for the work of the farm. The prime cost of a good span of horses or mules will purchase three yoke of good working cat±le. - The cost for equipping them is trifling compared with the other teams. For most uses of the farmer they do not require shoeing. They are far less liable to disease or injury than horses. No other team can be kept as cheaply, or worked and cared for with so little hired help. Their slow steady movements expose to far less liability of accident, and save considerable cost in breakage or wear of tools and fanning machinery. Then, after serving the farmer the full period. I have estimated for the average life of hoi-ses among us, oxen can be converted into beef and sold for a full return of the capital invested. This is tho crowning argument for ox teams. All othera wear out and the capital invested perishes with them. The ox team renews itself. "It makes a wide difference t,o the fanner," said the Hon. Ralph Granger to the farmers of the Western Reserve, Ohio, in the first Agricultural Address of which I have any recollection, "whether he keeps a team he can eat up, or one that will eat him, up."

If this rambling production has wrought no other conviction in your minds, it cannot have failed to convince that in the estimation of the writer there is no royal road to success in farming ; and that every element of character and regulation of habit, all the shrewdness and ingenuity in management, which is esteemed necessary to success in tho most arduous and intricate ot human pursuits, are demanded in the complete farmer. Heads and hearts and hands should work together in the labors of the field - self-culture and self-control develop the man, and zeal for a thorough mastery of his business and the highest possible imjprovement in every branch of his 'pursuit inspire his efforts. These will enable our agriculturists to wrest success from the closest stringency of the times, and fully prepare them for that golden wave of prosperity which no distant future is to send in upon us.

Report Of The Committee In Reference To The Death Of S. G. Barker, Esq., Of Beloit

Whereas, by the mysterious dealings^ of Divine Providence, one of our number - ^Mr. S. G. Barker, of Beloit - has been removed by death from our midst, in the vigor of his manhood and usefulness. Therefore,

Resolved, That while we submit in humility to this sad bereavement, we can but deploi'e the loss, of his society, and his able counsels in our associative capacity. The finished mechanic; the philanthropic citizen; the zealous Christian and unostentatious gentleman - all conspire to endear him to us, and long shall we cherish his memory.

Resolved, That we offer to his bereaved family our sincere condolence and sjTiipathy, and invoke in their behalf the protection and support of that Being, who has promised to be " a God to the widow and fatherless."

Proceedings Oe The Society For 1854

The committee on nominations through their chairman, Thomas Tuttle, Esq.,, of Clinton, reported the following hst, which was adopted: PROF. S..F. LATHROP, President.

Messrs. Lathrop, Willard and Miller were appointed a committee to draft a Charter for our Society, to be presented to our Legislature at its next session, asking corporative powers, and the membei-s from our county were respectfully requested to use their best endeavors to hisure the passage of such an act.

At this meeting; F. 8. Eldred, Esq., of Johnstown, read an Essay on " Milch Cows and Dairy Products,'' when on motion of J. R. Boyce, Esq., of Porter, the thanks of the Society were tendered, and a copy solicited for publication.

On motion of Mr. Guernsey, John A. Fletcher, Esq., of Johnstown, was requested to read an Essay at our next quartedy meeting, on " Sheep Husbandry and Wool-growing."

Azel Kenney, Esq., of Lima, in the chair. No business transacted at this meeting, except to adopt the Premium List reported by the committee.

C. Loftus Martin in the chair. J. A^ Fletcher, Esq,, of Johnstown, read an Essay before the Society on " Sheep Husbandry and Wool-growing," when on motion of Mr. Guernsey, the thanks of the Society were voted, and a copy solicited for publication.

The subject designated for the next Essay was " Hogs and Pork-raising," and S. F. Chipman, Esq., of Plymouth, solicited to read it at the next meeting.

Awarded by the Committee of Jvdges of the Rock County Agricultural Society and Mechanics' Institute, at their Annual Cattle Show and Fair, held at the Society's Grounds, in Janesville, Sept. 13<A and \ith, 1854.

Morgan Tigor. 1st premium, $10. Second premium to D. Blodgett, Beloit, for his stallion, Turk Lion. $7, First premium for best mare, to N. B. Royce, Harmony. i5. Second premium to G. Ruble, Beloit, $2.

The committee desire to say that Mr. Royce presented a stallion with a perfectly satisfactory pedigree ; a horse of fine finish and style, and for racing and sporting purposes, every way to bo commended ; but for farmers to breed from, the committee think him too light, and for that reason withhold a premium.

Diploma. R. Wixom; one Berkshire boar. 1st premiuin, $2. J. P. Dickson; one boar pig. 1st premium, $1. W. Spaulding ; one boar pig. 2d premium, 50 cents. Best sow and pigs - cross. 1st premium, $3. Second best sow and pigs. 2d premium, $2. J. G. Heacock; one native sow and pigs. 1st premium, $3,

G. H. Williston, JanesviUe ; best eight rowed flint com - no competition, 50c. A. K. Barret, Magnolia; best four bushels yellow dent com. Diploma.

Messrs. Tice & Warn, of JanesviUe, exhibited several varieties of Irish and sweet potatoes, com, pumpkins, squashes, melons, cabbage, beets, peppers and parsnips. No premium offered except for com. The display was excellent and creditable. The committee regret that the list of premiums is BO deficient. First premium for greatest variety of seed com, 50 cents.

Messrs. Kellogg, Williston, Prichard, Hughes and FoUansbee, of JanesviUe, all showed some fine samples of garden products, upon which no premium was ofiered, but was richly deserved.

Mack, of Turtle; Smith, of Johnstown; all contributed handsomely in thiis department to make up the exhibition, but owing to the condition of the premium list, can only be awarded this passing notice.

Division No. 10

The chairman of committee No. 10 presented a somewhat lengthy and very sensible report, which the board of managers would like to see published if there Was room. The same may be said of the report of the committee on fruit and sheep, but to publish all would be inconvenient.

SuB-DrviaioN No. 2. Committee. - A. Kinney, Lima, Chairman; W. Lester, F. S. Eldred. Pixley & Kimball, Janesville; best show of stoves* 1st premium, |3.