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

Work Book Binding, Etc

Mrs. S. J. Monroe, Fulton ; no competition ; coVerlet, tablecloth, linen hosfl, woolen hose, linen pillow cases, linen shirts. Committee recommiend premium on all for superior quality and beauty. IJiploma awarded, and $3.

Division No. 15 Made No Report

Diploma. W. F. Armstrong, Union; lightning-rod - extra. Diploma. Mrs. W. Addy, Janesville ; ornamental case - extra. Diploma. Mrs. W. A. Lawrence ; embroidered handke*chief ; very nice - extra. Dip. W. S. Follansbee ; tidy, and watch safe cushion - good, Diploma. Miss Stella A. Howard, 6 years old; one tidy - extra. 50 cts. and diploma. J. H. Manny, Rockford, 111.; reaper and mower combined, No. 1. Diploma. W. H. Woodford, Whitewater ; com planter - first best. Diploma. Randall & Jones, Rockton, 111. ; com planter - worthy of notice. Diploma, H. Slasen, Hannony ; whip lashes - ^very nice. Diploma. John A. Taplin, N. y. ; threshing machine ; simple, but good for small farms.

Patchwork. 2d premium, 50 cents. Mrs. E. G. Rice, Johnstown ; monochromatic pencilings. 2d premium, 50c. G. J. Kellogg; flowers. Diploma. Mrs. E. J. Farwell; crayon penciling. 1st premium, $1. Mrs. G. S. Ruble ; patchwork. 2d premium, 50 cents. Mrs. J. Davis, Milton; water colored painting; good' - no competition. Dip. Miss Lucy Smith, Lima; quilt. 1st premium, $1.

Lamp mat. Diploma. Mrs. B. Lawrence, Janesville; bed-spread. Diploma. Miss Helen Clow; monochromatic painting. Ist premium, $1. W. S. Follansbee ; shell monument and box. Diploma. Mrs. S. H. Martin, Janesville ; lamp mat. 1st premium, 50 cents. Mrs. E. G. Rice, Johnstown; one crayoUthic painting. Diploma. Miss R. Stevens ; wax flowers ; no competition - ^xtra. Diploma.

No. 18 And 19 Made No Report

consider whether he wants quantity or quality. In general^ near large townsi where the demand for milk is great, the object ;of the dairyman naturally is to keep cows which will give a large quantity, without so much regard what sort.it is. For those who go for this, and yet have some honest scruples left about resorting to the pump, the old-fashioned, large-ftamed,.bjg^honed Holdr erness would be best. But the manufacturei' of butter and cheese wants quality and quantity both.

As far as my own experience goes, I have found our native, cows, as milkers, fully equal to the improved breeds ; though some of the best milkeis I have ever known, were a cross of the full bloo4 short horn Durham with our best native cows. I think that our full bloods, especially the Durham, can be greatly improved as milkers by proper management, and in a few years they might be made to stand without a, rival as cows for the paiL

Among pur native cows are many superior milkers, and many individual cases have been found which were equal in yield of milk and butter, to any registered in the h^rd books. For instance, the Cream-pot breed, built up by Col. Jacques, of Charlestown, Mass., whogi^ calves were be-spoken at $100 each. The celebrated Oaks cow, ofiDanvers, th^ gave,' on evidence satisfactory to the Massachusetts Agricultural Society, 484 lbs. of butter from the 5th of April to the 25th of September. And the wonderful prize cow, Kaatskill, property of Mr. Danielson, of Blithwood, . N. Y., which received the prize of the New York State Agricultural Society, at Poughkeepsie, in 1864, on satisfactory evidence that she yielded, when kept on grass only, 38^ qts. of milk per day; and that from the, milk given by her in two days, 6 J lbs, of butter were made - 'being at -the rate of 22f lbs. per week. When such cases turn up, almost by chance, why may not a breed of superior milkers be established, and confidently relied upon, as it is known that Ulce produces like?

The way of turning milk to the best account must depend, in a great measure, upon the situation of its producer, as regards market convenience, and inconveniences at home, &c. If an individual is so situated that he can sell his milk for two cents a quart, as taken from the cow, he will find it more profitable than to manufacture it into butter or cheese, at the present priqeg, or as prices have ranged for the last ten years.

Of the particular mode of manufacture of either butter or cheese, I do not intend to speak. It would take too much of your time, giving you little or no profit. Rules for the dairy should be very minute - and then we need the school of experience, to become prpficient in this branch as well as any other branches of agriculture. However, I do not wish to bo understood that it is peculiarly dijSBcult. It is not. With a little patience, a ro^onable amount of judgment, and a good sprinkling of perseverance, you need not fear. I think that our agricultural communities have not given this branch of business the attention it demands. As a state, we do not make our own butter and cheese, ' (or cheese, at least) ; and, as to the quality, that is not what it should be, most will admit. It would be, well for us to look, talk and think more upon this matter. The importance of making good butter, that will keep for a long length of time, has been, I believe, entirely overlooked by us, as a Society ; and I would inquire, whether it would not be well to offier a large premium for the best May or June butler?

Brother farmers, I leave this subject - ^having merely touched on its importance, and given a few general hints for your consideration, hoping th.-it it may fall into more competent hands, and be thoroughly discussed, so that it may prove a lasting benefit to our Society ; a»d through this means our land be made to flow not only with milk and honey, but with butter and cheese of the richest quality.

Proceedings Of The Society For 1855

Willard, Guernsey and Wheeler were appointed a committee to select a subject for the next Essay, who reported the following : " Neat Cattle, with comparative view of cost of raising, and difference of profits between native and improved stock;" - and C. Loftus Martin was requested to read an Essay at the next meeting on that subject.

At this meeting, Messrs. Willard, Guernsey, Gibbs, Dickson, Miller and Burdick, were appointed a committee to determine upon the policy of pub-

On motion, Messrs._ Willard, Gibbs and Dickson were appointed a committee to prepare and report preamble and resolutions expressive of the sense of the Society in view of the death of our former President, S. P. Lathrop.

At this meeting, the committee on purchasing new and larger Fair Grounds having reported, were directed to purchase ten acres of Ira Miltimore, Esq., according to his terms, and to sell the present grounds as soon as they think best.

Whereas, God, in his inscrutible providence, has removed from us in the prime of his manhood and in the midst of his usefiilness, our late President, Professor S. P. Lathrop, therefore,

ResolvecL, That while we acknowledge in this afflictive occurrence the right of Him who gave to take away, and bow in deep humility to the will of our Heavenly Father, yet we most deeply deplore the loss of one whose honesty of purpose, gentlemanly deportment, and untiring zeal in the advancement of the objects of this Society, has so won upon our affections and entwined himself around our hearts.

Resolved, That we shall ever hold in pleasing and grateful remembrance our intercourse with him, and that his name and his memory are deeply enshrined in our hearts ; and to be deprived of his presence and counsel in our deliberative meetings will not soon cease to be a source of mourDfal regret.

Resolved, That we offer to the stricken and bereaved family and friends of our lamented President our heartfelt condolence and sympathies, and invoke in their behalf the protection and support of that Being who holds the lives and destinies of us all in his hands, and that he will " temper the winds to the shorn lambs."

branok of industry by acts of legislation. To establish agricultural schoolsi to educate tbe youth in the science of agriculture, with a fai'm for experimenting, where both the theory and practice may be taught together.

The late distinguished Judge Buel, better known as farmer Buell, in Albany, New York, where he resided, in an address by him prepared a short time previous to his death, says-^" When we consider that agiiculture is the great business of. the nation - of mankind - that its successful prosecution depends upon a knowledge in the cultivation of the soil, of the principles of natural science, and that our agriculture stands in special need of this aux. iliaiy aid, we cannot withhold our surprise and regret, that we have not long sinc^ established professional schools, in which our youth may be taught simultaneously; the principles and practice of their future business of life, and on which, more than any other branch of business, the fortunes of our country, hioral, political and national eventually depend.

" We have professional schools in almost every business of life, except the cultivation of the soil, one of the most important and essential of them all, and one embracing a larger scope of useful study in natural science, and in usefulness to the temporal wants of the human family, than any other;

" Our agriculturists are our privileged class, (if we have such.) They are our sovereigns, because from their superior numbers^ they must ever control our political destinies for good or evil ; and the more intelligent and independent we can render them, tbe more safe we make our country from the convulsions of internal feuds, and the danger of foreign war."

The progress of our calling, requires that experindents should be made in stock, soil, crops and fruits, which shall enlarge the sphere of practical knowledge in those departments. These experiments are often such as require the most exact apphcation of scientific principles, in order to secure a reliable result; but when this result is once obtained, it can be applied by the ordinary farmer. These experiments involve time and expense, which the private fanner is not able to bestow. An experimental farm, conducted under the supervision and direction of the first scientific ability, would be of incalculable worth to the husbandman. When these results are reached through sufeh means, they will be entitled to that confidence and respect, emanating as they would from such a source, as would generally determine the practice of the farmer, and induce a practical improvement in the system of farming. - As it now is, many of the experiments which are made, are not made with suflncient accuracy to merit general confidence, and those which are well made are seldom accompanied with such authority as to command public respect. Science alone can elevate labor to the dignity which it merits, and give to the husbandman that success which the greatest welfare of societv demands. But we must tate Itings as they are, and endeavor to improve our system of farming, our stock growing, and all the kindred branches as best we may, with the facilities we have.

Five years ago this society was brought into existence, through the exertions of men who had the interest of the State and especially of Rock county at heart. It was an experiment. Some thought it impracticable in this new country. Having seen the rise and fall of such societies in the older states, where government gave no support, they could see no clear forebodings of success in this new country in the far West. If the state of New York has to give each county annui'ly $180 for premium money, how can we expect to succeed without help ? Nothing doubting, those men moved on with a determined spirit. They were men of Faith and Works, and most nobly have they showed their faith by their works. Farmers and Mechanics of Rock county, it is your Society. It was projected by yourselves, and its permanency and utility depends upon your conduct in the future. - With a zeal becoming enlightened and energetic men, you have sustained and supported it thus far, and I doubt not, impressed as you are with its importance, and benefits inuring to yourselves and the community, from its existence, you will continue to lend it a helping hand.

The day has gone by when it shall be necessary to convince our people of the advantages of associations. Self-evident facts are more potent and convincing than lucid arguments. It would indeed be a loss of words, in attempting to prove that there has been an improvement in farming and stock growing in this State, and in this county, within the last two years, and since the organization of our agricultural societies. That we have better horses, oxen, cows, sheep, pigs and poultry ; better plows, threshers, reapers, mowers, and all other fanning tools, will not be denied. The dairy products have not only increased in quantity, but they have materially improved in quality.

By means of our associations, every improvement is known throughout every nook and corner, for there is no better method for the manufacturer to advertise, than to exhibit the article upon the fair grounds. Here the farmer expects to find every improved article in his line of business, from the threshing machine to the pruning hook. The ladies, too, greet every improvement for their convenience with pleasant smiles, and by them every article of mechanism for their use is viewed with particular attention, and its merits critically investigated. The manufacturer well knows that an approval of the ladies of any article for their comfort and benefit, will do more for the sale of it, than a puff from all the newspapers published.

intending by any means to be invidious,) to tbe mechanical implements, and implements of husbandry, exhibited upon this fair ground, from the manufactories of Messrs. Budd, of Jauesville, and Love, of Beloit, and his successors. Their specimens would do Credit to any community anywhere, and their industry, and energy, and public spirit, deserves not only the commendation, but the gi-atitude, and what is far better and more beneficial to them, the substantial support of an intelligent, fast, go-ahead people.

Who can look upon the rich display of farm and garden pi'oducts - the exhibition of horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry - the magnificent show of farm implements, and other articles from the hands of our own mechanics - the.'bi'illiant specimens of painting and needle work, with the numerous other articles pertaining to the ladies' department, without justly, yes religiously, feeling proud of Rook county. Young as she is, the elements of taste and refinement are here. Though deprived of some of the advantages of older countries, she possesies others which make the balance sheet on our side.

Our people are from nearly all of the old states, and not a few of them good citizens, good farmers and mechanics, from England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, the German States, and other countries of the Old World, with their pecuhar knowledge of farming and mechanic arts ; and here under our own vine and fig tree, where none can molest or make us afraid, we meet as brethren upon one common level. Though we do not hear them all speak in their own native tongue, all are well understood. We meet together to exhibit the products of our industiy and skill - to celebrate our annual festival - to make each other's acquaintance, and to benefit from each other's experience.

No county in the State or Northwest, or anywhere else, presents greater attractions to emigrants of affluence or in moderate circumstances, than our own. Land is held at reasonable prices ; it is rich and fertile. Her resources are only in part developed, and yet her trade is immense. It is said that in the three months ending Feb. 1st, 1855, the city of Janesville alone, paid to the farmers for their produce, eighty thousand dollars per week on an average. Add to this what was paid at Beloit, Afton, Footville, Milton and Fulton, perhaps as much more, and we have the snug sum of one hundred and sixty thousand dollars per week, paid to the inhabitants of Rock county and vicinity, for the products of the soil.

Two years ago, upon this ground, we were told by our much esteemed late President, Hon. J. F. Willard, that a good time was coming, and that wo mubt prepare om'sclves for it. To me, and I have no doubt to all of you, it is a matter of serious congratulation - a matter of gratitude hi the Great

Giver of every good and perfect gift, and from whom all blessings flow, that we can look that gentleman in the face ^-day, and from the same spot where he then stood, can announce to om- people, that that good time has already come. We are enjoying it to-day, whether prepared or unprepared. But I trust that we all feel grateful, as in duty bound, to that Divine Providence, who has lavished his blessings so abundantly upon this favored portion of our country.

That we have the climate, the soil, the location, the market facilities, and almost every conceivable advantage, to become a rich agricultural country, does not admit of a single doubt. The city of Janesville, with her seven thousand inhabitants, in our center ; the beautiful village of Beloit not far behind in size and importance, and other considerable towns within our bordere, teU full well what Rock county now is, and what she is to be in future.

We said the farmers are enjoying the good time. All the industiial classes are enjoying the same good. The fulfillment of that modest prediction is being realized most gloriously. Fortune and plenty is vouchsafed to them all - stacks of grain crowning the ample fields of every farmer - granaries filled to ovei-flowing - money plenty - old mortgages, drawing from 12 to 50 per cent, interest, canceled and discharged of record - surplus funds deposited with gentlemanly bankers of our own county, in banks that never dream of failure - some small change in the wallet - old stor« debts paid up and receipted, and the cash system triuraphant.

Our merchants are polite and always on hand to wait on customers, in these days of prosperity, and certainly they seem to enjoy the good things equally well.

The lawyers - what shall I say of them ? They are always ready for good times. They have increased their fee bill about fifty per cent, already. - Since people are good natured and litigation less fashionable, they do less and charge the more for their professional services. We say success to them, and promise them all the business we cannot avoid, and all the aid we can give them with a clear conscience.

Our physicians, too, are up with the times, and enjc>y life in these days of health and prosperity. They know well how to meet every case where professional skill can le of any avail, and will attend to every call; people are able to pay and they willing to prescribe. Their patients have time to indulge a little in .sickness, though not very ill, for the benefit of our good physicians, and to keep them in gdod spirits. But though they do come by times, like ministering angels for the purpose of doing good, we would rath^ er dispense with their professional visits, (if thoy will not take it unkindly,) except when stem necessity leaves us no option on the subject.

The clergy have no trouble in these good times, in collecting their salaries, and perhaps larger ones too, than when hedgerow blighted, and sold for two shillings per bushel, after drawing it sixty miles to market. Then the farmer felt humble without much exhortation from his pastor, or but little exertion on his own part. They could then servo God and not mammon - for mammon and filthy lucre were too much strangers in those days to bo even deified or worshipped. May our clergy continue to watch over their flocks and teach correct principles of virtue and piety, with a zeal becoming their high calling. And may they receive bountifully of the good fruits of the earth and a constant approval of Him whoso gospel they preach.

Among the best and firmest friends of the farmer and mehancic, however, are our editors and newspaper publishers. They always speak well of the farmer and mechanic, and give us a gi'eat many puffs gratuitously. But aside from this fact, and not to speak of the influence of the past particularly, I hold it to be a duty which is incumbent, in these good times, upon every farmer and mechanic to support the papers of the county in which he is located. If properly conducted, they aie the conservators of our interests, and the best friends to our piogress, and the progress of our children, in the acquisition of useful knowledge. They bring home to our door weekly information of what is going on in the great world around us, and keep ua posted in the market prices of the products of our farms, and the improvements which are constantly being made in mechanical science.

But of those papers which are devoted exclusively to the advancement of agricultural science, I would simply say that those of the farming community who do not patronise them, are sadly derelict in their duty, and are their own worst enemy. In this connection I take it upon myself to call attention particularly to Mark Miller's Wisconsin Farmer. For the paltry sum of fifty cents, a lai-ge amount of useful knowledge can be gleaned from this work - an amount far outweighing the price to be paid for it, and besides, every farmer who takes it, and others of a similar character, will have the consciousness of maintaining and supporting those whose mental and physical labors are devoted to the elevation of the pursuit in which he himself is engaged.

I would say then, support your county papers. The editors of this county are, if they will not accuse me of flattery, " clever fellows," and competent for the positions they occupy ; though they do sometimes, in their zeal for party, indulge in personal remarks towards each other, which might better

In conclusion, Farmers and Mechanics of Rock county, I cannot but congratulate you upon the enviable position you enjoy - upon the fraternity which characterizes your intercourse with each other - in your fiiendly feeling to every other calling - on the independence of your position, which enables you to feel as well as any body else, but no better, and upon the laws o^ amity which mark your intercourse and business relations with the rest of the world.

We have reason to feel proud of the exhibitions which have graeed this county fair. It has exhibited what an influence this association has upon the community at large. It has inspired the smiles and assistance of our wives and sistei-s and daughters, who have encoumged us by their presence, and taken part in its exercises. It has brought to see the products of our soil, men of all classes and of every calling, and has convinced us of this fact, that every body is friendly to the farmer and mechanic, not even saving and excepting the politician and candidate for office, who generally, and about this season of the year in particular, seem to enjoy with a peculiar pleasure, a heaity shake of the hand of the hard-fisted farmer and mechanic.

But while we thus congratulate oui-selves that the horn of plenty has been poured into our laps, we should not be unmindful of the fact, that in other portions of our goodly heritage, famine and disease are afflicting our friends and kindred ; while sickness and death are comparatively unknown among us, " the pestilence which walketh at noon-day " has been desolating our southern cities, and sweeping its thousands of victims to the grave. Even now, the cry of the widow and fatherless reaches us from the South, on the arrival of every mail, and although they do not ask us directly for aid, yet we should feel it our duty to beseech Him who dispenses good and evil, to stay the hand of disease, and if need be, to put our hands into our pockets and give to them a portion of those good things with which he has so richly encompassed us.

Our future is full of hope and lich with promise. The good time we have said has already come. But when this most fertile county in the valley of Rock river shall have its resources fully developed, no one in the present can truthfully imagine its beauty, or what its reality will be. It is but comparatively a short time since it was a wild and uncultivated waste. Now it is teeming with civilization and refinement.

But when the Chicago, St. Paul and Fond du Lac railroad on the north and south, and the Southern Wisconsin on the west shall be completed, to-

It remains then for us of this association to be true to its objects and trup to ourselves - ti-ue to the best intoi-ests of the agricultural and mechanical departments of our prosperity ; and even in our day we may have the proud satisfaction, so far as Rock county is concerned, of seeing the g.iod time perfected, and knowing that we were no insignificant assistants to its coming.

Awarded by the Committees at the Annual Fair of the Rock County Agricultural Society and Mechanics' Institute, held at Janesville, September 25th, 2Gth and 2.'7th, 1855.

James M. Learned, Hai-mony; best yeailing stallion. 1st premium, iiS. N. B. Royce, Harmony, best sucking colt. 1st premium, $2. W. W. Beach, Center; stallion. Diploma. W. W. Patterson, New York ; stallion. Diploma.

E. G. Newhall, Johnstown; two years old mare. 2d premium, $1. A. W. Bunster, Janesville; draught gelding. 1st premium, $3. Heniy Cheesebro; one yearling gelding. 2d premium, $1.

Diploma. Lucius Bingham, Harmony; Durham bull. 1st premium, $7. David F. Sayre, Fulton ; do. do. 2d premium, $5. Wm. Cochran, Beloit; two years old Durham bull. 1st premium, $3. Jno. Corey, Footville ; two years old Durham bull. 2d premium, $2. J. A. Fletcher, Johnstown ; one year old Durham bull. 1st premium, $2. G. W. Bicknell, Beloit; do. do. 2d premium, $1.

Bull calf. 1st premium, $1. C. K. Bennett; bull calf. 2d premium, 60 cents. Wm. Cochran, Beloit; heifer calf. 2d premium, 50 cents. J. Roberts, Beloit; heifer calf. 1st premium, $1. Peter McVane, Newark ; fat cow. 1st premium, $3. L. Reynolds ; twin calves. Diploma.

Three ewes. 1st premium, $3. W. Hughes, Janesville ; do. 2d premium, $2. J. A. Fletcher, Johnstown ; three lambs. No competition, $2. Jonathan Corey, Center; best French buck. 1st premium, $5. W. Lester, Rock ; do. 2d premium, $3.

Z. B. Wakeman, Beloit; best South Down buck. 1st premium, $3. T. T. Cortelyon, Spring Valley ; Leicestershire buck. 1st premium, $3. Henry Cheesebro, La Prairie ; three lambs. No competition, premium $2.

Diploma and sweepstakes, $3. J. P. Dickson, Janesville; Suffolk sow, one year old. 1st premium, $2. Boar pig. 1st premium, $1. do. 2d premium, 50 cents.

Archard Smith, Spring Valley; best five acres winter wheat. Istprem., $S. A. W. Pope, Janesville; do do spring club. 1st premium, $3. John Little, do do; corn. 1st premium, $5. N. Crosby, do do; one acre. 1st premium, |2.

do ; one dozen ears seed corn. 1st premium, 50 cents. John Childs, Lima; do do. 2d premium, 25 cents. Adam Bell, Shopier; best sweet corn. 1st premium, 50 cents. Wm. Spaulding, Hai'mony;do. 2d premium, 25 cents.

John Childs, Lima ; pumpkins. Premium, 25 cents. S. H. Kellogg, Janesville; egg plant. Premium, 25 cents. H. T. Woodward, Jr., Beloit; peppers. Premium, 25 cents. L. H. Comstock ; best one acre hops. Premium, |2.

fine. 1st premium, diploma and $3. J. T. Simons, Va. ; churn. Diploma. J. W. Stewart, Decatur, Green couuty; churn. Diploma. J. H. Manny, Rockford, 111. ; reaper and mower, combined. Diploma.

Sheet iron stove. Prfrnium, 50 cents. Ira Miltimore, Jane^ villa; sample stone cutting. 1st premium, $2. A. W. Smith, Harmony ; gunsmltliing. Premium, $2. J. M. Biker, Janesville; double carriage harness, took 1st premium in 1854.

Heaping And Mowing Machine

These Machines have given the most general satisfaction of anv other now in use, since their introduction among the farmers, as they themselves will testily. They may be found, for the present, at the Beloit Iron Works.

Division No. 11

W. Lester, Rock; best fifty lbs. butter. 1st premium, $5. J. J. Vankirk, Harmony; best ten lbs. butter. 1st premium, $2. John C. Johnston, Janesville; fifty lbs. cheese. 1st premium, $2. Richard Dole, Turtle; one box honey. 1st premium, $1.

Charles Holt, Janesville ; printing, job and ornamental. 1st premium, $2. Joseph Baker, Janesville ; printing, job and ornamental. 2d premium, $1 . Orville Hand, Janesville, Daguerreotyping. 1st premium, $2.

D. F. Brandon, Beloit; do. 2dpremium,$l. George Gray, Janesville; graining. 1st premium, $2. Charles Holt, Janesville ; pamphlet printing. 1st premium, $2. Joseph Baker, do. 2d premium, $1.

Division No. 14 Premium On Farms

By mistake, we failed to report in its proper place in the proceedings of 1854, the premium awarded on farms, and here insert it. M. P. Cogswell, Esq., Turtle, was awarded the Ist premium, $15.

Essay On Sheep-Husbandry And Wool-Growing By J. A Flktchkr, Esq

Sheep-Husbandry and Wool-Growing, which the Society has assigned to me as the subject of an essay, is a business that has engaged my thoughts and hands far more than the writing of essays ; and it is much easier for such an one to exhibit the subject practically, than to place his views and practice on paper. However, I will attempt a few thoughts, as drawn from my own experience and observation in the management of Sheep.

I will commence with the Fall treatment. The lambs should be drawn from the flock about the first of September, and tm'ned into the com field, where they will do no injury, and will find much good feed ; or into good tame pasture, and should be kept separate from the main flock during the fall and winter, that they may receive a little extra care and attention. If the sheep are pastured upon the natural gi-ass of the prairie, they should not be ponnitted to remain too late in the season, as in the month of September the prairie grass becomes hard and loses its nourishment, and before one is aware, the flock is becoming poor at the very time when it should be putting on flesh for the winter.

After the fii'st of August, if the weather is dry and warm, it is absolutely necessary that the sheep should have access to water ; and if it be neglected, there will be a great falling off iu flesh, and probably in numbers, and especially among the lambs ; whereas, if their walk is tame pasture, and fresh, they will thrive well without water.

Winter Treatment. - If the flock consists of sdveral hundred, they should be divided into lots of from one to two hundred; and by all means they should have a shelter and a dry bed, that they may be protected from our cold autumnal rains. I consider it one of the most important items in Sheep Husbandly to keep the flock warm and diy. Grain should be fed to sheep duiing this season, which, in my opinion, will pay two-fold. Grain feeding should commence early, a.nd be continued regularly. All kinds are good. Sheep should be foddered three times, at regular intervals, each day, and should have grain or roots after the fii'st feeding. And ^;hey should be fed at night suflSciently early to finish their hay and retire to their sheds before night sets in. To obtain heavy fleeces, the sheep must be kept in good order, as the wool from poor sheep will always be deficient both in quantity and in quality. Sheep should be furnished, once a week in winter, with salt mixed with ashes. They wiU do well upon wild hay, if cut in season and cured well. I think they should be kept in a yard and watered at least once a day. Ewes with lamb should be kept by themselves ; and in the month of March their grain should be increased, that they may be in good order and strong when they shall drop their lambs. With this course of treatment, it will seldom be necessary to set up late, or to get up in the night to feed young lambs. The bucks should be allowed to run with the ewes as early as the first, or the tenth, of November, and should be put up nightj. One buck well fed will answer for fifty ewes. Sheep should always be fed in racks or boxes. The latter are cheapest and best. The flock should be tagged before they are turned to grass ; and should be washed about the first of June, or as soon as the water becomes sufficiently warm and the weather settled, and then be allowed to ran from eight to twelve days, according to the weather, that the oil or yolk may again appear in the wool. Great pains should be taken to keep them from the prairie dngt, which gives the wool a bad appearance. Lambs should be castrated and their tails shortened when from one to two weeks old, instead of deferring that operation until shearing, as is the usual practice. After shearing, the whole flock, old and young, should be dipped in a decoction of tobacco, using about ten pounds to one hundred sheep. If the flock is healthy, once is sufficient. If afiected with the scctb, which is so common, repeat the operation in the course of two or three weeks, and a perfect cure will probably bo effected. Then tar their noses to defend them from the fly, which occasions the grub, and mark them, and they are ready for the pasture. If your flock is large, so that you can afford to employ a shepherd, well. If not, several farmers may put their flocks together, and engage a shepherd to take them to the uncultivated prairie, if it be at a distance of ten, twenty, or even thirty miles, where may be found a favorable range. By this method a man may keep a large flock, though he own but a small farm, as it leaves the whole farm for cultivation and for meadow ; and he can grow wool at a handsome profit, even at present prices, and especially if he be caieftil to procure good, heairy fleeced bucks. And, by the way, I have a few yet on hand. And by taking this course, wool can be grown here at le§s cost, and hence with greater profits than in the older States.

G-BNTLKMEN : - I havc been requested to read an essay at this meeting upon Blooded Stock; and thinking that one upon Blooded Cattle would give ihe best satisfaction, I have endeavored to put together a few remarks upon

Here we are, gentlemen, in the year 1855. When at the commencement of this Society, it was said, by this time such an immense number of cattle would be bred upon our prairies that they would not be worth the trouble to seek them up in the fall ; and yet, gentlemen, year after year the price of meat creeps gradually up, and the demand treads closer and closer on the heels of supply. Well, gentlemen, if it is now a settled point with you that it is profitable to breed stock, the point for our consideration is this ; What sort of stock shall we breed^shall we go on and allow our cows to have calves at any time of the year, and by any buU they chance to meet, and so breed in and in until they become so deteriorated that they are so many potbellied runts ? Gentlemen, it takes a long time to get any flesh upon these fellows' bones ; and if you calculate the cost of getting them fit for the butcher, you will find that you are a loser by ever having had them at all. - ' Then why go on counting the value of stock by numbers, instead of excellence ? Gentlemen, you are not alone in^this mistake; there are many farmers in England who cannot be persuaded to improve their stock, but go on year after year, breeding in and in until their stock is worthles&^^hard to fat, and worth but little when fatted ; selling for nine cents, when his neighbor, who has taken pains with his stock and has improved it, brings a fatted steer to market, gets twenty cents per lb. for it. How is this, gentlemen ? You may think this only takes place in England, where people have plenty of money ; but, gentlemen, these things have happened here in this country, and indeed are happening every day - not as a wonder, but because people just know the the difference between good beef and bad ; and notwithstanding the difference in price, will have the good, if it is to be had. To establish this feet, I beg to digress for a moment, to read to you from the New York Tribune, of December 15th, 1854:

" City Items. - Value of Improvement in Beef Cattle. - A pair of three years old steers were sold yesterday at the Bull's Head Market for $450. They were full blooded Durhams. They were very fine in bone and handled admirably; we think that they were the finest pair of beeves ever offered in this market; the weight of beef in each was estimated at 1500- - the owner thought they would weigh more. They were bred by Capt. Garrett, Woodstock county, Ey. There were in the same pen, three Durham heifers, which were sold for $500. There were sold the same day, in the same market, many othar Native steers and heifers, from $25 to $30 eadi - this would require thirty head to produce the same amount as the five Durhams. The value of impovement was perfectly manifest - the ijieat of one grade

Now, gentlemen, if you are satisfied that it is for your profit to improve your stock, tlie question arises, which is the best way to accomplish that object ?

Now, gentlemen, Ehglish noblemen and gentlemen have been contending against each other for more than a hundred years to obtain the highest prizes for the best cattle ; they have crossed their cattle in every way, and have come to this conclusion, that Durhams for size and beef, Devons for beauty and v.orking oxen, and Aldei-ncys for rich milk and docility, are best. Now let us look at the merits of each breed - and we will begin with the Devon: Although the Devon cows are no better milkei's than the Durham, and do not grow so large, therefore are not so profitable for beef; yet it is universally admitted that they make the best working oxen in the world ; they will plow more land and draw heavier loads than oxen of any other breed; they are quick in their step, of gfeat endurance, and their strength in proportion to their size is very great ; they have that sweetness and goodness of temper, that stoutness and honesty of work, to which many teams of horses cannot pretend. I wish that the opponents of ox teams eoulil visit the valleys of Devonshire, to see what the well bred Devon ox is capable of performing, and how he performs it. You can see them work for hours together, without one harsh word being heard, or the whip ever being used ; and it is an undoubted fact, that in harvest time the farmers will trot along with the empty *agons sis miles an hour, a thing which no other bread of cattle have ever been found to stand in hot weather. Then, gentlemen, is it not reasonable to presume that they would stand the hot weather in this country better than any other breed whatever ? Color is, or should be blood red, and when the bull is thorough bred, such is the preponderating strength of the red coloi" in the blood that ninety calves out of a hundred will be red, although the cows shall be of different color. This makes it easier for you to mat<;h your working oxen, and makes them pleasant and agreeable to the driver, as well as to all those who* have taste for well matched and good looking oxen. Oh, yes ! some of you will say, we know that this is so, but wc cannot afford to purchase this Devon bull. Yes you can, gentlemen^, three or four of yon club together and purchase a good one ; he will soon pay for himself. Most of you have got some good Native cows. I have seen scores of cows in this county that every male calf by a thorough bred bull would be worth thirty doUai-s ; and keep all the heifers yourselves - then in two years sell your bull, and by this time his stock

Well, now, gentlemen, we have quite a number of fine two years old heifers, by a thorough bred Devon bull. £rentlemen, those heifers are very valuable. Having sold this bull, you must purchase another one, and he must not be in any way related to the one sold. Now let us consider the Durhams, which, to cross with your half breed Devons. I strongly recommend you to purchase a thorough bred, short homed Durham bull. Here we have size, beauty, and fatting qualities. At what time this breed of cattle found their way to England, or by whom they were imported, is unknown ; but there is a tradition that towaids the seventeonth century a bull and some cows were introduced into Holderness. But this we know - that whatever diiference of opinion may prevail in regard to the merits of those two breeds of cattle, it is now admitted by every judge of cattle that the short Durhams possess, in an eminent degree, a combination of quaUtics which have long been considered incompatible; that is, the disposition to fat rapidly, in union with the veiy best dairy qualifications, is here intended to be conveyed. Their reputation as extraordinary milkers where they are kept is undoubted ; and I could here give many recorded facts from undisputed authority, of those feats at the milk pail, but it might invite incredulity. I will mention one thing which has taken place in this country. In September, 1850, in Avon, Livingston county, New York, a gentleman made an affidavit that a short horned Durham cow, imported thither, produced twenty lbs, of butter per week, for eight weeks. And for myself, gentlemen, I have no doubt of the truth of that affidavit.

Now, gentlemen, I desire to impi'ess upon your minds the capabilities of this breed for a return for the food consumed, and the unparalleled early period at which such returns may be made. Indeed, early maturity is the grand and elevating characteristic of this breed. Their capacity to continue growing, at the same time attaining that beautiful ripeness of condition at so early an age, has excited the wonder of every judge of cattle. In this particular they have never been equaled ; and in every trial between them and other breeds, by different gentlemen, the Durhams have always been successful. They are seldom kept longer than three years old, and weigh from eighteen to twenty-five Imndred. In this breed, gentlemen, we have that pleasing vivacity of countenance, plainly distinguishing it from all other breeds; that fine mellow skin and flesh; wide and deep girth about the heart and lungs ; wide carcass, and fore quarters of extraordinary depth and capacity; wide loins; round and deep hips; and indeed, beauty appears in every point. And here, gentlemen, I might give many proofs of their exttaordi- nary weight, but two will' be sufficient. Sir Henry Grey of Howick, bred two steers, Durhams, whicb, when three yeairs and one month old, were killed ; one weighing 176 stone, and the other 183 stone, 14 lb. to the stone, equal to 52601bs. A heifer, three years old, bred by Miss Allen, of Grange, fed on hay and grass alone, weighed eighteen hundred' pounds. General Simson's stock, of the same breed, was sold in 1853, at his seat at Pitcorthie, Fifeshire, Scotland, consisting of 12 cows, 5 two years old heifers, 3 bull calves, 1 bull, 4 one year old heifers, and 6 heifer calves - 3 1 in all, for the sum of 1 886 guineas, equal to $303 each, a large number of them being calves. This being in Scotland, I make this statement to show you how they thrive in a climate so far north, and so different from their native one, Is it sui-prising, then, that this breed of cattle should have become objects of public notice, and that both in England, and in every country where agriculture is attended to, they are in increasing request ? Again : Is it surprising that this breed, having such a disposition to fat, should not also be good for milk and butter ? Is it not reasonable that the artificial change in the animal economy which leads to an excessive secretion of flesh and fat, should also not be productive of other rich secretions, as milk and butter ? Gentlemen, this subject will be better understood by aild by.

Now^, gentlemen, we have got this valuable stock ; if not thorough bed, it is well bred, and is valuable. What shall we do with it ? Shall we leave it to battle against the prairie winds of Wisconsin ? God forbid. Few men realize the importance of providing shelter for their stock during the cold and stonns of winter. I am certain that the saving of food and the benefit to the cattle, would more than pay for the cost of building the shelter. It is a well known fact that a certain quantity of food is required to keep up animal heat, and when exposed to the cold storms of a Wisconsin winter, unless their food be of a good quality, they can scarcely eat enough to keep up the required heat. Then, gentlemen, nature steps in and will not be denied ; but takes the flesh and fat of the animal, and consumes it to make the required heat to keep the blood in circulation. So that your cattle grow pooler and poorer every day; whereas, if they were in a warm place, less than half the food would suffice to keep up this required heat and spare food eaten would go to make good blood, and good blood makes good flesh ; so your cattle would become fatter and heavier every day with even less food. You may pretend, gentlemen, that you are in a new country, and you cannot build barns. Well, suppose you cannot ; that is no excuse at all ; you can take your wagon and fetch home a load of poles and crutehes, make a long shed, and instead of leaving your straw just where you thresh your grain, to be in your way next spring, when you bi^n to plow, and to get rid of it j'ou -burn it - pray do not do this shameful thing again; no, bring it home, every bit of it, and cover your long shed with it, and make it wai-m; vi'hat you have to spare, pile up for bedding - good beds are useful to keep cattle tvarai, and convei-ts your straw into manure which you will appreciate by and by. Tie up all your cattle - everyone; leave none to seek their own shelter. Is there a man in this room, who in a cold winter night would not go to his bed much happier and with more satisfaction to himself, if he were satisfied that all his cattle were warm and comfortable - instead of hearing his calves bleat, his cattle low and moan all night, driven hither and thither, trying in vain to find a place of shelter from the ruthless storm without ? I never see this state of things without pain, and also feeling that the owner is a heartless and cruel man. I may not always be correct, but I cannot help feeling so. Grentlemen, depend upon it, that the man who cheats his cattle cheats himself; and the man who neglects tq find suitable food and shelter for all his cattle is cruel to them an^ unjust to himself, and his punishment is sure and certain, in poportion to, his neglect. This, gentlemen, is the order of Providence, and it is just. Resolve, gentlemen, therefore, that your cattle shall all be housed next winter at least by a good warm shed - that you will not waste your hay and straw by wintering your cattle in the open yard, without even a rack, but that you will take good care of them ; you know you often lose two or three of your yearlings in the early spring, by death, and then you have to bemoan your bad luck. It is not bad luck - it is neglect. Take good care of your cattle, and frorn that time you will have good luck and happiness.

N. B. - Mr. Martin, the author of the aibove essay, has recently imported a thorough bred Durham heifer from England. She was weighed in this city when one year and three weeks old - ^which showed her extraordinary weight to be 1,020 lbs., after having traveled nearly five thousand miles.

Essay On Poultry

Gentlemen: - With a thank ye for the feather stuck in my hat by your appointment, and the assurance that I shall not on the occasion appear /m?Z fledged, I proceed to discuss the subject assigned. The term Poultry was extensive before it embraced a political party - therefore begging to refer you for minuter particulars to the able authors who have compiled volumes, and as able editors who have treated of this subject in their columns, I proceed to some practical suggestions upon my theme. The bird tribe in all its varieties is admired for beauty - the sheen and gloss of plumage - the variety and splendor of colors - the exquisite symmetry of form, and ease of motion, and the crowning gloiy of song-^all commend them to our hearty approval. And the man who is insensible to theu- attractions, is like him who has no music in his soul - is only

'' Fit for treason, stratagem, and spoils ; The nnotions of his spirit are dull as night, And his affections dark as Erebus ; Let no such man he trusted."

Bui when the taste for the beautiful can be gratified, and at the same time solid utility secured, it is not surprising that all should be inclined to profit by it ; hence the general attempt to raise the domestic fowl. This attempt should be guided by intelligence, in order to result in the highest advantage. Here, in our endeavors to rear poultiy, we are blest in many regards above others. Our atmosphere is dry, and is thus peculiarly adapted to all the bird tribe, even the aquatics - for the fowl fancier must avoid all sources of damp as he would the fowl fiend. "We are favored too in our soil, which is dry and warm - above all, the ease with which the cereals are cultivated on our prairies, especially invites to this branch of agricultural enterprise and thrift. When com can be raised at the trifling expense of ten cents to the bushel, the farmer can rear and maintain poultry to as great an extent as he pleases, and not only will his money be increased, but tbe liealtli of his household be enhanced and their domestic comfort be greatly promoted. - Having briefly presented the facts, to persuade that it mil pay, we proceed to the " Locus Vexatus " in the subject, and must meet the question : What kind of chickens shall we keep? With many this is not a difficult matter to decide. As with apples in the olden times, so with fowls now. Every man prides himself upon having the best breed - they lay the largest eggs and occasionally two per day ! And their flesh is ahead of anything out - of an egg shell ! Such breeds of course will be kept by such men, and by but few others. In adopting any variety of poultry - and I should recommend to most persons to keep but one breed, and to keep that one well - we require, first, hardihood of constitution. This point should be regarded as of vital importance. Next to this, should be placed prolificness. We keep the hen generally for her eggs, and the one that in a given time will furnish the lai'gest number and the largest eggs, too, must have the preference. Then we place delicacy of flesh. Next, size. The moral qualities, so to speak - the tameness and docility of your breed, should not be overlooked. What, then, is the variety which combines to the greatest degree all these qualities ? The common fowl, which claims to belong to no breed at all, may be, and doubtless are, very hardy, or they would not live under the treatment they generally meet with. We concede to the Polands abundant in prolificness, but they are stupid and shi/, bom being nearly blind. The Creepers, too, are gi'eat layers. But most of usprefer turkeys to chirpingbirds for our tables. The Dorkings are acknowledged to be of delicate flesh. But I have found them of very delicate constitution also. Still I would defer to othei's who may have had a larger experience with them. The Black Spanish is very highly commended for fecundity, and if they do not belie theh reputation will be a very profitable and popular fowl - but complaint is made of them by some^ as being tender. We intend at some time to give them as favorable a trial as possible, and shall then be able to speak of them from experience. Still if these two last varieties were superior in every other respect, they are greatly below the Asiatic fowls in point of size. We can only speak from personal acquaintance of two varieties of these birds - the White and Buff Shanghais. Of these two, I have found the White a tender chick - though of surpassing beauty. With regard to the Buff, I so far entirely accord with the opinion of M. B. Batoham, of the Ohio Cultivator, who recommends this bird especially to the attention of the American farmer. I find them, on trial, a robust, hearty fowl, more fruitful than any with which I have been acquainted - with great regularity laying their egg a day for weeks. For size they are very fine - the cocks with me

^-oighing 6-1 lbs. at six months old. An impression unfavorable to the quality of their flesh, has obtained somewhat in the coiiutry, but why, I am unable to say, unless it be explicable on the principle that certain grapes were regarded sour among the foxes. For like those grapes, these chickens have been so high as to be thought too precious for the table. Still we have tried them in this direction also, and I would as heartily bear my testimony to their excellence, as I fared upon them when served np for dinner, as to their superior qualities in laying, morals and size.

Essay On Fruit And Ornamental Trees

Somebody has said, somewhere, that the man who made two blades of grass grow where only one grew before, was a public benefactor. I think it may be said, with equal truth, that the man who, in this prairie country of ours, makes, a tree grow where only grass grew before, is a public benefactor, and deserves well of his countiy.

During the few years immediately succeeding the year 1847, every branch of industry in this country, was so depressed as to preclude all idea of improvement in agriculture of the mechanic arts. We were then burdened with debts incurred by the purchase or improvement of our lands, and the support of our families, aggravated by the loss of our crops, our distance from market, and the miserably low prices obtained for what little produce we could raise and find any market for. This state of things did not terminate with one or two seasons, but continued long enough to affect materially and injuriously, not only the pecuniary condition of individual settlers, but it also retarded immigration into Wisconsin, and drove away to California and Oregon, many of the best of our population. These things are matters of history, daguerreotyped on the memories of some of us, and so well recollected by all as to render the mention of them here unnecessary except as an introduction to what I desire to say, as to the duty of those of us who have survived the hard times, and are now in possession of the fairest portion of

God's eartli. Ouv country cannot now be called, wlLli much propriety, a new cdutttry; We have no forests to cut down, the labor of the pioneer, the logging, gi'ubbing and clearing, has been done by a power mightier than ours, and these unshorn prairies are only awaiting the ordinaiy labors of the husbandman, to transform them into fields of grain; fruits and vegetables. -We are now in reach of a market for anything which we can produce. Then why should we be compelled to pay three cents apiece for peaches and apples, and two cents for plums, or abstain from the use of them, when they can be raised, and are by some raised, as well here as anjrwhere else. That is a question which is easily asked, and perhaps not very hard to answer. - Yet the answer may be somewhat suggestive. In my judgment, the great want of this country is fiiiit ; and I know of no motive that could ever have been presented to the minds of any people that should not operate upon us to produce it. We cannot now, when called upon by the nurseryman, put on a long face, pull out a long, empty purse, regret the loss of our hedgerow, the want of a market, and hope for a better time, when we can buy a few trees, or sell to some one willing to wait for trees to grow. If we were to attempt to play off this joke, (which would; five years since,have been no jokr,'^ It would be unsuccessful. They all know better. Times are changed. The better time hoped for has come, and we owe to ourselves and children, and those who are to come hereafter into possession of the lands we now possess, to transmit these lands improved, cultivated and beautified, if possible, into their hands. We certainly should add something to the value of every acre that passes through our hands. I know of nothing better calculated to produce or increase that love of home, which is at the same time a protection and ornament for our children, than the introduction and cultivation of fruits and flowers. No home is complete without them ; and yet how few are furnished with them. There is no better investment for the farm, no matter if one wishes to sell before his trees commence bearing; an orchard will always add more than double its cost to the market value of any farm. It adds to the appearance of a home, and we are beginning to estimate a man as much by the number and variety of his fruit trees, as by the number of his acres, bushels and dollars ; and I think it a safer standard, if there is any propriety in any of these rules of judging. There is a manifest improvement in reference to fruit, as in other respects, but I think not commensurate with its importance. We can tear down our straw sheds, and build bams and houses that are at once fit for use, yielding an immediate return for the outlay of cash and labor. Not so with fruit. It cannot be obtained so readily, and time is an object. A year's growth is of a very great importance. It was the boast of an English nobleman, when speaking of a poor man who had made himself rich, that although money would build fine houses, it would not provide the old ancestral oaks which were the pride of his family. It is true that those of us who are somewhat advanced must plant soon if we wish to enjoy. Who of us is there who does not love trees and shrubs and flowers ? Not one I believe. And although I have often seen men who would profess a total indifference to all these things, and say they were only fit for women and children, yet I never saw the man who would not pay more money for a place where fruits and shrubs and flowers were cultivated, than for a place of the same value in other respects, where they were not cultivated. I plead guilty to an unbounded afiection for trees and shnibs and flowers ; it may be effeminate, but certainly is not likely to be a very dangerous effeminacy in our day and generation. Very few are emasculated by it if we are to judge from appearances, and probably I should have escaped suspicion but for my usual candor, Really we are many of us very remiss in what materially affects our pecuniary interest, our good name in the estimation of each other and "the rest of mankind." As a mere. matter of dollars and cents, every tree and shrub and flower put on your place pays ? It increases the market value of the place ; it increases its attractions for you and your family and everybody else. What is it about our old eastorn boyhood home that we cherish the recollection of most tenderly ? Certainly not the potatoes and corn and horses, hogs and cattle ; but shall we ever forget the old rusty-coat tree, the seek-no-further, spitzenburg, pound sweeting, and the old grape house with the superincumbent grapes, the old pear tree just behind it, the egg and damson plum, the black-heart and red cherries, the strawberries and raspberries, gooseberries and currants The purple and white lilac, snow ball, and the old red peony, on each side of the walk, an old half bushel with the bottom out, around one, and an old sieve around the other, of all the thousand things we can recollect are the most pleasant ; these are the friends unaffected by any changes, but those that increases one's attachment to them. And shall we not fmnish for our little ones these links to fasten them to home ? The cultivation of trees, shrubs and flowers forms an important branch of a farmer's education, and it behooves us in these days of improvement to see to it that we educate ourselves, and those emanating from ourselves, who look to us for right directions in all things. We have no agricultural schools or colleges, and if we had, the best part of one's life is spent, and the best part of one's education is obtained at home. Let us take, then, a proper interest in this branch of husbandry, let us begin by obtaining at once, (those who have not already done so,) a good variety of fruits, shrubs and flowei-s, encourage in ourselves a fondness for them, learn to graft, inoculate and bud, study the habits of the different va- rietics, learn what are bi3St suited to our soil and climate, wliat are most productive, profitable, palatable and healthy, and I iirmly believe that a handsome return for an outlay of thousands may be realized in the improved health of our whole population. I think that many of our most troublesome diseases may be avoided by a constant use of fruit, and the doctors' bills proportionalsly reduced. We have much to encourage, and little to discourage us, in the course I recommend. We have the means. Some have made experiments. It is ascertained that fruit can be raised in Wisconsin. The finest plums and pears I ever saw were raised in Rock. Our Society has been the means, to some extent, of disseminating a knowledge of what has been done, and may it not be the means of inducing greater and more general efibrt to show what can be done ?

It is to be expected that I should be prepared to say something of the mode of propagating, cultivating, grafting, hybridizing, inoculating or budding the different kinds of fruit, and here I am free to confess, I cannot meet the just expectations of the Society. My object is rather to encourage a taste for this branch of husbandry, and show that the gi-atification will pay, for that is the universal test in this country, and leave the details to those who have studied far more carefully and thoroughly than I have, what is necessary to enable one to impart the requiisite practical information ; but if any one has doubts on the subject, as to whether fruits, - shrubs and flowei-s can can be successfully and profitably raised here, let him visit James Caldwell and Hiram Taylor and Dr. Mitchell, of JanesviUe, and our ex-President, J. F. Willard, of Eock, and many othere whose names do not now occur to me ; but here he can find occular demonstration of the truth of what I say - evidence addressed to his outward senses, and if in the proper season, he may comfort his inner man with most convincing and satisfactory proof. And now while farmers are building houses and bams and fences, enlarging their fields and crops and purses, while everything prospei's with them, while they are indulging their taste for fine stock, by the purchase of Morgans and Black Hawks, short horns and Devons, French and Spanish merinoes. South downs and Leicestere, Suffolk, Berkshire and Byfields, shanghais, chittagongs and bantams, is it asking too much that they should consider the claims of the fruits, shrubs and flowers that flourish so well in Wisconsin, do so much to improve the appearance of our prairies, put so much money in our purees, learn our children to love their homes, and leam us to love them too, elevate us in the estimation of the citizens of other states, and do so much to make Rock what it ought to be, the first county in the State in popidation and production, intelligence and wealth ? I think it is not asking too much. Let us profit by the example of those who have succeeded in raising good fruit-

Let us begin at once - this fall - and show that this Society is doing something to improve the breed of men, women and children, as well as horses, hogs and chickens, and let it be said of us with all the force of truth, " By their fruits ve shall know them."