H ': r|. mmm.. yO Class AIaA Bocic W7S ^ i I ■^^J>>i bo •3 a a >> ^ o a a o r3 o W PS O o o o n t5 I— I O H TRANSACTIONS OF THB WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. FOR THE YEARS 18^-6-7. ao i •\rorjXJ]S/iE] MADISON, ATWOOD AND RUBLEJB, PRINTERS. f"'- YORK Bor/,- - ADVEETISEMENT. G-^ ^ Ll. In presenting the fourth volume of the Transactions of the "Wisconsin State Agricultural Society, the Committee under whose charge it has been compiled and published, would com- mend it to the favorable attention of the citizens of the State, as furnishing a substantially correct record of the principal transactions of the State, and such of the County Agrictdtural Societies as have reported their proceedings for the years 1854, '55, '56, and '57. It will be seen that ^the Reports of the County Societies are few in number, which however, is not the fault of the commit- tee, as much effort has been made to obtain them, but in many cases without success. The frequent change of Secretaries of 3ocieties accounts lor most of the difficulty. The reports of committees, addresses, scientific and practical communications interspersed through the volume, will be found to embody much that is instructive and valuable, both to the student and the general reader ; and if some degree of sameness may ap- pear in a volume comprising four consecutive years, it will readily be excused when the importance of preserving a con- tinuous history of the Society's Transactions is considered. After a little time, these current volumes will contain the only printed history that can be found of our agricultural operations ; then their value will be duly appreciated. Hereafter the policy of the Society will undoubtedly be to publish their transactions promptly, at the close of each year ; 7716 6 ADVERTISEMENT. and perhaps in a somewhat diiferent style and shape, than the four preceding volumes; giving more scientific and practical miscellaneous matter, and less of the details of exhibitions. Some typographical, and also grammatical errors, will be met with through the work, mostly owing to our absence when numbers of the forms went to press. Those likely to mislead, in scientific articles have been corrected. To those who have prepared articles for the work, we would return sincere thanks in behalf of the Executive Committee. Eds. IISTDEX. I ¥ Page. Addresses, E. "W. Edgerton, President, at State Fair of 1854, 71 Hon. Harlow S. Orton, at State Fair of 1855, 116 Hon. A. C. Barry, at State Fair of 1856, 2(4 Prof. J. B. Turner, at State Fair of 1S5T, 87T Col. Z. P. Burdick, at Rock County Fair of 1855s 151 N. H, Dale, Esq., at Racine County Fair of 1856 813 Bruce E. McCoy, Esq., at Eacine County Fair of 1S57, 488 D.S. Curtiss.Esq., at Dane County Fair of 1857, 471 Hon. Peter W. Matts, President of said Society, at close of Fair, 477 Awards of Premiums at State Fair of 1854, 28 Cattle 28 Horses, 26 Sheep 26 M. Bingham's Statement, 27 Report of Committee on fine wooled Sheep, 80 Swine, 84 Poultry, 84 Committees report on do, 84 Farm Implements, 86 Cheese, 87 Thomas Hay's Statement, 37 Grain, 37 Wm. £. McClure's statement, 87 Vegetables, 88 A. G. Hanfor I's statement, 39 Report of Committee on Vegetables, 40 Domestic Manufactures, 48 Fruit, 44 Paintings, 45 Miscellaneous, 46 Report of Committee by I. A. Lapham, 47 Trial of Badger State Safes, 47 Fairbank's .'cales, perfection of 51 Mural maps, their history, . 56 Jawbone of Mastodon, 68 Sheep-shearing Festival at Whitewater, In 1854, 74 Report of Committee, 76 Award of Premiums 78 Statement of wool growers competing at Festival, 79 Awards of premiums at State Fair of 1855, 182 Cattle, 182 8 INDEX. Page. Horses, ■. 184 Bheep, 136 Swine, 137 Poultry, 188 Farm ImplementB 138 Dairy products, 139 Statement of Mrs. J, L. Boss In relation to butter, 189 Grain and seeds, 140 Domestic manufactures, 141 Needle and shell work, 141 Painting, 141 Stoves, cutlery, and silver ware, 142 Miscellaneous and discretionary, 142 Farm and garden products, 144 B. 0. Chnrche's statement on sweet potatoes, 144 Fruits, 146 Moore Spear's list of 88 varieties of apples, 146 Awards of premiums at State Fair of 1856, •. 276 Cattle 276 Horses, 278 Trotting and road horses, 282 Sheep, 280 Farm Implements, 288 Dairy products, 284 Farm and garden products, .285 Domestic manufactures, 286 Manufactures other than domestic, 287 Paintings, ambrotypes, etc., r < 288 Book bindmg, 288 Stoves, cutlery, and silver ware, 288 Miscellaneous and discretionary, 288 Fruits, 291 Eeportof Committee on blood horses, 843 On grain and vegetables, 851 Awards of premiums at State Fair of 1857, 892 Cattle, 892 Keport on blood cattle, .... .486 Horses, 895 Sheep, 897 Swine, 399 Poultry, 400 Plowing match, 400 Farm implements, 401 General report of committee on do, 427 Operative machinery, 408 Farm products, 405 Butter, 406 Process of making premium butter, 406 Cheese, 406 H. E. VogeVs statement, 488 Process of making premium cheese, 407 Bread 408 Domestic manufactures 409 Needle, shell and wax work, 411 Manufactures other than domestic, ....... , 412 INDEX. . 9 » Page. MilUnery, 412 Printing and book binding, 418 Paintings, drawings, engravings, etc., 414 Boots and shoes, 415 Carriages, otc, 416 Hats, etc. 416 Cabinet ware, 416 Stoves, etc., 416 Fruits, etc., 417 Flowers, 417 Discretionary department, 418 Miscellaneous Ariicles, 413 General report of committee, 420 Ladles equestrian display, 419 Report of committee, 440 T:otting, 420 Communication on Long Wooled Sheep, John P. Koe, 89 Gypsum as a Fertilizer. Prof. J. W. Hoyt, 94 Manufacture of butter and cheese, Mrs. Jane Ecss, 191 To sweeten rancid butter, " " " 19'^ To make cream cheese, " " " 195 Forest trees of Wisconsin, T. A. Lapham . 195 ExhibitioH of trotting and road horees at State Fair of 18&5, Geo. O. Tiffany, Habits of the Alanda Alpettris, or Prairie Lark, William De Baron, 853 The Mines of Wisconsin, Prof. E. Daniels, 356 Eural architecture and resdences, D. S. Curtlss, 362 Analysis of the Iron ore of Iron Eidge. Prof. J. L, Cassels, 504 Communication of Prof. Daniels, 509 Communication of Dr. Jackson, 509 El glish blood horse " King of Cymry," Geo. O. Tiffany, 510 Constitution of State Agricultural Society, as amended Feb. 14, 1865, 109 of Grant County Agricultural Society, .384 of Winnebago County Agricultural Society, 338 Officersof the State Agricultural Society, for 1854, 15 « « " •' 1855, 108 « « » " 1856, 256 a « " " 1857, 372 Eeporta of County Agricultural Societies. Columbia County, 1854, 83 " " 1855, 172 «i » 1856, 327 1857, 441 Calumet County, 1856, 841 " " 1857, 443 Dane County, 1856, 842 1857, 468 Dodge County, 1866, 305 Fond du Lac County, 1854, 86 « " « 1855, 160 « " « 1856, 823 'Grant County, 1856, 834 Green County, 1854, 1855, 1856, 1857, 294 Iowa County, 1856, 310 " " 1857, 445 Eeport of G. W. Standart, on Sorghum, 452 10 • IXDEX Page. Jeffiaxson County, 1556, 320 " '^ 1557, _ 45S Kenosha Countr, 8SS Lfi Crosse County. J 556. 32S Lafayette County, 1557 479 Marquette County, 1557, 454 PlerM Counly, 1556, 293 Racine County, 1556 811 " " 1557, 451 Bock County, 1S55, 149 Sank County, 1556. 306 '• •• 1557, 456 Sheboygan County. 1557, 496 Winnebago County, 1555, ISS 1556, S8T " " 1557, 457 Walworth County, 1556 300 Waushara County, 1557, 494 Wanpsc«a County, 1557, 497 Eeporti of Executive Ccmmittee to Governor 155i 17 1S55 113 1S56, 257 1S57, : 517 gt*tement of fiscal aSairs of Society 1554, 20 1S55. 115 1856, 168 1?57 538 Synopsis of entries at State Fairs. 1554. 22 1555, 131 1S56, 279 1557 890 Morth- Westein Union Agricuhural Society, 1 557, 495 Wisconsin Fruit Growers Association. 1556, ....292 " " '• " 1S57 499 Miscellaneous Articles. Beview of the Period. 1554, lOi life. Honorary, and Anniial Members, for 1555, 112 Life Members in 1557, 18 Executive Committee, action for 1557. ._ 873 Index to Communication on Forest Trees, 11 Errata, 527 INDEX TO COMMUNICATION ON FOREST TREES OF WISCONSIN. PAOB., pxau ABiMtlb*, MIchx **T !Oupina»Ain«iiakna,Mlchx ...888 bitlMme*. M»r»h 94' C*ry« »Ib», Nnlt 280 CwuMJensU, Mlchx MS Porclna, MIcb 281 nigT*. rolr W9; gl»br», Torr 981 AOB d»«yoifimiii, Ehrh *« Ctiu, rcl ~ 250 IVnniylvmlcuni, Linn 90«| wblt« 950 rul.ruiii, Linn 209 OlUa oecldenUlta, Linn 227 Mcr»i»rlnuin, W»ng *'* , Conwns, n M8 CbMtnct Oak, gwwnp 288 Beech 98« Choke Cherry 217 Kim 2*4 Coffee Tre«, Kentocdy 211 Larch 2*9 Cottoa wood 248 .V.>untaln Ash 220 Crab Apple 210 Angled Cottonwood 248! Crataegus cocdnea, Linn 818 Arbor Vllae 86o| pu n<-tau .lacq 219 Aah.Mack 222 Dotte«l-Frulled Thorn 219 MounUln 2J0 EIin,Amer1c»n 224 W hite Ml I Slippery 824 Aopen 9481 White 224 Balmof01lea> Olaedltechla triacanthes, Linn 212 Betula excelsa Ait 241 Gray Sciab Pine 245 papyraeea Alt 24'> Oymnoclados Canadensis 211 Birch, canoo 240 Hackberry 227 Paper 24o Hackmatack 249 Yellow 241 Hemlock 243 Bird Cherry 216! Hickory, pignut 281 Black Ash 222 i Shag- bark 230 Cherry 2 1 7 j Honey, Locust 212 Spruce 249 Hornbeam 288 Walnut 229 Iron-wood 289 BoiF.lder 210 Jnglans cinerea, Linn 828 Bar Oak 28S nigra, Linn 2S9 Butternut 222, Jane berry 521 Button wood 227 Jnnlperns VlrglnlanaJLInn 280 CanoeBircb ^ 240 ' Kentucky Coffee Tree 211 12 INDEX. PAGE Larch, American 249 Larlxc, Americana 249 Maple, Mountain 206 Eed 209 Silver 209 Striped 20T Sugar 207 Mountain Ash 220 Maple 206 Negundo aceroides, Moench 210 Norway Pine 246 Oak, Bur 282 Pin 235 Post 232 Eed 224 Scarlet 234 Swamp Chestnut 233 Swamp White 238 White 233 Ostrya Virginica, Willd 239 Paper Birch 240 Pignut Hickory 281 Pin Oak 235 Pine, Gray Scrub 245 Norway 246 Ked 246 White 246 Yellow 246 Plnus Banksiana, Lamb 246 mitls, Michx 246 resinosa Ait 246 Btrobus, Linn 246 Plane Tree 22T Platanus occidentalis, Linn 227 Plum, Wild 214 Poplar, Balm of Gilead 244 Large toothed 248 Populus angulata, Ait 243 balsamifera, Linn 244 candicans, Ait 245 grandidentata, Michx 243 tremuloides, Michx .243 Post Oak 232 Prunus Americana, Marsh 214 Pennsylvanlca, Linn 216 serotina, Ehrh 217 Virginiana, Linn 217 Pyrus Americana, D.C 220 coronaria, Linn .21o QuercHsalba, Linn 233 bicolor, Wild 239 PAGB Quercufl coccinea, Wang 234 macrocarpa, Michx 233 obtusitoba, Michx 282 palustris, Du Eoy 235 prinos.'Linn 233 rubra, Linn 284 Eed Cedar 250 Maple 208 Oak 284 Pine 246 River Willow 242 Salix discolor, Muhl 241 fluviatilis Nutt 242 lucida, Muhl 242 scarlet Oak 284 Fruited Thorn 218 Scrub Pine 245 Shag-bark Hickjry 242 Shining Willow 242 Silver Maple 209 Slippery Elm 224 Spruce, Black 249 White 249 Striped Maple 206 Sugar Maple 207 Swamp Chestnut Oak 233 Whte Oak 233 Sycamore 227 Tamarack 249 Thorn, Dotted- Fruited 219 Scarlet-Fruited 218 Thuja occidentalis, Linn 250" Tilia Americana, Linn 204 Ulmus Ameiicana, Linn 224 fulva, Michx 224 Walnut, Black 229 White 228 WhiteAsh 221 Cedar 250 Elm 224 Oak 283 Pine 246 Spruce 249 Walnut 228 Wild Black Cherry 217 Plum 214 Willow, Glaneous 241 liivftr 242 Shining 248 Yellow Birch 241 Pine 246 LIFE MEMBERS. Abbott, Chauncey, Madison. Gillett, R. E. Tomah. Atwood, David (( Grant, S. B. Milwaukee. Ayers, J. V., Kenosha. Hoskins, J, W. cc Allen, H. M., Evansville. Helfenstein, J. A. 11 Billings, H. M., Constance. Holt, David Madison. Bird, I. W., Jefferson. Hill, P. B. Milwaukee. Brazea, Benjamin, Wauwatosa. Ingham, A. C. Madison. Carver, P. S., Delavan. Janssen, E. H. Mequon. Chase, Enoch, Milwaukee. Johnson, J. C. Leyden. Cross, J. B., K Juneau, Paul Juneau. Cogswell, A. VV., Brookfield. Kellogg, L. H. Madison. Cheney, Bums, Whitewater. Lawton, J. G. Green Bay. Crawl, John, Centre. Lapham, I. A. Milwaukee. Daggett, S. S., Milwaukee. Larkin, C. H a Davis, N. P., Pierceville. Lockwood, John I. Delaplaine, G. P., Madison. Learned, J. M. Janesville. Dodge, J. E., Potosi. Macy, J. B. Fond du Lac. Dousman, T. C, W aterville. Marshall, Samuel Madison. Davis, S. B., Milwaukee. Mills, Simeon i( Drury, E. W., Fond du Lac. Mitchel, Alexander Milwaukee. Durkee, H., Kenosha. Needham, J. P. VV auwatosa. Davis, Gr. L., Milwaukee. Powers, D. J. Madison. Durkee, Charles, Kenosha. Proudfit, A. (I Dunn, Andrew, Portage City. Power, D. G. Milwaukee. Dean, N. VV., Madison. Palmer, H. L. ti Edgerton, E. W., Summit. Pinckney, Bertine RosendalC' EUmore, A. E., Muckwonago. Rogers, J. H. Milwaukee. Ellsworth, 0., Milwaukee. Ruble, Simon Beloit. Farwell, L. J., Madison. Roe, J. P. Franklin Fairbanks, E., St. Johnsbury, Vt. Roddis, T. R. Milwaukee. Ferguson, Benjamin , Fox Lake. Sage, E. C. Wauwatosa Field, Martin Muckwonago. Spaulding, William Harmony. 14 LIFE MEMBERS. Spaulding, J. Janesville. Throop, B. Milwaukee, Scott, S. B. Kenosha, "Webster, Martin Fox Lake. Smith, J. B. Milwaukee. Weed, Charles Madison' Sainclair, J. u White, W. A. n Taylor, VV. K. Cottage Grove. Whittlesey, T,T. Pheasant Branch, Tenney, H, A. Madison, Williams, C H. Baraboo. Thomas, M. J. Fond du Lac. Williams, G. G, Whitewater Townley, John, Moundville. Wilcox, C. T. Janesville. Todd, J. G. Janesville. TRANSACTIONS FOR 1854 i OFFICERS OF THE WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTUEAL SOCIETY, FOR 1854. PRESIDENT : ELISHA W. EDGERTON, of Summit. VICE PRESIDENTS : JAMES BUELING, Green Lake ; LEMUEL W. JOINER, Wyoming; NATHANIEL B. CLAPP, Kenosha. SECRETARY t ALBERT C. INGHAM, Madison. TREASURER : SAMUEL MARSHALL, Madison. ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE r SAMUEL S. DAGGETT, Milwaukee; RICHARD E. ELA, Rochester; H. N. SMITH, Plymouth ; AUGUSTUS F. CADY, Watertown. ]\IARK MILLER, Janesville; TALBOT C. DOUSMAN, Waterville. Ex Presidents Ex Officio Members : ERASTUS W. DRURY, Fond du Lac; H. M. BILLINGS, Highland TRANSACTIONS OF THE WISCONSIN STATE AGlilCULTUiUL SOCIETY. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR 1854. To His Excellency Wm. A. Barstow, Goyeexor of Wisconsin. Sir. — In compliance with an act entitled " An Act fortlie en- couragement of Agriculture and its kindred arts, in this State," the Executive Committee of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society would respectfully Keport, — That the past year has been to the Agriculturists of this State one of unexampled prosperity. Abundant harvests, which, under Providence have burthened our fields in every portion of the State, have been made still more" welcome from the increased market value over the products of former years. The increasing interest manifest- ed by attendance at our annual State Fair, from distant parts of the State ; the unusually fine exhibition of domestic animals, not only as to numbers, but quality, all tend to confirm the conviction that the Agriculturists of our State are awakening to a true sense of the importance of their high and chosen voca- tion, and the beneficial influence of State and County Fairs. 18 WISCONSEST AGEICULTUEE. Believing that tlie business of Sheep and Wool growing was one in which this State was deeply interested, from the peculiar- ly favorable adaptation of both soil and climate to that branch of farming ; the committee appointed a Sheep Shearing Festival, to be held at Whitewater, on the 29th of May last, as a matter of experiment, to test the comparative value of the different breeds of Sheep for profit. The results obtained, and interest manifested, were gratifying in the extreme. A more full re- port will be found in its appropriate place. The Annual State Fair was held at Milwaukee on the 4th, 5th and 6th of Oct, The exhibition of Agricultural and Mechani- cal Implements, and stock of various kinds, was much larger than at any previous fair. A fine nnd bracing temperature, so pecu- liar to our Wisconsin autumns, animated and revived the spirits of the people, somewhat debilitated from the effects of an ex- cessively hot summer. The strains of martial music, and fine display of the Milwaukee Military and Fire Companies, on re- view, altogether added to the pleasure and enjoyment of the occasion. The presence of the Governor and principal ofiicers of State, with many distinguished citizens of other States, mani- fested that not only the Agriculturist and Mechanic took a deep interest in the prosperity of the Society, but that it 23ervaded all ranks and conditions, whether engaged in agriculture or other pursuits. Another highly gratifying feature attendant upon the fair, was noticeable by the most casual observer, — the entire absence of intoxication. This was attributable mainly to the efforts of Mayor Kilbourn, in prohibiting the sale of liquor in the vicinity, and the total prohibition of its sale with- in the enclosure by the executive committee. The results of the fair were in all respects quite gratifying to all concerned, and demonstrated conclusively that such gather- ings can be made, not only highly interesting to the great masses of our sterling and enterprising people, but also highly useful in all respects, in the way of developing the progress, the taste, and skill, of our young but growing State. The Executive Committee do not deem it a stretch of the im- agination to assert, that in their opinion, every well conducted State Fair, reckoned in all its bearings, is calculated to add at EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE EEPOET. 19 least hundreds of thousands o± dollars to the wealth of the State ; besides all other general elevating influences. They are a utili- tarian holiday institution, that could not well be dispensed with now-a-days, in a State of any enterprise. In order to secure from injury, the various implements, grains and articles, collected for exhibition, many of which are quite valuable, and liable to great damage, from exposure to the weather ; it became indispensably necessary that more capacious and ample protection should be provided. The committee of a previous year had j)rocured tents for the purpose, and for which the society was indebted. It being considered by them advisa- ble to use tents for the safety of the articles deposited, so long as there was no stated place of holding our annual fairs, — tents could be moved with ease and facility to a distance, and would be serviceable for years, therefore, under all the circumstances, the most economical and convenient. This item of expenditure, the largest in our report, will not have to be repeated. The ex- pense of fitting up grounds for each annual fair, with enclosures, etc., which are of no use after the close of the fair, and form a large item in our expenditures, could be entirely obviated by the Legislature making an appropriation for fitting up a per- manent fair ground and fixtures, either in the vicinity of Madi- son, or elsewhere, for holding the annual fairs of the Society. The Volume of Transactions for 1853, after many delays, some of them unavoidable, and more of them entirely needless, was at length gotten out, nnd as a whole in quite a creditable manner, considering the facilities and accommodations for book making in a new country. The article therein upon the grasses, together with llie illustrations by I. A. Lapham, Esq., is a very valuable contribution to science, and creditable alike to the au- thor and the State. The edition of 2000 copies has been mainly and extensively distributed through the members of the Legis- lature, and others, to the more intellectual of the State ; to the County Agricultural Societies, and in exchange with the socie- ties of other States. The publication of the Transactions for 1854 and 1855, together will save a considerable amount to the State, and embrace all properly in one volume. It will, if possible, be prepared for dis- 20 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. tribution early in. 1856. Such publications, in order to be of the greatest j)0ssiblc utility, should, in the opinion of the com- mittee, be published as soon as possible after the annual fair. Such seeds as came to hand, were extensively distributed through tlie members of the Legislature ; and it is to be re- gretted that the supply was not more abundant ; as through the aid of the members of the Legislature, the Transactions of the Society, and valuable seeds and grains, can be widely and easily disseminated. Our members of Congress have been requested to forward from the patent of&cc, a more abundant supply of choice seeds, and Patent Office Eeports, for distribu- tion, which will undoubtedly be complied with. The committee herewith submit a report of the Financial Af- fairs of the Society, including its receipts and expenditures, the vouchers for which are ou file in the office of the State Agricul- tural Society, and open to the inspection of the appropriate committee. All of which is respectfully submitted. STAI'EMENT Of the Fiscal affiiirs of the Wisconsin State Agricultural So- ciety for the year ending December 31, 1854:, made pursuant to an act entitled "An Act for the promotion of Agriculture and its kindred arts in this State," approved March 23, 1854. I N C 0 il E From Annual Members, - - $ 234 00 " Life - - 185 00 " State of VV isconsin, - - - 3,000 00 " Miscellaneous Account, - - 2,269 00- Total - - - ■ 1 EXPENDITURES: For State Fair ExjDenses, - • - $ 916 09 " Sheep Shearing Festival, - - 35 67 " Insurance, - - - 2 83 $5,688 00 STATEMENT. 21 ^' Eoorn Eent and Office Expenses, 135 94 " Salary, 1^000 00 " Traveling Expenses, - - - 60 00 " Premiums, - - - - ' - 1^137 09 '• Postage and Express, - - . 91 94 " Printing, Binding and Stationary, 140 77 " Contingent Expenses, - - • 300 00 ^' Clerk Hire, - - - - 85 00 " Tents, 959 00 " Library, 12 00 " Deficiency Dec. 31, 1853, - - 118 80 " Expenses of the Executive Committee, 225 60 " Discount on Appropriation, - 219 00 " Interest on Individual advances, - 82 05 ^' Cash to Balance, - - - 166 22—— Total, ^5^688 00 On behalf of the Executive Committee. A. C. INGHAM, Seeretanj. Madison, January 1, 1855. WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. SYNOPSIS OF ENTRIES AT STATE FAIR FOR 1854- Horses and Mules, - - . . . 82 Cattle, 98 Sheep, - - - . ^ . . 155 Shepherd Dog, 1 Swine, 101 Elk, 2 Poultry, . - . . ^ . . 50 Farm and other Implement •, - - • 84 Dairy, 14 Flour, 4 Grains and Seeds, - - - - - 16 Vegetables, 45 Flowers, 26 Artificial do., 4 Ornamental, Shell and Needlework, - - 11 Fruit, 231 Paintings, 8 Miscellaneous, 106 Total, L068 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. Made at the Fourth Annual Pair of the Society, held at Milwaukee on the 4th, 5th and 6th of October, 1854. Class A. — No. 1. — Durham Cattle. Judges — S. Pearl Lathrop, M. D., Beloit ; M. Cadby, Brookfield ; Martin Webster, Fox Lake. Best Bull, three yrs. old and over, Jas.J. Rogers, Burlington, $15 Second best Bull, " Bolivar," E. H. Ball & Co., Troj Lake, 10 [Pedigkee of Bull Bolivar. — Sired by Toung Eocket, bred by Eobert Sharp, of Craw, near Scripton, Yoikshire, Engknd, got by Norfolk Herd Book, 2377, dam Carnation, by Barries 2740 g. d. by Wellington 2S26, g. g. d. by Waits' Bull, g. g. g. d. by Hutton's Bull, Vol. 4th, Page 416-17 Eng. Herd Book. Bolivar's dam, Lady "Weddle, by Splendor, g. d. Moss Rose, by Weddle's American Comet, g. g. d. Red Eose, Imported by Weddle, and sold to David Brooks, Livingston county, New York.] Best Bull two years old, D. F. Melendy, Eagle, . . 10 Best Bull one year old, E. C. Sage, Wauwatosa, . . 7 Second best Bull one year old, John P. Roe, Muskego, . 5 Best Bull Calf, " Comet," E. H. Ball & Co., East Troy, , 3 [Pedigree of Comet. — Calved April 2, 1S54, sired by Bolivar, he by Kocket, and Eocket by Norfolk Herd Book 2377, d. Carnation, by Taurus 2740, g. 'i. by Wellington 2S26, g. g. d. by Wait's Bull, g. g. g. d. by Walton's Bull, Vol. 4th, Page 416-17, Enar. Herd Book. Comet's dam Beauty, by Defiance, g. d. Lady Elgin. Cow imported from Canada, and was awarded the first premium at the State Fair in Michigan.] Best Cow, 3 yrs. old and over, "Wm. A. White, Madison, . 15 Second best do., John P. Roe, Muskego, ... 10 Superior Cow, Harvey Durkee, Kenosha, Discretion arj^, S. M. Best Heifer, 2 yrs old, Harvey Durkee, Kenosha, . . 10 24 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. Second best do., " Saty," A. P. Lyman, Slicboygan, . 7 [Pedigkee of HErrEE SATT.—Saty is fall felood Durham, was two years old the 20th day of May, 1S54 ; was sired by Col. F. Eotche's full blood bull of Otsego county, New York ; her mother is Norris, (whose pedigree I have and can show,) is owned by A. P. Lyman, of Sheboygan "Wisconsin, and was breed in this State.] Best Heifer one year old, S. P. Lathrop, Madison, . . 7 Second best do., Harvey Durkee, Kenosha, ... 3 Best Heifer Calf, Harvey Durkee, Kenosha, ... 3 Class A. — No, 2. — Devons. Best Bull 4 years old, R. A. Morley, Baraboo, . . $15 Best Bull 2 yrs. old and under 3, Jas. M. Case, Whitewater, 10 Best Bull 1 year old and under 2, L'jther Rawson, Mil., . 7 Second best do., "Duke," A. P. Lyman, Sheboygan,. . 5 [Duke is fall blood Deyon, one year old the first day of August 1.354, dark red, mother Lucy and father Bishop both took the first premium two years ago at the State Fair in Milwaukee; is owned by A. P. Lyman, of Sheboygan, and was bred in this State by him.] Best Bull Calf, P. S. Carver, Delavan, .... 3 Best Cow, 3 years old and over, Ingham & Colvin, Madison, 15 Best Heifer, 1 yr. old and under 2, Jas. S. Rogers, Burlington, 7 Second best do., " Victoria 3d," Harvey Durkee, Kenosha, 3 fVictoria 3d calved May 4th, 1853, dam Victoria 2d, g. d. old Victoria, from Patterson's stock. Victoria 2d was sired by a bull irom Mr. Washburn's stock of Otsego county, Toang Eclipse' which drew for me the 2d prize at the State Fair at Syracuse, in 1849. Young Eclipse was certi- fied bj Mr. Washburn, to have been from a cow of Mr. Patterson's stock, and sired by Young altimore, and he by the imported bull Old Eclipse, imported by Geo. Patterson, of Maryland. Victoria 3d was sired by the bull Prim, whose pedigree you have.] Class A. — No. 6. — Ckosses. Best Bull, 3 yrs. old and over, J. Shaver, jr., Gibbsville, $L5 Best Bull, 4 years old and over, J. C. Howard, Mil. . 10 Best Calf, William Hall, Milwaukee, . . , . 3 Class A. — No. 7. — Native axd Geade Cattle. Best Grade Bull, 2 yrs. old & under 3, F. D.Weld, Greenfield, $10 Second best Grade Bull, 1 year old, F. D. Weld, Greenfield, 5 Best Heifer, 1 year old and under 2, Wm. A. White, Madison, 7 Best Heifer. 2 yrs. old and under 3, Wm. A.White, Madison, 10 Best Bull, 3 years old and over, Luther Rawson, Milwaukee, 15 Second best Bull, ditto, William Knight, Black Hawk, . 10 Best Cow, 3 years old and over, Wm. Knight, Black Hawk, 15 Best Heifer, 1 year old and under 2, Wm. Knight, do., . 7 AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS. 25 Class A. — Ko. 8. — Foreig:n' Stock. Best Durham Bull, Albert J. Loomis, Ypsilanti, Mich., Dii^loma. Second best do., Thomas Lee, Farmington, Ohio, . . $5 Class A. — No. 9. — Working Oxen. Best Yoke of Oxen, John B. Donsman, Milwaukee, . $10 Best Yoke of Steers, 8 yrs. old, Sam. Millington, Greenfield, 5 Best Yoke of Steers, 1 yr. old, John B. Doasman, Mil,, 3 Class A. — No. 10. — Fat Cattle. Best Yoke of Fat Oxen, Wm. Smith, Kenosha, . . $7 Class A. — No. 11. — Stallions, Blood Mares, Etc. all work:. Judges — Wm. H. Fox, Fitchburgh ; C. Loftus Martin, Janesville ; S. E. Davis, Milwaukee. Best Stallion, 4 yrs. old and over, . No premium awarded. 2d best Stallion, 4 yrs. old and over, " Blood Eoyal," J. W. Ehodes, Somers, $10 Best Stallion, 3 years old and under 4, " Black Hawk," Wm. Hawks, Madison, $10 [Pegigkee of Young Black Hawk. — Young B'ack Ilawk was sired by old Black Hawk, owned by David Hill, of Bridgeport > Addison county, Vermont; he by BhermaE Morgan,owned by Mr. Bellows, of Vermont, and Sherman was from the old first Morgan Horse. Young Black Hawk's dam was frotn a full blood Messenger mare, raised on Long Island, and from old Sir Charles, owned by David Hill, of Bridport, Vermont, and half-brother to American Eclipse. Young Black Hawk was raised by George Gale, Esq., of Bridgport, Addison county, Vermont. C. A. LEWIS. This certifies that the above named horse, Yonng Black Hawk, was raised by my father, and that the above is his true Pedigree. JOHN GALE.] . Milwaukee, October 2, 1854. 2d best Stallion, 3 years old and under 4, "Cola," Enoch Chase Milwaukee, $5 Best Stallion, 1 year old, " Prince Napoleon, E. C. Sage, Wa- watosa, $ 5 Best Mare, 4 years old, with foal at foot, David Merrill, Mil., 15 Best Mare, 3 years old, "Lib," John B. Dousman, . 10 2d best do., Wm. Hawks, Addison, Vermont, .5 Best Mare, 1 year old, . , . No premium awarded, B 26 WISCOISISIN AGRICULTURE. BLOOD HOKSES. Best Stallion, "St. Patrick," S. Ruble, Beloit, . . $15 2d do. " Buce{;halus," John Gale, jr., Merton, . 10 Dis. do. " Black Hawk," L. Spear, Bradford, . . 5 2d best Mare with foal at foot, Thos. J. Rice, Granville, . 10 Class B. — No. 12. — Matched and Draft Horses. Best pair of Matched Horses, G. Paddock, Milwaukee, . $15 2d do. Nelson Feyer, Whitewater, 10 DRAFT horses. Best Stallion, "Canadian Soverign, T. West, Raymond, $15 Best Mare, E. L. Dimock, Janesville, .... 10 Best pair Draft Horses, A. H. Taggart, Delavan, ♦ . . 15 2d best pair do. P. S. Carver, Delavan, . . 10 Best Gelding, Steven Rivers, Janesville, ... 10 2d best Gelding. N. B. Clapp, Kenosha, ... 7 Class A. — No. 13. — Long Wooled Sheep. LEICESTERS, ETC. Judges — Thos. P. Turner, Eagle ; Jas. T. Walklin, N. Prairie ; John Plankinton, Milwaukee. Best Leicester Buck, E. Roddis, Milwaukee, . . $7 2d best, Hiram Laycock, Cascade, . . . . . 5 Best Leicester Buck, under 2 yrs., J. P. Roe, Muskego, 5 2d best, Luther Rawson, Milwaukee, .... 3 Best pen of five Buck Lambs, J. P. Roe, Muskego, . 3 2d best, (3 Lambs,) Abram Laycock, Cascade, . . 2 Best pen of 5 Ewes, 2 years old or over, J. 0. Harrison, North Prairie Station, 7 2d best do., J. P. Roe & E. Roddis, Muskego, . . 5 Best pen of 5 Ewe Lambs, J. 0. Harrison, N. P. Station, 3 2d best, John P, Roe, Muskego, 2 SOUTHDOWNS, AND THEIR GRADES. Best Buck 2 years old or over, N. B. Clapp, Kenosha, . 7 2d best, A. P. Lyman, Sheboygan, . . . . 5 Best pen of 5 Buck Lambs, A. P. Lyman, Sheboygan, . 3 AWAEDS OF PREMIUMS. 27 2d best, K B. Clapp, Kenosha, 2 Best pen of 5 Ewes, 2 yrs. old or over, A. P. Lyman, Sheb. 7 2d best, N. B. Clapp, Kenosha, 5 Best pen of 5 Ewes, 1 yr. old and under 2, K B. Clapp, 5 Best pen of 5 Ewe Lambs, N. B. Clapp, Kenosha, . 3 REPOET OF THE COMMITTEE ON LONG WOOLED SHEEP. Your Committee on Long and Middle Wool Sheep, beg leave to submit the following report : The yearling Leicestershire Buck, entered by N. B, Clapp of Kenosha, is one of perfect symmetry of form, and fine size ; and entitled to the first premium. Mr. Clapp entered also one Southdown Buck, two years old; three Ewes, two years old; three Buck Lambs, and three Ewe Lambs, which are all entitled to the first premium. We furthermore take much pleasure in saying, that the Southdowns are a breed of sheep well worthy of the attention of the farmers of Wisconsin ; and if they would breed more of them, they would find their profits of farming greater. In our opinion, Mr. Clapp has as good Southdowns as we have ever seen. Class A. — No. 14. — Fine Wooled Sheep. FRENCH MERINOS, AND THEIR GRADES. Judges — Samuel E. McClelland, ; Horatio Hill, Milwau- kee; P. M. Perkins, Burlington. Best Buck, 2 yrs. old and over, J. D. Patterson, N. Y. $7 2d best do., Melendy & Weld, Palmyra, Wis., . . 5 Best Buck, 1 year old and under 2, . . . . 2d best, E. F. Weld, Palmyra, Wis., .... 3 Best pen of 5 Buck Lambs, J. D. Patterson, Westfield, N.Y. g Best pen of 5 Ewe Lambs do., 3 Best pen of 5 Ewes, 2 yrs. old and over, do., 7 2d best do., S. D. Carr, West Cornwall, Yermont, . 5 MERRILL Bingham's statement in relation to carr's sheep. The Sheep exhibited by my agent at your late State Fair, were of three kinds, viz : — FuU blood French, full blood Span- 28 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. ish, and the crosses produced by the two, what we call " half- bloods, i. e. half French and half Spanish Merinos. The French Merinoes were first introduced into America in the year 1846, by J. A. Tain tor, of Hartford, Connecticut. He purchased them from two noted flocks then existing in France, which have been bred, according to their records, over 70 years with the greatest care and attention. They procured their ori- ginal stock from Spain, and therefore are pure Merinoes. His- tory then traces them to Italy, and glances at the idea that long years ago they got their stock from the Barbary States in Africa. As long ago as the days of Scipio, they were in the habit of importing Eams from Africa, but doubtless at that date they were ill bred and rather coarse. The French breeders by judicious management for a long term of years in selecting their best Ewes, and using nothing but extra Bucks, letting both mature before breeding from them, have succeeded in getting a much larger carcass, with firmer and heavier fleece, without deterioration to the quality of the wool. They possess a large, heavy chest, and are wooled from the tip of the nose to their hoofs, and therefore thrive equally well in cold as well as warm climates. I consider them, as far as my experience has taught me, equal in constitution to any race of sheep with which I am acquainted ; producing more wool and raising more lambs than any other kind of fine wooled Sheep. I purchased my first French Sheep in the fall of 1846, of Mr. Taintor, and have since purchased from every importation that he has made. My flock consists, at present, of about 600 in all. About two thirds are full blood French and their crosses, the remainder are Spanish Ewes. As I have been breeding pure Spanish Merinoes for about ten years, and I am rather loth to give up my old Ewes, that have served me so well for so many years, as I consider them inferior to none in our State; at pre- sent I breed fi-om nothing but French Bucks, as I consider the crosses far preferable to pure Spanish. We get a much larger carcass and heavier fleece, combining the good qualities of both breeds. The average of my French Ewes, well washed, is about 10 lbs. per head; Bucks unwashed, from 17 to 24 lbs. per head ; Half-bloods, well washed, average 7 lbs. per head ; Span- AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS. 29 ish Ewes well washed, average from 5 and a-lialf to 6 lbs. per head; somethmg owing to the dryness of our summers and keep through winter. French wool sells a little quicker than Spanish, as it is freer from natural oil, and therefore the manufactories choose it as the shrinkage in cleansing is less ; the price varies ; last year the average was 55, this year from 38 to 40 cents per lb. The num- ber of Ewes that bring lambs that are served are 96 to 100 ; the number usually raised, that are dropped, is 96 to 98, to 100 ; the number of lambs raised to the whole number of Ewes is from 100 to 110, to 100 Ewes. Last spring I raise 110 to every 100 Ewes, seldom or never failing of raising as many lambs as I have Ewes that are served ; but I do not consider twin lambs any advantage, as but very few Ewes are capable of raising more than one lamb right, and therefore twin lambs never make as good sheep as single ones. As I never sell any to the butcher, I cannot tell what they would bring ; not because they are unsalable as mutton, but because they sell for much larger prices for stock sheep for wool growing purposes. But as their carcasses, when fattened, are as large as most of the coarse wooled mutton sheep, I think they would bring equally as large prices, or produce as much mutton and tallow. My losses in wintering never exceed 2 to the 100, and often fall short of that. I think fine wooled sheep winter much easier and with much less loss than coarse. Between French and Spanish I consider no great difterence in wintering; but think the crosses winters better and easier than either. My method of wintering is as follows : — I put my sheep into substantial sheds, built exclusively for that purpose, with com- modious yards built upon the south side, and have living water in every yard. I feed my sheep plenty of good hay and some oats and carrots, as I consider coarse light grain is better for such, especially lambs. I feed, occasionally, to my ewes when they are suckling, oil cake, shorts, rye meal, etc., as I consider a change of food often to be better for sheep. I do not keep my sheep confined in the sheds, only in our most cold and severe weather, as I think exercise essential to health, and a healthy 80 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. offspring. I find as a general thing that farmers do not shelter their sheep enough through the cold rainy fall and winter, and too often stint their lambs the first winter, and therefore produce nothing but " stunts." The first principal, in order to have good stock of any kind, is good "care and keep." Yours, Merrill Bikgham. West Cornvsrall, Vt., Dec. 22, 1854. SPANISH MERIXOS AXD THEIR GRADES. Best Buck, 2 yrs. old or over, Wm. Mulks, Whitewater, $7 2d best do., C. K. Williams, Shoreham, Vermont, . . 5 Best Buck, 1 yr. old and under 2, S. M. Hause, Fond du Lac, 5 2d best, Wm. Mulks, Whitewater, .... 3 Best pen of 5 Buck Lambs, S. M. Hause, Fond du Lac, . 3 2d best, Edgerton & McCarter, Waterville, ... 2 Best pen of 5 Ewes, 2 yrs. old or over, Edgerton & McCarter, Waterville, $7 2d best do., Peter F. Boss, Genessee, .... 5 Best pen of 5 Ewe Lambs, P. F. Boss, Genesee, . . 3 2d best do., S. M. Hause, Fond du Lac, ... 2 ' REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINE WOOLED SHEEP. The committee appointed to examine and report upon fine wooled sheep, at the Annual Fair of the Agricultural Society of the State of Wisconsin, held at Milwaukee, October, 1854, deeply sensible of the importance of the wool growing interest to the farmers of Wisconsin, entered upon the discharge of the duties assigned them, not without diffidence of their ability to do justice to a subject of so much magnitude and interest, not only to exhibitors but to the State at large, and in performance of this duty many cases were brought to our notice where the character and merit of sheep on exhibition were so nearly equal in point of excellence, that each should receive a more extended notice than will be convenient to give in this report. Class A. — No. 67. — French Merino Buck, over two years old. Ir^ point of size, symmetry of shape, length and fineness of staple, your committee pronounce beyond competition ; to this we awarded the first premium. AWAEDS OF PREMIUMS. 31 No, 194. — French. Merino Buck, over two years old, second premium. No. 71. — Five French Merino Ewe\ These sheep are very superior, of large size, heavy and compact fleece, and fine staple. To these we awarded the first premimn. Jsfo. 70. — Five French Merino Buck Lambs, first premium. No. 72. — Five French Merino Ewe Lambs, first premium. No. 240, 2 pens. — From one pen we selected a yearling Frencli grade Buck, to which we awarded the first premium. No. 190. — One Saxon and French Buck, one year old, no competition, second premium. No. 189. — Five Ewe Lambs, Saxon and French, no competi- tion, second premium. No. 200. — Five Frencli grade Ewes. These sheep are in poor condition, and painted so much, that it is difficult to decide upon their real merit. We awarded tliem the second premium. No. 84. — One Spanish Merino Buck, over two years old, of fine model and good quality of wool ; to him we award the first premium. No. 151. — Ten Spanish Merino Bucks, over two years old. From this pen we select one Buck of superior quality, to which we awarded the second premium. No. 228. — Two Spanish Merino Bucks, both beautiful animals, fine staple and compact fleece, not large but good model. We recommend to the executive committee to award to these a dis- cretionary premium. No. 349. — One yearling Spanish. Merino Buck, of decided merit, first premium. No. 248. — One yearling Spanish Merino Fmck, second pre- mium. ]v^o. 85. — Five Spanish Merino Ewes, of fine fleece and beau- tiful proportion ; to these we awarded the first premium. No. 197. — Five Spanish Merino Ewes, sheep of fine model ; we award them the second premium. No. 250. — Five Spanish Merino Buck Lambs, of good size, and quality ; to these we award the first premium. jSTo. 86.— Five Spanish Merino Buck Lambs, also of good size and quality ; second premium. 32 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. No. 198. — Five Spanish Merino Ewe Lambs; first premium. No. 25 L — Five Spanish Merino Ewe Lambs; 2d premium. There were other sheep on exhibition, which we would be glad to notice favorably, did time permit it ; but with untiring assiduity your committee have found the time allotted them too short to do fall justice to, all exhibitors. Upon the whole we cannot but express ourselves gratified with this exhibition of fine wooled sheep, in the young State of Wisconsin. We have had many dificulties to encounter in this branch of Agricultural pursuit. Some of them incident to all new coun- tries, others peculiar to the west. We allude in particular to the tribe of Sheep Peddlers that have flooded our State with spurious sheep, pahited or blacked in such manner as to deceive many competent judges. The loss of money paid for such sheep is not to be taken into consideration, with the disappoint- ment arising from the faUure to obtain a genuine article. It is true, that they pretend the oiling and blacking is an improve- ment to the wool, and a benefit to the sheep. The first is too absurd to need a refutation, and the latter without physiological reason. Another practice equally, if not more reprehensible, is what the sheep jockies call stubbing, which is clipping the end of the wool in such a manner that the sheep may have the ap- pearance of having been shorn at the usual time, when in fact it has on a year or more growth of wool. Sheep of this descrip- tion are distributed among us in the fall, as a matter of course they shear well the next spring or summer, and before the cheat is detected their notes are collected, and they are ready to practice their deceptions upon some other unsuspecting commu- nity. We flatter ourselves these deceptions have had their day. Good sheep of the several breeds are now being brought in, and our enterprising breeders are beginning to supply the home de- mand. We would recommend that in future no s^eep be al- lowed to compete for a premium at our annual fairs that has been oiled or blacked, and our present regulations will debar those that have been siubhed. Far be it from your committee to class all venders of sheep with jockies. There are men engaged in this business of in teg- AWARDS OF PEEMIUMS. 33 rity and worth ; men with whom we are proud to associate, and who have conferred a lasting benefit on our State, and deserve the thanks of every enterprising farmer. Your committee will not pretend to decide the mooted question among wool growers as to which is the most profitable breed of sheep for wool grow- ing purposes ; but we would recommend that a liberal premium be offered for the best conducted experiment in the feeding and management of the several families of Merinoes, and their grades, in order to test the question, if possible, which will produce the greatest amount of wool, and of the most value, from a given amount of fodder. Such an experiment, if properly conducted, would be valuable as a guide, not only to new beginners, but also to others engaged in this department of agriculture. Sheep husbandry is yet in its inflmcy in the West, but a mde field is open for its development. That our climate and soil are adapted to its purposes, experience has already demonstrated. It is destined to become a permanent substantial branch of agri- culture, as wool and mutton are among the necessaries of life, and the demand must increase with the increase of population. It is a law of nature that all soils require a rotation of crops in in order to secure success in agricultural pursuits. May we not adopt wool growing as a rotation and fertilizer with two-fold advantage? Variety- in the productions of all countries is bet- ter as a system than any one staple, hence we would say to our brother fiirmers, grow both wool and wheat. We need have no fear of over production; for while we are annually exporting a vast amount of wheat and other grain, we actually import several million pounds of wool. This is an age of Railroads, and ere long our State will be so intersected with these thoroughfares that a market will be literal- ly brought to every man's door ; and if we are unwise enough for the sake of present profit, to continue to draw off from our soil its most precious constituents of human food, without any adequate return, the day is not far distant when our fields will be too sterile for profitable cultivation. Feeling a deep and abiding interest in the prosperity of our beloved State, we would recommend the growing of wool not only as a rotation and fertilizer, but as a safe and profitable c 3i WISCO^^SIN AGEICULTURE. branch of agriculture. It will aid and sustain us in times of difficulty and depression, when our great staple, as frequently happens, is priced below its intrinsic value from causes abroad, over which we have no control, while a laudable spirit of enter- prize and ambition for the golden fleece, will raise it to its pro- per influence in American agriculture. Samuel E. McClellan, Chairman. Class A. — No. 15. — Swike. Judges — B. R. Colvin, Madison ; C. R. Gibbs, Janesville ; B. R. Hinkley, Summit, Best breeding Sow, 2 yrs. old, S. B. Edwards, Troy, Wis,, 7 Best Boar, 1 yr. old and under 2, S. B. Edwards, Troy, 5 Best Sow, 1 yr. old, W. A. White, Madison, ... $5 Best lot of Pigs, A. H. Taylor, Muskego, ... 3 2d best lot of Pigs, Thos. McDonald, Wauwatosa, . 3 2d best Sow, 6 months old and under 1 year, James F. Walklin, Eagle Centre, $2 Best Boar, 6 months old, S B. Edwards, Troy, , . 2 2d best Boar do., S. B. Edwards, Troy, ... 2 Best Sow, 6 months old and under 1 yr., S. B. Edwards, Troy, 3 2d best Sow, 2 years old, H. E. Coon, Palmyra, . . 3 Class A. — No. 16. — Poultey. Judges — H. Ludington, J. A. Helfenstein, Milwaukee ; A. Ogden, Best Shanghai Fowls, Charles Blackwell, Waukesha, . $3 Best lot of Bantam Fowls, J. A. Carpenter, Waukesha, . 3 Best lot of Ducks, Jeremiah Curtin, Greenfield, . . 3 Greatest variety of Fowls exhibited, R. E. Gillett, Milwaukee, 5 COMMITTEE'S REPORT ON POULTRY. To the Secretary of the State Agricultural Society: — Sir. — As chairman of the Committee of Judges on Poultry, I will report to the Society as follows : There were 23 coops of about 200 fine fowls, consisting of the following kinds, viz : Cochin China, Shanghais, Bramahs, Black AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 35 Spanish, Cliittagongs and Dorkings, which comprised the list of Blood Fowls upon exhibition. Mr. R. E. Gillett took the premium for the greatest and best variety of fowl, he having exhibited fine specimens of the Cochin China, Brahma, Shanghai, Black Spanish and Dork- ings ; and from my observation he has paid more attention to the raising of Poultry than any other person in the State, and is better calculated to give correct information upon thai sub- ject than any one of my acquaintance. C. Blackwcll, of Waulcesha, also received a premium for the best lot of Shanghais, having exhibited a very fine lot of fowl. J. A. Carpenter, of "Waukesha, received a premium for the best coop of Bantams. J. Curtin, of Greenfield, a premium for a lot of Ducks. The committee were gratified with the manifest and growing interest and improvement in this department, so important not only to the farmer, but to every family in our State. Your committee would urge attention to the subject of further improvement in raising poultry, for the following reasons: 1st. Yery little attention is given to changing or crossing the breeds of fowls, therefore they become comparatively value- less as layers. 2d. The Easter or China fowl are double the size of common fowl ; the improved kind weigh as much as twelve pounds. 8d. They are much better both as layers and for food. -ith. They are always quiet^ and may be kept enclosed much easier than any other kind of fowl. 5. The crosses with the common produce fine large fowl, and is such an improvement upon the common kind that no person who raises fowls should neglect so great an advantage. We have seen some of the crosses at the age of four months much larger than the common full grown fowl. The committee recommend to the favorable notice of all per- sons interested in the raising of poultry, the following breeds, viz : Cochin China, White and Red Shanghai, Brahma, Black Spanish and Dorking. While we regard all of the above kinds good, we decidedly prefer Cochin China as the best, for the fol- lowing reasons, viz : they have no feathers upon their legs, which 36 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. renders tliem more hard and less liable to freeze than the feather- ed-leg kind; they are also good layers, and their meat is of a superior quality. The male when well provided for, will in- crease his weight at least one pound for every month until he is one year old. H. LuDiNGToN, Chairman. Class B. — No. 17.— Plows. Judges — James L. Sogers, ; A. P. Dickey, Eacine ; Wm. Mulks, White Water. Best Cast Steel Cross Plow, Winchester & DeWolf, Whitew., $3 Best Sod Plow, J. C. Gridley, Milwaukee, ... 3 Best Breaking Plow, Eichard E. Ela, Eochester, Wis., . 3 Best Plow for light soil, Eichard E. Ela, Eochester, Wis., 3 Best Corn Plow, Thomas Oliver, Waupun, . . Diploma. Best Subsoil Plow, Thompson Littell, Milwaukee, . . 3 Class B. — No. 18. — Farm Implements. Judges — Geo. C. Pratt, Waukesha ; C. P. Burdick, Milwaukee ; Wm. Blake, Fox Lake. Best Corn Stalk Cutter, John Morrow, Milwaukee, . $3 Best Fanning Mill, E. E. Ela, (D. S. Mills,) Eochester, Wis., 3 Best Corn Cultivator, H. BoutAvell, Eacine, ... 3 Best Harrow Lefevre & Green, Milwaukee, . . 3 Best Horse Eake, Lefevre & Green, Milwaukee, . . 2 Best Farm Wagon, Snow & Williams, Milwaukee, . 5 Best Horse Power for general use, W. D. Bacon, Waukesha, 5 Best Thrasher, W. D. Bacon, Waukesha, ... 6 Best Seed Planter, John Cummins, Eockton, Illinois, . 3 Best Corn Sheller, hand power, Lefevre & Green, Milwaukee, 3 Best Portable Saw Mill, W. D. Bacon, Waukesha, . 5 Best Oval Scraper, Lefevere & Green, Milwaukee, . 2 Best Portable Grist Mill, W. D. Bacon, Waukesha, . 5 Best Pump for Farm use, H. Boutwell, Eacine, . . 3 Best Churn for Dog or Sheep power, Lefevere & Green, Mil., 3 Best Grass Scythes, J. B. Johnson, Cleveland, Ohio, . 2 Best Manure Forks, Lefevre & Green, Milwaukee, . 2 AWAEDS OF PREMIUMS. 37 Best Hay Forks, Lefevre & Green, Milwaukee, . . 2 Best Cheese Press, Snow & Williams, Milwaukee, . 2 Best Churn, Thompson Littel, Milwaukee, ... 2 Best Single Harness, George Dyer, Milwaukee, . . 5 Best Clover Mill and Huller, Rial Taylor, Greenfield, . 5 Best Stump Puller, Bdgerton k McCarter, Summit, . 5 Best Roller for general use, Thompson Littell, Milwaukee, 5 Best Ox Yoke, Thompson Littel, Milwaukee, . . 2 Best Corn and Cob Crusher, Thompson, Littell, Milwaukee, 3 Class B. — No. 20. — Cheese. Judges — A. W. Hatch, Milwaukee; J. W. Taggart, ; Hiram Warner, . Best one hundred pounds, F. S. Eldred, Johnstown, . $5 Best 25 pounds of Butter, Thomas Hay, Franklin, . . 4 THOMAS HAY'S STATEMENT. Twenty-five pounds of butter, made by me, in Franklin, Mil- waukee County, in the month of September last, from the mUk of seven cows. Cows kept in a timothy and clover pasture. Milk kept in eight-quart pans, two-thirds filled, from 24 to 36 hours; cream churned when accumulated to six gallons; no water used in churning ; butter-milk freed from the butter by the pressing of a butter ladle ; 26 ounces of common barrel salt and 2 ounces loaf sugar, to 25 pounds of batter. Class B. — No. 22. — Grain, &c. Judges — Thos. Hyslop, Milwaukee ; Chas. Smith, Waupun ; A. J. Ward, Madison. Best bushel of Winter Wheat, James C. Howard, Mil., . $3 2d best, David Merrill, Milwaukee, .... 2 Best bushel of Spring Wheat, Wm. E. McClure, Genesee, 3 WM. E. McCLURE'S STATEMENT. One bushel of Canada Club Wheat exhibited. Sown on the 14th of April ; harvested on the 14th and up to the 18th of July. 'The land was broke in June '53 ; cross plowed before sown, and 38 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. cultivated on the terra culture plan. The field contained twelve acres, and averaged 81 1-2 bushels per acre. 2d best, James I. Walklin, Eagle Centre, ... 2 Best bushel of Eye, James I. Walklin, Eagle Centre, . 3 2d best, M. L. Burdick, Milwaukee, .... 2 Best bushel of Oats, James I. Walklin, Eagle Centre, . 3 2d best, M. L. Burdick, Milwaukee, .... 2 Best bbl Flour, J. 0. Eaton, Lodi, . . . . .10 Best sample of Indian Corn, one bushel, C. Smith, Waupun, 3 2d best do., Wm. E. McClure, Grenesee, ... 2 WILLIAM E. McCLURE'S STATEMENT. One bushel of Corn, twelve ears of seed Corn, exhibited, all of which was raised on my own farm, on ground that oats grew on last year, without any manure. The land is a kind of clay, with a chocolate subsoil, with some cobble stone and limestone. Planted May 15, harvested August 19th and 21st; yielded ninety eight bushels of ears, equal to 49 bushels shelled corn. The land was plowed about nine inches deep, dragged and laid out as usual, and cultivated on the terra culture system. — [Nothing extra notwithstanding. — Ed.] Class B. — No. 23. — Vegetables. Judges — Geo. P. Peffer, Pewaukee ; P. S. Carver, Delavan ; F. S. Eandall, Milwaukee. Best 12 stalks Celery, Peter Weynhoover, Milwaukee, . $1 Best 6 heads Cauliflowers, Peter Weynhoover Milwaukee. 1 Best 12 Parsnips, Peter Weynhoover, Milwaukee, . 1 Best 12 Tomatoes, Peter Weynhoover, Milwaukee, . 1 Best 12 Sweet Potatoes, L. Comstock, Milwaukee, . 1 Largest Pumpkin, M. L. Burdick, Milwaukee, . . 1 Best Squash, Peter Weynhoover, Milwaukee, . . 1 JBest 12 Ears seed Corn, J. T. Walklin, Eagle Center, . 1 Best peck Potatoes, wild Mexican, A. G. Hanford, Waukesha, 1 Best Egg Plant, Peter Weynhoover, Milwaukee, . . $1 Best 12 Beets, James T. Walkin, Eagle Center, . . 1 Best and greatest variety of Vegetables, by one exhibitor, E. G. Hayden, Milwaukee, $3 AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS. 39 STATEMENT OF A. G. HANFOUD, Respecting the Potatoes placed by him on Exliibition. I have at no small expense collected from various sections of country a large variety of potatoes under name. My chief ob- ject has been to procure such as are noted for hardiness, produc- tiveness and table qualities, A few of these are old well known sorts, many are new and bid fair to prove valuable acquisitions. One variety, the " Eough Purple Chili," obtained from C. E. Goodrich, of New York, and by him imported from its native soil, has every appearance of great vigor, health and produc- tiveness. Another, the " Mexican "Wild Potatoe," brought from its native land by a returned soldier, has improved so rapidly under cultivation as to be scarcely surpassed as a table variety. The " Yam" has proved very valuable in New Jersey and Eastern New York. Productive, hardy and never known to rot, and on our light, rich soils promises to do even better still ; particularly excellent for late spring use — not yet extensively disseminated. The "Early Manly" and "Hall's June," are both excellent early sorts — quite as early as the "Old True June" — of larger size and better yield. The " Carter" is an old valuable sort, unaffected by rot, yields well, and is excellent for the table. Selected seedlings of " Eough Purple Chili,' " Yam," "Mexican," and others, all possessing valuable points, peculiar to their several varieties. I exhibit this fall the following vari- eties:— Eough Purple Chili, Mexican Wild, Early Manly or June, Hall's Early June, Ash-leaved Kidney, Black Pink Eye, Yam, Penfield or Black Imperial, Carter, White Mecca, Blue Mecca or Mammoth Pink Eye, and Cow's Horn. A few of each kind are offered for sale as seed, with full confidence that from among the number will be found some varieties peculiarly adapted to the soil and climate of our own State, proving so hardy under ordinary circumstances as to resist rot — which has been so prevalent for some years past — and at the same time of excellent table quality, and highly productive. Respecting the White Beans placed by him on Exliibition. In presenting a bushel of White Beans for exhibition, I would 04 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. briefly state the mode of cultivation adopted. Soil, cloggy loam, ttie ground was the previous year enriched with long manure, and planted with corn ; the following spring it Avas ploughed about 6 inches deep ; the beans planted latter part of May, in rows two and a-half feet apart, and about fifteen inches apart in the rows, and from three to five in a hill ; passed through with cultivator three times ; hand hoed twice. The vines quite covered the ground ; they were harvested early in September, first pull- ing the vines by hand and allowing them to lie a few days in rows ; then they were stacked about poles set in the ground, and capped with straw, where they remained till about 22d Septem- ber. They were then drawn to the barn and thrashed with a flail ; the yield proving nineteen and a-half bushels to about half an acre of ground. The variety is the small White Bean, known sometimes as "Soup Bean," "Thousand to One," etc. ; a sample of which you will receive in due time. A. G. Hanfoed. Waukesha, September 30, 1854. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VEGETABLES. There was not so large a collection of Vegetables at the Fair as we had anticipated, but those exhibited were very good, and demonstrated the ability of our soil to grow almost every varie- ty. Proceeding in the order observed in the Premium List : Of Celery and Cauliflower, small amount exhibited ; although both so desirable for table use, are not grown much except near cities, where the large demand and ready market always justifies the extra labor necessary for their cultivation. Ruta-baga or Swedish Turnips exhibited were fair specimens, though not of the largest growth. They are a profitable crop, if rightly managed, and no farmer should fail to cultivate them alike for the table and his domestic animals. Horned cattle are particularly fond of them, and even swine may be wintered on them, instead of corn. The usual yield when sown broadcast, is from 800 to 500 bushels per acre ; but if sown in drills 3 1-2 feet apart, and 16 to 20 inches in the row, and well cultivated they may be made to yield 900 to 1300 bushels. A patch of 1-4 of an acre, that came AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS 41 under my observation this very year yielded 309 bushels, and the turnips averaged 7 1-2 lbs weight. The ground was prepar- ed for corn, but being rather late, was sowed with the white Swedish turnip, in drills and ten inches apart. When possess- ed of about six leaves cultivation was commenced, the same as for corn, super-abundant plants being removed and others sup- plied where there were none. The next time the shovel-plow was used twice in the row ; and again in August, with a view to subduing the weeds and mellowing the soil. Should the soil be liable to attacks on its crops by the little black beetle, mix the seed with an equal quantity of white mus. tard ; the mustard will come up first, and being more desirable as food, will consequently protect the turnips. The Carrots were of fair quality, and the amount capable of being grown upon an acre, together with their value as feed for stock, ought to ensure a larger cultivation. Not so good for milk cows as Ruta-bagas, but maybe mixed with them to advan- tage, and answer well alone for wintering young horses and sheep. Several lots of Beets were very fine. Of all the varieties, the Mangel- Wurtzel is the best for feeding stock, — they are especially good if boiled, and mixed with corn meal, the mixture being al- lowed to stand until fermentation begins. The ordinary crop is 400 to 500 bushels per acre, although a larger yield is not un- common. Blood Beets are the best for table use, and those exhibited were a good sample. Of Beans— the " Early Yellow Six Weeks," and the White Kidney, and Royal Dwarf, were, in our estimation, the best, and are the most worthy of cultivation. The latter should be plant- ed after frost is over, in drills two and a half feet apart, and cul- tivated like corn. The average crop is 20 to 85 bushels per acre. The Pumpkins were also worthy of "honorable mention." As a general thing they are much less thrifty in growth than if they were grown by themselves, unshaded by corn. The fault of rank growth of vines, to the detriment of the fruit may be avoided by more carefully selecting the seed — taking care that it be chosen from those pumpkins that have a small calyx or blossom end. 42 WISCONSIN agriculture:. Of Seed Corn there was a large collection, all well ripened. The White Dent was considered the best. It should be planted early, and succeeds best in a rich, light, sandy soil. In rather stiff clay, or clay loam, the Button appears to do the best ; while in low bottom land or marsh the Early Yellow Canada is pref- erable. As a general thing, too little attention is paid to the adapta- tion of varieties to the soil. Thus a variety that requires a long time for maturing, will not answer well on marsh or low bottom land; while on up-lands they are more profitable than earlier varieties. The exhibition of Potatoes by Mr. A. G. Hanford was espe- cially worthy of commendation. The lot comprised thirteen proper varieties, and several seedlings. Among the rest, I would mention, as most worthy of notice. Hall's June, Early Manly, and the Ash Kidney, for early use, to be succeeded by Carter's Mammoth, Pink-eye, White Mercer and Mexican ; for late Winter and Spring use, the Purple Chili, Black Pink-eye, and Penfield appear to be the best. For keeping a long time the Yam is particularly valuable, retaining its good qualities, or rather developing them, late in the Spring. The Committee were particularly pleased with the Mexican Wild Potato, to which the premium for the best peck was award- ed. On the whole we regret that no further award was contem- plated for this most valuable esculent — such an one as would include a collection of varieties, as well as the superior quality of a single peck. Parsnips seem to have been cultivated rather scantily in this part of the country, doubtless for the reason that they are not so desiiable as some others for cattle, nor indeed much admired for table use. Muskrats love them however, and to them we cheer- fully consign the whole lot. The Tomatoes were fine. The apple and pear-shaped the best. The Husk Tomato is also excellent for preserves, and the committee recommend a more extensive cultivation of the good varieties generally. The Sweet Potatoes on exhibition were the largest and finest the committee have ever seen. Wisconsin soil appears to be AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 43 well adapted, and we hope they may receive more attention than heretofore. The Onions were good, and we are satisfied, that by sowing in drills, in deep, rich and finely pulverized soil, afterwards rolling to give it firmness, they may become a profitable crop. All of which is respectfully submitted. Geo. p. Peffer, Chairman. Class C. — No. 24. — Domestic Manufactures. Judges—^. J. Emmons, Madison ; Mrs. T. C. Dousman, Mil- waukee; Mrs. E. W. Edgerton, Waterville. Best Hearth Rug, Mrs. P. S. Carver, Delavan, . . $4 Best Woolen Blanket, Matthias Shoemaker, Milwaukee, 2 Best specimen of Artificial Flowers, Miss Mary Haywood, Mil- waukee, 1 Best Table Cover, Mrs. Sophia Goosman, Wilwaukee, . 1 Best Worsted Shawl, Mrs. Sophia Goosman, Milwaukee, 1 Best Embroidered Skirts, Mrs. S. M. Booth, Milwaukee, 1 Best Lamp Mat, Mrs. L. S. Kellogg — Milwaukee, Best Embroidered Table Cover, John Draz, Milwaukee, 1 Best Honiton Lace, Mrs. Mary Ellis, Milwaukee, . . 2 Best Silk Bonnet, Thomas Palmer, Milwaukee, . . 1 Class C. — No. 27. — Flowers. Judges — Dr. McVicker, Milwaukee ; Mrs. L. A. Smith, Ply- mouth ; Mrs. H. J. Starin, Whitewater. Greatest variety and quantity of Cut Flowers, Thomas Hislop, Milwaukee, $5 Greatest variety of Dahlias, Thomas Hislop, Milwaukee, 3 Best three varieties of Phlox, Thomas Hislop, Mil., . 2 Greatest variety of Verbenas, Thomas Hislop, Mil., . 3 Best Seedling Verbena, John W. Dunlap, Mil., . . 2 Best collection of Asters, Thomas Hislop, Mil., . . 3 Best and greatest variety of Pansies, Thos. Hislop, Mil., 3 Best collection of Green House Plants, J. W. Dunlap, Mil., 3 2d best do., Thomas Hislop, Mil., 2 Best Grass Bouquet, P. B. Hill, Mil., .... 2 1 44 WISCONSIN AG-EICULTUEE. Best single variety of DaUia, Jolin W. Dunlap, Mil., 50 cts. Best collection of Roses, John W. Dunlap, Mil., . . 3 Best 3 varieties of Verbenas (seedlings), J. "VV. Dunlap, Mil- waukee, • . . 50cts Class D. — No. 28. — Amateur List of Fruit. Judges — John Bell, Burlington ; J. C. Bray ton, Aztalan ; A. G. Hanford, Waukesha. Best 6 varieties of Winter Apples, M. L. Burdick, Mil., $3 2d best and greatest variety Apples, A. H. Taylor, Muskego, 3 Best 12 Quinces, P. B. Hill, Milwaukee, ... 2 2 3 5 3 2 2 Best exhibition of Peaches, M. L. Burdick, Mil., Best exhibition of Pears, A. H. Taylor, Muskego, Greatest variety of Apples, E. S. Bstes, Mil., . Best exhibition of Grapes, David Ferguson, Mil., Best exhibition of Pears, James C. Howard, Mil., Best variety of Pears, E. S. Hunter, Mil., Class D. — No. 29. — Professional List of Fruit. Judges — Cyrus Hawley, Milwaukee ; J. C. Howard, Milwaukee ; D. Ferguson, Milwaukee. Best and greatest variety of Apples, John Bell, Burlington, $5 Seek-no-Further, Wine Sap, Rambo, Talman Sweeting, Ribston Pippin, Siberian Crab, Phcenix, Fameuse, Wellington, Green Newton, Pippin, 20 Oz. Pippin, Winter Russett, varieties exhibited, 53. Green Everlasting, New England Green Sweeting, Canfield do. Fall Pippin, Glory of York Pippin, Pomme Spitzenburgh, Pomme Grise, Alexander, Pomme Roy, Blenheim Pippin, Steels Red Winter, Golden Russet, Ortly Pippin, AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 45 Fall TVine, R. I. Greening, Yellow Bellilower, White Seek-no-Furtlier, Green Sweeting, Buckel-man's Pearmain, Holland Pippin, Name Lost, Winter Swaar, Esopus Spitzenburgh, Queen Ann, White Gilliilower, Surprise, Black Gilliflower, Pound, Red Gilliflower, Hooker, Winter Pearmain, Autumn Swaar, Romanite, Autumn Swaar. Doctor, Craam, -i Varieties Seedlings, 2d best do., J. C. Brayton, Aztalan, .... 3 Best and greatest variety of Fall Apples, J. Bell, Burlington, 3 Best Seedling Apples, J. C. Brayton, Aztalan, . . 3 Best variety of Pears, John Bell, Burlington, ... 5 Best exhibition of Plums, Geo. P. Peflfer, Pewaukee, 3 2d best do., H. Beckwith, Milwaukee, .... 3 Class D. — No. 30. — Paintings, Etc. Judges — E. B. Dean, Madison ; Mrs. S. S. Daggett, Milwaukee ; Mrs. Lydia D. Ela, Rochester. Best specimens of Priutin-T, R. King & Co., Milwaukee, $3 Best case of Ivory Paintings, Mrs. D. Johnson, Waukesha, 3 Best Daguereotypes, H. S. Brown, Milwaukee, . . 3 Best Oil Painting, Miss M. S. Capoon, Eagle, . . 3 Best Crayon Drawing, Isaac Dor wood, Milwaukee, . 3 Best India Ink Drawings, Mrs. S. M. Booth, Milwaukee, 3 Class D. — No. 31. — Stoves. Judges — Cyrus Hawley, Milwaukee ; R. Cheeny, Whitewater ; A. P. Dickey, Racine. Best Cooking Stove, G. P. Hewitt, Milwaukee, . . $6 2d best Cooking Stove, W. H. Newton, Milwaukee, . 3 Best exhibition of Table Cutlery, American manufacture, F. J. Blair, Milwaukee, Dip. Best exhibition of Pocket Cutlery, American manufacture, Le- fevere & Green, Milwaukee, .... 3 4A WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. Class D. — No. 32. — Miscellaneous. Judges — I. A. Lapliam, Milwaukee ; Alonzo Wing, Jefferson ; J. E. Dodge, Potosi. " Badger State" Fire Proof Safe, Berliner & Bruno, Mil., Dip. Portable Forge and Bellows, G. P. Hewitt, Milwaukee, Dip. Rosewood and Mahogany Furniture, N. Flectzheur &Co., Dip. Model of a Skip, Geo. Richards, Milwaukee, . . $3 Case of Umbrellas and Parasols, Henry Middleton, Mil. 3 Truss Hoops, Crows and Trowels, E. & H. Clark, Mil. 2 Exhibition of Hats, Caps and Furs, Throop & Bailey, Mil. Dip. Exhibition of Carriages, Ogden & Smith, Milwaukee, . Dip. Screw Cutter for Bedsteads, J. B. Hutt, Milwaukee, . 2 Pair of Swifts and Spool stand, N. Brick, Milwaukee, . 2 Rosewood Furniture, J. F. Bichard, Milwaukee, . . Dip. Carriage Work, Rochester Carriage Manufactury, . . Dip. Set of Blank Books, Henry Niedecken, Milwaukee, . 2 00 Case of Boots, Atkins & Steele, Milwaukee, . . . 2 00 Patent Caudle Maker, John Aull, Racine, . . . Dip. Car Horse Shoe, A. V. Fillman, Beloit, . . . 2 00 Pamphlet Printing, C. G. Foster, Beloit, . . . 2 00 Singer's Patent Sewing Machine, Edwin Burgess, Racine, 2 00 Manifold Twisted Lightning Rods, (without couplings) S. D. Cushraan, Racine, Dip. Picture Frames, Henry Stirn, Milwaukee, . . . 1 00 Pen Drawings, B. F. Eelt, Waukesha, . . . . 1 00 Foundry Bell, and India Rubber Belting, H, J. Nazro & Co., Dip Specimens of Printing and Printer's Material, R. King, Mil., Dip Superior show of Tools, Lefevre & Green, Milwaukee, . Dip. Common, Hand Pressed and Steam Pressed Brick, L. J. Mer- rick, Milwaukee, 1 00 Picture Frames, R. G. Sumler, Milwaukee, . . . Dip. Loom constructed of wood, D. L. Brier, Baraboo, . . 3 00 Drawing of the Grasses of Wisconsin, I. A. Lapham, Mil., Dip. Case of Razors, Pruyan, Vosburgh & Co., Albany, N. Y., Dip. Universal Atlas and Maps, A. Thomas, Watertown, N. J., 2 00 Jeffrey's Force and Suction Pumps, S. E. Hills, Waupun, Dip. Sole Leather Trunk and Valise, W. & G. Wright, Mil., Dip. AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS. 45 Ornamental Street Lamp, Wm. Westlake, Milwaukee, 1 00 Eailroad Platform and other Scales, Erastus Fairbanks — B. H. Chadbourn, Ag't, Milwaukee, . . . Dip. Box of Salaratus, Piper, Hastings & Co., Isonia, . . Dip. Force Pump & Fire engine, Scbwauniger & Christensea, Mil. 3 00 Articles of Gentlemen's Clothing, Samuel Shojer, Mil., Dip. Platina and Silver Pointed Lightning Eods, C. L. Herring, Milwaukee, . . * 2 00 Improved Iron Window Shutter, Geo. F. Austin, Mil., Dip. Specimens of Cultivated Grasses, (in seed and straw), Thomas Hislop, Milwaukee, 2 00 EEPOET OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE MISCELLANEOUS AND DISCRETIONARY DEPARTMENT, 1857 No. OF Entries, 93. No. 1. — The first entry in this department of the State Fair was the "Badger State Safe," represented, and no doubt truly, as fire, thief and powder proof, manufactured by Messrs. Berlin- er & Bruno, No. 225 East Water"Street, Milwaukee. It was a beautiful and highly ornamental article, so well painted in imi- tation of rosewood that many careless observers passed by it with the impression that it was a wardrobe, or some similar- piece of household furniture. One of these safes was tested on the market square in Milwaukee, on the 2d of September last, and the result is stated in the following certificate, signed by sixteen of the most respectable business men of that city, who were present and witnessed the experiment. " We the undersigned, being requested to act as a committee at the trial of " The Badger State Fire Proof Safe," by the Manufacturers, Messrs. Berliner & Bruno, of this city, would report : "That the Safe was placed about one and a-half feet from the ground, surrounded by six cords of hard wood, and sub- jected to a strong fire. Before lighting the fire, papers, books, bank bills, and some silver, were put into the Safe in our pres- ence. The fire burned fiercely for four hours, causing the Safe to be red hot, melting off all the ornamental brass parts. A 48 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. stream of cold water was then poured on it by one of our city- Fire Engines for nearly one hour, putting it to a very severe test. " On opening, the contents were found uninjured, the pa- pers not even charred ; some of them, however, were slighly discolored by the steam generated by the application of the water. "We consider the trial of this Safe satisfactory, and have en- tire confidence in its safety as a means of protecting books, pa- pers, and other valuables, in cases of fire, and hereby testify to the Safe, being a very superior article, and in our opinion able to stand any fire without injury to its contents. We take pleasure in recommending them to our community and the pub- lic in general. " In regard to the locks we would say, they were not in any way injured, and from their construction and position consider them proof against powder, as well as being secure in case of fire." These Wisconsin-made Safes are constructed entirely of ■wrought iron, rendering them stronger, and capable of resisting a much greater degree of heat than those made partly of cast iron ; the heat necessary to melt wrought iron being very much more than is required to melt cast iron. Should one of these safes fall from the upper floor of a building to the basement, no fear need be entertained of its breaking to pieces. The com- position employed is of a kind recently invented in Europe, and not generally used in this country for the manufacture of safes. j;i"o. 3. — The Portable Forge and Bellows, or as it might be called, the Miniature Blacksmith's Shop, appears to be an arti- cle that might be made very useful on many of the larger farms ; being a neat, compact, and very convenient method of starting a smith's fire for the performance of small jobs of mending, &c., thus saving much expense and more loss of valuable time in sending to a distant blacksmith's shop every time there is a " screw loose." The apparatus is the invention of Mr. C. Y. Queen, and was patented in 1845 and 1848. The space occu- pied by it does not exceed that required for a flour barrel. The contrivance for preventing the wind from affecting the wire; AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 49 and for keeping tlie fire alive wliile not in use without the un- necessary consumption of fuel are quite ingenious, and might be adopted with advantage in ordinary smitheries. This time and labor saving apparatus was exhibited by Mr. G. P. Hewett, Hardware Dealer, No. 93 East Water Street, Mil- waukee ; but the manufactory is in New York. They are made of six different sizes, and at prices varying from $16 to $45. They are useful for blacksmiths, coppersmiths, gunsmiths, gold- smiths, farmers, quarrymen, brick-makers, gas-fitters, chemists, miners, &c., &c. They are often employed on steam-boats and for repairs on Railroads, &;c. From the printed circular of the manufacturers we gather the following additional particulars : " The Forge can be set where most convenient for light and room, and the smoke conducted to the chimney by a pipe. It is compact — the Twier Iron is of a superior construction — heats the iron in the quickest manner — the wind escapes from the hot air chamber through several holes in the twier cap, which being under the fire, prevents the twier from getting filled up with coal and ashes, as it will where there is but one opening. For out-door work and for safety in-doors, these Forges have great advantages over others, having two slides by which the Forge can be closely shut up, or can be placed in any possible position necessary to prevent any interference to the fire by wind or rain when in use out-doors, and for safety and many purposes in- doors, (particularly for Jewelers, Dentists and for chemical ope- rations,) all the fumes from charcoal and acids being conducted through the smoke pipe, or when open they are entirely out of the way ; and they are so constructed that fire or water cannot injure the Bellows, which is in the cylinder under the fire bed." 6, 7, 8. — For the exhibition of the very highly finished orna- mental Household Furniture, by Noyes, Flertzheim & Co., of 221 East Water street, Milwaukee, consisting of a Rosewood Attache or What-Not, a Rosewood Sewing Table, and a Mahog- any Workstand, the committee recommend that a diploma be awarded. 69, 70, 71. — Another group of furniture exhibited by Mr. J. F. Birchard, of Milwaukee, consisting of a Rosewood Bedstead E 50 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. attache, and a beautiful carved female head attracted universal attention, and should be awarded a diploma. 11. — A premium of three dollars is recommended for the very beautiful and ingenious model of a ship exhibited by George Eichards, showing in minute detail all the varied machinery of a large sail ship. 14. — The exhibition of Umbrellas and Parasols manufactured by H. Middleton, No. 14 Wisconsin street, Milwaukee, was well deserving of the honor of a diploma. Those who, by their skill and enterprise manufacture articles of daily use within our own State, and thus prevent the necessity of importing such articles from abroad, deserve to be patronized by all well-wishers of our thriving State of Wisconsin. No principle in political economy is more clearly self-evident than that we should manu- facture for ourselves as much as possible, thus creating a home market for our agricultural products, and preventing the expor- tation of money for the purchase of the articles manufactured. In this way the returns received by Wisconsin for her grains, lumber, metals, etc., exported, would be in the form of money, rather than of the products of the industry and better economy of other countries. 24. — Hats, Caps and Furs exhibited by Messrs. Troop & Bail- ey, Hatters, Milwaukee, a diploma. 45. — The committee award a diploma to Messrs S. Shoyer & Co., of Milwaukee, for superb articles of Gent's Clothing. 77. — Messrs. Atkins & Steele, No. 171 East Water Street, ex- hibited a lot of well made boots. 20, 21. — The Truss Hoops, Crows and Trowels, were good specimens of Cooper's Tools, etc., exhibited by E. & H. Clark, Milwaukee. 112 to 136. — Hardware Tools of various kinds, some of them newly invented, and others with many newly devised improve- ments, making them more convenient and usefal in the hands of skilful workmen, were exhibited by Lefever& Green, 81 East Water street, Milwaukee, who, for their enterprize in supplying the country with these indispensible articles, should receive a diploma from the Society. AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 51 26. — A top carriage called " Jenny Lind," and an open buggy being the best exhibited, should receive a diploma. Exhibited by Ogden & Smith, Spring St., Milwaukee. 72, 73, 74 and 75. — Carriages from the works of Messrs. R. Ela & Co., of Rochester, Racine County, Wis., should also be awarded a diploma for their neat and substantial workmanship. 27. — Lewis' Patent Screw Cutter, for cutting the screws in making a certain kind of cheap bedstead, received the diploma of this Society, at the Fair held in Watertown, in 1853, and is represented, no doubt, truly by the proprietor, Mr. John B. Hunt, as mathematically and mechanically a most perfect and beautiful invention for making the screw bedstead, requiring neither power, bench, or bench room. It is more durable than any other tool of the kind, and the work comes together perfect- ly. For information in regard to this simple and ingenious im- plement application is to be made to Mr. J. F. Birchard, or Messrs. Skidmore & Reynolds, of Milwaukee. 39 and 42.— Messrs. E. & P. Fairbanks & Co., of St, Johns- bury, Vermont, exhibited their Railroad Depot Scales, Flour Packing Scales, Platform Scales and Grocer's Scales, with sev- eral newly devised improvements suggested by study and expe- rience in the use of the great number of Scales manufactured and sold by them. Some of the contrivances to prevent friction, and to prevent the wear of materials at the joints, were very in- genious, and add much to the accuracy and durability of the Scales. Diplomas or premiums having been awarded for these scales on former occasions, the Committee deem it proper here to in- sert the following account of their establishment, prepared at the request of the Committee, by Mr. Pliny H. White, of St. Johns- bury. It will be read with much interest by the people of Wis- consin, as well as of other parts of the country. The manufacture of Fairbanks Scales commenced about twenty five years ago. Like many other u-eful inventions, they had their origin in the necessity which the inventor experienced of having some weighing machine more convenient than the steel- yard or even balance. He was engaged in a business which re- 52 "WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. quired the weighing of a substance that was very light and verv bulky. The largest possible draft of it that could be made by any weighing apparatus then in use, was but a few pounds, and in receiving or discharging large quantities, the labor of weigh- ing was almost interminable. This suggested the desirableness of a scale upon which the article could be weighed by wagon loads, and the result was a platform scale. Different modifica- tions have been made from time to time, to meet the various demands of the commercial and manufacturing world ; and now they make more than fifty kinds of scales, from the Druggist's scale, weighing an eighth of an ounce, ap to the ponderous weigh-locks, capable of determining a weight of five hundred tons. All these scales are made, however, upon the same prin- ciple, and are of equal and unvarying accuracy. From a small beginning, and from sales amounting to only a few hundred, or at most, a few thousand dollars annually, the Messrs. Fairbanks have carried their business steadily forward, till by their energy, skill and honorable dealing, they have gain- ed a world-wide reputation as manufacturers, and increased their sales till they are reckoned by hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. Since the great multiplication of railroads, the de- mand for Scales are proportionately increased. Nearly a hund- red and thirty railroads, among which are the longest and most important lines in the United States, are supplied exclusively or nearly so with Fairbank's Scales. The same is true of nearly all the great lines in England, their scales being made in that country by a Liverpool house. The Railroads in Cuba and South America are also supplied with their scales, graduated to the Spanish standard. Among the great American roads that use Fairbanks' Scales, may be mentioned the New York & Erie, the New York Central, the Baltimore & Ohio, the Grand Trunk, and the Great Western, (in Canada,) the Michigan Central, Michigan Southern, and Illinois Central. Nearly, if not quite all the roads which concentrate at Chicago are supplied with them, and most of those which now, or prospectively, terminate at Milwaukee, have made arrangements for being furnished with them. From a multitude of testimonials submitted to our in- AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS. 53 spection, we select two, sliowing in what estimation their Eail- road scales are held by those who use them. " The Superintendent of the Eichmond wharves, at the ter- minus of the Eeading Eailroad, near Philadelphia, says in March 1852, that 'there have been in constant use on those wharves, for more than six years, twenty-six of Fairbank's ten ton Track Scales, on which has been weighed all the immense tonnage which has passed over the road during that time — amounting in the aggregate to about eight million tons ; and that notwithstanding this severe test, the Scales have always kept their adjustment without any expense for repairs, and are now apparently as perfect and as sensitive in their operation as when first built.' Under date of March 22d, 1853, the Engineer of the Port Carbon Eailroad writes, that ' there has been in daily use on that road, for the last eight years, one of Fairbank's Track Scales, 8-i feet in length, on which has been weighed with accu- racy during that time more than three million two hundred thousand tons of coal; and that he now finds that all its levers and bearings are in excellent condition.' " Among their recent inventions for the benefit of Railroads is the Suspension Track Scale. It is designed to obviate difficul- ties arising from surface water or high tides, which cannot always be excluded from the vaults of scales built in the ordinary way. In this modification, all the bearings and other parts of the scale, which are liable to be injured by exposure to the action of water, are located in a chamber above the platform, while the beam and all other parts to which it is necessary to have access, occu- py their usual places. One of these scales has been built for the Chicago and Galena Eailroad, in their freight depot in Chicago, and gives entire satisfaction to all who have to do with it. The "Weigh Lock Scales, manufactured by this Company, de- serve especial mention. They are designed for weighing loaded canal boats, and have the enormous capacity of 1,000,000 pounds. The weight in this modification is indicated by a beam, and is ascertained at once, as soon as the boat is placed in the lock and the water removed. Notwithstanding their very great capacity they weigh small quantities just as accurately as the 54 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. smaller scales. A committee of the Franklin Institute, (Phila- delphia,) bj whom one of these scales was subjected to very se- vere tests, says, " The Committee saw that when a boat weigh- ing 150 tons was in the cradle, the weight of a bucket of water placed on it was plainly and at once indicated; and that the weight of a person standing on the boat could be ascertained with accuracy." Several of these scales have been built in the Western States, viz : one in the Ohio Canal, at Cleveland ; one in the Wabash & Erie Canal, at Toledo ; and the Messrs. Fairbanks are now building a scale at Lockland, and another at Carroll, Ohio. As a natural consequence of the meritorious qualities of these scales, they have had a very extensive sale. One would, at first thought, suppose that the country must be so full of scales that the demand would be limited and decreasing Such is not the case however, with regard to Fairbanks' scales. Tho demand for them steadily ir creases from year to year. New markets are constantly opening, and adaptations of the scales to the new and ever shifting demand of commerce and manufactures are constantly going on. They go to all parts of the world. In Pekin, Constantinople, Calcutta, Melbourne, Valparaiso, Lima and Honolula they are to be found, as well as in Boston, New York and Chicago. In short, the Yankee himself is hardly more ubiquitous than Fairbanks' Scales. They are of course^ adapted to the various standards of the different countries to which they are sent, so that the Chinese may weigh his caddy of tea, and the Hindoo his maund of indigo, as exactly as the Buckeye his pork, or the Louisianian his sugar. It has already been stated that the demand for these scales, and consequently the manufacture of them, is increasing yearly. From the best statistics we can procure, we think we are not far from the truth in saying that in 1854, the firm made 15,000 scales, worth nearly $400,000. The majority of these were the portable and dormant scales used in stores, amounting to about three-fifths of the whole number. More than a third were scales for the counter, such as Grocer's scales and even balances ; the remainder were hay, depot, track, and other large scales. AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 55 Perhaps no article of American manufacture has received the hio-hest premium at exhibitions more frequently than these scales. The American Institute at New York has, for several years, awarded Messrs. E. & T. Fairbanks & Co. the first premium for the best Scales. In 1850 a gold medal was awarded. The first premium has also been awarded them for the best Scales, for several successive years, by the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, the Massachusetts Mechanics' and Charitable Association, the New York State Fair, and various exhibitions in other States. At the recent Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations, at the Crystal Palace, in New York, a Bronze Medal was awarded them for the best Scales. We are happy to say that the careful examination we have given these scales, enable us to concur in judgment with the committees which have awarded the premiums above named. To adopt the language of the committee at a recent State Fair in New York, " the high celebrity to which these scales have every- where attained, makes it needless for your committee to say anything in commendation. Suffice it, that they, as ever, are most beautifully constructed, most evenly balanced, and exquisi- tely finished. The weight of the passing breath of air is enough to bear them down. Where these scales are used even-handed justice to all is sure to be meted out." 28, 29. — The pair of Swifts, and the Spool Stand, exhibited by Mr. Nathan Brick, show how the useful articles may at the same time be fanciful. 33. — A premium should be allowed to Mr. W. G. Wright, 103 E. Water st., Milwaukee, for his exhibition of a Sole-Leather Trunk and Valise, of domestic manufacture, and having a vari- ety of little conveniences for those who travel. The work ap- peared to be substantial, a quality very essential in these days of hurry and bustle. 82. — The art of shoeing horses, is usually regarded as a sim- ple one, that may be practiced by any person who can work a shoe and drive a nail ; but this work properly requires much careful study and adaptation of the shoe, and even the mode of placing it upon the foot, to the particular circumstances of dif- 56 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. ferent cases. The " routine " way of doing business has been the cause of much suffering to these noble and useful animals, to say nothing of permanent injuries sustained in consequence of bad shoeing. Mr. A. V. Tillman, of Beloit, had on exhibi- tion shoes adapted for weak or split hoofs, and for the preven- tion of " interfering," which show that he, at least, understands this important subject. 80. — The Mural Maps, and Universal Atlas, exhibited by J. H. Colton & Co., were excellent in their way, and well worthy of the patronage of the public. So far as we could judge from those portions of the atlas already published, the following re- port of a committee of the American Geographical and Statisti- cal Society of New York, does no more than justice to this val- uable production : " The undersigned, who were appointed by the Society a Com- mittee to examine and report upon an Atlas about to be pub- lished by Mr. J. H. Colton, a member of the Society, have per- formed that duty, and respectfully submit the following as their report : " The size of the Atlas is that known as imperial folio, and contains 107 sheets, on which are exhibited 180 Maps and Plans. The work has been a costly one in its preparation, having re- quired an outlay of not less than I^ifti/ Thousand Dollars. " As to the style of its execution, it has been printed on a strong, firm paper, expressly prepared for the work. The Maps are beautifully engraved, and the lettering especially is neat and distinct. Indeed, it is admitted that no workmen excel ours in lettering. "In addition to the Maps, the volume contains sheets of let- ler-press of descriptive matter that appear to have been com- piled with care, and present a very large amount of valuable statistical information condensed into a small compass. It also presents six or eight Maps of the World, showing the prominent features of its physical geography. " As to its accuracy, great care appears to have been taken in obtaining the latest and most correct information as to the East- ern Hemisphere. It may want a portion of the minute detail of AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 57 some of the more elaborate European Maps, but nothing impor- tant to the general reader seems to have been omitted ; and it certainly is worthy of strong commendation in its delineation of the Eastern Hemisphere. We have seen no American Atlas that can rival it in this department. " As to the Western Hemisphere, and particularly North America, it is decidedly (in our view) superior to any thing yet produced. In the department of the United States it is exceed- ingly minute and accurate. No pains have been spared to make it so. All former Maps, personal explorations, a very extensive correspondence, a thorough examination of the original Docu- ments, Maps, and Reports in the offices of the General Grovern- ment, books of travels, etc., have been resorted to, to make the work what it should be. " The result has been the best Atlas of the United States ever yet published, and one which may be safely resorted to by the geographers of the other hemisphere. There will be found county boundaries and towns in all the States of the Confeder- acy, post towns, railroads completed, projected, and in progress up to this time, and plans of most of the larger cities and towns. " To this part of the work the Committee would particularly refer with pride, as affording evidence of the progress we are making in geographical science, and of the artistic skill which our country possesses in map engraving and printing. "We can not, in conclusion, do less than say that, on the whole, this is by much the best Atlas our country has yet pro- duced, and does credit to the zeal, public spirit, and intelligence of our fellow-member, by whom it has, at so much cost, been prepared. We trust his countrymen will so appreciate his work that he will be remunerated for his labors." The large Mural Map of the United States, originally prepar- ed by Messrs. Sherman & Smith, but now belonging to Mr. Col- ton, is decidedly the best, most highly finished, most accurate, and contains a larger amount of the details of the geography of the United States than any other published map. Besides its usefulness as a map, it forms a handsome ornament for any hall or public room. F 58 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. The committee deem it not inappropriate here to insert an essay on Maps and Map making, prepared mostly from materi- als furnished by Mr. Colton. The first Map of the world was constructed by Anaximander, disciple of Tliales, B. C. 568. According to Herodotus, this was drawn on brass or copper, and contained the entire circumference of the whole vwrld, the sea and all the rivers. The theory of this philosopher was that the earth was cylindrical ; others supposed it to be a plane ; the true figure of the earth was not known in ancient times. Erotasthenes of Alexandria, B. C. 245, was the first to reduce geography to a regular system, by the introduc- tion of parallels of latitude into Maps ; and Hipparchus of Rhodes was the first to introduce lines of Meridians ; his prime meridian being the Fortunate Isles, or Canaries, which were then sup- posed to be the Western border of the earth. The crude theories respecting the shape of the earth and its relations to the Uni- verse up to the days of Copernicus, Galileo and Newton, greatly retarded the progress of the science : and on this account all the productions of ancient, are of no use to modern geography ; and hence also they can only be quoted as curiosities in the history of geographical delineation. Maps now, however, became more authentic and assumed gradually a form at once scientific and reliable. The first sea chart was brought to England by Bar- tholomew Columbus, A. D. 1489, to illustrate his brother's theory respecting a Western Continent. The earliest map of England was engraved by George Lily in 1520. Mercator's Chart, on which the world is drawn a plane, was invented in 1556. Subsequent discoveries have only added to our know- ledge of the earth's topography, and filled up the outline science had already demarked. Map printing from wood, copper, steel, etc., is of comparatively recent date. Prints from wood were first produced about the year 1400; copper plates were used 50 years la'.er; lithographic printing was introduced in 1789 ; and steel-plate prmting in 1817. In still later times the cerographs of Morse, and various other kinds of printing from type metal have come into use. But of all recent useful inventions the most useful is that of AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 59 transferring from steel and copper engravings to stone. By this important discovery the minutest shades are transferred without injury to the original ; hence the plate is preserved in good order for an indefinite period. Electrotyping has also been applied to map making, by which process the lettering and lines are raised and printed from in the same manner as book type. In litho- graphy the surface is level ; in steel and copper plate the engrav- ing is cut into the metal. If any maps were engraved and published in the United States previous to the commencemerit of the present century, history has left no record of the fact. In the early part of the centur}'- local majDS were published in the larger cities, but at this early date there were no map publishers, so called. xMitchell and Tanner, of Philadelphia, appear to have been our pioneer pub- lishers ; the first well known for his maps of the world and o^ the United States ; the latter for his Universal Atlas. The art of Map-making is well described in the Neio American Annual, published by P>. K. Maltby, of Cleveland, Oliio, and we have been permitted to make the following extract : " The process by which a finished and elegant map, ready for a place in an elaborate and costly atlas, or by the aid of appro- priate mountings, to be suspended — a geographical panorama upon the wall — is not only interesting in itself, but may be, in many respects, quite new to some of our readers. The time, labor and care necessary to compile and execute a new map, at all approaching ^.orrectness, can only be appreciated by those who have attempted the task. Some who may read this, perhaps know something of it from merely attempting to copy some small one in their school atlas. As trifling as this undertaking would be in comparison with producing a new one, they may have deemed the job almost endless, and as they worked on, hour after hour upon it, have been thankful that they could choose, as an avocation for life, some employment that would not require such a wearying application as this would do, if continued day after day, and year after year. Yet this, it must be remembered, is only copying, and demands merely care and patience to imitate correctly. But in compiling a new map 60 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. from reports of surveys, and various autliorities — all on different scales perhaps — agreeing in some points, and in others likely entirely dissimilar, — making all to harmonize in one, is a more serious matter. This can be done by the exercise of good judg- ment, a discriminating knowledge of the country to be delineat- ed, and an intimate acquaintance with the authorities necessary to be consulted, sufficient to enable one to determine what is reliable and what mere "guess work;" to which must be added experienced artistic skill. All these requisities are indispensable to compile a good reliable map. " But we were to give an outline of the process by which maps are produced. First then, a drawing is to he made. This, it will be understood, pre-suppose the proper collection of sur- veys and other authentic materials, of which the map is to be the summary. Hundreds of letters may have been written to obtain information respecting the names and locations of towns, courses of streams, distances from place to place, etc., etc., for a single map. Some of our readers may perhaps have received letters from the very establishment spoken of above, instituting such inquiries, and have very likely, in such cases, laid them aside unanswered, little thinking how much the simple reply to the questions propunded might save of perplexing inquiry. With the appropriate materials on hand, the draught is made, combining in one all the ficts that have been collected, and making a perfect picture of the items of knowledge the circum- stances of the case, and progress of geographical investigation admit of, and presenting a full and beautiful map, all drawn by hand, and costing days and months of incessant artistic labor. " The drawing completed, the second step is to engrave it upon sheets of steel, or copper-plate. This requires the utmost deli- cacy of touch, as will be apparent upon the examination of an}^ skillfully executed map. Every letter, from the largest to the smallest — every line in the water — every one of the minute cuts representing mountain-peaks and ranges, requiring a magnifying glass to exhibit them, are cut by the hand, without the aid of any kind of machinery, by artists skilled in their particular depart- ments. Nor can the different kinds and departments of work AWARDS OF PEEMIUMS. v 61 be performed well by one engraver. Years of persevering ap- plication and industry arc required to master one branch, such, as small lettering — water-lining — topography ; and rarely can a workman obtain more than a tolerable proficiency in more than one. In engraving a map therefore, the plate passes from one to another until finished — first the plan^ that is, water-courses, coast-lines and boundaries, is engraved — next the larger letter- ing— then the small writing — again, the mountains and other topography — then the water-lines — After which comes the bor- der, with the other ornamental work, and finally the title. All these several parts of the work, in the establishment before spoken of, are executed by different workmen, each quite per- fect in his particular branch, thus systematizing the business in the most perfect manner ; which accounts for the great accuracy, beauty and perfection of the works emanating from it. " The plate being finished, it is now to hQ printed ; not by a power-press, with the facility and cheapness of a stereotype form, but by the slow, hand, copperplate press, each impression cost- ing as much as half a hundred newspaper impressions. Many of the large maps also are composed of from six to nine sheets, requiring that number of distinct impressions to the single map. " The next step in the process of map-making is the coloring. This requires the delicate touches of the female hand. Most persons in looking upon a large map, like that of the United States, with the divisions of States and counties, designated by various and appropriate colors, may suppose there is some pro- cess analagous to calico printing, whereby the colors are rapidly and uniformly spread upon the sheet. This however, is not the case. Each particular division however large or small, is col- ored by the practised hand of woman, with a j?aint-brush, requir- ing great care and a long time to accomplish it. " Still the map, with all that has thus far been done, is in pa- per sheets, and unfit for use. It has now to be mounted, that is, the sheets fitted together, put upon a cloth back, varnished, bound, and tacked to the roller and molding — parts of the pro- cess apparently least important, but are indeed expensive and difficult, and require a steady hand, and a careful, practised eye. 62 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. " From tliis hasty outline it will not be difficult for the reader to understand why the entire cost of producing any considerably sized map is vury great. Nor is this primary cost usually all. The erasures and insertion of subsequent information often amounts in expensiveness to the original cost of the plates." We Avill now endeavor to give the readers of the Transactions some idea of map-publishing as illustrated by the extensive es- tablishment of J. H. Colton & Co. of New York. It is something over twent}^ years since this house was found- ed by the senior partner whose talents and business tact have raised an unpretending business to the magnificence of its pres- ent proportions. It is said to be unsurpassed in the number as well as the value of its issues, and litis no equal of its kind in any part of the world, in the extent of its operations and resourcas. Much of its success, however, has been due to the impetus given to Geographical studies by the vast acquisitions made since 1845 to our territorial limits, and to the tide of emigrants seeking authentic information of the countries they are destined to pop- ulate, and offer to commerce and civilization. Aided by these fostering agencies, the limited concern, as at its first establish- ment, soon became the great map emporium of the Western Continent, with an issue of maps and books to the value of more than $250,000 a year. Such a business requires the labor of many hands. From five to twelve engravers are employed on the revisions alone. About one hundred females are occupied in coloring the maps ; this number of course cannot be accomo- dated in the establishment itself, but have the work at their pri- vate residences or in separate rooms rented for the purpose. So difficult is it to get a sufficient number of skillful hands, that thousands of maps are sent to neighboring towns and cities, and very many especially to Philadelphia. A large number also are employed in cutting and fitting the sheets together, varnishing, mounting and packing them, for filling orders. From twenty- five to thirty hands are employed on the difficult and artistic labor of printing the maps from the steel and copper plates, with various subordinate laborers necessary in connection with the different branches of the work ; while in producing rollers and AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 68 mouldings nlone, a steam factory finds full and constant employ- ment. The maps thus produced, are sold not only in our own country, but in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. 31. — Jeffery's Force and Suction Pump, uniting the two kinds of action in one motion of the handle, appears to be a very im- portant invention ; for besides the ordinary operation of raising water from a well or cistern, it may be made to throw it to the top of a house, to scatter it over the garden in times of drought, or conduct it to any desired place on the premises. According to the advertisement of the proprietor, Mr. L. H. Ilills, of Waupun, Wisconsin, " The surprising utility of this Pump, springs from the happy combination of the FORCE AND SUCTION principles ; by means of which are obtained, amongst others, the following advanta- ges: 1. — A double action, by which twice the water can be raised at the same time. 2. — Great ease in working, thus adapting the Farce Principle to common wells. 3. — The transformation, in a moment, of the Pump into an efficient fire engine, thus rendering the loss of dwellings by fire, totally unnecessary. 4. — Capability of watering Grardens, Lawns, etc., or sprink- ling Walks, or washing Windows, with the utmost ease and thoroughness. 5. — Power to raise water, with slight labor, to any reasonable height, as in supplying chambers, etc. 6. — The convenience of having the Pump in a kitchen, or other room of your dwelling, without regard to the location of the Well, or Cistern. 7. — The easy protection of the instrument against frost. 8. — ^The ease with which it may be mounted on wheels, or in any other way made portable. 9. — A simplicity which ensures great durability, protects it from being thrown out of order, and makes any repairs easy and of little cost ; and secures — 64 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. 10. — Great cheapness : for the first time bringing the cost of the Force Pump into the neighborhood of the common Suction and Chain Pumps, while it is immeasurably superior to both," 44. — The Force Pump and Fire Engine aims at the same ob- jects, but appears to be less simple in its construction than the last. 37. — ^The model of Ericsson's Caloric Engine appeared to be well calculated to exhibit the principles upon which this new invention acts. 38. — Among the ornamental things exhibited, was a Street Lamp, which would not discredit the finest streets of Paris. 43. — Messrs. Piper, Hastings & Co., of Ixonia, in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, exhibited a box of Saleratus, which appeared to be very fine and pure. Much of the bread and biscuit brought to the tables in the Western States is spoiled, or mate- rially injured, both in agreeableness of taste and in healthful- ness, by the excessive use of impure saleratus. This article should only be used to correct the acidity or sourness of bread, and not to make it light. Only so much should be used as is necessary to absorb the acid in the bread ; all beyond this is not only useless, but injurious. The acid of the bread (having a stronger affinity for the alkali of the Salaratus, or carbonate of potash, than the carbonic), unites with the alkali, and liberates the carbonic acid or fixed air, allowing it to escape in the form of bubbles. But if an excess of Saleratus is used, this change is not effected, and it remains in its crude state, vitiating the quality of the bread. If our good housewives could be induced to study a little chemistry, it would enable them to correct this abuse, and many others that are too common in the country. 46-7. — Platina Pointed Lightning Rods and Silver Pointed Lightning Eods were exhibited by C. L. Herring ; and also a " Manifold Twisted Lightning Rod without couplings," consist- ing of a number of wires twisted together, and rolled into a coil. This rod is cut to any desired length, so that no coupling or joints are needed. As the electric fluid passes almost entirely on the surface of the rod, it has been an object with inventors to obtain the greatest amount of surface with a given quantity AWAEDS OF PKEMIUMS. 65 of iron. This appears to be accomplished by this new Eod ; for a Eod only three-eighths of an inch in diameter is said to have a conducting surface of about two inches in breadth ; be- ing double that of the ordinary solid rod. Few persons are ignorant of the fact that the discovery of this simple means of protection against "the artillery of heaven," was made by our own Franklin ; but many do not fully appre- ciate the more important truth, that the simple experiment with a kite was only one link in the chain of circumstances which led to the invention of the Electro-Magnetic Telegraph of Prof Morse. We are apt to sneer at, and look upon as trifling, the minute investigations of men of science into the laws and mys- teries of the creation ; but we here have an example showing that experiments and researches, apparently the most trifling, may lead to results the most important. It is only by a patient and thorough study of all the laws of nature, and by compar- ing one with another, that important results are brought out in the end. Every step in the way is essential, and if omitted the goal is never attained. Lightning Eods are extensively used in some portions of France, under the name of Paragretes, to protect the crops of the farmers from injury by hail ; it being well ascertained that by gradually drawing down the electricity of the clouds, the foiTnation of hail is prevented. Fortunately, although we have hail in Wisconsin, we are not afflicted with so much as to ren- der any such precaution necessary. One of the principal causes of f lilure of Lightning Eods to protect our property from electricity, arises from the want of a proper connection at the joints ; any slight interruption in the conducting surface, causing the fluid (if it be one), to pass to the walls, and thus increase, rather than diminish the danger to be apprehended from lightning. The continuous rods exhibited, obviates entirely all danger on this account. 151.' — [Drawings of the Grasses of Wisconsin, showing the minute structure of the flowers, etc., as well as the general as- pect of the species, made by I. A. Lapham, and intended to il- lustrate his essay on this important family of plants, in the Sd G 66 WISCONSIN AaEICULTUEE. volume of th.e Transactions of this Society, were deemed worthy of a diploma.] (And are also worthy of all praise and admiration, not less for their truthfulness and fidelity to nature, than for their artistic neatness of execution. See cuts in 3d vol. of Transactions — .ed.) 48. — Improved Iron Window Shutter, exhibited by George F. Austin, of Milwaukee. This was a simple and very ingen- ious contrivance to secure windows by iron slats moved by weights, one sliding behind the other so as to occupy but a very little space when drawn up. These shutters are fire proof and burglar proof; when drawn up are very compact and out of sight ; and may be constructed at a cost very considerably less than any of the Iron Shutters which roll up, without their disadvantages and inconveniences. A diploma. 61. — Mr. Thomas Hislop, seedsman, Milwaukee, exhibited a number of specimens of cultivated Grasses ; among them the Eynosurus cirstaius, or crested dog-tail Grass, of Great Britain, and Solium perenne — the common and the Italian Kay Grass. For further information in regard to these and other species of the grass family, see the 3d vol. of the Transactions of this So- ciety, page 397. T6.' — The Blank Books exhibited by Henry Niedecken & Co., of Milwaukee, fully sustained their well earned reputation for fine and excellent work in this line. 81. — Among the really valuable machines of simple construc- tion and easy application, was one exhibited by John Bull, of Racine, for making candles, It had many contrivances for saving time and labor, and for securing uniformity in the size and shape of candles ; as well as to keep the wick where it ought to be, exactly in the middle of the tallow. This machine is of cheap construction, (cost about $30,) and is well worthy of the attention of those who are engaged in this branch of the art of enlightening mankind. 83. — The Art of Printing is making rapid progress in our State, if we may judge from the specimens exhibited, and by comparison with work heretofore done in this way under some AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 6^^ former contracts with the State. The composition and press work are done with taste and neatness. But the best printing is often spoiled for want of paper of the right quality. No work of this kind can be made so as to look neat and handsome if a thin rough paper is used, whose color does not differ very materially from that of the ink. In this department, the pamph- let exhibited by Mr. C. G. Foster, of the Beloit Journal, being the Annual Catalogue of Beloit College, is worthy of notice by the Executive Committee 84.— J. M. Singer & Co's. Patent Straight Needle Vertical Sewing Machine, as usual, attracted a large share of attention ; the exhibitor distributing specimens of its handy-work. This new invention is now too well known to need much notice here. A long straight needle passes vertically down through the cloth, and some distance below it. A small shuttle then passes hori- zontally between the needle and the thread. The needle and shuttle are next both withdrawn forming a close firm stitch. The cloth being moved on a wheel the distance required for another stitch, the operation is repeated. The whole of this is done in a very short space of time, so that sewing is done with great rapidity by this simple and beautiful machine. The whole is operated by the foot after the manner of a turning lathe. The great business of sewing, however, is yet mainly done by hand; the machine being adapted only to the more ordinary plain work. Cost, $125. 93. — Some very fine Picture Frames, manufactured by H. Stien, of Milwaukee, were exhibited, and should be suitably re- warded by the executive committee. 94. — For his skill and taste in the use of the pen, a premium should be awarded to Mr. B. F. Felch, of Racine, he having ex- hibited very beautiful specimens of drawings, of off-hand writing, and of flourishing, that were very much admired by the passing crowd. 103^ and 5. — The Foundry Bell, the Mortising Machine, and the India Rubber Belting and Pipe, were all excellent and use- ful articles, from H. J. Nazro & Co., Milwaukee. 68 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. 143 — The specimens of Milwaukee Brick, made by machineTy and by the common process, were such as few places except Milwaukee can furnish. The pale color of these brick often lead the stranger to suppose them of inferior quality — a supposi- tion that soon vanishes on the slightest examination. The want of redness, the usual color of brick in other countries, is owing to the entire absence of iron in the clay, as was ascertained by Prof. Silliman, of Yale College, New Haven. The brick made by the steam-press are supposed to be the best, as well as the most beautiful ; for these brick when built up into fine buildings are not without beauty. The clay is first dried on the boiler of the steam engine, then pulverized and screened. It is next sub- jected, in a dry state, to an immense pressure in the smoothly polished moulds, and burnt in the usual way. 150, — The assortment of Iron Wire Screenery, exhibited by S. S. Daggett, of Milwaukee, by whom it is extensively manu- factured, consisted of a Wheat Screen, Chess Screen, a Screen for separating different kinds of wheat ; a Screen for Oats, for Grass Seeds, and for separating Cockle Seed. Some improvements have recently been made in the manner of weaving these Screens, rendering them more useful and durable. 149. — A Loom, constructed entirely of wood, capable of work- ing 15 to 20 yards of cloth per day, invented by John G. Gar- relson, of Iowa, appeared to be well adapted to a new country where men have to construct the machinery used in their fami- lies of the scanty materials at hand. It should be known to all who are about to penetrate far into the wilderness in search of a new home. Much interest was imparted to the exhibition by the jaw-bone of a Mastodon giganteus found buried six feet deep in the ground at Terre Coupee Prairie, Michigan, and exhibited by Mr. A. H. Taylor. This bone was the right branch of the lower jaw, con- taining three teeth, the anterior one much worn, especially on the exterior side. Upon examination it was found that this fragment exhibited evidence that the great Mastodon had one more tooth than had been assigned to it by naturalists, so that AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 69 it is likely to become of mucli importance in settling the history of that extinct animal. It is now deposited in the collection of Dr. John C. Warren, of Boston, Massachusetts. At a meeting of the Boston Society of Natural History, held in January, 1855, the following communication was received and read, from Mr, I. A. Lapham, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin : '• On the number of teeth of the Mastodon Giganteus." '* Much interest was imparted to the Annual Exhibition of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society for 1854, by a fragment of the lower jaw-bone of the extinct Mastodon giganteus, found buried six feet deep in the ground, at a place known as Terre Coupee, Michigan, by M. H. Taylor. It was the right ramus, and a small portion of the extremity of the left, with three teeth, the anterior one much worn, especially on the exterior side. Its entire length is 26 inches; its height and thickness is 6 1-2 inches, measured opposite the space between the last two teeth. The posterior elevated portions of the jaw are broken off, and also the pointed extremity, where no traces are to be seen of the small tusks that belong here, or of their cavities. The anterior tooth consists of six mastoid processes, forming three transverse ridges, interrupted by a central depression ; but the three inner processes are worn off obliquely, and the outer half of the tooth is worn down to the base of the eminences. Where the enamel is worn off, the dentine or bony matter with- in, constituting the main body of the tooth, is covered with a black, very hard, horny layer. The hardness of this thin coat- ing aids the mastication of food, and materially retards detrition. There are two fangs, but the posterior one appears to be made by the union of two. The tooth is loose, easily removed from its place, and the extremities of the fangs are much abraded. The bone appears to be filling the socket from below, so that the tooth is clearly deciduous, and would soon have been shed. The next and middle tooth is the largest and most prominent of the three. It has four ridges or eight cusps, and the rudiment of another ridge o:i the posterior end. The three inner cusps are most worn, the anterior inner one having entirely disappeared. This tooth is pressed closely against the anterior tooth, as if 70 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. crowding it forward, while it stands entirely separate from tlie one behind. The posterior tooth is evidently in a growing condition. It has four transverse ridges, each divided in the usual manner into two cusps ; the last ridge is nearly hidden beneath the bone, not having yet fully crowded itself out. The two anterior cusps are by far the largest and most elevated : the tooth is much the largest and broadest in front. This tooth is but very little worn, and only on the two anterior prominences. The portion of the left branch of the jaw remaining, extends back to the origin of the first tooth, exhibiting the broad smooth channel or groove occupied by the tongue. The abrupt deflec- tion of this groove anteriorly, and the want of a beak or prolon- gation of the bone in front, excludes this fragment from the Mastodon longirostris ; and the proportionate breadth of the teeth as clearly indicate that it does not belong to the Mastodon angustidens. Mr. Lapham therefore concludes that the specimen belongs to the Mastodon giganteus. On referring to works on the Mastodon giganteus, we find it stated that there are six molar teeth in each branch of the jaws. These teeth are produced at different times, those in front being shed while others are forming behind. Of these teeth the fifth (as described by Dr. Warren in his work) corresponds with the first in the specimen of Mr. Lapham. This indicates an animal of considerable age, having already shed four teeth on each side of each jaw, or sixteen teeth in all. The middle tooth in the specimen corresponds with that of the sixth and last of Dr. War- ren. So that the posterior tooth is one not before observed in any of the bones heretofore found. If we admit that the teeth advance as the animal increases in age, those in front being shed while others are formed in the posterior portion of the jaw, we see no good reason why this process may not be continued indefinitely, and the ultimate number of teeth be regulated by the age and healthful condition of the individual. In this view of the subject, there are no per- manent molar teeth. Disease or death may arrest the process of dentition at any stage of its progression ; and there may be AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 71 instances where the last formed tooth is considerably advanced, without the formation of others behind. Such animals would socn become toothless. Other individuals of more vigorous growth may be supposed to attain the seventh, or, in extreme cases, even a greater number of teeth, without the least change in the laws that govern this process. Cuvier says that the number of molar teeth in the Mastodon giganteus, is sixteen, four in each branch of each jaw, and that there are two incisors. The late Dr. Godman of Philadelphia, discovered two additional tusks in the lower jaw of the male. Dr. Hays, of the same place, discovered a fifth molar tooth in each branch of the jaws, and suggested the probability of a sixth molar. Dr, Warren informs us that subsequent discoveries have confirmed the suggestion of Dr. Hays, the teeth known to him being two incisors and twelve molars in each jaw. Dr. Warren further informs us that numerous specimens support the opinion, that the number of molar teeth is twenty-four and no more. But it has been shown above that, at least in one case, there was one more molar tooth, being the seventh, and that the sys- tem now includes 28 molars." I. A. Lapham, Chairman. ADDRESS Delivered at the close of the Annual State Fair of 1854, by E. W. EDGERTON, PRESIDENT. Gentlemen of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society : — It affords me great pleasure, at the close of this demonstration of the industry, enterprise, and progressive energy of the people of Wisconsin, to be able to renew my congratulations upon the abundant success of our great enterprise ; and to publicly offer to you my acknowledgments for that confidence and favor 72 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. which thus, a second time, has made it my pleasant duty to act as your presiding officer. Furthermore, I will avail myself of this opportunity of re- turning my warmest thanks for that generosity, fidelity, energy, and efficiency which has ever characterized my associate officers, and numerous other individual members, and for the prompt- ness and heartiness with which they have supported the great cardinal measures of the Society, During the entire past year, a beneficent Providence has smiled upon our State, blessing the hand of labor in all its mul- tiform employments, and developing its great and growing in- terests by the sunshine of prosperity. Health and peace, invigorating sunlight and refreshing show- ers, have fallen to our lot, and today we rejoice in well-filled granaries, in healthy herds of sheep and kine, the hum and musical din of workshops, and the brisk activity of the business mart; while other parts of our common country have been severely visited by drought, and fire, and pestilence. The inhabitants of our State have done their work faithfully, and of right, reap, now, an abundant reward. In quantity and in quality, the products of our State have never been surpassed ; while a ready sale, and high prices have awaited the farmer almost at his own door. For these gratifying evidences of abounding goodness, let us be deeply thankful to that merciful Father, in whose hands are the destinies, not only of states and nations, but of all mankind. It is certainly a circumstance worthy of no little congratula- tion, that in many respects, the exhibition of articles at this, the fourth anniversary of our Society, excels all those of previous years, therein affording the best evidence of the increasing use- fulness of the Society, and giving full promise of an ever- brightening future. Our State is a great and noble one, capable of taking front rank among the agricultural states ot the Union ; but whether she will avail herself of these capabilities, rests to a great extent with the Society, to whose care her most important and primary interests are entrusted. ADDEESS. 73 Our people are wisely extending the range and variety of their products, and bestowing more attention than formerly, to the equally, or more important matter of securing the best vari- eties of whatever they aim to produce. The time has paslbd, I trust, when farmers will be content to sow and plant irrespective of quality, and the new era come, when the question of what hind will be considered the all important one. Stock raising is beginning to receive some attention, too, and not a few of our most intelligent farmers are giving heed to the best methods of importing from other countries, when necessary, and seeking to acquire the best, regardless of trouble or expense. Doubtless some of these praiseworthy efforts will fail ; but in the end the result will prove a thousand-fold better for the State, than if the experiment had never been made. Let these generous efforts continue, and may intelligent men, — above all may it be ihe policy of the State Agricultural Society, to help forward the good work by all the aid in its power, whether by encouragement, by money, art, or science. But not alone do we find the evidences of improvement in the products of the field and the stall ; many other departments of agriculture are equally worthy of commendation. The mechanic arts have not gone backward, as the variety, number, and perfection of its beautiful and ingenious products abundantly testify. Agricultural Mechanics, constitutes an important branch of agriculture itself; and to hope for success without fostering it, were the grossest absurdity. But of this there is little danger ; the two departments of industry, agriculture and mechanics, are inseparable in their failures and their successes. The one can- not go up, while the other goes down. Always when agricul- ture flourishes, the skill of the mechanic is stimulated, and proportionally better rewarded. But we have not yet come to perfection. Our Society is still young, and of tender growth. Let us see that it does not meet with disaster or blight, but patiently foster it, expecting, even in our day, to see it grown heavenward — a mighty tree ! H 74 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. Let us hope that the Exhibitions of future years will afford yet stronger proofs of the innate energies of our people ; and that we, as a State, have within us the elements of success in all the branches of a well directed industry. Let us press on to acquire useful knowledge of all that per- tains to our noble profession. Let us ever aim with a genuine philanthropy to diffuse its benefits — to make them universal ; and, equal to any other state of the Union in productiveness of soil, beauty of scenery, and salubrity of climate. Let us resolve that the citizens of our commonwealth rank inferior to none in point of industry, temperance, enterprise, and the cultivation of all the arts and sciences that improve and bless the human family. SHEEP SHEARING FESTIVAL OF THK WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. HELD AT WHITEWATEK, MAY 29, 1854. Pursuant to arrangement, the Sheep Shearing Festival was held at Whitewater. The 29th of May, the day appointed for the occasion, was balmy, pleasant, and appropriate as could be wished, and con- spired with the other attractions of the occasion, to call together a very considerable assemblage of the enterprising and intelli- gent people of the State. Upward of one hundred and twenty Sheep and Lambs were entered for competition ; mostly Spanish Merino, many of them full bloods, and of excellent quality ; and in the subsequent shearing, a very spirited competition en- sued. The entries were as follows : SHEEP SHEAEING FESTIVAL. 75 ENTEIES OF SHEEP. Oliver Salisbury, Whitewater — 10 Spanish Merino Ewes, 2 years old ; aggregate weight, 730 1-2 lbs., sheared last, before July 2d, 1858, washed May 24, 1854. 1 Spanish Merino Buck, 2 years old, weight 117 lbs. 5 Spanish Merino Lambs. A. P. Weston, Waterford — 10 Ewes, 8 French, 2 Spanish, 3 years old, weight 931 lbs.; sheared last, before 21st of June, 1853, washed 16th of May, 1854. 10 Lambs belonging to Ewes. 1 French Merino Buck, 5 years old, weight 178 lbs. Edqerton & McCarter, Waterville. 10 Spanish Merino Ewes, over 2 years old, weight 843 1-2 lbs.; sheared last, before 21st of June, 1853, washed 21st of May, 1854. 7 Lambs belonging to Ewes. T. C. DouSMAN, Waterville — 10 Spanish Merino Ewes, over 2 years old, weight 787 lbs.; sheared last, before June 15th,1853, washed May 24th, '54, 10 Lambs belonging to Ewes. I Spanish Merino Buck, 4 years old, weight 123 lbs. E. M. Rice, Richmond — 10 Spanish Ewes, over 2 years old, weight 821 lbs.; sheared last, before July 6th, 1853, washed May 17th, 1854. II Lambs belonging to Ewes. 1 Spanish Merino Buck, 2 years old, weight 115 lbs. 1 Spanish Merino Ewe, 2 years old, weight 115 lbs. James Davis, Waukesha — 10 Spanish Merinos, 1 year old, weight 600 lbs. R. B. Lee, Summit — 1 Spanish Merino Buck, 5 years old, weight 153 lbs. George C. Pratt, Waukesha — 1 Cross of French and Spanish Buck, 2 years old, weight 133 1-2 lbs. 76 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. Elijah F. Williams, Cold Spring — 1 Spanisli Merino Buck, 3 years old, weight 118 1-2 lbs. John A. Fletcher, Johnstown — 1 Spanish Merino Buck, 3 years old, weight 135 lbs. George Paddock, Milwaukee — 1 Spanish Merino Ewe, over 2 years old, weight not given. S. K Hawes — 1 Spanish Merino Buck, 1 year old, weight not given. KEPOKT OF COMMITTEE OF JUDGES. Judges. — B. F. Pixley, Janesville; Horatio Hill, Milwaukee; Benjamin Ferguson, Fox Lake ; Geo. C. Pratt, Waukesha ; H. C. Hemmenway, Richmond. Showing amounts of Wool sheared, quality, condition, and value ; also, expense of keeping and nett profit, on each lot of Sheep ; together with award of premiums : Oliver Salisbury — 10 Spanish fleeces, weight 52 lbs. 2 oz.; not in good condi- tion ; value 42 3-10 per lb.; discount 7 per cent, for con- dition, leaving nett amount, . $20 45 1 1-2 months to complete year, . 1 70-$ 22 15 Discount for year's keeping, . 7 34 Leaving nett product for wool on 10 Sheep, $14 81 A. P. Weston — 8 French and 2 Spanish fleeces ; weight, 47 lbs. 7 oz. In first-rate condition, being both clean and dry. Value 47 1-2 per lb , amounting to . , $22 57 Add 20 days to complete the year, 1 26-$ 23 85 Discount for year's keeping, . . 8 79 Nett product for wool of 10 Sheep, $ 15 06 SHEEP SHEAEING FESTIVAL. 77 Edgerton & McCarter — 10 Spanish fleeces; weight, 57 lbs. 14 oz. ; condition, mer- chantable. Value, 47 1-2 cents per lb. Amounting to ... . $25 25 Add one half month's growth, . 1 05-$ 26 30 Discount for keeping, ... 7 66 Nett product for wool, . . . $ 18 64 E. M. KiCE — 10 Spanish fleeces ; weight, 55 lbs. 5 1-2 oz.; valued at 50 cts. Amount, $27 68 In bad order, discount for, 20 per cent., 5 53-$ 22 15 Add for 11-5 month's to make year, 2 22 $24 50 Discount for year's keep, . . .7 41 Nett amount for wool, . . . $16 96 James Davis — 10 Spanish Merino Lambs ; product of wool not reported. Oliver Salisbury — 1 Spanish Merino, buck fleece; weiglit, 11 lbs. 10 1-2 oz. Deduct 10 per cent for cleansing, 10 lb. 7 oz. Valued at 57 1-2 cts. per lb., $6 00. A. P. Weston — 1 Spanish Merino, buck's fleece ; weight 12 lbs. 2 1-2 oz. 5 per cent off for cleansing, 11 lbs. 8 oz. Value, 55 cts, per lb.; amounting to $6 49. T. C. DOUSMAK — 1 Spanish Buck's fleece; weight, 11 lbs. 2 oz., 7 1-2 per ct. off for cleansing ; nett 10 lbs. 3 oz. ; valued at 55 cents, $5 60. R. B. Lee — 1 Spanish Merino Buck's fleece ; weight, 11 lbs. 11 oz.; 10 per cent, off for cleansing ; nett 10 lbs. 8 oz.; valued at 55 cents, $6 25. George C. Pratt — 1 Cross Spanish and French Buck's fleece ; weight 8 lbs. 12 1-2 oz. clean ; value 50 cts., $4 38. 78 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. Elijah F. Williams — 1 Spanish Merino fleece ; weight, 14 lbs. 2 1-2 oz., 25 per cent, for cleansing; nett 10 lbs. 7 oz, ; valued at 62 1-2 cents, per lb., $6 60. John A. Fletcher — 1 Spanish Buck's fleece ; weight 9 lbs. 9 oz,; 5 per cent, off for cleansing ; nett 9 lbs.; value 60 cents, per lb., $5 40. AWARD OF PREMIUMS, 1st Premium on best 10 Ewes, Edgerton & McCarter, . $25 2d do do do T. C. Dousman, . . 15 3d do do do A. P. Weston, . . 10 1st Premium for best Buck, over 2 years, Elijah F. Williams, 15 2d do do do do do John A. Fletcher, 10 1st Premium on single Ewe, George Paddock, . . 6 2d do do do Oliver Salisbury, . . 3 1st Premium on yearling Bucks, George C. Pratt, . 10 2d do do do do S. N. Hawes, . . 5 1st Premium on yearling Ewes, James Davis, . . 10 No 2d premium awarded. , 1st Premium on best lot of Lambs, E. M. Rice, . . 6 2d do do do do A. P. Weston, . 4 1st Premium on Shearing, Chauncey A. Lewis, . . 6 2d do do do G. H. Canfield, ... 4 3d do do do H. Hemmenway, . . 2 Chauncey A. Lewis sheared 5 sheep in two hours and two minutes. The sheep were sheared in a workmanlike manner, and the fleeces put up with skill. G. H. Canfield sheared 5 sheep in 2 hours and 28 minutes ; average weight 84 lbs. each. They were sheared, and the wool put up in a good workmanlike manner. H, Hemmenway sheared 5 sheep in 2 hours and 15 minutes; average weight 82 1-10 lbs. Fleeces put up in quite ordinary manner, sheared very close, and sheep somewhat cut. SHEEP SHEAEING FESTIVAL. 79 In conclusion, the Committee of Judges take pleasure in stating, that in their opinion the Sheep exhibited, or entered for competition, were, as a whole, of very superior quality, and such as the farmers of the State, may multiply indefinitely to their profit. The Ewes, they are sorry to say, were not in all cases, washed as carefully, as is requisite to establish a high and leading char- acter for our wool. All wool growers should be extremely careful upon this point, as the general character of a State, in reference to any such leading staple, is of the highest impor- tance, in every permanent point of view; and especially as bearing upon the final and continued profit of a business. The shearing, doing up and tying, was generally done with despatch and skill, and reflected especial credit upon the more adroit of the Shearers. STATEMENTS OF WOOL GEOWERS Competing at the Sheep Shearing Festival The accompanying statements of the prominent wool growers of the State, are published at-length, notwithstanding they are somewhat of a repetition of each other. But the object is to establish by their uniform testimony, the fact that Sheep can be kept at a large profit, even here in our northern latitude ; pro- vided they are of the proper breeds, that grow fleeces of a good quality and weight, and are properly taken care of. We are inclined to believe, that all the parties set the cost of keeping Sheep per annum, to low, even for 1854. No allow- ance appears to have been made for the labor and attention necessary, nor for summer keeping and salt. But we are of the opinion, that the manure and the usefulness of the Sheep 80 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. upon any well kept farm, as scavengers and destroyers of weeds, is at least a full offset for the aforesaid labor, feed, and salt. It will be noticed that no long or middle wooled Sheep, were entered at this Shearing ; probably for the reason, that they are not regarded as being equally profitable for wool growing pur- poses, but more for mutton. Probably, when the butchers have a festival, the long wools will predominate over the fine. Still we think it is to be regretted, that the long and middle wooled varieties, had not been entered, and made to demonstrate their value as wool bearing Sheep. Not doubting but what they would rule high, under judicious management, even in this respect, altogether beyond all mongrel qualities of common Sheep. — Ed. OLIVER Salisbury's sheep. Spanish Merino, bred in Vermont. February, 1853 pur- chased ten Ewes of C. H. Smedley, Geneva, Walworth county, Wisconsin. Fed them 4 quarts of oats per day, in addition to what marsh hay they would eat ; raised seven Lambs ; sheared on the 2d of July following, 65 lbs. of washed wool. In October, 1855, purchased 18 more Ewes from the same flock. The past winter fed the 23, in addition to what marsh hay they would eat, 8 quarts of bran and 8 do. cut potatoes or turnips, per day. When the weather was very cold, fed 8 quarts of oats instead of roots ; gave them water once a day. In the spring, lost one; from the remaining 22, raised 22 Lambs ; washed. May 24th. My Buck was obtained from the same flock. I think Spanish Sheep can be kept for $75 per hundred a jeax. Oliver Salisbury. J. A. Fletcher's statement. My ten Ewes (Spanish Merino blood), were kept through the winter, so as to be shielded from the wind and cold by an open shed, when disposed to run under. Three pecks of ears of corn were fed to a 100 Sheep per day, through the -winter, and what hay they would eut, more or less. Estimate of keeping 100 SHEEP SHEAEING FESTR^AL. 81 Sheep for a year, $75. Average of wool per head 3 7-8 pounds. Average losses for last year, 1 per cent. Number of Lambs lost to the number of Ewes kept, about 7 per cent John a. Fletcher. Johnstown, Eock Co., May 30, 1854. JAMES DAVIS' STATEMENT. I have entered for premium, ten yearling Ewes ; they are full blood Spanish Merino. As to the pedigree, I cannot give any very definite account. They were wintered in Michigan, and fed on good clover hay from the 1st of December until the 6th of February, when they were brought to this State, and then on marsh hay and oats. My manner of keeping, has' been in small fields with com- fortable sheds, giving good hay with plenty of straw well stacked for them to run to; also plenty of water at all times, — hay salted when put up, and straw with brine, occasion- ally. Quantity of hay and grain for 100-9 tons of hay, 30 bushels of oats. Cost of keeping 100 head, $55. Average of wool per head, 3 lbs. 12 oz. Average loss per 100 head, 1-2 per cent. Number of Lambs raised per 100 Ewes, 80. James Davis. ELIJAH F. Williams' statement. My flock of Sheep consists of 113. They have eaten from 13 to 14 tons of hay, the past winter, and a half bushel of corn per day, for 90 days, — making the actual cost of their winter feed, about 65 cts. per head. My loss of Sheep for the last year, amounts to 9 per cent.; and my number of Lambs raised, to about 75 per cent., on my number of Ewes, I have now 63 Lambs. Whitewater, May 30, 1854. Elijah F. Willlams, T. c. dousman's statement. I enter for the premium at the Sheep Shearing Festival, ten Ewes and Lambs, wintered by me. Ewes shorn on the 15th day I 82 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. of June last. The Sheep were fed one half of the time 1-2 bushel of corn, and the other half, 5 bundles of oats per hun- dred, besides hay and straw. The Ewes are two years old and over. I also enter a Buck, over two years old, wintered in like man- ner as the Ewes, and shorn on the 31st of May last. All the above Sheep were washed on Wednesday, May 24. T. C. DOUSMAN. Waterville, May 29, 1854. A. p. Weston's statement. One Buck, French Merino; ten Ewes, half French and half Spanish ; ten Lambs, three-fourths French, one-fourth Spanish. My Sheep were wintered upon corn stalks and oat straw, and oats in the sheaf, amounting to one-half bushel per head. Lost none the last year. Losses on Lambs, ten per cent. Aver- age of wool per head on Ewes that raised Lambs, 5 pounds. Cost of keeping per head, 85 cents per year. A. P. Weston. Wateeford, Kacine Co., May 30, 1854. REPORTS FEOM COUNTY AGRICULTUEAL SOCIETIES FOR 1854. Columbia and Fond du Lac Counties apjjear to be all whose Societies sent in reports for 1854. At first we thought it not advisable to publish so small a show under this head, but finally concluded that counties which were prompt, though few, ought not to suffer for the negligence and stupidity of others. COUNTY EEPOETS. 83 COLUMBIA COUNTY. The Executive Committee of the Columbia County Agricul- tural Society met at Wyocena on the 2d Tuesday of June, agreeable to the By-Laws. Present — Joseph Kerr, President; Henry Converse, Secretary; William Wiley and Jas. C. Carr, of the Executive Committee. When it was resolved that the annual Cattle Show and Fair should be held at Columbus on the 20th day of September, 1854. The annual Cattle Show and Fair was held in accordance with the resolution of the committee, and ninety-nine entries were made and premiums were awarded as follows : Horses. — 21 Entries. Best Stallion, over 4 years, 2d do do do Best Stallion, do 3 do Do do do 1 do Best Brood Mare, 4 years. Best Span Mares, 3 do Best Colts, do 2 do 2d best do do 2 do Best Colts, do 1 do Best Matched Horses, 2d best do Best Span Draft Horses, Best Single Gelding, Best Jack, Cattle Best Durham Bull, Best Durham Cow, 2d best do Best pair Working Oxen, 2d best do Best pair 3 year's old Steers, F. Warner. H. W. McCaflferty, Columbus, Andrew Dunn, do Oliver G. Chilson, Leeds. John Jones, Columbus. John A. Bowen, do Eodney Lucy, do Jacob Smith, do Thomas Lawyer, do Josiah Whitney, do Eeuben Styles, do Peter Wertz, do George Eobinson, do Peter Wertz, do P. Williamson, Lowville. :. — 17 Entries. P. B. Eichmond, Columbus. do do F. L. Henry, Lowville. F. Warner, Columbus, F. Warner, do 84 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. Sheep. — 9 Enteies. Best Frencli Merino Buck, I. M. Scoville, 2d best do S. R. Dix, Best Frencli Merino Ewe, S. R. Dix, Best Spanish Merino Buck, Rodney Lucy, Best do 1 yr. old, Rodney Lucy, Best do Lamb, Rodney Lucy, Best do Ewes, Rodney Lucy, Best Cross, J. M. Robinson, Swine. — 4 Entries. Lowville. Columbus, do do do do do Leeds. Best Sow, Emerson Thayer, Columbus. Best 2 Pigs under 10 months, J. Q. Adams, Fountain Prairie. Best Fat Hog, Alonzo Allen, Columbus. Vegetables. — 8 Entries. Best Beets, Alonzo Allen, Columbus, Best Onions, D. Thing, do Best Potatoes, S. R. Dix, do Best Squashes, S. R. Dix, do Best Pie Plant, S. R. Dix, do Best Cabbages, I. Smith, Grain.— 3 Entries. do Best Indian Corn, John B. Hall, Columbus. Fruits. — 5 Entries. John Hasey, York, Dane County. Columbus, do do Lowville. Best Apples, Winter, Best Apples, Autumn, S. R. Dix, Best Apples, Summer, Josiah Whiting, Best Grapes, Isabella, A. G. Cook, Best Plums, White Egg, F. C. Curtis, Dairy. — 5 Entries. Best lot Butter, 2d do Best Cheese, John Hasey. York, Dane Co. Jeremiah Folsom, Columbus. do do % COUNTY EEPORTS. 85 Poultry. — 3 Entries. Best Shanghai Fowls, E. P. Johnson, York, Dane Co. Best Cochin China, C. E. Eosenkrans, Columbus. Farm Implements. — 6 Entries. Best Farm Wagon, Spencer & Buxton, Columbus. Best Buggy do do do Best Plow, E. T. Kernev, Fall Eiver. Best Corn Planter, Wm. H, "Woodford, "Whitewater. Needlework. — 6 Entries. Best Patch Quilt, Mrs. H. "W. McCafferty, Columbus. 2d best do Mrs. A. P Birdsey, do Best Crotchet "Work, Mrs. P. "Williamson, Lowville. Best Artificials, Misses Eoberts, Fall Eiver. Domestic Manufactures. — 12 Entries. Best Stocking Yarn, Mrs. A. A. Huntington, Columbus, Best Coverlids, Mrs. P. Adams, do Best Flannel, 10 yards, Mrs. S. Pruden, Lowville. Best Picture frame and Book Case, Mrs. Daton, Columbus. There appears to be an increasing interest felt in the prosperity of the Society. The animals and articles exhibited at the fair, were good, and some of them richly deserve recommendation. The Corn Planter exhibited by Mr. Woodford, was a neat and useful article, and every farmer would find it to his advantage to obtain one. Price $25, to be had of Mr. Woodford at White- water, Walworth county. The Plows exhibited by E. T. Kerney, of Fall Eiver, were a very neat article of the kind, and but one opinion was expressed upon their merits. Mr. Kerney is manufacturing Plows of dif- ferent sizes. There is also a Plow manufactory in the town of Marcellon, in this county, where Morrison & Co. are making an extra Plow for quality and finish. The Sheep exhibited by Eodney Lucy, of Columbus, and by the Judges called Spanish Merinos, were very fine, Mr, Lucy 86 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. having sheared about fourteen pounds of wool from the Buck exhibited last spring, and about the same quantity the year before. The wool is of superior fineness and very long, "We have distributed as premiums, all the copies of Transac- tions received from the State Society, and think that the work has a good effect in increasing the interest of the Society. We received for fee of members during the year $32, and paid in premiums, $18, and paid contingent expenses of the So- ciety, $11. OFFICERS ELECTED FOR THE TEAR 1855. James C. Care, President, Fall River. Peter Van Ness, ) ja- d -j . I^odi. C. J. Pettibone, [ ^''' Presid^nU, p^^^^^^ ^..^^^ F. C. Curtis, Treasurer, Lowville. Henry Converse, Secretary, Wyocena. 4 Wm. T. Whirry, N. H. Wood, John a. Brown, E, H. Mead, E. F. Lewis, Shauneau. Pacific. 'Executive Committee, Columbus. Waushara. Lewiston. Henry Converse, Secretary. FOND DU LAC COUNTY. Dear Sir: — The third annual Fair and Cattle Show of the Fond du Lac County Agricultm-al Society, was held in the city of Fond du Lac, on the 28th and 29th days of September last. Our Society numbers over 500 members ; the membership hav- ing increased nearly one half during the past year. There was 433 entries for premiums, and 142 awards paid in money, books and diplomas. There is a growing interest for the increase and prosperity of our Society; the public see the benefits derived from this kind of association, and all classes of citizens are lend- ing their aid for its support. The Court House and the grounds around it were used for the occasion. Pens were built previously outside the en- closure for stock, so that visitors could examine the stock from within. At an early hour it was plain to be seen that the COUNTY KEPORTS. 87 accommodations for stock would not be sufficient. Over 60 pens were occupied by a fine lot of stock that would grace any fair in our older counties or States, in fact, as pure blooded stock can be found in Fond du Lac county, as in any other place, though the number is not so great. The Court Room was occupied with the exhibition of the products of tbe farm, orchard, dairy, garden, etc. The display of fruit was truly very gratifying; the size, fair- ness, and delicious flavor of the same, give evidence that our soil and climate are peculiarly adapted to their growth ; and consider- ing the newness of the county, it may safely be expected that this branch of business will, in tune, be a great source of profit. There were some very large specimens of vegetables — a cabbage weigh- ing 22 lbs; beets, 13 1-2 lbs. ; a squash, 100 lbs, which was taken to Boston to be exhibited in Fanueil Hall — there was a good dis- play of vegetables. No samples of oats, wheat, or barley ; of corn two samples one of 91 8-3 bushels of shelled corn to the acre, the other 80 bushels The prize was awarded for 175 bushels potatoes raised on 1-2 an acre. The specimens of butter and cheese were such as would give credit to any section of country. Our county is well adapted to grazing, and there can be no good reason why this branch should not succeed. The ladies are among our most cordial supporters, and have added very much to the interest of our exhibition, in the display of useful and ornamental articles of various descriptions for the comforts of home ; beside, we were honored with a large concourse of the ladies, anxious for the success and prosperity of the Society. Nearly one entire side of the room was occupied by some of the choicest specimens of hot-house and other flowers, the whole sur- mounted by a monstrous boquet of various kind of flowers, of color and shade, most beautifully arranged. The mechanics (considering that until a short time previous the were not apprised that they had a part and lot with us), entered largely into the interest and display. Lumber wagons, buggies, plows, and other firming utensils, the manufacture of Fond du Lac, proved that the makers were workmen that need not be ashamed. 88 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. Fowls of the latest style and name gave evidence tliat im- provement is the motto in small as well as in greater matters. At 2 o'clock of the second day the Society was addressed by the President, Capt. C. S. Hamilton, after which the awards were declared by the Secretary, The address was cheering and elevating ; one which reflects much credit on the sjDcaker, evin- cing his interest in the two great pursuits that are the main support of our Great Eepublic. After the address the multitude dispersed for home in harmony and good feeling. The space allotted has not been ample for a complete descrip- tion of the Fair, but suQice it to say that the farmers and me- chanics of Fond du Lac county have had a great and joyful day in the exchange of ideas, mutual good feeling, and social inter- course. Blessed with a rich, deep soil, yielding a large return for the capital invested, supplied with an abundance of springs and streams of the purest water, a healthy locality, with the Fox Kiver Improvement on the North, and the Rock River Valley Union Railroad stretching through the State on the South, they look forward with joyful anticipations to the time not far off when she will be second to none of the counties of the State, in agriculture, mechanics, and commerce. Yours very respectfully, John C. Bishop, Secretary. COMMUNICATIONS. 89 COMMUNICATIONS. ON LONG WOO LED SHEEP BY JOHN P. ROE, MUSKEGO. Dear Sir : — Yours of the lltli ult. was duly received ; and in answer to your inquiries I would state, that the coarse wooled Sheep exhibited by me at the late State Fair, are not "Leices- ters," but " Cotswolds," which, whether acknowledged as such, or not, by the collective wisdom of your Executive Committee, are a perfectly distinct breed from the Leicesters ; which is evi- dent even to a superficial observer in the shape of the head, different character of the fleece, heavier bone, more muscle (which last are very evident to the butcher and consumer), as well as a difference in the whole bearing and formation of the animal. The two year old Buck I exhibited, was bred by Mr. Cother, of Oxfordshire, England, who, as a breeder of Cotswolds, has a reputation probably second to none in the kingdom, though the admirers of Mr. Hewer's Sheep claim that, they are superior to Cother's. At the Northampton Fair, held Sept. 19th 1853, at which 1 purchased his Buck, Mr. C. exhibited three Cotswold Ewes, which weighed in the aggregate more than eleven hun- dred pounds, and were not only a proof of the aptitude of the Cotswold to carry fat, but from their beautiful symmetrical shape, and the evenness of the fat over the whole carcass, they were considered by competent judges as evidence of superior, scientific breeding. This Buck was hurt in the month of March last, the inflamation from which, caused so violent an internal fever, that the whole fleece slipped completely off, leaving his 90 WISCONSIlSr AGEICULTUEE. skin completely naked. The fleece, after being properly cleansed and in good marketable condition, weighed fifteen pounds lacking one oz.; and, needing it for family use, I cleansed it with alkalies, when, after undergoing that process for two weeks, it had lost three pounds, or twenty per cent. A Down fleece subjected 'to the same operation, lost in cleansing twelve and a-half per cent.; whilst a Merino fleece which I ex- perimented upon, a year ago last summer, lost in cleansing, nearly one-half, or fifty per cent. I much regret not having tried a Leicester fleece, but suppose that would not shrink more than the Down, as the wool is more dry and crisp than the Cotswold, so that, combined with a shorter and thinner staple, it would probably clean more perfectly, with ordinary washing, upon the animal's back. The yearling Cotswold Buck I exhibited, was imported this summer, and bred by Mr. E. M. Pearce, of ISTill Farm, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. The friend who made the selection for me, considered him superior to Mr. Cother's flock, and if size be an evidence of superiority, he certainly is superior, being the largest yearling Sheep I ever saw, — a remark made by many who are conversant with large breeds of Sheep. The commit- tee on Mutton Sheep, at our late Fair, certainly thought him superior, as they awarded him the first premium, while they passed by the Cother Sheep unnoticed ; consequently, from mo- tives of delicacy, I will not compare the excellencies of the two animals, for under certain circumstances "comparisons are odious." Of Cotswold Ewes I have only three, imported this summer and from the same flocks as the Bucks. The Lambs exhibited by me, were all sired by the " Cother " Buck, and dropped about the first of May ; eight of them were from native Ewes, and two from Leicesters. It will probably not be thought irrel- evant here to note, that my Buck Lambs raised from native Ewes, resembled the sire in outward appearance and noble car- riage, more than those from Leicester Ewes, while the latter in the character of the fleece, fatness and ripeness of the points, resembled him more, yet in every case in this cross (i. e., Lei- COMMUNICATIONS. 91 cester Ewes bred to the Cotswold Buck), tlie head showed pure Leicester. One of these Ewe Lambs at fiftj-seven days old, weighed sixty-four and three-fourth pounds. Your next question relates to the number of Sheep kept, etc., etc. Last year I wintered 1 13, of the following breeds : 1 Cots- wold, 6 Leicesters, 4 Downs, a few grade Merinos, and the balance natives. The average weight of fleece — Cotswolds as before stated ; Leicester, 5 lbs.; Downs, 5 lbs.; the balance 4 lbs. each, the finer fleeces being the lightest ; one from a Saxon Ewe weighing only 2 lbs., while several native yearlings went over 5 lbs. each. I know not the value of the avooI this year, as I have not sold any, excepting a few of the coarsest fleeces to neighbors, who required a long^ strong staple for domestic use, for which I received thirty cents per pound. The clip of 1853 I sold at 42 1-2 cents per lb., when the finest qualities were re- alizing 50 cents. I do not allow my Ewes to breed until they are two years old. Last season, in proportion to the Ewes, I raised 120 per cent, of Lambs, losing one Lamb, and that be- longing to a fine wooled Ewe. As regards the price received from butchers: Sold 21 Wethers in the winter at $5 per head, and 10 after shearing, chiefly yearlings, at $3,50 each, and a few native Lambs at $2 each. The half-bred Lambs I have not oftered to the butcher at present. As to the best and cheapest method of wintering Sheep, my plan is — to commence about the middle of August by weaning the Lambs, which I then place on the best pasture I have, generally the after crop of clover, and remove the Ewes to the poorest pastm-e on the farm until their milk is dried, when I give them also the best pasture I can afford, to recruit flesh before winter. About the 1st of November I commence feeding the Lambs, at the rate of 4 sheaves of oats to a hundred, per day, whether the pasture be good or not. Through the winter, feed the whole flock, at the same rate, in the morning, when, being hungry, they will eat nearly all the straw; immediately after which, feed hay, and hay in the evening, without grain. Have good warm sheds for all. Feed the Ewes from racks placed under cover, and provide water for them in a. trough in the yard. Feed the Lambs from 92 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. cribs in tlie yard, sheltered from tlie prevailing winds ; drive, or rather call them 20 rods to water at noon, and let them travel back at leisure, which in severe weather they do in double quick time, Next you ask " how many in proportion to your flock do you lose in the winter ?" I have not lost a Sheep during the winter for 2 years past; but the winter of 1851-52 was a very disastrous one, my flock having recently been driven from the south. The experience of that winter I consider very cheap at the cost price, though purchased at the expense of 4 or 5 Sheep per week part of the time, out of a flock of less than 300 ; which brings me to the last question in your list. " What difierence do you find between fine and coarse wooled Sheep in this respect?" (i. e., wintering.) The winter in question, three-fourths of those lost were fine wooled, though not more than one-third ©f the flock were of that description ; consequently, in proportion to the number kept, the mortality of fine wooled Sheep was six times greater than of the coarse. I had contemplated keeping an equal number of fine and coarse Sheep, to test the profit of the different breeds for my own sat- isfaction, but the experience before stated led me to discard the idea of any further experiments upon fine wooled Sheep. I was perfectly satisfied that they would not suit me, however profitable they might be to others. The common coarse wooled native Sheep I liked no better, excepting that they proved hardier, being more easily wintered, and I consider better nurses, but they travel too fast to be very profitable. The Down I find the most hardy Sheep, eating almost any- thing, always fat, generally preferring to lay out in the storm rather than take shelter ; very prolific, good nurses, wool medi- um, mutton unrivalled, and in the percentage of loose tallow to the weight of carcass superior to any other breed. The Shropshire variety or North Down I prefer to any others, being rather coarser (not in fleece) but possessed of more muscle, a heavier carcass and heavier fleece. The Cotswold will raise more mutton and more wool, and at less cost, than any other Sheep I am acquainted with. I have known in England a hun- COMMUNICATIONS. 93 dred Lambs wintered on turnips and straw, (without either hay or grain), and, at a year old, shear in the aggregate, eleven hun- dred pounds of wool, and sold to butcher the following autumn, from grass, being then about 18 months old, when the whole flock averaged 120 lbs., each, of dressed meat. I have known single Sheep dress more than 160 lbs., at the same age. The Leicester appears to be rather too fine in bone, and too light in muscle to be as hardy as the Cotswold ; and too light both in wool and carcass to be as profitable. Crossed with a Cotswold Buck, the produce is a coarse-wooled mutton Sheep, which I think is hard to beat. The most serious obstacle to Sheep-farming here, is the neces- sity of yarding them at night, to protect them from the depreda- tions of wolves and dogs ; and even then my losses from that cause, (i. e. either dogs or wolves) the past summer, amount to five per cent. During the hot weather Sheep Avill rarely feed in the heat of the day, and by the system of yarding at night, the hours of feeding are considerably curtailed in the evening, and the poor animal compelled to fill himself, if the too often scan- ty pasture will allow it, before the dew falls, and then if the flock have only to cross a road to reach the yard, frequently to be almost choked with dust. In wet weather, I consider the evil worse ; as whether the flock crowd under shelter, with their fleeces saturated with rain, or prefer to weather the storm, in the yard, now become more or less muddy, they almost invariably take cold and discharge at the nose; an unfavorable state of health for the acquisition of either fat or wool. I have noticed not only in large flocks, but in small ones, of less than 20, that Sheep yarded at night, during the summer, are more subject to colds during a rainy season, than those left in a field, whilst the latter thrive better whether wet or dry. My imported Ewes having become very fat this fall and my whole flock being in good condition, I have concluded to winter the breeding Ewes without grain. I am, Dear Sir, yours, sincerely, JOHN P. ROE. 94 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. GYPSUM AS A FEETILIZEE. IMMENSE BEDS OF IT IN THIS COUNTRY, BY PROFESSOR J. W, HOYT. For ornamental purposes, Gypsum, or Sulphate of Lime, has been u^ed from the earliest times ; at least it was in common use in " plaster work " among the Greeks and Eomans. It was not, however, until about 1768 that it began to be known as a fertili- zer ; when one Meyer, a Clergyman of Germany, first experi- mented with it, and boldly recommended its use as a means of improving certain crops. But Conservatism, ever- watchful, and ever-jealous of encroachments upon its domain of self- assumed wisdom, met this innovator, as it had met others before him, with anathemas for vainly attempting to introduce anything of value that had not been known to the wise men of the past generation. The proprietors of the old saltpans of Germany were especially bitter, declaring that the refuse which they had been accustomed to furnish to worn-out land, was all-sufl&cient, of universal applicability, and "the only thing that God in his providence had intended for that purpose." Nevertheless, the spirit of investigation once av/akened, was not to be put down ; and chemical analysis soon showed that the refuse thus extolled was really quite identical with gypsum! From that time forward, plaster grew in favor all over the Continent, particularly in the kingdoms of Germany, Switzer- land, France and England. Indeed, within less than four years after its first introduction by Meyer, Dr. Franklin obtained some of it from Paris, and instituted experiments in the neighborhood of Washington, spreading it upon a grass-field in the form of letters, which, through the quickened and enlarged growth there- COMMUNICATIONS. 96 bj occasioned, became distinctly visible to passers-by, in the sig- nificant words " This has been- Plastered !" It is needless to say the demonstration was convincing ; so that ever since, there has been no question of its valite as a fertilizer. But the questions of the modus operand^ of the plants to which it is ajipropriate, and of the best methods of application, were not so easily decided ; indeed they are not fully settled even yet, notwithstanding the carefully instituted and oft-repeated experi- ments of a Davy, a Liebig, and the whole world of chemists. In the natural state 100 parts consist of Lime, 33 Sulphuric Acid, ...... 46 >' ater, . . . . . • . ^X The water contained is what chemists call water of constitution^ — that is, it is essential to its character as gypsum, and exists in chemical combination with it ; not so strong, however, but that a heat of 300°, Fahrenheit, will expel it, leaving the mineral in a finely pulverized condition, resembling quick lime. After the expulsion of water of crystallization it consists of lime 41 1-2 per cent., and sulphuric acid 58 1-2. One ton equals about 25 bushels by measure. With iis physical properties most persons are sufficiently familiar ; as also with its use as water-lime or hydraulic cement, and in the manufacture of busts, statuettes, medallions, stucco mouldings and other ornamental work. Unmixed with other minerals it is quite white, and in some instances is crystalline and translucent — when it takes the name of alabaster, and is ranked among the precious minerals. Assuming then, what it were lost time and labor to stop to prove, let us enquire into the philosophy of its action. In the first place, the elements of which it consists are invariable constituents of all plants, and hence must of necessity become a part of the food on which they subsist. And inasmuch as the system of cropping involves the inevitable exhaustion, in course of time, of these elements as found natively in the soil, some method must be employed for restoring them, else the crop will gradually dwindle 'until nothing can be produced at all ; and 96 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. since tlie sulphate of lime is sufficiently soluble in water, the process is simple, whereby it is brought into contact with the innumerable little mouths of the branching rootlets, 2d, It acts as a stimulant, quickening the growth of the plant, and developing it more rapidly than almost any other sulphate; avoiding, too, the excessive action to which all the more soluble salts, such as sulphate of soda, sulphate of potash, sulphate of magnesia, &c. are liable. Requiring 468 times its weight of cold water to dissolve it, the amount held in solution and liable to enter the circulation is of course materially dimin- ished ; so that while the other salts referred to, if furnished in excess, are too rapid in their action, and too intense, producing a dry, parched condition, and even death, the slow and moder- ate action of gypsum is uniform, health giving and constant, so long as furnished to the soil. 3d, Gypsum absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, yielding it to the roots of the plant, and in this way prevents ofttimes the disastrous effects of drought, 4th, It absorbs carbonate of ammonia from the air and from rain water and, decomposing it, so as to form carbonate of lime and sulphate of ammonia — the two acids having exchanged bases — operates to secure a much larger amount of this es- sential food than would otherwise be available. Experiments have shown for instance, that 1 00 lbs. ©f plaster is able to fix 20 lbs. of ammonia, which, containing 16 1-4 lbs. of all-impor- tant nitrogen sufficiently indicates its value, if applied simply with reference to that one element. rth. It operates effectively to facilitate the decomposition of vegetable mould, and is also invaluable as a means of retaining for the uses of the soil, the gaseous elements thereby evolved. Finally, it is probable that its powerful acid and active base may fulfill some important office in the way of decomposing the more complex minerals. The plants to which gypsum is most advantageous are clover, lucerne, sainfoin, beans, peas, vetches, most of the grasses, In- dian corn, rye, buckwheat, potatoes, and hemp. It is also highly recommended by some for the vine and a variety of fruit- COMMUNICATIONS. 97 trees. Indeed there is hardly any plant to which it may not prove beneficial, under circumstances of a deficiency of the ele- ments it contains. But of all the plants benefitted by it, red clover, by common consent, ranks first — the difference in the ef- fect between it and the white variet}^ even, being quite marked. The explanation is probably found in the results of chemical analysis — red clover containing 27.8 per cent, of lime, and 4.47 of sulphuric acid ; while white clover contains but 28.48 of the former, and 3.53 of the latter. It is certainly a matter of no little regret, that a manure so universally regarded with favor, should not be able to furnish a large number of experiments corroborative of its asserted value ; but such is not the case. Among those who have tested its value in England, the following results have been hirnished to the public by Mr. Smith of Turnstall : Of land, previously en- riched by gypsum and subsequently cropped. One square rod unmanured, yielded . . 20 cwt. per acre. do do gypsumed, with 5 bush's, , 60 do do Moreover, the quality as well as quantity of grass, appeared to be improved, since his cattle evinced a marked predilic- tion for that which had been fed upon gypsum. Its effect in promoting the weight and luxuriance of the crops is remarka- ble ; so striking indeed, that barren knolls, and patches of weak soil, if deficient of the elements of which gypsum is composed, may be made to yield a larger crop than contiguous richer soil ; and that, too, by simply one application. Upon the potato it is also claimed to have a good effect ; in- creasing the amount of production and diminishing its liability to disease. Many farmers are in the habit of sprinkling the dry powder upon the fresh cuttings, just previous to planting, and think to derive great advantage therefrom ; while others deposit a spoonful in the hill with the seed. Peas, beans, and leguminous plants, generally, contain the el- ements in large proportion, and would probably be benefitted by its application. As to wheat, it is the general opinion, that gypsum has but little effect to increase the crops ; and yet various experiments K 98 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. would appear to be conclusive of its value. Thus one experi- menter reports a field capable of yielding but 2 qrs. and 4 busli's, increased in the crop by an application of plaster to 4 qrs. and 6 bush's per acre. Michigan farmers are in the habit of using it with a view to an increase of the wheat crop, and report favorably, although some are of the opinion that it retards the growth and renders it thereby more liable to rust. They are beginning, however, to apply common salt, in small quantity at the same time, and will doubtless, hereafter avoid the rusting, since salt is a quickener of germination, and promoter of the ripening of the grains generally. The soils to which it is most appropriate, or, at least, in aid of which its effects are most marked, are light, dry and sandy. — Two reasons are obvious: First, a soil of this sort more readily allows the permeation of water and the more easy absorption of the elements in solution ; and, secondly, sach soils are usually more deficient of both the lime and sulphuric acid. Of course, stiff and clayey soils, being less porous, will retain the gypsum for a longer time, and afford it less access to the ammonia of the atmosphere. But whether the soil be clayey or sandy, one thing appears to be essential, viz : either kuTnus must be abundant, or decaying animal manure present in some quantity, as otherwise the plaster appears to be comparatively powerless ; which cir- cumstance would seem to favor the opinion, entertained by many, that its chief value consists in its power to fix ammonia ; for, during the decomposition of organic substances, ammonia is a never failing product, and if not at once appropriated by sulphuric acid, or some other powerful agent capable of render- ing it non-volatile, its escape would be inevitable. And yet, on the other hand, if the soil be remarkably rich in organic matters, there is danger that the organic acids, resulting from this decom- position, such as humic and geic^ combine with the lime of the gypsum in so great quantities as to release too much sulphuric acid for the health of the plant. As to mode of application^ scientific men are pretty well agreed, although some difference exists as to the form, — a few maintain- COMMUNICATIONS. 99 ing that it should be burnt, while the majority agree that the natural state is quite as good, provided it be properly crushed or ground. And, since the only effect of burning is to expel the water, which, if the heat employed was not too intense, has nothing to do but return as soon as possible, untd the gypsum be restored to its former condition, we take sides with the ma- jority, deeming the difference, if any, not sufficient to pay for the trouble of burning. The best method of applying it to fields of grass, is to sow the powder broadcast, in the portion of 200 to 300 pounds to the acre, while the dew is yet on in the morning. The leaves, so far from being injured, appear to rejoice in it. According to Pro- fessor Korte the stage of progress is an item for consideration in the application of plaster. Thus, it was found that different portions of the same field yielded variously, according to the season when the gypsum was spread upon them. While the Undressed . . . - yielded 100 lbs. That top-dressed, on the 80th of March, " - 132 " " " " 18th " AprH, " . 140 " " " " 27th " " " - 156 " If it is desired to enrich the soil for clover, it may, with ad- vantage, be sown at the time of seeding ; but in case the crop is already grown, application may be made at almost any stage, and even with much advantage after the crop has been cut : the aftermath will be improved, and the full effect appear the follow- ing season. Oypsuni is obtained natively in France, where it constitutes whole ranges of hills in the vicinity of Paris, (hence the name, Plaster of Paris), and in various parts of the United States. — Indeed, it was but recently that Dr. Shmnard, who accompanied Capt. Marcy in his survey of the head waters of Eed Eiver, dis- covered an immense field, probably the largest in the world, ex- tending from the Wachita mountains to within a short distance of the nearest Mexican province. Moreover, throughout its en- tire extent, the gypsum is of the purest quality, and presents it- self to the surface, so as to be easily worked; in describing which, the Doctor remarks : 100 WISCOXSLN" AGRICULTFEE. "Not TinfrequentlT vre traveled for miles orer contmnoTL? beds, wliicli, fix)m their snowy -vrhiteness and the great abund- ance of glittering selenite (^transparent gypsian) they contained, added crreatlv to the interest of the scenerv : ■vrhile here and there, were immense bluffs — often several miles in extent, and thickly capped -witli the same material — projected to the beight of two or three bxindred feet above the level of the sarrounding country." There are also extensive quarries in Xew Brunswick and Nova Scotia. But He who made the great "West with its fertile prairies, beautiful wood-lands, majestic lakes and mighty rivers, and made it to be the home of fifty millions of his noblest people, wisely provided for the great time coming — ^when the soil will be forced to yield more than five times its present crops — ^by stor- ing away in the lime formations of "Western Michigan, immense quantities of this precious mineral. And just now, while we write, there lie before us several beautiful specimens of as good quality as we have ever seen quarried in the States. Some are pure white, some beautifully variegated, while others are marked by such spots of translucency as to make one wonder, whether there be not somewhere thereabout, a mine of pure alabaster! The specimens referred to are from the vicinity of Grand Eapids, Michigan, where several individuals, having tested its value as a building material, are preparing to operate on a large scale. Success to their enterprise. If it prove a strong and desirable material for this purpose, hardening by exposure, as reported, there is nothing superior to it in the world; and brick — even Milwaukee brick, for fine structures will be voted out of date. But whether it answer this purpose or not, it is neverthe- less a fine quality of gyp-sum, and as such, for fertilizing purposes, is destined to recuperate the worn-out fields of our early settled districts ; and, furthermore, we hope, prove a pre- ventive of that deplorable exhaustion to which even our newest lands, too many of them, are rapidly hastening. Here is the COMMUlSnCATIONS. 101 oreat question for the farmers of Wisconsin : Will they take warning thus early, and supply their fields with the needed ele- ments, or will they stupidly w.iit until their farms are reduced to poverty and barrenness ? A EEYIEW OF THIS PERIOD. ITS POLICY AND WORKINGS. In reviewing the agricultural and general condition of the State, at the close of this year, 1854, many subjects present themselves for consideration. Every department of business is found to be in a highly prosperous condition, owing mainly to the fact of good crops of all the principal varieties of grains and vegetables, together with good market prices for them. These favorable circumstances were still further improved by a large emigration of the wealthier and middle classes from the older states and the old country ; who, by purchase of lands and expenditure of money in their improvement, added largely to the circulation of current wealth among all classes. Superadded to the whole, was the quickening spirit of Rail- road extension in various directions into the interior of the State. The Milwaukee and Mississippi Road was completed, and opened early in the season to Madison ; and the western division of it put under ef&cient contract, for early completion. The La Crosse, the Lake Shore, the Racine and Mississippi, and the Milwaukee and Waterto^vn were all under good progress of survey and construction, diffusing large amounts of money among all classes, both producers and laborers. All these various causes working together, naturally pro- duced an extraordinary buoyant state of feeling among all classes. Large amounts of currency being necessary, new banks started up on all hands like mushrooms, though mainly sub- stantial and reliable under the banking law of the State. This 102 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. new angmentation of money was still more expanded by the introduction of large quantities of currency from doubtful East- ern and Southern banks, some of which, about the time their bills were largely out, went down, dead failures. The liberal flow of so much money naturally had its effect on the value of property, and especially real estate. Farming lands went up apace, and were briskly bought and sold ; and to quite an extent were bought by those who wished to improve and use them for farming purposes. New fences were to be seen extending on all hands, and new fields were turning up on all sides. Probably a fifth was added to the breadth of the fields of the State, during the year, not much, if any, less to the population, which must have amounted to something near half a million at the close of this period. The wheat, corn, lumber, and other disposable crops of the State, must have amounted to at least $10,000,000, and proba- bly considerably exceeded that sum ; but in the entire absence' of Statistics, except as gathered from a few of the prominent towns, and marts of business, nothing but an approximate esti- mate could of course be made. Such a liberal flow of the tide of wealth, from all the before mentioned sources, real and unreal, naturally begot a quick pulse among all classes of business and active men ; not really amounting yet to a high fever, except perhaps, in certain locali- ties, but strongly symptomatic of it. But this extra stimulus, as is always the case, operated dif- ferently on different portions of community. Those who were not so easily excited, were only stimulated to a healthy and en- ergetic action ; an action which developed itself in increased effort at improvement in whatever they were embarked. If a farmer, as before said, the broad acres were fenced and turned over by the plow ; a more substantial house was reared in place of the pioneer cabin ; a better barn for the shelter of stock, and housing of products ; better implements and agencies of econo- my and use about the farm and household. Such was the tendency and direction with some, but many more were inclined to invest their surplus gains in additional EEVIEW. 103 lands, whicli, as a general thing, they did not need, already liaviug more than they could form properl3^ But the constant upward tendency of lands in price, marked them as a fovorite investment for all who could avail themselves of the means to buy, and what lacked in actual means, was usually made up in credit. As in all similar matters that are having a favorable run, the brisk demand still stmiulated prices to so high a figure, that many who would otherwise have been contented, were prompted to throw themselves into the market for a sale of their farms, so far at least, as to unsettle all perma- nent plans of improvement, and to cause them to feel that they were but transient and unsettled residents, liable to sell out and. shift, the first good offer. And this state of things naturally brought even a greater degree of instability, than had previously existed, although instability and change are the characteristic foults of all new countries. Nearly everything in the way of real property, came to be held for sale, and when bought, it was usually to sell again ; thus a spirit of speculation had well nigh arisen out of the flush and prosperous times, demonstrating thereby, what is undoubtedly true, viz. : that good times are more dangerous to most of people, than bad, — just the time when all but the most prudent, dip largely into debt, and usually for what they do not need, and cannot use. Let us consider briefly, a few of the more manifest fruits of this unhallowed spirit of speculation, or desire to make money by buying and selling^ without working and earning, by useful productive industry. 1st. A spirit of speculation, however engendered, begets an idleness and disinclination to other business, that is absolutely undermining and ruinous to all good and sober habits of con- tented industry. When this spirit has fairly got possession of a person, he is, for all useful purposes, next door to ruin ; for small is the number of confirmed speculators who do not soon learn to practice the kindred and almost inseparable vice of falsehood and deception, to accomplish their ends. When was there ever a horse jockey that would lose a good trade on a point of veracity ? And if a horse will tempt a man so far, 104 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. wliat may we expect, when the value of the prize to be won is still greater? We repeat, that speculation inevitably begets idleness and deception. Probably there is no business or pursuit, that depends more upon stability and permanence, for absolute and high success, than farming. Even in this Western country, upon the clean open prairie, it is the labor of years to make up a good farm, and to bring it to that ripe maturity that will enable it to pay back in fall, and from year to year, for the labor bestowed. The farmer who raises crops upon new shallow plowed, and half tilled fields, only gets half paid ordinarily, for his labor and outlay ; and even this scanty product, is often very much dimin- ished by the intrusion of unruly animals, for want of adequate fence. And then, again, this scanty product is too often further taxed and tolled, before it finally gets to market, for want of good convenience for threshing and sheltering. Put then, all these considerations together, that are the inseparable compan- ions of all temporary beginnings upon new farms, and they de- monstrate conclusively, that all such new beginnings must be made at great loss, compared with the same amount and outlay of labor upon a farm, when everything is complete, perfect and ready for each operation ; from the opening of spring, to the close of autumn — from the commencement of winter, to the again recurring spring. The farmer whose manure has been all drawn out and prop- erly disposed of; whose lands have been all well and deeply plowed in autumn, ready for the spring ; whose tools and imple- ments, have all been properly looked over and repaired in the winter work-shop, ready for the opening campaign ; whose wood pile has been cut and carefully stowed beneath the shed for summer use ; whose seed of every kind, is all in its respective places, dean and in perfect order for use; whose teams have been well wintered, and are hale and hearty for the spring labor. How different is he situated to take hold of his farming, on the opening of our short springs ? how different his prospects and chances of getting good paying crops, of good praiseworthy qual- ity, compared with the man just starting upon a new farm, with REVIEW. 105 inadequate preparations and conveniences in every department. The difference is very plain and striking, and yet its real amount can hardly be estimated. These things are only spoken of in this connection, however, to, in some measure illustrate the effect upon community, of all those influences that unsettle the stability of feeling, and perma- nent purposes of farmers upon their farms. The prospect of selling out at a high price during speculating times, is so tempt- ing to most, opening, as it seems to, the door to immediate and easy wealth, and the strong consciousness on the part of most, that thorough improvements, and expensive outlays will not be appreciated by purchasers, or paid for in a sale ; naturally leads the cautious, who contemplate selling, to defer as far and as long as possible, all these expensive, useful and economic improve- ments ; and consequently eventuates in the continuance, in those half-way wasteful modes of farming, to which we before re- ferred. Thus, flush and good times, first felt in 1854, among our peo- ple, laid broader and deeper those feelings of speculation and unrest, which had always existed, though measurably dormant ; and hence while the amount of active wealth in circulation, stimu- lated some few to solid, substantial and permanent improvement ; irrespective of the idea of selling out, still much greater numbers, only aimed at adding acres to their already unimproved acres, and fitting up, if at all, in a superficial, cheap and showy way, like a jockey horse, simply for sale ; holding on for as high a price as possible, and idly waiting for the lucky chance to turn up. Such had become too much the character, feeling and practice of many of the farmers of the State, at the close of this period. How far those incipient fruits have since worked out their re- sults for good or for ill, the observant can best judge. How much of the nomadic love of wandering, buying and selling out of homesteads, for the purpose of emigrating to new locations, is also an important question. But top of the whole, one thing is certain, and nothing more so. And that is the fact, that no agricultural people can become prosperous in any eminent and L 106 WISCOJ^^SIN AGRICULTUEB. permanent sense of the word, wlio like the Tartars remain un- settled in their plans and calculations. As well might the oak of the forest be removed every little while, and yet expect to grow to a noble and out-spreading tree, as the farmer Avho is often moving or planning to move, expect to attain to any high degree of success, or permanent profit in his vocation. No, the right kind of success is only vouchsafed to those who plan wisely, and labor long and patiently to accomplish their ends. The building and making up of a good farm, even in the West, is the labor of a life of well directed and well spent indus- try. Such being the fact, why should not those who would be farmers in fact aS well as in name, after having selected a suit- able location, attach to it like a muscle to a rock, and set about planting their orchards, shade trees, and even forest ; without ever a thought of selling ; and persevere in the operation from year to year ; filling up all blanks, and pruning out all errors as systematically and certainly as he attends to his daily duties of eating and sleeping. Does anybody doubt but what such a course would make a fine homestead of almost any tract of land • — a fine region of almost any portion of the country ? Such a course persisted in, and the surplus profits of the farm expended in new and useful improvements, instead of being put at interest, or invested in worthless, needless, or foolish articles of luxury, dress, or fine horses and carriages, guarantees the right results, and will always come oat well. Let us hope that all of the aforesaid fast notions, growing out of extra good times, will soon be superseded by a higher order of stability and permanency of purpose, looking to long years or a life time for success, instead of a brief day or year. Looking more to the accumulation of useful knowledge, wis- dom and worth, than the piling up of the mere paltry dollars for mammon worship, — to the improvement and beautifying of the earth as the great heritage of God to man, — to the division and distribution of it fairly and justly among the children of men, according to their respective need. Ed. TRANSACTIONS FOR 1855. OFFICERS OF THE WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY FOR 1855. PRESIDENT : E. W. EDGERTON, of Summit. VICE-PRESIDENTS : MARTIN WEBSTER, Fox Lake. N. B. CLAPP, Kenosha. A. D. KIRKPATRICK, Dayton. TREASURER : SAMUEL MARSHALL, Madison. SECRETARY '. GEORGE 0. TIFFANY, Madison. ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE : A. F. CADY, Watertown. S. S. DAGGETT, Milwaukee, ADAM E. RAY, Little Prairie, T. C. DOUSMAN, Waterville, MARK MILLER, Madison, G. H. SLAUGHTER, Madison, EX-PRESIDENTS '. H. M. BILLINGS, Highland. E. W. DRURY, Fond du Lac. CONSTITUTION OF THE WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. As Amended February 14, 1855. ARTICLE I. OF THE NAME AND STYLE OF THK SOCIETY. The style of this Society shall be the Wisconsin State Agri- cultural Society. Its objects shall be to promote and improve the condition of Agriculture, Horticulture, and the Mechanic, Manufacturing and Household Arts. ARTICLE II. OF THE MEMBERS. The Society shall consist of such citizens of this and other States as shall signify in writing, their wish to become members, and shall pay, on subscribing, not less than one dollar, and an- nually thereafter one dollar ; and also of honorary and corres- ponding members. The Presidents of County Agricultural So- cieties, or a delegate from each, shall be ex officio members of this Society. The payment of ten dollars, or more, at one time^ shall constitute a member for life, and shall exempt the donor from annual contributions. 110 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. APtTICLE III. OF THE OFFICERS. The officers of the Society shall consist of a President, three Vice Presidents, (one to be located in each Congressional Dis- trict), a Recording Secretary, who shall be the Corresponding Secretary, aTreasurer, an Executive Committee — to consist of the the Officers above mentioned, and seven additional members, together with the three Ex-Presidents of the Society whose terms of office last expired, three of whom shall constitute a quorum, and a General Committee, to consist of one member from each county organized for judicial purposes. The Bx-Presidents of the Society not members of the Executive Committee shall con- stitute a Board of Councilors, to which shall be referred for consultation and advice all questions that may from time to time arise, in the decision of which the Society shall in any manner be interested. ARTICLE IV. OF THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS. The Recording and Corresponding Secretary shall keep the minutes and have charge of the books of the Society ; and shall carry on the correspondence with other Societies and in- dividuals, and with the General Committee, in furtherance of the objects of the Society. The Treasurer shall keep the funds of the Society, and dis- burse the same on the order of the President, or a Vice-Presi- dent, and countersigned b}' the Recording Secretary, and shall make a report of the receipts and expenditures at the annual meeting in December. The Executive Committee shall take charge of and distribute or preserve all seeds, plants, books, models, etc., and shall also have charge of all communications designed or calculated for publication, and so far as they may deem expedient, shall col- late, arrange and publish the same in such manner and form as they may deem best calculated to promote the objects of the Society. CONSTITUTION. Ill The General Committee are charged with, the interests of the Society in the counties in which they shall respectively reside, and will constitute a medium of communication between the Executive Committee and the remote members of the Society. ARTICLE V. OF MEETINGS AND ELECTIONS. There shall be an annual meeting of the Society at their Booms, in Madison, on the first Wednesday of December, at 3 o'clock P. M., in each year, and twenty days' notice thereof shall be given in one or more papers printed in the village of Madison, at which meeting the President and four members of the Executive Committee shall be elected by a plurality of votes. The General Committee shall be appointed by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall also have the power to fill any vacancies which may occur in the ofl&ces of the Society. Special meetings may be called by the Executive Committee, on giving twenty days' notice in the public papers, which notice shall state the day, hour and place of said meeting. Ten mem- bers shall form a quorum for the transaction of business. The members of the Executive Committee, except the Presi- dent, shall be divided into three classes, and the terms of service of each class shall expire each year. ARTICLE VI. OF THE ANNUAL FAIR. The Society shall hold an Annual Cattle Show and Fair at such time and place as shall be designated by the Executive Committee, who shall prepare a Premium List, appoint the Viewing Committees, and award the Premiums at the same. It shall be the duty of all the ofiicers to attend the Annual Cattle Show and Fair. 112 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. ARTICLE VII. OF AMENDMENTS. This Constitution may be amended by a vote of two-thirds of the members attending any annual or special meeting. LIFE, HONORARY AND ANNUAL MEMBERS FOR 1855. The number of Life and Honorary Members, up to the close of this year, amounted to seventy ; and the Annual members to six hundred and eighty-six. A full list of the Life and Honorary members, with their res- idence, will be given in the report of 1856. REPORT OF TUE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOE 1855 To His Excellency Wm. A. Barstow, Governor of Wisconsik. Sir : — In compliance with an act of the legislature of this State, passed March, 1854, the Executive Committee of the State Agricultural Society would respectfully Eeport, — That the past year has been one of great prosperity to all industrial occupations, and more especially to the agricultural portion of our population. Abundant crops and unexampled prices, with that richest of all earthly treasures, good health, has been the portion of our population generally throughout the State. The Executive Committee, having become convinced long since that a change of climate and soil produced great improvement in the different kinds of grain, and more especially in wheat, decided early last spring, to make an effort to introduce some new and valuable variety which should replace the varieties already cultivated here, and which from long continued cultiva- tion had begun to diminish in the amount of yield, as well as in quality of grain. The Committee accordingly procured the services of Mr. T. C. Dousman, a gentleman of long experience in the culture of wheat and other agricultural operations, to proceed to Canada and procure some new variety for distribu- tion, which should be furnished to members of the Society at the cost price. This was acted upon, and Mr. Dousman invested M 114 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. six hundred dollars of the money appropriated to tlie Society, in tlie purchase and transportation of a new and valuable vari- ety, known as the Golden Drop. This wheat became widely distributed over the State, and gave universal satisfaction, from the large yield and fine quality of the grain produced. As an instance of its productiveness, the Hon. Wm. R. Taylor, of Cottage Grove, Dane county, harvested forty-five bushels per acre from two acres of ground, with only common cultivation. The Society was entirely reimbursed for the expenditure from the sales. The quality of the grain may be inferred from the fact, that it took not only the the first, but also the second premium, for the best samples offered at our late State Fair. The Society has distributed from its rooms large quantities of choice and valua- ble seeds received during the past year, from the U. S. Patent Ofiice ; also many valuable Agricultural and Mechanical works from the same source, together with several hundred volumes of Transactions of this, and other State Agricultural Societies, embodying much valuable information upon various subjects, the result of experiment and observation in the various de- partments of Agriculture and the Mechanical arts. The Annual Fair of the Society was held at Milwaukee, on the 3d, 4:th, and 5th of October, last, and upon the same grounds formerly occupied for that purpose, and situated on the summit of Spring street hill. The attendance at the Fair, and the ani- mals and articles on exhibition, far surpassed the expectations of the Committee, when the fact is taken into consideration, that a week of rainy weather just previous and one day during the Fair, prevented many from attending who would otherwise have done so. The necessity of having a waterproof building in order to protect many of the articles in the collection of Fine Arts on exhibition at our Annual Fairs, added very materially to the expenses attendant upon the last. The interest manifested at our Annual Fairs shows that the agriculturist, the mechanic, pnd the artist in skillful workman- ship, demand an opportunity where they can exhibit the product of their industry, skill, and invention. It is only through the ■ I EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE EEPORT. 115 fostering care and encouragement afforded by the Legislature, that this opportunity can be presented, which shall stimulate industry and skill, the true sources of national wealth. The ex- hibit of the Financial affairs of the Society hereunto attached, shows a very flattering increase of receipts over those of the preceeding year. The number of Annual and Life Members having increased threefold over the number of last year, and the Society generally presenting an appearance of prosperity gratifying to the Committee. The vouchers for the various accounts presented are on file in the office of the State Agricultural Society, subject to examina- tion by the appropriate committee. All of which is respect- fully submitted. By order of the Executive Committee of Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. Geo. O. Tiffany, Secretary. Madison, January 15, 1856. STATEMENT OP THE FISCAL AFFAIRS OF THE WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1855. INCOME. To balance on hand, December 31, 1854, From Annual Members, '* Life Members, " State of Wisconsin, " City of Milwaukee, " Eeceipts at State Fair, Sales of Wheat, Interest on Deposits, Total, u <( $166 22 684 00 230 00 3000 00 1201 00 1564 90 646 83 50 00 $7542 95 116 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. Paid a (I (( <( <( (( (( i( EXPENDITURES. in Premiums, Purcliase of Wheat, Salary, Office Expenses, Pitting np Fair Grounds, Expenses of Executive Committee, Bills Printing, Traveling and Incidental Expenses, All other Expenses, Cash and Bills receivable to balance Total, .... . $2015 00 600 00 . 1000 00 241 58 550 00 347 38 289 25 184 48 . 1215 60 ;. 1099 ee $7542 95 ANNUAL ADDEESS DELIVERED AT THE STATE AGRICULTURAL FAIR, In Milwaukee, Oct. 5th, 1855. BY HON. HARLOW S. ORTON Fellow Citizens : — In those countries, where now cultivation and refinement diffuse their varied forms of usefulness and grace, and the teeming earth responds to the cheerful labors of man by the exuberant productions of vegetable wealth and beauty, not many years ago, the uncultivated soil was surren- dered to the spontaneous and alternate growth and decay of nature, or barely yielded to the reluctant toil of slavery, the ANNUAL ADDRESS. 117 luxuries of the few, and the scanty pittance of the many. The fruitful ground, in whose mysterious laboratory are commingled the elements from which are evolved the germs of vegeta- ble life, the great primal and common heritage of the human race, intended to be enjoyed, alike, for substance and abode, by all whose labors contribute to the exacted instrumentalities of seed-time and harvest, was vested, by the laws of feudal tenure, in a few manorial sovereigns and titled dignitaries, while the masses of men, under the ban of villeinage and serfdom, passed like any other fixtures with the title of the soil. Then society embraced only two classes, either civil or social — the landlord and the tenant; the owner of the freehold of inheritance, and the holder of a limited and temporary estate : to be enjoyed only upon condition of rent and service ; the lord and his serf ; the patrician and the plebean ; the aristocracy and the common- alty. The first class, of necessity, were the few, and they en- joyed all the highest privileges and prerogatives under the crown, and to them was committed the immediate government and control of the other class, whose civil rights, both of person and property, were limited and undefined, and mostly dependent upon the pleasure of their titled, insolent, and tyrannical supe- riors. From th's coudition of society, in the more civilized portions of the old world, anterior to the discovery and settlement of the Western Continent, may be deduced one of the most important and suggestive lessons of history, to wit: That the distinctions of civil rank, and the widely separated orders of noble and ignoble blood, under all the forms of des- potic government, had their origin in the arbitrary and unequal bestowment of large tracts of land, and portions of country by royal grant, upon the few favored military chieftains, who may have signalized themselves in war or intrigues, in support of the crown. The common soldiers, the rank and file, the large bands of retainers, in times of peace became the dependent tillers of the soil thus portioned among their chiefs, and were compelled, in order to acquire subsistence, to continue in the same relative 118 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. condition of obedience and subordination as laborers in the hus- bandry of these large estates, while the titled landholders them- selves were made Earls and Dukes, Barons and Lords, who lived in idleness, ease, and luxury upon the unrequited servi- tude of the landless and the poor. From this most impolitic and unjust apportionment of landed estates, has arisen, and from the very ground itself, has grown up, the oppressive and odious features in the civil governments and social systems of Europe. From this source sprang the ancient families, in whose possession these baronial estates re- mained, increased rather than diminished, for centuries perpetu- ated by the laws of descent and primogeniture, while the laboring tenantry and menial dependants, who eke out a scanty subsistence by their servitude, in the cultivation and improve- ment of the land to which they can acquire no title but fealty, and from which they can derive no reward except a bare sup- port, have continued, in their peculiar relation, unimproved and unprogressive, from generation to generation. Under the oper- ation of this system, in some commanding position upon the estate, the lordly owner of the fee would build his castle and his country seat, guarded by moat and draw-bridge, by towers, turretted walls, and massive gates, embellished by the highest perfection of art, in architecture, painting, and sculpture. The grounds about this mansion of the lordly farmer would be laid out and ordered in harmony with the ease and luxury of his habits and his state. Here thousands of acres of woodland, threaded with paths and ways, and filled with wild game, cov- ering the natural variety of plain and mountain, stream and lake, would be the ample park dedicated to sport and pastime. Here the closely shorn lawn would spread its emerald carpet, ornamented with exotic tree and shrub, with flowers and vines, and foantains. In short, every minute arrangement of artifi- cial beauty and convenience ; every thing that could please the eye, gratify the taste, or minister to ease and pleasure, were planned and perfected in profuse and costly extravagance and grandeur. The lords and ladies, and the younger scions of the ancient house, proud, haughty and insolent, in their vast and ANNUAL ADDRESS. 119 inlierited possessions, rioting from year to year, in a round of pleasure, gayety, and mirth, of indulgence and excess, would never think or dream, that to secure the perpetuity of such vast estate, and the enjoyment of such pleasure, idleness, and mag- nificence, they were indebted solely to the hardened palms, the iron thews and sinews of the hob nailed clowns who sweat and toiled from generation to generation as their agricultural ten- antry, as the hewers of wood, the drawers of water, and the tillers of the soil. These titled cumberers of the ground, with great reluctance, would yield up to cultivation and agriculture, land barely sufficient to fill their own granaries and coffers, and support in the most straightened economy their menial and de- pendent servitors, while all the rest must remain devoted, as it always had been, to pleasure and sporting grounds. The most hardy and industrious laborers of the field — husband their means and economize as they might — could never expect to own in their own right one single rood ot land, or even the thatched house in which their ancestors had lived and died, and in which they were born to a life of toil and hopeless dependence. Under such a system, with no possible incentive to thrift and ingenuity, is it any wonder, that the arts of agriculture remained so long, crude and unimproved ; that new and more profitable modes of tillage and cultivation were not adopted, and that the rich and exhaustless resources of the earth, were so long undis- covered and undeveloped? And is it strange, that the common laborers of the farm, were looked upon as an inferior order of beings, and the practical business of agriculture regarded, as a low and vulgar employment by the bleached and tender handed gentry of those times. Under that system of political ecomony, which is now regarded as the most pleasing, productive and honorable pursuit, and upon which all other employments and professions, and orders and classes of society, are most depen- dent— was placed at the lowest and meanest grade of productive industry. That contemptible prejudice may still exist to some extent, among those who are too ignorant to know, and too in- dolent to learn, that that system, like the laws and customs of a barbarous antiquity, has long since passed away. (Applause.) 120 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. The settlement of America opened a new field for tlie exer- tion of tlie physical, as well as the mental energies of the people of Europe. Thj,t same system that had shackled the body with chains of servitude, and divested labor of its legitimate reward, sought also to imprison the mind, and impose restrictions upon the right of conscience and religion. From this tyranny they fled, and found upon this continent at once a home on its soil, and a christian tabernacle in its wilderness. A star had arisen in the West, and glanced its sparkling beam into the gloom and dark- ness of Slavery and Superstition in the old world, and by its guidance wise men again " came from the East," to the West, " to worship." Here they found a rich and fruitful soil, untouched by implements of husbandry, which had proved its strength and depth by bearing forests of such vastness, and giant growth, that compared with them, the preserved woodlands and parks of Europe, were but tame and unpoetic miniatures — widely ex- tended plains, covered with spontaneous vegetation, in wild luxuriance, ready for the plow and seed of the husbandman — a climate exactly suited to the various qualities of soil, and its na- tural productiveness— Lakes and Rivers of such extent and mag- nitude, as to afford unrivalled facilities for navigation and com- merce. They found here also, in use among the "Native Americans," new and useful articles of food, before unknown to the civilized world, and which have since become important staples of consumption and commerce, both at home and abroad. Here was a land affording every natural facility and advantage, for an ample and munificent return to the labors of the agricul- turist, ready to be possessed and cultivated. To it, the unpaid and oppressed operatives from the estates and work-shops of Europe flocked, as to a land of refuge, and for the first time in many centuries, this class became their own landlords, possessed in their own right habitations and homes, and were permitted to reap and eat, the harvest they had sown. This channel of immigration once opened, all who commanded the means of transportation across the Atlantic, followed fast after the first pioneers ; and this immense drain upon the manu- ANNUAL ADDEESS. 121 al and productive labor, of these old despotisms began to be sorely felt, by the idle and squandering drones of aristocracy, and their estates were threatened with ruin and decay, unless some reformatory measure could be adopted, either to check emigration, or replace the loss. The Government, in prospect of rich colonial possessions in the new world, refused to discour- age American settlements ; and therefore the only remedy that remained, was to adopt improved methods of tillage, and ame- liorate the relations of landlord and tenant, and give encourage- ment to the laborer, by increasing his interest in the soil, and reducing his rent service. Thus was induced that wise policy of legislation which gradually but securely elevated the serfs and clowns of the Feudal times, i.ito an independent class of sturdy yeomanry, and placed agriculture the first in importance, in industrial pursuits. As fast as the broken estates of the wasteful and extravagant nobility, were offered for sale, to any having the means to purchase, there sprang up a class of small or middle farmers, who at this day, together with the artisans, manufacturers, merchants and bankers constitute the middle classes, in these old governments, which have now, under the pressure of the great public sentiment, emanating from these classes, been converted into constitutional monarchies. Just in proportion as the masses are permitted to hold an in- terest in the soil, and to receive a fair recompense for their labor, the agricultural interest has improved, and been elevated to its true position, and the working classes have attained an indepen- dence and intelligence, and a position of dignity and importance in their civil and social relations — to which they were long es- tranged. I do not wish to say that this is the only cause for the improved and ameliorated condition of Europe ; but that it does stand out in bold relief as one of the most important facts ill history, and based upon reason and philosophy, that it was a most effectual cause to produce this result. When, recently, the large landed proprietors of Ireland, were compelled to sell and parcel out their estates, to any having the means to purchase, emigration from that country has been much lessened, and the condition of the country vastly improved. N 122 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. And thus it would be witli England, if, instead of by far the larger portion of her rich and fruitful lands lying an uncultiva- ted waste, in the possession of a nobility rapidly declining to physical, moral and mental imbecility, they should be divided among practical English farmers, and their management com- mitted to hands that labor, and to heads that think. And if, instead of only one in forty of her population holding an interest in the soil, as now, one-fourth should be landlords, as in this country, she would not present to the world, as she does to-day, the double spectacle of dishonor and disgrace, in her crowded work-houses and pauperism, on the one hand, and a pampered, weak and vacillating aristocracy, on the other. This cursory, historical view of the subject, sufficiently de- monstrates the dignity and importance of agriculture, not only as a high department of industry in political economy, but also as having a permanent and effective influence in forming and organizing civil institutions. In the first settlement of this country, it was the primary and almost the only pursuit and means of subsistence — and in time, when an increased popula- tion required society to assume a more organized form, it became and has continued to be, the great leading industrial interest of our Republic. Land, with us, could always be acquired at little cost, and the disposition to possess it has always been much less than the means. The richest and the fairest land on which falls the cheering light of Heaven, fairer than Aicadia, and richer than Italian plains ; whose broad expanse swells with bursting vegetation and teems with fruits and fatness, offers to all, almost, without money and without price happy homes of husbandry, and a fee-simple title in the soil. Over such a land has been constructed, by the wisdom of the greatest Statesmen and purest patriots of history, a government which tolerates no titled classes, or privileged few, perfectly adapted in all its parts to secure equal rights, and a system of laws for the protection and en- couragement of every department of domestic industry, and for the first time in the history of the world, has been fully developed the true dignity and nobility of labor, and a great farming aris- tocracy. Those who have studied with any care the philosophi- ANNUAL ADDRESS. 123 cal tendencies of those times, which gave form and being to our civil institutions, will have observed that the policy adopted in the first settlement of the country, by which the many became invested with a substantial interest in the soil, was congenial to personal independence and quickened into life the well protect- ed rights and liberties we now enjoy. The accretion of landed estates in the hands of a few, is one of the strongest pillars of support to a despotism, but will as- suredly sap and raze the very foundations of a Republic, as the opposite policy, laid them deep and wide in the very soil whose cultivation and common enjoyment they were intended to foster and protect. By thus placing agriculture and ownership of land as a pri- mary cause, and as the cardinal policy of our government, and giving it this high civil relation, it is not intended to detract from, or underrate the importance of other pursuits and branches of American industry, nor do I desire this view of the subject to flatter the pride, which is already, perhaps, sufficiently inflated, or extol the virtues which are certainly few enough, of those who pursue this useful avocation, or pronounce too high a panegyric upon it, to win praise or favor on this occasion of the Farmer's Fair. I have sought to step beyond the narrow and selfish limits, within which agriculture is only regarded for its utility, and as a means of subsistence and the accumulation of wealth, and place it in its true position, as the great humanizing and equal- izing agency in the civil relations of men, and the domestic policy and government; to urge upon your attention that higher view of the subject, which makes the hard working and enterprising farmer, who plods with patient labor from seed time to harvest, in the cultivation of his land, and surrounds his home and family with rural loveliness and comfort ; whose yearly income is devoted with economy and prudence to the improvement of his farm, the support of his family, and the ed- ucation of his children ; who lives within his means and inde- pendent of others, heedless of the noisy strife and broils of society about him, does more, by his labors and example, to 124 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. perpetuat ^ the civil institutions of his country, than all the noisy and babbling politicians of the day. He illustrates by his every day's service and subsistence, by his careful tillage and the dependent products of the land, and by his contributions to the aggregate wealth and independence of his country from year to year, the happy adaption of our civil policy, to promote the best interests of society ; and he does well his duty, and acts well his part as a citizen, while at the same time, he reaps the rich rewards of his labor and enterprise in the most happy, in- dependent and pleasing pursuit in life. There are doubtless many in this country, who would ape and mimic the habits and customs, and unbibe the prejudices of the so called higher classes in Europe, and who, themselves, are the effeminate and degraded sons of lusty farmers, who regard agri- culture as low and menial, and only fit to be pursued by those of small mental capacity, and of limited intelligence. These are the fops and dandies of society, some of them the inheritors _ of wealth, accumulated by the painful and patient toil of some industrious and prudent ancestor ; others, idle and dissolute, and penniless, are only tolerated as signs and show boards, or strolling images on which the tailor and shopkeeper hang their latest styles and fashions, to induce those who have money to come and purchase. These lily-livered, tender-handed, narrow- chested, small limbed, and empty-headed parlor ornaments of uppertendom, prate of country folks and country life, and awk- ward country habits, as if they were sprigs of nobility, and were heirs of some vast estate^ of which all farmers were tenants. It is from such self constituted leaders of the ton of society, that youth and young men, perhaps farmer's sons, contract a disease for the business of agriculture, and think all other callings, of even less profit, are more dignified and honorable, and become restless and uneasy. Some will go to a trade in mechanics of hard labor, constant confinement, and poor reward ; others be- come clerks in stores and offices, and some deem the art of pen- manship, the highest attainment of life, and become waiting and serving men for a salary, while still others, and by far the most thoughtless class, having a large natural developemet of ANNUAL ADDRESS. 125 the organ of self-esteem, and in consequence, a large amount of assurance and impudence, make their parents, (who become blind, as soon as their children are old enough to see, at least so far as their faults and defects are concerned), think that all these fine qualities, are the unmistakable marks of genius, and thej are sent at once, to explore the mysteries of the learned pro- fessions, already too full of such order of mind. (Applause). I would not discourage these pursuits in the least, but I insist, that when they are selected, in preference to agriculture, solely because they are supposed to be more respectable, persons of such dull discrimination and weak judgment, would never re- flect much honor upon any employment they might pursue, and the sooner they abandon the labors of the farm, the better it would be, for that noble pursuit, they so much affect to despise. K a young man choses his vocation in life, consulting, first, his usefulness to society, and then his taste and judgment, and succeeds in finding one suited to his abilities and natural inclin- ation, and pursues it with intelligent purpose to master it ; and while he derives both pleasure and profit from the pursuit, re- flects honor upon it, whatever it may be, agricultural, the me- chanic arts, or the profession, he has made a wise choice, and will not regret it; but if in ignorance of his qualifications, both na- tural and acquired, he rushes into a business to which he is to- tally unsuited, and follows it reluctantly and idly, for the sole purpose of acquiring respectibility and honor from the business itself, he will certainly miss his aim, and spend a life made up of a series of failures and disappointments, and die in penury, and, most probably, disgrace. All kinds of business have many representatives of this class. This fatal delusion, this aimless and thoughtless chase after the ignis fat uus of honor in selecting an employment, will terminate only when every department of labor and industry shall be re- garded honorable, if honorably pursued, whether it is famishing the human agency, by which bountiful nature spreads the earth with fruits and flowers, and golden harvests, or giving curious form and fabric, and nice proportions to the crude material of mechanic arts, or with financial precision, close estimate and un- 126 WISCONSIN" AGRICULTUEE. tiring assiduity, driving the enterprises, enduring the distrac- tions and balancing the chances of commerce, trade and merch- andize, or delving in the exhaustless mines of science, or trip- ping with winged feet along the glowing pathway of literature, seeking to achieve the conquests of genius, in the toilsome and disheartening labors of the fine arts, or with severest toil of both mind and body, suffering the reverses and struggling to win the prizes of the professions of theology, medicine and law, or what- ever it may be, they are all alike of equal respectability. It is true there are many who follow the business of agriculture) clownish and perhaps vicious, but it is respectfully submitted) that as a class, the farmers of this country, in proportion to their number, have as few such as any other, and these qualities ren- der them as unfit to pursue this business, with advantage, as they would in any other department, and are no more the badge of this calling, than of all the rest. But, not only is this occupation, one of dignity and impor- tance in its relations to society, and to the government, and of equal honor with others, it is also, as profitable in the pecuniary sense of that term, (and in this monied age, it scarcely has any other meaning) and it is as certain in its results. After all the necessary labor, care and skill have been bestowed in the pre- paration of the soil, and the judicious selection of the ground, for the prolific seed ; after all has been done that human toil and diligence can do, for the careful nurture of the tender blade, still there is often unavoidable failure and disappointment. The late frosts of Spring, or the early frosts of Autumn — too much or too little rain — unseasonable heat or cold, may cut ofl' the hopes of harvest. Insects and worms may devour the ten- der blades, or some strange blight may smite the fields, when the expectations are most cheering, and the well cultured farm be converted into a dismal waste, as if an Egyptian plague had passed over it. These sad an unforseen misfortunes, may fall upon the farmer when he is least prepared to meet them, and he sorely feels the weight of a calamity, by which he loses the pro- duct of his labor, and is driven suddenly to meet expenses of which there is no profit or income. But although he is the im- ANNUAL ADDEESS. 127 mediate and direct sufferer by these adversities, we should bear in mind that all other branches of industry, which are at best mainly dependent upon the success of his own, are remotely, and as certainly affected by his loss. General and wide-spread financial embarrassment, and business derangement, always re- sult from the failure of the farmer's crops — so that the farmer would not escape the evils of which he may for the moment, be- lieve himself to be the only victim, by adopting any other avo- cation. All other business and investments have their peculiar perils and fortuitous casualities. Pile after pile of costly mater- ial, and architecture, the marts of trade, and the magnificent or- naments of your cities and villages, may turn to ashes in an hour by some incendiary or accidental conflagiation — .-hips of com- merce laden with the wealth of trade may be ingulphed beneath the yielding and fickle element of lake or ocean, by a sudden gale, and the most far-seeing and sagacious plans of business, are liable to failure, and apparently the most feasible and promising enterprises, frequently end in bankruptcy and poverty. If agri- culture is judiciously selected as an avocation, and prosecuted with industry, intelligence and judgment, there need be no fail- ure, except by the adverse interposition of Providcrice. And the reason so many do not thrive, and are disatisfied in this pur- suit, is not because in itself, it is unprofitable and uncertain, but because wrong and unsuitable means are employed to achieve a successful result. It is as impossible for a man to make farming a profitable bus- iness without a preparatory course of education and training, as to succeed in anything else, without first learning and under- standing it. Instead of its being a business, that any one may take up and adopt at pleasure, as a simple exertion of physical strength, it involves the application of as much mental discern- ment and scientific research, as any of the arts or professions, in order to its highest success. The man who begins at the wrong end to split a stick, and endeavors to turn a furrow up a hill, and having no skill, makes an awkward and most laborious use of farming tools and implements, has no knowledge of the na- ture of soils and their congenial adaption to the various kinds of 128 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. crops, and knows nothing of the times, seasons and other mys- teries of agriculture, is unfit for either a laborer or an overseer upon a farm — and this is the reason so many make but a sorry speculation in this business, who retire from other pursuits with which they are acquainted, and to which they are suited by edu- cation and practice, and adopt this as a kind of peaceful seclu- sion from the toils and cares of life. Agriculture of this day is a s.ience, as well as an art, and has its library of booI:s of chemistry and philosophy, its newspa- pers and periodicals, its scientific schools and societies, and all are open to the intelligent farmers, which render it unnecessary upon an occasion like this, to read a thesis, either scientific or practical, upon any of its various branches, and therefore I have sought rather to treat the subject in its more general aspects and bearings in this address. Finally this vocation has its pleasures and enjoyments, which are not common to others. The farmer's life is surrounded with substantial comforts and simple luxuries, which he could not j^urchase, as their highest value consists in being the product of his own labor and care. His crowded barns and granaries, and well filled larder, his herbs and fraits, and flocks and herds, place him above the reach of want. His lands are rich and well enclosed, and he proudly walks them in the daily round of duty, with manly and conscious independence. He yearly pays back to the exhausted soil, the chemical ingredients extracted in the perfection of his crops, and has too much foresight to overtask and exhaust the generous earth, so bountiful in yielding up her substance, without a returning recompense. His house is con- structed for comfort and convenience, rather than for show and ornament, and the neat enclosures of yard and garden, bear, in every shrub, tree, vine, and flower, the evidence of his refine- ment and his taste. The affectionate intercourse of friends, of family, and of kindred, cheer his rural home and peaceful fire- side, and he is content with the world, and satisfied with his portion of its enjoyments. Books and contemplation store his mind with the rich treasures of knowledge, and while he enjoys the full fruition of his material condition and estate, his percep- ANNUAL ADDRESS. 129 tions may grasp the higher pleasures of the intellectual and the spiritual. He reads of the storms and strifes and bickerings of the world about him, without wishing to participate in its broils. His life flows on in quiet and in peace, like the gentle current of his meadow stream, and his ambition is sati.aii7, 16 Honey, 4 Flowers, g Artificial Flowers, 5 Flour, 4 Paintings, etc., 30 Ornamental Shell, etc., 40 Vegetables, - 58 Fruit, - 685 Miscellaneous, 80 Total, .... 1231 m REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. Made at the Fifth Annnal Fair of the Society, held at Milwaukee on the 3d, 4th and 5th of October, 1855. Class A. — Xo. 1. — Short Horn Cattle. Judges — Wm. H. Fox, Fitchburgh ; J. X. Cadbj, Merton ; Eph- raiin Perkins, Burlington. Best bull S years and over, B. Brazee, . . . $15 2d best do., H. Conyerse, 10 3d " " T. T. Kissam, 5 J. L. Rogers' bull having taken the 1st premium last year, is entitled to the diploma. Special notice is made of the animals of J. T. ^Valklin, A. A. Bedford and E. Perkins. Best bull 3 years and under 3, Geo. Paddock, . . $10 2d best do do E. C. Sage, ... 7 3d " do do Wm. Knight, . . 5 Best bull 2 years and under 3, J. A. Fletcher, . . 7 2d best do do H. B. Towsley, . . 5 Best bull calf, P. B. Stewart, 5 2d best do., Geo. Paddock, 3 Best cow 3 years and over, E. H. Ball & Co., Lady Elgin, 15 [Pediskkk or Lady Elgw.— Calved In 1S48. tired by Defiancs, he by Bover, he by Old Eover, called Claries in England. Dam— Betfv Bloifom. by Napoleon Bell imported, dam by an imported cow, and was awarded the first prize at the Michigan State Fair for Foreign Stock.] 2d best do Geo. Paddock, ... 10 -3d " do P. M. Perkins, ... 5 AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS. 133 H. Durkee's cow, having taken tiie 1st premium last year, can only receive the diploma this year. Best heifer 2 years and under 3, Geo. Paddock, . . 10 2d best do., E. H. Ball & Co., Eed Rose, ... 7 [Pedigeek of Red Rose.— Calved January, 1854; got by Defiance; dam, Moss Rose, by Splen- dor, by dam cow Imported by Thomas Medde.] 3d do., P. B. Stewart, 5 R. Armstrong had a heifer 2 years old, worthy of note. Best heifer, 1 year and under 2, Geo. Paddock, . . 7 2d best do, H. Durkee, 5 Best heifer calf, Geo. Paddock, 6 2d best do., J. L, Rogers, 3 Foreign Stock. — Durhams. A discretionary premium of $10 is awarded to H. Capron, of Geneva, BL, for the best Durham cow and heifer, in this class. Class A. — No. 2. — Devons. Best bull, 3 years and over, W. J. Dawes, Best bull, 2 " " under 3, L. Rawson, Best bull calf, J. Morse, .... Class A. — No. 3. — Herefords. $15 10 5 Best bull, 4 years and over, P. B. Stewart, Best cow, do (( a 515 15 Class A. — No, 6. — Crosses of Blood Cattle. Best bull, 3 years and over, J. G. Putnam, Best bull calf, E. W. Starin, Best heifer, 2 years old, H. Durkee, 2d best do., " " 3d best do., J. L. Rogers, Best heifer calf, J. Morse, 2d best do., same. $15 5 10 7 5 5 3 134 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. Class A. — No. 7. — Native and Grades. Judges — Wm. A. White, Madison ; 0. Ferguson, Fox Lake ; B. E. Colvin, Fitchburg. Best cow, 3 years and over, Geo. Paddock, . . . $10 2d best do., C. S. Gates, 7 3d do., E. C. Sage, 5 Best heifer calf, J. G. Putnam, 5 Class A. — No. 8. — Working Oxen. Best yoke, L. Rawson, $15 2d best do, C. Hawley, 10 8d best do, E. C. Sage, 5 Best yoke steers, 8 years, C. P. Wilcox, ... 5 Best " " 2 " Geo. Paddock, ... 3 Class A. — No. 10. — Trotting and Road Horses. The following premiums were awarded at the trial of speed ; distance one mile : Best stallion of any age, C. J. Bullock, ^' North America,^'' time 2:50, $100 2d best do, D. J. Woodward " Yankee Bill,'" time 2:57, 50 8d best do, John Gale, " Bucephalus," time 2:59, . . 25 Best stallion 5 years and under, A. Armstrong, " David Hill" time 3:09, $25 2d best do, E. Mosher, ^' Red Rubin" time 3:11, . . 15 8d best do, W. L. Utley, " Oreen Mountain Boy" time 3:19, 10 Best matched horses, C. H. Porter & Co., time 3:20, . 50 2d best do, S. B. & J. Davis, time 3:30, ... 25 3d best do, E. Kinney, time 3:37, . . . . 15 Best single horses, owner of " Corncracker" time 2:50 1-2, 25 2d best do, J. L. Hathaway, time 2:51 1-2, . . . 15 3d best do, G. Dutcher, time 2:56, .... 10 Class A. — No. 11. — Blood Horses. Judges. — Dr. F. Paddock, Salem ; Seymour Brooks, East Troy ; Major Thompson, Cross Plains. AWAKDS OF PREMIUMS. 135 Best stallion, 4 yrs. and over, Andrew Dunn, Medoc. . $50 [Pedigree of Medoo. — Illinils Medoc was sired by Medoc ; his dam by Bertrand, grand dam by Director, great grand dam by imported Financier, great g. grand dam by Certorious imported g.g. g. grand dam by Clockfast Imported. Medoc was sired by old Eclipse, his dam Young Maid o the Oaks, by imported Expedition, grand dam Old Maid of the Oaks.] 2d best (not decided.) ....... Class A. — No. 12. — Morgan Horses. Best Stallion kept for stock, J. H. Hall, 2d best do., Ramsdell & Cotton, .... Best Stallion, 3 and under 4, J. B. Dousman, 2d best do., C. Durkee, Best 2 year old (discretionary,) S. Richmond, Class A. — No. 13. — Horses for All "Work. Best Stallion, L. West, .... 2d best do., J. W. Rhodes, .... Best Mare, 4 years and over, A. W. "Wright, 2d best do., J. B. Doustnan, .... Best pair Matched Horses, B. F. Arnold, 2d best do., J. B. Dousman, .... Best pair Draft Horses, R. Weir, . 2d best do., S. Heath, ..... Best Gelding, 4 years and over, J. B. Dousman, 2d best do , E. H. Ball & Co. ... Class A. — No. 14. — Mares and Colts. $20 15 10 5 5 $20 15 10 5 15 10 10 5 10 5 Best Brood Mare, 4 years and over, E. Chase, (foal got by " Comet Morgan,") 10 2d best do., D. Merrill, 5 Best Mare Co'.t, 3 years — no premium 2d best do., C. H. Larkin, ...:.. 5 Best Mare Colt, 2 years, A. Ross, .... 8 2d best do., J. B. Dousman, 5 Best Mare Colt, 1 year, C. H. Larkin, .... 5 2d best do., W. P. Me:rill, 3 2d best Horse Colt, 3 years, J. Guild, .... 5 Best Colt, 2 years, E. C. Sage, 8 136 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. 2d do., J. Guild, 5 Best Horse Colt, 1 year, E. L. Blodgett, ... 5 2d best do., J. Deuster, 3 Class A. — No. 16 — Jacks and Mules. . Best Jack, A. L. Castleman, $15 [Pedigeeb. — Warrior was three years old the 19th day of July last; he was sired by the cele- brated imported Spanish Jack Black Warrior. His dam by Ecbpse. Best Mule, J. S. Ballard, 5 Class A. — No. 15. — Sheep. i,0NG AND MIDDLE WOOL, LEICESTER AND THEIR GRADES. Judges. — E. M. Danfortli, Summit; John Plummer, A, P. Field. Best Buck, 2 years and over, J. P. Roe, . . . $10 Best Leicester do., L. Rawson, 10 2d best do., J. P. Roe, ....... 7 Best Buck, 1 year and under 2, E. D, Layton, . . 7 2d best do., L. Rawson, 6 3d best do,, E. Perkins, 3 3 year old Ewe of F. D. Layton, highly commended. Best : outhdown Buck, over 1 year, Z. B. Wakeman. . 7 Class A. — No. 17 and 18. Judges. — John A. Fletcher, Johnstown ; Thos. P. Davis, 0. Bennett. Best Buck, 2 years and over, the committee report for the 1st premium a Buck belonging to E. M. Danforth, which is excluded by the rule requiring the animals to have been shorn within the year.) 2d best do., (belonging to the same, and excluded by the same rule.) The committee have also reported for 2d and 3d premiums, Bucks belonging to A. P. Weston, excluded by the same rule. Best Buck, 1 year and under 2, A. Galpin, ... $7 Best pen of 3 Buck Lambs, same, . . . 5 o o Pi S »3 ■-.^■o^ CO . 11 ^ >o %-» "^ o O CO on "^ S '~ ^. I w a o o J5 to • Committee. E. COLMAX, ) HOUSEHOLD ARTS A]ST) FAXCT ARTICLES. The Committee on Household and Fancy Articles and Mu- sical Instruments, would respectfully report, that they have ATVARDS OF PREMIUMS. 167 carefully examined the various articles of the above description entered for awards of premiums, an i recommend the following awards, viz : No. 22, Mrg. C. S. Hamilton, silk Quilt, ... .$3 " 69, T. Merchant, net QuUt 2 " 119, Mrs. Maxin, cotton Quilt, .... 1 Ernhrovlery. No. 42, Mrs. T, S, Wright, Ottoman Seat, ... 3 " 50, J. W. Atherton, Lamp Mat, .... 2 " 43, Royal Buck, Chair Seat, 1 " 10, Mrs. M, K. Stow, Embroidery, .... 1 Patchwork Cus}(Aon. No. 22, Mrs. C. S. Hamilton, 1 Wax Fruit No. 98, ^Martha A. Wood, 3 Specirrtem of Farucy Work. No. 30, Mrs. E. L. Darling. 2 Carpets. No. 101, Mrs. Hiram Morris, Carpet, .... ,$3 " 56, ^Ts. Alfred Bliss, Carpet, .... 3 " lis. Miss C. M. Brindle, Handkerchief . . 2 " 81, Mrs. K. A. Darling, Tidy, Scarf and QuHt, . 2 " 67, Miss E. Carey, OH Paintings 3 " 23, Joseph Stowe, Dark Crayon Picture, ... 2 " 13, .John A. Allen, " " ... 1 The Committee would al.50 recommend the Society's Diploma and a copy of its Transactions for each of the following musical instruments: A superior Piano Forte, with doke compjana attachment man- ufactured by Boardman & Gray. Melodeon, manufectured by H, B. Horton, Akron, Ohio. Melodeon, manufectured by Bishop k ChUd, Cleveland, O. " manufactured by A. L. Swan. Also, a Diploma for the following instruments : Guitar, Flute 168 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. and Violin; by Hawley & Dodge. Also, a Diploma to Mrs. S. Collins, for a case of Millinery. G. Mc Williams, ) A. Carswell, > Committee. D. E. Wood, ) We, the Committee appointed to award premiums on Poultry, report as follows : No. 33, Truman M. Fay, first premium, . . Diploma. " 115, A. L. Williams, 2d " . .Transactions. W. C. Green, ) R. L. MoRKis, V Committee. Wm. Bessle, ) The Committee on Tools and Manufactures, have the satisfac- tion of reporting to the Association that a commendable spirit has been manifested in this department of the Association, con- sidering that it was comparatively unknown to the mass of our mechanics and artizans that an opportunity was thus afforded to display their handiwork. It is a matter of congratulation that the Association established this department. Agriculture and the mechanic arts naturally go hand in hand; whatever contrib- utes to the advancement of the one will essentially elevate the other. The first article presented to our attention, was: No. 117. This is a half- thousand bunch of machine-cut pine Shingles, manufactured by Jewett & Munger, of Fond du Lao, of superior quality. $1 awarded. PLOWS. No. 25. This Plow came from the manufacturer, J. L. Ault, of Fond du Lac, evidently with no design to win by a display of fenciful finishing, but for all the essential qualities for which the article was designed, the Committee deem it a genuine good Plow, and award therefor a Diploma. No. 63. Under this number was exhibited two sizes of Plows, both of the same style. These Plows were evidently prepared with much care for exhibition, for, in Mechanical skill and artis- AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 169 tic display, they surpass any other on exhibition. Awarded premium $3. WAGONS. No. 7. Under this number was a light one horse buggy, and a two horse lumber wagon, both excellent specimens of their kind. Manufactured in Fond du Lac by Messrs. Pierce. The Committee have awarded Diploma and $3. STOVES AND THEIR APPENDAGES. No. 99. Under this was quite an assortment of Parlor and Cooking Stoves, some of new and apparcully good patterns. The May Flower Cooking Stove No. 99, exhibited by Mr Breed, of Fond du Lac, evidently combines more good qualities than any other cooking Stove exhibited. — Diploma awarded. With this Stove was exhibited a Copper Boiler and Tea Kettle of ex- cellent workmanship; also, a sample of Russia Iron pipe, and an apparently improved elbow, the turn being circular and not at right angles; these trimmings (excepting the tea-kettle) being manufactured within this Association's limits the Committee awarded for the elbow improvement as a premium $1. Under the same number was exhibited by Mr. Breed a Far- mer's Stove and boiler, this is peculiarly adapted to the Farmer's use, the Cauldron Kettle and Stove each have had their day and this substitute supplies their place. Manufactured out of the State, nothing awarded. No. 9. Under this number was exhibited a copper boiler and tea-kettle, a tin coft'ee-pot, also, a large tin coffee-urn, both with leachers, all of which articles were of superior workmanship. Manufactured by Messrs. Taylor & Lowry, of Fond du Lac. Diploma awarded. No. 77. Under this number was exhibited a large tin pail, one long broad pan, and two size milk pans, all of excellent siock, and made for use rather than show ; also, a sample of tin roofing, exhibiting the connection of the gutter and conductor for pipe, and a sample of Russia iron stove pipe — the elbow joint double seamed — considered an improvement on the common joints. 170 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. Manufactured by E. Perkins, of Fond du Lac. Awarded one volume of Transactions. No. 62. Sample of Eussia Iron Stove Pipe, from the shop of K. Gillett, of Fond du Lac, a good article, no peculiarity in the manufacture. Nothing awarded. No. 43. Specimens of colored blank printing by Royal Buck. Diploma awarded. No. 125. A two horse power Steam Engine, manufactured at Watertown, N. Y. ; also, a corn sheller and cracker, exhibited by John Banister, of Fond du Lac — the working qualities of neither being tested by the Committee, nothing was awarded. No. 54. Under this number, Messrs. Mann & Hoyt, of Fond du Lac exhibited a case of boots and shoes of their own manu- facture; embracing heavy stogy boots, fine French calf boots both common and with cork soles, also, ladies' Congress gaiters with and without cork soles, morrocco boots and fancy slippers, all of which would do credit to any shop in that line of trade. The Committee awarded Diploma. The same gentleman exhibited one of D. M. Singer's celebra- ted Sewing Machines, used in their shop in the manufacture of shoes and boots, this little labor saving machine formed no in- considerable portion of the attractions of the exhibition, being manufactured out of the State nothing was awarded. No. 23. Was exhibited to the Committee by Joseph Stow, a Water Cistern of large size, constructed of flaging stone, the bot- tom and sides each, being formed of a single stone about six feet square. This cistern will recommed itself to the favorable con- sideration of all persons who take the trouble to examine it. One volume Transactions awarded. No. 114. Under this number Messrs. Benton & Co. exhibited the masonry of the new County Fire Proof Offices, a specimen of Hammer dressed and raised pointed wall. One volume Trans- actions av/arded. No. 80. A grain cradle, manufactured and exhibited by Wat- kins Farnsworth, of Fond du Lac. This specimen being made for sale and use and not for show. These cradles are too well AWAEDS OF PKEMIUMS. lYl known and appreciated by the farming community to need any commendation from us. Diploma awarded. No. 93. A carved velvet cushioned soft, and mahogony book case, manufactured at the shop of Charles Blankenburg, of Fond du Lac. These articles of furniture would do credit to any cab- inet shop. Diploma awarded. No. 124. Under this number was exhibited by Thomas H. Green, a contractor and builder of Fond du Lac, a model of Him's Patent Spring Window Jambs. This simple construc- tion is the best of all the inventions that have come under the observation of the committee, for holding the sash of the win- dow in the trame especially when there is not too great weight of the window to be supported. Diploma awarded. No. 44. Two large record books and two volumes of bound magazines, manufactured or bound at the book bindery of J. K. & J. W, Partridge, of Fond du Lac. Fair sample of that kind of work. One volume Transactions awarded. No. 6, was a model of Eichardson's Oscillating Dash Churn. The Committee saw no experiment to judge of its true merit, but considered a novelty in its way. Nothing awarded. No. 45. Was a sample of horse shoe made and exhibited by Mr. Leeman, of Fond du Lac. These shoes are of superior work- manship, for which a Diploma was awarded. Under this number was exhibited a jack crane for roasting meat, the workmanship unexceptionable. Nothing awarded. No. 23. Under this number was exhibited three samples of Crayon drawings by Miss Caroline M. Stow, of Fond du Lac ; also, the frames in which they are set. These drawings and frames, the Committee deem worthy of considerable praise. Di- ploma awarded. ISo. IL Was two specimens of Daguerrean likenesses by C. T. Eiply, of Fond du Lac, good specimens of the Daguerrean art. Diploma. No, 128. Was two samples of Gilding on glass and door plate, by E. P. Lewis, of Fond du Lac. The Committee deem these specimens of superior workmanship. Diploma awarded. 172 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. Mr. Starr, of Ceresco, exhibited a basket made hy Mr. Love- ray, of Ceresco, which for superior workmanship, excels any- thing of its kind which has ever come under the observation of the Committee. Diploma awarded. Isaac Brown, J. C. LiTTLEFiELD, ]■ Committee. R. N. PURDY, COLUMBIA COUNTY. To THE Secretary of the Wisconsin State Agiicultural Society. According to the appointment of the Executive Committee, at a preliminary meeting held at Wyocena. on the 1 2th of June last, the Annual Fair and Cattle Show took place at Portage City, on the 13th of September 1855. The spirit with which it was conducted, the numerous attendance, and the quantity and quality of the animals and articles exhibited, indicated an in- creased interest in the objects of the Society, and augurs well for its future prosperity. It afforded gratification and encour- agement to all who took part in it, or who duly appreciate the many and important advantages conferred, not only on farmers, but on society in general, by these associations, exciting as they do a laudable ambition, tending to promote the development of all the arts, refinements and improvements of life. They also impart a desire for the acquisition, cultivation and dissemination of knowledge, both theoretical and practical ; and, by giving a well-ordered direction to industrial efforts, they secure more ample remuneration to diligence and skill. In a word, they promote the intellectual, social and pecuniary prosperity of the community. The number of entries made were 136, as follows : Horses, 27 ; Cattle, 23; Sheep, 3; Poultry, 2; Farming Implements, 3: Dairy, 8; Grajn and Flour, 4; Domestic Manufactures, 16; Needle Work, Drawing, &c., 23; Fruits, 7; Vegetables, 20. COUNTY REPORTS. 173 Twenty-two volumes of the Transactions of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society and 13 Diplomas were distributed, and $110 in Cash Premiums were awarded to successful com- petitors. At an adjourned annual meeting of the Society, held in the Verandah Hall, Portage City, November 21st, 18oo, an interest- ing and instructive Address was lielivered by T. H. Powers, of Wyocena, when, also, the following officers were duly elected for the ensuing year : Peter Van Ness, President^ M. W. Patton, I T^. D . , , ANDREW Dunn! [ ^''' Presidents, Thomas B. Haslam, Secretary, F. C CUKTISS, Treasurer, T. n. Powers, Frank Folsom, John Q. Adams, y Hugh McFarlane, | J. N. Hardy, J Yours, truly. Executive Gom. Lodi. Scott. Portage City. Portage City. Lowville. Wyocena. Otsego. Fall River. Portage City. Randolph. To G-. O. Tiffany, Esq., Sec'y Thomas B. Haslam, Sec'y Columhia Co. Ag. Socieiy. SAUK COUNTY. Sends no report, except a list of the premiums awarded, not even mentioning the names of the officers for the year. — Ed. AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. CATTLE. We the Committee appointed to decide on the relative value of neat stock entered on exhibition, would respectfully report as follows : 174 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. Bulls three years old and upwards. — 1st, N. W. k R. A. Morel j. 2d, not numbered, owned by Mr. Crane. Bulls one year old. — 1st, (not numbered) belonged to Mr, Gloyd. 2d, No. 105, Z. Eldredge. Cows over three years old. — J. W. Moreley, Transactions. 2d, J. Powell, Certificate. Heifers. — 1st, (not numbered) belonging to Mr. Chapman. 2d, R. R. Remington, Certificate. Bull Calves. — 1st, (not numbered) belonging to Mr. Hill. 2d, Mr. Christie. Heifer (7aZy?s.— 1st, Z. Eldredge. 2d, C. H. Williams. Amos Todd, Charman. WORKING OXEN AND STEERS. Best 4 years and over, B. Colton, Transactions, " " " " " B. B. Brown, Certificate. Best 2 years and over, Nathaniel Chapman, Transactions, Best 1 yeor and over, N. Chapman, Certificate, J. H. Hains, C hairman. STALLIONS, BROODING MARES AND COLTS. The Committee on Stallions, Brooding Mares and Colts, re- port as follows : Best stallion, E. Crain, Baraboo, Transactions. Best brooding mare, J. B. Crawford, Baraboo, Transactions. 2d best, H. W . Wallace, Baraboo, Transactions. Best 2 year old filly, Wm. Huntington, Dellona, Certificate. Best yearling colt, Jonathan Hunter, Dellona, Certificate, Best colt under one year, L. C. Stanley, Baraboo, Certificate. There were no three year old colts on the ground for premi- ums. A good variety of promising two year olds : one owned by H. W. Wallace will make an animal, if nothing befalls it, that will be heard from, and it is almost an exact match for the premium colt. Also, a valuable two year old filly was exhibi- ted by Mr. Wilkinson, large and well formed. Mr. Z. Eldredge, of Merrimac, also had on the ground a valuable yearling colt of fine proportions. I. W. Morely, Chairman. AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS. 175 POULTRY. There was a good display, but no report has been received. GRAIN AND VEGETABLES, The d'splay of agricultural products, though not large, equal- ed our anticipations of the first exhibition. Yet, the Committee would indulge the hope that at our next annual fair this depart- ment may be made (as it no doubt can be) to equal in every res- pect the exhibitions in the older States. The following premi- um list we awarded : John B. Crawford, for best bushel Winter Wheat, Transactions B. V. Piper, for best bushel of Spring Wheat, - do Wm. Hill, largest potatoes, - - - Certificate, J. T. Leach, best 12 ears seed corn, - - - do Darwin Hill, best squashes, .... (Jq E. Martin, largest beet, do J, B. Avery, large white carrots, - - - do Geo. Townsend, large ruta bagas, - - - do D. Munson, largest cabbage, .... do B, B. Brier, largest pumpkin, .... do The Committee would recommend the following discretionary premiums : J. B. Avery, C. H. Williams and M. C. Waite, for greatest va- riety of vegetable products on exhibition, each, Certificate, J. Hunter, 3 large yellow pumpkins, ... clo E. Craiu, large mammoth squash, ... do Darwin Hill, Mexican potatoes, - . - . do C. H. Williams, Mabbet potatoes, - - - do " " mammoth water me^on, - - do The Committee would particularly notice the Mexican pota- toes exhibited by Darwin Hill, Esq., as being new varieties, very fine and worthy of general cultivation ; also, a fine sam- ple of ever green sweet corn, by J. B. Avery, Esq. But few samples of wheat, (the great staple production of our county) were presented ; all were of excellent quality, no county m our State can excel this in the quality of its wheat. Let there be at 176 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. our next fair a larger display of this, as well as the other varie- ties of grain. A. G. TUTTLE, ) JoHX Crawford, y Oommittee. L. THOMrsoN, ) HORSES. The Committee on draft, matched, and single horses, report, that they have awarded to E. O. Rudd, of Reedsburgh, the first premium on matched horses. These were a span of dapple greys, 7 years old, beautifully formed and yqtj well matched, 2d premium to Wm. Hill, of New J3ufialo, for a span of dark bay mares, six years old. These mares are of small size, yet they appeared to great advantage and were well driven. 3d premium to N. Morely of Baraboo ; a span of bay mares 5 years old and of fair promise. 1st premium on single horses to Wm. Adams, of New Buffa- lo— a bay gelding 4 years old, about 15 1-2 hands high, well formed and moves with ease and celerity. 3d premium to A, D. Van Vechten, of New Buffalo; a bay colt 3 years old, near 16 hands high, possesses very fine points, and in the opinion of the Committee, with propei training, will make a horse of great speed. We hope to hear from friend Van next year. 3d pre- mium to John B. Crawford — a gray mare 8 years old. There were other superb specimens of this noble animal upon the ground, among them a pair of browns, entered by Robert Olds, and a pair of greys by Geo. Hiles. The greys are fine horses and only require a little careful training to appear to great advantage. " Knowledge is power " in all departments of sci- ence, and it is of the utmost importance to become familiar with the constitution, the proper treatment, and most approved plan of rearing the horse, in order to make him minister in the high- est degree to man's happiness and comfort. On the whole the exhibition of horses exceeded oui' fondest expectations and can- AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 177 not, perhaps, be excelled by any exhibition of a similar charac- ter in the older counties. D. E, Baxter, R. R, Remington, } Committee. H. W. Wallace, SHEEP. Best buck of any breed, D. T. Clay, Best Buck Spanish, S. Butterfield, 2d best do, Isaac Morley, Best ewe of any breed, Isaac Morley, Best ewe of Spanish, 2d best do. Best pen of 4 ewes. Best pen of 4 lambs, t( (( A. P. Barber, Transactions. do do do do Certificate- Transactions. Certificate. Chairman. FARMING IMPLEMENTS. Test Plow, Bunker & Adams, 2d best, Louis Butterfield, .... Best Fanning Mill, H, U. Curtiss, Delton, SiLLEY, Orange Brown, Wm. Huntington, Transactions, do do Committee. BUTTER AND CHEESE. Best lot of Butter, Mrs. J. B, Crawford, - Certificate. 2d best, Mrs. Isaac Palmer, do 3d best, Mrs. Ralph Cowles, .... do Best Cheese, Messrs. Wilson & Flanders, - - do D. MuNsON, Chairman. DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. Best pair of linen sheets, Mrs. J. B. Avery, - Best carpet, Mrs. Charles Hedges, Best piece-work bed spread, Mrs. Charles Hedges, 2d best, or quilt, Mrs. E. Hart, 3d best, Mrs. Grifiith, 4th best, 2 piece-work bed spreads, Eliza Hedges, 5th best, Mrs. Ann Powell, - - - - Transactions. do Certificate, do do do do u 178 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. The Committee would respectfully report tliat the articles ex- hibited, although not numerous, were good, and those that brought lind their articles have clone honor to themselves, and the Committee hope that another year, there will be a much hirger show by the ladies of Sauk County. A. T. LoNGLEY, Chairman. FRUIT. The Committee on Fruit, report that they were highly grati- fied by the specimens on exhibition, owing to the fact that our county is not an old settled one, and this being the first Fair held in Sauk county, they think the people have sufficient en- couragement to persevere in the cultivation of fruit. The specimens of Apples exhibited were splendid, as also the Pears and Grapes; these, as well as Plums, delight in our cli- mate. No well-directed efforts have been made for a sufficient length of time, and when the various exposures, soils and cli- mate that might be tried with success, perhaps, in the cultivation of the Peach, from the fact that the Peach is raised to some extent in Dane county, should stimulate us to further efforts in cultivating this choice fruit. To James M. Clark, it is recommended that the premium for the greatest number of good varieties of Apples named, be given, viz : one volume of Transactions. VARIETIES EXHIBITED, 22. Rhode Island Greening, Baldwin, Sweet Jonathan, Fameuse, Pennock, Green Everlastinsr, Rawles Janet, Yellow Bellflower, Union Sweet, Ladies' Sweet, Bailey's Sweet, Rambo, Fall Queen, Holland Pippin, Surprise Roseau, Kiswick, Cadlin St. Lawrence, Twentquy, Siberian Crab, Golden Russet, English Russet, Perry Russet AWARDS OF PEEMIUMS. 179 R. G. Camp, best grafted Fruit, without name, - Certificate. Thomas L. Clark, best Seedlings, - - - - " James M. Clark, greatest number and variety of Pears, " VARIETIES EXHIBITED, 4. Devenne White, Seckels, Oswego Beureo, Winter \V ellis. R. G. Camp, best twelve bunches of Catawba and Isabella Grapes, Certificate. MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES. Your Committee are unanimous in awarding the first premium to Mr. J. C. Long, on a Patent Washing Machine, and would speak in the highest terms of the manner and ease with which clothes can be cleaned by these machines, which actually lessen the labor one-half, also avoiding wear of the clothes, as the cleansing is done by the action of the water. We would most cheerfully recommed them to the community. Also, a Patent Churn, which is a very desirable article on account of the ease with which it can be worked and kept clean. They would also call your attention to the clay Brick manu- factured by John Seeker, of Gilson Slough, as being a good article. They are also unanimous in awarding to Mr. B. L. Brier the first premium on Bee Hives, and would speak in the highest terms of commendation of the merits of this Hive, which has reduced the matter of keeping bees to a system almost equal to making the article of honey itself. They would also award a premium to Messrs. P. Pointon & Co., on Potter's Ware, of a quality equal to any made in the State. They would also speak in the highest terms of commendation of a bale of Hops, exhibited by H. Canfield, Esq. ; for quality and manner of pressing, we are of the opinion that they are su- perior to any raised in this State. Your Committee are also unanimous in awarding a premium to J. H. Foote, for the splendid display of Stoves, Hardware, ISO . WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. Cutlery and Mechanics' Tools, T^-hich -vvere creditable alike to the exhibitor and the Society, embracing a very great variety, from the Leviathan Cook Stove down to miniature Cooking Stoves, which the emigrant, with his all upon his back, could with perfect ease stow away in his breeches pocket, and with the necessary supply of coal, by way of ballast, in his knapsack, with perfect impunity traverse our prairies in the far West; and while thus journeying, occasionally indulge in a dish of waffles, through the aid of one of those beautiful revolvers, turned out with about the same velocity and ease that it turns upon its axle. These Stoves are exceedingly well put together, with very heavy plates, and when tested, we are confident that they will give entire satisfaction ; and, more than all, in the language of one at the Fair, ''so beautifully polished," it would be exceed- ingly difficult to tell which of the number exhibited would draw the premium. Also, a show case well filled with Cutlery and Joiners' Tools and fixings ; but, as their numbers were legion, it would be im- possible to particularize; suffice it to say that he richly de- serves, as he received, the thanks of the agriculturists present, for the interest manifested in their behalf at their first effort, in contributing to the variety upon the show ground, a slight por- tion of his splendid stock of wares, and that we should be doing injustice to our convictions did we not speak of them in the highest terms of commendation, as to the quality, style and as- sortment exhibited. They would also recommend to the special notice of the com- munity, the Patent Lime Brick manufactured by Messrs, Munson & Bassett. The Ladies' Department of the Fair was very well represented by the products of their skill, and could not well be bettered, unless by a greater display of articles. We here give the names and articles as exhibited by each per- son, for which Certificates will be issued. Mrs. J. Powell, one fine Bed Quilt. AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS. 181 Mrs. J. B. Avery, one pair of Linen Sheets, manufactured about 100 years ago. Mrs. Benjamin Thomas, 1 Carpet and 1 Bed Quilt. Mrs. T>. Munson, 1 finely-worked Center Table Spread. Mrs. E. Hart, 1 worked La.e Veil and 1 Bed Quilt. Mrs. J. B. Crawford, 2 fine Lithograph Drawings. Mrs. Wm. F. Longley, 1 lot of Palm-leaf Hats. Mrs. J. H. Pratt, 1 case of Artifici d Wax Fruit; the case or- namented with leather work. Mrs. J. Moseley, I case of Artificial Wax Fruit ; the case or. namented with leather work. Mrs. N. W. Wheeler, I Poll's Chromatic Painting. Mrs. E. Watson, I Circular Wheeler, ornamented with fine leather work. Miss Adelia Sumner, I finely-worked Ottoman. Miss H. U. Dunn, 1 Picture and 1 pair of Slips. Miss Julia Purdy, 1 finely-worked Lady's Collar Miss Frances Ames, 1 pair of Slips, Miss C. Hill, 1 Monochromatic Painting, Mrs, C, F. Hill, 1 Oil Painting. Misses Anna and E. Tale, 1 fine Floral Ornament and two boxes of Artificial Fruit. Mrs. D. Hill, a splendid Bouquet of artificial flowers, formed from grasses. Mrs. R. G. Camp, for Worsted Work. We here add two cases of Artificial Floral Bouquets, by a young gentleman. Otto Michaels, manufactured from hair, splen- didly made and arranged by his own hand. We also notice on exhibition a set of double and single har- ness, of fine workmanship, well worthy of the lovers of such work, by the hand of A, Ringling, of Baraboo. PLOWING MATCH. Best, Henry Bunker, Transactions, 2d best, N. Dennison, jr., .... Certificate. The committee are of the opinion Mr. Bunker performed his work in the best manner, yet at the same time would speak in 182 WISCONSm AGRICULTUEE. the highest terms of Mr. Denisson's cattle, they having performed the work in the quickest time. A. Crawford, ) ^ .,, T. T. English, [ ^^^^^«^«- EQUESTRIAN AMUSEMENTS. The Committee on Equestrian Amusements report that this was one of the most exciting portions of our fair, and highly creditable, not only to the ladies who participated, but also to the officers who planned it. Where there was so much beauty of figure and grace of motion it is not strange there was a diver- sity of opinion among the committee. It has not often been our lot to see so fine a cavalcade. Mrs. Mosley is a fearless equestrian and makes a beautiful figure. She had, however, an untrained horse, v/hich it required much energy to control. Mrs. Garrison has perhaps had more experience than any other and managed her horse with skill and ease. Mrs. McLaughlin, Mrs. Mertons, Mrs. Parrish, Miss. Lathrop and Mrs. Marsh, are graceful and expert riders, and the commit- tee awarded premiums to those ladies in the order in which they are numbered. Miss. Lathrop was the only unmarried lady who entered the list, and she only required a little more practice to become the most graceful equestrian upon the field. The Committee were pleased to witness the interest taken by the ladies in every department of the fair. Our County is new, the trail of the savage is visible upon every hand, and yet this fair speaks much for the intelligence and character of our ladies. They are women of stamina and soul sufficient to grapple with the realities of life, and to enjoy pleasure with truth and honesty. With such aid it will not be difiicult to buildup and sustain our society, which has for its object the diffusion of knowledge and the elevation of the condition of oui country. D. S. VlTTUM, ) J. Powell, > Committee. J. B. Crawford, } COUNTY EEPOKTS. 183 WINNEBAGO COUNTY. To THE Secretary of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. Pursuant to adjournment, a large number of those interested in the formation of a County Society assembled at the oflSce of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, April 11, 1855, and or- ganized the meeting by appointing L. B. Townsend, Esq., of Nepeuskin, Chairman, andJ. H. Osborn, Secretary. The Committee appointed at the former meeting to draw up a constitution, made a report, which, on motion, was accepted and the committee discharged. The Constitution presented by the committee was then read to the meeting. Moved and carried that each article of the Con- stitution be read and acted upon separately. The different sections of the Constitution having been amended and adopted respectively, it was moved and carried that the Constitution as amended be now adopted by the Society. CONSTITUTION. This Society shall be called the " Winnebago County Agri- CULTUR1.L Society." Its objects shall be to improve the con- dition of Agriculture in this County, and to serve as a medium of spreading information in regard to Agriculture and its kindred pursuits. Art. 1. This Society shall consist of such members as shall authorize their names to be signed to this Constitution, and pay to the Treasurer one half dollar each, and the same sum annually thereafter, as long as they shall continue members. Art. 2. Any citizen of the County may become a member of the Society by paying the fee required for membership. Art. 3. The ofi&cers of this Society shall consist of one Presi ■ dent, one Vice-President from each Town and City in the County, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Board of Control. 184 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. Art. 4. The election of all the officers shall be by ballot at the annual meeting of the Society, (after the first election,) and they shall hold their ofiices for one year, and until their succes- sors are elected. Art. 5. The President, and in his absence, one of the Vice- Presidents, shall preside at all meetings of the Society. By consent of the Board of Control, he may call special meetings of the Society, giving at least two weeks public notice thereof. He shall draw drafts on the Treasurer for moneys to be j)aid out, which drafts shall be countersigned by the Secretary. Art. 6. The Treasurer shall have charge of all moneys of the Society, and shall make a full report of receipts and expendi- tures at each annual meeting of the Society. Art. 7. The Secretary shall keep a full record of all the pro- ceedings of the Society, and supervise the publication of them, as may be directed, and shall conduct all the correspondence of the Society, and make a statement thereof at each annu:d meet- ing. Art. 8. The Board of Control shall consist of five members, three of whom shall constitute a quorum; they shall recommend all needful by-laws, and make all necessary arrangements for addresses, fairs, exhibitions, &c. ; also recommend and report upon experiments, and perform all the necessary executive du- ties necessary to the purposes of the Society, not specifically as- signed to other officers. REPORT Of the Board of Control on the first Annual Fair — Winnebago County — held the lOth and 11th of October, 1855, with the amount of premiums awarded : CATTLE. Judges. — Junia Hicks, of Algoma ; Warren Morely, of Black Wolf; A. G. Lull, of the City of Oshkosh. Best bull over 3 years old of any variety — Rich & Weed, of Vinland — Devon — Diploma and $5. .2 >. to>» !3 * fl s K a -^ a « ca . >- "^ _ >— » ^^ ":- § § ® "^ ti ^.^ '"'.=' 5^ fS» « -^i "^ ^ o 3 a ^ 9 P3 ^1 .4 a. ^ 5^ ;- u c3 o ■= a =0 X '3 "3 S • W 3 . . .^ O =0 = 5* --^ = = ^ ^"=5 IE Q 2 3 * o ^ ^^ o o w tn H :^^3 = GO i«d^* ^ i-i -f . : «~ si:?' H J3 ■^^ § g ^ ^-^^^"^ an C" n i) M O m 2 O -g ^ TS to ^ °w- g 0Qt3 ^^o to a-< ° o -S * J- 2 o o O S-S S a. -^1 AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 185 Durham Bulls. — Horace Clemens, of Vinland, 3 years old. Diploma and $5. James Reed, of Omro, best over 1 year old, diploma. S. B. Doty, of Vinland, best short horn, (no competi- tion,) diploma. Devonshire Bulls. — Peter Slingsby, ofNepeuskin, 1 year old, 7-8 Devon. This was considered the best bull on the ground, but was not old enough to compete for the 1st premium. Di- ploma and $5. Native Bulls. — Edward Lloyd, of Nekimi, 2 years old, diplo- ma and $2. Coios and Calves. — John Cross, of Winneconne, (no competi- tion,) diploma. Cov:s only. — Julius Ashley, of Winneconne, diploma. Worhing Cattle. — S. Gr. Callahan, of Algoma, light red, diplo- ma and $3. Four year old Steers. — Philip Haber, of Vinland, diploma and $2. Three year old Steers. — Warren Morely, of Black Wolf, diplo- ma and $2. Three year old Heifers. — James Adams, of Utica, Durham, di- ploma and $2. Julius Ashley, of Winneconne, Native, diploma. Two year old Heifers. — E. S. Durfee, of Algoma, Durham, diploma and $2. E. S. Durfee, of Algoma, Devon. Julius Ashley, of Winneconne, Native, diploma. Icearling Heifers. — E. S. Durfee, of Algoma, diploma and $1. Bull Calves. — Philip Haber, of Vinland, diploma and $1. Heifer Calves. — A. Fuller, of Nepeuskin, " " " HOESES. Judges. — L. E. Knapp, of Omro; J. H. Hicks, of Algoma; C. H. Clough, of Nepeuskin. Best Stallion of any age. — Caleb Case, of Oshkosh, Black Hawk, diploma and $5. Four year old Stallions. — Francis Beardmore, of Vinland, Star of the West, diploma and $2. V 186 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. Ihree year old Stallions. — A. Fuller, of Nepeuskin, half French, diploma and $3. Two year old Stallions. — Jackson Case, of Oshkosh, diploma and $2. Breeding Mares. — I. Kezertee, of Oshkosh, diploma and $2. Mare and Colt. — John Cross, of Winneconne, (no competition) diploma. Matched Mares. — N. L. Steele, of Nepeuskin, diploma and $1. Matched Horses. — G. J. Knapp, of Algoma, diploma and 3. Matched 8 year old Colts. — J. II. Woodruff, of Utica, diploma and $2. Three year old Colts. — L. Collar, of Winneconne, mare, diplo- ma and $3. Two year old Colts. — Bela Beals, of Omro, mare, diploma and $2. Yearling Colts. — T. A. FoUett, of Oshkosh, diploma and $2. Sucking Colts. — John Dillj, of Nekimi, 5 1-2 mo. mare, diplo- ma and $ I . Buggy Horses. — Doct. Henning, of Oshkosh, diploma and $2. Indian Ponies. — Charles Case, City of Oshkosh, diploma. SHEEP. Judges — Armine Pickett, of Utica ; N. L. Murray, of Vinland ; Wm. H. Scott, of Yinland. Best Buck of any variety. — L. B. Townsend, of Nepeuskin, French Merino, diploma and $5. Best Spanish Merino Buck. — J. H. Hicks, of Algoma, diploma and $5. Saxon Bucks. — A. Hubbard, of Oshkosh, (no competition,) diploma. Native Bucks. — Thos. Brennan, of Nekimi, diploma. Best 3-4 French and 1-4 Spanish Buck — J. D. Yandoren, of Utica, diploma. Best 1-2 French and 1-2 Spanish Buck— J. H. Woodruff, of Utica, diploma. f' ANNUAL ADDEESS. 187 Best 5 ewes of any variety — J, II. Hicks, of Algoma, Span- ish, diploma and $5. Best 5 yearling ewes, 1-2 Frencli and 1-2 Spanisli — J. A. Bryant, of Algoma, diploma. Best 5 buck lambs — L. B. Townsend, of Nepeuskin, diploma and $2. Best 5 ewe lambs — L. B. Townsend, of Nepeuskin, diploma and $2. CHEESE. Judges. — Jacob Weed, of Vinland ; "Wm. C Isabel, of Osli- kosh ; Horace Clemens, of Vinland. Eli Stilson, of Osbkosh, Diploma and $2. FIELD CROPS. Judges. — Oliver Libby, of Vinland; Edward Lloyd, of Ne- kimi; Francis Beardmore, of Vinland. Wheat. — Some fine samples were exhibited, but no statements accompanied them in accordance with the regulations of the Society. Corn. — Eli Stilson, of the town of Oshkosh, 1 acre, 86 bush- els. Diploma and $4. The Judges would state that the premium would have been awarded to Mr. E. Tibbits, of Nekimi, the crop being 108 bush- els on 1 acre, but unfortunately his statement was not in accord- ance with the regulations — tioo rows only having been measured. Oats. — L. B. Johnson, of Nepeuskin, 3 acres, 89 27-32 bush- els per acre. Diploma and $3. Potatoes. — Some fine specimens were exhibited by Mr, John Hammer, of Algoma, but no statement sent with them. POULTRY. Judges. — J. K. Forbes, of Oshkosh; Wm. Herd, of Nekimi; George Sheffer, of Algoma. Dorking Fowls. — J. IT. Hicks, of Algoma, Diploma. 188 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. Cochin China. — Junia Hicks, of Algoma, Diploma. Top-Knot Ducks. — Junia Hicks, of Algoma, Diploma. Black Shanghai Fowls, — J. H. Hicks, of Algoma, Diploma. Spangled Shanghai Fowls. — Junia Hicks, of Algoma, Diploma. GARDEN VEGETABLES. Judges. — J. C. Welch, J. E. Hunger, city of Oshkosk. Diplomas were awarded as follows : To George Sheffer, of Algoma, 1 buskel of Winter Radishes. To J. A. Bryant, of x\lgoma, half bushel of Hops. To Henry Herd, of Nekimi, for Ruta Bagas and Turnips. To John Buckstaff, of Algoma, on Stump Cabbage. To John Hammer, of Algoma, on Cabbage. To Richard Tanner, of Omro, on Onions. To W. W. Lake, of Algoma, on Beets. To Horace Clemens, of Yinland, on Winter Squash. To A. Teitzen, of the city of Oshkosh, on Cauliflower and Green Cabbage. To A. Allen, of Utica, on Pumpkins. To E. Tibbits, of Nekimi, on Corn. FRUIT. Judges. — B. S. Henning, of Oshkosh ; J. H. Jones, of Win- chester. To James O'Brien, of Oshkosh, best sample of Pears, Diploma and $1. To F. Arnold, of Oshkosh, best sample of Winter Apples, Diploma and $1. To W. R. Armstrong, of Black Wolf, best sample of Fall Apples, Diploma and $1. To Mrs. Laura Boyd, of Black Wolf, Currant Wine, Diploma. The Judges would also notice a splendid display of Fruit, by J. 0. Mason, of Sacramento, which, by the rules of the Society, could not be entered for premiums. AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS. 189 MECHANICAL. ' Judges. — William A. Boyd, of Black Wolf; A. B. Cooley, of Algoma ; George Slieffer, of Algoma. Tvjo-Horse Wagon — Gr. D. Wyman, of Oshkosh, Diploma. One-Horse Buggy — H. Barnes, of Oshkosh, Diploma. Sulky — Gilbert Case, of Oshkosh, Diploma. Sulky and Harness — A. Fuller, of Nepeuskin, Diploma. Tioo- Horse Family Carriage — Jackson Case, of Oshkosh, Di- ploma. Harness Work — A. Pride, of city of Oshkosh, Diploma. Horse-Powers — Clegg & Briggs, of city of Oshkosh, Diploma. Straw- Cutters — Powers, Kogers & Co., of city of Oshkosh, Diploma. Corn-Shellers — Smedley vfc Wilkinson, of city of Oshkosh, Diploma and $1 Cultivators — Smedley & Wilkinson, of the city of Oshkosh, Diploma. Fanning Mills — Murray & Rogers, Neenah, Diploma. Sa^h and Doors — Bailey & Co., of city of Oshkosh, Diploma. Grain Cradles — H. J. Squires, of INeenah, Diploma. Coopers' Work — John Eddy, of city of Oshkosh, Diploma. Plows — R. T. Wyman, of city of Oshkosh, Diploma. Blacksmithing — M. Crummy, of city of Oshkosh, Diploma. Soap and Candles — F. Arnold, of city of Oshkosh, Diploma. Bread and Cra/Jcirs — G. Bogk, of city of Oshkosh, Diploma. Artificial Teeth — I. Kezertee, of city of Oshkosh, Diploma. Cabinet- Ware — John Hunter, of city of Oshkosh, Diploma. Daguerreotypes — J. F. Harrison, of city of Oshkosh, Diploma. Stoves — J. 0. & A. H. Raymond, of city of Oshkosh, Diploma. Flour— ^iQLvj:Qn, Parker & Co., of Oshkosh, " City Mills," Diploma. FANCY ARTICLES. Judges. — Stephen Bowron, of Yinland ; A. B. Thrall, of Utica. Diplomas were awarded on the following articles: 190 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. To Miss Adelaide Seavy, of Oshkosh, 1 pair knit Baskets, tidy crotcliet work. To Mrs. L. B. Johnson, of Nepeuskin, on three Coverlets. To Mrs. FrancesBowron, of Vinland, knit tidy and vase Mats. Mrs. J. Hicks, of Algoma, Quilt. Mrs. Miner, of Algoma, Embroidery. Mrs. Fowler, of city of Oshkosh, 1 pair Ottomans. Mrs. J. Gr. Arnold, of Algoma, Quilt, (very fine.) Mrs. E. D. Hal], of Rushford, Quilt. Mrs. Bowron, of Vinland, Embroidery for Center Table, (very fine.) Mrs. Jackson, of city of Oshkosh, Chair, Picture Frame and Stand. Mrs. Robinson, Leather Work, and case of Bonnets. Mrs. Jackson Case, Bed Quilt. Andrew Jones, 1 tame Deer. Eddy Harrison, Dog "Sultan." Thomas Brennan, of Nekimi, 1 cord of seasoned white oak Wood. FOEEIGN STOCK ON THE GROUND. Lot of Spanish and French Sheep, (Bucks and Ewes,) owned by John D. Patterson, of Chautauque county, N. Y. Lot of Spanish Ewes, owned by Cutting & Marshall, of Rut- land county, Vermont. The Premiums, amounting in all to $100, will be paid on demand. Due notice will be given when the Diplomas will be ready. The annual meeting of the Society will be held on the first Wednesday of January nest, at the office of the Board of Su- pervisors, in Oshkosh. Horace Clemens, D. K. Stone, R. C. Wood, J. S. Adams, L. B. Townsend, Board of Control. AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 191 COMMUNICATIONS. ESSAY ON THE MANUFACTURE OF BUTTER AND CHEESE. BY MRS. JAXE KOSS, OF MILWAUKEE. Whatever may be the ultimate use of milk, no little impor- tance attaches to the process of obtaining and the mode of pre- servino- it. Nothing, however, is more certain than that by far too little attention is paid to the matter. In the first place, cleanliness should be considered a prerequi- site ; in view of which, the milk should never be drawn, partic- ularly in summer, until the udder and teats have been washed with cold water. By this means, not only is the milk secured against much dirt which would otherwise be dissolved in it, but likewise the health of the udder is greatly promoted thereby — the secretory vessels being strengthened and invigorated, and all unnatural heat or fever allayed. In the next place, the milk should be completely drawn, so that none remain in the udder, both as a means of securing a good flow, and of securing the richest of the milk, which con- tinually improves in quality, even to the last drop. Finally, it should be strained while yet warm, into clean, fresh tin or glass pans, (vessels of this sort are more easily kept sweet), and set in a cleanly and well-ventillated apartment. I emphasize the last injunction, because years of experience and observation have alike convinced me of its importance and of its almost total neglect : butter of lighter color, and inferior quantity and 192 WISCOISrSIN AGEICULTUEE. quality, is the certain consequence of keeping tlie milk in a close cupboard. Of course, the temperature should vary with the season, being kept as cool as possible in the summer^ and warm in the winter; it is also well, in warm weather, to cool the pans by rinsing with cold water just before filling them with milk, — in cold weather, hot water should be substituted. Butter Making, though it appear very simple, and really is, as conducted by too many, nevertheless requires a great deal of care and skill. Who has not heard the cry of bid butter; or, rather, how seldom do our palates, as they sit in judgment every day, like a thoroughly convinced jury, "bring in the verdict," good butter ? It is certainly a matter of no little importance that an article in so universal use should be of good quality. In order to this desirable end, the cream should be removed from the milk as soon as sour; since after that it diminishes in quantity, and the butter made from cream of long standing can- not possibly be rich and sweet. The churn should be of stone, inasmuch as it is quite impos- sible, at least exceedingly difficult, to keep a wooden one fit for use; the sour milk will enter into the pores, and affect the butter. The process should be conducted with uniformity and steadi- ness, as a too rajDid motion may cause the cream to ferment, and the butter to be ill-flavored. After the butter has "come," and is well "gathered," remove it to a wooden bowl, previously scalded, and rinsed with cold water. Drain off the milk, and then wash in one or two waters, (too much washing injures the flavor,) and work in the salt — which should be fine — in the pro- portion of an ounce and a half to one pound of butter. Set away, now, in a cool place, and allow it to remain 12 to 20 hours for the solution of the salt and the more complete separation of the milk. Tlie second worldng may then be done either with the hands previously scoured in corn-meal and bathed in cold water, to prevent sticking, or, as the more fastidious would prefer it, with a wooden paddle, until every drop of the milk is removed. COMMUNICATIONS. 193 Mould into balls of convenient size, stamp and immerse in cold water, to harden ; it is nov/ ready for the market. If, however, it is desired to preserve it for a time, pack closely in a crock, and cover over with a strong brine. Thus preserved, it will keep the year round, especially if during the summer the brine be occasionally scalded or renewed — care being taken, in all cases, to strain the brine before using. TO SWEETEN RANCID BUTTER. "Work it over with a sufficient quantity of new milk, until every particle of it is brought into contact with the fluid, and allow it to stand an hour or two ; then drain off, and wash thor- oughly with clean cold water. This is the cheapest and surest method. Others prefer Chloride of Lime, which should be employed in the proportion of 30 or 40 drops, in sufficient quantity of water, to two pounds of butter, and applied in the same way as the milk. Cheese- Making is also a process involving no little labor and skill. Of course, all rules for conducting the process must be general ; and it should not be forgotten, that no deduction, how- ever explicit, can compensate for want of experience. First, it should be understood that no good cheese can be made without rennet^ the preparation of which requires especial care. Let me briefly name the points : After emptying the calf s maw of the curd, cleanse and put it in a strong brine and leave for a few days ; then stretch it over a slender bow and hang it up to dry. Thus prepared, it will keep some time, and a single square inch, steeped over night in warm water, will be sufficient for the milk of five ordinary cows. Another method is, to cleanse the maw, salt it after the manner of meat, and dry it on a stick as before ; a warm two quart brine is then made, strong enough to bear an Qgg^ in which the maw, cut in pieces, is steeped for twenty-four hours ; one tea cup full is sufficient for the milk of ten cows. It should be preserved in glass bottles, well corked, w 194 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. But, whatever method is chosen, for preparing the rennet, it should be remebered that this animal acid is very liable to be- come putrescent, and its preservation requires a good deal of salt. The rank and disagreeable taste of so much cheese is oc- casioned by neglect of these precautions. In large dairies, cheeses are made night and morning; but when the quantity of milk is not so great, two or three milkings are put together ; hence the methods in the two cases will be dif- ferent. ^Supposing the quantity of milk furnished by two milk- ings, sufficient to make a cheese of 20 pounds weight, — one gill of the rennet fluid, prepared as above, will be sufficient. The strength may vary, however ; the degree of which can only be readily determined after some experience: if too strong the cheese will be puffy and strong — if not enough, the curd will only be partially formed, and a waste of milk will be the conse- quence. Warm the milk, and add the fluid, stirring it until thoroughly intermixed ; if sufficiently strong, an hour will suffice for the coagulation. During the process of curdling any cream that may rise to the surface should be forced down by the coao-- ulum, so as to be included within the cheese. If properly curdl- ed, the mass will bear considerable pressure without breaking, and aftere removal to the tub, should be carefully cut in pieces with a long wooden knife ; after which a coarse strainer is thrown over it, and the mass subjected to pressure. Dip out the whey thus separated, and repeat the cutting, taking care to dip ont the whey more entirely than before, and setting aside a portion of the first whey, in which to scald the curd. Two pails full at 120"^ will be sufficient fora cheese of the weight before mentioned ; and great care is required not to scald it too much. During this proces the curd should be thoroughly broken with the hand, so that all parts may be treated alike. Immediately afterward re- move to the strainer and basket, and after draining, place in the tub for salting ; which should be thoroughly done, so that no portion be left to spoil — the salt must be pure, and in the pro- portion of one ounce to one pound of cheese. The next thing is to put the curd into the strainer and hoop, or vat, where it should remain under pressure about four hours } COMMUNICATIONS. 195 it is then removed, placed in a dry cloth, and returned to the press. It should not remain in press longer than eight to ten hours, at any time without turning. Avoid a strong current of air, as cracking will be rendered more liable thereby ; neverthe- less, proper ventilation is rather important. A weight of 100 .to 125 pounds is sufficient pressure, and twenty -four to thirty-six hours are required to complete the operation. After being re- moved from the press, daily turning and rubbing with melted butter is necessary. TO MAKE CREAM CHEESE. Take one quart of very rich cream, a little soured ; put it into a linnen cloth and tie as closely as you can ; then hang it up to drain, for two days. Take it down and carefully turn it into a clean cloth, and repeat the draining. Now spread a clean linen cloth upon a deep soup plate, and place the contents thereon, and cover over with another cloth. Continue the process of turning the cheese, each day into a clean cloth and dish, until it ripens, which will be in ten to fourteen days, depending on the heat of the weather. THE FOREST TREES OF WISCONSIN. BT I. A. LAPHAM. That the great Forest, and the Forest Trees of our country, are worthy of much more attention, not only from the cultiva- tor, but ulso from the artizan, and even the statesman, is evident to every one who bestows upon them a thought ; and it is grati- fying to every true and intelligent lover of his country, to know that the recent efforts made to direct public attention to their im- portance, to the importance of their preservation, and to the ne- 196 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. cessitj of providing for their restoration where they are already destroyed, have been, to a considerable degree, successful. We may hope to see the time when many of our farmers and land- holders will deem it a part of their duty to plant trees. Should this be done to any considerable extent, their successors, at least, will have cause to honor and respect the forethought that pre- served and handed down to them, their full share of this great source of national wealth. The dense forests have a marked effect upon the climate of the country in several ways. They protect our houses and our cattle from the rigors of the north winds of winter, and from the fierceness of the burning sun in summer. They preserve the moisture of the ground, and of the air ; and render permanent and uniform the flow of water in springs, brooks and rivers. By the fall of their leaves, branches, and trunks, they restore to the soil those elements of vegetable life and growth, that would without this natural process, soon become exhausted, leaving the soil barren and unproductive. Their leaves absorb the carbonic acid from the atmosphere and restore to it the oxygen ; thus rendering it more pure and better suited for respiration by man Hud animals, Withaut this restorative agency, all animal life would long since have ceased to exist. The uses to which wood and other products of the forest are applied, are very numerous and various ; but so well known to everybody that it would be useless to enumerate them here. With us, wood is consumed largely for fuel, for building houses and other structures, for ship-building, fencing, furniture ; and for the construction and repairs of Railroads and Plank roads. It is used for many implements of husbandry and of the house- hold ; for making barrels, wagons, carriages, and for charcoal. Large quantities are annually consumed in the smelting of iron, lead, and copper. The working of wood gives employment for numerous artisans, tradesmen, and laborers. The quantity of wood annually consumed in the United States must be enorm- ous. Few persons can realize its extent, or tne amount we owe to the native forests of our country for the capital and wealth our people are now enjoying. Without the fuel, the buildings, COMMmnCATIONS. 197 the fences, furniture, and thousand utensils, and machines of every kind, the principal materials for which are taken directly from the forests, we should be reduced to a condition of destitu- tion and barbarism. Trees, besides being useful, are ornamental — they enter large- ly into the material of the landscape gardener. Desolate indeed would be our dwellings were their environs entirely treeless. They are associated with our early recollections — they become in a great degree companions of our lives ; and we unconsciously form strong attachments for such as grow near our homes — thus increasing our love of home, and improving our hearts. It therefore becomes a duty to study these noble specimens of vegetable growth ; we should know what trees we already have in Wisconsin, and what kinds it would be advisable to intro- duce. Every farmer at least should be familiar with the trees that grow in his woods ; and know enough of botany and veg- etable physiology to be able to preserve them from harm or in- jury. He should study to keep up a supply that shall always be equal to the demand — as the intelligent farmer strives to sup- ply annually to the soil (by manures or otherwise), the exhaust- ed elements, so he should provide for an annual growth of wood that shall be at least equal to the amount consumed. We propose in the following pages to give so much of the bo- tanical characters of the sixty trees indigenous to our State, as will enable any one by the aid of the illustrations to distinguish them with certainty ; and also such general information in regard to their several uses, as will tend to call attention to the impor- tance of the subject. A large volume would be required to con- tain all that could be desired in regard to these trees. Though we have at present in almost every part of Wisconsin an abundant supply of wood for all our present purposes, the time is not far distant when, owing to the increase of population, and the increased demands from the neighboring States of Illi- nois, Iowa, and Minnesota, a scarcity will begin to be felt. This scarcity may be considered as already begun in several of the counties along our southern border, where there was originally much prairie and open land. In these counties, the annual fires 198 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. being prevented by settlement and occupation, trees arc now springing up rapidly in all waste places; and in this way nature is already making efforts to prevent the disasters we are thought- lessly bringing upon ourselves by the destruction of the forests. These new growths should be protected as much as possible ; in many cases by a good, substantial fence. The value of these waste places, will, in a few years, exceed that of the cultivated land ; and this with but very little cost to the owners. But it would be idle for us, as a State, to rely entirely upon this natural restoration of the forests ; we must sooner or later commence the cultivation of wood for the purposes of fuel, lum- ber, timber, &c., or suffer very much from the neglect. From a recent report of the Board of Agriculture of the State of Massachusetts, we learn that the experiment of tree-planting has already been tried in that State. Mr. Whiting Metcalf planted pitch pines about twenty years ago, when he was nearly sixty years of age, and he still lives to reap the mental satisfac- tion and pecuniary returns, from the entirely successful experi- ment. From one and three fourths acres ten cords of small wood was thinned out; and there is left about fifteen cords per acre of good merchantable wood. It is estimated that the an- nual growth Avill equal at least one cord per acre hereafter ; and that the result will be a profit of about thirty per cent, per an- num upon the cost of the land, and of the original planting. In the first and only volume of Transactions of the Illinois State Agricultural Soctety, there are a number of valuable es- says on various subjects connected with the agricultural interests of the " Prairie State," and among them is one by Mr. Edson Harkness, on Tree-Culture. The arguments used apply with almost equal force to Wisconsin, and we cannot do better than to copy a few of his closing remarks : " One great inducement for entering upon the general culti- vation of evergreen trees upon the prairies, is found in the pro- tection they must afibrd from the severe winds of winter. A belt of cedars, pines or firs, only two rods wide, on the north and west sides of a quarter section farm, would, even at twenty feet high, materially lessen the force of the winter blast — would COMMUNICATIONS. 199 pay as a protection to domestic animals, and to the growing of crops; and, with all, give a snugness and individuality to the farm, which must be highly ornamental, leaving out of the ac- count the great beauty of the trees. A district of quarter sec- tion farms thus protected, with good buildings, shade trees, orchards, and well-cultivated fields, would render our prairie country one of the most charming portions of the globe. It will take time, labor, wealth and intelligence to bring about these things ; but they will be done. There is wealth enough stored up in the soil itself, to render the whole country a garden ; and there is industry and intelligence enough in our people to ac- complish it. "In this 'fast age,' when most people expect to realize a for- tune in a few months or years, by the rapid growth of cities, or the increase in the value of lands, it may seem very foolish to engage in the cultivation of forest trees, which the planter can hardly expect to see come to full maturity in his own time. Still there is a feeling in the heart of many that it is not right to live exclusively for ourselves, or for the present time — that it is right to look a little to the interests of those who shall come after us ; that when we are about to leave the world, it would be quite comfortable to reflect that things are, by our feeble efforts, in a better condition than we found them when we entered it. There are some so fanciful as to suppose that in a future state of exist- ence, the memory of what they have done in this world may, possibly, have something to do with their condition — that their good or evil deeds will follow them. There are others who go so far as to say that we can in a future state look down upon our past career, and see all the consequences of each and every act of the present life. If such sho'dd prove to be the case, the man who plants a forest can enjoy its grandeur and beauty in all sub- sequent time. Every one will form his own opinion as to how these things may be. It is, perhaps, enough for us to know that it is a part of our duty to provide for the wants of our children, and not to confine our efforts exclusively to the things which pertain to the present, and to ourselves." This subject, the protection of our houses, gardens, yards, 200 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEEr stock, and crops, from the cold blasts of winter, is one of great importc-mce to the farmers of "Wisconsin, and should induce the immediate planting of trees where thej are needed, even if there were no other reasons for doing so. I have, under several of the species, indicated the characters of the trees that render them useful for this purpose. Of course, the more rapid-growing trees will first be planted, so as to secare, as soon as possible, the ex- pected benefits ; but these should always be mingled with others of slower growth and greater value. As the latter gradually attain their maturity, the former may be removed to supply the annual demand. By thus planting different kinds of trees to- gether, we secure a more rapid and better growth ; for experi- ence shows that trees when growing together, mutually protect each other, and produce timber that is better — being more straight, solid, and free from knots. Evergreens should be planted with trees of deciduous kinds ; but care must always be taken to prevent the too great interference of the branches. It would be out of place here to enter upon details of the best mode of planting and of transplanting trees — any elementary work will afford such information. The loss of a large number of trees transplanted from the woods and nurseries, is owing to improper tr jatment, and might be avoided by a little attention to some of the most obvious principles of vegetable physiology. Large numbers of evergreen trees are annually brought from the northern part of this State, from Mackinac, &c., but not one in ten of such trees usually survive the careless process of re- moval. The proper way to remove trees from their native places in the wood, is to cover the roots as soon as taken from the ground with damp (not wet) moss, which can be secured with twine. By adopting this course, nearly every tree, with careful management after planting, will live. It would be well for ev- ery one about to procure trees from the north, to remember this hint. The trees can be packed in open boxes, and thus easily transported. Every raft floating down our rivers, at the proper season, could be made the means of supplying the country with evergreen trees, by a little attention to the above suggestions. Those persons who are skilled in the business of the nursery- COMMUNICATIONS. 201 man, should apply their skill and knowledge in the production of large quantities of young trees, which, being properly pre- pared, could be transferred to the farmer with much advantage and profit to both parties. Doubtless many farmers and land- holders are deterred from engaging in tree-planting, from a want of knowledge and skill in obtaining seeds or young plants, and in rearing them. This would be remedied if a few persons — say one in each county — -would establish a nursery, from which his neighbors could, at a moderate price, obtain supplies. It should be an object with us to preserve, in our villages, towns and cities, specimens of the native forest trees of the State. If those having the care of public grounds would give a little attention to this subject, much beauty and interest would be added to these places. Even the rows of trees along the streets of our towns and cities might be made to represent the ancient forest, now rapidly being defaced and swept away by the all-devouring axe. What lasting beauty and variety would thus be secured for those grounds and streets! A public square filled mostly with trees of any single species, is a beautiful object; but how much more beautiful and interesting it would be if it contained sixty different trees, and an under-growth of an hun- dred handsome and ornamental shrubs. Such places would at once give character to the locality, and attract to it people of taste and refinement. It would seem to be peculiarly appropriate for our Universi- ties and Colleges to secure upon the grounds by which they are surrounded, at least one good specimen of each tree and shrub that grows nati rally in Wisconsin; and I will venture to pre- dict that the University or College that shall first surround itself with such an ^^ Ahjretum" will first secure the patronage and good opinion of the people ; and will thus outstrip those institu- tions that show a lack of taste and refinement, by omitting to plant trees. It is found that the rate of increase of the wood growing on an acre of land is about at the rate of one cord per year. In the native woods, this quantity is annually destroyed by storms and natural decay, thus making room for the new growth. A fami- X 202 WISCONSIN AGKICULTURE. Ij of ordinary size could therefore be supplied from ten acres of timber without diminution of the quantity on the land. By se- lecting always, for removal, the poorest and least thrifty trees, and by a proper care of the remainder even a less number of acres may be made to afford this supply. Almost every farmer has on his grounds a least this amount of land over the quanti- ty which he wishes to cultivate annually in crops ; and by plant, ing it to trees he may be securing to himself and his posterity quietly and gradually numerous blessings. If our several Eailroad Companies could be made to see their true interest and to act upon it, they would immediately plant rows of trees and a hedge along both sides of their roads. These by their growth would save the cost of fencing and supply the ties and timber that will very soon be wanted to repair and to renew their structure. Different kinds of trees should be select- ed to suit the different qualities of soil. What a beautiful fea- ture this would give to the landscape ! It would afford shelter and shade to the trains. The trees and hedges might be so dis- posed as to keep off the bleak winds in winter and prevent in a great degree those accumulations of snow that now so often stop the trains. The Illinois Central Eailroad Company have contracted for the planting of three rows of locust trees on each side of the Ill- inois Central Eailroad for the distance of one hundred and twen- ty miles. The rows are to be set eight feet apart, and the trees three feet from each other. In eight years, it is said, the trees will furnish ties in place ot those which have become rotten. They will also furnish a delightful shade in summer, and a pro- tection from the snow drifts in winter. Upon the completion of our several lines of Eailroads, when the officers shall have time to think of other things besides the first construction, it is hoped that greater attention will be given to this subject. That the great forests of Wisconsin are rapidly disappearing will be quite evident to any one who will reflect a moment upon the vast amount of wood annually consumed for fuel by the people for domestic purposes, by the railroad locomotive, and by COMMUNICATIONS. 203 the steam engines scattered over the State ; for lumber to supply our own demand and for exportation, and for the thousand other purposes to which wood is annually applied. The rapid increase of population is constantly augmenting this draft upon the for- ests. Already vast quantities of lumber and fuel are annually exported to Illinois ; and very soon, as her population increases and her railroad facilities are perfected, Minnesota will call upon us with heavy demands for lumber to enable her to'populate her prairies and thinly timbered districts. The immense lumbering establishments on our rivers are an- nually converting large numbers of the magnificent pine trees — 'the growth perhaps of centuries — into a marketable form for consumption and exportation, — one of these establishments yield- ing no less than twenty millions of feet of lumber per annum. It is much to be regretted that the very superabundance of trees in our State should destroy, in some degree, our venera- tion for them. They are looked upon as cumberers of the ground, and the question is not how shall they be preserved and beautified, but how shall they be destroyed. Place a few of our noble oaks, or elegant elms, or majestic fiines in any of the old- er countries, and they would be looked upon as one of their fin- est ornaments. The Great Elm on Boston Common is venera- ted by old and young ; the aid of iron bars has been invoked by Mayor Smith, to protect it from harm ; and books have been written to preserve its history. The loss of an oak tree lately, in Connecticut, sent a thrill of regret throughout the land. It happens that the trees of Wisconsin all belong to one divis- ion of the vegetable kingdom ; that division which includes plants that grow by the deposit of an external layer of wood annually — hence called Exogens, or outside-growers. They are of two kinds; Angiosjyerms^ having seeds inclosed in a cap- sule or fruit, which in germination present two cotyledons or seed-lobes ; and Oymnosperms^ having the seeds naked in an open scale, the cotyledons mostly more than two. This last kind includes only one family, the Coniferese, or Pine Family, which is mostly evergreen, while the Angiosperms of our State are all deciduous. ■•»-v 204 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. The Gymnosperms or plants having proper seed-vessels are ar- ranged under three general heads. Under the first are placed those having the corolla or flower-leaves consisting of more than one petal, which is the case with the bass-wood, maples, locust, cherry, and plum trees. The next division includes such as have the corolla of but one petal, of which the Ash is our only arborescent example. The third division inclades such as have no petals; like the Elm, Sycamore, Walnut, Oak, Birch, Willow, and Poplar. All plants are arranged in recent botanical Avorks into natural groups called Orders or Families^ in which those species most re- sembling each other in essential characters are brought together. This method of classification is, on many accounts, far superior to the artificial classes and orders of Linngeus, where the num- ber, situation, &c., of the stamens in the flowers were alo^ie con- sidered, and plants of the most opposite characters were brought together into the same class. As it seems important that all should understand this natural and convenient arrangement of plants it has been adopted here. It will be found as convenient for all purposes as any that could have been adopted, and at the same time conforms, as near as can be, with the system of nature herself. DIVISION I,— POLYPETALOUS. Order I. Tiliace.^. — The Linden Family. 1. Tilia Americmia, of Linnceus. — Common Basswood. There is but one kind of Basswood found in Wisconsin. — It is a very common tree in the thickly wooded parts of the State, especially where the soil is a little moist and rich. Where the basswood is found growing plentifully in the woods the farmer need not hesitate to make his "location," for the tree is a sure indication of a good soil. It shows a strong disposition to grow in little groups of three or more together ; which may be account • COMMUNICATIONS. 205 ed for on the supposition that a former tree has been destroyed, and that the present clump is the grown up sprouts that always succeed such destruction. Although the wood is soft, destitute of strength and durability? and has but little value as fuel, it i' '■ or many use- ful purposes. It splits easily into rails, and will last a long time if not used for those that lie on the ground. Basswood is extensively used for laths, and t is the material for carv- ing and for wooden shoes. As an ornamental tree it has few superiors, especially where reguhrity of form, density of shade, etc., are desirable. This is the case along the side- walks in our cities, towns and villages, where, however, we but seldom see this tree. The fine fragrance of the jflowers and great rapidity of growth are other recommendations of this tree for such purpose. The very cur- ious contrivance by which the seeds are held up in the air so as to afford the wind an opportunity to waft them a considerable distance before they reach the ground is worthy of notice. The fruit-stalk hangs from middle of a long narrow leaf, has a kind of spiral twist, like a plow-share ; so that in falling, this leaf is constantly whirling round and round like the arms of a boy's wind-mill, which very much retards the fall to the ground. This is another of those beautiful contrivances by which the great Creator accomplishes his all-wise purposes. Such contri- vances might be found every where in nature, if we would take the trouble to look for them. When the eastern counties of Wisconsin began to be settled twenty years ago, and when of course the resources of the country had been but very little de- veloped, resort was had to the basswood trees to sustain the COMMON BASSWOOD. 206 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. stock through the long winter months. Great numbers of fine large trees were cut down for no other purpose than to afford a bite for the cows and oxen. The tender branches and the mu- cilaginous buds are excellent for this purpose. It is said that in some countries the leaves are annually gathered for fodder, as regularly as we make hay for the same purposes. There are other g 'nera and quite a number of species belong- ing to this famil}^, but Tilia is the only genus found in our cli- mate and latitude ; all the others belong to the more southern climes. There are four species of Basswood in the United States, one of which {T. heteropliylla^ Vent.) is found growing naturally in the rich bottom lands in the Ohio river valley. This species, with the leaves white and downy beneath, is larger and more ornamental than the common Basswood, and should be intro- duced among our ornamental trees. As it grows so near us it would doubtless do very well in Wisconsin. Order II. Sapindace.«.— The Sopeberry Family. Under this Family botanists now arrange the Maples (Acer- ineae), as a section or sub-order. 2. Acer Pennsylvanicum^ of Linnoeus. — Striped Maple. The Striped Maple is so called on account of the dark stripes or lines on the bright green bark. The racemes of flowers are drooping, and loose. In other res- pects, this small and slender tree resembles the Mountain Maple. It is found in the vicinity of Lake Superior, and Avill undoubt- edly be detected within our State, when the natural productions of the interior and northern counties come to be examined. This tree is often called Moose- wood — the young branches being eaten (in winter especially,) by the Moose. It would make a most beautiful ornament in any of our yards and gardens. 8. Acer Spicaium, of Lamarck. — Mountain Ifaple. The Mountain Maple, is so small as hardly to deserve the name of a tree. It grows about wet, springy places on hill sides, COMMUNICATIOlSrS. 207 near rocks, &c. It makes rather an ornamental appearance, the numerous racems of flowers standing erect above the leaves, are soon followed by the bright red fruit. I am not aware of any- useful purpose to v,-hich it has been applied. The Mountain Maple is found in the forests throughout this State ; but as it has not been detected in Illinois, we are probably on its southern geographical limits. It extends eastward to Maine, but its west- ern limits are not known. The leaves assume a yellowish red color in autumn, adding much to the beauty and interest of the species for ornamental purposes. The young twigs are bright green; the bark of the trunk, bright gray. The flowers appear in May, and the seed with slight- 8TEIPED MAPLE- ^ Ij diverging wings resemble those of the sugar maple in form, but are much smaller, more delicate, and of a very different color. The figure of the leaf is half the natural size ; of the fruit, the full size. 4. Acer /Saccharinum, of Wangenheim. — Sugar Maple. This well known and highly valuable tree forms dense groves in many places, but more especially in the eastern and northern parts of the State. Some of these groves, called " maple open- ings," are among the most beautiful and interesting of our forest scenery. These groves often occupy the sites of deserted Indian villages, being the first to take possession of the abandoned grounds. The wood is in great demand for various useful and ornamental purposes ; and thousands of the trees are annually "tapped" to draw sap for the manufacture of "maple sugar." Over six hundred thousand pounds of this sugar are annually made in Wisconsin. 208 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. The Sugar Maple is often, and very deservedly employed as an ornamental tree about the streets of towns and cities; its beauty of form, bright green foliage, and the brilliant autumnal tints assumed by the leaves, are so many very desirable qualities in this fine tree for such purposes. But the slow- ness of its growth is quite an objection, in this " fast age;" hence, the Sugar Maple should be planted alternately with some more lapidly growing species, that can be cut away when the maple has attained a sufl&cient size to answer the purpose of ornament and shade. Another rery se- rious objection to this tree is, the temptation recur- ring every spring to tap it for the sweet sap it then SUGAR MAPLE. "'^^ contaius — thus materially injuring the tree, and retarding its growth. It is a principle laid down in the books on ornamental and landscape gardening, that all trees having useful qualities should be avoided in making selections for these purposes; thus removing all temptation to destroy the ornamental by converting them into the useful. Though the sap of all the maple family contains sugar, this is the only species that affords it in such abundance as to be of much practical value. The Black Maple, {Acer nigrum MicJix,) is only a variety of the Sugar Maple, not having permanent characters to distinguish it from that species. The flower of the Sugar Maple appear in May ; and the seeds are ripe in Septem- ber. The figure represents a leaf and the ripe fruit, both re- duced to one half the natural size. COMMTmiCATIONS. 209 6. Acer dasycarpum, of Ehrhart. — Silver Maple, This species of Maple is found growing abundantly along the Mississippi river, in this State, where it is cut with other kinds of wood to supply the numerous steamboats with fuel. It is distinguished from the other species of maple by the flowers being on short pedicels, appearing before the leaves, the small num- ber of stamens (3 to 6) ; the notches of the leaves are rather acute, deeply cut and toothed ; the leaves downy beneath when young, and of a bright sil- very color ; fruit large, di- vergent, of a greenish color, and woolly in its young state. The wood is soft and possesses but little value having very little strength or durability. As an or- RED MAPLE. namcutal tree, however, it possesses some good qualities ; among them we may mention the beautiful contrast between the deep green of the upper and silvery lower surface of the leaves. 6. Acer rubrum, of LinncBus. — Bed Maple. This species of maple is too well known to need especial de- scription here. It prefers low, damp situations, along the mar- gins of rivers, &c., but flourishes very well in the higher lands. The brilliant scarlet flowers are among the earliest to appear in the spring, preceding the leaves, and covering the tree as with a beautiful mantle. The young shoots are also red, contrasting finely with the green leaves. It is, therefore, one of our mosc 210 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. ornamental trees, and is often transplanted to tlie streets and yards of our towns and cities. The Red Maple is a moderate- sized tree, seldom attaining the height of the sugar tree ; it has a rapid growth ; and the wood, though very valuable, is inferior to that species. The flowers appear in April or May — some- times even in March — and the fruit ripens in August or about the first of September. The figure represents a small leaf, and the fruit, both of the full size of nature. 7. Negundo aceriodes, of Moench. — Box Elder, or Box Maple. This tree was placed by Linnaeus under the genus Acer, but later botanists have constructed for it a new genus, (Negundo,) on account, chiefly, of the pin- nate leaves, and the want of petals in the flowers. It is quite common along the Mississippi river in this State, and extends east- ward as far as the Rock river valley. In the At- lantic States it does not reach north of Pennsylva- nia ; but at the west it is found on the Saskatcha- wan river, as far as the 54th degree of north lati- tude. Here, according to BOX ELDER. Sir Johu Richardson, the natives make a very dark colored sugar from the sap of this tree. The Box Elder is a small tree ; the foliage and young twigs light green. The growth is quite rapid — fifteen or twenty years be- ing sufficient to bring the tree to maturity. It is deemed quite an ornamental and desirable tree in England, where it was in- troduced from this country as early as 1618. COMMUNICATIONS. 211 Like the red maple, this tree grows most naturally in the low rich grounds along the margins of rivers ; and in such situations it might perhaps be cultivated with profit, on account of its rap- id and vigorous growth. The figure shows a leaf which is com- pound, or pinnate, of one fourth the natural size. Very often, and especially in specimens from further South, there are five leaflets, instead of three, as here represented. The fruit is shown of the size of life. The flowers appear in April or M ay ; and the fruit ripens early in the season. The six species noticed above are all that are known in the northern United States, There are five other species west of the Eocky Mountains, and one in Louisiana. Order III. Leguminose^, — The Pea Family, 8, Gymnodadus Canadensis, of Linnceus. — Kentucky Coffee Tree. I have never seen this tree growing in Wisconsin ; but Dr. P. R. Hoy, of Racine, has detected it on the bottom lands in Green county. This may therefore be deemed to be its extreme north- ern limit. The Coffee Tree may be known by the very large, twice-pinnate leaves, sometimes two to three feet in length, though the leafets are only from one to two inches long. Ihe bark is very rough, and the branches stout, and abruptly termi- nated, giving the tree in winter the appearance of a dead stump. From this circumstance, the early French settlers called it chicot, or the stump tree. Michaux says " the wood is very compact, and of a rosy hue. The fineness and closeness of its grain fit it for cabinet-making, and its strength renders it proper for building. Like the Locust, it has the valuable property of rapidly converting its sap into perfect wood, so that a trunk six inches in diameter has only six lines of sap, and may be employed almost entire." — (N. Am. Sylva, vol. 1, p. 122.) It usually grows with a slender trunk, a tree fifty or sixty feet high being only twelve to fifteen inches in diameter. But if separated from the dense forests in which it is usually found, it grows with a spreading head, affording ample shade for a large space of ground, and being altogether a very beautiful object. 212 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. Downing considers this tree very important as an ornament about our houses and yards, where it is well entitled to a place. " In summer, its charming foliage and agreeable flowers render it a highly beautiful lawn tree ; and in winter, it is certainly one of the strangest trees in appearance in our whole native sylva. Like the Ailantus, it is entirely destitute of small spray, but it also adds to this the additional singularity of thick, blunt, ter- minal branches, without any perceptible buds. Altogether, it more resembles a dry, dead, and withered combination of sticks, than a living and thrifty tree. This rare and very unique ex- ception to the usual beautiful diversity of spray and ramification is highly interesting in the neighborhood of other full-sprayed species, where the curiosity which it excit^3S will add greatly to its value as an interesting tree at that season of the year." — (Landscape Gardening, p. 117.) The Coffee Tree flowers in June, and the pods are ripe for gathering in October, The seeds are very hard, and should be immersed for a few minutes in boiling water. Thus treated, they vegetate freely. Our Wisconsin people would do well to obtain a supply of these seeds, and cultivate this valuable tree. 6. Olediischia iriacanthos, of Ldnnceus. — Honey Locust. According to the observations of the late much lamented Prof. S. P. Lathrop, this tree grows as far north as the vicinity of Be- loit, in the valley of Rock river. It may be known by its nu- merous large thorns, its delicate doubly pinnate leaves and its long brownish pods. In the valey of the Ohio it attains its great- est perfection. Though not a very important tree for any useful qualities, it is well worthy of cultivation on account of its beauty. Mr, Downing in his standard work on Landscape Gai'deniug, speaks of it as "much finer in appearance than the common lo- cust, {Eobinia pseudacacia) although the flowers are greenish and inconspicuous, instead of possessing the beauty and fragrance of the latter. There is, however, a peculiar elegance about its light green and beautiful foliage, which wafts so gracetuUy in the sum- mer breeze, and folds up on the slightest shower, that it stands far above that tree in our estimation, for the embellishment of COMMUNICATIONS. 213 scenery. The brandies spread out rather horizontally in a fine broad and lofty head ; there are none of the dead and unsightly branches so common on the locust, and the light feathery foliage, lit up in the sunshine, has an airy and transparent look rarely seen in so large a tree, which sometimes produces very happy effects in comparison with other trees. The bark is of a pleasing brown, smooth in surface ; the branches are studded over with curious, long triply-pointed thorns, which also often jut out in clusters in every direction from the trunk of the tree, to the length of four or five inches, giving it a most singular and for- bidding look. In winter, these and the long red pods which hang upon the boughs at that season, give the whole tree a very dis- tinct character. Another recommendation of this tree is the variety of picturesque shapes which it assumes in growing up • sometimes forming a tall pyramidal head of fifty or sixty feet, sometimes a low, horizontally branched tree, and at others it expands into a wide irregular head, quite flattened at the sum- mit. When but a limited extent is devoted to a lawn or garden, this tree should be among the first to obtain a place ; as one or two, mingled with other larger and heavier foliage, will at once produce a charming variety. There are some specimens of this fine tree in the vicinity of Milwaukee, having been introduced as early as 1837, by Dr. W. P. Proudfit. It has been recommended, among other plants as a substitute for the English hawthorn for hedges ; but does not seem to be much employed for that purpose. It might be made to answer for such defences as are only intended to guard against cattle, etc., as along the lines of railroads, and on stock farms. The trees with leguminose pods growing naturally in the north-western States, but not yet detected growing naturally in Wisconsin, are 1. The Locust Bohi7ica pseudacacia Linn., extensively cultiva- ted throughout Wisconsin — and deservedly so — on account of the value of the wood and the beauty of the tree for purposes of ornament, &c. 2. Cercis Canadensis , Linn., Eed Bud, or Judas tree, A small ornamental tree completely covered with bright red flowers early 214 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUKE. in the spring. It should be introduced into all ornamental grounds and would doubtless withstand the rigors of our cli- mate. It grows naturally in middle Illinois. 3. Gleditschia monosptrma., the honey locust with pods bear- ing only one seed, was found in southern Illinois by Michaux ; but, later botanists have not been able to find it there. Order IV. Rosacea. — The Rose Family. This large family of plants includes not only the true Roses, but, under its several subdivisions, the Plum, Cherry, and Spi- r^a; the Geums, and Potentillas; the Strawberry, Blackberry, and Easpberry ; and the Thorns, Apples, and Pears. Many of the most valuable fruits peculiar to this latitude and climate be- long to the Rosaceae. A large share of the species are herba- ceous, or shrubs, and therefore do not fall under our notice, at present. There are nine, mostly small trees, in Wisconsin, be- longing to the family under consideration, — being one-sixth of the whole number ; and the proportion of plants of this family to the whole number of Wisconsin flowering plants, is as one to twenty-five, 10. Primus Americana, of Marshall. — The Wild Plum. This small tree, with its rich red or yellow fruit, grows very plentifully in every part of the State, where there are low, damp, rich grounds, especially along the margins of rivers and swamps. The flowers appear in May, before the leaves are fully expanded, and the fruit is ripe in August. The tree is much branched, and beset with strong thorn-like stubs, forming a strong pro- tection to the fruit, and causing much trouble in gathering it. The wood is hard, of a dark reddish color, resembling the wild cherry. If it could be obtained in sufficient quantity, it might be substituted for that wood in cabinet-making, &c. The Wild Plum naturally runs into numerous varieties. Mr. Nuttall counted no less than a dozen different kinds in one orchard examined by him, in Canada. This natural tendency shows that differences ol soil and culture have decided effects COMMUNICATIONS. 215 on this wild fruit, and may be a hint to fruit-growers to make experiments with a view to its improvement. Dr. Darlington informs us that it has been improved by long culture, in eastern Pennsylvania, both in size and flavor, the fruit some- times attaining the size of a common apricot ; though it is not probable that any very special efforts were made to produce this result. With the skill of modern fruit culturists, it might, without doubt, be greatly improved. It has the de- cided advantage over the garden varieties of not be- ing attacked by the cur- culio, the pest that destroys the fruit of our finest kinds without mercy. The Wild Plum appears to have been f o r m e r ly much cultivated in our country; and from some indications it is probable that several of the Indian tribes may have planted this tree near their villages. The thickets of wild plum trees are usuallv allowed to remain by the first oc- wiLD PLUii. cupants of our new lands ; but the introduction of better kinds soon cause them to be abandoned. This species was first described very fully and accurately by Humphrey Marshall, of Pennsylvania, in 1785, but has been confounded with others, by some writers. The errors were de- tected as early as 1829, and pointed out by Dr. Darlington, in 216 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. the Annals of the New York Lyceum of Natural History ; yet we find English botanists still copying the old blunders. Even in the last work of Loudon, it is placed under the name of Cera- sus nigra — the black cherry ! There can be no doubt that the name given by Marshall, and adopted by all American authors, is the proper one — having been first applied. The figure represents the leaf and fruit, of the full size of nature. There are in the United States four different species of native or Wild Plum ; one of them (P. maritima, Wang.) is confined to the Atlantic States ; another, (P. glandulosa, Hooker,) has only been found in Texas ; and the last, (P. chicasa, Michx., the Chickasaw Plmn,) grows as near to us as the southern part of Illinois and the adjacent parts of Missouri. 11. Prunus Pennsylvania, of Linnoeus. — Bird Cherry. The Bird Cherry is not very common with us. It has been detected in the vicinity of Milwaukee ; Mr. John Townley has found it in the interior of the State, and Professor Agassiz car- ried it from the shores of Lake Superior. The bark of this tree is, like that of most of the cherries, smooth and brown, detaching itself laterally ; the wood is fine grained, of a reddish hue ; the inferior size of the tree only for- bids its use in the mechanical arts. Of all the American species this one bears the greatest analogy to the cultivated cherry tree imported from Europe, In Professor Emmons' very valuable Report on the Trees and Shrubs of Massachusetts, we find it stated that this tree grows in the most exposed situations ; in some parts of Maine and New Hampshire, it springs up abundantly on soil which has been re- cently laid open to the sun in clearing, and especially after it has been burnt over. There is a common opinion among the ignorant that it springs up without seed, in consequence of some action of heat upon the soil. If they would take the pains to examine, they would, however, find great quantities of the seed (or stones as they are called,) just beneath the surface of the ground. This excellent advice of Prof Emmons — to examine COMMUNICATIONS. 217 — -if carried out, would save us from many false theories and in- correct conclusions in regard to similar cases. The small red fruit, (about the size of a pea) ripens in July. The tree can be distinguished from the common wild cherry by the growth of the flowers and fruit, which is in clusters in the axils of the leaves, like the garden cherry. In both of the follow- ing species the flowers and fruit grow in racimes (like a bunch of grapes or currants,) at the ends of the branches. Michaux describes this specie under the name of Cerasus horealts, or the Red Cherry. 12. Prunus Virgmiana, of Linnceus. — Choke Cherry. The Choke Cherry may be distin- guished from the next species, by its much smaller growth ; its broader, obo- vate, sharply serrated leaves ; the short and close racimes ; the lighter color of the fruit, etc. It would make a hand- some ornament in our pleasure grounds on account of its bright shining foliage, and the numerous spikes of white flow- ers. It does not attain sufficient size to be of any use in the arts of life. The flowers appear in May, and the fruit ri- pens in July and August. It grows very abundantly throughout the State. 13. Prunus seroima, of Ehrhart — WUd Black Cherry. This species, too well known to need description here, is found very com- monly in the timbered paxts of the State, where the trees are cut into logs and used for cabinet work. For this purpose the wood of the Wild Cherry is a great favorite. It is almost equal to the imported mahogany, and is pre- ■wiLD BLACK cHEEEYr ferrcd to the black-walnut, on account of its lighter and less sombre appearance. z 218 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEB. T^lie tree is also quite ornamental in its growth and ap- pearance, and besides has the merit of attracting to it a constant throng of singing birds. A few trees should be preserved in the vicinity of every homestead in Wisconsin, if for no other purpose, for that of attracting the feathered songsters near our premises. Besides feeding on the wild cherries, they will de- stroy for us immense numbers of insects, and thus prevent their depredations. The flowers appear in May, and the fruit ripens early in the summer. The figure shows the form and general character of the leaf and fruit, both of the natural size. 14. Crataegus coccmea, of Linnaeus.— Scarlet Fruited Thorn. This thorn, of which there are many varieties, may be known from the other species by the large bright red globular fruit; or, m its younger state, by the leaves, which are round- ish, ovate, thin, lobed, sharbly toothed, and abrupt or heart- shaped at the base. — Some bo- tanists have ranked the varie- ties as distinct species. It pre- fers rich bottom lands, but grows well in almost any kind of soil. It is the most abundant species of thorn in Wisconsin. The flowers appear early in May, and the fruit is ripe in September. It is a small tree, SCARLET FRUITED THOEN. usually witha regular roundish head, making a very handsome appearance. The Scarlet Fruit- ed Thorn has been recommended very strongly for hedges, and for screens to protect our houses, etc., from the cold of winter. For this last purpose they must be trained to grow into a sort of thin 'high hedge, the branches being twined together in one di- COMMUNICATIONS. 219 rection and clipped off in the other. Transplant young trees of uniform size and set them about two feet apart. For hedges it is inferior to the next. The fruit is edible ; and but for the smallness of size and the hard stony seeds, would be a useful article of food. It resists the action of the severest frosts — remain- ing sound after the extremely hard winter just past. The flowers emit a very strong and rather disagreeable odor when fully out, and the tree is then a very beautiful object. The figure shows the character of the leaf and fruit of the natural size. 15. Orataegus punctata, of Jacques. — Dotted- Fruited Thorn. This is usually smaller than the last, the fruit dull red, or yellowish, and dotted ; the leaves will at once distinguish ^ \\^// /7 the species,being wedge-shaped, s\\\\// / X and tapering below into a slen- der petiole. Like most of the thorns, it prefers to grow along the borders of rivers, etc., flow- ering in May and ripening its fruit in September. This is the best native hedge plant we have. When properly treated and trimmed it forms a very dense hedge thro' which even thievish boys would find it difiicult to penetrate. It is quite DOTTED-FKUiTED THORN. dcsirablc that experiments should be made to determine the value of the dotted-fruited thorn in this respect. It is hardy, and may be relied upon as proof against winters. The figure on this page represents the form of the leaf and fruit of the natural size. 16. Pyrus coronaria, of Linnaeus. — Crah Tree. This well known tree is quite common in Wisconsin, present- ing its large, fragrant flowers in great profusion in May, and its rich fruit ripe in September- Were it not so common, it 220 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. would be liiglily prized as an ornamental tree, on account of its beauty of form, fine foliage, large, rose-like flowers, etc. A hedge made of it must be one of tlie finest kind ; especially if trees at each angle, and at regular distances on the straight lines ' I are allowed to grow and assume their beautiful rounded heads. It would be worth our while to form such a hedge ou account of the fragrance of the flowers in the spring. The fruit of the crab-apjDle has been used for preserves, but it soon gives way to the cul tivated apple. It has also been used to make cider, for which purpose it is said to be well ndapted. The figure shows the outline of the fruit, and a section of the apple, both of the size of nature. 17. Pyrus Americana, of De Cart dole. American Mouidain Ash. This small, but very or- namental tree,grows abun- dantly in the northern CBAB APPLE. parts of the State, and is occasionally found as far south as the latitude of Milwaukee, which is its extreme southern limit in that direction in Wiscon- sin. It is chiefly prized about our gardens and yards for its fine foliage, bright green twigs, large clusters of white flowers, and especially for brilliant bunches of scarlet fruit. The flowers appear in June, and the fruit, which is ripe in September, remains on the tree during the winter. COMMUNICATIONS. 221 18. Amelanchier Canadensis, of Torrey & Gray. — June Berry. This small tree is known by different names in different parts of the country. Some know it under the name of Service Berrj, and some of our friends down east call it Shad-Bush, because its flowers appear simultaneously with the shad ! Its abundant white flowers enliven the forests early in the spring, and its ber- ries afford an agreeable repast for many of its feathered denizens. There are half a dozen different varieties, some of which have been ranked as species, but they are all now deemed only varie- ties of one species. I know of no useful purpose to which this small tree has been applied. DIVISION II.— MONOPETALOUS, Order Y. Oleac^- — The Olive Family. The Ash trees have been refer- red to the same natural family as the Oliveof the South, (O/zacece,) though they differ so much in their botanical characters from the type of the family that many have doubted the propriety of the reference. 19. Frojxinus Americana, of Lin- naeus.— White Ash. The wood of the White Ash has the same general qualities of toughness, elasticity and strength as the common Ash of Europe, which has been esteemed for these qualities since the remotest times. *■ The following enumeration of some of the principal uses to which this wood is applied, will indicate its value in the arts. It is used for the tongues, and other parts of wagons, sled-run- ners, handles for wheel-barrows, scythes, rakes, hoes, pitch-forks, WHITE ASH. 222 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. etc., for chairs, wooden bowls, hoops, staves, sap-troughs, blocks, pins, pump-boxes, hand-spikes, etc, for ship building, and es- pecially for oars. No other wood is so valuable for oars, large numbers of which are annually made and sent down to the sea from the forests in the interior. The wood is quite soft when jfirst cut, and easily worked, but becomes hard when dry and seasoned. It takes its name of White Ash from the light color of the wood. From the rapidity of its growth the annual rings or layers of wood arc of unusual thickness. The tree grows straight and tall, the grain even, so as to split readily into straight rails. It is reported that an Ash leaf rubbed upon swellings caused by the bite of mosquitoes, removes the itching and soreness im- mediately. The same effect is produced on the poison occasioned by the sting of the honey bee. It is also stated that the rattle- snake will not approach the place where the White Ash grows; that a branch, with its leaves, is a sure protection against that poisonous reptile; and that weeds and grain will scarcely grow in its shade. But these assertions require confirmation. The flowers of the White Ash come out in May, and the cu- rious-looking fruit is ripe in July. For ornamental purposes the Ash is not a favorite ; for though when young it assumes a beau- tiful form, age will soon break its charms; and one writer rec- ommends that it be planted only in some inconspicuous corner among other trees. Downing considered the highest and most characteristic beauty of the W hite Ash to be the coloring which its leaves put on in autumn, when it can often be distinguished from the surround- ing trees for four or five miles, by the peculiar and beautiful deep brownish purple of its fine mass of foliage. The color, though not lively, is so full and rich as to produce the most pleasing harmony with the bright yellows and reds of the other deciduous trees, and the deep green of the pines and cedars. The figure represents a leaf of one-fourth the size of nature, and the fruit of the full size. 20. Fraxinus samhucifolia, of Lamarck. — Black Ash. The Black Ash usually grows in swamps or very wet places. It may be distinguished from the White Ash by the greater COMMUNICATIONS. 223 number of pairs of leaflets, which are sessile, with an obtuse base, and by the absence of a calyx in the flowers. It is some- times very difficult to distinguish the species by the bark alone. The Black Ash is much the most abundant kind in Wisconsin, finding many places suited to its growth in the eastern and northern parts of the State. It is a smaller and much less valu- able tree, though it is applied to many useful purposes. The wood is tougher and more flexible than that of the White Ash, qualities that render it more valuable for hoops. The thin layers of wood are easily separated into long narrow strips, or splints, formerly much used for baskets and for chair-bottoms. The large knots are used for wood- en bowls, not being lia- ble to crack. The flow- ers appear and the fruit ripens about the same time as the White Ash. The Blue Ash [F. quadrangulata^ Michx., is found in Ohio and in Illinois. It is said to be found also about Lake Superior, in upper Michi- gan. If so, it undoubt- edly exists in Wisconsin, although I have never seen it here. The Ked Ash {F. puhesceus, Waltr. — F. tomentosa, Michx.,) is a native of Ohio and Michigan ; and the Green Ash {F. jaglan- difolia^ Lam.,) is also an Ohio species. These are all inferior in useful qualities to the White Ash, and are not very abundant in the places where they are found. SLIPPEEY ELM. / 224 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. DIVISION in.— APETALOUS. Order YI. Urticace^. — The Nettle Family. To this order belong the Elms and Hackberries, constituting a section or sub-order named Ulmaceoe, the Elm Family. 21. Ulmus Fulva, of Michaux. — Slippery Elm. This Elm is less common than the next species, in Wisconsin. It has a more rapid and vigorous growth, and coarser foliage. It is wanting in the beauty and graceful form of the common Elm, and is therefore much less valuable as an ornamental tree. Another serious objection to the tree for purposes of ornament, is the mucilage of the inner bark, which form its valuable me- dicinal qualities, tempts us to destroy the tree for the sake of the bark ! The wood is generally used for the same purposes as that of the White or common Elm; but neither of them possesses any great value. The flowers are expanded before the leaves, in April, and by the end of May, or early in June, the fruit is ripe. The figure shows the flat, winged fruit, of the natural si2>e, and a leaf reduced to one-fourth the natural size. 22. Ulmus Americana^ of LinncEus. — American or White Elm. Though the American Elm is inferior to the European species in hardness, strength, and other useful qualities, yet it has its uses ; and those who have seen it in its full growth under favo- rable circumstances, will readily agree with Michaux in ranking it as "the most magnificent vegetable of the temperate zone." It is therefore for its elegant and stately qualities as an ornamental tree that this species of Elm demands our care and attention. No one can visit New Haven, in Connecticut, without being fully impressed with the grandeur of this noble forest tree, nor without a degree of thankfulness and gratitude to those high- minded and generous men who, long ago, by their care and fore- CONrMUNICATIONS. 225 thouglit have secured for ns tlie means of enjoying its deep and grateful shade, and its magnificent appearance to the eye. What these men have done for New Haven, let us hope the people of our State will do for the hundreds of towns and vil- lages now just springing, as if by magic, into healthful and vigorous existence. Much of the interest we feel on visiting the old New England towns, is derived from the rows and groups of fine large E'ms, with their light and graceful, often drooping branches, spreading to a great distance from the trunk. The '' Great Elm Tree " on Boston Common attracts the atten- tion of every one who visits that delightful spot in the midst of a dense population. It is cherished as a sacred relic by all true- hearted Bostonians — an iron fence protects it from all others. It has recently been figured and fully described by Dr. John 0. Warren, whose residence on Park street fronts directly towards the tree. His little work on the subject is full of interest. Many historical associations are connected with the " great tree ;" and its age is ascertained to be such that it is supposed to have been in existence longer than Boston itself. Of all the native trees that witnessed the first settlement of the city, this one alone re- mains. At one foot above the ground it is 22 1-2 feet in circum- ference; the first branch is 16 1-2 feet above the ground; the whole height is 72 1-2 feet; and the extremities of its branches cover an average diameter of -over 100 feet. But this is not the largest Elm tree known in the country. Let us reflect, when transplanting to our public and private grounds the small sap- ling, bereft of its beautiful head and robbed of its life-giving roots, that if we succeed in making the bare pole grow at all, it may have a history as interesting and may attain an age and dimensions equal to the Great Tree on Boston Common. Fortunately the Elm is very tenacious of life, and will in most cases withstand the careless mode of transplanting usually adopt- ed. When its branches are shortened, it sends forth long and vigorous shoots, lined with dense rows of leaves. It is also of rapid growth — assuming when quite young its characteristic lightness, elegance, and graceful beauty. The comparative use- lessness of the Elm is in its favor as an ornamental tree, and a2 226 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. often causes it to be preserved, when farms are cleared, for the purposes of shade, being, as one is often told, "good lor nothing else." The flowers appear in May, and the seeds are ripe early in June ; they may be then immediately planted. But, the tree is so common in our forests, of all stages of growth, that abundant supplies of young, healthy, and vigorous trees may always be obtained without resort to the seed, or any other mode of propaga- tion. The grow'th, under fa- vorable circumstances, will be about half an inch in di^ ameter each year. There is one other species of Elm, first noticed and de- scribed by Mr. David Thom- as, of New York, and hence named Thomas' Elm, {Ulmus racemosa, Thomas,) which ■i may probably hereafter be found in Wisconsin. It is usually confounded with the other kinds, but may always be known by the flowers, which are on pedicels ar- ranged in the form of a com- pound raceme. The branch- es are mostly covered, or winged, with a corky ex- crescence. In other species the flowers are in small clus- HACKBEERY. tcrs, and nearly sessile. COMMUNICATIONS. 227 23. Celtis occidentalis, of Linnceus. — Hackherry. This tree belongs to the South, and occurs so rarely in Wis- consin as to bo but seldom noticed. I liave found it, however, at Milwaukee, on Rock river, and at Fond du Lac ; always on low bottom lands along the margin of the streams. In general appearance it much resembles the Elm, and is often, doubtless, mistaken for that tree by casual observers. The least examina- tion, however, will show marked differences — especially in the fruit, which is a drupe or berry, that may be eaten. There is some confusion in regard to the different species of Celtis grow- ing in this country ; but Inhere are probably five species. A farther examination and comparison of specimens is needed to clear up the difficulties. There is a species in Europe, said to be very useful, the wood being only surpassed by the ebonj^ and box in durability, strength and beauty. But the American kinds do not appear to possess those desirable qualities. Very little, however, is cer- tainly known in regard to the v^alue of the Hackberry of this country. Its scarcity may be the only reason why it is not ap- plied to many useful purposes, for which, upon trial, it might be found well adapted. It is said to grow rapidly; to form a handsome tree : and that it might be used as a shade tree, in many situations where variety is desirable. The figure shows the leaf and berry, both of the full size of nature. Order VII. Plataxace.e. — The Plane Tree Family. 24. Plaianus occidenialis, of Linn ecus. — Sycamore — Button-Wood. At the east, this tree, with its white bark and broad leaves, is called Button-wood, while at the west it is almost universally known as the Sycamore. Its proper name, however, is the American or Western Plane Tree. In Europe, a species of Maple is called Sycamore, and the use of the same name here for a very different tree, is apt to lead to confusion. The south part of Wisconsin is the extreme north- 228 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. ern limit of the Sycamore. It attains its greatest dimensions in the valley of the Ohio river. The low bottom lands of that stream, annually overflowed with water, appear to be the proper habitat of this tree. Until the discovery of the immense conif- erous trees of California and Oregon, the Sycamore was regarded as the largest tree in the United States — attaining a circumfer- ence of 47 feet. The wood is used for cabinet work ; the grain is irregular, giving it a fine appearance when polished. It would be much more extensively used for this purpose, but for the abundance and cheapness of other more esteemed kinds. It is becoming a very common shade tree along the streets of the eastern cities and towns, and appears to be much admired. The growth is rapid ; it bears transplanting well; and for supplying the prairie lands with fuel, shade, etc., in the shortest time, it is said to be inferior only to the Locust. As the Sycamore is not attacked by the borer, it may be deemed the most valuable of the two for this purpose. It may be propagated by sowing the seed in the spring, or by cuttings. The very young seedlings should be protected from the heat of the sun. Order VIU. Juglandace^. — The Walnut Familt. 25. Juglans cinerea, of Linnceus. — Butternut — White Walnut. The Butternut is far less common in the woods of this State than the Black Walnut, next to be noticed, and its wood is less valuable. It has, however, some very desirable qualities, ren- dering it worthy of attention. It is useful on account of the medicinal virtues of the bark; and the sap affords an inferior kind of sugar. The nuts should be gathered for pickling, in the last week of June ; and for winter use, in September. This is the appropriate and agreeable business of the boys, who can thus supply themselves and tlieir friends with luxuries at the same time that they are having a "fine time" in the woods. The nuts are much esteemed, and command a good price in the shops. The forms assumed by the Butternut tree are usually not those of beauty, being ill -shaped and uncouth. It is, therefore, COMMUNICATIONS. 229 seldom used as an ornamental tree alone. When, planted with other trees, it gives interest by contrast to the whole. The wood is very durable, and may be advantageously employed for posts, rails, sills, shingles, and other things that are to be exposed to the weather. The figure represents a leaf and the fruit, both re- duced to one-fourth the na- tural size. 26. Juglans nigra, of Lin- nam. — Black Walnut. This very common, well known, and valuable tree abounds in the eastern parts of Wisconsin, or in those portions of the State that are "heavily timbered." Large numbers are annu- all}^ eut into logs, and used for cabin ^'t- work, and for the inside work of houses. Like the Butternut, the wood of this tree is dura- Oble, and may be used for posts, rails, etc. Fence posts are known to have retained their strength for twenty-five years. The WHITE WALNUT. nuts are usually deemed inferior in delicacy of taste to the Butternut. As an object of beauty for the adornment of our houses, pub- lic grounds, streets, etc., this tree cannot be too highly esteemed. On this point no one is better authority than the late lamented Downing, who says : " When fall grown, it is scarcely inferior in the boldness of its ramifications, or the amplitude of its head to the Oak or the Chestnut ; and what it lacks in spirited out- 230 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUKE. line when compared with those trees, is fully compensated, in our estimation, by its supeib and heavy masses of foliage, -which catch and throw off the broad lights and shadows in tlie finest manner. When the Black Walnut stands alone, or on a deep, fertile soil, it becomes a truly majestic tree; and its lower branches often sweep the ground in a pleasing curve, which gives additional beauty to its whole expression. It is admirably adapted to extensive lawns, parks and plantations, where there is no want of room for the attainment of its full size and fair proportions. Its rapid growth and umbrageous foliage also rec- ommend it for public streets and avenues." The flowers expand in May, but the fruit is not ripe until Oc- tober. Young trees may be transplanted from the woods, or they may be grown readily from the seed. 27. Carya alba, of Nuttall. — Shag-Bark Hichory. The Hickories were first separated from the Walnut, and a new genius established to re_eive them by Mr. Nuttall. For- merly they were all included in the old genus Juglans ; but the least examination the of outer covering of the seeds or nuts will show the propriety of the new nomenclature. In the Walnuts it is undivided and remains attached to the nut, while in the Hickories it is divided into four valves and falls away when ripe. The Shag-bark Hickory ma}'- be readily distinguished from the other Wisconsin species by the loose, scaly exterior bark. It is one of our most valuable trees ; especially for fuel, for which purpose it is not exceeded in value by any other. As the re- sult of careful experiment, it is found to yield twice as much heat per cord as the Eed Maple, White Birch, Butternut, and Pine ; and one half more than the Sugar Maple, Beech, Red Oak, Pin Oak, and Elm. The great strength and elasticity of the wood make it desirable for a great variety of purposes. The Hickory is also a very fine ornamental tree, that should be much more often seen about our houses and public grounds. The difficulty of transplanting it, is probably the principal rea- son why it is not more often used for such purposes. It grows very rapidly from the seed, and one could very soon obtain a COMMUNICATIONS. _ 231 supply by planting at the places where the trees are to grow. The flowers are out in May, and the nuts are ripe in October. 28. Carya glabra, of Torrey. — Pignut Hichory. This very common species of Hickory was described by Mich- aux, under the name of Juglans 'porcina, but the specific name glabra, having already been given to this tree by Dr. Muhlen- berg of Pennsylvania, must, in accordance with the just rules adopted among authors, be restored to it. While it falls but little behind the last spe- cies in value as fuel, it posses- ses some qualities in which it is the most useful of the two. j-^X Both are quite abundant in our State, not only in the thickly wooded districts, but extending into the openings, forming what are often known as " Hickory groves." Like the common Hickory-nnt the flowers appear in May, and the nuts ripen in October. The fio-ure shows the fruit of the full size, and a leaf re- duced to one half the natural size. There are four other species of Hickory found in the neigh- boring States, but not yet detected in Wisconsin. — They are 1st. G. suhtta, Nutt. — Thick Shell-Bark Hickory, found in Ohio. It resembles the G. alba. 2d. G. tomentosa, Nutt. — The Mockernut, or Grreat Ohio Wal- nut, which is found in Ohio and in Illinois. 3d, G. amara, Nutt. — Bitter-Nut, known as its name implies, by the bitterness of the nut, by its thin shell, etc., found also in Ohio and Illinois, and PIGNUT HICKORY. 282 WISCONSIN AGEICULTQRE. 4 th. C. olivceiformis — The Pecan-Nut, which is found in the southern part of Illinois. Order IX. Cupulifer^. — The Oak Family. 29. Quercus macrocarpa^ of Midiaux. — Bur- Oak. Tlie Bur- Oak is readily known from all other spe- cies in the State by the mossy fi'inge around the border of the acorn cup. The leaves much resemble those of the next species, though usually narrower, and of a much brisjhterand more silvery color below. A verv common tree in the woods, and forming most of the' "openings." When growmg separate from oth- er trees, the branches spread in every direction, forming large rounded heads, and giving these openings the appearance of an over- grown orchard. It is the best of the oak family for BUE-OAK. fuel. 80. Quercus obiusiloba, of Michaux. — Post Oak. The leaves of the Post Oak are downy below, pale and rough above, sinuately cut into five to seven roundish divergent lobes, the upper lobes much the largest, and often with one, two, or three notches. The acorn is ovoid, about twice the length ot the hemispherical cup. This tree is rare in Wisconsin. Its durability, when used for posts, has given it the name of Post Oak. The wood is valuable — almost equal, in some re- spects, to the White Oak. COMMUNICATIONS. 233 81. Quercus alba, of Linnceus. — WJiite Oak. This species is known from the others by its light colored bai"k, (whence the name ;) the leaves are smooth, pale or glau- cus below, bright green above, obliquely and deeply cut into (from three to five) ob- long-linear entire obtuse lobes. The acorns are oblong, and much longer than the hemispherical cup. This is the most valuable of our oaks, and at the same time one of the most abundant. — Xext to the White Pine it may be regarded as the laost useful of our native forest trees. The hard- ness, strength and dura- bility of the wood make it the most suitable for ship-building, and for all structures where strength POST-OAK. is required. 32. Quercus prinos, of lAnnodus. — Swamp Chestnut Oak. The leaves resemble those of the Chestnut tree, (wlience the name,) being obovate, acute, downy beneath, coarsely serrate, with nearly uniform rounded teeth; not ]obed. The acorn is large, in a somewhat top-shaped cup. This is quite a rare tree in Wisconsin. 33. Quercus hicolor, of Willdenoiv. — Swamp White Oak. Eesembles the White Oak, but is only found along the boiders of marshes or wet grounds. It may always be known by its oblong or obovate leaves, coarsely and irregularly sinuate-tooth- ed, but not lobed ; they are wedge-shaped below, and on short 2b 234 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. stalks. This species is not very abundant in the State. For many purposes the wood is equal to that of the White Oak. 34. Quercus coccinea, of Wangenheim. — Scarlet Oak. So named on account of the beautiful scarlet color the leaves assume in autumn. The general / , , outline of the leaf is oval, deeply l/^J sinuate-pinnatifid, with broad and open sinuses, reaching two-tliirds the depth to the mid- rib, smooth, bright green and shining on both sides, broad and truncate at the base. The acorn is globular-ovoid, about one-third hid in the very scaly cup. This fine tree is rare in Wisconsin. It was first detected near the farm of Mr. Huntington, WHITE-OAK. in the eastern part of Dane county. The wood of the Scarlet Oak is inferior to that of most of the species. As an orna- mental tree it has few superiors. 36. Quercus rubra, of Linnceus. — Hed Oak. The leaves of the Red Oak are obovate in outline, smooth, pale below, sinuately cut, with rather narrow sinuses into short, acute, spreading lobes. The acorn is oblong-ovoid, much longer than the flat, saucer shaped cup. It is probably the most abundant spe- cies, especially in the thickly-wooded dis- Itricts of our State. It is the least valuable of our native onks, for the purposes of timber, or of fuel. For ornamental purposes it is deserving of some SWAMP CHESTNUT-OAK. attention. It grows readily and rapidly, in almost any situation, and assumes a form of much beauty. COMMUNICATIONS. 235 36. Quercus pahistris, of Du Roy. — Pin Oah This is our most beautiful and graceful oak tree. The leaves are obloug, smooth, shining, bright green on both sides, stand- ing on long petioles, so that they are wafted about by every wind that blows. The sinuses of the leaves are very broad, deep and rounded, the lobes divergent, acute, cut-lobed and often toothed. The acorns are small, nearly globular, about half covered by the cups. The bark is black, and much cracked into little irregular squares. The Pin Oak (often improperly called Black Oak) is quite common, especially in the borders of prairie openings. The following species of oak are found in neighboring States, and some of them may, therefore, be [looked for in Wisconsin : Quercus olivceformis.^ Michx — Mossy over cup Oak. Q. castanea, WiJld. — Chestnut Oak. Q. 'pnnoides^ Willd. — Dwarf Oak. Q. imbricaria^ Michx. — Laurel Oak. Q. nigra, Linn. — Black Jack Oak. Q. iindoria, Bart. — Black Oak. Q. leana, Nuttall. — Lea's Oak. The oaks are not only among the most useful, but they are also among the most ornamental of the native forest trees. In their young state they have the properties of lightness and ele- gance; at greater matarity they possess majesty and even gran- deur. In the close woods they do not naturally show their full and proper development, on account of their crowded condition. But in the oak openings we see them with spreading arms, shad- ing a large extent of ground and presneting beautifully rounded forms to the eye. The foliage of the pin-oak is peculiarly light, SWAMP WHITE-OAK. 236 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. beautiful, and ever moving. The silvery under surface of the large leaves of the burr-oak is turned up by a gentle wind, and gives its brilliant hues to the landscape. It has been recently stated (with how much truth I know not) that acorns should be planted on the surface of the ground. They should be covered with leaves, held down by small stones. The oak trees cannot be trans- planted without great care and skill ; but their growth from the seed is quite rapid. They spring up naturally whenever the annual fires are kept from spreading over our prairies and openings, and soon form dense woods. The illustrations of the oaks are one half the natural SCARLET OAK. 37. Fagus ferruginea, of Alton. — A^merican Beech. Like many other species of plant, the American Beech tree has been supposed to be only a variety of the European kind ; but later botanists have decided that the two are distinct. Mich- aux describes two varieties, and makes them different species — the white and the red. The first is nearly all sap wood, which is white ; the last nearly all heart-wood, which is red. But these peculiarities are found to be owing to something in the soil or exposure ; there being no sufficient botanical differences to ena- ble us to distingaish the two kinds as separate species. In our State, the Beech is confined to certain districts along the shores of Lake Michigan, where it is often found constituting almost the entire forest. I am not informed in regard to the occurrence of this tree in the northern part of the State. COMMUNICATIONS. 237 In the spring the young Beech trees, and the lower branches of the older ones, are covered with dead leaves of the last year's growth. These old leaves remain until they are crowded off by the young foliage of a*^ other year. The tops of the larger trees are usually bare of dead leaves. In the books we may read the following directions for the cultivation of the Beech from the seed, that being the mode 'usually adopted: " Shake the nuts from the tree as they ripen, dry them in the sun, or in an airy shed or loft, after wnich they may be mixed with sand that is perfectly dry, at the rate of three bushels of sand to one of mast, which only retains its vital properties for one year. Sow the seed one inch apart, in March, in a light rich soil, and cover them about one inch ; the tender young plants will KED OAK. '^i^HtSilBiBy appear in May, when, if the season is dry, they should be moderately watered. In March, the next season, with a spade made very sharp for the purpose, undermine the roots and cut them between four and five inches under the ground. After the plants have stood for two years, or, if in poor soil, three years, they may be transplanted, and in three or four years removed to general plantation." Between Ghent and Antwerp, in Belgium, there were former- ly, if not now, very solid and elegant hedges, made of the Beech ; and while we are seeking for the best hedge plant, it might be well for some person, or some Agricultural Society, to try what can be done with the American Beech. The young tre^s are placed eight inches apart, and bent in opposite directions, so as to cross each other with small apertures. They are bound to- gether at the points of intersection, where they soon grow to- 288 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. getlier. After tlie young plants are well established thej bear the knife well, and do not sprout up from the roots as vigorously as other trees. In exposed situations on the prairies, barriers of this kind should be formed along the north and north-west bor- ders of gardens, bailding-lots barn-yards, etc. For snch purpose the Beech will ans- wer better than any other tree, excepting the ever- greens. The wood of the Beech is applied to many useful purposes, and would be much more used were it not for the abundance of other kinds afforded by the forests of our country. As an ornamental tree, the beech is no great favorite, though PIN OAK. in its young state especially, it is a handsome tree. For its density of shade, the clean and neat appearance of its bark, its bright shining leaves, its slender and elegant branches, this tree is certainly worthy of the atten- tion of the landscape gardener. We are too apt to judge of the characteristics of a tree from its adpearance in the dense forests, where it has not room to spread, rather than when growing in an open space, where it could display all its beauty. There are two varieties of the European Beech well worthy of cultivation in Wisconsin. They are known as the Purple Beech, and the Weeping Beech. 88. Garpinus Americana, of Michaux. — Hornheam, Water Beech. This is a small tree, found abundantly almost everywhere in the American forests. It has several names by which it is known in different parts of the country — among them are Hornbeam, Hop-horn -beam, Iron-wood, Blue Beech, Water or Swamp Beech, etc., etc. Some of these names are also applied to the next species. The bark has some resemblance to that of the Beech COMMUNICATIONS. 239 tree in its color and smoothness. The Hornbeam prefers rich damp soils, near swamps, on river bottoms, etc. Professor Emmons, in his report on the Trees and Shrubs of M-issachusetts, a work of great interest and value, says of this small tree, that " it is of slow growth, and i^ supposed to live to a great age. The wood is white, close-grained and compact, and has great strength. It is used for beetles, levers, and for other purposes where strength and solidity are required ; and it is well fitted for the turner. The corresponding species in Europe is much esteemed as fuel, and in France its charcoal is preferred to most others. The Hornbeam is a tree of considerable beauty. Its smooth, fluted trunk is an interesting object to one curious in forest history; iis foliage is remarkable for its softness, and the fruit is unlike that of any otlier tree. The crimson, scarlet and orange of its autumnal colors, mingling into a rich purplish red as seen at a distance, makes it rank in splendor almost with the Tupelo and the Scarlet Oak. It is easily cultivated and should ha /e a corner in every collection of trees." One of the European Species {G. hetulus^ Linn.) is well adapted by its mode of growth for garden hedges. 89. Ostrya Virgirnca, of Willdenow. — Ironivood. Like the last, this small tree has received different names, and by some the name of Iron wood is applied to both; though no two trees could well be more distinct. They may be known at once by the bark, which in the Hornbeam is smooth and gray like the Beech, but in the Ironwood is brown and rough, being much farrowed and loosened. But they may be still more read- ily distinguished by the fruit. The Hornbeam has a naked nut concealed in the axil of a leafy scale or bract; while the Iron- wood has the nut covered by a kind of bladder-like hairy sack. The wood of both is very hard, strong and rigid, answering well for handspikes and other purposes where strength is re- quired— thus giving propriety to the name of Iromoood. But, for the sake of distinction, it is proper to confine this name to the species now under consideration. 240 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. The tree soon dies wlien the surrounding forest trees are cleared away, leaving the Ironwood alone. Hence, it has no value for ornamental purposes. Order X. Betulaceae. — The Birch Family. 40. Betula papyi'acea, of Alton. — Canoe, or Paper Birch. These names indicate the uses to which the bark of this species of the Birch family is applied. It is used extensively by the ab- origines, and by the fur traders, for making their light and ele- gant canoes ; and when peeled off in thin layers, it is a substitute for paper. This bark is also used for many other purposes of ornament and utility ; the white man makes use of it for the roof of his rude building, erected at the time of the first settlement of the country, and it is found to be effective in keeping off the ram, as well as the heat in summer and the cold in winter. With the Indians it constitutes an important material in the construction not only of his means of transportation on the wa- ter, but of his wigwam and various utensils. Sir John Richard- son obs rves that it "is an invaluable tree to the population of Ruperts' Land ; its bark is indispensable for the construction of their canoes, and also serves for the covering of tents, in locali- ties where the skins of large animals are scarce. Neatly sewed and ornamented with porcupine quills, it is moulded into baskets, bags, dishes, plates, and drinking vessels; in short, it is the ma- terial of which most c f the light and easily-transported house- hold furniture of the Crees is formed. The wood serves for paddles, the frame-work of snow-shoes, sledges, etc. In the spring the sap forms a pleasant sweet drink, from which a syrup may be manufactured by boiling." The Canoe Birch does not extend south into Illinois, but in the opposite direction it is found as far as the 69th degree of north latitude. It attains its greatest perfection about the shores of lake Superior, where the bark is used by the Chippewas for most of the purposes above indicated. COMMUNICATIONS. 241 The following lines from Mr. Longfellow's Hiawatha, are in- teresting, and show how this tree is treated : 'OJ "With his knife the tree he girdled Just beneath its lowest branches, Just above the roots he cut it, Till the sap came oozing outward : Down the trunk from top to bottom Sheer he cleft the bark asunder, "With a wooden wedge he raised it, Stripped it from the trunk unbroken I With this he made a canoe, which " floated on the river Like a yellow leaf in autumn, Like a yellow water lily." 41. Betula excelsa, of Aiion. — Yellow Birch. This tree is found in the northern and central portions of the State, though much less common than the last, and its bark has none of the more useful qualities of that species. It may be known by the sweet or aromatic taste of the young twigs, and by the bark, which is more rough, of a yellowish color, and does not peel off in thin layers. Emerson says of this tree, that " it has not often been cultivated for ornament, but it has great beauty. In traveling, we sometimes see it on the edge of a wood, with its abundant, soft, green, often drooping foliage, between masses of wnich is seen the gleam of the light bronze trunk with its silver and pearly lustre — showing what might be its effect if introduced in ornamental woods. The wood of this tree is ap- plied to numerous uses. Bending readily, it is particularly adapted to the making of the posts and bars of chairs. It is used for the staves of small and inferior casks, for boot-trees and for joists and bedsteads. It is valuable as fuel." Order XI. Salicace^. — The Willow Tribe. 42. SaUxdisc'lor^ of Muhlenherg. — Glaucous Willow. This small tree or large shrub is very common about wet springy places in Wiscon.-in. The leaves are broader in pro- portion than most of the willows, and are whitish-glaucous be- neath. The scales of the catkins are oblanceolate, hairy, acute ; the o viaries densely silky. The swelling of the catkins gives us the earliest indication of the approaching spring. c2 'WISCOXSES' AGRICULTOIE. /^ 43. Salix lucida, of Muhlenberg. — fining WtUov:. This beautifal and verv common Willow may be regarded, in manv instances, as a small tree. It mav be distinsniislied by the leaves, which are smooth and shining on both sides, giving name to the species; they are ovate-oblong, or lanceolate and narrow, with a long tapering point ; serrate on the margin. The catkins are large, and of a bright yellow, appearing early in the spring. It grows on the borders of rivers, lakes and marshes : indeed, on all moist grounds. The branches are brittle, and therefore not suited for the purpose of the basket-maker. 4:4. Salix jiuviatilis, of XuttaU. — River WUloic. This Willow was first described and distin- guished from the long-leaved Willow, {S. longi- folia,, MuhL,) in the first volume of his North American Sylva. It is often only a low shrub aloncr the margin and on the islands of the Mis- sissippi river. It is one of the most abundant trees along the principal rivers of the west. It is the first to take possession of the loose sand bars when left dry by the retiring waters, and hence it is often called " Sand-bar Willow." It is to the light feathery foliage of this abundant tree that the upper Mississippi owes much of its beauty. The roots do not seem to penetrate the soil in such numbers as to prevent the wear of the rapid current of the river. The wood is used as fael on board the steamboats now so numer- ous on the great Father of Waters, but does not seem to possess much value. The figure represents a lea^ the capsule when ziature, and also after it is open, showing the cottony seeds. \ BTVEE wnXOW, COMMUNICATIONS. 243 45. Populus tremuloides^ of Afichaux, — American Aspen. This tree is small and more curious than useful ; the curiosity about it consisting in the constant tremulous motion of the leaves, which are set on slender, flattish petioles, so as to be moved bj the gentlest breath of wind — as some rascally poet says, like women's tongue* Which seldom cea^e wagging ! " The soft light wood of the Aspen has too little strength to be of any utility. The tree is usually found bordering the wood- lands and in small patches along the margin of the prairies. It is quite an abundant tree in Wisconsin, never however attaining any considerable size. The wood may be used as fuel where no better can be obtained, and the ashes are said to afford an unusual quantity of potash. 46. Populus grandidentati, of Mkhaux. — Large Toothed Poplar. This Poplar takes its name from the coarseness of the teeth of the large roundish ovate leaves, by which it is readily distin- ofuished from the last. It grows in the same localities and is often confounded with it by careless observers ; but the slightest comparison of the leaves will show the difference between the two. Like that, its wood is light, soft, and easily broken. It is used for fuel, but is of inferior quality ; when dry it burns rapid- ly, but affords little heat. This species of Poplar attains the greatest size — and is used for rails, timber, etc It is said to be mora durable than the other kinds of Poplar. 47. Populus angulata, of Alton. — Angled Cotton- Wood. This is the common Cottonwood of the Mississippi river and its tributaries, but as this name has been applied to other sorts of Poplar, it loses its distinctive signification. The cottony down accompanies the seed of all the Poplars, but perhaps more abun- dantly in this than the others^. The seeds are very numerous, and are floated down the rivers, mixing with the sediment that 244 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. covers by the tlie banks and bars, so that these places when left bare fall of the waters, are soon covered with a growth of young Cottonwood. The seeds are so durable, when thus depos- ited, that when brought up from great depths they still possess the power of germinating. There are other kinds of Pop- lar with angular stems, but they are distinguished from the pres- ent species by having resinous and aromatic buds, like the Bal- sam Poplar, and the Balm of Gilead Poplar, while the buds of this species are destitute of aro- matic gum. The wood is soft, whit ^, and has but little value; though it is used with other wood by steamboats on the Mississippi river. The angled Cottonwood does not appear to extend up the Mississippi river beyond Lake Pepin. 48. Populus halsamifera, of I/in- ncEus. — Balsam Poplar. Milwaukee is just on the south- ern limits of this tree; only a few small specimens having been observed on the lake and river banks near that city. It is more abundant in the northern por- tions of the State. It resembles the next species in the agreeable odor of the buds in the spring, but wants its vigorous growth, and great size; and the leaves BALSAM POPLAR. COMMUNICATIONS. 246 are much smaller and narrower. Like most of the Poplars, the wood possesses very little value, in the arts of life. The figure represents a leaf ot the natural size. 49. Populus candicans, of Aiton. — Balmof Gihad Pojjlar. This is a favorite ornamental tree, both on account of its beau- ty as a tree, and of the fragrance of its opening buds in the spring, from which it derives its common name. It grows nat- urally along the margin of lakes and rivers in Wisconsin, whence it may be obtained and transplanted to the place it is intended to adorn. It is very hardy, and will continue to grow, under very bad treatment — an essential quality in most cases ! The large leaves give it a coarse appearance to the eye, but cause a very dense shade. It is of rapid growth — and should be more often seen in the streets of our cities and villages. DIVISION IV,— GYMOSPERMS. Order XII. Coxifer.e. — The Pine Family. 50. Pinus Banhsiana^ of Lamhert. — Gray Scrub Pine. The dells of the Wisconsin Eiver is about the extreme south ern limit of this arctic species of Pine, which extends thence farther towards the north pole than any other tree. It may be distinguished by the slight- ly curved cones with pointless scales : the short rigid spreading leaves, ar- ranged in pairs in the sheaths, not more than about an inch in length. The tree is only from ten to twenty feet in hight, and is of little or no val- ue, except perhaps for ornamental purposes. The figure represents a cone and GBAY SCRUB PINE, the Icavcs, of the natural size. 246 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. 51. Pinics resiriosa, of Aiion. — li'-d Pine. This is a large tree, the bark smoother than in the White Pine, the leaves more rigid, and the cones shorter and more solid. The leaves are in pairs each one half round, starting from long sheaths at the base. The cones often grow in bunches, are egg- shaped about two inches long, their scales without points are widened in the middle. The leaves are five or six inches in length. By these characteristics the true Red Pine, which is often called by other names, may be distinguished. It is a very valuable tree, often found growing with the other species of Pine, on the dry sandy ridges in the northern and central portions of the State. It takes its name of Red Pine from the color of thebark which has a deeper red than any other species. One name often given it, Norway Pine, is very improper, as it is entirely unlike the tiee known in Europe by that name. The flowers appear in the spring, and the cones come to maturity at the end of the second season. 52. Pinus mitis^ of MicJiaux. — Yellow Pine. This tree is common about Green Bay, and on the bluffs of the Lower Wisconsin river, which may be regarded as the south- ern geographical limits of the species in this State. A few trees were recently (perhaps still) growing on a bluff of sand-stone, ten miles west of Madison. But at the south this tree is abun- dant. It is valuable for lumber, timber, etc., but inferior to the White Pine, and far less common. From the Red Pine, which the present species most resembles, it may be known by the leaves, which are more soft and slender, and are channelled ; the scales of the cones, slightly enlarged at the end, and tipped with a minute weak prickly point. The names of white and yellow, applied to the Pines, have re- ference to the color of the wood. 53. Pinus sfrohus, of Linnceus. — Wliite Pine. This is the common Pine tree from which most of the lumber is manufactured in the central and northern portions of Wiscon- COMMUNICATIONS. 247 sin, to supply the southern part of the State, Illinois, Iowa, Mis- souri, etc. It is undoubtedly the most valuable tree for this pur- pose in our forests. The southern limits may be regarded as on a line extending from the Sheboygan river to the north end of lake "Winnebago ; thence to the falls of the several larger rivers to those of the St, Croix. There are also pineries on the head waters of the Lemon wier, and of the Baraboo. The White Pine is easily distinguished from all the others by having five leaves together in each sheath; and by the long slender cones. Trees have been measured over two hundred feet in hight, and in Wisconsin they tower high above all the other trees of the forest. The flowers of the White Pine appear in May, but the seeds do not ripen until October of the next year. They may be gathered at any time during the next winter. The trees have an annual growth of about half an inch in diameter. The poll 'n of the pine tree is produced in great quantities, so as to be blown about by the winds, producing what has been supposed to be showers of sulphur. These minute grains fall into the waters of the great lakes, where they excite the wonder of the sailors, who suppose them to be "the impurities of the waters working themselves out !" 54. Abies balsamea, of Marshall. — Balsam Fir. This very fine tree is found only in the northern part of the State, extending south in the vicinity of Lake Michigan, only as far as the Manitowoc river. The Fir and Spruce trees differ from the Pines in the manner of growth of the leaves, which are scattered singly on the l)ranches instead of being collected into bunches of from two to five from the same base. The resin of the present species is known as Canada Balsam, much used in medicine ; and it has lately been employed by microscopists to give transparency to various objects under examination ; also as a varnish. This tree is used only for ornamental purposes, not attaining sufficient size to be of much value for the ordinary purposes of timber, etc.. 248 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. Mr. Downing recommends it as one of the most ornamental of our native evergreens, and especially for planting near the house. When standing singly, it forms a perfect pyramid of fine dark green foliage, thirty or forty feet high, regularly cloth- ed from the bottom to the top. However small the plants may be, still they are interesting, as they display the same symmetry as full grown trees. Hundreds of these trees are annually brought from the north and set out in the vicinity of our larger towns, and in Illinois; but most of them are unable to survive the bad treatment they receive. It is very hardy, of quick growth, and should be more often seen in our yards and ornamented grou)ids. With proper treatment the tree will increase in diameter more than half an inch by the growth of each year. 65. Abies Canadensis^ of Michaux. — Hemlock. This tree does not extend nortlj of latitude 49'^, and south of Manitowoc in latitude 44^^. The bark possesses more value than any other part of the Hemlock, and large quantities are an- nually stripped off for the use of the tanner. The young boughs are used to supply a soft bed for surveyors and others exposed to the hardships of a " life in the woods." The wood is much less valuable than Pine, though often used for joists, flooring, etc. It is a very elegant and highly orna- mental tree, with long, gracefully-drooping branches, and light tufted, foliage. The Hemlock is said to be but little injured by the pruning knife, and therefore makes a good hedge plant. By being plant- ed ill double or tripple rows, it forms in a few years an impene- trable evergreen wall, which would be invaluable for shelter from the cold winds of winter. When j)lanted in localities south of its native country it is apt to become thin by the loss of the smaller branches and leaves. The wood is preferred to pine in cases where great strength and rigidity are required. Under favorable circumstances the an- nual growth of Hemlock is about half an inch in the diameter of the trees. COMMUNICATIONS. 249 56. Abies nigra, of Poiret. — Black Spruce. This is a dense, sombre looking tree, witli blackish bark, hence properly named Black Spruce. For ornamental purposes, it should only be grown among other evergreens to give variety. For this purpose it possesses a peculiar value. It is found only in the northern part of the State, where it is not very abundant. But it forms a large proportion of the forests of some of the east- ern States. The timber is valuable, being used for yard arms, keels, etc., of vessels ; knees are made of the larger roots and a portion of the trunk. The wood is said to be equal in many res- pects to the best species of pine. The cones are oval and are placed near, but not on the ends of the branchlets ; the leaves are arranged in a spiral manner, running entirely around the stem ; the bark is rough- The tree grows in the form of an elongated cone. The flowers are ex- panded in May ; the cones ripen in November, but do not open to disperse the seed until the following spring. The wood in- creases in diameter about one third of an inch yearly. A kind of beer called spruce beer is made from the young shoots of this tree. 57. Abies Alba, of Michaux. — White Spruce. A light, pretty species, with small ovate pendulous cones, placed on the extremities of the branchlets. The foliage is of a light bluish-green tint, contrasting finely with the darker color of the Black Spruce. Hence, it makes a very valuable orna- mental tree. The wood also is valuable when it can be found of sufficient size. In Wisconsin it is confined to a few of the most northern counties. The roots are long, slender and flexi- ble, and are used by the Indians as thread, with which to sew together their bark canoes. The annual growth of the White Spruce is found to be about one third of an inch in diameter; a tree thirty years old being about ten inches through, near the ground. 58. Larix Americana^ of Michaux. — Tamarack. In some States this tree is often called Hackmatack, which is probably only a corruption of the name by which it is now al- 250 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. most universally known. It is more or less common throughout the whole State, though rare in the south-western counties. It prefers wet grounds, which are net common in that part of the State. The wood is very strong, hard, and durable, well adapted for posts, rails, poles, railroad ties, etc. Foreign writers usually call this the American Larch, to dis- tinguish it from the European species known by that name. That tree is of larger growth, and is much esteemed as a timber tree. It is also far superior to the Tamarack as an ornamental tree, the leaves being longer, and the beautiful red cones of much larger size. On account of its valuable qualities, the growth of the Tam" arack should be encouraged in "Wisconsin. In waste places, too wet even for grass, it may be made to yield a good return for the little care and attention it will require. 59. Ihuja occidentalism of Linnceus. — American Arbor Viice. This very common evergreen tree is usually called White Ce- dar, a name that more properly belongs to another tree which does not occur in Wisconsin. It usually prefers wet grounds, and is found on the borders of Tamarack swamps, etc. Steep side hills, especially if wet, are often ornamented by this fine tree. The wood is durable, and used for fence posts, railroad ties, etc., where it is said to last two or three times as long as most other kinds of wood. It is a very valuable hedge plant, and especially for high screens to protect gardens, etc., from the cold winds. Being very hardy and easily obtained it will doubt- less soon become more generally cultivated. 60. Juniperns Virginia^ of Linnceus. — Red Cedar. The Eed Cedar grows on the borders of small lakes and riv- ers, but not very abundantly in the southern parts of the State. At the north it is said to be more common. While most of the Junipers are low and scraggy bushes, this one attains the dignity of a tree. The excellent qualities of the Red Cedar makes us regret that it is not more common with us. The wood is strong COMMUNICATIONS. - 251 and very durable, consequently suited for railroad ties, and for other purposes where wood is exposed to the dampness of the ground. Like several other evergreens, it has been rdcommended as a hedge plant and for screens against winds. The branches ex- tend horizontally from near the ground, thus rendering the pro- tection more complete- When growing in its wild native places among rocks, and on steep side hills it is usually a ragged, poor shaped tree, the branches often much larger and longer on one side than on the other ; but when growing singly it assumes a regular and very beautiful form. The fruit of the Ecd Cedar unlike that of the other evergreen trees is in the form of a berry instead of a cone. It ripens in October. The flowers appear in May. The regret expressed by Mr. Downing, that the fine evergreen trees, both of this country and of Europe, which composed the Pine and Fir tribes had not received more of the attention of planters, would now in some degree be spared ; for, through the influence of his own publications, increased attention has been given to the subject. He pleads eloquently for them: "It is indescribable how much they add to the beauty of a country residence in winter. At that season when, during three or four months the landscape is bleak and covered with snow, these noble trees, properly intermingled with the groups in view from the window, or those surrounding the house, give an appearance of verdure and life to the scene, which cheats winter of half its dreariness. In exposed quarters, also, and in all windy and bleak situations, groups of evergreens form the most effectual shelter at all seasons of the year, while many of them have the great additional recommendation of growing upon the most meagre soils." 252 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. EXHIBITION OF TROTTING AND ROAD HORSES, AT STATE FAIR OF 1855. The exhibition of Trotting and Road Horses, which gave such universal satisfaction not only to spectators but exhibitors, will form the subject of this communication, from the fact that a sim- ilar one will form one great feature in the coming Fair of 18-">6, and I consider it essential that a record of each should be sepa- rate and distinct, as they may each be needed for reference at any time for years, perhaps a century hence. In preparing the Pre- mium List for 1855, for horses, the Executive Committee had two objects in view: one was to encourage the raising of a class of horses valuable for all the business purposes of life — one which should command the highest market price for pleasure or work, at the same time to make the public 'perfoi-mance of each horse the test of his merit, and thus do away with the too preva- lent comjDlaiuts of partiality, so freely (and too often unjustly) ascribed to that portion of the public who act as judges at our State Fairs. To accomplish these ends, the Executive Commit- tee arranged all other classed of horses about as usual, and class- ed the trotting and road horses, with the premiums for each as nexed. It would perhaps be as well to state that the trial took place on the Cold Spring Course, which was leased expressly for this trial for one day, and is one mile in circuit. A rain of some days duration had only partially dried off, and competent judges were of the opinion that some seconds better time would have been made in every instance, had the course been in perfectly good condition. As it was, the record shows that Wisconsin farmers may now point to the performance of their stock of hors- es, with as much and as laudable pride as to the quality of their wheat, both of which, after being fairly tested, stand Number 1, in market value. COMMUNICATIONS. 258 PREMIUM LIST OF 1855. TROTTING AND ROAD HORSES. For the best Trotting Stallion which has been kept as a Stock Horse within this State the past season, first premium, ....... $100.00 2d best do 50.00 3d do do 25.00 For these premiums the following horses paid entrance, and trotted in the time annexed. (Entrance for all premiums in this class, 10 per cent.) — Owner's Name. C. J. Bullock, D. J. Woodwai'd, John Gale, A. H. Norton, S. B. J. Davis, Horse's Name. North America, Yankee liill, Bucephalus, Grey Sranger, Barney Boorasm, Time. Premium 2.50, $100.00 2.57, 50.00 2.59, 25.00 3.6 1-2, 3.6 1-2, For the best Trotting Stallion 5 years old or under, the spring of 1855, a premium of . . . • $25.00 2d best do 15.00 2d do do 10.00 For these premiums the entries were made as follows Ovmer'a Name. Horse's Name. Time, Adam Armstrong, David Hill, 3.9 J. E. Mosher, Red Reuben, 3.11 Wm. L. Uttley, Green Mt. Boy 3.19 0. E. Huntley, Black Weazel, 3.27 Geo. Nickerson, James Bird, 3.30 Patrick Doyle, Green Mt. Boy 2d, 3.31 Alex. Galarnean, Young Beaudwin, 3.34 Premium $25.00 J 5.00 10.00 For the best pair of Trotting Horses or Mares owned in the State, a premium of $ 0.00 2d best do 2... 00 3d do do J 0.00 254 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. The above premiums were awarded as follows : Time. Preminm 1st. C. H. Porter & Co., pair, 3 min. 20 sec. $50.00 2d. S. B. J. Davis, do 8 min. 30 sec. 25.00 3d. E. Kinney, do 3 min. 87 sec. 1-5.00 It is due Mr. Kinney to state that he had a fine and fast pair of matched horses, which were driven by a person unused to them, in consequence of the owner being ill ; they were capable of a different rate of speed. For the best single Trotting Gelding or Mare, owned in the State, a premium of $25.00 2d best do 15.00 8d do do 10.00 Entries for the above premiums were made as follows : Owner's Name. Horse's Name. Time. Premium Geo. Nickerson, Corn Cracker, 2.50 1-2 $25.00 I. Hathaway, Nelly Bly, 2.51 1-2 15.00 Gilbert Dutcher, Catawba, 2.56 10.00 Caspar Eouse, Brown Bob, 3.7 The performance of the different horses as above is copied from the record made at the time, by the judges and time keep- ers, and can be relied upon as correct. hefi nia (27 ■*» *:; s> «- *£? ° iJ o u I ® S 'i (3 ,— v" fl O !^ ^ 2 I »^ '^ -— o 2 §" £J <= a S mo ■-I "o bo •- c - c .S onths y Da; Well a -° «*» V ,— N, ■§ «2=- S =?? •sp ?r O CO ^ ^^ o cT =* 3 Sj .-1-3 -, s*» s" es S->'|«> "^.S- s ? o S,0 "SPS - >» O > c.a 00 a _ ^^^5 r = .^=? , M K iS J. * _^ m -'^ ,!«: =i? C- ^ "= '-S'^ 0 o •" M - £ eS ,.- o P3PM &3 ^ ,. (B = S g §1^2 3 goL «:>«• l.s^ 1 >» ^ DD s^!,'^ 1 >»-2'7 CO ■t5 •E^ 1 V M S-sSi 5 05 K p 'C o > j: » it' . >> u 5 S. .~ Ji TRANSACTIONS FOR 1856. OFFICERS OF THE WISCONSIN STATE AGKICULTURAL SOCIETY FOR 1856, PRESIDENT : HARVEY DURKEE, of Kenosha. VICE-PRESIDENTS : MARTIN WEBSTER, Fox Lake. S. S. DAGGETT, of Milwaukee. A. D. KIRKPATRICK, Dayton. SECRETARY : GEORGE 0. TIFFANY, Madison. TREASURER I D. J. POWERS, Madison. ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE : A. F. CADY, Watertown. ADAM E. RAY, Little Prairie. G. H. WILLISTON, Janesville. G. MESSERSMITH, Mineral Point. G. DUTCHER, Madison, B. R. HINKLEY, Summit. G. H. SLAUGHTER, Madison. EX-PRESIDENTS : H. M. BILLINGS, Highland. E. W. DRURY, Fond du Lac. E. W. EDGERTON, Summit. REPORT OF TUB EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR 1856. To His Excellexct Coles Bashfoed, Governor of "Wiscoxsix. Sir : — In compliance with the requirement of law, the Exec- utive Committee of the State Agricultural Society, would re- spectfully Report, — Tliat during the past year the Society has been actively engaged in discharging the various duties devolv- ing upon it. As a whole, the year of 1856 cannot be pronounced an un- prosperous one, agriculturally, for the State ; although in some respects decidedly unfavorable. In many districts, the earlier part of the season was exceedingly dry, and, taken in connection with the common custom, among many of our farmers, of plow- ing very shallow, and often omitting even to plow at all, in putting in wheat, eventuated in materially diminishing that im- portant crop. The breadth of land sowed to wheat in the State, was undoubtedly sufficient, if the tillage had been deep, and appropriate to a dry season, to have produced a crop of fifteen millions (15,000,000) of bushels, but under the unfavorable circumstances before mentioned, it probably did not exceed ten millions. e2 258 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. The other cereal, and also the root and vegetable crops, were a good deal diminished by the same combination of causes. The Society will probably offer increased premiums, hereafter, on farm and field crops, with the hope of inducing improvement in these important fundamental matters. We are of the opinion that a proper awakening on this subject, would add millions an- nually to the value of our agricultural products. The Society has obtained from the Patent Office, and other sources, during the year, considerable quantities of rare and valuable seeds, and the most ample pains have been taken to distribute them into the hands of good cultivators, throughout the State. Owing to the dryness of the season, as much s'lccess was not attained in their cultivation, as might otherwise have been ; .^ till, numbers report very favorably, especially on some new varieties of turnip, and other vegetables. What has already been done in this direction, shows conclusively that the distri- bution of seeds will become a prominent feature of usefulness with the Society. In view of this fact, we have considerably enlarged our basis of action, in this respect, for the forthcoming year, by arranging to invest several hundred dollars, in various useful seeds, cut- tings, etc., for a still more extensive distribution. We are the more prompted to this course from an increased consciousness of the great importance of such an early and wide distribution, in a new State, of all those elemental germs of the right kinds, not only for field crops, but for the growth of forests upon our open, timberless lands, and grasses of more approved and val- uable kinds upon our wide expanse of high and low lauds. It is confidently believed that the judicious distribution of a few hundred dollars annually, in this way, will speedily add as many thousands to the aggregate and individual wealth of the State. As an illustration, let us suppose our wheat crop im- proved ten per cent, in quantity and value by the introduction of better and more productive seed. The immediate result is the addition of millions to our productive wealth. The Sixth Annual Fair of the Society was held on the Cold Spring Kace Course, near the city of Milwaukee, on the 8th, 9th EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE EEPORT. 259 and 10th days of October. Everything was done, on the part of the officers of the Society, that could well be, under the cir- cumstances, to render the exhibition one of interest and useful- ness to the great producing classes of the State; and, as we con- fidently expected, the entries of animals and articles were larger as well as the attendance of the people much larger than ever before, from all parts of the State penetrated by railroads. Not probably less than 20,000 people visited the grounds during the Fair ; and while, in all such cases of great popular gatherings of the masses, there was, as must inevitably be, more or less cause of dissatisfaction and complaint, still, the Committee flatter them- selves with the belief that as a whole it was a highly creditable display, both to the State and to the Society, and a school where those who attended with the right motives, profited more than it cost. It has become obvious beyond dispute, that these agricultural and mechanical exhibitions are, and will continue to be, the great popular holidays of the people of our practical, progressive country ; hence, it becomes an important question as to the pol- icy that their interests demand, and also what aids they may properly expect from legislators and railroad companies. From the former, it is too obvious to need argument, that they may properly expect every aid and facility that will prove profitable and useful to the great masses, whose interests they represent. From the latter, to wit: Railroad Companies, they have a right to expect every accommodation that can, in justice on the part of the companies, be granted them. First, because railroad companies, in the first instance, Avant, and constantly want, a multitude of favors from the people, individually and legisla- tively; and, secondly, because no one party or interest in the State is more benefitted by accelerated advancement in agricul- tural wealth and increased products, than railroad companies, who must needs be the carriers of all these products to market. We say this much on the subject, as bearing upon the policy pursued by our railroad companies last season, of charging half- fare upon animals and articles transported to and from the Fair; 260 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. a policy whicli has been found in Oliio, and other States, to be most disastrous to all such agricultural gatherings, and in the end to be equally so upon the companies themselves, until it has been almost uniformly abandoned ; it being proved to a demon- stration, that the people, ordinarily, do not care enough about exhibiting their articles at fairs, merely as a curiosity, to warrant the payment of any considerable sum for freight. It has also been equally well proved, that companies adopting the liberal policy of carryiug animals and articles free, and people at half price, and carrying it out to the letter^ not only in fact, but in an accommodating spirit, have invariably made the most money. That our late Fair was greatly diminished in numbers in attend- ance, and in interest, on account of the above new regulation, cannot be doubted. It is coniidently hoped and expected, how- ever, by the progressive friends of agriculture, that a more lib- eral policy will be inaugurated for next season — one that will remove all just grounds of complaint, among all parties. The Committee would respectfully suggest, whether the time has not arrived when some of the preliminary steps might j)rop- erly be taken for the establishing and endowing of an Agricul- tural School, commensurate with the present and prospective wants of our nobly-developing State. Is it meet that a State whose almost entire interest is, and ever must be, Agriculture, should endow, with almost unlimited funds, schools of polite literature, law and medicine, to the entire exclusion of any pro- vision whatever for instruction in theoretical and practical Ag- riculture? Should not the soil, that supports everything, be in turn supported and saved from deterioration by an early and ef- fectual implanting of sound, scientific information among its numerous occupants and cultivators ? It strikes us that the next five years ought to develop such an institution in full operation, with all needful appendages for teaching in the most thorough manner, n;:>t only theoretical, but practical Agriculture, upon scientific and abiding principles. Such an institution in our midst, well established and well man- aged, and turning out its 500 or 1,000 thoroughly-educated young farmers annually, would tell beyond calculation upon the event- EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPOET. 261 ual destiny of our State and the West, Our sister States are leading us in these matters. Shall we not follow them ? Some adequate provision of law for collecting annual statistics of our products and progress, would probably be a source of but little expense, and would, beyond all doubt, be a source of great practical utility ; offering as it would a constant index of our in- terests, and their true direction. Some adequate provision of law for the protection of sheep from dogs and wolves, seems especially necessary, inasmuch as wool-growing bids fair to become an important interest in the State. The fear of damage from these causes, undoubtedly de- ters many who otherwise would embark in the business, thereby proving a greater damage even than the actual destruction aris- ing from their prowlings. Owing mainly to the embarrassed condition of the State treasury, last year, no application was made, on the part of the Society, for legislative provisions to publish a volume of their Transactions, notwithstanding they were already two years behind. The Executive Committee now deem it important that it should be no longer deferred, and would respectfully request that proper provisions be made for the publication of a volume, em- bracing the years of 1854^r,-6] and that an edition sufficiently large be ordered, to admit of the distribution of at least 1,000 copies to County Societies, It is believed that such an expen- diture, judiciously made, will be both creditable and useful to the State. In the opinion of the Executive Committee, it will be desirable to offer increased, rather than diminished premiums, for the pro- duction of animals of superior merit; especially as no others seem worthy of encouragement or propagation in this northern latitude. If the matter of winter-keeping with us was less of an item, the eventual value of an animal might perhaps be a matter of more indifference ; but, situated as we are, it becomes no sec- ondary matter whether a horse, at maturity, is worth $100 or $200 ; a cow $15 or $50, or a sheep $1,50 instead of $5. The higher priced animals can be raised at a profit, almost anywhere. 262 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. even in Vermont. The lower priced, nowhere, when extra win- ter keeping is required. Let us strive, by a timely and judicious policy, to embark our thousands of young, rising farmers, in a paying, rather than a losing business, in this department of agriculture. Many of the animals exhibited at the late Fair, were such as would do credit to any country or people. The display of mechanical ingenuity was ample and creditable. Many of the articles exhibited, of Wisconsin manufacture, were not in any respect behind the products of the best establishments of the East. These, by the way, are another class of interests worthy of all reasonable patronage and encouragement — to the end that we may soon be able to supply our great and growing wants, here at our own doors, and with greater economy than can ever be done from abroad. The exhibition of the financial affairs of the Society, hereunto attached, shows a gratifying increase in the receipts over any previous year, and demonstrates conclusivel}^, that a well man- aged Society can be sustained among our citizens, without any doubts of its ability to pay its own incidental expenses, without legislative aid except for premiums. Whether the amount now appropriated is as large a sum as it is judicious to distribute as premiums, is a question that the Executive Committee are wil- ling to leave to the wisdom of the Legislature. But any dimi- nution of it would, in their opinion, be bad policy, and a retro- grade step in the aids to agricultural improvement and progress. All of which is respectfully submitted. By order of the Executive Committee of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE EEPOET. 263 STATEMENT OF THE FISCAL AFFAIRS OF THE -WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTTJRAL SOCIETY, FOR THE TEAR ENDINQ DEC. 31, 1856. INCOME. To balance on hand, December 31, 1855, $1,099 66 From Annual and Life Members, 791 00 " State of Wisconsin, 3000 00 " City of Milwaukee, 571 00 " Keceipts at State Fair, 2851 47 " Interest on Deposits, 66 50 Total, .... $8379 63 EXPENDITURES. Paid in Premiums, .... $2355 00 " Purchase of Seeds, etc., . 500 00 . " Salary of Secretary, 1000 00 " Office Expenses, .... 221 98 " Express Charges, and Postage on Books, Seeds, etc., received, . 51 85 " Office Safe, 227 50 " Divers Miscellaneous Bills, 2804 68 " Unpaid Premiums and Accounts, 250 00 " Cash to balance Accounts, Qfift fi^ Total, .... $8379 63 Bills and vouchers for all of the above items are on file in this office, and subject to your order. George O. Tiffany, Secretary. State Agricultural Rooms, ) Madison, January 15, 1857. f ANNUAL ADDEESS DELIVERED AT THE STATE AGRICULTURAL FAIR, In Milwaukee, Oct. 10th, 1856. WISCONSIN— ITS CONDITION, PROSPECTS, ETC. BY HON. A. CONSTANTINE BARRY, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : — I appear before you to-day in answer to an invitation from the Executive Com- mittee of tlie Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. And while I feel deeply gratefal for this expression of their partiality, I also feel that I am unworthy of the honor conferred upon me. This feeling arises from a consciousness of my inability to meet fully the demand of the occasion, in the discussion of those topics which shall be adapted to the time, the place, and the audience who listen to me. Once a farmer-boy — initiated into the art and mysteries of farm-life, and now a farmer on a very small scale i yet a quarter of a century devoted to professional duty, and the thought and study attendant upon the same, have measurably drawn my mind away from subjects which only are adapted to occasions like this. I have but little familiarity with them. Still, I have ever strongly sympathised with the working-man of whatever trade or occupation. I respect and honor him, how- ever humble his birth or position — I extend the hand of broth- erly friendship and regard to him. I like the look of that face made brown by daily exposm-e, and those hands hardened by daily toil, equally with the pale brow that is seamed by thought and the inky fingers that guide the mighty pen, or manipulate ANNUAL ADDEESS. 265 the printers' type. I read here the signs and proofs of true no- bility ; for labor is noble — it is manly to work to earn the bread that we eat, and the comfortable homes in which we live, and the blothing we wear, and the sweet sleep which refreshes ns by honest toil — by the sweat of the face, and the sweat of the brain. And for six thousand years God has been confirming the truth of this by an ordination of his, that the idler, the drone, the sponge, shall not eat well, nor sleep well, nor feel well — in short, that he who is too lazy to work, has no right to live! If, then, from my sympathies with the laboring man, and from the little thought and reflection I have been able to bestow, I may be able to draw something that shall add in some small de- gree, to the interest and profit of this annual occasion, it is all I can promise to do. It was the manifestation of friendly feeling that brought me here, and I may trust that the same feeling will kindly and charitably overlook all that is wanting or inappro- priate in my remarks to-day. Do not think, however, from what I have said, that I am going to preach you a sermon, or that I am about to harangue you on the subject of politics — I shall do neither. This is no place for party feeling or party excitement to obtrude itself. On this holiday occasion we should remember only that we are neighbors and fellow citizens, and devote the time to the legitimate purposes for which we are assembled. Mr. President, and Fellow Citizens, we live in an age of thril- ling events — an age of excitement, of discovery, of progress, of reform ; an age in which is developed, and now are in process of development, the results of long-operating causes. The thought and labor of hundreds of years are concentrating in the move- ments and changes of this noon of the nineteenth century. You do not need to be told that nothing comes to maturity at once, but only by a progressive development. The grain which we commit to the bosom of the earth, is not by one great effort of vegetative power, immediately returned to us in waving fields of yellow corn. Through the quickening power of the soil, and under the influence of sun, and rain, and dew, there must first be germination, then growth, or simple organization, then bud and flower, and then matured fruit, ere we can thrust in the . f2 266 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. sickle, and reap the ripened harvest So it is in the animal kingdom — no being starts at once into life in the full maturity and vigor of all its powers. AVhether man or animal, there are the same gradual processes, the same progressive development, as in the vegetable world. Even the earth, which we inhabit, owes its original formation, and its present condition and aspects, to processes and changes which required millions of years, if not of ages, for their completion. The same law of gradual and progressive development, or growth, governs also with respect of the intellectual and moral condition of the human family. Slowly,''and at times by almost imperceptible degrees, this condition has been improved by the increasing means, and the constantly adapting agencies of men- tal and spiritual enlightenment and culture. The race has not suddenly sprung up, but has grown^ through successive periods, of development, to its present stature. It has passed the age of its infancy, and in some measure has put away its childish things. Discovery has succeeded discovery. New light has been con- stantly pouring from the full ocean of infinite wisdom into the souls of men. New, and more glorious dispensations of grace and mercy have succeeded each other ; ancient mysteries have been cleared away — the old and worn out rubbish of church and state swept from the path of progress, and sublimer and more enrapturing truths revealed to the human heart and understand- ing. We see, too, how that human governments are the result of development — the offspring of growth. The American Eevo- lution, and consequent American Freedom and Republicanism, came as the natural and inevitable growth of the world and of man. There had been first the blade, then the ear, after that, the full corn in the ear. And when the fruit was brought forth, the husbandman put in the sickle, because the harvest was come. So, then, the American Constitution and Union, and our free Democratic Government, were not born of a night, and matured in a day, but were the results of a long series of progressive de- velopment, controlled by infinite wisdom and goodness — results necessitated by the very position to which the American people ANNUAL ADDKESS. 267 had attained. " With such a people as the settlers and revolu- tionists of this country, with their political culture and experi- ence, their knowledge of the nature and ends of government, and their education and religious temper, colonial dependence was an impossibility, and this free government a simple necessi- ty— the natural fruit of a natural growth. The boy had grown to be a man, and if the obstinate old father, respectfully asked, would not give him a freedom suit, there was but one course left for him, and that was to take it," — and tnke it he did, and has worn it ever since ; though many will have it, that it hangs rather loosely on him at the present day ! Not only in the departments to which I have briefly alluded, but in all others — in the departments of art and science, of phi- losophy and religion, the law of growth and of progressive de- velopment, prevails and governs. The steamboat, the railroad, the power press, the telegraph, the daily newspaper, the thresh- ing machine, the reaper, and the baby jumper, — all are the results of the operation of this law. This law, too, has had something to do with the settlement and growth of the mighty Valley of the Mississippi. Under its operations, vast changes have been wrought, and are taking place continually. Look out, over this broad western land, and behold it inhabited, where but a few years ago the wild deer stalked, the ferocious wolf prowled, and the wild Indian roamed the savage monarch of all. From the rugged shores and the mountains and valleys of New England — from the proud old Empire State — from the sunny South — from the British Islands across the seas, and from far-off "Fatherland," we have come to people the solitudes beyond the great lakes. The forests have been swept away, the rich mould of the prairie turned up by the busy plow, towns and cities builded, railroads constructed, a large and prosperous commerce established, and the foundations of wealth and greatness laid deep and strong. As an example and evidence of the change which a few years only have wrought throughout the length and breadth of our new State, with a few exceptions, look out upon this young and vigorous city, with its beauty of location, its stately business 268 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. places, its long line of pleasant and tasteful dwellings, its many and rich facilities for trade and commerce, and its busy and en- terprising population. Within a very brief space, there has sprung up from the bosom of the wilderness, by lake and river, a city of nigh ten thousand souls — full of activity, enterprise, prosperity, and the comforts and elegancies of life. And for this, it has not been indebted to the investment of rich capital, and the magic charm of money from abroad. They who have builded this city, who own its pleasant homes, who have created for it its business and prosperity, and have shaped for it a glorious destiny in the future, possessed little else, many of them, save tee capital with which God had furnished them — the strong arm, the courageous heart, the enterprising spirit. This capital they invested to the best advantage ; in other words, they rolled up their sleeves and went to work ; and while they trusted in God, they kept their powder dry. Here, before us, is the present re- sult of their privations and labors; the future results, we pre- dict, will be glorious indeed. So throughout our State, men like these have wrought amid hardships and privations — forsaking the comforts and refine- ments of eastern homes, for the dangers and exposures of fron- tier life, until the wilderness has blossomed with the fruits of their toil, and these once western wilds are vocal with songs of joy- In a commonwealth thus settled and improved, full of enter- prise and prosperity, full of busy industry and increasing wealth — pressing continually onward, in its upward and prosperous way, and concerning itself in all great measures and means of improvement, we are met together to-day. At the close of a fruitful season, with the tokens of divine goodness lying thickly around us, we have met together to congratulate each other, to vie with each other in the productions of the soil, and the crea- tions of our invention and skill, to celebrate this our annual har /-est home, with festive sports and rejoicing! And Avhy may we not now, in view of this goodly land which God has be- queathed to us for an inheritance, and of the pleasant homes in which we dwell, and the prosperity which attends us in our ev- ANNUAL ADDRESS. 269 ery calling, and our increasing means and facilities for improve- ment and wealth — why may we not, I say, in view of all these rich blessings, consider the command addressed to us : "Go home TO THY FRIENDS, AND TELL THEM HOW GEEAT THINGS THE LORD HATH DONE FOR THEE I" A learned and distinguished gentleman of Massachusetts, Ex- Governor Boutwell, has recently undertaken to disparage the West, and to give it a bad name, by instituting an invidious comparison between it and the East. In a long and labored ad- dress, he attempts to prove that this great Valley of the Missis- sippi, and particularly the North- west, is altogether "flat, stale and unprofitable." The surface of the country is level and mo- notonous— the soil destitute of proper cultivation, and therefore unproductive — the people indolent and thriftless — the general condition of things far from hopeful or promising — in fine, the country and its inhabitants are inferior, impoverished, unfruitful, with a tendency to absolute barbarism. He means, of course, compared with the people and the country east ; and as a proof of what he ;;sserts, he introduces figures to show that Massachu- setts and Vermont far eclipse Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin, in the amount of their products, not because they have a more fruitful soil and accessible surface, or a general condition of things more favorable to agricultural success ; but, because we, with all our advantages of surface, soil and climate, lack the intelligence, enterprise, industry, energy and skill of the people of New England. Now, I am far from wishing to disparage the two States brought forward in the comparison. I am frank to con- fess that they beat us in growing granite and trap — that their hills are superior to our own — that their mountains are magnifi- cent and sublime — that they abound in bold and gorgeous scene- ry, and possess many enchanting spots amidst green hills, by dashing waterfalls, in mountain gorge and valley nook. Neither do we deny them "fair women and brave men," and we humble ourselves before the mighty and majestic spirits to which they have given birth. We concede them superior educational ad- vantages, and we honor the land that grows Yankee scholmas- ters ! But, in broad rivers, in beautifal lakes, in sunny slopes, 270 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. in towering bluffs, in deep and dark ravines, in mighty forests, in prairie undulation and mound — in almost every variety of natural scenery, as well as in fertility and productiveness of soil, we can " beat them all liollow." Some of the grandest and most inspiring scenery upon which my eyes ever rested, is found in the north-west, and no man with a particle of soul, ever stepped upon our broad, rolling prairies, without being awed by their solemn grandeur — without having a broader scope given to his thoughts — without feeling the area of his freedom enlarged. And then as to the enterprise, activity, industry, progressiveness and intelligence of our people — look out upon the evidences of them all around us ; see them in the developed resources of the State — in our productive farms and their improvements — in our numerous and thriving towns, villages and cities — in our hundreds of miles of railroad already completed — in the number of our newspapers, and in the general prosperity which reigns within our borders. We are not so in- dolent and thriftless a people after all, and the tendencies to bar- barism are yet to appear. But even here, we concede, very much remains to be done, by way of developing the Agricultural resources of the State, im- proving our system of farming, and elevating a most honorable occupation from the comparatively low place which it has hith- erto been assigned. Not a few have nlready learned to their great advantage, and to the credit of our State, that improve- ments may be made in the art of Agriculture as well as in oth- ers ; and that the discoveries of the age and the developments of science, are furnishing agencies and means for the promotion of its interests. But there is still room and need for other and greater improvements. So far as the many are concerned, only a part of a small portion of the science of Agriculture is known ; and men are slow to apply new truths, and to make use of new and wisely adapted means in the cultivation of the soil, and the general management of the farm. They hold fast all modes and practices, and with all the light they now have make slow pro- gress. ANNUAL ADDRESS. 271 We are far from supposing that mere hook knowledge will ren- der men good farmers ; but we do contend that it is absolutely essential, for the successful prosecution of the business of Agri- culture, that the nature of the materials with which we have to deal — the capabilities and deficiencies of the various soils — ^their adaptation to the various crops to be grown, and how they should be cultivated with reference to the most abundant yield, — together with the proper rotation of crops— the right applica- tion as to time, place and quantity of appropriate manures, should all be carefully studied and well anderstood. Agricultural societies and fairs, and our agricultural journals, are aiding largely in the work of improvement to which I have referred. The exhibition which we have here witnessed — the fine display of farm produce and of stock, from the rich fields of Wisconsin — the occasion furnished for combining the experien- ces of hundreds in the several departments of their one pursuit, and for mutual advice, counsel, instruction and encouragement — all are calculated to incite to improvement, to awaken a spirit of healthful competition, and to lead on to prosperity and wealth beyond what can now be conceived. But more aids are required than these can supply. It is par- ticularly needed that the profession of agriculture be made one of the learned professions. It is a very great mistake, " that there is less talent required for a thorough knowledge of the sci- ence of agriculture than of other pursuits, or that less time or at- tention are necessary ; and the very erroneous opinion that every man may succeed in the occupation of farming without reflection or experience, has resulted in injury only. It ought to be un- derstood, that no man can be a farmer by instinct-— any more than he can be a lawyer or a physician by instinct. He needs to be educated— he requires all the help that can possibly be furnished him. The business of agriculture has been considered degrading, because those engaged in it have been content with a low standard ; and farmers, even, have helped to bring it into disrepute, not only through a lack of self-improve- ment, but by devoting the genius, talent and energies of their sons to others, and as conceived, more respectable callings. 272 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. They have thus voluntarily conceded that the pre-requisites for eminence in other pursuits were not essential to the jDrofession of agriculture — that with no talent, genius or skill, a man might be a farmer, but he would not answer for any other trade or profession. No good and sufficient reasons can be urged why agriculture should not be taught as a branch of learning in our common schools — none why in these schools it should not have its com- petent instructors, its libraries, its apparatus and cabinets. At least there should be an agricultural department in our high schools, academies, colleges and universities, where our young men who design following the profession of farming may be suitably educated for their high and dignified calling. Some few States have gone nobly forward ia the discharge of their duty Avith reference to the long neglected profession of ag- riculture. Maine took the lead in this great work, and establish- ed its schools principally devoted to scientific and practical in- struction in farming. Connecticut, I think has an agricultural school — so has Massachucetts and New York, and if I mistake not, professorships of agriculture in several of their colleges. And shall Wisconsin, though among the last to be admitted to the sister-hood of States, be the last, intelligent and progressive as she is, to undertake so important, so noble a work ? No — she will not be behind — she has the will and the means requisite, and will move forward to dispute, through the provisions she shall make, and the agencies she shall put into operation, the palm of agricultural interest, thrift, prosperity and wealth, with the oldest States in the Union. There can be no time better than the present, for securing the desiderata of which I have been speaking. A portion of the pro- ceeils of the Swamp Lands, when sold, might be set aside as a fund for the endowment of an Agricultural College, and the purchase of lands for a Model Farm. These can be obtained far more cheaply now than at some future period. And when once such a school with its model farm, has been established on a per- monent basis, the most important results are sure to follow. "Agriculture is suddenly raised from its abasement, and placed ANNUAL ADDEESS. 273 on equal ground with any other pursuit, by becoming a part of a liberal education. It, too, has at last its students. The profes- sor, equal to his task, extracts light from every kindred science. His theories may be tested by experiment on the adjacent farm. Thus, too, every invention and every improvement of this fruit- fal age, connected with rural economy, may pass the crucible of actual experiment ; every quackery exposed, and real utility as- certained ; every seed and every plant gathered from distant na- tions, cultivated; every animal, in every variety bred; and the youth of Wisconsin, eye-witnesses of all, to adopt or reject as the result recommends, and thus rapidly to diffuse the advantages through every part of the State. Without some advantage of this kind, the most valuable improvements are confined for years to particular neighborhoods. It is too hazardous for individuals, warned by frequent impositions or frequent failures, to encounter the cost and consequent risk of making experiments." These considerations plead loudly for agricultural schools — they knock at the door of the Capitol, and with earnest petition address those who have in charge the interests of the State. But there are other considerations beyond these more impor- tant still, and which should move every true man to earnest, un- yielding efforts on the behalf of the long neglected, long abused interest of agriculture. Place it on a level with other and kind- red interests — let the same generous provision be made for its advancement and elevation — let the same legislative aid be ex- tended it, and let it have its bountifully supplied and wisely adapted means and facilities, and the results in a moral point of view could hardly be computed because of their magnitude. The Profession of Agriculture, returned to its original position and rank, "ennobled by the fostering hand of government," is at once shorn of all that now renders it repulsive, and made attrac- tive and dignified with learning, adorned with science and phU.- osophy, vigorous and healthful because of improvement, it in- vites and wins, and an influence goes out from it to water and make green the parched and desert-places of the world. Other professions now crowded because considered more honorable, would be relieved of their burthening excess of numbers, and g2 274 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. there would be less hungering and thirsting for office — less of scrambling on the part of the lean, starving applicants for the " spoils of the enemy." The dram- shop and the corners of the streets would send forth their myriads to walk regenerated upon the face of God's green earth, and with the strong hands God has given them to earn an honest living by the sweat of their brow. I cannot close my remarks without calling attention to the general diffusion of competence and of the means of prosperity throughout our borders, and to our duty with respect of the same. It is a happy thought, that amidst all the changes by reason of adversity and misfortune, there is but little real and incurable wretchedness in our midst. The means of employment lie all around the unfortunate. With the millions of unoccupied acres still left, waiting to reward the hand of patient mdustry with comfort and wealth — a thousand avenues open to enterprise, business and competency — h re is a common fund fjr every man's exigencies, and the invitation to all is, " come up and pos- sess." Already, by God's blessing, we are not only feeding our- selves with the abundance we possess, and feeding the poor we have among us, and feeding Vermont and Massachusetts, but are helping to feed the world ! Contrivances for comfort meet us at every door we enter. Every where the table is spread, and the cup is filled ; and everywhere we find men ascending from convenience to comfort, to neatness, to elegance, to luxury, to profusion. Such is one of the peculiarities of our social condition. How long this enviable state of good fortune shall continue, is left for us to determine. If we grow neglectful of our highest interests because of the greatness of our national prosperity, that prosperity shall suddenly come to an end. We must carefnlly guard against the encroachments of luxury, and beware how we contribute to the corruptions of our age by giving up ourselves to amusements or merely sensual pleasures. To press onward to still higher attainments, and a still higher position — to do more and to be more to-day than yesterday, to-morrow than to- day— this is what gives character to a people, and under the ad- vantages of their social condition as enduring as the everlasting hills. WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. SYNOPSIS OF ENTRIES AT STATE FAIR FOR 1856. Horses and Mules, 115 Cattle, 185 Sheep, 335 Swine, 15 Poultry, 50 Farm and other implements, - - - - 168 Grains and Seeds, 65 Dairy, 35 Flowers and Artificial do., - - - - 15 Ambrotypes, Photographs, etc., - - - 20 Flour, - 5 Paintings, 15 Ornamental Shell and Needle Work, - - 65 Vegetables, - 260 Fruit, 235 Miscellaneous, 195 Total, .... 1778 AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. Made at the Sixth Annual Fair of the Society, held at Milwaukee on the 8th, 9th and 10th of October, 1856. Class A. — No. 1. — Durham Cattle Best bull, 3 years and over, "W. Knight, 2d best do, George Paddock, . 3d do J. P. Eowe, Best bull 2 years old, B. Granger, 2d do do Bearnly & Ewing, Best 1 year old bull, F. B. Ellsworth, 2d best do P. W. Stewart, 3d best do J. B. Dousman, Best cow, 3 years old and over, J. H. Eogers, 2d best do do A. M. Perry, 3d best do do J. B. Dousman, Best heifer, 2 years old, H. D. Eighme, 2d best do O. G. Ewing, 3d best do J. B. Dousman, Best heifer 1 year old, S. S. Eogers, 2d best do J. B. Dousman, 3d best do J. P. Rowe, Best heifer calf^ G. J. Eogers, 2d best do B. Granger, Best bull calf, E. H. Ball & Co., . 2d best do J. H. Eogers, $15 10 5 10 7 7 5 3 diploma. 10 5 10 7 5 7 5 3 5 3 5 3 AWAEDS OF PREMIUMS. Class A. — No, 2. — Devons. Best bull, 3 years old and over, P. S. Carver, 2d best do do O. Eldred, 3d best do do J. Bond, Best bull 2 years old, S. S. Eogers, Best cow, 3 years and over, H. Durkee, 2d best do do same, 3d best do do S. S. Eogers, Best heifer calf, H. Durkee, 2d best do S. S. Eogers, Best bull calf, same. Herefords. Best bull, 1 year old, A. H. Mcdbury, Class A. — No. 6. — Crosses of Blood Cattle. Best bull, 3 years and over, S. W. Benson, Best do 1 year old, 0. P. Dow, Best cow, 3 years and over, W. C. Chapin, Best heifer 1 year old, J. & F. Layton, . 2d best do M. W. Williams, Best bull calf, J. Moore, 2d best do T. McDonald, Ditto, discretionary, J. & F. Layton, Class A. — No. 7. — Native and Grade. Best cow and calf, 0. G. Norton, . Grade, do, E. W. Parker, Best grade cow, 3 years and over, J. Fearnly, 2d best do do same. Best grade heifer, W. A. White, Best do 1 year old, J. Fearnly, Best heifer calf, B. Brazee, 2d best do 0. Norton, Grade bull, 4 years, L. Landon, 277 $15 10 5 10 15 10 5 5 3 5 $15 7 15 7 5 5 3 2 $6 3 10 5 7 5 3 2 5 278 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. Class A. — No. 8. — Working Oxen Best yoke of steers, 3 years, E. T. Sercomb, . 2d best do do J. B. Dousman, Best yoke working oxen, L. Eawson, 2d best do J. H. Leonard, Foreign Stock. — ^Durhams. Best bull, 3 years old and over, E. Eay, $10 5 10 7 Devons. Best bull, 3 years old and over, H. W. Washburn, 2d best do do E. C. Ellis, Best bull, 2 years old, H. Capron, 2d best do H. W. Washburn, Best bull, 1 year old, same, Best bull calf, H. Capron, 2d best do H. W. Washburn, . Best cow, 3 years and over, H. Capron, 2d best do do same, Best heifer 2 years, same, 2d best do H. W. Washburn, . Two yoke North Devon steers, and two do ry premium of $50, and highly recommended for size and beauty. diploma. 10 diploma. 7 diploma, diploma. 3 diploma. 10 diploma. r oxen, discretiona- Class a. — No. 11. — Blood Horses — (None.) Class A. — No. 12. — Morgan and Black Hawk Horses. Best Black Hawk stallion, J, Gale, do do do 3 years old, S. Whitman, 2d best do do 5 do T. Marshall, Best Morgan, 5 years old, F. M. Wheeler, 2d best do do H. Chase, Black Hawk stallion, G. Paddock, commended for pre. of do do M. S. Cotton, do do $20 10 15 20 15 5 10 do do competition. D. S. Foote, good horse, but too late for AWARDS OF PEEMIUMS. 279 Black Hawk and St. Lawrence colt, E. H. Keith, Hartford, Ohio, good horse. Class A. — No. 13. — Carriage Horses and Horses for all Work. Best matched carriage horses, J. C. Starkweather, 2d best do do C. H. Porter, . Best mare for all work, J. Frazer, . Best gelding, do T. Stevens, 2d best do E. Chase, . Best pair matched horses for all work, A. Schultz, 2d best do do do P. M. Perkins, Best stallion, 4 years old, for all work, Eclipse^ W. S Gurnee, ..... 2d best do do do J. W. Rhodes Best stallion 2 years old, W. Gr. Benedict, 2d best do C. F. Wilcox, Best stallion 2 years old, (all work,) J. Wylish, 2d best do do J. P. Lapham, Bay colt, 3 years old, A. J, Cole, (This horse, sired by Niagara, was entered improperly, to an error, and did not come under the observation judges till the premiums had been awarded, otherwise he have taken the first premium. — Judges' Notes. Class A. — No. 14. — Mares and Colts. Best brood mare and foal, A. W. Wright, 2d best do N. A. Walker, Best mare 3 years old, J. H. Rogers, do 2 do C. H. Larkin, do 1 do N. A. Walker, . 2d best 1 do D. Merrill, 2d best colt, 1 year old, E. Trowbridge, Best Morgan stallion colt, 2 years, (dis.,) A. P. Lyman, 2d best do do J. Wylish, Best horse colt, 1 year old, C. B. Stockton, 2d best do D. Merrill, . ^25 15 10 10 5 15 10 Dip. 15 10 5 7 5 Dip. owing of the would 5 10 8 5 3 3 8 5 5 3 280 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. 8d best horse colt, 2 years, J. A. Bell, (dis.,) . . 2 Best gelding colt, 2 years, L. Trimbor, (dis.,) . . 8 2d best do J. A. Blanchurd, . . 5 Two brood mares and foals, owned by D. Merrill, are worthy of mention. Class A. — No. 15. — Jacks and Mules. Best span of mules, T. C. Dousman, Dip. Sheep — Long Wool, Middle Wool, Leicester and their G-RADES, south DOWNS. Best buck, over 2 years, J. & F. Layton, 2d best do A. P. Lyman, 8d best do Z. B. Wakeman, Best do 1 year, same, Best pen of 3 buck lambs, A. P. Lyman, do ewes, same, do ewe lambs, same, 2d best pen of 3 ewes, S. S. Bogers, LEICESTER. Best buck, 2 years and over, J. & F. Layton, 2d best do do L. Rowson, 3d best do do E. Ward, Best buck, 1 year old, J. & F. Layton, 2d best do T. K. Carr, 3d best do R. Bagg, Best pen of 3 ewe lambs, same, Best pen 3 buck do T. K. Carr, Best 3 ewes, over 2 years, L. Rawson, 2d best do R, 3d best do same. Two ewes, highly commended, E. Ward. Best pen 8 fat sheep, L. Rawson, do 3 grade ewes, T. K. Carr, Bagg, $10 7 5 6 5 10 5 7 $10 7 5 7 5 3 5 5 10 7 5 10 7 AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 281 Best pen S grade buck lambs, J. & F. Lay ton, . . 5 2d best 8 grade ewe do L. Rawson, ... 3 Class A. — No. 17. — French Sheep and their Grades. FRENCH, Best buck 2 years old, P. M. Perkins, .... $10 2d best do P. F. Boss, .... 7 3d best do E. T. Cogswell, ... 5 Best pen of buck lambs, J. Moore, .... 5 2d best do F. M. Jenks, .... 3 Best pen of ewes, 2 years, P. M. Perkins, ... 10 2d best do F. M. Jenks, ... T 3d best do E. T. Cogswell, ... 5 Best pen of ewes, 1 year, F. M. Jenks, ... 7 (Two full blood imported bucks, and 5 ewes, by White & Jen- nings, Graines, N. Y., are commended to special notice.) FRENCH GRADES AND CROSSES. Best pen grade buck lambs, J, H, Bevier, ... $6 2d best do J. Moore, .... 3 Best pen grade ewe lambs, same, .... 5 2d best do F.D.Weld, ... 3 2d best cross buck, 2 years, same, .... 7 Best Spanish cross, 1 year, J. N . Cadbey, ... 7 2d best do J. Gale, .... 5 (A French and Spanish buck lamb, owned by J. Gale, is wor- thy of mention.) Class A. — No. 18. — Spanish. Best buck, 2 years old, H. Hemenway, . . . $10 2d best do T. C. Dousman, ... 7 3d best do R. T. Graves, .... 5 Best buck, 1 year old, T. C. Dousman, ... 7 2d best do E. 0. Cogswell, ... 5 Best pen buck lambs, T. C. Dousman, ... 5 2d best do H. Hemenway, .... 3 h2 282 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEB. H. Hemenway, E. T. Graves, same, T. C. Dousman, E. T. Graves, 3d best pen buck lambs 0. A. Lewis, Best pen ewes, 2 years, same, 2d best do 3d best do Best pen ewes, 1 year, 2d best do 3d best do Best pen ewe lambs, T. C. Dousman, 2d best do E. C. Lewis, 3d best do H. Hemenway, Class A. — No. 22. — Swine. Best boar, 2 years and over, (Suflfolk,) J, A. Carpenter, 2d best do do do H. Beckwourtb, Essex boar, 5 months old, fine and wortliy of special no- tice, and a fine sow pig, 4 months old, of the same breed, A. G. Hanford, Best breeding sow and pigs, L. P. Potter, Fine Suffolk sow and pigs, J. A. Carpenter, 2 10 7 5 7 5 3 5 3 2 $10 7 5 10 5 Teotting and Eoad Horses — Trial of Speed. — Distance, One Mile. ALL stallions. Billy McOracken, 0. C. McCracken, 1st premium, $100 Green Mountain Boy^ W. L. Utley, 2d premium, $50. Niagara, J. Guild, ...... Yankee Bill, E. E. Jones, 3d premium, $25, divided between the last two. Time. 2.49 2.57 2.58 2.58 five year olds. Black Weazel, J. H. Hall, 8.07 (Complaint was made that this horse had not been kept for a stock horse, as required, and the premium was withheld.) Black Rawk, KetGhum k JAnslej, . . . .3.18 1st premium, $25. AWARDS OF PREMIUMS- 283 MARES AND GELDINGS. Ch. mare, Lady Worthley, A. Proudfit, . . . 2.46 1st premium, $25. Bay g., Chieftain, S. Morse, 2.46 2d premium, $15. Bay g., Jack Rossiler, 0. W. Dimmick, , . . 2.54 3d premium, $10. Ben Bolt, to wagon, E. Goodrich, .... 8.05 MATCHED TEAM. Reel and Fashion, 0. W. Dimmock, .... 3.21 1st premium, $50. Class A. — No. 23. — Poultry. Best 6 bantam fowls, J. Bell, $2 Best Shanghais, J. A. Carpenter, .... 2 2d best do (dis ,) same, 1 Best lot of chickens, same, 1 do turkeys, R. Strong, 2 3d best, game fowls, imported pullets, and 1 cockerel, dis. Greatest variety of fowls, A. Sawyer, .... 5 Class B. — No. 24 and 25. — Farm Implements. Best horse-power thresher and separator, lever, J. I. Case, Dip. and $5 Best horse-power, tread, "W. D. Bacon, " corn-planter, horse, J. S. Delano, " corn-planter, hand, C. C. Church, " portable grist-mill, Nicholas Bacon & Co., " corn and cob crusher, W. D. Bacon, " straw and stalk cutter, horse and hand, S. R. " corn-sheller, hand, A. P. Dickey, " do horse, Yose, Mitchell & Co., " single harness, C. Smith, " wagon harness, W. Emigh, . " half dozen hand-rakes, H. Gates, " do pails, Daggett & Rice, Fox, Dip. 3 3 5 3 5 3 6 8 6 1 1 284 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. Best half-dozen pails, same, (dis..) .... 1 " nest of tubs, same, .... 3 " vegetable-cutter, Yose, Mitchell & Co., . . 3 " planter and broad-cast sower, H. Boutwell, (dis.,) 3 " mower and reaper, Manny's, Vose, Mitchell & Co., Dip. " cheese press, same, 2 Improved fanning-mill, worthy of mention, same. Best reaper and self-raker, (dis.,) S. L. Sheldon, Best portable wood-sawing machine, W. D. Bacon, Two horse power improved, H. D, Emery, 2d best sweep horse-power thresher and separator, an ex cellent machine, entitled to favorable notice, M. & M- Stone, . . . . . . Best farm wagon, E. Bain, (The judges decide that wooden axles are better than iron, for farm wagons.) Best wagon, iron axle, J. Each, breaking-plow, J. Hitchcock, sod-plow, same, " stubble-plow, same, 2d best breaking-plow, Eldred, Barrows & Co sod-plow, same, stubble-plow, same, Best deep tiller, (dis.,) same, " clover-huller, C S. West, " churn, Lefevre & Greene, " portable saw-mill, Stowell & Co., " pump for farm use, worked by a self-regulating wind-mill, entitled to 1st premium, eminently worthy of the attention of farmers, ..... 5 Best fanning-mill, P. W. Dickey, . . . Dip. and 5 (All on exhibition were good, and worthy of attention, par- ticularly those of A. P. Dickey, of Eacine, and E. E. Ela & Co., of Eochester.) u li (( (( Dip. 3 3 5 Dip. 6 5 5 Dip. 3 3 3 5 Dip. Dip. and 10 Class B.— No. 26.— Dairy. Best 25 lbs. butter, made at any time, F. D. Weld, $7 AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 285 2d best do do H. B. Trowbridge, 3d best do do R. Strong, Best 25 lbs. of butter, June, Mrs. E. M. Danforth, 2d best do do F. D. Weld, 3d best do do J. C. Bishop, Best single cbeese, W. C Chaflin, Best lot of cheese, H. B. Trowbridge, 2d best do M. Jones, 3d best do L. Rawson, Class B. — No. 27. — Hives and Honey. Best box of honey, Kennedy & Reed, . . , . Best hive, H. R. Leech, ...... Bee hive and moth-killer, R. C. Otis, .... Class B. — No. 28. — Farm and Garden Products, Best sample of winter wheat, J. N. Cadby, 2d do., 0. S. Rathbun, Best sample spring do., T. C. Dousman, 2d do, D. Merrell, Best Rye, G. P. Peffer, 2d do., R. Strong, Best oats, T. C. Dousman, 2d do., G. P. Peflfer, Best peas, same. Best and greatest variety of garden vegetables, same. 2d do., H. Kroeer, Best seed corn, G. P. Peffer, Do. 1-2 bushel rutabagas. Best barley, J. N. Cadby, Best buckwheat, T. Blood, 2d do., N. H. Cook, Best sample millet, A. G. Pierce, Best 1-2 peck of peppers, same. Best beans, R. Strong, . 2d do, S. Squires, Best and greatest variety of potatoes, R. W. Parker, 5 3 10 7 5 3 10 7 5 $3 2 2 ^3 2 3 2 2 1 2 1 2 7 5 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 5 286 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. 2d do, M. L. Burdick, Best do squashes, J. Scott, 2d do, D. McEvoj, Best do, pumpkins, L. Eawson, 2d do, J, C. Howard, Best 12 ears seed corn, J. A. Blanchard, Best and greatest variety do, J. Near, Best 12 beets, 0. S. Eatliburn, Best peck sweet potatoes, T. Howland, 2d best do, J, S. Wilcox, Best peck onions, J, Sanderson, Class C. — Domestic Manufactures, 2d best 10 yds of flannel, S. Squires, do cotton hose, F. D. Weld, . do hearth rug, Miss E. McFarland, Best 10 yds rag carpet, Mrs. Newcomb, 2d do, Mrs. A. B. E. Hull, . 2d best pair men's socks, Mrs. Danforth, Best woolen yarn, C. A. Lewis, 2d best do, B. F. Grain, Best pair woolen fringe mittens, S. Henry, Best pair socks (disc.) same. Best pair woolen hose, Mrs. Gilman, 2d best do, Mrs. O. Gardiner, Best wrought bed spread, Mrs. Boss, Best white quilt, Mrs. C. Bartlett, Best patch do, Mrs. J. H. Briggs, 2d best do, Mrs. C. Kingsley, Best knit counterpane, Mrs. E. Fox, Best silk patch quilt, Mrs. W. Johnson, Best worked handkerchief, Mrs. Child, 2d best do, A. McNab, Best worked collar, Mrs. Levy, 2d best do, Mrs. P. Young, . Best silk embroidery, Mrs. Levy, " fancy needle work, Mrs. Louis, 3 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 50c 1 2 1 2 4 2 50c 2 i 2 1 2 1 2 1 3 2 1 1 3 1 2 1 2 2 AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS. 287 " knit tidy, Mrs. Grilman, 2 2d best do, Mrs. 0. Gardner, 1 Best worsted work, Mrs. I. F. Clark, .... 3 " pair embroidered slippers, same, .... 2 " wax fruit and flowers, same, .... 3 " artificial flowers other than wax, same, . . 3 " shell-work, same, ....... 2 " hair wreath, same, ...... 1 2d best worsted work, Mrs. Squires, .... 2 Be.'t embroidered cover, Mrs. F. H. Pitman, . . 2 "2(1 best silk embroidery, Mrs. A. Proudfit, ... 1 Honiton lace, Mrs. Ellis, ...... 3 Best wax flowers, Mrs. 01 in, . . . . . 3 Floral design, J. Bell, 10 (No other premium offered in the horticultural department ; as these exhibitions form an attractive feature in our fairs, the committee recommended the following) : Best collection green-house plants, J. B. Dunlap, . . 5 " boquct, same, 3 2d best collection verbenas, same, .... 1 2d best bouquet, T. Hislop, 2 Best collection verbenas, J. Bell, .... 2 " cut roses, same, ....... 2 Eoitic vase, same, ....... 2 Best grass bouquet. Miss S. Murphy, .... 2 Italian lustre paintings, Mrs. I. Clark, ... 3 A case of wax- work, Mrs. A. C. Barry, ... 2 Class C. — No. '6-. — Manufactures other than Domestic. Best piece of satinet, G. H. Stewart, Beaver Dam, Dip. $5 Do. 8 do. cassimers and sheep's gray, same, . . . Lip. 2i yds. white fulled flannel, wool from Edgerton & Paddock, W. Burke, Mil. Dip. $5 Black cassimeie very fine, and 2 pieces tweeds, P. M. Perkins, Burlington, Dip. $5 Best pair blankets, J. Dawson, Madison, ... 3 15 lbs. sorted yarn, Keuhn, Each &, Co., . . Dip. 2 288 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. Class C— No. 33.— Paintings, Ambrotypes, Daguerreo- types AND Photographs. Oil painting, Fowler & Horn, Painting, water colors, Miss J. H. Johnson, 2d best do, C. Renter, Do., worthy of notice, R. C. Carter, Best crayon drawing, Miss Johnson, 2d do., Mrs. I. E. Clark, Best daguerreotypes, H. S. Brown, Do., plain photographs, same, 2d best ambrotypes, same, 2d best daguerreotypes, Johnson & Fuller, Do., ambrotypes, same. Best ambrotypes, Ford & Seeley, 2d best plain photographs, same, . Best colored photographs, Johnson & Fuller, 2d do., Fowler & Horn, Class C— No. 34.— Bookbinding, Etc. Best plain and ornamental printing, C. Holt, Janesville Superior specimens do., Starr & Sons, .... Best bookbinding, C. S. Boynton, .... Dip. 3 Class A.— No. 35.— Stoves, Cutlery and Silver Ware. 2d best cooking stove, G. P. Hewitt & Son, Best parlor do., same, .... Best cooking stove, H. W. Goodrich & Co., 2d do., parlor do., same. Best hall stove, same, 2d do., same, .... Samples of hollow ware, same. Best argentine ware, Blair & Persons, Best plated ware, H. W. Goodrich & Co., -No. 36. — Miscellaneous and Discretionarv Dip. 5 3 5 3 5 5 3 3 Dip. 6 2 .5 3 Dip. .5 $3 5 5 3 5 3 3 5 Class C. House furnishing goods, G. L. Davis, Samples of engraving, P. L. Mossin, $5 Dip. AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS. 289 Paper hangings, Ford & Fairbanks, China and glass ware, Elraore & Co., Portable steam engine, Menzel & Stone, Mathematical instruments, E. Frank, Stuffed birds, E. C. Springer, Carving in wood, N. Lorenz, Best hats, caps and furs, Salsman & Booth, Best lightning rods, C. L. Herring, 2d do, D. Wait, Best iron safes, Berliner & Bruno, Best bank lock, same, .... Shingle machine, L. A. Roberts, Peckham's cauldron furnace, L. Bonnell, Fairbank's scales, same, Best collection paper hangings. Fox & Crosby, Specimen of paper work, fancy table, J. J. McGrath, India ink drawings, E. T. Mix, Gruns, pistols and fishing tackle, A. H. Gardiner, Men's overshoes, Griswold & Bircham, 1-2 doz. calfskins, same, .... do kip skins, same, .... Assortment domestic manufactured boots, Atkins & Steel Lefevre & Greene, for 2 harrows, . do do 1 morticing machine, Case hats, caps and furs, Throop k Bro., Vose, Mitchell & Co., for potatoe digger, $1 ; meat cutter, $1 ; sausage stuffer, 60c; saw and chisel, 50c, Sewed water proof boots, H. Freeman, . Pressed brick, Besley, Watkins & Co., Spoke machine. Snow & Williams, Variety of ladies bonnets, G. O'Dea, 3 leather work frames, C. A. Buttles, do flowers, same, 2d best combination bank locks, Schumacher & Johnson, Silver plated door plates, same, Plated knobs, same, .... 2d best iron safes, J. HoUenbach, . i2 Dip. Dip. Dip. 10 Dip. 3 2 Dip. 1 Dip. Dip. 1 Dip. 5 Dip. 3 1 Dip. Dip. Dip. 1 Dip. Dip. 3 3 , Dip. 2 1 3 3 1 Dip. Dip. Dip. 3 2 10 1 1 2 290 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. Cigars, H. Fischerdick, 1 Hair work, J, H. Link, 2 Piano fortes, (Brown & Allen's) T. B. Mason, . . Dip. Best piano, manufactured in Wisconsin, C. Solomon, » lO Ornamental sugar work, H. George, .... 2 Long shawls, J. Dawson, 5 Best flour crackers, J. H. Coles, Dip. Fancy card stand, H. Chase, 2 India rubber goods, L. W. Russell, .... Dip. Stop cocks, C. H. Hoifman, 2 Elevations for farm buildings, T. T. Thomas, . . 3 Card basket, Mrs. Gardner, ...... 50fc Pencil drawing. Miss A. Johnson, .... 5 Machine for drawing water with 2 buckets, J. S. Jackson, Dip. Specimens of dentistry, M. P. Hanson, . . . Dip. Spring wheat flour, W. H. Pease, .... Dip. Winter wheat flour, same, . . . . . . Dip. Friction matches, J. P. Schram, ..... 1 Harness blacking, J. Ashly, ..... 1 Rosewood secretary, W. Wilkie, Dip. Castile soap, Howell & Kine, . . . . . l Willow chairs, C. Fredericks, 3 Willow baskets, same, 3 Marble mantles, H. E. Crampton, .... Dip. 2 net curtains, Mrs. Gilman, Racine, .... I Extension top carriage, R. E. Ela & Co., . . . Dip. Two seat rockaway do, same, ..... 3 Stationary top do, same, ... ... 5 Six seat carriage, same, 4 Horsepower equalizer, model, G. Heley, honorable mention. Dip. Lot pine lumber and shingles, Mabbetts & Breed, . 5 Improved spiral spring for wagons, C. B. Wakeman, . Dip. Chain pump, H. Boutwell, 1 Lather tanned in 12 days, E. N. Ely, .... 2 English trefoil grass, H. Stacy, . . . . • 1 Portable furnace, H. W. Goodrich & Co., . . . Dip. Spiral do, same, Dip. AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS. 291 Portable oven, meritorious. Coffee urns, do. Architectural drawings, Mygatt & Schmidtner, Patent portable fence, S. G. Tufts, meritorious. Kedsey's rainwater filter, J. E. Cheney & Co., Top buggy, M atther & Thorn, .... Open do, same, ....... Solid tubing, S. P. Gilbert, honorable mention. Improvement in window blinds, same, . Thimble skeins, D. Head, ..... Feather flowers. Miss Pitman, .... Home made rosewood book-case, Noyes, Flertzheim View of Milwaukee, Holtzlhuber, Eichardson & Gray exhibited Boynton's patent farnace, ....... Metropolitan Cooking Eange, . . . . Eegister and ventilators, . . . . . Schooley's patent Eefrigerators, . . . . Store ventilators, Patent Felloe machine, L. Adams, Washing machine, K. A. Orvis, . . . . 2d best leather work, Mrs. I. F. Clark, Hat and bonnet press, Best case clothing, W. W. Sherman, Iron fence and gate, Bayley & Greenslade, Worsted work, Mr. Kusel, . . . . , Class D.— No. 37.— Fruit. Best variety apples, D. Mathews, . 2d do, 0. S. Eathbone, 3d do. More & Spears, Best 10 varieties do, A. S. Putney, 2d do, M. Spears, . . . . 3d do, A. Van Vleck, . Best 5 varieties do, 0. S. Eathbone, 2d do, M. L. Burdick, , Best show winter do, S. Pettibone, &Co, ven Dip. Dip. Dip. 5 Dip. 1 Dip. tilating Dip. Dip. Dip. Dip. Dip. Dip. Dip. 1 1 Dip. Dip. 5 7 5 5 3 2 8 2 10 292 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUKE. 2d do, 0. S. Rathbone, 3d do, M. Spears, .... Best show autumn do, M. Spears, 2d do, D. Matthews, .... 3d do, 0. S. Rathbone, Best and greatest variety pears, J. Bell, 2d best do, S. Pettibone, Best and greatest variety grapes, G. P. Peffer, Best plums, same, .... Best show water melons, same. Best show preserved fruits, same, . Best collection seedling apples, same, Seedling grapes, favorable mention, C. H. Gilford. 7 5 10 7 6 7 6 5 7 3 5 1 WISCONSIN FRUir GROWERS' ASSOCIATION. The Wisconsin Fruit Growers' Association was organized in December, 1853. It was established for the purpose of collect- ing, arranging and disseminating facts interesting to those en- gaged in the culture of fruits, and to embody for their use the results of the practice and experiments of Fruit Growers in all parts of the State. The striking peculiarities of our climate and soils plainly •evinced that something different from the teachings of Eastern works on pomology and from the practice of Eastern orchardists -was needed in Wisconsin. The first public exhibition of the Association was held at Mil- waukee on the 5th and 6th of October, 1854. The number of Tarieties thus brought together, the size, fairness and extraordin- ary beauty of the fruits, satisfied those who attended the exhibi- tion that Wisconsin was destined to take a place in the first rank as a fruit growing State. FRUIT GROWERS' AS30CIATI0K 293 The second annual exhibition of the Association was held in connection with that of the Milwaukee Horticultural Society. It was in every respect perfectly successful, and fully confirmed the anticipations inspired by that of the preceeding year. These exhibitions, with tliose of the State Agricultural Society, were of especial value in dissipating a prevailing idea that fine fruits could not be as well grown in Wisconsin as in the Eastern States. A convention of the Association was held at Whitewater on the 12th and 13th day of December, 1855. Its object was, by a comparison of fruits and by the facts elicited in the discussions of practical men, to determine, as far as possibly, the value of the varieties on cultivation, to the fruit growers of this State. The discussions at this convention were reported, and -with several articles on the culture of fruits, were published in the Transactions of the Association for the year 1855. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. GREEN COUNTY. To THE Secretary of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. Sir : — In compliance with your instruction, I submit the fol- lowing abstract of the proceedings of the Green County Agricul- tural Society and Mechanics Institute: This Society was first organized on the 4th of July, 1853, by electing E. T. Gardner, President ; Josiah Eichardson", Sec- retary ; John A. Bingham, Cor. Secretary ; A. Ludlow, Treas- urer; and six Vice Presidents. A Fair was held about the 20th of November of the same year, at the Court House, in the village of Monroe. This Fair was got up on short notice, and was much better attended than was anticipated. The show of cattle and horses was small as well as mechanical and agricultural productions. A gratifying interest was manifested by all who attended the Fair, which bespoke the future progress of the Society. I recollect of seeing some tall specimens of corn, which reached to the upper windows of the Court House — over eighteen feet in height. The Fair lasted one day ; and one hundred dollars was paid for premiums. The officers elected in 1854, were, John A. Bingham, Pres- ident ; Charles S. Foster, Secretary ; M, Kelly Jr., Cor. Sec- retary ; James Bintliff, Treasurer ; and six Vice Presidents. An increased interest was manifested in the early part of this year to procure and fence suitable grounds for the next Fair. Seven acres of ground in the north part of the village of Monroe was procured with the privilege of purchasing at $50 per acre COUNTY EEPORTS. 295 or leasing a for term of years; Three acres of which was fenced at an expense of $350 — raised by selling life memberships at $ 1 0 each, subscribed principally by citizens of Monroe. The Fair was held in October, and lasted two days. The ex- hibition in every particular showed an improvement over the last year's Fair, and in many respects was very flattering. The show of cattle showed that some excellent breeds of Durham and Devonshire had been purchased and brought into our county the last year. The show of Domestic and Mechanical Manufactures more than doubled the previous year. A plowing match came off the second day. I do not recollect the successful competitor, but a degree of interest was manifested peculiarly gratifying. Two hundred dollars was paid for premiums. Officers elected in 1855, were John A. Bingham, President ; John W. Stewart, Secretary ; James Bintliff, Treasurer ; A. Ludlow, Superintendent of Fair Grrounds ; and six Yice Presi- dents from different towns. The Fair grounds previously spoken of, was purchased this year — seven and a half acres, at a cost of $50 per acre ; paid by selling life memberships, subscribed by citizens throughout the county. A Fair was held on the 25th and 26th of September. A more numerous list of premiums had been offered this year, embrac- ing almost every article grown or manufactured in the county. Over one hundred and fifty different premiums were competed for and paid. A premium was offered on farms and Gardens. Levi Star, of Jefferson, was the successful competitor on farms ; and A. Brisbery, of Monroe, on gardens. An address was de- livered by the President, John A. Bingham, on the 2d day of the Fair. Over $250 was paid this year for premiums. Officers elected in 1856, were Thomas Feuton, President ; S. M. Humes, Vice President; M. Kelly Jr., Secretary; Asa Richardson, Treasurer ; E. Bartlett, Cor. Secretary ; and an Executive Committee from each town in the county. Thn Fair this year lasted three days, and came off on the 2d, 3d and dth of October. Over one hundred dollars had been ex- pended in improving the grounds. The Fair was well attended 296 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. by spectators and members. About $4^0 were received of year- ly members and admittance fees on the Fair grounds. No life memberships were offered for sale. In anticipation that we should receive $100 from the State, we had offered a larger amount of premiums than we were able to pay. The improve- ments of the grounds, printing and other expenses were $ 1 50 ; leaving $300 to be paid for premiums, which only enabled us to pay about 80 cents on the dollar. And to encourage the read- ing of some agricultural paper, the Wisconsin Farmer for ]857 was paid those whose premiums amounted to one dollar and over. An address was delivered by N. L- Stout, on the 3d day of the Fair. This was certainly a proud day for Green county. The grade of stock had so far improved for the last three years that no per- son could have anticipated the great change for the better. The improvement in cattle was the most marked ; but that of horses had also improved materially. The display of sheep was very good, although limited, and the hogs were of fair quality ; the poultry very good. The mechanical department was not as well filled as it ought to have been. We hope for better things this year. A premium of $10 was awarded to the Monroe Brass Band. This Band made a fine appearance, and by their excellent music added much to the enjoyment of the occasion. A premium and diploma was awarded to F. F. West, for a patent windmill. This was a very ingeniously constructed machine, adapted to pumping, but may be applied to many uses requiring a small motive power. During the Fair, it supplied both mm and beast with water from an adjacent well, thereby giving a practical illustration of its ability. Several very fine carriages attracted particular attention, es- pecially a two horse carriage owned by T. W. Hall, and a one- horse carriage owned by D. Cady; but, as they were not made in the county, no premium was awarded. A plowing-match came off on the afternoon of the third day, and as the ground was near by, all business was suspended, to see the plowing. Four teams were entered, and the work was COUNTY REPOKTS. 297 well done. Qiiigly Ball, of Jefferson, drew the first premium, and Elijah Evens, of Monroe, the second. After the plowing, a trotting-match came off, under the direc- tion of the Jockey Club. Seven or eight horses were entered, and good trotting vras done. Otis Wells, of Jordon, won the purse. At this juncture, a new feature was gotten up, for a ride by the ladies. A purse was raised for the purchase of a saddle, and competitors entered. The riding was well executed, under the circumstances, and the prize was won by Miss Grardner. In June, 1857, our Society organized according to law, and elected S. M. Hume, of Decatur, President; M, Kelly, Jr., of Monroe, Vice President; Josiah Richardson, of Clarno, Secre- tary; John A. Brigham, of Monroe, Corresponding Secretary; N. Churchill, of Monroe, Treasurer. Our Fair will be held on the 22d, 23d and 24th inst. The fence is to be extended around seven acres of the ground, and many other improvements made before the Fair. lu submitting this report, I regret that I cannot give better statistical information. This is owing to the records, or, rather to the want of records of the Society. No records have been kept until the last year. Our Society is proceeding steadily and satisfactorily in the great work of agricultural improvement. The results, thus far, are sufficient to justify the warmest expectations, when we con- sider what may be done when greater effort is made. The diffi- culties with which these organizations are beset, are rapidly dis- appearing, and the people are becoming satisfied of the utility of agricultural societies and exhibitions. With the experience of the past, and the slight encouragement furnished by the legisla- tive bounty, together with the increasing attention manifested by the farming community, it cannot be doubted that Green county will, ere long, rank with the first counties in the State, distinguished for agricultural improvements. Yours truly, M. Kelly, Jr. To Mr. D. J. Powers. Monroe, Green county, Sept. 4, 1857. j2 298 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. PIERCE COUNTY. To THE Secretary of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Sociei-v. Dear Sir : — ^The North- Western Union Agricultural Society was organized by the farmers and mechanics of the counties of Pierce and St. Croix, at River Falls, on the ist of May, 1856. The members, thus far, have shown unusual activity and public spirit, in carrying out the operations of the Society. The first corps of officers elected were : C. B. Cox, of River Falls, Pierce county. President; P. D, Aldrich, of Hudson, St. Croix county, G. W. Mc Murphy, of Prescott, Pierce county, and Wm. A. Tozer, of River Falls, Pierce county. Vice Presi- dents ; N. N. Powell, of River Falls, Pierce county. Recording Secretary; J. 0. Henning, of Hudson, St. Croix county. Cor- responding Secretary; J. M. Whaley, of Hudson, St. Croix county. Treasurer ; 0. Gibbs, of Prescott, Pierce county, James Walstow, of Hudson, St. Croix county, G. W. Cairns, of River Falls, Pierce county, balance of the Executive Committee. These officers held their offices till the first annual meeting of the Society, which, according to the Constitution, is to occur on the second Monday of January of each year. These officers constitute the Executive Committee. The First Annual Fair and Cattle Show of the Society was held at River Falls, on Wednesday and Thursday, the 24:th and 25th of September, 1856; and the exhibition room, and the grounds around, were better filled mth choice selections from the flock, the field, and the garden ; from the handiwork of the ladies, the artist and the mochaoic, than the most sanguine friends of the enterprise had ever hoped ; and the success of this first effort has convinced even the skeptical that prosperity will attend us. The number of entries is not at hand, but 62 premiums were awarded to successful competitors, consisting of diplomas, agri- cultural periodicals and cash. COUNTY EEPOKTS. 299 The first annual meeting of the Society was held at Eiver Falls, on Monday, January 12, 1857; C. B. Cox, Chairman, N". N". Powell, Secretary. The business of the previous year was closed up, showing that $125 had been raised by the Society. The following officers were elected for the present year : C. B. Cox, of River Falls, Pierce county, President ; Oliver GiBBS, of Prescott, Pierce county, G. W. Cairns, River Falls, Pierce county, P. D. Aldrich, of Hudson, St. Croix county, Vice Presidents; George May Powell, of River Falls, Pierce county, Recording Secretary ; Smith R. Gunn, of Prescott, Treasurer ; Wm. Martin, of Hudson, St. Croix county, Corres- ponding Secretary ; D. B. Bailey, of Prescott, Pierce county, Wm. a. Tozer, of River Falls, Pierce county, and James Wal- STOW, of Hudson, St. Croix county, balance of the Executive Committee. The Society met at River Falls, on the 9th of May, 1857, and decided that the Fair of the year 1857 should be held at River Falls, on Wednesday and Thursday, the 23d and 24th of Sep- tember, and committees were then appointed to procure and pre- pare ample grounds for the Fair, and make such other provisions as would be necessary for a well appointed and advantageous exhibition. The Society have commenced collecting a library, which they propose enlarging considerably this season, and as speedily as possible to procure such other aids as shall enable them to take a high stand among societies of a kindred nature in this State or in the West. Hoping that our Society may prove to be, as contemplated, auxilliary to the State Society, and that a mutual benefit arise, I subscribe myself. Respectfully and sincerely yours, In the improvements of the day, Geo. May Powell, Secretary. To George 0. Tiffany. 300 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. WALWORTH COUNTY. To THE SeCRKTART OF THE WISCONSIN StATiS AGRICULTURAL SoCIETY. Dear Sir : — I ought to make an apology to you for not more promptly attending to the duty of making a brief report of the condition, progress and success of our County Society, but it is to no purpose and I will not, for that reason, do it. Our Society is in a flourishing condition, numbering about 3&fty life members, and about three hundred who subscribe year- ly. This number in the rich agricultural county of Walworth, to be sure, ought to be qwidrupled^ and I hope soon to see it. The Society here has its grounds convenient to our village, nicely fenced and properly shaded, with temporary buildings inside, which I expect will soon be changed into permanent fix- tures. Last year there were about three hundred and fifty entries, being a respectable increase over the year preceding. The Fair was held last year on the 10th and Ilth days of Sep- tember, and is to be held this year on the 2ith and 25th days of the same month. The address last year was delivered by the Hon. J. R. DoOLiTTLE, and was a rich treat to every farmer and every professional man. This Society, by its By-Laws, holds its election on the 2d day of the Fair, on the Fair grounds, after everything else is disposed of The ofiicers elected last year, and now serving, are the follow- ing: President, Rob't T. Seymour, La Fayette ; Vice President, Seymour Brooks, East Troy ; Treasurer, Edwin HoDGes, Elk Horn ; Secretaries, Edw, Eldeckin, Hollis Latham, Elk Horn. Board of Mangers — Hiram Cross, 0. Gr. Ewings, La Grange; S. B. Edwards, East Troy ; H. M. Ray, Darien ; Wm Bell, Walworth; David Williams, Geneva; P. G. Harington, Su- gar Creek ; C. Wiswell, La Fayette ; H. J. Starin, White- water. COUNTY REPORTS. 301 This Society last year exchanged the two leading Committees, to-wit: on Horses, and on Neat Stock, with the Rock Co. Agri- cultural Society. And I think it an excellent plan for every Society in the State ; by this means the awards made will natur- ally be made upon the judgement of disinterested men, and men who are strangers not only to the stock upon exhibition, but also, what is very important, to the owners thereof We hope to have a spirited time at our Fair this Fall, and I cherish the hope that the time will soon come, when the Wal- worth County Agricultural Society will equal that of any other in the State of Wisconsin. I am very respecfully and truly yours, Edw. ELDECKm, Secretary. Elkhorn, Aug. 30, 1857. WAUPACCA COUNTY. The Agricultural Society of Waupaca County held its Annual Cattle Show and Fair at Parfreyville, on the '24th and 25th of of September last. The President of the Society not being pres- ent Tyler Caldwell officiated as President py^o km. An amend- ment to the By-Laws of the Society, presented by the Commit- tee on the same, was adopted, to the following effect: That stock or articles exhibited for competition, and to which the highest premium was awarded, should not be prohibited from being again ente.ed and again drawing the highest premium un- less surpassed. By vote of the Society, all members of the Society in arrears were required to pay the same to be entitled to continuance of membership. By report of committee for the purpose, the following persons were chosen to examine and award premiums in the several de- partments : 802 WISCONSIN" AGEICULTUEE. On Cattle — Franklin King, Samuel Hoyt, Henry Ketchum . On Horses — Asa Worden, James Shaw, Tyler Caldwell. On Sheep and Swine — Geo. W. Taggart, Alex. Baxter, Ly- man Dayton. On Sugar, Flour, Butter, Cheese and Bread — C. L. Gumaer, Dr. L. B. Brainard, C. L. Bartlett. Manufactured articles of Wood and Iron — Geo, W. Taggart, Andrew Potts, Henry Ketchum. Field Crops — Geo. W. Pope, Lyman Dayton, E. J. Putnam. Harness, Boots and Shoes — James Sexton, Dr. L B. Brainard, 0. Worden, Miscellaneous Articles — James Shaw, Asa Worden, Dr. Brain • ard. Farms — W. L Chamberlain, Tyler Caldwell, Dr. L. B. Brain- ard. The Committees on Farms and Field Crops are to report at Parfreyville, on the third Monday in November next, at one o'clock P. M. The committee, after deliberate examination of all the several things and the stock entered for premiums, awarded the premi-. urns in the several departments as follows : HORSES. Best draft horses, E* C. Sessions, $5 2d best do, E. J. Putnam, 3 Best carriage horses, A. Worden, .... 5 2d best do, A. Baxter, 3 3d do, A. Custard, 1 Best stallion, Henry Ketchum, ... .4 2d best do, C. Doty, 2 Best single horse, A. Worden, 3 2d best do, C. L. Bartlett, 2 3d do, A. Worden, - l Best pair breeding mares, J, Sexton, - - - - 3 2d best do, F. Beardsmore, 2 Best single breeding mare, C, L, Bartlett, - - - 2 2d best do, G. W. Taggart, 1 COUNTY EEPOETS. 303 Best 3 year old colt, H. Sexton, - ... - 2 2d best do, same, 1 Best 1 year old colt, Jas. Sexton, .... 2 2d best do, G. W. Taggart, 1 Best sucking colt, Jas. Sexton, 1 CATTLE. Best yoke oxen, Wm. Chambers, - - - - $4 2d best do, W. C. Barlow, -.-.-- 2 3d do, Andrew Potts, - - 1 Best yearling bull, Joseph Edwards, . . - . 2 2dbest do, Tyler Caldwell, 1 Best yearling heifer, Juo. Gardner, .... 2 2d best do, H. D. Hoyt, ...... 1 Best 3 year old steers, C. Sheldon, .... 3 2d best do, Geo. Aarcher, 1 Best 2 year old steers, S. Packard, .... 3 2d best do, Geo. Archer, .1 Best milch cow, D. C. Barnum, 3 2d best do J. W. Edwards, - - - - 2 3d best do Lyman Dayton, .... i Best calf, John G'lrdinier, 1 " bull 3 years old, John Horton, .... 2 '• fat ox, same, 1 " fat ox, John Gardinier, 2 SHEEP 1.ND SWINE. Best buck, Tyler Caldwell, $3 " 3 ewes, same, 3 " boar, E. C. Packard, 3 " breeding sow, P. Holman, 3 2d best pigs 3 months old, Horace Hoyt, ... 2 MANUFACTURED ARTICLES. Best churn, Henry Howe, - - - - , - $1 00 " sign, P. M. Doris, 1 " double harness, Ogden & Rowe, - - - - 2 304 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. " fine calf boots, J. W. Lawrence, ... -2 " stoga boots, same, 1 " barrel of flour, Mitchell & Redfield, - . - S 2d best do D, C. Barnum, - - - - 2 Best 10 lbs. butter, Charles Haire, .... 1 " bread, A. Vanduzee, ^0 " quilt, Miss Alice E. Brainard. - - - - 75 " fancy leather frame, same, 50 " buck-skin gloves, A. Worden, - - - - 25 " bed-spread, same, 50 2d best quilt, E. 0. P;^ckard, 50 Best tamp mats, E. C. Sessions, - - - - - 25 " hair wreath, John Gardinier, - - - - 50 " buck-skin, good article, Ira Markham, - - — " bonnet, Mrs. Eimira M. Smith, - - - - 50 There were other articles presented for exhibition which were meritorious, but not sufficiently so as to entitle them to premiums. On motion of Lyman Dayton, it was voted that in future, no article of manufacture be admitted for exhibition unless manu- factured by the person who entered the same. Measures were then taken to secure the sum of $100 from the State, and the same has been applied for, and will doubtless be received. The by-laws were further amended, to the effect that by the first day of May a list of premiums shall be published, and every member to be supplied with the same. Also, that in every case when certain fixed principles are necessary to an efiect in cultivation or in manufactures, the same shall be made known to the Secretary of the Society, for the use of members. The following persons were chosen to attend the State Con- vention, to be held at Madison, in October : C. L. Gumaer, William Gumaer, Louis Bostedo, James Shaw and C. L. Bartlett. The Society then proceeded to the choice of officers for the ensuing year, when the following persons were elected : COUNTY EE PORTS. 305 Lyman Dayton, President; Tyler Caldwell, Yice-Prt si- dent ; C. L. GuMAER, Treasurer ; C. L. Bartlett, Secretary ; Directors — John Littlefield, Caledonia; Jas. Meiklejohn, Little Wolf; Joseph Edwards, Dayton ; L. B. Brainard, Waupaca; Francis Beardsmore, Farmington; Alex. Baxter, Weyauwega ; H. Ketchum, Mukwa ; Geo. W. Taggart, Lind ;. M. R. Baldwin, lola ; H. Baldwin, Royalton. The Society then adjourned, to meet at Parfreyville, on the third Monday in November next, to hear the report of the com- mittee on farms and field crops. C. L. GuMAER, Secretary. The Agricultural Society met at Parfreyville, on the 17th of November, agreeable to adjournment. The President being absent, T. Caldwell was called to the Chair, and C. L. Bartlett acted as Secretary. The report of the committee on farms and field crops was as follows: Best improved and cultivated farm, Lyman Dayton, - $5 2d best do do Joseph Edwards, - 3 Best spring wheat, same, - - 3 2d best do Andrew Palls, .... 2 Best half acre of English turnips, Joseph Edwards, - 2 The Society then adjourned to meet at Waupaca, on the 4th of May, 1857. C. L. Bartlett, Acting Secretary. DODGE COUNTY. D. J. Powers, Esq. Dear Sir : — Yours of Aug. 5th came to hand in due time. The Agricultural Society for this County was formed anew this last Fall, and intend to commence and endeavor to keep up the new Society. The old Society was a failure. You have the names of our officers, and that is about all there is to it. Yours truly, Allen H. Atwater. 2k 806 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. SAUK COUNTY. To THE SeCRETARV OF THE WISCONSIN StATE AGRICULTURAL SoCIETY. Dear Sir : — Some time in the month of January, 1855, a no- tice appeared in the newsj^aper of Baraboo, requesting the atten- dance, at a time and place named, of all persons friendly to Ag- ricultural improvement, for the purpose of organizing an Agri- cultural Society for the County of Sauk. At the meeting held in accordance with this call, at the count- ing room of Messrs. Maxwell, merchants of the village of Bara- boo, a committee was appointed to draft a constitation for a So- ciety, and the meeting then adjourned to meet again on the 22d of February, at Taylor's Hall. On the 22d of Feb., those friendly to the organization of an Agricultural Society in Sauk County met pursuant to such ad- journment, and organized by calling Alex. Crawford, Esq., to the Chair, and appointing Jas. S. Morely Secretary. The Committee previously appointed for that purpose, through their chairman, Jas. M. Clark, reported a Constitution, which, after full discussion and some slight amendment, was, on mo- tion of B. L. Brier, adopted, and the Society organized by the election of the following officers for the ensuing year, viz : President, James M. Clark ; Vice President, Daniel Pounh ; Secretary, S. S. Morely ; Treasurer, R. H. Davis j Executive Committee, Isaac W. Morely, R. R. Pennington, C. H. Wil- liams, E. O, RuDD, F. K. Jenkins, John Acker, A. F. Kel- logg, Z. Eldridge, Henry Ochmer, A. Stewart, W, And- rews, B. G. Blakesley, Albert Kelley. After which twenty-four persons present became members of the Society by signing the Constitution and the payment of one dollar each, and after the transaction of some further business the meeting adjourned. At a meeting of the Executive Committee, held in the sum- mer of 1855, it was resolved to hold a Fair, at Baraboo, on the ■' of Oct. 1855 ; and a premium list and rules for the regula- '^the Fair were made and ordered to be published. > COUNTY REPOETS. 307 At a subsequent meeting of the Executive Committee, held. Sept 15, of the same year, Judge Clark presented his resigna- tion of the office of President of the Society, and R. G. Camp was appointed to fill the vacancy. The first Cattle Show and Fair of the Society was looked for- ward to with no slight anxiety by the leading friends of the movement. The Society was feeble, without funds. No cash premiums could be offered — copies of the Transactions of the State Agricultural Society and certificates only were offered as premiums — and the arrangements for the Fair were necessarily very imperfect. The farmers generally had not yet wholly re- covered from the privations and disadvantages incident to the settlement of a new country ; and by many it was feared that the show would prove a failure, and the industrial interest of the county be injured, rather than benefitted by the effort. Hap- pily, however, their fears proved to be entirely groundless. The Farmers of no inconsiderable portion of the county turned out with commendable zeal. The mechanics and business men gen- erally bestirred themselves in behalf of the Society ; and last but by no means least, the ladies of Baraboo, by their zeal man- ifested not only in the exhibition of the beautiful products of their skill and industry, bu^. also by the tasteful assistance ren- dered the committee of arrangements, in the preparation for the Fair, contributed in a very important degree to the success of the Society. To the surprise of not a few and the delight of all the friends of the movement, the Show and Fair was eminently successful. The exhibition of Agricultural and Mechanical pro- ducts would have been creditable to a much older County and Society. Over 100 membership ' tickets were taken; near 700 single tickets were sold at the gates of the Fair grounds, and the Treasurer was enabled to report at the close of the year that a ballance remained in the Treasury, after paying all expenses, of $136 25. At the annual meeting held March 15th, 1856, the following gentlemen were elected officers for the ensuing year : President, R. Gr. Camp ; Vice President, J. W. Morely ;. Treasurer, R. H. Davis ; Secretary, M. C. Waite ; and an Exe- 808 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. cutive Committee of 17 members, being one from each town in the county. The friends of the cause deeming a new organization necessa- ry in order to bring themselves within the provisions of "An act of the State Legislature, passed March 31st, 18o6, for the encour- agement of Horticulture, Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts in the State of Wisconsin," a meeting was held at the office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, in Baraboo, July 15, 1856, at which meeting, those present organized themselves into a Society, to be known and styled, as the Sauk County Agricultural Society. On motion, the officers of the old Agricultural Society, were elected officers of the new Society. By consent, the names of the members of the old Society were transferred. Tlie funds of the old Society, amounting to $130 00, were passed into the treasury of the new Society ; and the Constitution and By-Laws of the old, so far as they could be made applicable, were adopted for the government of the new Society. The Annual Cattle Show and Fair of the Sauk County Agri- cultural Society, for 1856, was held at Baraboo, on the 1st and 2d days of October of that year. This exhibition of the pro- ducts of Mechanical and Agricultural skill has, upon the whole, been quite successful. The inability of the Society to procure a building in all respects suitable to hold fine articles was no slight drawback upon its success. A verj* good room for the purpi ise was furnished by Mr. John Taylor, for part of a day, but the ne- cessity for removing many of the most interesting articles at an early hour disappointed many who were unable to attend the first day of the Fair. The stock offered in competition was much of it excellent. A. Durham bull exhibited by Chas. Wil- liams, and another by Geo. W. Burwell, received special com- mendation; and some fine blooded cows were exhibited by Z. Lee and T. W. Longley. A fine stallion, the property of S. Burdick, and some mares by Geo. Tucker and E. Hill, were en- titled to special notice. J. T. Tuckam, H. Caldwell and Thos. English were also exhibitors of some fine brood mares and colts. Superb specimens of Spanish and French Merino sheep were on COUNTY REPORTS. 309 the ground owned by J. W. Morelj, S. P. Kagerty, Jas. Morely, of Sank County, and also some by J. W. Patterson, of N. Y. F. G. Stanley exhibited the best horse team for all work. Some good work cattle were offered but this division of the exhibition was not on the whole what it ought to have been. The show of grain and garden products was fine, but not full enough ; and some fine specimens of mechanical skill were offered — this de- partment was rather meagre this year. The fruit garden was not wholly unrepresented, notwithstanding the wide spread de- struction of fruit trees by the terribly severe winter of 185.5-6, there was quite a fair show of fruit. Some choice Catawba and Gazella grapes exhibited by R. G. Camp, A. G. Tuttle and T. L. Clark, attracted much attention; and a superb collection of ap- ples, exhibited by Jas. M. Clark, embracing 54 choice grafted sorts, excited much admiration by their fine size, beauty and ex- cellent flavor. The want of a suitable room for the 2d day di- minished much the cash receipts of the Fair, and the Treasury books not being present, I am not able to report the entire re- ceipts. The cash premiums amounted to about 170 dollars, and a considerable number of copies of Wisconsin FafTner and Transactions of the State Agricultural Society were also paid out as premiums — the precise number not known. At the close of the year the Treasurer reported the sum of $23 97 in the treasury after payment of all premiums and expenses. The following persons were elected officers for the ensuing year. President, R. H. Davis ; Yice President, J. B. Crawford ; Treasurer, J. W. Morkly; Secretary, E. Martin. The President, R. H. Davis, having resigned that office July 11th, John W. Powell was appointed to fill the vacancy. Membership tickets to the amount of $100 had been disposed of for the present year. A premium list has been presented by the committee for a Fair, to be held September 24th and 25th next ; and it is believed that with a good degree of industry, tact and energy on the part of its friends, the Society may yet ac- complish all that its most sanguine supporters anticipated, in pro- moting the interest of the producing classes of Sauk County. Respectfully, E. Martin, Secreicry. 310 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. IOWA COUNTY. To THE SeCRKTARY OF THE VVlSCONSI.V StATE AGRICULTURAL SoCIETY. Sir: — In conformity with my duty as Secretary of the Iowa County Agricultural Society, I beg leave to submit the following report : In July 1 851, at the Court House in Mineral Point, the first Iowa County Agricultural Society was organized. At that meeting H. F. Leffingwell was elected President, and Gen. Wji. R. Smith, Secretary of the Society. Articles of Associa- tion were agreed upon, and a premium list was adopted. On the lOth and 11th of October, 1851, the First Annual Fair was held at Mineral Point, and an address was delivered by Hon, C. C. Washburn, and premiums were awarded. At a special meeting held September -Ith, 185'3, Hon. L. W. Joiner was elected President, and Genr. W]\r. P. Smith re-elected Secretary of the Society. For reasons unknown to the undersigned, from that date the Society ceased to exist. Through the exertions of the Hon. H. M. Billings, a Mass Convention was convened at the Town Hall in Dods-eville, on the 26th of June, 18.56, for the purpose of establishing perma- nently an Iowa County Agricultural Society. The meeting was fully attended, and the following ofl&cers of the Society were elected : Hon. H. M. Billings, President; S. Hendy, Hon. L. Ster- ling, Hon. L. W. Joiner, Vice-Presidents ; G. Messersmith, Recording Secretary ; L. H. D. Crane, Corresponding Secretary; P. Eddy, Treasurer. Town Committees were appointed, and a Constitution was adopted. At a meeting held at Dodgeville, on the 21st of August, 1856, a premium list, and committees of awards and regulations were agreed upon. On the 1st and 2d days of October, 1856, the First Annual Fair of this Society was held at Dodgeville. A large collection COUNTY EEPOETS. 311 of people assembled to witness the exhibition. At 2 o'clock P. M. of the second day, an able address was delivered by the President, Hon, H. M. Billings, and premiums were awarded. At the adjourned annual meeting held at Dodge ville, January 8, 1857, it appeared that the Amount expended for premiums, for 1856, was, - $142 35 Miscellaneous expenses, 61 81 Number of members, (last year,) .... 131 Cash contributed towards expenses, .... $20 78 Cash received at door on day of Fair, - - - 10 00 Volumes of Saxton's publications, for premiums, - 16 An organization was completed for the ensuing year, and the business of last year was brought to a close. All of which is respectfully submitted. L. H. D. Crane, Secretary. Dodgeville, January 8, 1857. RACINE COUNTY. To THE Secretary of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. Sir : — I send you a brief statement of the condition and progress of the Racine County Agricultural Society for the years 1854, 1855 and 1856. 1854. The Society, this year, shows some advancement. The premium list has beeti enlarged, and the contributions to the funds of the Society have been increased. The officers are: President, H. Collins; Vice-President, C. K. McEabron; Treasurer, E. Crane ; Corresponding Secretary, C. Clement ; Recording Secretary, J. F. Gray. The Fair was held in the town of Yorkville, and the show of stock, and articles of manu- facture, indicated that the farmers and mechanics of this county 312 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. take a lively interest in the Society. Rev. Dr. Park, President of Racine College, delivered an address peculiarly adapted to the occasion, being an application of eminent literary learning to the arts of industry. 1855. The officers for this year, are : President, C. S. Wright ; Vice-President, P. M. Perkins ; Treasurer, J. Scott ; Corresponding Secretary, Wm. Whitely ; Recording Secretary, S. 0. Bennett. Owing to some dissatisfaction in regard to the location of the Fair, the attendance was not so general as was desirable. The address was delivered by the Rev. J. M. Wood- man, of Rochester. ]\[r. Woodman is a practical farmer, as well as a member of a learned profession, and the address was able and suitable to the occasion. 1856. The operations of the Society for this year, bespeak a brighter future for us, and we hope will insure our permanent prosperity. Feeling sensibly the inconveniences of moving the Fair from place to place, the officers concluded to fix it permanently. A gratuitous lease of five acres of land, for ten years, was offered to the Society, by P. P. Taber, of Union Grove, and the offer was readily accepted. Operations were immediately commenced to fence and prepare these grounds, and when the people assem- bled in October, at the Annual Exhibition, all seemed j^leased that we had a place " of our own, where all may come." There was a good show of stock, articles of manufacture, ladies' ornamental work, etc., and premiums were awarded to the amount of near $400. The address of N. H. Dale, which was published, by resolution of the Society, I forward with this report. The officers for 1856, are: President, P. M. Perkins; Vice- President, J. Russell, Jr. ; Treasurer, J. Scott ; Corresponding Secretary, S. O. Bennett ; Recording Secretary, C. S. Chase. The prospects of the Society, at present, are flattering, and I feel confident that the report for 1857 will show a decided im- provement in the condition of the Society, and some advance- ment in all the arts of industry. Yours, respectfully, C. S. Chase, Secretary. COUNTY REPOETS. 313 At a meeting of the members of the Racine County Agricul- tural Society, held on the Fair Grounds, at Union Grove, at the close of the address of N. H. Dale, Esq., on the 25th day of Sep- tember, 1856, the following resolution, offered by Zebina Bliss Esq., of Burlington, was unanimously adopted : Besolved^ That this Society solicit a copy of the Address just delivered by N. H. Dale, for publication. C. S. Chase, Secretary. ANNUAL ADDRESS DELIVERED BEFORE THE RACINE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, On the Fair Ground at Union Grove^ September 25, 1856. BT N. H. DALE, ESQ. Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : — The occasion that has called us together to-day is one of no small importance. Connected, as it is, with the development of the principles of natural science, and the application of those principles to agricul- ture and the works of art — effecting, as we hope it will, our im- provement, financially, intellectually, socially, and therefore morally — identified as it necessarily must be, with our progress in the arts of civilization, and with the formation and cultivation of those characteristics that distinguish civilized from barbarous nations — it justly merits the countenance and encouragement of every one who wishes to see the community in which he lives become wiser, happier, and more prosperous. And I rejoice to see here to-day, so full a representation of the strength, the skill, the learning, and the beauty of Racine county. But since our Agricultural Society and its Annual Fair, are matters of so much consequence — and since so many of the industrious and intelli- gent of the county ha /"e, by their presence to-day, manifested an interest in building up and sustaining the Society, I can but fear that your President has committed an error in calling upon me 2l 314 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. — who am but a "farmer's boy" and comparatively uneducated — to address you on tbis occasion. But we shall trust to your generosity to pardon his fault and my presumption. We are not assembled to celebrate the conquests of an army that has wasted blood and treasure to gratify the caprice or am- bition of an Emperor; neither are we met to congratulate his Kingly Majesty on the extension of his dominions, but we are here to encourage the cultivation of the arts of peace, and to cele- brate the triumphant march of intelligent industry. And what is more worthy of a tribute of respect than labor ? What more deserving an annual festival like the present ? By labor we procure for ourselves the necessaries and the comforts of life. By it we develop our physical and mental powers, which our Creator has given us for no other purpose than that we should icse them, and thereby secure our own happiness. Labor has brought this world of ours to the state in which we now find it — it has subdued and cultivated the soil; it has hewn down the forests ; it has built up cities ; it has navigated the oceans, the lakes, and the rivers of the earth; it has constructed those nu- merous chains of railroads that stretch across countries and con- tinents, and has put upon their tracks the iron horse, which, pro- pelled by fire and steam, goes forth to labor at the will of its master. It has done all this and much more ; and guided by ed- ucated minds and enlightened understandings, it will be the great instrument to bring about the universal civilization of the human race. The pyramids and obelisks of Egypt, and the temples and terraces of Asiatic cities, whose glory is almost wip- ed out by the hand of time, bear the traces of that same agent, and prove to us that whatever of greatness has been possessed by any people, in any age, has been procured by labor. Say not then that labor is degrading — that the man or woman who earn their daily bread by following some honest occupation, is less honorable than they who, having a sufficiency of this world's goods, that has been obtained by the labor of others, waste their lives in luxury and idleness. Away with these false notions that have crept into society, that refinement consists in a fine white hand, unsullied by toil, and a pale face on which the sun COUKTY REPOETS. 315 lias scarcely been allowed to shine. No ! A refined mind and a noble generous heart, are often accompanied by a hard hand and a sun-burnt brow. Bat I must pas3 on to speak of this Society in its several de- partments. The name — Agricultural Society — may seem to indicate an exclusiveness, as though the Society was organized for the agri- culturalist alone, to the exclusion of others. But in looking over the exhibition, we find that notwithstanding the tiller of the soil as well as his occupation, have been honored by giving the name to the Society, yet the term has a most extensive ap- plication. The farmer exhibits his grain, his corn, his potatoes and the other productions of the soil ; also his horse ■, his cattle, his sheep, and other animals. Accompanying him the horticul- turist shows the products of his orchard and garden. These two may be classed together ; and this department, for the sake of distinction, we will call the department of natural productions. Then here are the mechanic and the artist, who present us with almost every article of utility that artistic skill can invent and construct ; and this we call the department of art. And last but not least, comes the department of beauty. Here, the ladies show us the work of their hands, among which are things cu- rious, ornamental, and useful, and surpassed in beauty only by those who exhibit them. Of each of these departments I will briefly speak in order. We are all in the pursuit of happiness. "We all wish to live so as to enjoy life. Now, in order to obtain this end, in speak- ing of the farmer, I would say he wants two things — first to get a comfortable living, and then to live comfortably ; and the question for him is, how can he secure these objects ? I propose giving a few hints, that shall go toward answering this question. Some one has given us this proverbial injunction — " What you do, do well ; " and to no business is this maxim more appli- cable than to farming. We are apt to grasp more than we can span — to measure in imagination more than the measuring reed of experiment will reach, and in attempting to cultivate a broad- er field than we are able, we allow weeds to spring up and take 316 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. the place of that which we have sown. They take from the soil very much of its productive properties, therefore they not only make this year's crop much less than it should be, but also in- jure the land for coming years. Then again, since vegetation derives a great portion of its life and its growth from the atmos- phere, it follows that weeds mast materially injure the crop in this respect, by inhaling those gases which go to form vegetable matter. And I am. fully satisfied that raising weeds will do but little toward getting a comfortable living. Perhaps I cannot present this point more forcibly than to quote the words of an old farmer of Ohio, who, by-the-bye, was a "Pennsylvania Dutchman." In speaking of raising Indian corn, he said, "those who plant and don't hoe get thirty bushels to the acre ; those who ^oe once get sixty ; and those Avho hoe twice get ninety." Now, although this ratio of increase may seem large, yet this principle will apply to the raising of all kinds of produce. If I were asked how to prevent the growth of weeds, I would answer, first, never let weeds go to seed ; then always plow in the Fall instead of the Spring ; always plow deep ; and as often as once in four years plant a crop that needs hoeing, and hoe it thor- oughly. But some will say, the price of labor is veiy high. Here the mechanic steps in and offers us labor-saving machines, by the help of which one man will do the work of half a dozen. And it seems to me that no farmer should fail to avail himself of the advantages arising from their use. Franklin said that " time is money ; " consequently, he who saves time saves money. Another of his proverbs was, " a penny saved is two pence gain- ed." Then, if this be true, that man is the prudent farmer who uses those helps that enable him to do a large amount of work in a little time. Some years ago the Russian farmer plowed his land with a pointed stick ; for a harrow he took a fir tree, cut off the limbs about a foot from the trunk, and then drew it top fore- most, to harrow in the seed ; in harvest he cut his grain with a sickle, tied it up in ropes, carried it to the place of threshing on horseback, and then threshed it with a single stick in his liand, not even putting two sticks together to make a flail. This we should not call scientific farming, neither will such a method so- COUNTY REPORTS. 317 cure for us the object we are seeking for, viz, a comfortable liv- ing. Another important branch connected with forming is the rais- ing of stock. This branch, I am persuaded, the farmers of Wis- consin have too much neglected. It is true that the show of cat- tle, horses and sheep here to-day is encouraging. It indicates that there are farmers among us who are pursuing the right course to improve their stock; yet there is manifestly among farmers generally, a carelessness respecting this matter. I have kept a flock of sheep, from which I did not get yearly, seventy- five cents worth of wool per head ; while some of my neighbors got from theirs twic^ that amount, and it cost no more to keep theirs than mine. Now, gentlemen, although I have not had much experience in this depiirtment of farming, yet I am persua- ded that we can get a grade of sheep from which, if they are well kept, will be sheared a yearly avei-age of from $1,75 to $2.00 worth of wool per head; and that these sheep are as hardy and as easily wintered as any other. Then have we been com- mitting a serious error in keeping such flocks as we have kept. And what is true of sheep is true of all other kinds of stock — the better the animal the better he pays the keeper. But time will not permit me to speak of each separately. A comfortable living necessarily includes fruit and garden vegetables; and we may say a few words about this class of products. You will all admit the convenience of having fruit, and the necessity of prompt and early action in setting out fruit trees, so as to secure these luxuries ; but many have become discouraged because nature seems to have thrown some obstacles in the way of our success. It is true that the peach, the quince, the larger varieties of the cherry, and some other of the richer fruits, may not bear the severity of the winter, but the apple the pear, the plum, and many other kinds of the most useful fruit, seem well adapted to oui- climate and soil, and usually yield an abundant crop. The cold last winter being more severe than usual, killed a few trees in some orchards ; yet, as this never happened before since the white man first built his cabin on our prairies, we must not look for its recurrence. Perhaps 318 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. the greatest enemy of the apple tree, is that species of insect called bark-lice. These are becoming fearfully destructive, and threaten to be a lasting trouble. But we hope that some scien- tific fruit-grower will soon discover a successful remedy for this scourge. This brings to mind the necessity of having a medium of communication between farmers, fruit-growers and mechan- ics, so that each may know the improvements and discoveries of the others. For this purpose we must take an agricultural paper. There is one published at the Capital of our State that merits our patronage and support, and I trust that each farmer of this county will make this valuable acquisition to his library. Having procured the necessaries for a comfortable living, it then remains to live comfortabl}", and in order to this, there are a few things necessary. Of course, the farmer should have a companion to share with him the comforts of his rural home. Although I confess that there are some of us who are not so highly favored, yet such is usually regarded as indispensable. Then, around his dwelling, in addition to an orchard, he may have a variety of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubbery, flowers, etc., giving to his home an appearance, not only of utility and convenience, but also of neatness and beauty. In arranging a house, garden, barn, yards, and other fixtures around the farm, we may do well to give attention to a few lessons which science and observation teach us. The laws of health require that around our dwellings we should observe the strictest rules of cleanliness — that there should be no heaps of decaying vegetable matter that would generate offensive vapors. The yarding of cattle or other animals around or near the house, is an arrange- ment that does not add to our health or comfort. There are many annoyances that arise from this practice, such as mus- quitos, house flies and other insects that are brought to the house by the cattle. Ladies, if you don't want 3'our houses filled with flies, get your husbands to build the cow-yard at some distance from the house. Encourage the martin-bird to build his dwell- ing near to yours, so that the flies which the cows leave behind in the morning, instead of flying immediately in at the Avindows, will furnish a breakfast for the feathered families. It is well COUNTY EEPOETS. 819 also to have shrubbery growing, or a crop such as corn, cultiva- ted between the yard and the house, I have seen places where things were thus arranged, and I heard no complaint of flies. I should not have spoken at so great length of the farmer and his occupation, were it not that I was requested so to do by the officers and friends of the Society. In leaving this department allow me to say that a farmer, surrounded by his famih' and the other necessaries and comforts of life, is certainly the best repre- sentation of a "nobleman " that society furnishes. Of the department of art I must speak very briefly. The me- chanics and manufacturer of this county have done themselves much honor by the enterprising manner in which they conduct- ed their several branches of business. Threshing machines, reapers, carriages, and other similar articles, manufactured in E-acine county, find their way to all parts of this State as well as to neighboring States ; and our builders go to other cities to erect large and expensive buildings. This has given our county a reputation in the State which I hope will not be allowed to wane. All over the State we may see the same thrift and ener- gy among this class of producers — a class which always forms a most essential part of a commonwealth. Wisconsin has manu- facturing facilities surpassed by no other State, and equalled by few ; and passed success warrants us in believing that our State will, ere long, be second to none in this department of trade. I regret that I have not more time to speak of the department of beauty, in which there are so many things worthy of notice. I am sure the farmers and mechanics will feel thankful that the ladies have so generously contributed to the exhibition. We shall no more throw the blame on them because Mother Eve yielded to the temptations of the serpent. Nay, I cannot but rejoice that Eve did take the lead in that matter, for I fear that if Adam had acted the principal part, the fall might have been a * thousand times worse than it now is. No people can long be prosperous and great unless they en- gage in business that will give stability to society ; that will call forth the energies of the masses ; and that will produce the means on which they may subsist. Large armies and navies, though 320 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. brave and well disciplined, as treasured wealth, piled up in the coffers of a few, calling themselves a privileged class, will not long sustain a nation. Intelligence^ Virtue^ and Industry^ are the foundation of greatness, and if we would raise ourselves in the scale of nations, we must first educate the masses of the people. Bj education I do not mean merely learning to read and write and cipher, but I mean, to give them an education that will dcr velope, in the highest degree, every power of the physical sys- tem, and every faculty of the mind, and will bring those powers and faculties into harmonious action. Educate them to think, and educate them to labor. Labor induces thought, and thought well directed, induces a person to do something for himself or for others. A proper classification of society would divide a community into two classes. The first would include all those that are engaged in the business of life — the farmer, the mechan- ic, the manufacturer, the artist, the professional man, the mer- chant, the banker, the man who with his shovel digs the canal or grades the railroad, and all others who help to produce the aggregate of the nation's wealth. The other class would be made up of the idlers — men who follow no occupation but loafing, and women who, instead of attending to their household duties, saunter around the house or the neighborhood, spending their time in gossip or in peevish reflections on those with whom they are surrounded. Let us go on with our improvements in agriculture, in the mechanic arts, and in education ; let us acknowledge the true dignity of labor; let us follow our occupation industriously, and if the blessings of a kind Providence that have hitherto been be- stowed upon us, shall be continued, we shall become a happy and a prosperous j)eople ; and Wisconsin — this commonwealth of which we are justly proud — will become a flourishing State, and an honor to this great Republic. JEFFERSON COUNTY. The Jefferson County Agricultural Society was organised on the 10th of September, A. D. 1853. A Constitution was adopt- COUNTY EEPOETS. 321 ed and officers ot the Society were chosen for the years 1853 and 185-1, as follows : President, Milo Jones, Ft, Atkinson ; Vice Presidents, Peter Harsh, Milford, and Justus Carpenter, Talmyra; Secretary, S. C. Writer, Ft. Atkinson ; Treasurer, Geo. P. Marston, Ft. Atkinson. An Executive Committee consisting of nine members, was chosen from the different towns in the county. The first and second Annual Fairs of the Society were held at Fort Atkinson. At a meeting of the members of the Society, held at Fort At- kinson, Dec. 1854, the Constitution was revised and amended, and officers chosen for the year 1855, as follows : President, Justus Carpenter, Palmyra . Vice Presidents, A F. Snell, Ft. Atkinson, J. D. Clapp, Milford ; Secretary, Mil- ton Snell, Ft, Atkinson ; Treasurer, Erastus Willard, Ft. Atkinson. The President was requested to confer with the different mem- bers of the Executive Committee, for the purpose of ascertaining which of their respective towns would make the most liberal of. fers as to preparing grounds, building a suitable fence, etc., for the holding of the Annual Fairs of the Society, for a term of years. At meetings of the Executive Committee, held at Jefferson, on the 2d of March and 19th of May, 1855, arrangements were made, by which, the citizens of the village of Jefferson, agreed to furnish and prepare suitable Fair Grounds, yards, sheds, etc., in consideration of the location of the Fair Grounds for a term of five years, in that village. The third Annual Fair was held at Jefferson. At the annual meeting of the members of the Society, for the election of officers for the year 1856, the following gentlemen were chosen : President, Justus Carpenter, Palmyra ; Vice Presidents, JST. P. Parsons, Cold Spring, E. D, Masters, Jefferson ; Secretary and Treasurer, Milton Snell, Ft, Atkinson. The Executive Committee originally consisting of nine mem- bers, was now increased to fifteen, and accordingly chosen. 2m 322 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. A resolution was passed that all publishers of papers in Jef- ferson county, who publish in their issue, notices and minutes of the proceedings of the Society, be admitted as honorary mem- bers of the Society. The Executive Committee at a meeting held on the 3d of June, 1856, adopted a resolution that all premiums awarded at the Fair of 1856, of the sum of one dollar each, be paid by cop- ies of the Wisconsin Farmer for one year. And at a subsequent meeting, held on the 26th of August, requested the President and Secretary to take measures to comply with the requirements of the law appropriating the sum of one hundred dollars from the State, to such County Agricultural Societies as are duly or- ganized. The fourth Annual Fair was held at Jefferson, on the 2d and 3d days of October, 1856. The members of the Society held their annual meeting at Ft. Atkinson, on the 23d of December, 1856, and elected the fol- lowing officers for the year 1857 : President, Justus Carpenter, Palmyra ; Vice Presidents, E. D. Masters, Jefferson, Milo Jones, Ft. Atkinson ; Secretary and Treasurer, Milton Snell, Ft. Atkinson. An Executive Committee of fifteen members was chosen. The following is a statement of the amount of money receiv- ed and the amount awarded at the Fairs of 1854-5-6 : Amount of money received from the Fair of 1854, $134 00 » " " " " " 1855, 167 00 " » " " " " 1856, 211 78 Amount of Premiums awarded at the Fair of 1 854, 74 00 " u u u u u u u 2855, 100 00 « " » " " " " " 1856, 171 75 The present number of members of the Society is one hun- dred and eleven. Before the time of holding the next Annual Fair, the Fair Grounds are to be enlarged and improvements to be made there- on which will greatly add to the convenience of exhibition. Milton Snell, Secretary. COUNTY EEPORTS. 323 FOND DU LAC COUNTY. To THE Secretary of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. Dear Sir : — Your circular to the various Agricultural So- cieties of this State, to obtain reports of their doings for the past three years, has been handed to me by Mr. Taylor, with request that I would comply with its requirements. I will endeavor to to do so as well as the records before me will allow. The Fond du Lac County Agricultural Society met at the city of Fond du Lac on the 28th and 29th of September, 1851, in accordance with previous appointment On the above days the Fair was held. The annual address was delivered by the President, Capt. C. S. Hamilton. It was interesting and practical, and was listened to with great attention by a numerous and well pleased audience. The contributions were quite numerous, amounting to over 400 ; a much greater interest being manifested in the success of the Society, and the propagation of good stock, than the preced- ing year. Fruits, flowers, vegetables, in fact all the productions of the farm were well represented. The committee, on the above, report that the exhibition is evidence conclusive that this section of our State is well adapted to the production of fruit in the greatest abundance and of the best quality. Officers. — President, C. S. Ha^iilton, Fond du Lac ; Treasurer, S. N. Hawes, Fond du Lac; Recording Secretary, John C. Bishop, Eden ; Corresponding Secretary, Selim Newton, Fond du Lac. Over $190 were paid for premiums in books and money. Officers for 1855. — President, Edward Pier, Fond du Lac ; Treasurer, S. N. Hawes, Fond du Lac ; Recording Secretary, John C. Bishop, Eden : Corresponding Secretary, Sblim New- ton, Fond du Lac. The annual Fair for that year was held at the city of Fond du Lac on the 28th and 29th of September. The address was 324 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. delivered by the President, E. Pier, who, belonging himself to the practical farmers, entered into that branch of business. He showed the connection of farming with the mechanical arts, and with commerce, and the dependency of all branches of industry upon the prosperity of agriculture. He also alluded to the many deceptions practiced upon the unsophisticated farmers by hum- bugs— such as china-tree corn, Rohan potatoes, mulberry mania, and introductions of new varieties of cattle and sheep of doubt- ful value, frequently brought to this country for the purpose of fleecing a credulous public more than for that of actually improv- ing our breed of animals, etc. His address was well received, and Mr. P. undoubtedly hit many humbugs of the day in a very forcible manner, and kept his audience laughing heartily when he showed how some poor ignorant farmers were deluded by these speculators. Unfortunately the roads were in a horrible condition, owing to the heavy rains of a few days previous, and had caused such a flood that the Fond du Lac river could not be crossed ; conse- quently but little stock could be brought upon the fair grounds. The entries were but 84. Amount paid for premiums in cash and books, $175. Officers for 1S56. — President, Selim Newton, Fond du Lac ; Treasurer, J. M. Taylor, Fond du Lac ; Recording Secretary, H. D. HiTT, Oakfield ; Corresponding Secretary, GcrsTAVtrs De Neveu. The annual meeting was held at the Court House in the City of Fond du Lac, on the I5th and 16 th of October. A good show of animals and farm products was made, which, together with the mechanical and fancy department, rendered the fair probably the most attractive of those held by the society. At 2 o'clock p. M., of the second day, the President delivered an excellent address which was listened to by as large and intelligent an au- COUNTY EEPOETS. 325 dience as ever convened in the city of Fond du Lac. Your cor- respondent regrets not having it in his power to send an outline of it. The address was well received. The amount of cash premiums paid for this year was $159, besides books and diplomas. At a meeting held on the evening of October 15, many members gave interesting accounts of their experiments with plaster, showing in one instance that alternate rows of corn, treated by one spoonful of j^l aster to a hill, had produced about 60 per cent, more than contiguous rows treated precisely like the other rows, with the exception of the plaster. The evidence was conclusive. The following persons are elected officers of the society for the year 1857 : President, Gustavus De Neveu, of Empire ; Treasurer, J. M. Taylor, Fond du Lac ; Recording Secretary, James Okvis, Oak- field ; Corresponding Secretary, John C. Bishop, Eden. Respectfully, Your Ob't. Serv't., GusTAvns De Neveu, President. COLUMBIA COUNTY, 1855. To THE Secretary of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. According to the appointment of the Executive Committee at a preliminary meeting held at Wyocena, on the 12 th of June 326 WISCONSIN" AGEICULTUEE. last, the Annual Fair and Cattle Show took place at Portage City, on the 13th of September, 1855. The spirit with which it was conducted, the numerous attendance, and the quantity and quality of the animals and articles exhibited indicated an in- creased interest in the objects of the Society, and augurs well for its future prosperity. It afforded gratification and encourage- ment to all who took part in it, or, who duly appreciate the many and important advantages conferred, not only on farmers, but, on society in general, by these associations ; exciting, as they do, a laudable emulation, tending to promote the develop- ment of all the arts, refinements and improvements of life. They also impart a desire for the acquisition, cultivation and dissemination of knowledge, both theoretical and practical ; and by giving a well ordered direction to industrial efforts they se- cure more ample remuneration to diligence and skill. In a word, they promote the intellectual, social and pecuniary pros- perity of the community. The number of entries made were 186, as follows: Horses, 27 ; Cattle, 28 ; Sheep, 3 ; Poultry, 2 ; Farming Implements, 3 ; Dairy, 8 ; Grain and Flour, 4 ; Domestic Manufactures, 16 ; Needle "Work, Drawing, etc., 23 ; Fruits, 7 ; Yegetables, 20. Twenty-two volumes of the Transactions of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society, and thirteen Diplomas were distrib- uted, and $110.00 in cash premiums were awarded to successful competitors. At an adjourned annual meeting of the Society held in the Verandah Hall, Portage City, Nov. 21, 1855, an interesting and instructive address was delivered by T. H. Powers, of Wyocena. When, also, the following officers were duly elected for the en- suing year : President, Petek Yan Ness, Lodi ; Vice Presidents, M. W. Patton, Scott, A. Dunn, Portage City ; Secretary, Thomas B. Haslam, Portage City ; Treasurer, F. C. Cuktiss, Lowville ; Ex- ecutive Committee, T. II. Powers, Wyocena ; Frank Folsom, Otsego ; John Q. Adams, Fall Eiver ; Hugh McFarlane, Port- age City ; J. N. Hardy, Eandolph. Yours truly, Thomas B. Haslam, Secretary. COUNTY EEPORTS. 327 COLUMBIA COUNTY, 1856. To THE Secretary of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. The Executive Committee of the Columbia County Agricul- tural Society met on the 10th day of June, agreeable to their By-Laws, when the Committee decided to have a trial of Reap- ers, to take place in the town of Scott, on the 29th of August. The Committee further resolved to hold the Annual Cattle Show and Fair at Wyocena, on the 2d and 3d days of October, 1856. Committee adjourned. At the trial of Reapers, Aug. 29th, four Reapers were entered, viz : J. J. Mann's, Atkins Automaton, Palmer & Williams', and Seymour & Morgan's. After as fair a trial as could be ob- tained, the Judges decided to award the first premium to J. J. Mann's machine; the second premium to Atkins Automaton, and the third premium to Palmer & Williams. Oct. 2d and 8d — The Annual Cattle Show and Fair was held at Wyocena. agreeable to a resolution of the Executive Com- mittee. Over one hundred entries were made, and premiums were awarded amounting to $153.00; premiums of Reapers, $30.00. Total, $L83.00. Through a mistake in giving the notice for the Fair, one of the papers making it the 1st and 2d, and the other the 2d and 8d, there was not so large an attendance as would otherwise have been; many persons came on the 1st and left on the 2d, while others came on the 2d ; so that the 2d was well attended. But some dissatisfaction existed, which injured the Society for the time ; but I think the matter will be remedied, so as to avoid such errors for the future. The ojffiicers of the Society for the present year, are President, John Conveese, East Randolph ; Vice Presidents, James C. Cake, Fall River, Daniel White, Dekora ; Secretary, Henet Conveese, Wyocena ; Treasurer, F. C. Cuetiss, Rocky Run. 328 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUKE. Executive Committee — Royal T. Graves, of East Randolph ; Timothy Terrill, of West Point ; Thomas Dalziel, of Leeds ; A. P. Smith, of Arlington ; John Ewing, Jr., of Lewiston. At the annual meeting for election of ofl&cers, a vote of thanks was passed to the Hon. J. J. Guppey, for his able address before the Society, on the 3d day of October, 1856. Very respectfully yours, Henry Converse, Secretary. LA CROSSE COUNTY. To THE Secretary of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. Dear Sir : — Your letter, directed to me, and designed for the Secretary of the La Crosse County Agricultural Society, was duly received ; but finding on careful inquiry, that no such Society exists, and being anxious that this portion of Wisconsin should be represented in your forthcoming volume, at the solic- itation of friends, I have consented to suspend my clerical duties, for the purpose of preparing a very imperfect article on the sub- ject suggested in your epistle. area, latitude and position of la CROSSE COUNTY. This county has a surface of about 520 square miles, being so situated that its northern line coincides very nearly with the parallel of 44° north latitude, while the center of its western boundary, is not far from the point where Black river enters the Mississippi ; which last mentioned river, owing to the eastward bearing of its channel, extends along this county to the distance of 31 miles. CULTIVATION. About fifteen years since, the first white man, an Indian tra- der, established himself in what is now the city of La Crosse ; but little or nothing was done by way of cultivating the soil. COUNTY REPORTS. 329 even five years ago. It will, of course, be readily seen, that those lands in this county which are partially subdued, are, therefore, such only as will produce the best crop with the least culture, and that the agricultural resources of a single acre, are really, as yet, undeveloped. PRODUCTS. C. C. Palmer, an intelligent resident of Lewis' valley, in which the land is considerably improved, estimates the average yield of winter wheat, for the years 1854 and 1855 at from 30 to 40 bushels per acre, and though the season of 1856 was less favora- ble, the crop was still good. In the La Crosse valley, John Hemstock sowed the same piece of ground to spring wheat, two successive years, and in each case, had 45 bushels to the acre. In the same valley, and in what was originally La Crosse county, Geo. F. Retell produced 345 bushels of oats from 3 acres of ground, making 115 bushels per acre. J. R. Oowdry, who has two acres of highly manured land within the city of La Crosse, states that he measured two hundred bushels of ears of corn from a single acre. He also made and sold twelve barrels of pickles from 110 hills of cucumbers. Wm. Hood, County Treasurer, produced a watermelon, on ground within the city, weighing 43 pounds. S. T. Smith, land agent, says that his average crop during the last three years, on several acres of very lightly ma- nured land, situated in the city of La Crosse, has been 50 bush- els of corn, and 200 bushels of potatoes to the acre. J. S. Har- ris, raised, in La Crosse city, a ruta baga weighing 22 pounds, and a radish, of the China purple variety, measuring 28 inches in circumference, and 31 inches in length. The city of La Crosse, as it is extensively known, occupies a sandy prairie. On a farm, three miles from the river, and near the bluffs, back of La Crosse prairie, Sylvester Smith has had an average crop, during the last three years, of 300 bushels of potatoes on an acre. He also raised a parsnip measuring 4 feet 6 inches in length. S. T. Smith, who has a small farm under partial cultivation, on the bluffs four miles from La Crosse city, and 550 feet above the 2n 830 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. level of tlie river, raised on the same, 75 bushels of corn to the acre, in 1855, and 300 bushels of potatoes per acre, in 1856. From these few facts, it will be seen that La Crosse county possesses agricultural resources of a high order, which time and labor will soon bring into requisition. SOILS AND SURFACE. Not having at hand the results of chemical analysis, it may suffice to say, that to the eye of a superficial observer, the soils in this county may be classed under three general divisions. The first, is a dark muck or loam, found in our vallies ; the sec- ond, is a mixture of humus, clay, and sand, seen on our hills and table lands ; and the third, is that near our rivers, in which sand predominates. Our hill and valley lands have an excel- lent subsoil. Many travelers, for the want of proper discrimi- nation, have spoken diminutively of the land in La Crosse coun- ty, in consequence of some high hills with narrow elevations on their summits ; not seeming to reflect, that these narrow table lands give place to vallies, broad, rich, and almost innumerable. Probably no portion of Wisconsin is better adapted to variety in agriculture, than La Crosse county, nor does any section afford more encouragement to the skillful, scientific husbandman. Every hill-side is capable of being a rich pasture for grazing, and living streams, peopled with speckled trout, glide through these vallies. LUMBER. The situation of La Crosse county on the Mississippi, and at the mouth of Black river, makes it in reality a lumbering dis- trict, without any of the social, agricultural, commercial, and manufacturing disadvantages always experienced in the heart of a lumbering country. Ten steam saw-mills have already been erected within sight of the city of La Crosse, and others are un- der contract. It must be admitted that these mills are far from perfect specimens of the kind, the best constructed, having cut only about two million feet of lumber during the year ; and yet it is astonishing, but still true, that such is the demand, that seas- COUNTY EEPOETS. 881 oned stuff sufficient for a common dwelling-liouse cannot be found in the city of La Crosse, except sucli as is designed for private use. BUILDING MATEEIALS. Every man who has a family to love and protect, needs a good dwelling; and no country, however rich its agricultural resources may be in other respects, can be truly prosperous and happy, if the means for constructing comfortable residences, and pleasant residences too, are either very scarce, or of a very inferior order. In this particular. La Crosse county is amply supplied. Nature has provided us with stone of the best quality ; pine is very ac- cessible ; our clays form excellent brick ; and lime-stone abounds in every section of the county. STOCK. As yet, little attention has been given to improvement of stock, though those raised here appear w'ell for the kind, and great facilities for success in this branch of agriculture exist. FRUITS. Our vallies, hills, and table-lands, promise favorably for fruits of all the hardier varieties, and it is my opinion, that, with no considerable expense, the peach may be successfully cultivated here, by taking off the top, training the bottom limbs close to the ground, and keeping them covered until late in the Spring. LA CROSSE CITY. This city is indeed an infant in years, with a population of about 6000 inhabitants; and yet, its growth appears to be healthy, and still rapidly progressing. Its scenery is truly beau- tiful ; its location, the unavoidable center of an extended range of business, and its future mibst be interesting. Within a brief period, it is sure to have a railroad connection with Milwaukee and Chicago ; also with some of the richest portions of the coun- try still westward ; and possibly this may be the point, where a road to the Pacific will cross the great river Mississippi. Yours truly, Spencer Oarr. 332 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. KENOSHA COUNTY. In the absence of any report from Kenosha County, we insert the following statistical imports and exports of Kenosha city. To THE Secretary of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. Dear Sir : — I inclose herewith an exhibit of the trade of Kenosha City, which was caused to be prepared in pursuance of your request. It has been approved by the Council as correct. Eespectfully yours, George H. Paul, Mayor of Kenosha, Kenosha, May 21, 1857. To Hon. George H. Paul, Mayor. Sir : — Agreeable to your request, I have made an examina- tion of the warehouse books and railroad receiving and shipping books, and find the following as a statement of the imports and exports of the city of Kenosha, for the year ending April 30, 1857: Articles Imported. Quantity. Price. Value. Barrels, bulk, 7,229 $10 $72,290 Beer, bbls., 817 8 6,536 Coal, tons, 2,180 9 19,620 Fish, bbls., 415 6 3,320 Fruit, " 1,210 3 3,630 Horses, number, 32 100 3,200 Lath, 916,850 9 p. th. 8,251 Lumber, feet. 11,210,416 15 " 168,156 Merchanfli7,e, tons, 4,821 500 2,410,000 Pig Iron, 2,514 43 108,102 Shingles, number, 1,241,000 4,50 " 6,585 Salt, bbls., 4,800 2 9,600 Wagons, number. 180 100 18,000 W hisky, including high wines, 2,018 15 30,270 COUNTY EEPORTS. 338 SUNDRIES NOT ENUMERATED. Added to barrels and bulk, 1,840 10 18,400 Less error in lath, 74,265 E.iilroad Iron, tons. 1,200 65 78,000 Staves, number. 2,000 4 p. th. 8,000 Railroad Ties, 11,000 Cedar Posts, )rts received at Kenosha, 6,280 Total value of impc $2,988,240 EXPORTS . Articles. Quantity. Price. Value. Brick, number, 6,000,000 .$ 8p. th. $48,000 Barrels, bulk, 6,114 10 61,114 Barley, bushels, 110,450 1,40 154,630 Beans, " 2,240 1,50 3,360 Beef, bbls., 380 15 5,700 Beer, " 7,850 8 62,800 Butter, lbs.. 456,180 20 91,236 Corn, bushels. 18,500 60 15,100 Cattle, number. 1,562 100 156,200 Flour, bbls.. 9,280 7 64,960 Fish, " 3,500 8 28,000 Grass Seeds, bushels, 2,815 2,50 6,037 Hams, tierces, 2,140 30 64,200 Lard, lbs.. 51,200 10 5,120 Malt, bushels, 16,200 1,75 28,350 Merchandise, tons. 1,890 500 945,000 Oats, bushels, 246,500 40 98,600 Pork, bbls., 6,210 22 136,620 Potatoes, bushels. 9,040 70 6,328 Stoves, cooking. 3,220 30 96,600 Stoves, coal and park »r, 1,840 10 18,400 Wagons, number, 015 90 55,350 W agon Skeins, setts, 5,700 4 22,800 Wash-Boards, doz.. 1,850 3 5,550 Wheat, bushels. 701,450 1,05 736,522 33i WISCOXSIX AGEICULTUEE. Wool, lbs., 281,516 40 115,606 Stecom Engines, 18 1,000 ] 8,000 Agricultural Implements, Com-shellers, iMacliines etc., 21^450 Total value of Exports, 83,064,633 Imports, 2.988 240 U C( Total value of Imports and Exports, $6,053,873 Eespectfully yours, G-EOEGE E. Scott. GEANT COUNTY. To THE Secretaby OF THE Wisco^jsix State Agricllttral SoorETT. Sie: — In conformity to your request, through friend Cover, I forward you a rough draft of our proceedings, thus ^. If ii is of any use, you are welcome to it. Yours, truly, J. C. HoLLOWAY, Secretary. The Grant County Agricultural Society was organized on the sixth day of November, 1855, when the following Constitution and Eegulations were adopted : CONSTITUTIOJi Article 1. The name of this Society shall be the "Grant County Agricultural Society." Its object shall be to promote and improve the Agriculture, Horticulture, Mechanic and House- hold Arts of the county of Grant. COUNTY EEPORTS. 835 Aet. 2. The Society shall consist of such persons as may signify their wish to become members, and shall pay, on subscribing, not less than one dollar, which sum shall entitle the person to all the privileges of the Society for one year. Art. 3. The ofl&cers of the Society shall consist of a President, two Vice-Presidents, a Eecerding Secretary, who shall also act as a Corresponding Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Executive Committee, to consist of the officers above named and five addi- tional members of this Society, any three of whom shall consti- tute a quorum for the transaction of business. Art. 4. The Secretary shall keep the minutes, have charge of the books of the Society, and conduct the correspondence of the same. The Treasurer shall keep the ftmds of the Society, and dis- burse the same on the order of the President or a Vice-President, countersigned by the Secretary, and shall make a report of the receipts and expenditures at the annual meeting. The Executive Committee shall take charge of and distribute or preserve all seeds, plants, books, etc., and shall also have charge of all communications intended for publication, and con- duct the same in a manner best calculated to promote the interests of the Society. Art. 5. There shall be an annual meeting of the Society, at Lancaster, in Grant county, on Wednesday of the first week of the fall term of the Circuit Court, at 6 o'clock P. M., in each year, and twenty days' notice thereof shall be given in some newspaper printed in Grant county ; at which meeting officers shall be chosen for the ensuing year, by a plurality of votes. The Executive Committee shall have power to fill vacancies that may from time to time occur in the offices of the Society. Special meetings may be called by the Executive Committee, when necessary to promote the best interests of the Society. Ten members shall form a quorum for the transaction of business. Art. 6. The Society shall hold an Annual Cattle Show and Fair, at such time and place as may be designated by the Exec- 336 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. utive Committee, who shall prepare a premium list, appoint viewing committees, and award the premiums at the same. Art. 7. This Constitution may be amended bj a vote of two- thirds of the members present at any annual meeting. REGULATIONS FOR 1856. The days selected for the Fair are Tuesday and Wednesday, the 7th and 8th of October, 1856. Tuesday will be devoted to the receiving of entries and the reception and arrangement of articles and animals. On Wednesday the judges will make their examinations and announce the awards of premiums. EXHIBITORS. Exhibitors must become members of the Society, and have their articles and animals entered on the Secretary's books before 9 o'clock on Wednesday morning. After 9 o'clock the books will be closed, and no further entries will be made under any circumstances whatever. RULES. The judges shall in all cases withhold premiums, where the animal or article is not worthy, even though there be no com- petition. Should any individual make an entry in the name of any other person, than the real owner, the j)erson making such entry, shall not be allowed to receive a premium. Articles and animals removed from the ground, before the close of the Exhibition (except by permission of the President,) cannot receive a premium. The Judges are requested to report themselves at the Fair Grounds by nine o'clock on Wednesday morning, (they will then be presented with list of entries,) and proceed to decide upon the merits of the different articles an animals, submitted to them, reference being made to the numbers afl&ixed to each. Any person attempting to interfere with the Judges in the discharge of their duties, will be excluded from competition. The Judges are requested to hand their reports to the Secre- tary, by one o'clock p. m. COUNTY EEPOKTS. 337 AWARDS AND PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS. The award of premiums will be read by the Secretary, at two o'clock, after which the Treasurer will pay them at his rooms. Also, at the same time, the following officers were chosen by the Society : President, Jrremiah E. Dodge; Vice Presidents, "William HinviPHREY, Edmund Harleson ; Secretary, John Dodge ; Trea- surer, James Prideaux ; Executive Committee, Hetstry Patch, Jr., George Morris, Wm. Carter, Edwin Kilby, Dr. Young. The Frst Annual Cattle Show and Fair of the Society was held at Lancaster on the 7th and 9th of October, 1856. About $150.00 was received fro/n as many members, and expended by the Society. The exhibition was in every respect a creditable one. The display of Horses was excellent ; of Cattle, Sheep and Hogs, de- ficient in numbers, but good in quality. The Mechanic Arts and Domestic Manufactures were well represented. As the first efibrt of the Society was well sustained by the public, the mem- bers resolved that the prospects for a large and flourishing Society were good, and that the Agricultural Enterprise of the County, if concentrated and directed by the Society, would tend to the development of resources as yet not fully appreciated by the inhabitants of the County. At the annual meeting, after the close of the Exhibition, the following officers were chosen for the ensuing year : President, Edmund Harelson ; Vice Presidents, James Pri- deaux, H. Beebe ; Secretary, J. C. Holloway ; Treasurer, Jer- emiah E. Dodge. Executive Committee — John Dodge, F. H. Bonnam, J. E, Whitney, J. T. Brown, W. W. Wright. WINNEBAGO COUNTY. This Society was formed on the 11th day of April, 1855. At a previous meeting of citizens of this county, A. Picket, J. 2o 338 WISCONSIN AGKICULTUEE. Dougherty, and J. H. Osborn, were appointed a committee to draft a Constitution and Bj-Luws. They reported the folh^wing which was adopted : CONSTITUTION. This Society shall be called the Winnebago County Agricdlural Society. Its object shall be to improv ■ the condition of agricul- ture in this county, and to serve as a medium of spreading in- formation in regard to agriculture and its kindred pursuits. Article I. This Society shall consist of such members as shall authorize their names to be signed to this constitution and pay to the Treasurer one dollar each, and the same sum annually thereafter. Art. 11. Any citizen of the county may become a member of this Society by paying the fee required for membership. Art. III. The ofl&cers of tliis society shall consist of one Pres- ident, one Vice President from each town and city in the county, a Secretary, Treasurer and Board of Control. Art. IV. The election of all the officers shall be by ballot, at the annual meeting of the society, (after the fii'st election,) and they shall hold their offices for one year and until their success- ors are elected. Art. V. The President, and his absence, one of the Vice Pres- idents, shall preside at all meetings of the society. By consent of the Board of Control, he may call special meetings of the society, giving at least two weeks public notice thereof. He shall draw drafts on the Treasurer for moneys to be paid out, which drafts shall be countersigned by the Secretary. AiiT. VI. The Treasurer shall have charge of all moneys of the society, and he shall make a full report of the receipts and expenditures at each annual meeting of the society. Art. VIL The Secretary shall keep a full record of all the .proceedings of the society, and supervise the publication of them, as may be directed, and shall conduct all the correspondence of the society, and make a statement thereof at each annual meet- ing. COUNTY REPOETS. 339 Art. YIII. The Board of Control shall consist of five mem- bers, three of whom shall constitute a quorum ; they shall recom- mend all needful By Laws, and make all necessary arrangements for addresses, fairs, exhibitions, &c.; also, recommend and report upon experiments, and perform all the executive duties neces- sary to the purposes of the society, not specifically assigned to other officers. Art. IX. The Vice Presidents shall, in their several towns and cities, attend to the general interests of the society ; they may take fees ' f membership, and forward the same to the Treas- urer with the name of the person, and the Treasurer shall there- upon be authorized to subscribe the name of each person to the constitution. Art. X. Ten members of the Society shall constitute a quo- rum for the transaction of business at any regular meeting thereof. Art. XL All meetings of this Society shall be held at the County Seat, unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Control. Art. XIL In case of the death, removal, or resignation of any officer of the Society, the Board of Control shall have power to appoint, to fill vacancy. Art. XIII. This constitution may be amended only by a vote of two thirds of all the members present at any annual meeting of the Society, which shall be held on the first Wednesday of January of each year; but any needful by-laws not incompatible with this constitution, may be adopted or amended by a majority of the members present. Art. XIV. Any person may become a life-member of this Society by paying to the Treasurer the sum of ten dollars. Art. XV. The President of the Society may call a meeting of the Board of Control whenever he shall deem it necessary to do so for the interests of the Society. The officers for 1855, were, President, Gkrohom P. Vining ; Secretary, J. H. Osbokn ; Treasurer, J. Dougherty. Board of Control — Horace Clements, Vinland; L. K. Stone, 340 WISCONSIISI AGEICULTUEE. Eushford ; E. C. Wood, Algoma ; James Adams, Utica ; L. B. Townsend, Nepeuskin. The Chairman of the Board of Supervisors in each town in the county was elected a Vic'> President. A Cattle Show and Fair was held on the 10th and 11th days of October, 1855, on the Public Square, in the city of Oshkosh. There was a very larg>" attendance, and the stock, crops, and manufactures exhibited, reflected much credit upon the skill and industry of so new a county. The amount paid in money for premiums was $lOi', besides some books and diplomas. At the annual meeting in 1856, B. S. Hknning, Esq., was elected President; W. A. Edmonds, Secretary ; B a kna Haskell, Treasurer. The Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for each town in the county, and the Mayor of the city of Oshkosh, were elected Vice Presidents. Board of Control— Eli Stilson, E. C. Wood, Wm. A. Boyd, Julius H. Hicks, J. H. Osborn. Mr. Edmonds resigned the office of Secretary, and M. Seavey was appointed on the 6th Sept., to fill the vacancy. A very liberal premium list for 1856, was published and ex- tensively circulated ; but as the Fair was to be held some two and a half miles from the business part of the city, the exhibition was not equal to what was anticipated. The mechanical depart- ment, and that of household manufactures were creditably filled ; but on stock and crops there appeared but little interest. The annual address was delivered by Hon. A. C. Barry, which was of the first order, and attentively listened to by a large portion of our citizens. The cash premiums exceeded $100.00, besides forty volumes of Patent Office Eeports, Transactions of the State Agricultural Society, and Wisconsin Farmer, with a goodly number of Di- plomas. At the annual meeting, held on the 7tli day of January, 1857, Hon. Joseph Jackson was elected President ; the Mayor of the city of Oshkosh, and the chairman of the Board of Supervisors in each town in the county. Vice Presidents ; M. Seavey, Secre- tary ; J. H. OsBOKN, Treasurer. COUNTY KEPOETS. 341 Board of Control — Samuel Hay, city of Oshkosh ; Eli Stilson, town of Oshkosh; J. H. Hicks, Algoma; James Adams, Utica . D. McAlister, Neenah. The next Cattle Show and Fair will be held in the city of Oshkosh, on the 23d and 24th days of September, 1857. A lib- eral premium list has been prepared and published, and we are anticipating a fine display of products and manufactures, and a good attendance from all parts of the county, with a fine exhi- bition of neat stock — horses, sheep, and swine. M. Seavey, Secretary. Oshkosh, April 14th, 1857. CALUMET COUNTY. A few individuals from the towns of Stockbridge, Manchester, Chilton, Charlestown and New Holstein in Calumet County, met at Stockbridge on the 8th of July, 1856, and organized the Calumet Co. Agricultural Society, electing Geo. A. Jenkins President, and Jacob B. Deuel Secretary. It being so late in the season, it was thought by many that there should be no attempt made to hold a fair this season, but after some deliberation, the Executive Committee decided to hold a fair at Chilton on the 15th and 16th of October. The Fair was held according to the appointment of the Exec- utive Committee, and, considering the short space of time and sparseness of population in this timbered county, (in which most of the people are poor, having but small clearings,) there was considerable interest manifested. The Horses entered were not numerous, yet some very fine specimens. Also, of Cattle, which were mostly of Native Stock ; not many Blooded Cattle in this County. Swine but few in number, but fine. 842 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. Sheep — there were two fine French Bucks, one owned by L. Goodell, of Stockbridge, and the other by O, D. Fowler, of Manchester. The Domestic Manufactures v/oukl have been a credit to a much older society, and I never saw a better exhibition of Vc'getables. The receipts into the treasury amounted to $100 00 Paid out for Premiums, and other expenses, 75 00 Balance in treasury, $2n 00 In the afternoon of the second day, we were favored with an Address from Asaph Green, Esq., of Chilton, which was list- ened to with interest. At the annual meeting held on the 2nd of December, 1856, Asaph Green was elected President, and Geo. S. Prentiss Secre- tary, for the year 1857. Geo. a, Jenkins, Prendent. DANE COUNTY. Pursuant to previous notice, the citizens of Dane county met on the 5th of April, A. D. 1856, and adopted a Constitution, and organized a County Agricultural Society, bj an election of the following board of officers for the ensuing year: President, Hon. P. W. Matts, of Grand Spring; Yice Presi- dents, Wm:. a. WerpB, T, T. Whittlesey, and N. P. Spaulding ; Corresponding Secretary, D. J Powers ; Recording Secretaryf H. F. Bond ; Treasurer, Dr. W. H. Fox. The Society held its first Annual Fair at Madison, the 2d and 3d of October. It was most creditably attended, considering the newness of the enterprise ; and the number of animals and vari- ety of articles on exhibition, both surprised and pleased every one in attendance. COUNTY REPORTS. 343 The whole affair showed conclusively, that there was abundant elements in Dane county, for a good Agricultural Society, and tha^. nothing was wanting to secure high success, but proper effort on the part of those interested, to wit : — the Farmers. The gross receipts of the Fair, were about $6">0, and the net receipts after paying all expenses and premiums, were nearly $250; which sum added to the State appropriation of $100 to County societies, left$3'iO, or thereabout, in the tr^.-asui-y, at the close of the year; which was put at interest for further use. The first annual meeting of the Society was held at Mad- ison, on the l7th of December, A. D. l8o6, and the following board of officers was elected for the ensuing year : President, Hon. P. W. Matts; Vice Presidents. D. S. Curtis, G. H, SL.A.UGHTER, and J. E. Carpenter ; Secretary, II. F. Bond ; Treasurer, D. J. Powers, Executive Committee — Adin Burdick, S. L, Sheldon, J. H. B. Matts. Note. — The foregoing Reports of County Societies, few and scanty as they are, are all that we have been able, after diligent punching^ to obtain. About one half of the Societies make no reports whatever ; probably owing to the fact that thev have Secretaries wlio pay no attention to their duties, or tlie in- terests of their Societies. Bass wood is poor timber for officers of Agricultural So- cieties, as all will find out alter a little experience. There are numbers of errors in these County reports as printed ; wliicli arises from the fact of our being absent when they were on the press; and from the fact that the copy had not been fully pruned and prepared, before it went into the hands of the Printers. — Ed. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEON BLOOD HORSES— OFFI CIA L At State Fair of 1856. Milwaukee, October loth, 185'i. The Committee appointed to report upon the following classes of horses exhibited for premiums at the late State Fair, would report as follows : 344 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. 1st. Best blood stallions, four years old and over, having been kept for stock the past season in this State. The committee to require satisfactory proof of pedigree. 2d. Morgan horses. For the best stallion, kept for stock the past season in this State, 4 years old and over. 3d. Black Hawk horses. The best stallion kept for stock the past season in this State, 4 years old and over. 4th. Carriage horses. For the best and second best pair matched carriage horses, also for the best and second best single horse ; all to be exhibited in harness. 5th. Horses for all work. For the best and second best stal- lion for all work, kept for stock the past season, within this State, 4 years old and over. Best and second best mares, 4 years old and over. Best and second best pair of matched horses for all work. The only horses among the first class (blood stallions) exhibi- ted to your committee were two, one of which was an excellent six year old bay horse, entered by E. H. Ball & Co., of East Troy. The other was exhibited by C. I Bullock, Esq., of Sauk City, and is five years old, bright bay, and in nearly all respects a good horse, being 16 hands high, with good limbs, fine action and style, but the committee feel compelled by their instructions to withold from both of these horses premiums, for the reason that there was no satisfactory proof that they were thorough bred horses, and there was nothing in their appearance to uner- ringly indicate it. In justice, however, we would say that they are both fine horses, and well calculated to improve our stock, as they possess the requisites of good carriage horses. Tliere were but two Morgan horses exhibited — one by F. M. Wheeler, Esq., of Springvale, in Fond du Lac county ; the other, by Horace Chase, Esq., of Milwaukee. Both of these horses, judging from their pedigree, are probably as pure blood Mor- gans as can be found at this time — they are both small, being about 14 hands high, very closely formed, appear to have suffi- cient endurance and good action, but not a sufficient size for sty- lish carriage horses. A majority of the committee awarded the 1st premium to Mr. Wheeler, and the 2d premium to Mr. Chase, COMMITTEE EEPORTS. 845 but in the opinion of your committee there is but little choice between the two horses. Mr, Wheeler's horse is a beautiful chestnut; the other, a rich dark bay, and to those partial to Mor- gan horses, we would say, that there are no purer horses of that breed to be found, judging from the pedigree exhibited by the owners. There was a very large exhibition of "Black Hawk " horses, some of which were splendid specimens of that stock — probably equal to any that have ever been produced. This is a peculiar race of horses. They are (with but few exceptions) of a dark chestnut or black color, rather undersized, being 15 hands high, and weighing about 1000 lbs. They are generally marked by good style and action ; they are kind to handle and drive, have plenty of spirit, and though all have fair, but few are noted for remarkable speed. The following horses were among the best exhibited: Bucephalus^ by John Grale, of Merton, in Waukesha county. This a black horse, 7 years old ; except in size, he is a perfect model of this breed. He can trot a mile in about 2m. 57sec. to harness. This horse has been as extensively patron- ized as any horse of the Black Hawk family in this State. We have seen his stock, consisting of colts between one and two years old, and generally have thought it was promising, and particularly so, where he has been bred with good mares. Mr. T. Marshall, of Oak Grove, in Dodge county, also exhibited a large and very excellent horse of the same stock. This horse has good action, fine proportions and style, plenty of length to his neck, and is the nearest to a proper size of any of this family of horses exhibited. We know nothing of his stock, but should judge, that his colts will prove good. Mr. S. Cotton, Esq., of Racine, exhibited a beautiful chestnut Black Hawk. This is a splendid horse, and must prove a permanent benefit to that por- tion of our State, as such a horse cannot fail to be liberally pat- ronized. He trotted at the State Fair, in 1855, one mile, in the vicinity of 3 minutes, and moved in good style. Geo. Paddock, Esq., of Milwaukee, exhibited a 4 year old (same breed) of great promise. He is a dark grey or black roan, of fair size. He has more style than is often found, even among that peculiar breed 2p 346 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. of horses, a ve'j strongly formed animal, and when he matures, will compare favorably with the best horses of this kind, in the State D. ". Foote, of Merton, also exhibited a beautiful chest- nut colt, four years old of the sam. • family. He was brought before us too late to compete for the premium, but is certainly an excellent colt. He is a fast trotter, and is worthy of the at- tention of those who feel an inte'-est in the impro rement of our horses. C. A. Lewis, Esq., of Ottawa, also exhibited a good Black Hawk horse, 6 years old, also a good trotter, and showing all the peculiarities of that stock of horses, and posessing style and action rarely to be seen. The only 3 year old " Black Hawk " exhibited, was by Santel Whitman, Esq. He is a very fine colt, well broke to harness, and a good trotter, with fine appearance and carriage. The dis- play of "Black Hawks" was really splendid. The Committee awarded the first premium to John Gale, of Merton, and the second premium to T. Marshall, Esq , of Oak Grove. The 1 st premium on 8 year olds was awarded to Santel Whitman, Esq., there being no competitors, and his colt well deserving this mark of approbation. John C. Starkweather, Esq., of Milwaukee, exhibited a pair of bright bay geldings, under the class of carriage horses. They were awarded the 1st premium ; they are perfei tly matched in size, color and movement ; they are both 16 12 hands high, and excel in nearly all the qualifications of carriage horses. They are very docile and fleet travelers, and make a sple!:did appearance. The 2nd premium on matched carriage horses, was awarded to C. M. Porter, Esq., of Milwaukee. Tliese horses are deserving of something more than a passing notice. They are well matched in color, travel well together, carry themselves finely, and as a pair of matched carriage horses are seldom surpassed. Christopher M. Graw, of Johnstown, Rock County, exhibited a very beautiful pair of matched carriage horses, 5 years old, bright bay color, fine size, and a superior pair of colts. H. D. Eighm', of Mt. Pleasant, Racine county, also exhibited a pair of finely formed carriage horses. They are light horses, but well formed, very fast trotters, and as a pair of COMMITTEE RKPORT. 847 roadsters, were the best team exhibiteil, but th(^ committee doci- ded against them as cai^riage horses, on account of size. As matched horses of all work, A. Shultz, of VVatertown, ex- hibited a pair of five year old bl ick colts, to which was awarded the Isi premium. Mr. Pliney M. Perkins, of Burlington, was awarded the 2nd premium upon a pair of dun horses 6 years old, exhibited in the same class — these are both valuable ti\ims either as roadsters or draught horses. The best pair of horses of all work was exhibited by Robt. Tiiir, of Vernon, in Waukesha county, but as they were awarded the first premium at the State Fair in 1855, they were of course shut out of competition again. John Frazer, of East Troy, exhibited a splendid gray mare of all work (the only one exhibited). The Committee awarded Mr. Frazer the first premium without hesitation. This is proba- bly one of the finest mares in the State. There were but two geldings over 4 years old exhibited, one was shown by Talmadge Stevens, Esq., of Beaver Dam, the other, by Enoch Chase, of Milwaukee. The first premium was awarded to Mr. Stevens, and the second premium to Mr. Chase. Mr. Stevens' horse, is a good roadster, but small; lie is, however, a good pattern. The exliibition of stallions of all work was extensive, and probably a better lot of horses has never been seen together in this, or any other western state. The 1st premium was awarded to a bright bay stallion, "Young Eclipse," 9 years old, owned by Walter S. Gurner, Chicago, but which stood for mares the past season in Kenosha. This horse is full 16 hands high, with black mane, tail and legs, and is a perfect horse in all respects — he IS docile, has a large nostril, full eye, small and beautiful ears, long curved neck, high withers, deep shoulders, broad chest, short back, long lip, full stifle, fine and strong limbs, and is strong, active and spirited : his noble pride seemed to disdain the earth as he trod upon it. When such horses can be ob- tained, every lover of good stock may well ask, "Why will our farmers breed from small, inferior and ngly stock?" Every admirer of horses, knows that size is essential to style, beauty, strength and durability. Good size and style combined, as in this case, give all that is desirable in a horse. That this horse 348 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. overshadowed everything exhibited at the fair, as a stallion, none who saw him hesitate to say. He was awarded the first premium by common consent. The 2nd premium was awarded to J. W. Rhodes, Esq., of Kenosha, on a four year old stallion of dark bay color, very large size, good style and action, and fully developed, although but a colt in age. This horse will, beyond doubt, prove a very valuable stock horse. Among the horses exhibited was a very dark bay or brown four year old colt, owned by Z. P. Hasbrook, of Rock county, which we would recommend to the citizens of that county as a very excellent hurse. He is of the Tippo Sultan stock, and must prove of great service to the stock growers of Rock county, where he stands. R. S. Fish, of Lisbon, in "Waukesha county, through a misunderstanding, entered an excellent Black Hawk among the stallions for all work, and therefore had no chance to compete for a premium. We say this as a matter of justice to Mr. Fish. The premiums on 3 year old stallions of all work were accorded as follows : 1st premium to W. G. Benedict of Madison, on a very fine black colt, and the 2nd premium to C. T. Wilcox of Janesville, on a " St. Patrick " colt of bay color and handsome appearance. The best 3 year old stallion of all work, shown, is owned by A. J. Cole, Esq., of Waukesha county. He was sired by Niag- ara, a bright bay color, but he was not exhibited until after the premiums were awarded ; otherwise he would have received the premimn. The first premium on 2 year old stallions of all work was awarded to Jnmes Wylish of Lisbon, in Waukesha county, on a splendid bay colt, and the second premium was awarded to J. P. Lapham, on a very good brown colt. In awarding premiums, the committee have deemed it their duty to be entirely impartial, and have decided matters accord- ing to their best judgment. Many, of course, as in all compe- titions for excellence, must be disappointed. In several instances they fo'md it very close work to decide between two horses, contending for the same prize, where the two were so nearly equal as to make it difl&cult in the extreme to decide between COMMITTEE KEPOKTS. 849 them. In those cases, a majority of the committee settled the question. In concluding this report of our action upon this matter com- mitted to us, we deem a few general observations not out of place. The stock grower should raise good horses. At a trifle lesss expense, the use of a thorough bred stallion may be obtained. The subsequent expense of raising a colt of superior blood, of noble size, and the best appearance, is no greator than that of growing stock of inferior blood and quality. At the age of 4 or 5 years, a thorough bred colt is worth from $250 to $500 for sale — for use, he is kind, docile and intelligent — has beauty, speed and bottom ; for the road, the turf, or the field, is every way what men wish to have. He lives longer, will endure greater hardships, and is far more profitable. The horse of in- ferior blood is difficult to break, is slow of motion, is easily injured by labor, is short lived, and after a few years of labor rapidly declines in usefulness and profit. These considerations should be imperative in dictating the breeding of stock. It costs very little, if any, more to breed a blooded beast, and it is many times more valuable when bred. In any other channel of business, considerations and facts like these would conclusively decide the action of a man of good sense. In this alone, such facts seem unavailing with large classes of stock growers. They will still breed "plugs," scrubs, nags and ponies, of ill appearance and little value, when no more care and no more expense would produce them the noblest forms of this semi-human being — the paragon of domestic brutes. There is scarcely a subject in the concerns and business pur- suits of life, that is of greater interest or more importance than the improvements of the breeds of horses. The horse is the noblest animal that was ever reduced to human subjection. In the peaceful pursuits of agriculture, he is man's patient servant and drudge. "When not subdued to the hardships of labor, he becomes almost an intelligent friend and companion. His in- stinct and courage have frequently saved his master from immi- minent danger. He is made an instrument of pleasure and 350 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. recreation, at once gentle, lively and secure. In war he snuffs tlie battle tainted breeze from afar, and "His neck with thunder clc»thed and long-i-esounding pace," he rushes with almost Imman knowledge, and often with more than human tlaring, to where the fight rages the thickest, courting the danger that meets him, and minghng the terrible music of his voice with the noise and sljock of the contending host. The favorite steeds of the great- est conquerers have come down to us borne on the same breath of fame. The ancient mythology endowed him with wings and made him the means by which the poet was conveyed on the loftiest flights of his sublime muse. Pegasus, the steed of the poetic muse, is handed down to us in the same legends that made Parnassus its chosen seat, and Helicon the sacred waters in which it bathed. So closely were the first civilized soldiers of Greece identified by fear and superstition with the coursers which they bestrode, that they were deemed the same terrific being, and the Centaur comes pictured to us, with the body of tin.' horse, presenting in front a gigantic human head and breast. One of the most delightful examples of all-sacrificing patriotism — of self-denial that laid down life itself on the altar of his coun- try, was that of Marcus Curtius, who rode his gallant steed into a pi-epared pile where they died together, in obedience to the oracle which demanded his destruction as the price of his count: y's safety. With the devotion that would not in death be seuarated from the fiiend and master of his life, the gallant steed needed neither whip nor spur — nothing but the guidance of the patriot's voice and rein — to plunge into certain destruction. The Hindoo widow, who immolates herself upon the burning pile that consumes the last remains of the man she loved, is scarcely more instructive with its lesson of rare and noble virtue than the horse of Marcus Curtius. Caligula, in the wantonness of his tyranny and caprice, set up his favorite horse in the Eoman Capitol, crowned him with his own imperial coronet, and demanded for him the same honors that were paid himself. The voice of histi )ry proclaims that the noble steed was far more worthy of such homage than the cruel and bloody tyrant whom he served. COMMITTEE REPORTS. 351 An autlientic account is preserved of a terrible shipwreck on the (ioast of Southern Africa, where a horse rushed repeatedly into the raging surf, which no human power could brave, and rescued many persons from the broken wreck and tempestuous sea. It is related in the life of General Marion that a Sergeant of his brigade owned a noble animal, in which hatred of a red coat vied with that cherished by the sternest patriot of the Revolu- tion. The crimson badge of the oppressors of our fathers almost craze, to o .A (^ .- o ^ § 4. J 1:- ft c- ^ a o •: n ^^ o a ►^ S g a 2 "^ P .2 W .2 !?; > o a S s w g GO TRANSACTIONS FOR 1857, OFFICERS OF THE WISCONSIN STATE AGEICULTURAL SOCIETY FOR 1857. PRESIDENT : J. F. WILLARD, of Janesville. VICE-PRESIDENTS : MARTIN WEBSTER, Fox Lake. A. D. KIRKPATRICK, Dayton. 0. F. BARTLETT, East Tioy. SECRETARY : GEORGE 0. TIFFANY, Madison. TREASURER : D. J. POWERS, Madison. ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE : ADA3IE. RAY, Little Prairie. G. H. WILLISTON, Janesville. G. MESSERSMITH, Mineral Point. G. H. SLAUGHTER, Madison. D. WILLIAMS, Springfield. L. W. JOINER, Wyoming. S. S. DAGGETT, Milwaukee. N. P. DAVIS, Pierceville. EX-PRESIDENTS : E. W. DRURY, Fond du Lac. H. M. BILLINGS, Highland. E. W. EDGERTON, Summit. HARVEY DURKEE, Kenosha. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, ETC. ACTION FOR 1857. The Executive Committee held their first regular meeting this year at Madison, on the 21st of January, and after a careful survey of the past movements and policy of the Society, determined to prosecute its interest with new vigor and effi- ciency, to the end that it might be as usefid to the public as possible. The policy of the forthcoming year was marked out, and the various departments of the work assigned to different commit- tees. The premium list was materially enlarged in its scope, and diversified in its applications ; new features were added and old ones amplified, until its range and amount was increased about fifty per cent. Provisions were made for the purchase of considerable quan- tities of choice agricultural and garden seeds, for distribution among the scattered population of our new State. In conformity with which plan, considerable quantities were subsequently ob- tained and distributed over as wide a range as possible ; and many who received and experimented with them, have since expressed their high satisfaction at the results attained. There can be no doubt, but many new and valuable varieties of cereal and vegetable products will be thus developed, that are congen- ial to our soil and climate,, and profitable for cultivation. Large quantities of the Chinese Sugar Cane were distributed ^ in small packages to those who were interested to try the exper- iment of its cultivation ;. and whatever the result of the experi- 374 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. ment may prove, this much is certain at least, that many have had the opportunity of gratifying their curiosity in the trial of what it would do. During the present fall, patches of it may be seen growing in almost every garden in the State, towering far above every other annual vegetable around it. And back- ward as the season has been, the prospect is that the seed will ripen sufficiently for planting another year. Ample experiments are being made to show conclusively, also, that it is going to prove highly profitable for syrup making at least, and not unlikely for sugar, even here in our northern latitude. Experiments that have come under our observation, show that the yield of syrup will be large when expressed with efficient and proper machinery ; probably not less than 200 gal- lons per acre. Whatever its final merits may prove, one thing is certain, and that is, that through the aid of the State Agricul- tural Society the seed has been widely distributed. And if, per- chance, it turns out that it does not ripen sufficiently ordinarily in our climate, to grow well again, and without deterioration ; even in that case it will be but a small expense to obtain it in ample quantities from the south. The interchange and distribution of seeds, cuttings, &c., from the older countries to a new one like ours, is a matter fraught with more importance than is ordinarily realized, even by the sagacious. It is a field in which the Society will undoubtedly continue to labor, even upon a more enlarged and ample scale than hitherto ; and one in which they may do so with a tolera- ble certainty of usefulness. The growth and protection of timber is a subject that is be- ginning to engage their attention, and undoubtedly will receive a largely increased attention in time to come, especially as it is a matter of the first magnitude in an economical point of view, to many portions of the State. The Executive Committee, also, passed a resolution directing the publication of a volume of transactions, embracing the seve- ral past years, since the publication of the last volume. This was deemed good policy, and even necessary, for divers and sundry reasons. Nearly all the other States north of Mason & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 375 Dixon's line, through their agricultural societies, publish annual or biennial volumes or reports, in which is set forth their staple interests, their organic and and individual action, their experi- ences and theories ; constituting generally works of great prac- tical experience and utility. Through these volumes the course and action of one State is known to another ; and the people at large are posted up from year to year. Without such an expo- sition, the action and history of a society and state, agriculturally, is locked up within its record books, and known to but a few. Custom also has rendered such publications exceedingly de- sirable, if not absolutely necessary, as mediums of exchange between societies and states. The government of the United States seems also to consider it an efficient and desirable means of communicating valuable information. From small beginnings it has increased this kind of publication to hundreds of thousands of volumes per annum ; and while some thoughtless people affect to sneer at Patent office reports, there is still little doubt but what they are the vehicle of vast and valuable information, to the great masses of the people, as well as works of very valuable reference to the studf-nt and professional man. The publication of such works by state or national govern- ments, is a matter of some expense to be sure ; but how much money is as well expended by them otherwise ? State societies that would attain to a high stand, and maintain an equality with their neighbors, must publish their transactions. So the Executive Committee concluded, and such will undoubt- edly be the settled policy hereafter ; and instead of deferring for one, two or three years, until the subject-matter loses half its interest, the course will probably be to bring out each annual volume at the close of the current year ; by which means it will get into the hands of its readers promptly, and thereby be much more fully appreciated and read. The State Fair was held the present year at Janesville, on the last days of September and the first days of October ; and, not- withstanding stormy, unpleasant weather, the most of the time, was as a whole decidedly a successful and satisfactory display. 8:i> WISCONSIN AC>Hiori;rrHE. Nearly two tbousjvud eutrio^ \voiv iiuuio. oinbraoing in tolornbly oqual pivportions all the substantial intoro^st^ of the State. The uunilxT of people in attendanee was larger than at any prcvious fair, and wonld have been niueh givater still with favorable weather. The entire fair was a living and striking testimony iu favor of sueh g-athering-s ; proving conelusively, that their teu- deneies aiv almost unexeeptionably benefieial, and caleulated as a whole to inspire and prompt the latent energies of the people, and to stimulate them to elfort and improvement in all tJieir important callings. It g-ave a promise of great ti'iumphs iu future, iu the way of agricultural faii-s. Ed. ANNUAL ADDRESS I>ELIVEEED AT THE STATE AGRICULTURAL FAIR, Held at Janesville, Sop. 28, 29 and 30, and Oct. 1 and 2, 18.57. THE REIGN OF WAR, OF WORDS AND OF WORKS. BT PROF, J. B. TURNER, OP JACKSONVILLE, ILL. Fellow citizens, I cannot but congratulate you upon the use- ful and succeasful termination of your State Fair. How much do we see around to delight and inspire u.s ; what good for the present, what hope for the future. Mr. Maoauley, in his history of England, states in substance, that whenever in the earlier ages our English ancestors met at their little town and county fairs, it was not in the power of an armed and despotic police, to prevent fights, broils, nots, rob- beries and murders on all hands, while as many of the common people got drunk as could find the means. Now, fellow citizens, I have during the past few weeks atten- ded some five or six of our industrial fairs, in as many different states, where from ten to thirty thousand people have gathered daily through the week, and I have not in one single case seen a fight, a quarrel, or even an angry or drunken man on or near the grounds. There may have been such, but / have not seen them, nor ev^n heard of them. In view of such a fact, it is in vain to talk to me about the dangerous moral influence of such associations, or the degener- acy and hopelessness of our age and our times. 2t 378 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. The chief emblems upon the great seal of your state, I per- ceive are the savage, the steamboat, and the plow — indicative of its past, its present, and its future. Its motto is " civilitas SUCCESsiT BARBARUM," all of which means that the barbarian has here given place to the man of work and of art. A few years since they were the only owners of this beautiful soil. Now their name and their race are alike forgotten and unknown, while we, as the congregated representatives of a new race, here gather upon their graves, with our myriad arts and heaven-born hopes, the trophies of a new age and a new world, turning their wilderness of war into a paradise of peace, and with the magic of our industrial skill, transmuting their gala-shows of carnage and of blood, into this fairy scene, this festal display of all that enriches and ennobles man here on earth. So perishes forever more the reign of barbarism and of war. So lives ever more, with its magic power, its divine skill, its trophies of good, its emblazooing of art, the everlasting reign of labor and of love. Intermediate between these, and subservient to them, lies the REIGN OF "WORDS. On the one hand the literatures, logics, log- omachies, cantings, creeds, dogmas, and boastful assumptions of little souls, by fraud or violence raised to great power, subsist- ing and perishing with the reign of war ; followed by the light and truth of great souls, walking amid perils and martyrdoms, ushering in, illuminating, fostering and crowning the final and glorious reign of work. There are but three possible modes of subsistence, either for individuals, communities or nations of men : I. By plunder. II. By fraud. III. By labor. War is the instrument of the first ; words, deceits, of the se- cond ; skill and industry of the last. Let us look for a moment at the relations, peculiarities and results of each of these domi- nant forces in the history of the world. Man was not made for war, or for words, but for work, as the great final end of his being. War and words are admissible only as a means to an end, for the defense of those rights, and ANNUAL ADDRESS. 879 the maintenance of that truth which secures and illumines labor in its toil. To make these the main ends of human or national life, is to outrage the rights of man, and defy the laws the God. Lies and hypocracies are as inevitable adjuncts of an age whose main end is literature, as outrage and violence are of an age whose end is war. God did not make man to fight, or to talk, but to work. An age of talkers is necessarily an age of liars ; though, from the needful division of labor in human society, the same is not true of individual men. If we look at the spiritual and eternal relations of man, this is no less true ; neither eternal war, nor eternal talk are the final end of man. But eternal work is his glory and destiny, here and hereafter. Here his great work is to recover earth from the ruin of the fall; to annihilate its wastes, its briars and its thorns; to transform it, morally and spiritually; "to create a new heaven and a new earth," and make all here one resplendent, sublunary paradise. After death he is to become a ministering spirit, a winged messenger of life and of light, an inhabitant of higher spheres and brighter worlds; a co-worker with God and the spirits of the just, in the creation and government of other worlds and other spheres, whose joint heirship is to be his eternal heritage and home. Hence, work is of three kinds : work of the hands, work of the head, and work of the heart ; all eqally honorable and equally useful. As an eloquent writer has said, " every freeman must have a birthright in his hand, a common school in his head, and a Dec- laration of Independence in his heart." These are the only great labor-saving machines patented in the high court of heaven ; and their aggregate constitutes the sum total of all national wealth, and national glory. By heart-work, a new spirit is to be transferred into the souls of men. By head-work a new illumination is to be thrown over all their processes, and their toils. By hand- work all these for- ces are to be applied to the physical world in which we live, un- til the new heaven and the new earth— the earthly paradise— is 380 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. complete, and stands fortli adorned as the bride for the bride- groom, ready for the presence and the blessing of its father, and its God. Hence, wars, words, literature, sciences, books, institu- tions, laws, governments, nationalities, so often the great end. the idol deities of individual or national ambition and folly, are only the mere instrumentalities, even when best employed, of this great life-work — the higher elevation of individual hearts, the brighter illumination of individual minds, and the conse- quent higher culture and more perfect adornment of individual fields, homes, and towns — the only great, lasting, and imper- ISHALBE END. Hcnce, for barbarian murderers — who are mis- called heroes, whose end is war ; driveling monks, mis-called scholars, whose end is book ; windy, noisy, sophistical talkers, mis-called orators, whose end is words ; mousing demagogues, mis -called statesmen, whose end is office ; sleepy apostates, mis- called divines, whose end is the creed or the fleece, for them there is no place in this work-world of ours. But for war for the right, talk for the truth, piety for the heart, light and science for the head, grace for the gracious, and law for the lawless, there may be, and there is a time and a place, as instrumentalities to an end. It is not pretended that either of these three forces, war, words, and work, have ever subsisted alone in human society. But all must admit that war has oftentimes been a leading force on earth ; and words, literature, logomachies, at other tini'^s ; while work, industrial skill and art, are necessarily the dominant forces in all the free states. Where war reigns, labor is plun- dered and enslaved ; where mere words and literature reign, it is cheated and deluded; but where work rules the day, it asserts its just claims, indicates its own rights, and evinces its high ca- pacities before God and man. It is true that this reign of words, these so much vaunted ages of literature, as they are called, are already found in alli- ance with the reign of war, or subsisting merely as one of its instrumentalities, or results. It is true also that great good may come to mankind from the great scholastic pets, in such a sys- tem of fraud and plunder, in the reign of words, just as good ANNUAL ADDEESS. 381 may come from the great atrocities committed in the reign of wars ; but in neither case will the return justify the cost of the outlay. The production of a few refined, learned, effeminate, pusillanimous tools of the dominant tyranny, fit only the more adroitly to defend and uphold their ill-gotten power, and play the traitor and the knave to the rest of the race, will hardly compensate for the necessary cost of the ignorance, bigotry po- litical and partizan rancor, and squallid poverty necessarily in- fused in the process, over all orders below. Unhappily, over most lands, the combined reign of war and of WORDS, is still dominant. That is, the governing powers of society still subsists by force and by fraud. Hence, the constant necessity of a standing army of scientific murderers to do their fighting, and the equal necessity of a still greater army of learn- ed sophists and liars to do their talking, to invent the sophisms, reiterate and embellish, and give power and currency to the lies and delusions upon which their institutions are based ; and of all the expenditures in universities, benefices, institutions, and ordinances through which such a power is trained, paid and pro- duced. A people whose sole end is to live by work, and not by force or fraud, needs no marshalled array but the masses. May we not hope that we Americans have approximated to this glo- rious condition ? Do we not see around us indications that our American destiny, is a destiny not of war or of words, but of work ; and do we not see hopeful tendencies to this glorious re- sult, even in the old world ? What means all this mighty array of steamboats and steamships, those colossal shuttles of com- merce, shooting across every ocean and every sea ? and this iron warp and woof of railroads, and telegraphic wires spreading its net- work over every land ? What means these annual muster- ings of our great standing armies of the plow, the anvil, and the loom ? these modern tournaments of labor, in which are dis- played the implements and prowess of our warfare ; the fruit offerings, the field offerings, and the fat offerings of our indus- trial enterprise. The new reign of labor and of art on this American conti- nent. What wonderful beauty, and order, and strength, and 882 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. power lies either hidden or already developed in this new social organism and power I All other associations and alliances, will at last be found weak and powerless in its presence. This young, infant, and innocent Hercules, still smiling in his cradle, already performs the work of a giant and a god. What augean states will he not at last cleanse ? What social powers and for- ces will he not at last consolidate and direct ? What mean those annual pilgrimages to our World's Fairs and Crystal Palaces, surpassing in numbers the devotees of both Mecca and Mt. Zion — this mighty crusade of all nations, in the rivalry of industrial art ? These are the heraldry of a new king- dom at hand — the new reign of labor and of art on this Ameri- can continent. Before migratory power the wilderness melts like snow-flakes. The continents are paved with iron roads — the ocean burdened with commercial fleets — the earth and the sea give up the treasures that are in them. All antiquated, regal splendors are outrivaled by the magic of its art, and all regal powers and glory trampled down in the fury of its march. There are those who look out on this great triumphal proces- sion of the ages, as it moves onward, with its enginery of labor, and its emblazonry of art, from the great owldom of the past — the star-lit rookery of books and myths, and forms and creeds, and croak most sadly over this " material " age, as they call it, and long for the return of the reign of words, of drivelers, and of dogmatisers, when flat worlds and round creeds, starved laborers and potbellied lords and priests filled the whole horizon of human view. Let them croak. With all their book learn- ing, they have not learned to read the signs of the times. The high and prominet regard of God for agricultural and in- dustrial labor has been not only manifested from those acts of creation which bound the destinies of the earth and race to these pursuits, but also by every act of His revealed will. Before the fall, God intimated His preference for labor over either wars or words, by giving man a garden to dress and tend, before He gave him either a helmet or a book. Satan came with enticing words^ and the reign of work for a time ceased: the reign of lying words began : the reign of war soon followed, and filled the ANNUAL ADDEESS. 383 earth, witli violence. The injunction to labor, with no command to study or to fight, was repeated after the fall. In due time God swept away the reign of war with the flood ; and instituted a new era, under farmer Noah, and afterwards confounded the reign of words, at the building of Babel. He called Abraham, and from that great patriarch of farmers. He raised up a hardy race ; inured them to severe labor under Egyptian task-masters, and by them He colonized Judea, and ultimately founded the only empire of peaceful agricultural laborers that subsisted in ancient times. Care was here taken to give every man a flirm, though no care was taken to give every man a sword or a book. From this nation of workers, in due time " the Shiloah " came, as a man of work — a mechanic — a carpenter, and a Nazarene — the Great Exemplar, as well as the Apostle and Founder of the reign of truth and work on earth. He never wore a helmet or wrote a book, or wielded a sword or a pen. He walked through the earth with his simple instruments of labor in his hands ; overturned and confounded all former dynasties, both of war and of words, and proclaimed His new kingdom of peace and of work. He himself fought no mighty battles, and wrote no mighty books, but he did perform many mighty works. He declared that all men should be judged and valued on earth, and judged and sentenced in heaven, not according to their pro- fession, their creed, their rank, their station, their learning, prowess, genius or power, but according to their works. He chose twelve untitled and unlettered men, the hardy sons of the lowest toil, with their fishers' coats and publican garments still about them, as his special companions and apostles, to institute that new kingdom of work, destined to overthrow all other kingdoms of violence and fraud. He bid the despisers of all ages "to behold, and wonder, and perish, because he wrought a work in their day which they would not believe though one should declare it unto them." How it happens, then, that an age of the world following such illustrious precedents, obeying the guidance of this divine power — an age eschewing the violence of war, and the deceits of dog- mas, and relying for subsistence primarily upon the work of its 884 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. own hands and the sweat of its own brow — an age filling conti- nents with its achievements and embelishments of industrial arts, providing bibles, sabbath-schools and common-schools for the masses and the millions; gathering in the wayward and the outcast; performing its ministratioDS of charity and healing upon the poor, the deaf, the dumb, and even the insane ; — how such an age is in danger of becoming too material, and sensual, and gross for earthly uses, because its pot-bellied hierarchies, and high-heeled orthodoxies, and slip-shod scholiasts and sciolists are melting down into the ranks of practical working Christian- ity, and plain common -sense, leaving little work and poor pay for mere star-gazers and creed- mongers of all sorts — how such an age, I say, is in danger of becoming too material and gross, I am at a loss to divine. I am more of the opinion that, as under the new reign of labor, the industry of man reclaims the whole face of the earth, and confirms it in physical beauty and plenty, to the primeval paradise from which he fell, he himself will more nearly approximate the innocence and virtue of his pristine state, and become better fitted for the paradise and blessing of his Father and his god above. Let, then, the reign of labor be consummated on earth. Let its temples, its towers, and its bulwarks rise to the skies. Let the fruits of its toil hang from every tree, and its golden harvests wave over every field. Let its busy enginery clatter along every mountain stream — its steeds of fire and messengers of flame course every land and every ocean wave ; and when this new reign of works has done its most and its best, and our whole duty to God and to man is done and well done, here on earth, we shall have leisure, per- haps, for another reign of mere words quietly to discuss over again the abstractions of metaphysics and of monks, and to over- haul the catacombs and mummies of the past, and readmire a world abjured by man and disowned of God. Till then our work is on hand, — it is the present age ; it is for this we have to work, to dare, and to do. Fellow Citizens, — For the advancement of this new reign of works you owe a duty to society and yourselves. You are not simply farmers and mechanics, you are also fathers and soverigns, ANNUAL ADDEESS. 885 and if yoa would work well, you must do tlie work of fathers and sovereigns. As farmers and mechanics you owe it to your- selves— to the noble professions you uphold and adorn, to make youi'selves skillful masters and proficients in all the duties of your arts ; to sustain and patronize its established institutes, pa- pers, periodicals, gatherings, and fairs, which shed the light of intelligence and the genial glow of rivalry, over your pursuits. You need a fire-side literature of your own ; adapted to your own tastes, your wants, your interests, and your pursuits. Your first duties to your successors is to create it, as no profession or art that has not a peculiar and distinctive literature of its own, can lay claim to its due share of regard among mankind, or secure to its members that high intellectual and moral culture and disci- pline it is designed and adapted in its own nature to produce. Foster then, by all the means in your power, the agricultural and mechanical literature of the age in which you live. As FATHERS, you owe a similar and still higher duty to your sons. The benefits of free access to such a literature are of incal- culable moment to them. But such a literature can be perfected in your profession only by the same means by which it has been secured to others. Peculiar periodicals, professorships, endow- ments, and universities, are as essential to its existence in your professions, as in the professions of war, law, medicine and di- vinity ; and yet .until within a few years, agriculture, the most elevating science and the most noble study, as well as the most healthful and genial art that Grod has ever given to man, could not claim for itself a single professorship, or high school, on the face of the earth ; whilst the varied institutes of war, law, medi- cine and divinity existed in every State and almost in every village ; still the proportion of people engaged in agriculture and the mechanic arts was as one hundred to one. So has it ever been under the reign of war and of words. But we are now standing on the threshold of a new era — the reign of works. See to it then that appropriate institutions are endowed to give to your sons as thorough an education for the shop and the farm as you are wont to give those destined for the camp, the court, the the pulpit, or the press. 2u 886 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. So mucli for your duty as fathers. I must now advert to your duty as soverigns. We hear much said in these days about all sorts of salvation. The whole world seems full of zeal for body-saving, soul-saving, union-saving and world saving. Our newspajDers are filled with advertised nos- trums for the first ; our creeds for the second ; our black laws and compromises for the third ; and when these are all swallowed, believed, and executed secundum artem, all agree that the world will be saved ; of course, provided always, that it is not physicked to death in the operation. Now, I would speak in no terms of disparagement of the three, so called learned professions. I am aware of the virtue, the in- telligence, the public usefulness, and above all, of the power which their superior education and advantages have conferred upon them. I would cheerfully and gratefally acknowledge and accept, whatever of manly virtue and heroic acheivement, any class or profession can proffer to the public service. We ought ever to remember with gratitude, and cherish with filial devotions, patriots of whatever name or class, who are the able and eloquent vindicators and defenders of our rights, and the liberties of mankind ; and those gifted, eloquent and successful teachers of divine truth, who, knowing and keeping the laws of God, regarding and cherishing the brotherhood of man, are able to guide him by precept and example, with virtue and power, through the vicissitudes of his destiny here, to his eternal rest and glory hereafter. But I would allow no class and no profession to talk to you of their consequence to the world, until you should forget, or become unmindful of your own. If the bodies of our young men are ever saved from premature physical disease and decay, it will be chiefly because they learn duly to p rize the health and blessino- of your daily pursuits — the tranquility of your fire-sides the invigorating and inspiring toil of your shops, and your fields. If the souls of men are ever really saved, (or found worth saving,) it will be because in a similar career of uncor- rupted and unobtrusive industry and innocence, they achieve the heroic manhood, and divine vu-tue of him who with saw and ANNUAL ADDRESS. 387 axe in hand endured all human toil, and shrank not even from death itself for our good, rather than because thej have learned the new dogmas, and new figments of new sects, or fight lustily for those of old ones. If the Union is saved, it will not be by the fillibustering of a few little, miserable, office seeking dema- gogues, at Washington, called Presidents, Senators, Representa- tives, and all that, getting up a tempest in a tea-pot, and affect- ing to believe that the world is coming to an end, because they can't all be made Presidents at once ; but if the Union really is saved, it will be saved only by you — the free laborers of the Republic — arising in the majesty of your freedom, your patriot- ism, your intelligence, and your power, and hurling from their position of social and political influence, the miscreants who thus insult and betray you ; and showing to the world that you dare again to be free ; and that you are worthy to rule the Republic that the God and the blood of your fathers gave into your hands. If our towns and villages are ever saved, it will only be be- cause they are alive with the industry of your art, and adorned by the virtues of your life. If our gre it cities are ever saved, from becoming a dead sea of sharks below, and a sodom of "snobs and flunkeys" above, it will be only because the streams of virtue and of true manhood continually flow from your hill sides and your mountain tops, into their stagnant and putrescent depths. If our doctors, our lawyers, our divines, our states- men, editors, speakers and haranguers are ever to be saved, it will be because your heroic valor in defense of freedom and vir- tue, your intelligence forecasting the aim, and foreordaining the doom of servility and corruption, saves them, from becoming the more imbecile demagogues of the senate, the rostrum, the pulpit, and the press. If your posterity are to be saved, it will be because steadfastly refusing to become the servile tools of partisan demagogues at home, or the cowering slaves of lordly tyrants abroad, with souls of fire and arms of power, you bear nloft the banners of the Republic, cherishing in your hearts the virtues of your fathers, and bequeathing to those who come af- ter you, unsullied and unimpaired the freedom which you re- ceived from them. Tell, then, those miserable drivellers, one 888 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURE. and all, of whatever name, whetlierin churclior instate, who with their policies and strategies, and servilities, and orthodoxies, and compromises, and hjpocracies, and apostacies, affect to mo- nopolize soul saving, and freedom saving, and union saving, and world saving exclusively to themselves, that you too have some- what to do in this great work, and, that God aiding you, you are resolved fearlessly and manfully to perform it. Undoubtedly it is bad policy to concentrate either power or monies in the hands of the General Government of the Union ; and good policy for freemen to rely more on voluntary elfort than on government patronage and protection, for all the ele- ments of progress. For although Uncle Sam is a clever old gentleman, his breeches pockets seem always to be dreadful full of holes ; and his loose coppers are as likely to scatter out for uhworthy uses, as his commissions and appointments are to fall into ignoble hands. Still, so long as the industrial classes pay at least nine-tenths of all the money that is either used or wasted, and constitute nine-tenths of all the people, and hold nine-tenths of all the property of the Union. I cannot see, while the cash and commissions are flying at your cost in all directions, why a few coppers and places should not fall to your share. You need a distinct agricultural department in the gov- ernment. You need distinct endowments for Industrial Univer- sities, especially adapted to the wants of agriculture and the mechanic arts, in each State in the Union. The government is abundantly able to grant you these aids ; and when they have done it in the most generous and friendly manner, they will not have restored to you one tenth of what you have paid away, to foster other and less worthy rival pursuits. Grant, if you please, that much of the money so appropriated may be misused or wasted. My plain answer still is, that some part of the monies of government may as well be wasted on you who pay it, as on rival interests which do not pay it. I would commend to your serious attention the able and eloquent report of the Hon. D. P. Hollo way, to the house of representatives, in 1856, on one branch of this all-important subject ; and to the recent action of the U. S. Agricultural Society, and to other societies. ANNUAL ADDRESS. 389 and states, on the subject of agricultural education. And I trust this society will never remit its efforts, in all proper ways, till these rights and advantages have been fully canvassed, and secured to every state in the union. I would incite you, my friends, to no undue egotism of class or of cast — I would disparage no other equally useful and hon- orable pursuits ; but I would incite you to a proper and rational self-respect. An honorable and emulous CLASS interest, and a clannish SELFISHNESS, are two quite different things ; and I have never yet known a body of men, of any sort, who felt no distinctive and peculiar class duty and class interest of their own, to do much for either God or man. And I tell you plainly, that in my opinion, at least, as long as you suffer yourselves to be used in your social capacity, mainly as the mere tools of others, — to be split up by them into rival sects and parties, — to follow their lead, instead of your own, — to support their measures, and foster their institutions and interests; with no institutions, no mea- sures, no leaders, no high, honorable and consecrated aims and endeavors — sustained with self-sacrificing devotion and power — distinctively and exclusively as your own, as the workers — the farmers and mechanics — the great industrial producers of the land ; — so long you will fail of your highest work and destiny on earth — miss the intelligence and power and true manhood which it is tha interest of earth, the desire of Heaven, and the true and natural end of yoiir most noble pursuit, to confer upon you, and your children after you. As farmers and mechanics, you owe a duty to God and the world higher than all other duties you can perform. Let, then, this idea incite and inspire you in all your hours of toil and of rest — in the solitude of your shops and fields, and amid the congregated thousands of your fellows. Ever be, at all times, first Farmers and Mechanics ; and after that politicians, or whatever you like ; and ever vote and act for men and measures that will promote your interests as such,and leave those of whatever party, who leave your business unfinished abroad, among your unfinished business at home. 890 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. Finally, as members of the great industrial classes of this con tinent, where the reign of work has achieved its noblest triumphs over the reign of war, and of words,, we ought never to rest until we have founded and perfected for ourselves the noblest institu- tions of science and of art ; developing and exhibiting in our own ranks, and pursuits, the broadest and the deepest intelligence — the most profound and practical philosophy — the brightest and purest examples of true christian patriotism, philanthrophy and piety — in a word, the loftiest and noblest style of christian man- hood, that earth and time have ever seen. Then, and not till then, shall the reign of work be complete, and the morning stars sing together again, and all the sons of God shout for joy, because "the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom, under the whole heaven is given to the true people of the most High," securing "peace on eaith, and good will to man, and glory to God in the highest ;" giving to the reign of work its final and everlasting triumph over the reign of war and words. God grant that this kingdom may speedily, truly and fully come. Friends, brothers, fellow-citizens, let us all. labor, and if need be, suffer for its advance.. WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. SYNOPSIS OF ENTRIES AT STATE FAIR FOR ISSY. Horses and Mules, 210 Cattle, 150 Sheep, 140- Swine, - 10 Poultry, 15 Farm and other implements, .... 300 Grains and Seeds, 50 Dairy, 80 Flowers and Artificial do,, - - - - 25 Ambrotypes, Photographs, etc., - - - 20 Flour, 5 Paintings, 28 Ornamental Shell and Needle "Work, - - 125 Vegetables, - , 190 Fruit, 215 Honey, 6 Miscellaneous, 150- Total, .... 1669 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. Made at the Seventh Annual Fair, held at Janesville, September 28, 29, and 30, and October 1 and 2, 1857. Class A. — ^o. 1. — Duehams. Judges. — John P. Eoe, Muskego ; Pliny M.Perkins, Burlington John Cochran, Waupun. Note. — The more lengthy Eeports of Committees will be found at the close of the award of premiums. Best Durham Bull, 3 yeari old and over, Wm. Cochran, Be- loit, $15 2d best do, J. Wentworth, Koskonong, .... 10 3d best do. Eli Sherman, Brighton, .... 5 Best Durham Bull, 2 years old and under 3, W. Ellsworth, Eos- endale, Dip. 2d best do, P. B. Stewart, Eagle, 7 3d best do, William Lester, Rock, ..... 5 Best Durham Bull, 1 year old and under 2, E. C. Sage, Wau- watosa, ......... 7 2d best do, J. C. Scofield & Co., Plymouth, Rock Co., . 5 3d best do, J. W. Zuill, Johnstown, .... 3 Best Durham Cow, 3 years old and over, P. B. Stewart, Ea- gle, 15 2d best do, W. M. Tallman, Janesville, ... 10 3d best do, Wm. Cochran, Beloit, 5 Best Durham Heifer, 2 years old and under 3, P. B, Stewart, Eagle, ...*..... 10 7 5 3 Trans. 5 3 Trans. AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 893 2d best do, James Spaulding, Harmony, ... T 3d best do, John Wentwortb, Koskonong, Best Durham Heifer, 1 year old and under 2, W. Cochran, Be loit, . 2d best do, John Chamberlain, Beloit, . 3d best do, Peter McVein, Newark, Best Durham Bull Calf, M. W. Sherwood, Beloit, 2d best do, S. Brooks, East Troy, . 3d best do, W. P. Bently, Albion, Best Durham Heifer Calf, P. K. Blodgett, Beloit, 2d best do, J. C. Scofield, Plymouth, 3d best do, S. Hobart, Class A. — No. 2. — Devons. Best Devon Bull, 2 years old and over, W. H. Grosbeck, Lynn, ......... lf> 2d best do, A. 0. Gilford, Johnstown, .... 10 3d best do, A. S. Trowbridge, Clinton, .... 5 Best Devon Bull Calf, Gustavus Goodrich, Whitesville, . 5 Best Devon Cow, 3 years old and oyer, 'William Spaulding, Harmony, 15 Best Devon Heifer Calf, Wm. Spaulding, Harmony, . 5 Class A. — No. 3. — Herefords. 2d Hereford Bull, 3 years old and over, J. Russel, Jr., Union Grove, 10 2d Hereford Bull, 2 years old and under 3, A. G. Medbury, Eagle, 7 2d Hereford Bull, 1 year old and under 2, P. B. Stewart, Eagle, 5 Class A. — No. 6. — Crosses of Blood. Best Cross Blood Bull, 3 years old and over, John Clark, Rich- mond, . 15 2d best do, James Spaulding, Harmony, . . . 10 3d best do, Peter McVein, Newark, • . . . 5 Best Cross Blood Bull, 2 years old and under 3, E. W. Starin, Lima, 10 2v 394 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. Best Cross Blood Cows, 3 years old and over, James Spaulding, Harmony, ........ 15 Best Cross Blood Heifer, 1 year old and under 2, J. H. "Warren, Albany, 7 Best Cross Blood Bull, 1 year old and under 2, A. B. Reynolds, Turtle, 7 Class A. — No. 7. — G-rade Cattle and Working Oxen. Judges. — Milo Jones, Fort Atkinson ; Oscar F. Levake, Wyo- ming; E. G. Fowler, Milwaukee. Best Grade Cow, 3 years old and over, A. Calkins, Janes- ville, 10 2d best do, George Hurlburt, Harmony, ... 7 Best Grade Heifer, 5 years old and under 3, A. Henderson, Be- loit, 5 2d best do, H. Hart, Emerald Grove, .... 2 Best Grade Heifer, 1 year old, Lewis Clark, Beloit, Bis. . Trans. WORKING OXEN. Best Yoke Working Oxen, H. P. Fales, La Prairie, . 10 2d best do, J. P. Smith, Milton, 7 Best Yoke Steers, 3 years old, Joshua Thayer, Palmyra, 7 2d best do, DeLoss Crandall, Milton, .... 5 8d best do, A. Henderson, Beloit, discretionary, . . Trana. Best Yoke Steers, 2 years old, J. Chase, LaPrairie, . 5 2d best do, R. Hitchcock, LaPrairie, .... 3 Your Committee, in making the foregoing Report, regret that we have not been able to designate and give every animal a passing notice, not finding the cards or owners. We have been unable to do so, and can only refer you to the notes opposite each entry in the foregoing list. Your Committee would recommend for future exhibitions in stock, that the several bloods, grades, natives and crosses are each assigned their portion of ground together, that is, all the Burhams side by side, Devons all together, and so on through each department ; that being done, the several judges could see AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 895 the stock at once, and not have to look up every animal on the ground. Stall off your ground and have a man to attend to it as the cattle come in, and I think the committee can do their work in half the time, and much more satisfactory. All of which is respectfully submitted. MiLO Jones, Chairman. Class A. — No. 8. — Milch Cows. Best Milch Cow, John Tinker Clinton, .... 15 2d best do. Prosper A. Pierce, Janesville, • . . 10 8d best do, Gustavus Goodrich, Whitesville, ... 5 Class A. — No. 9. — Cattle from other States, &c. Best Durham Bull, 4 years old, J. Q. A. Rollins, Belvidere, 111., Dip. and 10 Best Heifer 3 years old, E. Brown, Ohio, . . Dip. and 10 Pair Fat Steers, Thomas M. Lynch, Janesville, dis., . Trans. Grade Calf, 6 months old, A. A. Keith, Johnstown, dis.. Trans. Grade Heifer, 6 years old, John Turner, Harmony, dis,, Trans. Class A. — No. 10. — Blood Horses. Judges. — S. B. Newcomb, Whitewater ; P. B. Stewart, Eagle ; James Davis, Waukesha. Best blood Horse, Tyrant, 5 years old and over, George Mat- thews, Willow Springs, 50 2d best do, Daniel Blodgett, Beloit, .... 25 A superior animal, 5 years old and over, L. D. Richardson, Janesville, a discretionary premium of . . . 10 A good horse, 5 years old and over, Jas. A. Rogers, Brodhead, a discretionary premium, ' . . . . Trans. Class A. — No. 11. — Morgans. Best Morgan stallion, Gen. Oifford^ 4 yrs old and over, C. M. Clark, Whitewater, 20 2d best do, E. P. Eaton, Elkhorn, .... 15 896 WISCONSIN AGEICULTURB. Best Morgan stallion 3 years old and under 4, Green Mountain Boy^ James Cutter, Bradford, .... 10 Best Black Hawk stallion 4 years old and over, D. S. Foot, Merton, 20 2d best do, Thos. Marshall, Oak Grove, ... 15 Best Black Hawk stallion 3 years old and under 4, E. A. Smith, Whitewater, ........ 10 2d best do, Prairie Chiefs Jas. M. Lawrence, Harmony, 5 Black Hawk stallion Badger^ 2 years old, E. Walker, Bloom- field, a discretionary premium of ... . 3 Black Hawk stallion Black Fox, 2 years old, A. Pike, Cold Springs, discretionary, ...... Trans Black Hawk stallion 2 years old, Jas. Beneworth, Koshkonong discretionary, Trans Class A. — No. 12. — Caeriage Horses. Best pair matched carriage horses, Butcher & Brownell, Madi- son, ......... 20 2d best do, L. A. Cotton, Eacine, . . . . , 15 8d do, Geo. Paddock, Kenosha, 10 4th do, L. D. Rich, Janesville, discretionary, Trans, and 5 Best single horse, L. W. Cutter, Whitewater, . . 10 2d best do, Oscar Buck, Beloit, ..... 5 Best single mare, W. Hughes, Janesville, dis.. Trans, and 5 2d best do, Jas. M. Mann, La Prairie, do do do 3 Class A. — No. 13. — Horses for all Work. Judges — G. H. Slaughter, Madison; Jerome Ferguson, Pierceville. Best stallion for all work, 4 years old and over, E. M. Utter, East Troy, • . 20 2d best do, Jas. Royce, Brodhead, .... 15 Stallion 3 years old. Smith Halstead, Darien, dis., Trans, and 5 Stallion 3 years old, E. F. Peck, Newark, do do do 2 Stallion 2 years old, Steven Jones, Spring Prairie, dis. do do 5 do 2 do do D. Gower, Rock, discretionary, do do 2 Pair draft stallions, E. P. Peed, Newark, do do do 5 do do mares, J. Cummings, Sharon, do do do 5 AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 897 Best mare for all work, 4 years old and over, J. W. Hunt, Mad- ison, ......... 10 2d best do, A. 0. Douglass, Plymouth, Rock Co., . . 5 Best match horses for all work, Wm. Hutchinson, Blooming Grrove, 15 2d best do, Randall Fuller, Waukesha, . . . 10 Class A. — No. 14. — Makes and Colts. Best brood mare and colt, H. D. Bates, Janes ville, . 10 2d best brood mare, S Jones, Spring Prairie, . . 5 Best mare colt, 3 years old and under 4, Peter McVean, New- ark, 10 2d best do, N. Beck, Plymouth, 5 Best mare colt, 2 years old and under 3, A. C. Douglass, Ply- mouth, 7 2d best do, J. P. L. Hayner, Rock, .... 5 Best mare colt, 1 year old and under 2, W. Cole, Milton, 5 Best horse colt do, Albert Bemis, Plymouth, . . 5 2d best do, Wm. Cole, Milton, 3 Best gelding colt, 3 years old and under 4, W. H. Bump, Mag- nolia, ......... 7 Class A. — No. 15. — Jacks and Mules. Judges — Thos. Miller, Spring Prairie ; S. Jones, David Williams. Best pair work mules, P. M. Pritchard, Fitchburg, . 10 2d best do, H. B. Trowbridge, Burlington, ... 5 2d best single mule, Daniel Farmer, Fitchburg, . . 3 Class A. — No. 16. — Long Wool Sheep, &c. Judges — Seymour Brooks, East Troy ; B. R. Colvin, Madison. Best buck (South Down) 2 years old and over, J. A. Carpenter, Waukesha, 10 2d best do, (Leicester) do, Robert Bagg, Eagle, . . 7 Best pen ewes, 2 years old and over, same, ... 10 do do do 1 do do and under 2, do, . . 7 398 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. The sliow of sheep in this class was very meagre, being little or no competition, although your committee think those that were shown, meritorious animals, and have awarded premiums accordingly. Mr. Robt. Bagg showed 1 pen of buck lambs, also, one pen of ewe lambs, which were superior lambs, and your committee would recommend that they be awarded premiums the same as pens in other classes. Seymour Brooks, Ch'n. Class A. — No. 17. — French Merino and G-rades. Judges — Edward Pier, Fond du Lac ; B. D. Montrose, Columbus ; L. W. Joiner, Wyoming. Best buck 2 years old and over, P. M. Perkins, Burlington, Dip. 2d best do, Melenda & Weld, Eagle, .... 7 3d best do, F. M. Jenks, Summit, .... 5 Best buck 1 year old and under 2, same, ... 7 1 French & Spanish buck, 2 years old and over, H. E, Coon, Palmyra, discretionary, Trans 1 French & Silesian buck, Eli Proctor, La Prairie, dis., Trans Best pen ewes, 2 years old and over, P. M. Perkins, Burling- ton, Dip. 2d best do, F. M. Jenks, Summit .... 7 3d best do, P, B. Stewart^ Eagle, 5 Best pen ewes, 1 year old and under 2, P. M. Perkins, Burling- ton, . 7 Best pen ewe lambs, P. B. Stewart, Eagle, ... 5 2d best do, F. M. Jenks, Summit, ..... 3 French buck, Joseph Lester, McHenry, 111., discretionary, Tran We found a large collection of sheep, among which were many animals of very superior merit, especially among the Spanish, among which we would particularly mention a pen of three bucks. No. 241, which were of very superior form and size, but were deficient in the distribution and uniformity of their fleeces. The committee would also respectfully make the following suggestions : That in future the French and Spanish sheep be assigned to different committees. That unshorn sheep be ex- AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS. 899 eluded from competition for premiums ; as it is impossible to compare them with shorn sheep, and arrive at srtisfactorj results. We found the arrangement of the sheep very bad ; the differ- ent varieties being mixed promiscuouslyj which made it very dif- ficult to examine, and almost impossible to compare them and arrive at satisfactory conclusions. Class A. — No. 18. — Spanish Merinos and Grades. Best buck 2 years old and over, H. Hemenway, "White- water, ......... Dip. 2d best do, J. T. Flint, Sun Prairie, .... 7 3d best do, Melanda & Weld, Eagle, .... 5 Best buck 1 year okl and under 2, E. M. Rice, Richmond, 7 2d best do, H. Hemenway, Whitewater, ... 5 8d do, Gr. W. Williams, Albion, 3 Best pen buck lambs, H. Hemenway, Whitewater, . 5 2d best do, J. T. Flint, Sun Prairie, .... 3 8d do, Gustavus Goodrich, Whitesville, ... 2 Best pen ewe 2 years old and over, J. T. Flint, Sun Prairie, 1 0 2d best do, H. Hemenway, Whitewater, ... 7 8d do, P. B. Stewart, Eagle, 5 Best pen ewes 1 year old and under 2, H. Hemenway, . 7 2d best do, J. T. Flint, Sun Prairie, .... 5 8d do, A. Henderson, Beloit, 3 Best pen ewe lambs, H. Hemenway, Whitewater, . 5 2d best do, J. T. Flint, Sun Prairie, .... 3 Class A. — No. 21. — Swine. Judges — S. B. Edwards, East Troy ; E. Willard, Ft. Atkinson ; H. H, Johnson, Kenosha. The committee on swine would respectfully report, that their duties were not very arduous, as the number of swine present was very small, quite too limited even for a County Fair ; but the quality generally was very good. After a careful examina- tion, your committee are unanimous in making the following awards : 400 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. Best breeding sow 2 years old and over, A. C. Douglas, Ply- mouth, 10 2d best do, H, E. Coon, Palmyra, .... 7 3d do, A. Haskins, Janesville, 5 Best Suffolk sow and pigs, J. A. Carpenter, "Waukeska, 10 Best Suffolk pig, under 6 months, Hanford & Co., do, dis. Tran 8 Suffolk pigs, Simeon Ruble, Beloit, dis., . Trans, and 5 Class A. — No. 22. — Poultry. Judges — C. G. Gillett, Janesville ; Marcellus Finch, Ft. Atkinson. Greatest variety, E. Wixom, Rock, . . . . 5 Best Dorkings, J. A. Carpenter, Waukesha, . . 2 " Shanghaes, H. W. Hodges, Rock, • . . 2 " Spangled Hamburg, Charles C. Quince, Janesville, 2 " Bramapootras, N. C. Hanford, .... 2 " Geese, IN. L. Graves, Fulton, .... 2 " Ducks, E. Wixom, Rock, 2 " Guinea fowls, A. AV". Smith, Harmony, . . 2 Your committee were of the opinion that the coop of fowls entered by E. Wixom, as Cochin Chinas, were not pure bloods, and therefore did not feel warranted in awarding a premium. The lot of Shanghaes entered by E. A. Howland were good, and well worthy of notice ; but there being no second premium none could be awarded. All of which is submitted, with the sincere hope that at our next annual State fair there will be a better show in this de- partment ; if there is not, your committee would very respect- fully decline serving in this capacity again. C. G. Gillett, Marcellus Fustch. Janesville, Oct. 1, 1857. Class B. — No. — 23. — PLOwma Match. Judges — J. P. Dixon, Janesville ; A. Haskins, John Alexander. 2d premium, James Lawrence, Janesville, ... 8 3d do, James Helms, Centre, Rock co., ... 6 AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS. 401 4tli do, Sanford Gower, Eock, 4 Boys under 16 years of Age. 1st premium, John McVean, Newark, ... 8 2d do, Stanley Walker, Milton, .... 6 Class B. — No. 25. — Farm liiPLEMENTs. — No. 1. Zudges — Orrin Guernsy, Janesville ; Samuel Pratt, Spring Prai- rie; A. Burdick, Edgerton. 2 Dip. Dip. Dip. Dip. Dip. Dip. Best dozen brooms, W. Hewett, Janesville, Best sod plow for stiff soil, N, Moulton, Eochester, do do light soil, E. Vincent, Eockton, 111., do do fallow land, N. Moulton, Eochester, Best steel crossing plow, — Mitchel, Eacine, " corn plow, Barrows & Lund, Janesville, " subsoil plow. Wood & North, Eochester, " collection of plows in this country, Barrows & Lund, Janes- ville, Dip. and 5 " door locks, S. S. Mayers, Janesville, , . . Dip. " safe, Berliner & Bruno, Milwaukee, . . . Dip. " and most numerous collection of agricultural and garden tools and implements manufactured in the State, by or un- der the supervision of the exhibitors, Vose, Mitchell & Co., Milwaukee, Dip. and 5 " fanning mill, J. Nash, Janesville, .... Dip. 2d best do, N. Moulton, Eochester, .... 3 Best farm wagon, S. L. James, Beloit, .... Dip. 2d best do, S. W. Gage, Beloit, 3 Best corn cultivator, E. Dann, Footville, ... 3 2d best do, Yose, Mitchell & Co., Milwaukee, . , 2 Harrow and sower combined, T. A. Gault & Co., Sterling, 111., discretionary, Dip. 2d best harrow, Yose, Mitchell & Co.. Milwaukee, . 2 Best corn stalk cutter, Barrows & Lund, Janesville, . 3 Best hay and straw cutter. Barrows & Lund, do, . , 3 Best revolving horse rake, N. E. Allen, Trenton, Dip. and 8 2w 402 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. 2d do, Yose, Mitchell & Co., Milwaukee, Best ox yoke, Yose, Mitchell & Co., Mil., 2d best do, Barrows & Lund, Janesville, Best roller, for farm use, W. Hughes, Janesville, . Best clod crusher and roller combined, Wm, Whitfield c^ w« J^XX ■■ • • • • • • • Best wagon harness for farm, H. S. Woodruff, Janesvilh 2d best do. Chase & Joslin, Janesville, . Best carriage harness, II. S. Woodruff, Janesville, Best single harness, H. S. Woodruff, do, 2d best do. Chase k Joslin, do, ... . Best gent's riding saddle, E. F. Peck, Newark, 2d best do, H. S. Woodruff, Janesville, Best lady's riding saddle, H. S. Woodruff, do, Best dozen axes. Barrows & Lund, do, . Best churn, S. L. Lefiler, Racine, 2d best do, Barrows & Lund, Janesville, Best cheese press, same, ..... 2d best do, Yose, Mitchell & Co., Milwaukee, Best grain cradle. Barrows & Lund, Janesville, Best 12 rakes, same, ...... Best six hay forks, Yose, Mitchell & Co-, Milwaukee. 2d best do. Barrows k Lund, Janesville, Best six grass scythes, Yose, Mitchell & Co., Milwaukee 2d best do. Barrows & Lund, Janesville, Best scythe and snath, Yose, Mitchell & Co., 2d best do, Barrows & Lund, Janesville, Best six manure forks, Yose, Mitchell & Co., Milwaukee 2d best do. Barrows & Lund, Janesville, Best lot grain measures, Daggett & Rice, Milwaukee, 2d best do, Yose, Mitchell & Co., do, . Best pails, Daggett & Rice, do, ... . Farm wagon, Thomas Dow, Whitewater, dis.. Steel plate plow, J. M. May, Janesville, dis.. Best portable fence, H. K. Blodgett, Union, dis,, . Wheel cultivator, for putting in grain, F. A. Kimball ville, discretionary, 2 2 1 5 Chica- 5 , 5 3 Dip. 3 2 3 2 5 2 3 2 3 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 Trans. Trans. Trans. Janes- Trans. AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS. 403 Woven wire fence, W. J. Johnson, Boston, Mass., . Dip. Eolling Mills ; scales, with patent India rubber spring platform ; best portable scales, (Fairbank's) ; best warehouse scales, (Fairbank's), C. L, Harmon & Co., Chicago, 111., . Dip. Pork packing scales ; flour packing scales ; letter press ; counter scales, S. S. Hitchcock, Chicago, 111., . . . Dip^ Class B. — No. 26. — Operative Machinery. Judges. — B. E. Ely, Eochester ; Ira Miltimore, Janesville. Portable steam engine for farm use, Willard "Warner, Newark, Ohio, Dip. and 20 Portable steam engine, Higgins, Mowry & Co., Chicago, Illi- nois, dis., Dip. Stationery steam engine, Higgins, Mowry & Co., Chicago, Illinois, 15 Stationary and portable steam engine combined, Turton & Ser- comb, Milwaukee, dis., Dip. and 15 N. B. — A machine of such ingenuity and beauty of finish does great credit to the skill and workmanship of the manufac- turers. Best self-raking reaper, A. Palmer, Brockport, N. Y., Dip. and 8 Best hand-raking reaper and mower combined, George Esterly, Heart Prairie, ...... Dip. and 6 2d best do, Talcott, Emerson & Co., Eockford, 111., . 4 Best mowing machine (Ketchum's patent) Vose, Mitchell & Co., Milwaukee, Dip. and 5 Best tread horse power, H. D. Emery, Chicago, 111., Dip. and 5 2d best do, W. D. Bacon, Waukesha, . . . . 3 Best sweep horse power, J. I. Case, Eacine, Dip. and 10 2d best do, J. Baker, Michigan City, la., . . . 5 Best separator, J. I Case, Eacine, .... Dip. 2d best do, very durable, simple and perfect in action, W. D. Bacon, Waukesha, 3 Best corn sheller, horse or hand power, A. C. Hintage, Milton, Eock CO., 5 2d best do, Vose, Mitchell & Co., Milwaukee, . . 3 404 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. Best seed drill, Keuhn & Co., Dayton, Ohio, . . Dip. 2d best do, S. M. Goslin, Janesville, dis., . . . Trans. Broadcast seed sower, C. Eggleston, Beloit, dis., . . Trans. Clover huller, Yose, Mitchell & Co., Milwaukee, . . Dip. Best corn and cob crusher, "Young America," do. Dip. and 7 2d best do, N. L. Thayer, Beloit, 5 Best portable grist mill, Nicholas & Bacon, Janesville, Dip. Best machine for cutting and planing mouldings of irregular forms in wood, a machine of peculiar merit and great value, James Farr, Beloit, dis., Dip. Best hay press, (Ingersol's patent,) C. L. Harmon & Co , Chica- go, 111., ........ Dip. Corn busker. Barrows & Lund, Janesville, dis., . . Trans. Best hand corn planter, R. S. Kingman, Sparta, dis., . Trans. Best horse corn planter, L. Arnold, Janesville, dis., . Trans. Best sewing machine, (Watson's single thread,) Wilson & Co., Milwaukee, ...... Dip. and 5 Best lightning rod, 0. White, Racine, . . . Dip. Best finished brass work, W. B. Walton, Milwaukee, . Dip. 2d best do. Western Novelty Works, Janesville, . . 3 Self-sacking corn shell er, Thomas McFarlane, Salem, Ohio, dis- cretionary, ....*... Trans. Best vegetable cutter, Vose, Mitchell & Co., Milwaukee, 5 Best dog power churning machine, same, ... 5 Best horse shoes, H. B. Waters, Whitewater, dis., Trans. 2d best do, David Carter, Johnstown, dis., . . . Trans. Best garden engine, Vose, Mitchell & Co., Mil., . . Dip. Best horse power equalizer, George Hely, Rochester, dis.. Trans. Best hand seed sower, "Vose, Mitchell & Co., Mil., dis.. Trans. Best regulating wind-mill, J. M. May, Janesville, Dip. and 15 Best non-regulating wind-mill, Genung Cheesebro, Delevan, dis., Trans, Best card printing press, J. M. May, Janesville, dis.. Trans. Best sugar crusher, S. S. Hitchcock, Chicago, HI., dis., Trans. Best pump for farm use, J. Brown, Corning, N. Y., . 5 2d best do, W. J. Powers, Waukegan, 111., dis., . . Trans. Best circular saw-mill, H. D. Emery & Co., Chicago, dis., Trans. AWAEDS OF PREMIUMS. 405 The Committee on Operative Machinery, in making their report, would remark, that the short time given them for exam- ination— the large number and variety of articles claiming their consideration — and withal the scattered and inconvenient ar- rangement of many of the minor machines on the ground — have precluded that thorough examination and comment which the importance of the department allotted to them demanded, and which they would gladly have bestowed. They will be unable at this time to more than report the bare awards, leaving it for other opportunity to report more specifically the results of their examinations. Class C. — ^No. 27. — Farm Products. Judges — J. M. Clark, Whitewater; T. H. Fellows, Bloomfield. Best sample winter wheat, Hiram Bump, Janesville, Best sample spring wheat, C. Bowerman, Fulton, 2d best do, R. Hickock, La Prairie, Best sample rye, N. S. Graves, Fulton, Best sample oats, John Little, Janesville, 3d best do, Russel Cheney, Emerald Grove, . Best sample seed corn, George Pickering, Eock, 2d best do, 0. Gurnsey, Janesville, Best sample buckwheat, W. S. Follansbee, Janesville, 2d best do, Alex Pike, Cold Spring, Best sample barley, H. P. Fales, La Prairie, . Best sample beans, E. L. Carter, Ripon, 2d best do, W. S. Follansbee, Janesville, Best sample clover seed, Alex Pike, Cold Spring, Best bushel onions, W. S. Follansbee, Janesville, Best sample timothy seed, Alex Pike, Cold Spring. 2d best do, A. A. Keith, Johnstown, Best sample flat turnips, W. S. Follansbee, Janesville, Best sample peas, same, ..... Best variety potatoes, W. C. Hanford, Bradford, Best sample Chinese sugar cane, S. G. Williams, dis., [Remark. — In the opinion of the Executive Committee, the Judges on garden vegetables did not bestow that notice which 3 3 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 3 2 3 2 1 2 2 Trans. 406 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. the show merited, and omitted in their report many articles of real merit.] Class C. — No. 29. — Butter. Judges— Wm. Mulks, Whitewater; Mrs. Jas. Davis, Waukesha; Mrs. S. B. Newcomb, Whitewater ; J. J. Son & Wife, Edgerton, Best jar June made butter, A. F. Hollister, Beloit, . 10 Process of Making the Butter. One jar of butter, made in June, 1857, in the town of Beloit, Rock county, as follows : Milk set in tin pans, on shelf, in cel- lar, for 24 hours ; skimmed into cream jar ; churned three times a week ; washed in well water when taken from the churn, and salted as soon as washed free from milk, with common barrel salt; one pound of salt being worked into sixteen pounds of butter; which, after standing 24 hours, was worked again to relieve it of brine, then left in butter bowl from twelve to twenty -four hours; worked again and packed m jar, with a damp cloth laid over until next churning was added. Have used other salt without any injurious effects. No saltpetre or other substance than salt has been used in this butter. There are six cows kept on the farm, and they were kept solely on the grass of the prairie, at the time of making this butter ; which was made and kept in the cellar up to the time of taking to the fair. Beloit, Sept. 27, 1857. A. F. Hollister. 2d best do, Mrs. H. J. Starin, Whitewater, 3d best do, Mrs. Joseph Spaulding, Harmony, Best jar Fall made butter, P. A. Pierce, Janesville 2d best do, A. A. Keith, Johnstown, 3d best do, Moore Spears, Rrookfield, . 7 5 7 5 3 CHEESE. Best cheese, H. B. Trowbridge, Burlington, . . 10 AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 407 How THE Cheese was Made. The cheese we present for exhibition at the State Fair was made in the town of Burlington, one mile west of the village, On the farm known as the Perkins Dairy Farm. The cheese was made in the month of July, from the milk of thirty-four cows, at two milkings. The evening milk was strained into a large zinc vat, placed inside of a wooden one ; the space between the two, capable of holding from fifteen to twenty pails of water, which can be drawn off and filled, to cool the milk as occasion may require. In the morning, the cream was taken from the vat (to make butter for family use), and the new milk added (no warming in hot weather) ; it is now ready for the rennet. There are various modes of preserving the rennet ; the usual one is to fill with salt and dry ; soak in water till the strength is partially obtained, then add as mach salt as will dissolve, to keep it sweet. The quantity to be used, is the smallest that will possibly fetch the cheese, in from forty minutes to an hour. When the milk has become well coagulated, we cut with a wooden knife, each way, in small squares ; let stand from ten to fifteen minutes ; then with the skimmer cut it fine, very carefully (to prevent washing, as that extracts the best of the cheese, causing the whey to look milky) : let stand a few minutes to settle, then dip off the whey ; place it over a slow fire, to warm gently ; break again with the skimmer; add the warm whey; repeating the same process till we can squeeze with the hands without mash- ing ; then separate the curd from the whey, and salt with com- mon good barrel salt. We use about half an ounce of salt to a pound of dry cheese, and much care in rubbing it in, to get it through the whole and not mash the curd. We use the screw press, letting the cheese stand about thirty minutes; then turn into a fine linen cloth, where it remains twenty -four hours ; take it out, oil with oil, made from skimming the whey; bandage with thin cotton cloth, dipped in oil. Turn over every day ; rub and oil them well. We use as little heat about making cheese as will possibly harden the curd, never 408 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEB. putting in the whey warmer than we can bear the hand in, and never allow the curd to become warmer than new milk. Mes. H. B. Trowbridge, Mary J. Turner, LoRiNDA Trowbridge. 2d best do, Milo Jones, Fort Atkinson, ... 7 3d best do, John Jones, Janesville, .... 5 Best single cheese, H. B. Trowbridge, Burlington, . 3 H. E. Vogel, of Chicago, 111., exhibited one splendid mam- moth cheese ; weight, 607 pounds ; made from one milking of 350 cows, at Rome, Herkimer county, N. Y., worthy of com- mendation. He also exhibited two packages of butter — a most splendid article, manufactured with neatness and skill — worthy of the first premium in any State where made. Best sample syrup from Chinese sugar cane, J. C. Brayton, Az- talan, 10 7 5 3 2 2d best do, G. P. Peffer, Pewaukee, 3d best do, Wm. Spaulding, Harmony, Best show honey, E. K. Kelley, Rock, 2d best do, G. F. Heacock, Janesville, Best barrel winter wheat flour, and do spring wheat flour, J. 0 Jenkins & Co., Janesville, dis., .... Dip Class C. — ^No. 30. — Bread. Best specimen brown bread, Miss F. E. Lester, Janesville, 3 2d best do, Miss Mary Gargan, Rock, .... 3 3d best do. Miss Jane Moore, Janesville, ... 1 Best specimen white bread, Mrs. H. J. Starin, Whitewater, 3 2d best do, Mrs. 0. K. Bennett, Janesville, ... 2 3d best do, Mrs. L. H. Kellogg, Janesville, ... 1 JUVENILES. Three samples exhibited too late by the Misses Addie Holmes, 13 years old ; Flora A. Smith, 13 years old ; E. A. Follansbee, 11 years old; were excellent, and worthy of special notice. AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 409 Class D. — No. 32. — Domestic Manufactures. Judges — Mrs. H. J. Starin, "Whitewater; Mrs. N. G. Storrs, Milwaukee. Report of the Committee on Domestic Manufactures, ISTeeclle, Shell and Wax Work, at State Fair, as follows : The exhibition of worsted work embraces an extensive vari- ety, of various styles — displaying superior skill and workman- ship— among which the committee find many articles on which 'particular specimens no premium is offered in the original list, but which, in the opinion of the committee, are decidedly meritorious and entitled to the premiums severally awarded. There is also an extensive assortment of muslin embroidery, some of which could not be excelled, and to which the above remarks equally apply. Among the articles of superior merit, is a child's embroidered dress, exhibited by Mrs. A. M. Hop- kins, Fulton, entitled to 1st premium. The committee find also, a great variety of fancy and orna- mental work, evincing a cultivated taste, and displaying an ingenuity and skill highly commendable and worthy of imitation. The committee regret to find so few contributions in the juve- nile department. The specimens exhibited reflect much credit on the industry and skill of the contributors, and we hope, an- other year, to see a large number of our young misses emulating so worthy an example. The exhibition of domestic manufactures is full and complete. Some specimens, combining beauty and utility in a high degree, and reflecting much praise on the industrial genius of our coun- try women. The committee most respectfully suggest that, should the stereotyped premium list by any accident be destroyed, the assist- ance of ladies should be employed in making up a new one, i.e. in the ladies' department. This would lighten immensely the labors of the committee, distribute more equal justice to the contributors, and give much greater satisfaction to all. The committee also recommend a division of labor in this depart- ment, as the work is altogether too arduous for one committee. 2x 410 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. In the nmltiplicitj of articles submitted for our inspection, it must necessarily occur that some meritorious ones have been overlooked ; this the committee regret. Such a result would be obviated by adopting the above suggestion. In the confusion arising from the storm, &c., many articles of merit, properly entered in the committee's book, have no cards of entry attached ; in all such cases the committee have rectified the discrepancy as far as possible, and have endeavored to deal justly by all. The committee award the following premiums, and would present for favorable notice, a banner presented by Madame Andrews to the R, R. En. Co., which for beauty of style and completeness of execution, could not be excelled. The same may be said of all her contributions. The committee desire to express their thanks for valuable assistance rendered during the examinations, by J. S. Parker, Esq., of Janesville. By order of the committee. Mrs. H. J. Starust, CTiUn. " N. G. Storrs. Best woolen spread, D. C. Burdick, Milton, . . 4 2d best do, J. E. Culver, Milton, .... 2 Carpet coverlet, L. Yeoman, Janesville, dis., . . 2 1 pair wool sheets, Mrs. James Helmes, Centre, Bock county, discretionary, ....... 1 "Wool bed spread, Mrs. Fannie Bump, Magnolia, dis,, 1 1 pair flannel, L. Yeoman, Janesville, ... 2 Best piece woolen cloth, N. L. Graves, Fulton, . . 4 2d best do, Mrs. H. M. Alden, Brooklyn, ... 2 Three hearth rugs, Mrs. W. F. Hovey, Fort Atkinson, 4 Best rag carpet, J. Cox, Janesville, .... 4 2d best do, F. Yan PattcD, Porter, .... 2 8d best do, Stillman Moulton, Rochester, ... 1 Best pair wool stockings, Mrs. M. C. Eastman, Oconomo 1 pair mittens. Miss Anna S. Spaulding, Harmony, 1 pair striped mittens, Mrs. M. C, Eastman, Oconomowoc, 1 pair ladies' mittens, Mrs. Terbush, Racine, dis.. woe, 2 2 1 1 AWAKDS OF PEEMIUMS. 411 1 pair fringed mittens, Miss M. M. Gilbert, Footville, dis., 1 1 pair gent's wool mittens, Robert W. Haven, Janesville, dis., 1 Best stocking yarn, Mrs. H. M. Allen, Brooklyn, . 2 2d best do, E. W. Palmer, Fitcliburg, .... 1 Best cotton stockings, Solomon Finley, Richmond, . 2 2d best do, Mrs. Terbush, Racine, .... 1 Best gent's shirts, L. Bigelow, Rutland, ... 5 2d best do, Mrs. S. S. Hitchcock, Chicago, ... 3 Show of fine shirts, W- C. Hanford, Bradford, dis., . Trans, Best ottoman cover, Charles Fountain, Racine, . . 3 2d best do, Mrs. J. W. Patterson, Janesville, . . 2 Ottoman cover, Marion L. Smith, Janesville, dis., . 1 Tufted ottoman cover, Mrs. W. Hodgson, Beloit, . 1 Ottoman cover on cloth, Mrs. J. F. Drake, Janesville, dis., 1 Ottoman cover on cloth, Mrs. D. Y. Kilgore, Madison, dis., 1 Tufted ottoman cover. Miss Ellen J. Weaver, (12 years old,) Clinton, dis., ....... 1 Needle, Shell and Wax Work. Worsted tidy, Mrs. P. Eyclesheimer, Janesville, . . 2 Fancy sketch, Wm. B. West, Janesville, ... 2 Tufted worsted work, Mrs. G. Anderson, Janesville, . 2 Worsted embroidery, Sarah E. Burrows, Beloit, . 1 Worsted work, Mrs. W, Hodgson, Beloit, .... 1 Yariety of worsted work, Mrs. M. K. Potter, . . 1 Embroidered skirt, Mrs. S. S. Hitchcock, Chicago, dis., 1 do do Mrs. Silvia Powers, Janesville, dis., 1 Mrs. F. L. Vale, Janesville, dis., . 2 Mrs* J. W. Stewart, Decatur, dis., 1 Mrs. L. McKaler, Janesville, dis., 1 Mrs. Leonard Brace, Fulton, dis., 1 Reticule, Mrs. H. Anderson, Prairie du Sac, . . 2 Case of embroidery, Miss C. A. Pease, Janesville, dis., 2 3 pair undersleeves, Mrs. Leonard Brace, Fulton, dis., 1 1 embroidered scarf, Mrs. H. Henderson, Prairie du Sac, dis., 1 Specimen Indian embroidery, John W. Hunt, Madison, dis- cretionary, Trans. do do do do do do do do \ 412 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. Best worked collar, W. C. Hanford, Bradford, . . 2 2d best do, A. Burdick, Albion, Dane county, . . 1 Embroidered collar. Miss Emma Alden, (12 years old,) Janes- ville, dis., 1 Embroidered collar, D. C. Burdick, Milton, dis,, . 1 do do Mrs. S. W. Graves, Eutland, dis., 1 do cape, Mrs. H. Henderson, Prairie du Sac, dis., 1 Embroidered handkerchief, Mrs. Lucinda McKaler, Janesville, 2 do do Mrs. M. W. Pierce, Janesville, 2 do do Mrs, H, Henderson, Prairie du Sac, dis,, 2 Embroidered handkerchief, Mrs, J. W. Platto, Janesville, 1 Lamp mat. Miss Adelaide Euger, Janesville, . . 1 Best patch quilt, Mrs, P. Dana, Janesville, ... 2 2d best do, Mrs, Cordelia Wood, 1 Best white bed quilt, Mrs. M, C. Eastman, Oconomowoc, 2 2d best do, Mrs. T, W. Pitiman, 1 Counterpane, S. D, Mosely, Beloit, dis., ... 2 Worked spread, Mrs, M. Holmes, Harmony, dis,, . 2 Wrought slippers, Mrs. L, McKaller, Janesville, . 2 Embroidered slippers, Mrs. C, 0, Wright, Janesville, . 2 Class D. — No, 34. — Manufactures other than Domestic, Judges — N. M. Sheldon, Caldwell's Prairie; James Catton, Burlington. Best lot manufactured articles, P. M, Perkins, Burlmgton, Dip, 2d best do, J, Dawson & Sons, Madison, ... 3 Millinery. Judges — Mrs, I. C. Jenks, Janesville ; Mrs. A. E. Eay, Eagle. Best silk and straw bonnets, Mrs. C, A, Andrews, Janesville, Dip. 2d best silk bonnet, Miss J. A. Fuller, Janesville, . 3 3d best do, Mrs, O'Dea, Janesville, .... 2 Best and greatest variety of millinery, manufactured by the ex- hibitor in this State, Mrs. C. A, Andrews, Janesville, 6 AWAEDS OF PREMIUMS. 413 [The committee agree in saying that they never saw a finer display of millinery goods.] Printikg ai^d Bookbinding. Judges — John W. Hunt, Madison ; M. E. Congar, Whitewater. The Committee on Printing and Book-Binding, having per- formed the duty assigned them, respectfully report, that they found on exhibition very superior specimens of job and orna mental printing, (No. 160) from the office of B. E. Hale & Co., Beloit. As no premium is offered for this class of printing in the premium list, the committee leave it with the society to make such award as they may think proper. They also find a very good article of book printing from the same establishment, and award to it the first premium. Mr. Hale also exhibits first class specimens of card printing, and the committee award him the first premium. No. 410 exhibits very good specimens of card printing, and the committee recommend for it a second premium. Isaac A. Poole, of Chicago, 111, had a collection of books, the binding of which may be seen in any bookstore or library, un- worthy of notice. Bliss, Eberhard & Festner, of Madison, exhibited several samples of binding, both plain and ornamental. The committee regret that this collection was not earlier on the grounds, as it is well worthy of attention, and could not fail to attract the atten- tion, praise and commendation of all. Each of the books pre- sented, reflect great credit, upon the skill and workmanship of these gentlemen, in all of the departments of book-binding, ruling, and the manufacture of blank books, which the commit- tee are satisfied cannot be surpassed in the State or the West. John W. Hunt, CKn. M. E. Conger. Best specimen card printing, B. E. Hale & Co., Beloit, 5 2d best do. Brown & Armstrong, Janesville, dis., . Trans. Best specimen book printing, B. E. Hale & Co., Beloit, Dip. Best specimen book binding, Bliss, Eberhard & Festner, Madi- son, Dip. 414 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. Paintings, Drawings, Engravings, Etc. Judges.— L. D. H. Crane, Mrs. H. D. L. Crane, Dodgeville ; J. D. Euggles, Mrs. N. W. Dean, Mrs. E. S. Carr, Madison. The exhibition of Fine Arts has this year been very large and excellent, comprising many paintings of great value and inter- est, and other entries of great merit, which have added much to the interest of the Fair. The exhibition of Photographs, Ambrotypes, etc., from artists of the State, have been large and excellent ; and some speci- mens of Colored Photographs exhibited by Mr. Ilesler, of Chi- cago, 111., in his elegant collection, seemed to be perfection itself- Take it all in all, the exhibition in every department was good, and is evidence of the increasing interest taken in the fine arts by the people of our State and by our artists to try and excel. We award premiums as follows : L. D. H. Cr.^ne, Chairman. Best specimen animal painting, in oil, by American artist, Miss Nancy Williams, Janesville, Dip. Best specimen animal painting, in oil, by foreign artist, C. L. Martin, Janesville, Dip. Oil paintings. Miss. M. N. Williams, Janesville, . . Dip. do Miss E. Norton, do . . Dip. do Miss H. P. Fales, do . . Dip. Paintings in water colors, Wm. Euger, Janesville, . Dip. do do fruit, W. B. West, Janesville, Dip. Paintings in water colors, Wm. McLeon, Janesville, . Dip. do do Mrs. J. F. Drake, Janesville, . Dip. Specimen Grecian painting. Miss M. M. Gilbert, Footville, Dip. Best animal drawing, F. S. Hickok, Milwaukee, . . • Dip. Two Pencil drawings, James Heath, Milwaukee, . . Dip. Painting of flowers, Miss A. M. Hadiey, Janesville, Dip. and 5 Frame wood engraving, J. Karst, Milwaukee, . Dip. and 5 Specimen of card engraving, door-plate engraving, Nat. D. Dear- born, Mil., Dip. 3 engravings, 0. L. Martin, Janesville, . . . Dip. Plate engraving, Wm. N. Ginn, Milwaukee, . . , Dip. AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS- 415 1 monochromatic painting, G. Vose, Geneva, . . Dip. Daguerreotypes, D. F. Brandon, Beloit, .... Dip. 10 daguerreotypes, 4 plain photographs, best photographs, water colors, 8 best photographs, India ink, 2 Heliotypes, 15 Olo- graphs, A. Hesler, Chicago, 111., .... Dip. 1 specimen steel views, Thompson & Tice, Janesville, . Dip. Collection of ambrotypes, ambrotypes of animals, C. A. John- son, Madison, ....... Dip. ] 0 photographs in oil, 6 photographs in water, Joslin & Co., Beloit, ......... Dip_ Plain photographs, 9 photographs, India ink, photographic cop- ies of daguerreotypes, Fowler & Horn, Milwaukee, Dip. Show of silver ware, catlery, gold watches and plated ware, Matson, Loomis & Hoes, Milwaukee, . . . Dip. Pencil drawing of locomotive, D. A. Guernsey, (age 13 years,) Janesvdle, ........ N. B. — Especially well done for so young an artist. Best lounge tidy, Mrs. A. C. Coy, Milton, ... 2 Crochet tidy, Miss Eveline Hume, Janesville, . . 1 Wax. fruit, Mrs. Wm. Addy, Janesville, ... 2 Lot of potichamania vases, Mrs. Wm. Gething, Milwaukee, discretionary, ........ 1 Sample stamping for embroidery, A. H. Perkins, Janesville, discretionery, Fancy card basket, Mrs. Eliza Brown, Palmyra, dis., . 1 Shell monument, W. S. Follansbee, Janesville, dis., . 1 Vase of half flowers, Mrs. Wm. Addy, Janesville, dis,, 1 Boots and Shoes. Best and neatest ladies' winter boot, (anti-consumptive,) T. M. Buckingham, Janesville, ..... 5 2d best do, John Beck, Kacine, 8 Best everyday gaiter shoes, T. M. Buckingham, Janesville, 3 2d best do, W. H. Allison, Beloit, .... 2 Best pair fancy shoes, John Beck, Eacine, ... 2 Best gent's winter boots, same, 3 2d best do, T. M. Buckingham, Janesville, ... 2 416 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUKE. Best gent's fancy boots, W. J. W. Murray, Janesville, . 3 2d best do, McBride & Kellogg, Fond du Lac, . . 3 Best patent leather boots, same, dis., 2d best gent's gaiters, John Beck, Eacine, Best calf-skins, F. J. Buckman, Racine, Best assortment overshoes, same, dis., . Carriages, Etc. 8 2 Dip. and 2 Dip. Best double carriage, best single top buggy, P. L. Smith, Janes- ville, ......... Dip. Best single riding buggy, R. Wood, Janesville, . . Dip. Best pleasure wagon. Nelson Witter, Blkhorn, . . Dip. Best double sleigh, and best cutter. Bird Brothers, Madison, Dip. Best family coach. Nelson Witter, Elkhorn, dis., . . Dip. Hats, Etc. Best men's hats and caps, and best collection of furs, A. W Merwin, Janesville, Dip. Best gent's fur gloves, J. R. Beal, Janesville, . . Dip Best case of vests and furnishing goods, William Addy, Janes ville, Dip Cabinet Ware. Best assortment cabinet ware, R. Brand, Janesville, . Dip. Best secretary and book case, same, dis*, ... 2 Best hall stand, same, dis., 1 Stoves, Etc. Best cook stove, for wood, (elevated oven,) Lawrence & At wood, Janesville, 8 2d best do, H. W. G-oodrich, Milwaukee, ... 2 Best cook stove, for coal, Lawrence & Atwood, Janesville, 3 Best cooking range for families, Richardson & Gray, Mil., 3 Best ornamental parlor stove, Lawrence & Atwood, Janesville, 2 2d best do, H. W. Goodrich, Milwaukee, ... 1 Best sample hollow ware. Lawrence & Atwood, Janesville, 2 Best fire grates, Richardson & Gray, Milwaukee, . . 2 AWAEDS OF PEEMIUMS. 417 Best furnace for warming houses, H. W. Goodrich, Milwau- kee, Dip. and 10 2d best do, Eichardson & Gray, Milwaukee, ... 5 Fruits, Etc. Judges. — Chas. Watkins, N. L. Gaston, P. Golder. Best and greatest variety of apples, H. J. Starin, Witewater, 10 7 5 5 3 2 3 2 10 7 5 10 5 3 5 3 2 7 5 5 3 5 3 2 2d best do, Plumb & Brothers, Lake Mills, 3d best do, D. Matthews, Burlington, Best 10 varieties apples, J. Eddie, Beloit, 2d best do, J. M. Clark, Whitewater, 8d best do, M. L. Burdick, Milwaukee, . Best 5 varieties apples, Geo. Wilbur, Harmony, 2d best do, 0. Ellsworth, Milwaukee, Best autumn apples, A. G. Hanford, Waukesha, . 2d best do, B. E. Mack, Turtle, .... 8d best do, L. Woodworth, Bristol, Best show winter apples, Colby & Willey; Janesville, 2d best do, A. S. Putney, Brookfield, 3d best do, Thos. Howland Pleasant Prairie, . Best show of grapes, Chas. Hanford, Emerald Grove, 2d best do, Colby & Willey, Janesville, 3d best do, Geo. P. Peffer, Pewaukee, . Best show of pears, Thos. Howland, Pleasant Prairie, 2d best do, L. Woodsworth, Bristol, Best 2 varieties pears, A. S. Putney, Brookfield, . 2d best do, J. C. Brayton, Aztalan, Best show of plums, S. H. Kellogg, Janesville, 2d best do, G. P. Peflfer, Pewaukee, 3d best do, 0. Ellsworth, Milwaukee, Flowers. Show of floral ornaments, cut flowers, Pansies, verbenas and hand boquets, Mrs. H. J. Starin, Whitewater, Dip. and 10 2d best show of roses, Colby & Willey, Janesville, . 2 2d best show of floral ornaments, Mrs. Wm. Huges, do., 2 2y 418 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. Show of roses, dalilias, verbenas, petunias, phloxes and hand boquets, A. G. Hanford, Waukesha, . . . Dip. Best show dahlias, P. B. Spaulding, Beloit, . . Dip. and 2 Show of Evergreens, Colby & Willej, Janesville, . . 1 Discretionary Department. Judrjps — D. S. Curtis, Madison ; Daniel Daggett, Milwaukee ; C. H. Williams, Baraboo ; H. W. Hayes, Palmjrra. Farnham's self emptying well bucket, Famham & Hamilton, Milton, Dip. Model locomotive engme, W. H. Ehodes, Janesville, . 1 Type casting machine. Miller & Starr, Milwaukee, . 2 Cage canary birds. Miss Anna S. Spaulding, Harmony, 1 Pure grape wine, made 1855, C. Hanford, Emerald Grove, Trans. Case ornaments from Eock Eiver pearls, J. S. Vaughan, Janes- ^^lle, Trans. Specimen graining, marbling, and China glass, Wormworth & Higgins, Janesville, Trans. Specimen dentistry, W. B, Johnson, Janesville, . . Trans. Model steam engine, Edward Moores, M. & M. E. E. . Dip. One rifle, S. E. Witt, Janesville, Trans. Specimen oil letter press jDrinting, H. L. Deveraux, Beloit, Trans. 1 case rifles, W. H. Colvert, Beloit, - . . . Trans. 1 case cut files, H. S. Whitfield, Chicago, . , . Dip. WiJtch making for watch movements and parts thereof, and jew- els for same, completed, and in the rough, James H. Hoes, Milwaukee, Dip. Specimens of foreign and American marble and cutting, N. W. & D. C. Bachelder, Janesville, .... Trans. Machine for swedging stove pipe, A. T. Howes, Jefferson, Trans. Miscellaneous Articles. Excelsior mattrass, Hildreth & Clipp, Beloit, . . Trans. Assortment of garden seeds, H. D. Emery & Co., Chicago, Dip. Fancy sign work and gilding on glass, G. S. Lacy, Janesville, Dip. Double hand planting machine, J. H. Jones, Eockton, HI., Trans. AWARDS OF PREMIUMS. 419 Show of re-cut files, John Myers, Milwaukee, . Dip. and 2 Specimens of ground cut glass, and sash, door, stained, ground and cut glass, Wm. Gething, Milwaukee, . . Dip. Bottle currant wine, Miss M. N. Williams, Janesville, Grape Culturist. White and red currant wine, A. S. "Wood, Madison, Trans. Sample Ozier willow, Jolm Limbert, Ripon, . . Trans. 1 cripple car, T. E. Little, Janesville, .... 2 Plaster paris bust, J. R. Brown, Racine, . . . Trans. White currant jelly, Red currant jelly. Peach jelly. Plum jelly. Crab apple jelly, Mrs. H. J. Starin, Whitewater, 2 Undressed limestone, dressed limestone, polished limestone, E. Barnes, Waukesha, ...... Dip. Specimen whittling, D. Winter, Janesville, ... 2 Geological specimens. Prof, E. Daniels, Madison, . 3 Ozier willow, George P. Peffer, Pewaukee, ... 2 Sample earth almond, same, ..... Trans. Cooking and heating apparatus, Wm. Westlake, Mil., Dip. Wagon spokes, A. J. Webster, Menasha, . . . Trans. Floral and rustic design, Colby. Newark, . . . Dip. Ill varieties of apples, 32 varieties of pears, Thos. H. Payne, Lake Co., HI., . . . . . . . Dip. Ladies' Equestrian Display. Judges — H. M. Billings, Temple Clark, John W. Hunt, James Catton, Z. P. Burdick. Miss Anna E. Comstock, Rock. 1st premium, gold watch and chain, worth 60 " Mary Hall, Janesville, 2d do, silver ware, worth 40 " Nancy Cronk, Janesville, 3d do, side-saddle, bridle, &c., worth ......... 30 " Blanche Coryell, Janesville, 4th do, silver flower vase, worth 20 " Harriet Van Galder, La Prairie, 6th do, gold bracelet, worth 16 ♦' Cornelia St. John, Janesville, dis., bridle and whip, worth 8 420 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. " M. W. Pierce, Janesville, dis., bridle and -whip, worth 8 " Margaret Heald, do do do do do 8 " 0. G. Humes, Sylvester, do do do do 8 TEOTTING. Time. Black Hawk Morgan, 7 years old, Moses Chase, . 3.15 premium, $50. Black Weasel, 5 years old, J. B. Huntley, . .. 3.24 premium, $25. Black Hawk " Keokuk," 8 years old, Dan'l Blodgett, 3.24 1-2 premium, $15. Stallion of all work, under 5 years old, J. Wallace, . 3.40 premium, $25. Black Hawk stallion, "Little Thunder," 4 years old, . 3.41 J. E. McKenzie, Emerald Grove, premium $15. "Winnebago," 3 years old. Dr. Cowles, premium, $10. 4.16 Eoan Gelding, Jas, A. Rogers, Brodhead, premium, $15. 3.17 [Note. — The track was very muddy.] REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MISCELLANEOUS AND DISCRETIONARY DEPARTMENT. To THE Executive Committee of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society : Your committee, to whom has been assigned the inspection of articles under the head of " Miscellaneous and Discretionary," have endeavored faithfully to exert their best abilities in per- forming the duties satisfactorily ; and herein submit a report of their examinations, with a few passing reflections : all of which is respectfully presented. When the early pioneers first explored and settled upon this prolific and beautiful Northwestern country, they looked for COMMITTEE EEPORTS. 421 goodi farming lands, which they found to their entire satisfaction ; but still more, they found other and unexpect-id treasures, such as plaster, marble, and other valuable rocks, besides useful peat beds in the otherwise useless marshes; and the searcher for common lumber forests, found also many fruit and ornamental trees and shrabs, which they hardly expected. And so with the mineral ^^prospecters,^^ — they found, besides the lead and copper, which they more particularly looked for, exhaustlcss mines of iron, of a very superior quality. Now, to a gratifying extent, we find the same fact is true in the discoveries of this committee. We reasonably expected to find very many articles of value and interest among the gTcat variety that would come under our inspection; and we have been happily disappointed, by finding much more than we an- ticipated— many of which are mentioned in the following pages. And we think it proper here to remark, that a little more care in cla sifying or entering the articles, would prevent much doubt and confusion, and reduce the labors of the several com- mittees— as, for instance, the discretionary committee found two grind-stones near each other, one with a class-ticket for their in- spection, while the other had a class- ticket for some other com- mittee ; so with regard to two corn-planters, two seed-sowers, and some other implements — all of which, properly, should have been classed under the inspection of the same committee ; which oversight or discrepancy may hereafter be avoided. Following are enumerated some of the articles which im- pressed the committee as being of greatest importance and utility ; and we notice them in the order which they are num- bered on the entry books. Washing Machines — several on exhibition, of diverse merits ; and yet the oldest style of ten-fingered ruffle-rollers are the most interesting washing machines which have come under our inspection. Self-adjusting Neck Yoke — is well calculated to promote the ease and comfort of work -horses. Separator and Smut Machine — a mere model, of which we have not the means to judge its merits. 422 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. Seeder and Harrow — a useful machine to pulverize and seed the soil. Self emptying Well Bucket — an ingenious and useful article — • worthy o^ general adoption. Chinese Sugar Cane — of which there were several good arti- cles on exhibition. Filters^ for Rain and River Water — for purifying rain, river and pool water, fit for drinking and other uses — a subject wor- thy of more general attention, particularly in prairie and other dry regions. Doors, Sash and Blinds — articles of good material and work- manship. Grindstones — Lake Huron and others — well hung and fin- ished.— Friction Matches — good, and sure fire. Cojfee Corn — somewhat resembling the sugar cane, and said to be good for forage. Sign Painting and Glass Gilding — two competitors, who pre- sented beautiful work, of both kinds. Model Steam, Engine, Rifles, <&c. — all exhibiting ingenuity and skillful workmanship. Type Casting Machine — a novel and active little foundry, which rattled out the fine, perfect type, fast as the boys could count — and a good machine for new towns and cities, where extensive type foundries could not be supported. Currant Wines — several specimens and varieties which were clear and of excellent flavor — some of them equal to any we ever drank, in flavor and clearness. New Cider — of Wisconsin product, and very good — smacking spicily of our old down-east homes — the moral question of coii- yerting fruits into ex])ilarating drinks, we leave with the moral philosophers whose province it is to discuss those questions, while we like to drink good cider and wine, as well as to eat good fruits. Ca7iary Bi7'ds — four fine looking, cheerful, singing little birds, as they were perched in the beautiful arbor of Colby's rustic and floral design, which elicited much admiration. COMMITTEE REPOETS. 423 Buck Thorn Plant — a good sized little tree in full bearing, showing good skill in culture. Soda Syrups — of several kinds, clear juices of pleasant flavor — with Fruits and Gorifectionaries not grown in this State. Hand-Sowing Baskets — convenient articles for carrying grain in broad-cast sowing. Pure Grape Wines — several specimens, of various excellence — some as good as we ever drank. Water Lime^ and Plaster — both good, and we think articles particularly worthy of encouragement in this State, as being highly useful to the farmer and the builder, and which are destined to be used extensively and with much profit. Graining^ Marbling^ &c. — several beautiful specimens of skill in this art, together with handsome imitations of porcelain, China, &c. Ornaments of Rock River Pearls ; Patent Lamps ^ lor burning Rosin Oil; Specimens of Dentistry, very good; Decorative Painting, all beautiful ; Wall Paper, Window Shades, and other kindred articles — good in their line ; a lot of Ornaments, made by Indians, such as a small birch canoe, moccasins, mittens, &c.; exhibitions of native American art, of which none of the parties and politicians need be jealous. Strawberry Wines — by several exhibitors — ^most of it very delicious, and worthy of imitation by all growers of this deli- cious fruit. Oil Letter Press Printing in colors, very beautiful. Case of Rifj.s, very superior, and attractive to the hunter. File^ — some new ones, and others re-cut, are worthy of encour- agement ; there were three competitors in this line, all of whose work was well done, and received the approbation of iron work- ers. WcUch Making — of finished and delicate skill, the work of ar- tisans of this State, which received considerable admiration. Marble Cutting — well done. Stove pipe machine, which pre- pares the different joints to screw together, a great convenience, which will be appreciated by those who have been annoyed by loseness in their stove pipes. 424 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. Excelsior Mattress — a fabric in the form of shavings from soft "Wood, said to be nseful and economical. Mammoth Candle Ma- chine^ for making candles by wholesale. Improvement on Car Wheels — a model only. Garden Seeds — a large assortment, which made a handsome appearance in small jars. Penmanship and Book-lieeping — Some four competitors — of various merits, and all worthy of notice. Pumps and Engines — for wells, cisterns, gardens and fire- companies — on a new and novel plan, and apparently of great utility. Photographic Instruments — new and useftil implements, for the picture artists. — French Conformateur^ which will show off heads in quick time, and better often, than the owners do. Double Hand Corn Planter — a convenient implement for the farmer ; and is worthy of notice among labor-saving machines. Ground, Cut and Stained Glass — -very beautiful and attract- ive— exhibiting fine workmanship. PoMnt Boofing — a non-combustible composition, well recom- mended by builders. Osier Willows — fine specimens of long, thrifty growth ; and when considered in connection with the fact that not far from a million dollars' worth of this article is imported into our country Irom Europe, we believe its culture is worth encour- aging among the farmers of this country ; there were two ex- hibitions of this article. A Cripple Car, and Model of Mill Curh — both ingenious in- ventions, by a lame boy, who propelled himself about in his car, and are worth encouragement. A Plaster Bust — the work of a novice, and evincing a talent worth encouraging, which will improve by earnest application. Paterd Wagon Hubh — a model, merely, of which we cannot decide the merits. Melodeons — several stationary and portable ones, with good finish and fine tones, the music of which was an attraction in the hall. Jellies — six varieties, and all very excellent, particularly one specimen, made from the "Domelow" seedling, which pre- COMMITTEE REPORTS. 425 sented superior flavor and solidity — while all attracted mucli notice. Limestone — undressed, dressed and polished — exhibiting good workmanship in cutting and finishing the quarry stone of our region, which is commendable, as this polished stone presented nearly as fine a surface as much of the more costly kinds brought from abroad. Whittling — showing a patient skill in chip-fabrics worthy the proudest champions of the Yankee nation. Tomato Honey^ or Wine — not very palatable, but probably of some useful pm-pose, known to the producer. Vegetable Ivory — a lot of fabrics, of some beauty and small uses, among peddlars. Geological Specimens — collected from difierent parts of the State, exhibiting considerable of a variety in that branch of science, of curiosity and value. Sitgar-Cane Syrup — made from the Sorgho Sucre — two speci- mens were exhibited, one of which was very sweet, with pleas- ant flavor, and good ; showing that a valuable article may be made, with care, from that plant. Standard Books — a respectable collection, being a fair sample of what is generally found on the shelves of the book-stores. (Joohing and Heating Ap])aratus — an afi'air upon which im- mense quantities of food may be prepared on short notice, if used, and with economy in fuel. Feed-Grinders — specimens of corn and other grains, ground fair and fine by machines on our fine Fair Grounds, and pre- senting excellent provender for animals. Wagon-Spolces — good timber and well finished. — Vinegar, sharp and sour enough. Rustic and Floral Design — a very beautiful arrangement, presenting, in miniature, a snug little cottage home, surrounded with grass lawns, flowers, fruits and shrubbery, with vines overhanging the pleasant log cabin — a design got up in exceed- ingl}" good taste, and, as a good humored lady remarked in our hearing, " only lacked the wife and babies to make it a very 2z 426 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. paradise of a home ;" and all displayed on some eight or six feet of shelf. Collection of Fruit — from out the State, containing 111 differ- ent varieties of apples, and 32 varieties of pears — a very splen- did collection, attracting, as it richly deserved, very general admiration. They were from one of the northern counties of Illinois. We were glad to see this fine exhibition, and hope that any and all of our neighboring States may be encouraged to join us in such shows, particularly when they give us the advantage of so many choice specimens, in each variety, of both apples and pears. Ten Acres of Artificial Timber. — This is the title of an entry upon our book, among the others, of which the committee were at a loss to find the article, or exactly to understand the impoi t of it ; unless, perhaps, it might be a fantasy in the brain of some sour, crusty old bachelor, who by some means may have got hold of the books, and smuggled in the entry, with refer- ence to the numerous lots of //oop-poles that were on tbe ground, nearly every day, and which were really a very in- teresting share of the exhibition, which we trust will never be absent, D. S. Ctjktiss, GNn. Dajsitel Daggett, Chas. H. Williams, H. W. Hates, Committee. COMMITTEE REFORTS. 427 GENERAL REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FARM IMPLEMENTS. Class B.— No. 25. [Note. — "Wo omit such items in this report as have been reported in the general list without special comment. — Ed.] Best collection agricultural implements, Barrows & Lund, Janesville. The committee are of the opinion that Messrs. B. & L. are entitled to the thanks of our Society for their efforts to add to the show at the Fair, and would commend their agricul- tural store to the attention of our enterprising farmers and espe- cially to the citizens of Rock county. Diploma. Yose, Mitchell & Co., Milwaukee, best and most numerous collection of agricultural implements and gardening tools, man- ufactured in the State. What the committee have said of Messrs. B. &. L. above they would also say of Messrs. Vose, M. & Co., and in addition say that the latter are entitled to more credit, for they manufactured the most of their implements on exhibition, and while we would commend each establishment to the patronage of the farming public, we would suggest the propriety of protecting our home manufacturers, quality and prices being equal. Diploma and $5. A. Moulton, Rochester, Wis., best sod plow for stiff sod. Diploma. R. Vincent, Rockton, HI, This plow is a new invention, the principal characteristic feature of which, is, that instead of the land-side handle being attached to the land-side, as usual, it is bent to the right and attached to the upright supporter of the plow. The committee are of the opinion that this is an im- provement by a saving of friction on the land side handle if it is sufiiciently strongly constructed in this manner. Diploma. 428 WISCONSEST AGRICULTUEE. N. Moulton, Rochester, Wis., sod plow for fallows, . Dip. Mitchell, Eacine, Wis., steel crossing plow, ... do Barrows & Lund, Janesville, corn plow, ... do Wood & North, Rochester, Wis., sub-soil plow of ingenious con- struction, ........ Dip. Barrows & Lund, Janesville, best collection of plows in use in the country, etc., Dip. and $5 Injustice to our Society and those gentlemen who exhibited so great a variety of plows, the committee do not feel at liberty to dismiss the consideration of the subject, without a few passing remarks : History informs us that the primitive j)low, with which the ancient Egyptians, who stood at the head of the world alike in science, art and literature, cultivated the alluvial soil of the val- ley of the Nile, was simply a crooked limb from a tree. We could even imagine the striking contrast between the great Cin- cinnatus, when the Roman Senatorial Committee waited on him asking him to leave following his crooked stick and take com- mand of the defence of his country, and a scientific Yankee farmer behind one of the plows on exhibition at our Pair. How great the change ! and yet the principal improvement has been made within the present century, and in the United States, at that. The chairman of your committee has seen the Spanish and Portugese, who have remained stationary in the arts for centu- ries, plowing with the crooked stick, drawn by a cow and ox, attached by thongs of green hide, hitched to the horns of the animals. So nice was the competition between the plows ex- hibited, that the committee found it very difficult to determine, without a practical use of each, which was really best, and when they award, as they have, they do not wish to be understood as in the least disparaging the others, but would speak commend- ably of plows exhibited by A. W. Parker, Janesville ; the Mich- igan caststeel cross ; the Grand de Tour ; the Brinkerhoff sod and self-holder, by D. Williams, Springfield, Wal. Co., Wis.; and others. COMMITTEE EEPOETS. 429 To cap the climax, in our plow examination, was tlie model steel-plate plow exhibited and explained to us by that inimitable mechanical genius, Major J. M. May, of Janesville, the inventor. "Why won't the Major, or some one else, manufacture some plows after these models ? We should be glad to follow in the wake of this plow, for we think it must be superior. Vol. Trans. S. S. Mayers, Janesville, Yale's Pat. Store Lock. — This is a saperior invention. Dip. Berliner & Bruno, Milwaukee, exhibited several very fine safes, of their own manufacture, and if our business men should be satisfied that the article is equal to eastern manufacture, why not patronise them ? Dip. J. Nash, Janesville, best fanning mill,, . . . Dip. N. Moulton, Rochester, 2d best do, .... $3 The committee tried each mill in cleaning wheat, but the weather was wet, and most of the mills had stood out in the rain during the previous night, so that the trial was far from being entirely satisfactory. They feel that all the mills on exhibition, should have a favorable mention. Gaboon & McGregor, Madison — is a very fine mill — cleaned well. Vose, Mitchell & Co,, Milwaukee — Eagle mill, very good. P. W. Dickey, Kenosha — don't everybody know that Dickey's mill is good? Nathaniel Moulton, Rochester, Wis., Badger State fanning mill — could be beat only by Jefferson Nash's Excelsior mill, of Janesville — the one, as we thought, entitled to the first, and the other to the second premium. S. L. James, Beloit, Wis., best farm wagon, . . . Dip. S. B. Gage, Beloit, Wis., 2d best do, .... $3 The show of farm wagons was superior, and every one de- serving of a premium, if the funds of the society would admit of it; and that is the reason why we recommend a discretionary premium to Mr. Dow, of Whitewater, whose wagon, perhaps, was equal to that of Mr. Gage's. William Hansel, of Milwaukee, had three very fine wagons — ^well made. 430 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. Eobert Hodge, Janesville, also a superior wagon. Charles Blackwell, Waukesha — very good. The Committee here wish to digress a little, not only for the amusement but perhaps the instruction of the reader. In con- sidering the array of splendid wagons on exhibition so beauti- fully arranged and constructed, we were led to make the com- parison between them and those used at the present day in the State of Nicaragua, Central America. Their only carriages are of the most primitive character, being only blocks sawed from the ends of large logs, and the owners, by a penal enactment of Government, are forbidden to grease their axles, for the very good reason that the indolent custom house ofl&cers may have timely warning of the approach of a team by the screaming pro- duced by the friction of the wheel and axle, otherwise the imbe- cile government might be defrauded of its legitimate revenue by inland contrabandists. E. Dann, Footeville, Wis., best Cultivator. ... $3 Vose Mitchell & Co., Milwaukee, 2d best Cultivator . 2 This invention of Mr. Dann, combines more advantages than any cultivator ever invented, probably. It is drawn by two horses, with a seat for the driver and consequently extends over a row of com, with a sheet iron guard to protect it from being covered with the loose dirt. This can be raised or lowered to the size of the corn. It is so constructed that by a simple process the soil can be turned from the row when the corn is small, and with equal facility to it, when it is larger. This also can be used with very little trouble as a cultivator for putting in grain. Again we take pleasure in reporting not only something new, but a decided improvement, in the Broad cast Sower and Harrow combined. A lQJ|pr saver and a thorough worker. If anybody is disposed to disagree with us in this matter, we will not even insinuate that they are old fogy, but simply say that we prefer to make farming as easy as possible. With this machine one man, COMMITTEE EEPOETS. 431 aud a boy fills the box witli wheat or other grain, takes the reins, mounts the seat, and comfortably drives about the field sowing and harrowing at the same time, N. E. Allen, Trenton, Dodge County, Wis., Revolving Horse Eake, $3 Vose Mitchell & Co., Milwaukee, 2d best Horse Eake, . 2 Yes, here is another improvement. Ought we not to be thank- ful that we live in this age, when farming is made so very easy, by these various labor saving inventions ? Just think, reader, a boy of sufficient age to drive a team, may ride comfortably and rake hay without leaving his seat, dicharging the accumulated hay in the winr ow simply by pressing his foot on a lever which reverses the rake, and on he drives until another accumulation and then the same process, and so on until the field is raked. Such is Aliens Eevolving Horse Eake. The Committee are of opinion that Mr. Lefflers Self seperating Churn, is a real and decided improvement in butter making ma- chinery, and hope he will manufacture them and give them such a circulation, that our wives can have a chance to try them. W- B, Johnson, Boston, Mass., Woven Wire fence, . Dip. This fence is undoubtedly worthy of a trial, as we are of the opinion that it will at least answer the purpose of stopping Cat- tle, with the addition of a narrow board on top — the object of the board more particularly is to enable the cattle to distinguish the outlines of their field, and not inadvertently run against it, in their sportive gambols. The committee might have been much more elaborate in their remarks on the various farming implements that came under their inspection, but being well aware that pertinence and brev- ity are very desirable in a report of this kind, will respectfully submit the above with a concluding remark. We regret that farmers and mechanics should ever entertain rival jealousies of each other, as though their interests were not identical one and the same. The farmer, to be sure, has a right to feel a pride and satisfaction in upturning the alluvium and compelling mother earth to yield of her bounties for the susten- ance of men. But should he not bow a respectful acknowledg- 433 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. ment to the meclianical genius of a Moulten or Mitchell for his plow, or a James or a Gage for the wagon to transport his grain after it is raised ? In short, we feel that the farming and me- chanical interests of our country are as intimately connected as the Siamese Twins ; that agriculture, manufactures and com- merce, are the triune pillars of our Eepublic, and woe betide the man who would attempt to sunder what God hath joined to- gether. Eespectfully submitted, Okrin Guernsey, SajMUel Pratt, [ Committee. A. BURDICK. STATEMENT EELATING TO BUTTEE AND CHEESE. BY H. E, YOGLE, CHICAGO, ILL., Exhibitor of Large Cheese at State Fair, JanesviUe, "Wis. Butter of the best quality is obtained at a temperature of 51 degrees, and the greatest quantity at 46 degrees Fahrenheit. During the process of churning the agitation will increase the heat about 5 degrees more than it was when the cream was put into the churn. The operation of churning whether it be of cream alone or cream and milk is performed in like manner. The milk requires more tune than cream to complete the pro- cess, from two to three hours being considered necessary, while cream alone may be effectually churned in an hour and a-half. The operation should be slow in warm weather, for if done too hastily the Butter will be soft and white. K the cream is at too high a temperature the churn should be cooled with cold spring water to reduce it to a proper degree of heat. In winter again COMMITTEE EEPORTS. 433 tlie operation of cliurning should be done as quickly as possible, the action being regular, and the churn should be warmed to raise the temperature of the milk or cream. The air which is generated in the churn, should be allowed to escape, or it will impede the process by the froth which it creates. After churn- ing is performed, the butter should be washed in cold spring water, with a little salt in it, two or three times, to extract all the milk which may be lodging around the mass. The less milk which is in the butter, its quality is proportionably improved. After the milk is carefully extracted, the butter should be mixed with \hQ finest ground rock salt, in the proportion of five ounces to seven pounds. The butter and salt should be well mixed, with the ladle or the hand. This superior salt for dairy pur- poses, may be obtained at the very lowest prices, by addressing your orders to us. Firkins, made of oak, with walnut hoops, to contain 100 pounds of butter, are generally the most desirable. These should be made smooth, and brought to market clean as possible. Butter, when received by merchants from small dai- ries, should be packed down solid while fresh and sweet ; and as there is usually a diversity of color, much pains should be taken to keep each shade by itself. To accomplish this, several packages may be filling at the same time, each one receiving its respective shade, so that when full it will bore uniform in color upon the tryer. A clean linen cloth, well saturated in strong lime, should be laid on the top, and a slight layer of moistened salt upon it. This not only preserves the butter, but gives to it a neat appearance. Cheese may be made from cream alone, or from the whole milk ; the object, in either case, being in the first place to separ- ate the serum from the other materials. This is effected by curdling the cream or milk, by the infusion of pan acid, the refuse being the serum or ivhey, which is of scarcely any value except as partial food for hogs. No acidulous substance is found so suitable for curdling milk as rennet, which is formed of the gastric juice of a calf that has been fed on milk. Take the maw of a newly-killed calf, and clean it of its contents ; salt the bag, and put it into an earthern jar, for three or four days, till it forms 8a 434 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. a pickle ; tli3n take it from the jar and hang it up to dry, after wliicli it is to be replaced in the jar — the covering of wliicli should be pierced with a few holes, to admit the air — and allowed to remain in the jar for twelve months. When wanted for use, a handful each of leaves of sweet briar, dog rose and bramble, with three or four handfulls of salt, are to be boiled together for a quarter of an hour, when the liquid is to be strained off and allowed to cool. The maw is then to be put into the liquid, to- gether with a lemon stuck round with cloves, and the longer it remains in the liquid, the stronger and better will the rennt be- Half a pint of the liquid is sufficient to turn fifty gallons of milk. The curd, when formed, should be broken with the skimming dish or the hand, as soon as possible, but without pressing, as the least violence has been found to make it come off white, and thus weaken the quality of the cheese. The whey may be run off by lifting the tub gently on the edge and allowing it to flow into a vessel placed beside the tub. The curd should be allowed to stand until the whey has gathered in another part, and this is also poured off. When quite freed from the whey, and the curd has acquired a little consistency, it is cut with the cheese knife, gently, at first, and more minutely as it hardens, after which it is put into the drainer. A square vessel, with small holes in the bottom, and a cover to fit inside the hide, is placed upon the curd, with a cloth thrown over it ; and pressure is ap- plied according to the quantity of the curd ; and in this state it is allowed to stand for half an hour. It is then cut into pieces, about two inches square ; the whey is again discharged, and double the pressure is applied. This process of cutting it smaller, and increasing the weight until the pressure is 100 pounds, is continued for three or four hours. It is then cut very small, and thoroughly salted, in the proportion of 13 ounces of salt to 20 pounds of curd. A clean cheese-cloth, rinsed in warm water and wrung out, being then placed in the chessel^ the curd is put in, and half-a-hundred weight laid on it for an hour. It is then put under a press of 200 pounds, where it remains for an hour and a half; after which it is taken out, and a fresh cloth placed is the chessel. The chesse is then placed upside down, COMMITTEE EEPORTS. 435 and laid with increased weight under the press, letting it remain three or four hours at a time in the press, and at each shifting get a clean, dry cloth. When ultimately taken from the press, the cheeses are generally exposed for about a week to a consid- erable degree of drought, turned over every twenty -four hours, and rubbed with a dry cloth. They are then removed to the store-room, which should be in cool exposure, between damp and dry, without the sun being allowed to shine on them, or a great amount of air admitted. This gradual mode of ripening being found essential to prevent fermenting and swelling of the cheese, and cracking of the rind. Boxes, made to fit the cheese, is the most desirable package in which to ship them to market. Huntington Beothees & Yogell, Butter and Cheese Dealers, and General Commission Merchants, 73 Kinzle St., Chicago, 111. REPORT OF BLOOD CATTLE. Dear Sir : — Yours of the 14th inst., requesting a more com- plete report upon the blooded stock exhibited at the late State Fair is received, which I will endeavor to comply with ; pre- mising that, for this report the writer alone is responsible ; as, unfortunately, we (the committee on thorough-bred cattle) differ- ed so widely in our indi^ddual opinions, that many of the pre- miums awarded, were either the result of a compromise, or, the decision of a majority, contrary to the judgment of the minority. It was gratifying to observe that the mass of exhibitors relied for success more upon the intrinsic merits of their several ani- mals, than upon high feeding ; a compliment to the judgment of the committee which was — or, at any rate, ought to have been — properly appreciated. To this, however, there was a few exceptions — a few animals to which the following "instructions 436 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. for tlie judges" might be deemed applicable." They (the judges) are expressly required not to give encouragement to over-fed animals, especially in the breeding classes ; no premiums are to be awarded to bulls, cows, or heifers, which shall appear to have been fattened for the butcher," &c. In one instance we, (the committee) followed out these instructions faithfully ; for which due credit is claimed, and will undoubtedly be given. The above "instructions" respecting "over-fed animals" are generally considered as Yery judicious ; but, judges find them rather diflS.- cult of application ; especially as they often conflict, not with the opinion of cattle exhibitors, but, with public opinion as manifested by the visitors, a large portion of whom -are ladies, whose highly cultivated tastes, and correct appreciation of the beautiful, bestow unqualified admiration upon those animals which the judges are instructed to discourage. It is a generally conceded fact that high feeding of breeding animals whether male or female, is not only injurious to them individually, but that it exercises a deleterious effect upon their ofispring. Not only so, but if usage make it necessary for ex- hibitors to make up their animals for show, it will entail an ex- pense, with which, our present premium list will be totally in- commensurate. Such appears to be the opinion of practical men as manifested by the majority of exhibitors at the late fair. Such the theory of our society as set forth in "the instructions." And such, it might have been presumed the decision of your committee as made known through their awards. On this last head, however, it becometh not this deponent to testify. As a set-off to those few animals above referred to, there were on exhibition two or three others thin enough of flesh to satisfy even a legal advocate for the instructions; and complimentary enough for the most egotistic and dignified judge ; too poor either for the honor or profit of the owner — for their own thrift, or the credit of their breed. Durham cattle Avere largely repre- sented ; especially in the class of aged bulls and cows, and of a superior quality. They were so generally excellent that it was a matter of extreme difficulty for your committee to make satis- factory awards. In speaking of animals so generally meritori- COMMITTEE REFORTS. 437 ous, it certainly appears ungracious to find fault, but there was one feature in the Durham cattle obvious to the most casaal ob- server and which ought not to be passed over in silence, via : a great lack of uniformity, not in color merely, but as much difference in style and points, as between animals of different breeds, and this was observable too in animals of the same herd. Now it is presumable that every breeder of blooded stock has some definite object in view, a type of perfection either real or imaginary as his aim ; and when he exhibits two animals perfectly dissimilar, it is evident in one instance that his pursuit has proven a failure. Nor was this lack of uniform- ity confined to the Durham breed, for of the six aged Devon bulls on exhibition, with the exception of color, no two of them were sufiiciently alike, to have made a well-matched pair of cattle. If it is true that uniformity in breeding is much more diffi- cult of attainment, than breeding single animals of extraordi- nary merit, may I not be allowed respectfully to suggest to the Executive Committee the propriety of establishing herd jyremi- v.ras^ — as has been done by other agricultural societies — suf- ficiently liberal to induce breeders to incur the expense of ex- hibiting. Of Devon cattle there were but few (only nine head) on ex- hibition, which is to be regretted, as there are animals enough of this breed in the state to have made quite an attractive fea- ture in the Fair. Some sanguine admirers of the Durham deemed this undeniable evidence that the Devons are going down in public estimation — an opinion which the next State Fair may prove to have been rather premature. In a state with topographical features as various as ours, there are plenty of localities suited to the Devon, where with oppor- tunity he would undoubtedly to a certain extent flourish to the exclusion of the Durham. Half breeds are tlie lest in their pro- per place, and it is believed that in Wisconsin we have room enough and localities suited for both. In awarding the premi- ums on aged bulls, the only class of Devons in which their was any competion, an agreement of the committee was an utter 488 AVISCOXSIN AGEICULTDRE. impossibility. One — it may be — esteeming size and weight ; another, fineness with the muscle of the blood horse ; another, symmetry with the beautifully turned points of the Durham, as the sine qua non of a Devon bull ; each of which ideal animals was represented in the select specimens before us. From experience and observation the writer doubts much the expediency of employing the same committee on more than one breed of cattle ; because when the different breeds are as fully represented as they ought to be, the time allowed is inade- quate to examine every animal -with that minuteness and care which is due to the exhibitor. And the fact of a man possessing a correct knowledge of, and an ardent enthusiasm for one breed of cattle, by no means qualifies him as a competent judge of another breed, as the chief merits of the one may not be the characteristics of the other. Of Herefords there were btit three (bulls) on exhibition, which led your committee to express "the opinion that the entries of Hereford cattle being so very few, it is undesirable to offer the same amount of premiums to them as is offered for those breeds which are so much better represented." This opinion if correct would apply with almost equal force to the Devon, and thus ap- plied would be esteemed unjust. The Hereford in Wisconsin is as yet an experiment^ and judging from the handling qualities of at least one of those on exhibition, the experiment may prove not quite so doubtful as some of us imagine* We all require the hest breed, to the attainment of which experiments must be made and the claims of different breeds tested ; a sufficient rea- son why the State Agricultural Society should patronise and foster every breed which claims the use of the prefix best. The Durham has already become so well established as to be regard- ed in the light of a fixed fact, one of our institutions, and as such would undoubtedly make headway even if ignored by the State Agricultural Society, a fact conclusive that a majority of cattle exhibitors are deeply interested in the breed and threfore it deserves the hearty patronage of the Society. Whilst other breeds which have been introduced at great exj^ense by enter- prising individuals with a desire to add to our agricultural COMMITTEE EEPORTS. 439 wealth, do not occupy tliis vantage ground consequently they need the warm support of the Society. In the class of cross-breeds there were several entries, all claiming te be a cross of the Durham and Devon, a few of which. were creditable to the exhibitor, but taken as a whole they were I believe, justly reported by your committee as follows : "The cross-breed cattle generally possessed the weak points of both the breeds from which they were descended ; and your commit- tee would respectfully suggest for the consideration of the Ex- ecutive Committee whether it be good policy to encourage by liberal premiums the using the energies of really valuable ani- mals to produce such undesirable results." There evidently can be no practical use in crossing different breeds of animals excepting to produce a race excelling one, if not both of its progenitors. Would it not be well, if the present scale of premiums for cross-breeds were continued, in no case to award a premium excepting to animals which were an evident improvement upon one of the pure breeds used to produce the cross. Owing I presume to the unfavorable state of the weather many of the cattle exhibitors were not in attendance during the examination of their stock by your committee, and it is possible that among so many, some animal may have unavoidably been overlooked, although Mr. Kirpatrick, the very obliging su- perintendent of the cattle department was indefatigable in his endeavors to bring every animal under our notice ; for whose efficient aid your committee are under great obligations. I am Dear Sir, Yours very Truly, JOHN P. ROE, Ch'n of Com. on Thorough bred Cattle. D. J. Powers, Acting Sec'y of Wis. State Ag. Society. Note. — Mr. A. D, Kirpatrick, of Green CouDty, (a vice President of tlie State Agricultural Society,) was Superintendent of the Cattle department, and we are as- sured by the Committee, that he bestowed unwearied and careful attention in the discharge of duty, often paying better attention to creatures than their owners. Ed. 440 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. LADIES EQUESTRIAN DISPLAY. Eeport of the committeo appointed to award premiums for tlie best display of Ladies Equestrianship. The undersigned appointed a committee to award premiums for the best display of Ladies Equestrianship ; make the fol- lowing award and EEPORT : 1st. Your Committee have awarded the first premium, con- sisting of a Gold Watch and Chain, -worth fifty dollars, to Miss Anna E. Comstock, of the town of Rock, in Eock Co. The Second Premium consisting of Silver Ware, worth forty dollars, is awarded to Miss Mary Hall, of the town of Janes- ville. The Third Premium, consisting of a Side Saddle, Bridle, &c., worth thirty dollars, is awarded to Miss Nancy Cronk, of the city of Janesville. The Fourth Premium, consisting of a Silver Flower Yase, worth twenty dollars, is awarded to Miss Blanche Coryell, of the city of Janesville. The Fifth Premium, consisting of a Gold Bracelet, worth fif- teen dollars, is awarded to Miss Harriet Yan Galden, of La Pra- irie, Rock county. Your committee in the discharge of the delicate duties im- posed upon them ; owing to the merits of nearly, or quite all of the candidates presented before them, have had an onerous, and somewhat difiicult task to perform, in awarding to a few, the prizes that so many were entitled to, and in submitting the names of the candidates best entitled to the honors of the ex- hibition, your committee are compelled to express their regret, that there were not more honors to bestow, where so many were deserving, and your comjnittee most respectfully recommend AWAEDS OF PREMIUMS. Ml the award of discretionary premiums to ttie following named ladies, to wit : To Miss Cornelia Saint John, of the city of Janesville ; to Miss Margaret Heald, of Janesville ; to Miss M. W. Pierce, of Janesville ; and to Miss Caroline Humes, of Green county. And in view of the greatly increased interest of the public in relation to the display of Ladies Equestrianship at our An- nual State, and County Fairs, and the consequent large num- ber of contestants for the prizes awarded ; your committee would respectfully recommend, that a greater number of prizes be hereafter distributed at these exhibitions, so that all the deserv- ing candidates, may receive awards proportionate to their rela- tive merits. In awarding the premiums of the exhibition, your committee carefully considered the merits of the respective candidates, with reference not only to the firmness of their seat, and grace of carriage, and bearing in the saddle ; but also with reference to the gait, and quality of the horses, and the skill with which they were managed ; and while a difference of opinion might have existed as to those who were the most graceful and fearless rider ; everything considered^ your committee have made their awards unanimously. All of which is respectfully submitted, H. M. Billings, Temple Clark, John W. Hunt, James Catton, Z. P. BuRDiCK, Committee. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. COLUMBIA COUNTY. The Columbia County Agricultural Society, at their annual meeting in Nov. 1856, elected the following officers for 1857. 3b 442 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. John Coxverse, President. East Randolph. J. C. Cae^, I y^ Presidents ^""^^ '^''"'^''^ Daniel White, ) ^^^ rresiaents. j^^^oxt^. Henry Converse, Secretary, Wyocena. F. 0. Curtis, Treasurer, Rocky Run. Randolph. West Point. Eocecutive Com. Leeds. Arlington. Lewiston. Royal T. Graves, Timothy Tirrell, Thomas Dalziell, A. P. Smith, John Ewing, The Executive Committee at their meeting in June, resolved to hold the annual Cattle Show and Fair at Wyocena, on the 22d and 23d of Sept. The Annual Show and Fair was well attended, and the en- tries were larger than on any former occasion, we had 40 entries of horses. 48 entries of Cattle, embracing a fine collection of ^'blooded animals" ; 21 entries of Sheep, mostly of the French and Spanish breeds — and fine ones. Mr. E. J. French exhib- ited a very fine Leicester Buck, and some crosses of Leicester and South Down, which were worthy of attention. The en- tries of Swine were very limited. In Fruits the show was fair, and some fine specimens of aj)ples, plums, Isabella grapes, and cultivated cranberries, were presented. In Poultry, but one entry was made, showing conclusively that the Hen fever had abated. In the Dair}-^ line but few samples were entered. The department of domestic manufacturers and needle work, was but poorly supplied. The vegetable department was well sup- plied with the best assortment of choice articles I have ever seen at any county fair. An address was delivered in the afternoon of the second day by Hon. James T. Lewis, which was well received by the per- sons present. The attendance on the second day was quite large and gave an assurance of better prospects for our Society than has usually been seen. Not having access to the Treasurer's books, I am unable to give a statement of the fiscal concerns of the Society. Very Respectfully Yours, HENRY CONVERSE, Wyocena, Oct, 25. 1857. Secretary of Society, COUNTY EEPOETS. 443 CALUMET COUNTY. At the annual meeting of the Calumet county Agricultural Society, held at Chilton, on the first Wednesday in December, 1856. Asaph Green was elected president, and Wm. Fowler, Charles Oscar, and J. B. Duel, vice presidents ; George S. Pren- tiss was chosen Eecording Secretary ; Wm. F. Watrous, Cor- responding Secretary, and Eussell Breed, Treasurer. A vacancy occuring in the office of Eecording Secretary, George Baldwin was duly appointed to fill such vacancy. At a meeting of the Society held at Chilton, on the 2d day of June, 1857, the following named persons were appointed as a General Committee, viz : O. D. Fowler, for the town of Broth- ertown ; Lemuel Goodell, Stockbridge ; Wm. H. Mullane, Lima ; Mr. HardiDg, Woodville; Mr. Taylor, Brillian ; Andrew Finne- can, Eantoul; Henry Modlin, Charleston; Wm. Paulson, New Holstein ; James Eobinson, Chilton. At a meeting of the Society, held at Stockbridge, pursuant to previous notice, on the 7th day of July, 1857, a resolution was adopted appointing a committee of three to draft a list of premiums, &g., whereupon, Wm. F. Watrous, George A. Jen- kins, and Thomas J. Potter, were duly appointed such com- mittee. At a meeting of the Society, held at Brothertown, on the 18th day of July, 1857, the committee appointed to make a report of premium- list, &g., duly reported a list, which was adopted with- out amendment. At a meeting of the Executive Committee, held at the office of the Eecording Secretary, on the 25th day of July, 1857, on motion it was resolved, that the next annual Cattle Show and Fair, be held at Stockbridge, on the 6th and 7th days of Oc- tober. On motion it was resolved, that competitors for field crops, must give a written notice to the Secretary, of their intention to 444 WISCONSm AGRICULTURE. compete, by the first day of the fair ; accompanied "with a state- ment of the kind and condition of the soil, how manured and tilled, the measurment of the ground and weight of the yield, verified by affidavit, and attested by two disinterested witnesses. On motion it was resolved, that Hon. H, C. Hobart, be re- quested to deliver the annual address at the Fair. The Fair was duly held on the 6th and 7th of October, as ap- pointed, and was well attended, both by exhibitors and specta- tors ; the weather was favorable and the whole passed off in a manner that was creditable to all parties, and promising for the future, in a manner that encourages us to hope for better things in future, from our young but progressing county. ASAPH GREEN, President W. F. "Watrous, Secretary. ADDITIONAL COMMUNICATION. The Second Annual Fair and Cattle Show of Calumet Co., was held at Stockbridge, on the 6th and 7th of October, in ac- cordance with the appointment of the Executive Committee. There was a good attendance and an interest manifested by the people of Calumet county, that augurs well for our future prospects as a Society, and for the advancement of the science of agriculture in our midst. The exhibition of Horses and Catttle was large for this county, and of good breeds, much of the Durham and Devon blood, but none pure — some high grades of each. Sheep and Swine a good show. The display of vegetables was truly equal to any I ever saw, and the ladies have fully performed their part, in adding to the interest of the Fair by their attendance, and the display of their handi-work which was truly excellent. Balance in the Treasury not used last year, $ 25,00 Due from State for last year, 100,00 Receipts into the Treasury, 100,00 Total, ■ $225,00 Premiums awarded, 162,00 COUNTY EEPOETS. 445 The address was delivered by the Hon. H. C. Hobart, which was listened to with attention, by the numerous company. We feel encouraged and strengthened in the belief of the beneficial effects of the Society, at the present time, and have high anticipations of its progressive usefulness. GEO. A. JENKINS. IOWA COUNTY. To THE SeCEETARY OF THE StATE AgrICUCTURAL SOCIETY : Sir : — Iowa county has been generally classified as one of the mining counties of the State. This, however, is only partially correct. The " Military Eidge" running through the centre of the county in a westerly course, and dividing the tributaries of the Wisconsin, from those of the Pecatonica, forms the north boundary of the "diggins," leaving the north half of the county to rely upon its agricultural resources and manufacturing facili- ties. Moreover, in the decline of mining as a business of regular and uniform character, the attention of the people has been gradually turned to the opening and improving of farms. Within three years thousands have abandoned the fascinating but ex- hausting employment of following veins, and sinking shafts, and burrowing in muddy drifts far from clear sunshine and free air, and now find more ample remuneration in " diggings" that are measured by inches instead of fathoms. During the last year the agricultural productions of the county have exceeded the mineral productions considerably, and this without including the value of stock on hand. Thousands of virgin acres have during the past summer been " ravished by the ruthless share." Yet our county, which from its age, its soil, and the markets which it commands, ought to be among the first of the agricul- tural counties is behind many of its sister counties, which have less advantages. 446 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. We have every variety of soil from sand througli all tlie gradations to stiff clay. On the Pecatonica branches, we have Walnut, Hickory, and all the family of oaks ; on the Wisconsin branches, we have beech, birch, maple, pine, hemlock, and white and black oak. We have level prairies, rolling prairies, wooded bluffs, and well watered valleys. In fact, the diversity of soil, of tempera- ture, of capacity for satisfying every taste is so great, that the farmer who could not be suited in some part of the county, would, probably, be hard to please. During the past year, there have been, in the opinion of those who are well informed, eight thousand acres of corn, three or four thousand of meadow, eight or ten thousand acres of oats, fifteen thousand acres of wheat, and a thousand acres of field potatoes, cultivated within the county. Judging by the exhibits at the fairs, the soil seems specially adapted for fruits, and roots. Turnips, j)otatoes, beets, carrots and parsnips of fabulous size, were objects of much attention at the last Fair. A pumpkin weighing 183 pounds, grown in the southern part of the county, would be a rarity anywhere. Should the next State Fair be held at Madison, we hope to be able to convince some skeptical pioneers of Milwaukee and thereabouts, that southern Wisconsin has really " room enough to raise a bushel of potatoes between the sucker holes." More attention is being paid to stock farms, than formerly. The official report of 18,598 cattle, 8,634 hogs, 3,154 horses and mules, and 3,207 sheep, with a total valuation of $583,739, is considerably below the mark except, perhaps, in the item of sheep. A large number of sheep have been brought into our county lately, of which, the French Merino, seems to be the favorite, although a Leicestershire, on exhibition at the last Fair brought more enconiums and attracted more attention, than any other. Our Society, organized in June, 1856; is doing what it can to promote improvement in agriculture, and the kindred arts and sciences. Our people appreciate the value of organization for Buch purposes, and the County Society is a fixed fact. COUNTY EEPOETS. 447 The Annual meeting in January, elected tlie following gentle- men to fill the principal offices : Henry M. Billings, President-^ Samuel Hendy, Levi Sterling, C. Sylvester, Vice Presidents ; L. H. D. Crane, Secretary ; E. AruNDel, Treasurer. The operations of the Society, from the annual meeting until the near approach of the Fair, were principally confined to the distribution of seeds, of which over five hundred packages were received from the Patent Office partly through the courtesy of Hon. C. C. Washburn and partly from the Commissioner of Patents direct. The distribution was made in each town of the county, by the member who rej)resented the town in the " General Committee." With each parcel, we sent a circular, requesting each member to report in writing the result of his experiment in the use of the seed which accompanied the circular, and for the sake of uni- formity, suggested the following synopsis of such report: regulations eor the distribution of seeds. 1. All Seeds received by the Society, shall be impartially dis- tributed by the Secretary to the several towns, through the me* dium of the General Committee. 2. Each member of the General Committee shall distribute to such of his own townsmen as are members of the Society. 8. Each member w^ho receives such Seeds, is requested to re- port in writing to the Secretary, on the first day of the Annual Pair, the results of his experiments with such seeds, whether such experiments are successful or not. 4. The following order may be observed in such Eeport ; 1. Preliminary preparations. 2. Character of soil. 8. Kind and quality of manure. 4. Date of planting. 5. Date of coming up* 6. Cultivation before blooming, 7. Date of blooming. 8. Cultivation after blooming. 448 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. 9. Date of maturity. 10. Date of harvesting. 11. Method of harvesting. 12. Method of preserving the crop. 13. Method of using the crop. It is to be regretted that this attempt to obtain a record of the various experiments made, has been almost a failure. Our farmers are more familiar with the plough than the pen, and although the matter was a common theme of conversation at the County Fair, yet but one written report has been made. It is annexed hereto. It is hoped that another year wall produce more satisfactory results in this respect. I venture to state in this place, the arrangements made for the Fair, not because they are deemed to be superior in any re- spect, but only to draw attention to the matter. I do not remember that this subject has been under discussion in our agricultural papers, and I am confident that any informa- tion on the subject would be gratefully received by all of our new societies ; our society, at all events would gladly profit by the experience of the older ones, could we only get at it. After one year's experience, our arrangements were as follows : The Town Hall of the Town of Dodgeville was made the Head Quarters. The large hall which occupies the w^hole of the upper story was devoted to the ladies, the fine arts, and the more elegant part of the exhibition. Two offices on the first floor were set apart one for the President and Superintendent, and the other for the Secretary. In the rear of the town hall a temporary building was erected 40 by 28 feet, roofed with 16 feet lumber laid on battenwise and tacked to a ridge piece and a plate. Three center poles supported the ridge piece, and side poles held the string pieces or plates. The sides were boarded up to about a foot above the tables ; the rest of the siding being two widths of domestic. These boards were borrowed, and the domestic bought, and resold after the fair at a slight depreciation This arrangement gave light and air, and was found to be a sufficient protection from the rain. Tables surrounded this COUNTY EEPORTS. 449 building excepting at tlie point of entrance from tlie town hall, and the point of egress into the grounds, and a double center table ran through the middle. Here the vegetables were dis- played. The tables were made by driving two stakes into the ground at each end and in the center, nailing elects to connect each pair of stakes so placed as to rise a little above the stakes, and then laying boards upon the elects. The tables in the hall were made by placing together two backed benches, laying pickets across, laying boards on the pickets and covering with domestic. The grounds in connection were enclosed by a post and board fence in front, and a rail fence for the sides and rear, the material for all of which was borrowed for the occasion. Pens for sheep and swine were made on the inside of the board fence, by posts and boards. I observed, however an improvement on this at the Layfayette county fair : it consisted of common sixteen feet studding piled in log-house fashion, with transverse layers crossing in the centre, so as to make pens eight feet square. This arrangement, if aided by a portable lever (such as is used for supporting an axle tree when the wheel is to be removed) for the purpose of liftmg the crib, to put an animal in the pen, would seem to be very convcLient. Posts were set for cattle and horses to be tied to, and a levy was made upon the neighboring farmers for forage. Temporary pens of lath were constructed for poultry, and for entrance facilities a large gate was borrowed. In the large hall, a plentiful supply of ropes strung around the room over the window tops were found convenient for hanging bed quilts, embroidery, and various other articles. In the entry department three persons were employed. One to make the entry in the general entry book, one to make a cor- responding entry in the class book, and the third to receive the money, register the name in the membership book, and fill a card with the name and residence of the exhibitor, the number of the class, and the number of th>i entry. 8c 450 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. An improvement on this would be to divide tlie duties of the last clerk above mentioned, between two. Our class books are bound books of half foolscap size, and numbered on the back, and are used from year to year. The object of this is two-fold. First, for convenience of comparison of the number of entries in any class from year to year, and secondly, that each committ e may know whether any article in competition has been previously exhibited. Our form of entry in the class books, I think could be im- proved. A single entry would run across both pages as follows : Page 1. Page 2. No. Name. Residence. Exhibii. 7. F. Jewell. Linden. One Leicestershire Buck. A better plan, probably, would be the one adopted at the State Fair, which leaves the second page blank for comment by the Judges. For instance : Page 1. Page 2. No. Name, &c., &c. Aivard. 7. F. Jewell. Linden. Leicester not in premium One Leicester Buck, list. This is a fine specimen. 4 years old. We recommend a high pre- mium. A general superintendent was appointed as well as a superin- tendent for each class. It was arranged that they should divide the space between themselves, and receive and locate all articles in their respective departments. This plan was not fully carried out, however, and a good deal of confusion resulted in conse- quence. Too much care cannot be exercised in securing the services of Class Superintendents. The two days appointed for the Fair proved to be cold, stormy and exceedingly disagreeable, and we feared a total failure. — But we were happily disappointed in that respect. Over three hundred entries were made, and about 220 memberships sold. The display of Cattle was much better than last year, a num- ber of pure Dcvons and Durhams being on exhibition. COUNTY EEPOETS. 451 A number of French and Spanish Merinos, a noble Leices- tershire, and some fine specimens of natives were in the Sheep- pens. The Swine pens showed some fine Sufiblks, Msh Graziers, and Berkshires. The great attraction out of doors was the display of horses. Two handsome Morgans, puzzled the Judges extremely to make preference ; and a magnificent pair of matched greys, were thought to be equal to any in the state, while the display of colts, brood mares, carriage-horses, and roadsters, was large and respectable. Several yoke of working cattle, in fine order, and well match- ed, completed that part of the exhibition. The show of farm and garden products, and of dairy and household manufacturers was large and creditable, and we think equal to that of any County Society. The butter was as good as butter need be, and the bread was as good as the butter — while the apples, and the grapes, and the plums, were better than either. The most remarkable part of the exhibition however, was the show of root and vine crops. Such pumpkins, squashes, beets, onions, parsnips, &c., as were piled upon the tables, were never seen before, by the crowds who gathered around them, if one could judge by their expressions of admiration, and it is now a matter of continual reproach among the farmers that they did not take the trouble to have some specimens on exhibition at the State Fair. Several specimens of Sorghum Syrup were exhibited, and much enquiry made for information as to the method of express- ing and reducing the juice. This Fair developed one circumstance of interest — several grindstones of native rock and apparently of fine texture, were exhibited. They were made in the town of Wyoming, of a quite common rock, the qualities of which, for such purposes, were thus first made publicly known. On the afternoon of the second day, the premiums were awarded, and a very able address delivered by Prof. Hoyt of 452 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. the Wisconsin Farmer^ the publication of wliich was solicited. — and we regret to say not furnished as yet. The amount of Cash Premiums awarded, was the sum of one hundred and seventy-five dollars. Agricultural Books to the amount of $24,00 had been purchased, most of which were dis- tributed as premiums. A number of volumes of the Wiscon- sin Farmer were also awarded. The total expenses of the Society, aside from premiums, from the commencement of the year to the present time amount to $134,40. Not having an opportuity of conversation with the Treasurer, I can give no more precise information of financial matters than what is contained above. I close this report by stating an incident which is pleasant and suggestive. It has pleased the conventions of the political par- ties in the two assembly districts of our county to put in nomi- nation for the assembly, the President of our Society. This is both creditable to the parties, and complimentary to the Society.* I am, Yery Respectfully, L. H. D. CRANE, * More particularly as he is elected. — Ed. Secretary. EBPORT OF GEORGE W. STANDART, OF DODGEYILLE, IOWA COUN- TY, WISCONSIN, ON SORGHUM. On the 16th day of May, I planted a part of my Sorghum, and after a few days I obtained another paper of seed from our Agricultural Society, and planted it on the 26th of May. It was planted in rows 4 feet apart each way, and cultivated the same as corn ; it grew very feebly until after the middle of July. — After that time it flourished well until the 29th of September, COUNTY EEPORTS. 453 wlien it was killed by frost, and none of the seed lias ripened. The machine that I used for expressing the juice was shuply two rollers of seven inches diameter and seven inches long, with a crank to each of them, and worked by two men. The rollers were placed one over the other horizontally, and keyed down pretty close ; this machine answered very well for the experi- ment. The cane was passed between these rollers, one and two at a time; it expressed the juice very well, I made some very good samples of Syrup from this unripe cane. Some of it was clarified with lime and some with milk, and the white of an egg. But it took twelve gallons of juice to make 1 gallon of syrup. On the 23d of October, I worked up another lot of cane that grew on higher ground and escaped the frost until the 20th of October. This juice yielded one gallon of syrup to six of juice, of which I herewith furnish a sample. This juice was boiled down without adding anything to clarify. It was placed in an iron kettle and brought to a boiling heat which caused the green color of the juice to separate and rise to the surface in a thick skum ; this I skimmed off and continued to do so as long as anything would rise while boiling, and by this process the juice became clear as water, and after it began to thicken a little it was taken out of the kettle and stirred and then returned to the kettle and boiled down to the thickness of this sample. a W. STANDAET. Dodgeville, Nov. 1. 1857. JEFFERSON COUNTY. Dear Sir : — Having heretofore furnished you with a report of the principal transactions of the Jefferson County Agricultu- ral Society, from the time of its organization to the year 1857, I now send you a synopsis of the most important part of the proceedings of the Society for the present year. 454 WISCONSIN AGKICULTURB. At the Annual meeting of tlie Society, lield at Fort Atkin- son on the 23d of December, 1856, the following officers were chosen for the year 1857, : President — Justus Carpenter, Palmyra. Vice Presidents — E. D. Masters, Jefferson ; MiLO Jones, Koshkonong. Secretary and Treasurer — M. Snell, Fort Atkinson, An Executive Committee, consisting of fifteen members, was also chosen. A meeting of the Executive Committee was held at Jefferson on the 11th of March, 1857, to take measures to enlarge the Fair Grounds, and to cause such improvements to be made thereon as might be deemed necessary for the convenience of exhibitors. At a subsequent meeting of the Executive Committee, held at Jefferson on the 1th of June, arrangements were made for the annual Fair. The time of holding the Fair was fixed upon the 17th and 18th days of September. Judges were appointed for the different classes of animals and articles, and a committee ap- pointed to prepare a Premium Lists, which was soon after pub- lished. Owing to the almost incessant rain on the days of the Fair, the show of animals and articles was small, and the attendance of the people was much less than it otherwise would have been. The receipts were one hundred dollars. The amount of premi- ums awarded was as follows : Cash premiums to the amount of - - - $83 75 Aofricultural books to the value of - - - 88 25 Twenty copies of the Wisconsin Farmer, • - 1 5 00 Milton Snell, Secretary. Fort Atkinson, November, 1857. MARQUETTE COUNTY. Agreeable to your request, through the Farmer, which we did not receive until this week, and in the absence of our Secretary COUNTY EEPORTS. 455 J. M. Fish Esq., I send yon a list of our doings at our County Fair. We organized anew this last September. Though late, we think we have organized as we should to be called an Agri- cultural Society, although in a new county and not having the advantages of some of the older ones, we mean to keep pace with them, OFFICERS OF THE PRESENT YEAR. F. Ckickering, Dayton, President. S. Saunout, Princton, Vice President A Barlow, Manchester, Ex. Com. Wm. Rook, Packwaukee, " i E. James, Berlin, " E. Dakin, Nerhkar, " J. M. Fish, Princton, Treasurer and Sec'y. J. Sherman, " Librarian. Notwithstanding the cold weather and the latenesa of the season and the second day of the Fair being rainy, the 4th Annual Fair of Marquette County was held at Granville on the 21 st and 22d days of October, 1857. The grounds were fitted up in good style, and the number and quality of articles on exhibition were highly creditable, better indeed, and more numerous than at any former Fair. The atten deuce was good throughout, and the faces of all were radient with smiles. The Address was delivered by M. W. Seely Esq. of Dayton, and was highly creditable, and well received by the Society. Most Respectfully, F. Chickering, PresH. Marquette Co. Ag, Society. Nov. 11th, 1857. SAUK COUNTY. This Society, organized February 3d, 1855, and reorganized July 15th, 1856, in compliannce with "an Act for the encour- 456 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. agement and promotion of Agriculture," approved Marcli 31st, 1856, held its third annual cattle-show and Fair on the 24th and 25th of September, 1857. The annual meeting for the election of officers for the Society was held on the evening of the first day of the Fair, and resulted in the election of the following named persons as ofl&cers for the coming year, viz.: President — ZoTm B. Crawford ; Yice President — E. E. Eem- INGTON ; Treasurer^ J. W. Powell ; Secretary^ James M. Clark. The third Fair of the Society was not, in some respects, equal to one, at least, of those which preceeded it. The number of exhibitors of the more prominent products of Agricultural and Mechanical skill, was not equal to the number of those present last year. But though the number of articles on exhibition was not what it ought to have been, there was no falling off in the quality of the stock and articles exhibited. The number of spectators who manifested much interest in the Fair was quite respectable ; and, upon the whole, there is no reason to doubt that the Society has a strong hold upon the affections of a large portion of the producing classes of our county, and will be sus- tained. The entries amounted to one hundred and eighty-five, and the cash premiums to $97,50. There were also twenty-eight copies of the Wisconsin Farmer^ and eight copies of the Transactions of the State Society, awarded as premiums. The Society has never received any funds from the State Treasury, and no inconsiderable share of the premiums has been in the shape of certificates and diplomas. A much larger sum, however, than that above named, was offered in premiums ; but in consequence of the somewhat meagre competition, no more were awarded. We have in the Treasury of the Society about $170,00, the precise amount not being known in consequence of the absence of the books of the Treasurer. The officers of the Society will this year claim the State ap- propriation for the encouragement of Agriculture, and with the funds from that source, as well as those derived from the sub- COUNTY EEPORTS. 457 scriptions of members, hope to be able to offer a more liberal premium list the ensuing year, and thus increase the usefulness of the Society. James M. Claek, Secretary. WINNEBAGO COUNTY. This Society is in a very prosperous and thriving condition. It has over two hundred members, among whom are many of the best and most thorough farmers in the county. There is an increasing interest in the cause of Agriculture and Horticul- ture as well as in the prosperity of the Society. Valuable breeds of neat stock, horses, swine and sheep have recently been intro- duced into this county, which is rapidly improving our former varieties. The receipts into the treasury of our society since our last annual meeting have been over six hundred and fifty dollars, all of which has been expended for the promotion of agriculture in the county. "We have a lease for ten years of five acres of land in the city of Oshkosh, enclosed with a tight board fence seven feet high to be used as a show ground. It is contemplated that before the next exhibition the area will be increased to ten acres and a trot- ting course graded so that the good qualities of horses can be more thoroughly tested, and ladies can have an opportunity to exhibit their skill in equestrian performances. We purchased in New York last summer, at an expense of two hundred and fifty dollars, a tent made of the best cotton duck, that covers a space sixty feet in diameter, in every way fitted to the wants of the society. The annual Fair of this society was held at their grounds, in the city of Oshkosh, on the 24th and 25th of September. The 3d 458 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUKE. exhibition was not so numerously attended as at former shows on account of the lateness of the season. Many of our farmers had not secured all their crops, and felt constrained to forego the pleasure of being present at this meeting of the society, to attend to their duties at home. This is, doubtless, the cause of the ab- sence of many persons and much stock and produce, which we had good reason to suppose would be present. In some depart- ments the entries were as numerous as in former years, and all that was present was of the first quality, and reflects much credit on the exhibitors. As the address by H. Reed, Esq., will doubtless be published, I will not attempt to forestall public opinion by attempting to give a synopsis of it, but will barely say it was a fine production, and contained sentiments that should be stored up and practiced by every farmer and mechanic in our country. The offer he makes to the boys of this county, is generous, indeed, and we pre- sume it will not be disregarded. Those to whom premiums are awarded can receive them by calling on J. H. Osborne, Esq., Treasurer of the society, at the ofl&ce of Messrs. Osborne & Jones Otter street, where they will also find the diplomas and books that have been awarded. At a meeting of the board of control of said society, held at the office of Messrs. Osborne & Jones, it was voted that the Sec- retary request a copy of the address delivered before this society on the 25th inst., for publication in the several papers printed in this county. After the award of premiums were declared, P. Sawyer, Esq., of Algoma, very generously gave the premiums awarded to him to the society. M. Seavey, Sec'y. REPORT or JUDGES ON CATTLE. A discussion arose in the minds of the Judges on stock, as to the relative advantages of breeding and keeping the different kinds of cattle that now abound in our country. It is held by some that the Durham breed are less hardy and more sensitive to the changes of climate, and particularly to our cold winters than some other breeds, and consequently are less profitable for COUNTY EEPOETS. 459 labor and the dairy. But it is admitted that the flesh of Durham cattle, being loose of texture, and coarse grained, makes the most tender and juicy beef of any class of stock raised, and, as they are of large size and get their growth young, and fatten easily, they are more profitable than any other kind for beef. The Devon is a compact built, fine grained, hardy animal that can endure much hardship, and stand the rigor of a northern climate v/ithout peeceptable inconvenience. They will keep in tolerable condition on ordinary feed, and perform more labor for the money it costs to keep them than any other grade of cattle now among us. But for the dairy, neither of the breeds we have named is superior to the hest cows of our native stock. A man purchasing a cow at a cost of from one to five hundred dollars, values her highly and keeps her on the very best feed he can obtain. Let him keep one of our best native cows, and feed her in the same way, and compare the quantity and quality of the cream each will produce and, if our experience is correct, the imported cow will come out second best. "We would, therefore, recommend to the board of control to offer a premium for the best native cow; and we would say to the farmers of this county, that in our opinion they will find their interests promoted by breeding from the best native stock and keeping them on the best of feed the whole year through, in- stead of paying the enormous prices for imported cattle. What are now termed blood cattle were first produced, and the grades are still kept up by breeding from the best and giving high keeping. What can be done on the other side of the Atlantic can be done in our county. EEPORT ON SHEEP. It is rather gratifying to the judges to see the number of entries in the department assigned to them about double what it was last year. This shows an increased interest in this im- portant branch of husbandry, which we ardently hope will be followed up, until our State can stand beside our sisters in the Union without a blush. Our soil, climate and every facility for producing wool is not surpassed by any State in the Union. All 460 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. that is -wanting to make us a great wool growing State is tlie will and the energy to prosecute it. REPORT OlSr HORSES. The Judges to whom was assigned the duty of deciding on the quality and merits of the several horses for the premiums found the task both arduous and fraught with difficulties. Their atten- tion was called to something over forty horses, all of which were of very good quality and many of them possessing so many good qualities that it was hard to make up an opinion that would be just and equitable to all the parties interested. We found no difficulty however in coming to the conclusion that the stud- horse entered by Mr. W. H. Wright, of Waukau, was the best animal on the ground, but as he has not been in the county but a short time we could not award him a premium ; and as he will be entered at our show next year, we thought best not to recom- mend a gratuity, but to record our testimony to his many valu- able points as a stud. Mr. P. Kelley entered his horse and dray, which were of su- perior excellence for the business, but as no premium was offer- ed we would recommend that he be given a diploma. One of the horses entered by Mr. H. Cronkhite, of Neenah, was a very fine animal and deserving of the patronage of the public, but as he has not been long enough in the county to en- title him to your premium, and as he will come in at your next cattle show as a competitor with Mr. Wright's horse we forbear to recommend any gratuity and will only observe that the own- ers of both these animals are entitled to much credit for introduc- ing so fine animals into this county. All the work teams and draft horses presented for our inspec- tion were of superior quality which perplexed us much to decide to which the premium belonged. It will not therefore be in any way strange if there should be a degree of dissatisfliction express- ed by those who failed to receive a premmm by our decision. Where all the horses possess so many good points it is very nat- ural for every man to think his own the best. Two of the Judges had horses entered which would have COUNTY EEPORTS. 461 taken premiums had tliej not accepted tlie appointment of Judges, without being aware of the fact, that by the rules of the Society no competitor can act as a Judge. Having got nearly through the examination before they were apprised of this fact, they magnanimously withdrew their entries rather than to put the Society to the trouble to appoint a new set of Judges who would have to go over the whole ground a second time. REPORT ON FARM IMPLEMENTS. Below will be found the award we have thought proper to make on the Farm Implement presented for your Society's pre- miums. We will observe that all the articles shown us were of excellent quality and highly creditable to their manufacturers, and deserve the patronage of the public. K it is proper for us to particularize any articles as possessing particular excellence, we would say that the two sets of stove furniture, from Messrs Ilay k Clark, were better in point of workmanship, than any thing of the kind we have ever before seen, Messrs. H. & 0. are both practical workmen, and have had many years experience in the business, and have facilities for purchasing their stock at the lowest rates, which gives them a decided advantage over those who have to depend entirely on the knowledge and skill of hired help, and whose facilities for doing business are contracted. The Corn and Cob Crusher, pressnted by Mr. "W. D. Bacon, is an article of great excellence, and should be owned in every neighborhood, if not by every farmer in the country. It is de- cidedly the best article of the kind we have ever seen, as it is not owned in the county, and consequently cannot compete for pre- mium, we recommend to the Society to give for it a diploma. PROCESS OF MAKING CHEESE, BY ELI STILSON. The cheese presented by me was made in July. The number of cows kept on the farm is 53, but the milk of about 45 was used in the manufacture of these cheese ; the night's milking was strained into the cheese tub, and cooled off by pails of cold water to So'^, in the morning the milk is skimmed, and the cream heat 462 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. to 100° and poured back, and the morning's milk added, and tke whole heat to 58°, the runnetthen added, and after the curd has come and thewhej dipped oif, a portion of the whey is heat and the cheese scalded at 105°, salted and pressed in a lever press — time of pressing, 48 hours. The cheese is turned once while pressing, and bandaged, taken to the cheese room and turned every day. STATEMENT OF THE PEOCESS OF MAKING BUTTER BY ELI STILSON The butter presented by me, was made in the town of Osh- kosh, the number of cows kept on the farm is 53. The cows are kept partly on tame grass pastures, and partly on wild grass. The milk is set in a cool airy milk-room. The butter is freed from buttermilk, after churning by rinsing with cold water, and salted with one ounce of ground dairy salt, to each pound of but- ter— Ashton or Liverpool salt is preferred — the butter after stand- ing 24 hours, is worked again and salted and packed. STATEMENT OF THE PROCESS OF MAKING BUTTER, BY MRS. JULIA HICKS, OF ALGOMA, This butter was made in the month of June. The cream set till the milk was sour, then it stood about 12 hours before it was churned. When taken from the churn it was washed and salted sufficiently. The nest day tt was worked till it was dry. This butter was made from two cows, kept on the openings. REPORT ON HONEY. The Judges award the first premium to John Eook, - - $100 " " " « 2d do to H. W. Nicholson, - Farmer. REPORT ON FRUITS. The number of entries of frait, far exceeded our expectations ; all of which was of a very fine quality. That from the garden of Mr. S. M. Hay, surpassed all others. It was very large, handsome in form, and delicioas in flavor. There were not, however, a sufficient number of varieties to entitle the owier to your premium. COUNTY EEPOETS. 463 Mr. Mason, from Sacramento, had some verj fine specimens of Apples, Plums, Grapes and Pie Plant, all of which Avere of superior excellence ; but, as he resides over the west line of the county, he is not entitled to a premium, but we unanimously recommend that you give him a diploma. No man has taken more unwearied pains to introduce into this country valuable varieties of fruit, and to ascertain what kinds will best stand the rigor of our winters, than Mr. Mason, and his efforts have been very successful ; for many who have bought trees from his nursery, assure us of the fact that while nearly three-fourths of the trees brought from New York State have died, those from the Sacramento nursery have done well. Mr. Conkey, of Appleton, also presented several varieties of Apples, Grapes, and Plums, which deserve more than a notice. Although they cannot, by the rules of your Society, come in competition with the products of our own county, yet they show that we have not the exclusive enjoyment of the rich luxuries which Northern Wisconsin is capable of producing by the aid of the industrious hand of the husbandman. A specimen of Syrup, manufactured from the China Sugar Cane by Mr. Samuel Charlesworth, of Omro, attracted very gen- eral attention. It was a most delicious article, and we recom- mend that the manufacturer be presented with a copy of the Wisconsin Farmer. The apparatus with which Mr. Charlesworth expressed the juice from the cane, was of very imperfect con- struction, but he obtained a gallon of juice from twenty hills, and bethinks that one hundred gallons of juice can be had from an acre of cane. The riper the cane, the more syrup it will yield. He considers the leaves better than hay for feeding cattle, and says they will yield as much to the acre as tame grass. The yield of seed he estimates at from fifteen to twenty bush- els to the acre, which, he says, is as good as corn for cattle and horses, or for fattening hogs. "We would recommend to the Society to encourage the culture of this article by offering a large premium for the best suo-ar and best syrup made from the China Sugar Cane next year. 464 WISCONSIN" AGEICULTUEE. We liave awarded tlie first premium for tlie Best Apples to G. A. Arnold, of Oshkosb, - - - $1 00 2d best Apples to James Keed, of Omro, - - - Trns. Best Plmns, to James O'Brien, of Oshkosh, - - 1 00 2d best Plums, to James Eeed, Omro, ... Farmer. Best Grapes, to J. Reek of Omro, - - - - 1 00 2d best Grapes, to Thomas Smith, Algoma, - - Farmer. Best Currant Wine, to Mrs. H. Reed, - - - Farmer. The Wine made by Mrs. Reed was of very excellent quality, and we are assured that it was made without the addition of a particle of alcoholic liquor. Judges — L. Stilson, L. M. Miller, J. D. Fisk. REPORT ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. The Judges award the first premium for the Best pair of woolen socks, to Mrs. H. Clemens, Yinland, $0 25 Best specimen Woolen Yarn, do do do 25 Best Bed Quilt, to Mrs. N. Sackett, Nekinnie, - - 25 2d best Bed Quilt, to Mrs. Tuttle, Oshkosh, - Diploma, 2d best two Bed Quilts, to Mrs. H. Rogers, - - Diploma, Best Lamp Mat, to Mrs. Tuttle, Oshkosh, - Diploma 2d best Lamp Mat, to Mrs. H. Rogers, - - - Diploma Best Leather-work What-not, to Mrs. Tuttle, Oshkosh, Diploma Best two pairs Crockett work, to Mrs. H. Rogers, Diploma Judges — Mrs. W. A. Knapp, Mrs. Schefier, Mrs. J. A. Bryant REPORT ON NEEDLE WORK. There were but few entries in this department, and none of them exhibited a very superior degree of excellence. The Ottomans, by Mr. Lathrop, of Algoma, were creditable shade, and are worthy of notice. A suit of embroidered clothes for a child were very neatly done, for which we award a diploma to Mrs. S. Brown. A wrought collar, by Mrs. L. A. Fuller, was very good work, and deserves a commendable notice. Judges — Mrs. H. Reed, Miss C. Weed. REPORT ON WORKS OF FINE ART. Three large pictures from the establishment of Messrs. Kohl- COUNTY EEPORTS. 465 man & Brother, were very fine, and had thej been executed in the county, would have taken the first premium in their class. To Miss Jennie Whitmore we award the 1st premium for the best oil painting. Best Colored Crayon, to Miss Jennie Whitmore, Diploma. Best India Ink Picture, to Miss Jennie Whitmore, Diploma. Mr. W. L. Stroud entered a large number of very fine Am- brotypes and Daguerreotypes, Avhich do much credit to his skill as an artist. Although there was no competition, yet as the work was executed with a masterly skill, it deserves the highest com- mendation we can bestow. We award him a diploma. The Specimens of printing from the office of Messrs. Kohl- man & Brother, we are assured were made up from jobs they have done for their customers during the year, which clearly showed they can and will do "as good a job " as can be had at any office in the State. Their specimens of book binding, too, are " A No. 1." The Miscellaneous articles submitted to the decision of the same Committee, received a deal of attention. The three sets of Artificial Teeth, entered by Messrs. Parker & Swain, were among the best specimens of dental work we have ever seen. Although they are but samples of the work they are daily doing for their customers, they prove them to be workmen that are richly entitled to public jjatronage. We award them a diploma and premium. The case of Chemical and other goods, from the Store of Messrs. Manny & Cook, Druggists, Ferry street, was very neat, elegant, and tastefully arranged. It was however but a minia- ture exhibition of the store they keep. They are entitled to your diploma, as well as a share of the public patronage. The Plush Velvet Testings, from the store of W. D. Palmer, were rich, elegant, and made a fine display. Those in want of such goods will find them at his store. Two evergreen trees, (Silver Fir), entered by Smith & For- man, of the Algoma Nursery, were fine specimens of a species of evergreen which is very rare in this part of the country. To 8e 466 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. tliose unaccustomed to seeing tliem in their native forests, they are an interesting sight. Judges — ^J. G. Sprague, L. M. Miller, H. Eeed. REPORT ON GARDEN VEGETABLES. The collection of Garden Vegetables was far superior to what it has been in former years, both in quantity and quality. Best Collection of Garden Vegetables, James O'Brien, $2 00 2d best 2d best 2d best 2d best do do do do do do L. Stilson, do do L. S. Jones, do do "W. Morley, do do J. Ilamner, 1 00 Diploma. Diploma. Diploma. 25 Diploma. 25 25 25 25 Best 12 beets, L. Stilson, 2d best 12 beets, H. W. Nicholson, Best 12 summer radishes, L. Stilson, - Best 2 heads lettuce, L. Stilson, - - - . Best 12 tomatoes, M. Seavey, - . - - Best 6 pumpkins, J. D. Vandoren, All other vegetables were very fine, and deserved the favor- able notice of the Society. "We would particularly mention a basket of turnips presented by Mr. S. Char]esworth, which were of very fine quality, although they were not entered for premi- um. Judges — S. StanclifT, J. H. Porter, J. Sandey. REPORT ON CARRIAGES. Your committee find but four entries of pleasure carriages. The first is a single buggy, entered by H. A. Dorr, to which we award a diploma. The second is a two seat buggy, by H. & A. Waterhouse, to which we award a diploma. The other entries, a barouche, entered by Baldwin & Cameron, and a single buggy and'harness, by C. M, Cottrell, could not be found by your Committee. Judges — S. Bowren, P. Sawyer, A. B. Smedley. REPORT ON CABINET FURNITURE. We, the undersigned Committee, award for Best assortment of cabinet ware, to J. Hunter, - • 1 00 Best bureau, to Grenwald & Co., 60 ' COUNTY EEPOETS, 467 Judges — David Evans, Thos. H. Ilammer, H. C. Spencer. MECHANICAL. Among the many fine specimens of meclianical skill present- ed to us, were two fine specimens of stone, wrought by Mr.Penis- ton. One was entered by Mr. A. V. Parker, and belonged to the new Court House, now in process of erection in this city. The other was entered by Messrs. Cross & Harshaw, builders. They are from the quarry at Clifton, where it is said an abundant sup- ply of the very best building stone in the county can be ob- tained. Otis' Patent Lightning Conductor, entered by Mr. Isaac Brown, of Fond du Lac, appears to us to be a decided improve- ment on the old style lightning rod. They are more perfectly insulated, more securely attached to the building, not so liable to be broken by accident, or the expansion of heat. The points attached to the insulated fastenings, will throw off any excess of fluid that may become attached to the rod. Samples may be examined at the houses of Mr. P. Sawyer, or D. C. Hicks, Main street. They are for sale by Messrs. Hay & Clark. A Thresher and Separator, with an endless chain horse power, were entered by Mr. W. D. Bacon, of Waukesha. They were first-rate articles of their kind, and deserve the attention of all who wish for machinery of that kind. The drawing of the new hotel, by E. Fairbanks, was a fine specimen of architectural skill, and we award him a diploma, and cheerfully recommend him to all who need the services of an architect. The sample of lime, entered by Messrs. Cross k Harshaw, was of the first quality that can be from the common lime stone of our quarries, and deserves a favorable notice. The doors, sashes, and blinds, from the manufactory of Mor- gan, Watts, & Jones, were the best on the ground, and we award them a diploma. To Mr. A. Pride, for the best harness, - - - 1 00 The Engine Pump, entered by Messrs. Powers & Field is an article of practical utility that possesses many advantages over 468 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. all similar inventions. We would recommend that tliey be awarded a diploma. Judges — S. Bowren, A. B. Knapp, W. Morley. DANE COUNTY. The official board of this Society for the year 1857 was as fol- lows: President. — Hon. P. W. Matts. Vice Presidents. — D. S. CuRTiss, G. H. SLAUGnTER, and J. E. Carpenter. Secretary. — H. F. Bond, (succeeded by Prof. J. W. IIoyt.) Treasurer. — D. J. Powers. Executive Committee. — Adin BuRDiCK, S. L. Sheldon, and J. H. B. Matts. At the opening of the present year, the officers embarked with zeal and energy in the prosecution of their duties. They got up a revised edition of their Constitution and By-Laws, together with a circular propounding many important questions for the consideration and answer of the farmers of the county. These documents in connection with a very ample and complete pre- mium list offi3ring some $800 in premiums, were early and wide- ly circulated throughout the county. The Fair was appointed to come off at Madison on the 22nd, 23d, and 24 days of September, and was duly held at that time, ■upon the same grounds as the year before. The grounds were well enclosed with a high and substantial close board fence, and fitted up inside in a snug and ample man- ner, having a board shed one hundred and fifty feet long and thirty wide, neatly but cheaply built, under which to display the more substantial articles of production and manufacture ; and capacious as was the room, it was well and creditably filled with everything in the line that usually enriches and adorns such ex- hibitions, each excelling in their own particular field of exhibi- tion. Near at hand was also erected a spacious tent some seventy feet in diameter, in which were exhibited works of taste and fine arts. The display in this department was even more than good. COUNTY EEPORTS. 469 It was truly fine. Whatever of fine pictures and fancy articles Madison and the county could boast had evidently been clustered here, and grouped and arranged to produce the most pleasing effect. Upon one side the fine fancy show was bordered by a choice and ample display of fruit, from the orchard and nursery of J. C. Plumb & Co., of Lake Mills, a fine display of over eighty varieties of good apples, together with Pears, Grapes &c. J. Fkench of Madison, exhibited above seventy varieties, mostly very choice. In addition to which were numbers of fine but smaller displays from other exhibitors ; all proving con- clusively that apples at least, can be raised in abundance in Dane County, and of unexceptionable quality, if people will only per- severe in their efforts. Mr. Plumb informed us that all of his large collection of fruit was grown on trees of his own raising from the seed, and subse- quent grafting ; and upon trees that are perfectly hardy in our climate. He insists that there is no dif&culty in making such selections as are both hardy and productive. And it would seem as if he ought to know, after an almost twenty years residence and practical experience as a nurseryman in Wisconsin. The out side show of animals was on the whole decidedly small for a county of the size and natural importance of Dane. With nearly twice the area of Rock Co., and with a much greater proportion of meadow land, thus fitting it eminently for a stock growing county, yet its show, in this department, notwithstand- ing all of the aforesaid natural advantages, was not near one half as good as Rock county ordinarily makes. What reason should, or can be assigned for this discreditable difference against Dane county, we are not able to say, but if allowed the privi- ledge generally accorded to Yankees, of guessing, we should be largely inclined to conclude that it is wholly owing to a want of enterprise among the people. This is an unflattering conclusion we know, but still we see no help for it, or escape from it. We are forced to this conclusion not more by the small number of stock entries at the fair, than by the meagre attendance of the farmers themselves, Fcr incredible as it may seem, we believe that it is nevertheless true, that there were not five hundred 470 WISCONSIN" AGRICULTUEE. farmers, exclusive of their families, in attendance altogether. And this too after a highly satisfactory fair the year before, and after a good deal of advertising and drumming all through the county, coupled with the inducement of a large premium list, and the finest weather that could be imagined, or asked for. Many towns were not represented by a single person. This we call conclusive evidence of want of enterprise, almost amounting to stupidity ; for the county undoubtedly contains at least 5000 farmers, good and poor (a good many of the latter we trow) not to be represented by over 500, at their great main annual holiday and show for the year. We know that many find a ready excuse for non attendance, under the plea that such societies are himibugs, mere individual speculations, &;c., &c. Now in answer to such, we have only to say, that we regard such staij away fault-finding suspicions people as the most con- summate humbugs, decidedly, to be met with in this day and age, mere old fogies who neither do anything themselves, beyond mere eating, drinking and fault finding, nor hold out any en- couragement for others. If the world was wholly made up of such wise do-nothing folks it would stagnate and retrograde to barbarism again in a few generations. But we do not wish to enlarge further on so unpleasant a subject, and will conclude that those people who cannot get time to attend the county fair, once a year, must be of the same piece with those who cannot find time to attend election once a year, to discharge the sacred duty of casting a vote to save those liberties that their forefathers bled and died to gain. Mere potato diggers, and threshing ma- chine men, who leave agricultural progress, and the afiairs of government to take care of themselves, rather than spend a day in their behalf. But for the present we will leave all such to the reflections and iipbraidings of their own consciences, with the feeble hope that there is still vitality enough in them of the old Pilgrim stamp, to work a reformation in future. But notwithstanding the meagre attendance from the country, through a very good city attendance the fair went off pretty well, on the whole. COUNTY REPOETS. 471 Two addresses were delivered, one hy J). S" Curtiss, Esq., and tlie other by Prof. J. "W. Hoyt, both decidedly good and highly interesting to those who heard them. Mr. Curtiss' address will be found at the close of this article. Also the closing remarks of the President, Hon. P. W. Matts. A copy of Prof. Hoy t's is not furnished for publication. The amount of premiums awarded and paid was about $500. The Annual election of officers for 1858 was held according to the provisions of the constitution on the 2d day of December, and the following board of officers elected for the following year ; President — Hon. ^Y. E. Taylor, Cottage Grove. Vice Presidents. — Hon. L. B. Vilas, Madison ; J. Greening, Mazo Mania ; Prof J. "W. Hoyt, Madison. Executive Committee. — W. Coleman, Oregon ; E. D. Mon- trose, York ; S. W. Field, Fitchburg. Secretary. — E. W. Skinner, Madison. Treasurer. — J. H. B. Matts, Yerona. At the close of the election the following resolution was offer- ed by D. J. Powers Esq., and unanimously adopted. Resolved, unanimously. That the thanks of the Society be tendered to the Hon. P. W. Matts, for the able and indefatigable manner in which he has discharged the duties of President for the entire period of his office. The Society then adjourned sine die. Note. — This report should have appeared in its alphabetical order, but the copy was not received in season. The writer tells so much truth that some, perhaps, will feel aggrieved but we thought it too good to suppress. "We hope there will be less cause for similar fault-finding in the future. Ed. We publish below the remarks of D. S. Curtiss, Esq., on the first day of the Fair, and of Hon. P. W. Matts, President of the Dane County Society, delivered at its close. ADDEESS OF D. S. CUETISS. Mr. President and Fellow Citizens : Although I did not, until within half an hour, determine to appear before you, I will not offer the apology of being wholly unprepared — for no mind of ordinary reflection — no thinking 472 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. person, it seems to me, could be entirely unprepared with some- thing to say in view of the splendid display which is now before us — where so much that is interesting addresses itself to our eyes, it would be strange, truly, if we were not prepared with something profitable to address to your ears. But as the after- noon is far spent, I will not tire you with a long speech ; and shall not aim or expect to say anything pleasing to you, but content myself with a few plain and practical remarks. And first let me say, on such occasions as this, there should be no jealousies or unkind feelings — a spirit of harmony and good will should influence us all. And, above all, the farmer should not envy his fellows, the town's people — he has no just cause to be jealous of those who dwell in cities — we all have mutual in- terests to be promoted in the general welfare — but if any one avocation is superior to another, surely the farmer has no reason to feel disparaged, for his calling is the most favored of all — his sphere is the proudest — the most vitall}'' essential of all avoca- tions— to him all must look for their bread, and upon his opera- tions to a great degree depend for their prosperity and wealth. The mechanic, the merchant, artist, and professions are all useful and honorable in their places, and are allied with us in the great family whose harmonious action promotes the well-being of all. But, what others of the industrial classes are aided by such mighty co-workers as the farmer ? All the elements, — the air above and the acids and alkalies in the earth beneath, are all constant and efiective co-operators for our benefit — the whole body of nature is a grand laboratory from which the products of the farmer are derived — how magnificent are the chemical and mechanical operations which are industriously, incessantly going on in the earth and air, preparing the soil to stimulate the germ and nourish the growth of vegetation, every thing working harmoniously and seasonably to produce luxuriant harvests for man's support and enjoyment. But, not to dwell upon or argue these matters, so obvious to the observing mind, let me impress upon my fellow farmers the great importance of ihinJcing — they must accustom themselves to think, to study, and to read — they must learn to give promi- COUNTY EEPORTS. 473 nence to mind over matter — to exercise more intellectual effort, and thus lighten physical labor. We must study and reflect more to discover what we need for onr greatest happiness — to discover how to lighten our toil, and elevate our standard of character. When we have found out what we want and need to elevate our sphere, we must exercise more profound thought and investigation to discover the legiti- mate causes to produce these desired results. It is by thinking that the grand improvements in implements which we see here to-day have been invented. It is by study and earnest mental effort, that the present day exhibits such superiority in the facil- ities with which labor is done, over that of half a century ago. Then, in short, let me say, we must think, read, and reflect ; we must impress the imperative importance of this interesting truth upon the young people of our day. Another matter I will refer to with brief suggestions ; it is the currency question. No class of the community is more deeply and closely interested in having a sound, reliable circulating medium than the farmer. His wheat is an article of intrinsic value — it possesses a real and not representative value — it will sustain life independent of bank issues, or scales from the mint — and by wheat I mean all the articles of food the farmer raises, it being the general representative of agricultural staples. The miser, even by the side of a cool brook, with bags of money around him, would starve if he could reach no bread ; but the farmer could live and grow strong amid the bags of his produce, though the world should never know the article money. By this we see that the producer of bread is entitled to the very best and safest article of money that can be provided — he has a right to demand it — he can insist upon and receive it — he can and should imperatively demand a currency which is at all times and places, worth and convertible into that which it purports to be, and he should firmly insist on nothing less — he can command such a currency if he will — he can keep and live healthfully on his own products, year in and year out, without the worthless rags that are too prevalent now-a-days, while the banker cannot live without his products. Let us, then, positively and uniformly 3p 474 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. set our faces against all the wild-eat, red-dog, and shin-plaster trash which now floods the country, and insist upon receiving nothing in the shape of currency which is not safe and sure, and at all times and places convertible, at its full value, into all the uses for which good money may be applied. If the farmers will properly respect their own rights and powers, and justly appre- ciate their own position and character, and with the same har- monious determination unitedly act upon this basis, as commer- cial and some other communities do, they can at once and con- tinually dictate the currency that shall be offered for their staples; they can say to Mr. Banker — if you wish to make a percentage and accumulate wealth upon the little frail " promises to pay ' which you circulate to be paid to us for our indispensible, life- supporting products, you must make your paper safe and sound, at least against any reasonable loss or depreciation to us — let us be sure that your bills will at all times be worth what they pre- tend to be ; the farmers can do this if they will act firmly and in concert — think of it — take it into manly consideration, and use the power for justice which you possess. Look at the miners in the lead region — they long ago unitedly resolved not to receive any thing in the shape of money for their toil but specie, or the bills of the old State Bank of Missouri, which were at any hour convertible into gold — they would contemptuously laugh at the man who ofiered them the common bank paper of the country — and thus by determined and united action, they kept out all worthless trash, and always got sound currency. And farmers can control this matter just as effectually, and even more so, for their products are even more vitally essential than the miner's produce — if they will fairly consult and understand each other on this subject. Just now the times suggest a peculiar appropriateness in tak- ing a cautious and manly stand upon this matter. There is much trembling in large consuming locations, there is a sorrow- ful depression among speculators — and a terrible shaking and crashing among "bulls and bears," and stock gamblers in the cities — because their operations are with fictitious shares and stocks, which have no intrinsic value or force — they have been COUNTY EEPORTS. 475 building up and relying upon banks with no more foundation than castles in the air, and with about as much strength as ropes of sand. But farmers want nothing to do with such transactions,, and if they continue faithfully to act in their own proper sphere, they will never be gored or torn by any of those malicious finan- cial beasts. Their legitimate business is with that substantial, never-failing Banh, whose Great President was never a de* faulter, and never withheld the just deposits entrusted to its vaults by the humblest customer ; the farmer operates in this glorious Mother Earth bank, which always discounts freely, and always pays ten, twenty, and sixty fold to all faithful depositors. And never since the sun shone, did it fail to remunerate the in- dustrious applicant, and never, while the rain falls, will it cease to award rich dividends to all honest directors — for it is the Earth Bank. And the only stocks which the true farmer deals in and ope- rates with, is Zi'ye, and hhoded stock — which is always sound and able to carry itself about — needing none of the frauds, and bribeei and doubtful appliances which too many chartered stocks in these times, require to keep them up or in any tolerable stand- ing. And now, when so many shares are trafftcked and bandied about from town to city, and paper to office, all the time depre- ciating and growing the worse for wear, the farmers may con- gratulate themselves that they operate with a more durable commodity — with an article that grows better and brighter with use, for their productive and legitimate share is the plow-share — shares that have never failed to turn out ample dividends, when honestly and faithfully operated with. Thus the true and indus- trious farmer is safely fortified against financial earthquakes and convulsions, by his never-failing bank of earth, his glittering plow-shares, and healthy live stock. Let him faithfully continue in his own legitimate business, and it will carry him safely through, though AVall street tremble, and paper cities sink before they have more than a faint existence. One more subject — a local matter — I will speak of briefly — intimately connected with the occasion which now calls us together so joyously. Our first Fair, the experiment of las* 476 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. year was eminently successful and gratifying to all parties con- cerned. It lias been advantageous to the farming interests of the county, and profitable to business men in the city. We have ventured upon a repetition this year, and it is highly satis- factory to those for whose benefit it was gotten up. And in view of this confirmed fact, we believe it is desirable to enter upon some plan to render our County Exhibition a permanent institution of increasing usefulness and pleasure. We believe it is advisable that the County Society should own grounds suffi- ciently ample to hold its Fairs upon, from year to year, and have them well fitted up, permanently, for that purpose. We believe such an operation will be beneficial both to the City of Madison and the county generally. Besides, if we have ample and suflB." cient grounds, properly fitted up for such shows, it is believed that it would be likely to secure the Exhibition of the State Fair at this place much more frequently than will otherwise be the case. And in view of these considerations, the Executive Committee will soon mature a plan to bring about this end, and submit it to the public for their approval and co-operation. And from the united efforts, and the general exhibition by all the industrial classes which we have here to-day, we confidently be" lieve that our proposition will meet the cordial support of all interested parties — farmers, mechanics, merchants, and artists. We feel this to be one of the most delightful holiday or festival occasions that can well transpire; and hence we are doubly rejoiced to meet and greet so many of every variety of industrial pursuits — to see the products and fabrics of diversified toil and skill — and not least among them are we delighted to recognize a beautiful display from the tender fingers of our fair sisters — whom I will not depreciate by designating them with some petty or trifling name, but greet them as our noble sisters; and I am free to believe that, were it known they would not assemble with us to-day to present their acceptable offering at Industry's temple, we should not have witnessed half the num- bers or enjoyment on this occasion — and may we all live to enjoy many similar festivities. COUNTY EEPORTS. 47 7 EEMAEKS OF HOJS". P. W. ilATTS, THE PRESIDENT. After the premiums were awarded, the President addressed the Society as follows : Old time has again, in its onward and progressive career, brouo;lit about another vear, and with it the second Annual Fair of the Dane County Agricultural Society. We need be thank- ful to an All wise Power that our lives have been spared to as- semble-together and witness this the grand exhibition of Dane county industry. Comparatively few who met with us twelve months ago, have gone to their homes. Yet, time rolls on, and we might all, and each for ourselves, pause, meditate, and ex- claim— why have I been spared ? This is a question which ad- mits of a very satisfactory answer. It is to improve, improve I The rich and bountiful harvest which we have just passed through, gives evidence that we are a favored people, and the agriculturist of Dane has not been unmindful, but he has sown upon good soil. In passing from the agricultural department, we suddenly be- come a mechanical admirer, and the artistical arrangement is so complete that it needs no praise at my hands. And to the la- dies, (for I never could forgive myself the neglect of duty,) for their liberal and generous display in the fine arts, I tender them the sincere thanks of the Society. Competition and industry are the sure paths to wealth ; they not only stimulate to excel, but to have a good article, which is a good basis to happiness. To exhibitors I would remark, that all cannot be the success- ful winners of the prizes, and to those who have not been so for- tunate, I would say, be not discouraged, for you are just as much entitled to have the first premiums as your neighbor ; perseve- rance and industry are never at rest, and if you should happen to greet your neighbor, he would impart any information you desired ; for in a farming community the withholding of new dis- coveries is no credit to the possessor. He would instantly an- swer you in this way, "my friend, in the first place, I preserved or obtained the very best seed ; and in the second place, I went last spring to a certain plow manufactory in this county, and 478 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. bought tlie riglit kind of a plow, it was made in sacli a manner that I could not help but ' plow deep ;' and in the third place, I •went to a certain hardware store in the citj of Madison, and I purchased one of the best hoes I could select, and there was something peculiar about that hoe, it was made with a handle, and never was at ' rest.' " Well, now you take your neighbor's advice, and if you don't, you're not deserving of a premium, and nine times out of ten, you beat him next year ; for very likely your neighbor will get to dreaming, thinking he knows all about it. The evidence is so conclusive that Dane county possesses the material to make this the model Fair of Wisconsin, and it only remains for you, ladies and gentlemen, to respond in the affirm- ative. Shall it be so ? Permit me then to make a few remarks in relation to the workings of the Society. In the first place it is very essential that there be a large increase of membership ; would it be un- reasonable to ask, that there should be at least one member to every twenty -five of the population of Dane County ? I think not; well, that then would give us a basis for a premium list of about two thousand five hundred dollars, (now we have a good premium list based upon six hundred) next I woald suggest that it is very important that the Executive Committee have the names and the list of members early in the year, they would in that event have a more correct basis for premium list. The ob- ject of the Society is not to withold its fands, but to scatter them to those that possess the industry and merit to receive them. I would also suergest that in the future there be a premium awarded to the town or wari in Dane county, of twenty-five dollars at least, that will produce the largest list of lona fide members in each year, based upon the popula- tion of the last census — and 2d and 3d premiums. I would also suggest that there be a premium awarded to the town or ward, in Dane county, that may receive the greatest number of premi- ums in each respective year, and 2d and Sd premiums, based upon the number oihonajide members in each town or ward in the county. COUNTY REPORTS. 479 ^ I would also suggest the important matter mentioned bj Mr. Curtisa on yesterday in regard to permanent Fair grounds. Prob- ably the annual meeting of the society in December next, when all the members of the society are requested to attend, would be an appropriate time to make arrangements for that purpose ; due notice of the time of the annual meeting will be published by the Secretary. The superintendents of the ground, and all committees, will please accept thanks for the faithful performance of their duties. In behalf of the Society, ladies and gentlemen, I tender you their sincere thanks, for your attendance here upon the fair grounds ; and in the hope that my services as one of the Execu- tive Committee at the close of the year, may cease, I bid you adieu. LAFAYETTE COUNTY. Report of the proceedings of the Lafayette Co. Agricultural Society for the year 1857. The society was organized on the 1st of September, 1857, by the adoption of a Constitution, and the election of the following officers : Presdenl. — C. Z. Cutting. Treasurer. — C. E. ToWNSEND. Secretary. — Fred Thearle. Yice Presidents. — J. S. Kelso, TVliitc Oak Springs ; John Z. Saxton, Argyle ; N. Dumfry, Willow Springs. Funds paid to Treasurer at this meeting, $138. The executive committee met on the 20th of September, and made arrangements for holding the first annual fair of the society at Darlington on the 14th and 15th of October, and published a list of premiums — embracing : 11 Departments of Horses. 20 " " Live Stock. 6 " " Sheep. 480 WISCO^^SIN AGRICULTDEE. • 2 " " Swine. 1 " " Grain and Field produce. 1 " " Garden produce. 1 " " Dairy and Household. 1 " " Ladies Work. 1 " " Mechanical. 1 " " Miscellaneous. On the 14 th of October, he funds were increased by pay- ments of members to $318 45. Of this amount the town of Argyle Contributed 1 00 Centre, 89 00 Elk Grove, 30 00 Fayette, 15 00 Gratiot, 21 00 Kendall, 1 00 Monticello, 22 00 New Digging, 29 45 Willow Springs, 37 00 White Oak Springs, 26 00 Wayne, 1 00 Wiota, 10 00 Shullsburgh, ft H 34 00 316 45 The towns of Benton, and Belmont contributed nothing. The amount paid for expense of Society, including printing and expenses of Fair, 61 76 Am't paid cash premiums, - - - . 156 00 Incidental expenses, Record Book &c. - - 15 00 232 76 The society will thus have a balance to carry over to the next year in addition to the money to be received from the State which will probably enable them to submit a premium list for the ensuing annual fair, of but little short of $500. It is probably unnecessay to state that the Executive committee COUNTY EEPOKTS. 481 are well convinced from the partial success of the fair under the disadvantage of weather it encountered — that the Society is even at this early period of its existence, on a firm basis, and if the spirit of emulation it has excited does not wane, its next fair will demonstrate that old Lafayette cannot be surpassed by any of her sister counties, in those elements which are necessary to make a wealthy agricultural community. C. Z. Cutting, President Fred The able, Secretary. KACINE COUNTY. The operations of the Eacine County Agricultural Society, for the present year, have been characterized by evident marks of improvement that inspire a confidence in its friends which has heretofore been unknown. The people generally, throughout the county, have taken hold of the matter in good earnest ; and the history of the past, together with the general good feeling and confidence of all classes of the community render its future prosperity a fixed fact which no one doubts. The exhibition this year gave good evidence of the onward march of every branch of industry pursued in the county^ Farmers, mechanics, and artists, all cheerfully mingled in the spirit of friendly rivalry, and vied with each other to bear off the palm of public attention. The ladies, too, with their usual good will, filled up their department with a good variety of arti- cles. The useful and the beautiful were blended together in just proportions, giving to the whole scene an appearance of symmetrical beauty and substantial utility, which the thousands of spectators did not fail to appreciate. The fair grounds, (which are five acres in extent), were literally fall. The space not occu- pied by articles for exhibition, was taken up by crowds of peo- ple, anxious to see and admire. 3g 482 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. The show of cattle, especially of Durliams and Devons, was highly creditable to the farmers of the county. Our stock breeders seem to think that, as a county, Eacine stands second to none in the State for blooded stock. Many were surprised to see so large a proportion of the stock of imported breeds. The rage for blooded cattle at present amounts almost to a mania ; and no one will doubt that it is the most rational mania that has ever taken hold of the public mind. There was a large number of horses exhibited, and a good deal of interest manifested, both by the exhibitors and spectators. The carriage horses, by their easy and graceful movements, attracted considerable attention ; yet a good share of notice and commendation was given to the draught horses on exhibition. Of sheep, there was a good number, and most of them Avere of very fine quality. But few swine were shown, but they were said to be good specimens of their species. The feathered tribes were meagerly represented, but five or six being exhibited. They claimed an oriental origin, and attracted some attention. Of manufactured articles there was a great variety — Agricul- tural Implements, Cloths of domestic manufacture. Boots, Shoes, &c., &c. There was also a considerable quantity of farm pro- ducts from the field, the garden, and the dairy. The specimens of fruit were numerous and very fine, giving further evidence of the fact, (which perhaps is already conceded), that the apple orhcards of Wisconsin are equal to any on the continent. The ornamental department was well filled, and attracted no small measure of attention. The exhibitors of Painting, Wax- work, Ornamental Needle Work, &o., were, of course, mostly of the fairer portion of our race, and the works of their hands, as well as themselves, were much admired by those of the sterner sex. The address was delivered by B. C. McCoy, Esq., a practical farmer, and was listened to with a good degree of interest. On the whole, the Seventh Annual Fair of the Eacine County Ag- ricultural Society will not be forgotten until some subsequent gathering of the same character shall so far outshine it as to drive it into obscurity. Eacine, Nov. 4th, 1857. N. H. Dale, Recording Secretary. COUNTY REPORTS. 483 ANNUAL ADDRESS. BY BRUCE E. MCCOY, ESQ. Mr. President, Ladies and GENTLEMEi? of the Racine County Agricultural Society : I congratulate you to-day upon this occasion and the results of this meeting. I am heartily glad to see so many competing for the prizes offered by your Society for the promotion of labor and the honored occupation of agriculture — honored by the Philanthropist, whose hopes for the amelioration of the condi- tion of makind are centered in it ; who points it out as the nur- sery of morality and virtue ; in whose ranks are found physical health and strength — honored by the Statesman, who feels its pulse beatstrong with patriotism ; and by Freemen, whose strength is in its arm — honored by the great and the good, the noble and the free, who look to it as the foundation of civilization. But there are those, I fear, and those, too, engaged in agricul- ture, who look upon it as an occupation requiring only physical strength in its prosecution. What an error ! We are accus- tomed to revere the memory of the old Grecian and Roman republics for their energy of character and style of thought. So high was the art of tilling the soil considered by the Grecians that they thought every new improvement in implements for tilling, and every new variety of seed discovered, as the imme- diate bounty of their gods. The Romans, in their palmiest days, coDsidered the cultivation of the soil as the very acme of ambi- tion. They thought all the energy of the hero, the skill of the tactician, and the science of the philosopher, might find full scope in the cultivation of one farm. Politics, in the public mind, were as much below agriculture then, as the latter is below the former now. When the Sabines encamped before the city of Rome, the Senate became much alarmed for the public safety, and the course they took to drive off the invaders, was to call 48i WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. that profound pliilosopTier and statesman, Cincinnatus, .from his plow, and appoint him dictator for six months. At his country's call he accepted the charge, raised an army, and in sixteen days drove the invaders off. This done, away went Cincinnatus, resigning his Dictatorship, and the next day he was on his farm, no doubt ruminating in his profound mind on some new scheme for increasing the productiveness of the soil, or, perhaps improv- ing the appearance of his vicinity. Here we may find the true key to the success of those old re- publics. While they exalted the occupation of cultivating the soil, and paid their highest honors to their best men for their success in agriculture, they were laying the foundation of that greatness which it took so long for personal aspirants and selfish minds to overthrow. Agriculture, and its concomitant arts, are peculiarly fitted to give that energy and stability to the character of those who fol- low them, which is ever the essential element leading to national prosperity and strength. In every country of the present age agriculture is the foundation of prosperity ; and such is the in- fluence which the productiveness of the soil exerts in every branch of industry, that a single year of total blight would near- ly destroy the social fabric. Shut up mechanics' shops and fac- tories, and merchants would fail, and commerce be suspended, and the amount of human suffering could not be estimated. Thus it is that upon Farmers and Mechanics — of which you form an integral part — depends the prosperity of the nation. Might I not well congratulate you then upon this occasion — a meeting which can but result in good to ourselves and our na- tion. And while I do this — while I feel the responsibility of addressing an audience of so much beauty and intelligence, and upon such on occasion — I can but feel a want of ability to do justice to the subject. Bear with me, fellow citizens, and what I may say that is good in theory but yet new to practice, use your own good judg- ment upon before adopting the views as correct. The world does move with rapid strides toward improvement. The steps of science are gigantic, and unless we would fall behind we must COUNTY KEPORTS. 485 use its light. The old adage that " knowledge is power " is more than words to us. Of what use are the elements of nature if we lack the skill to mould them to our uses and wants? What the iron, and coal, and timber, unless we bring the science to make them into houses, machines, engines, and so on? "We must avail ourselves of the ideas and researches of others, in order to further our own affairs. But never adopt their views until we have applied our own reason in the premises. Reason is OUR sheet-anchor, and he who undertakes to extract agricultural knowledge either from nature or books without it, will have nothing but disappointment. The first object which should engage the attention of the farm- er and mechanic is a home, for without one, or without one in contemplation, his life will soon be as useless and aimless as that of the savage. Here he may spend his leisure time and grat- ify his taste in ornamenting and improving his house or lands. So strangely sympathetic is human nature that the scenery which surrounds us has a wonderful effect on our minds, and we grow up with nature strangely analagous to its character. What an inducement then to make the house and its surroundings pleas- ant— to give the farm an appearance of neatness and conveni- ence. Thus might we not exert a greater influence for the good of society than does the fear of prisons? The monotony of our prairies might be entirely changed by planting by the road-side shade trees, such as the Butternut, Black Walnut, Locust, &c., generally selecting those which would be most valuable for timber, which, besides the moral in- fluence they would exert, would pay a thousand per cent upon the expense of planting, in timber in after years. This is a mat- ter that the farmers of Racine county ought to attend to. The expense would be trifling, and the ladies, whose smiles are ever the crowning bliss of life, would not cease to thank us for the investment. To every home should be attached a garden, and that should be well attended to. In Yankee parlance it is decidedly " a pay- ing institution," affording luxuries for the table; and, by its beauty, adding another link to the chain which so firmly binds 486 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. our hearts to the old house at home. Here is the store-house of luxuries, and if a judicious selection of fruits and plants are cul- tivated it will furnish the table throughout the season. Of course every family should make such a selection as is best adapted to their several wants ; but there are fruits, such as strawberries, currants, raspberries, grapes, &c., which should find a place in every garden. Here, as in the cultivation of other parts of the farm, let what is done he well done. Another want of Eacine county farmers is a thorough convic- tion of the utility and even necessity of deep plowing. You have a soil not easily excelled in the inorganic elements, and had you the climate of Southern Ohio or Maryland, the pro- ductiveness of your land would be almost fabulous. But with the climate as it is which is best adapted to our wants, imparting vigor and health to all, you may so modify its effects upon the soil as to raise the average product of your farms fully 30 per cent., and that, too, by means entirely within the reach of every one. Not only experience but science teaches us that a greater degree of warmth than moisture is necessary in the production of most cereals, but both are necessary and may be obtained by judicious plowing and draining. The grand ob- ject to be obtained is to sink as low as possible the surface water, thereby giving the air a chance to penetrate into the soil, that its gases may act upon and combine with the inorganic elements in the earth, and fit them for food for the plant. Although the in- organic elements form the smallest fraction in the bulk of vege- tation, yet their absence in the soil would be as fatal to the veg- etable creation as the absence of air would be to the animal crea- tion. But since we are not yet able to drain and sub-soil to se- cure this end fully, let us do what best we can, which is, to plow as deep as possible. Experience has proved to us that plowing three or four inches deep after the first two or three crops will produce twelve or fifteen bushels of wheat per acre, and further, that plowing eight or nine inches on the same land will produce twenty or twenty -five bushels per acre. Thus the man who puts the plow down where it ought to be reaps eight or ten bush- els of wheat for the extra expense of plowing well. This is not COUNTY EEPORTS. 48T merely theory, but the result of actual experience. I regret that my time will not permit me more extended remark upon this subject, being, as it is, one of the greatest importance to the farmer. But do not understand me that deep plowing is to be an in- falliable panacea for light crops. The inorganic elements which crop after crop takes from the soil must be replaced in some way, or else the soil will ultimately lose its fertility. This is usually effected by carefully collecting the waste vegetable matter of the farm and returning it to the land in the form of manure. With- out the addition of mineral manures this will fail ultimately in a country like ours, where the consumer has his home so far from the point of production. The effect of a commercial policy like ours, unconnected with manufactures, has its ultimate tendency in waste and desolation. But in countries which consume more of the productions of the soil than they produce, and where a judicious course of crop- ping is pursued, there will be an increase in fertility. This brings me to speak of the course of cropping which has proved very effective in some parts of the country. No farmer should cultivate more land than he can manui'e hountifully every four or five years. If a crop of corn, potatoes, turnips, &c., follow the application of the manure, the hoe and cultivator will destroy the weeds which generally follow its ap- plication. Corn is the principal of these which we should cul- tivate. It more than supplies the place of the root crops to the English farmer, and must be the crop which follows the applica- tion of manure ; for although nearly 50 per cent, of its inor- ganic matter is phosphoric acid, which, according to chemists, is more than any other cereal extracts, yet owing to the manner of its cultivation, laying the ground bare to the sun's rays, and loos- ening the soil, thus giving the atmosphere a chance to penetrate and its gasses to unite with and disintegrate the inorganic ele- ments, its action is found quite the reverse. A similar advan- tage would result from letting our land lie in fallow once in three or four years, I do not doubt in the least but that we would, by so doing, reap more in three crops than we now do 488 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. in four. Of course, I speak of those fields wliich we are unable to manure on account of their distance from the farm buildings. The variety of corn best suited to our soil and climate is a matter yet unsettled among our farmers. There are many va- rieties cultivated with every kind of success. Farmer A., plants Ohio Dent, and thinks he gets a far better crop than farmer B. who lives on the next farm and who thinks his red cob dent yields more than A.'s Ohio dent. Farmers C. and D., raise the eight-rowed yellow corn and the Canadian and they won- der why A. and B. will run the risk of their corn's not ripening, and the loss of light crops and poor corn when they could easily get a better variety. Here is the proper place for the Society to step in and award its honors to him who shall demonstrate the best variety, and teach the best mode of its cultivation. The Potatoe crop is becoming one of very precarious cultiva- tion. To ascertain the cause of the rot, there has been more fruitless research perhaps, than was ever before wasted on a sub- ject of so much importance. Governments and scientific socie- ties have in vain offered prizes to those who would point out the cause and a remedy. The most eminent vegetable Physiologists have in vain sought honor in its investigation. It still remains a mystery. A paper was read in Scotland during the last sea- son, which excited much interest by the idea which was advanc- ed as the principle cause of the rot. The principle laid down was that the varieties of potatoe were cultivated so distinctly and separately, they were on the retrograde, and consequently posessed in themselves the elements of decay aside from any oth- er influence. The remedy proposed was to plant different varieties together, so as to let them mix. But our formers will not admit that in- termixing the varieties in the field will have such an effect. The fact is that every thing which man has to do or do with, is either on the march to perfection or else retrograding — there is no such thing as stability in the highth of perfection — cease to advance and we immediately retrograde. The corn and potatoe crop should be followed by wheat or COUNTY EEPOETS. 489 barley. Barley is preferable, since it is the more profitable of the two, and wheat, especially on our prairie land, is more liable to the blight when it immediately follows corn, than if one year intervenes. In the openings perhaps it would be better to let wheat follow corn. The variety of barley best suited to our locality is the six- rowed. This is a tender grain and requires more skill in its successful cultivation than any other cereal. Don't sow it on low land, or on any but land under fine tilth. It should be cut before fully ripe and stacked as soon as dry, in order to retain its color, which in the idea of our buyers is a matter of positive value. When barley is threshed the weather should be dry, so that the straw, which is valuable for feeding young stock, may be well stacked. If handled in damp weather it absorbes damp- ness, and its value is very much diminished. Wheat, according to Prof. Liebeg, exhausts the soil in a ratio as two to one compared with barley, and in our rotation it should succeed it. Here it would be a hard matter to plow our ground too deep or get our wheat in too early in the spring. Every one knows how much seed to sow — the world to the contrary, notwithstanding — and I should scarcely indicate my thought on the subject were it otherwise. The better the quality of the seed and also of the ground, inversely will be the ratio of de- crease from two bushels. Some of our best farmers thresh their seed wheat with the flail in order not to injure the germ in the berry. The plan is a good one ; for the stack which is reserved for threshing with the flail will be sure to be the best and ripest wheat the farmer has raised, and this is exactly the article wanted for sowing. The better and more fully developed the seed, the more power it has to send up a strong and vigorous sprout. Who would think of shelling his whole crop of corn into one bin, and then reserving his seed from this. Surely, no one. Then why not use the same praiseworthy precaution with other seeds that we do with corn ? It is now deemed proper to suspend the cultivation of cereals, so as to allow the soil time to recruit its strength — and in so do- 3h 490 WISCONSIN AGRICULTDEE. ing we may cultivate tlie grasses. They will take up very dif- ferent proportions of the inorganic elements, from the cereals and in the operation they will be depositing near the surface other elements which we shall want when we raise corn and wheat again. Our excellent soil will stand a great deal of hard usage. We may sell our corn, our barley, our oats and our wheat, but we must not sell off our hay, crop after crop, or we may have the experience of him who has learned practically, that it is the last ounce which breaks " the camel's back." By the judicious cultivation of the grasses, and the proper use of hay, the farmer will surely pave his way to prosperity, but by their injudicious cultivation and the improper use of hay, he will realize positive evil. Land which has been cropped for a series of years, and on which grass seed will not catch, may be readily brought to by the application of ashes at the time of seeding, or if convenient, in the spring or autumn before seeding, is better. On our soil there is no better manure for grass lands. Farmers, don't sell or trade your ashes for soap. It don't pay. It will take as long to put up a load of ashes and take to town to buy a barrel of soap, as it will to make one ; besides the value of your ashes to produce grass is five times as great as it is for soap. Those living within hauling distance of asheries cannot employ the leisure time of a team better than in hauling leached ashes and spreading upon their meadows. Recollect that when ashes are used as a manure, it should be as a top dressing ; and don't forget, farmers, to spread your ashes upon your grass lands. Should any one make so great a mistake as to deem me as wise as a Nestor, and a-k me the best way of recruiting lands distant from the farm building, I should answer him, it is with clover. This is one of the very cheapest ways we have of manuring. While its roots are digging deep into the ground after potash, lime, and the phosphates, its leaves are extracting from the air ammonia and carbonic acid, and when the plant is through using them, it deposits all these rich ingredients at or near the surface, ready for the use of other plants. The time is close at hand COUNTY EEPORTS. 491 when we must use this method of recruiting the soil, or we shall suffer severely for our neglect. But I leave this subject reluctantly. I fear I have appropria- ted more of my time to it than it deserves. In order to return vegetable matter to the soil it must be made into manure, and this is generally best effected through the agency of domestic animals. Whatever tribe is reared, it is a matter of economy that none but the best should be kept ; it costs as much, and often more, to keep a poor nnimal than a good one. In the earlier ages the first step from barbarity to civilization was the rearing of cattle, and from that time to this the ox flimily has improved as civilization has advanced. Ne- cessarily, the cultivation of the soil connects with it the improve- ments of domestic animals, and I am glad to see so many en- gaged in it in our own county ; their efforts are praiseworthy in the highest degree. What race is best adapted to our soil and climate, I will leave you farmers, who are better info.med, to discuss. Titled heads give eclact to the business, and the capi- talist seeks the improvement of stock as a remunerative invest- ment. Every class of people in Europe, from the King down to the lowest peasant, enter into the subject and do honor to him who best succeeds. With the English farmer, the course of the Durhams has been one grand succession of triumphs, bringing fortunes to her breeders, and wealth to the nation. In Scotland the Ayershires have met with a similar success to the Durhams in England. But whether these breeds, the De- vons, Herefords, or the natives, will thrive best here, as I said before you must determine. The show here to-dny gives good proof that our sheep, cattle and horses are all bred with care, and excites a hope, and warrants us in its expression, that at no far distant day we may challenge the State for competition. Intimately connected with the farmer, and really belonging to the agricultural community, is the mechanic, whose occupa- tion is manufacturing those implements and articles with which the farmer is accustomed to facilitate or reduce the labors of the farm. Eacine county farmers are particularly favored in the class of mechanics which at home minister to their wants. Our 492 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. manufacturers liave tlie integrity to furnisli the best of materi- als, and also to require journeymen to finish all work in a strong and durable manner, and journeymen possess the skill and en- ergy necessary to make or build as well as the best. Compare the articles exhibited here to-day, with those we used ten years since, and you have the evidence before yoo. that the mechanics of our county are all wide awake. But still there is room to improve — strength and lightness are the essential elements which should combine in every imple- ment or machine. The simple weight of an unnecessary ounce upon the cradle or scythe swung all day, amounts to a consider- ble loss of muscle in the operator. The draught of the reaper or wagon which adds ten unnecessary pounds to its weight, drawn day after day until worn out, amounts to an incumbrance of more than 12 per cent. Mechanics, it is the business of the farmer to furnish you with food and clothing, but it is your of- fice to furnish him implements in their highest state of perfec- tion. Has a man genius ? here is a field for its expansion — here in- vestigating the laws of matter and motion he may make combi- nations which will hand down his name to the future, connected with more honor than he who conquers by the sword. Old ideas and notions are passing away, and new ones, loftier and more equitable, are taking their places, and as the transition goes slowly forward, wealth changes hands, the legitimate re- sult of that great fundamental principle, that he who works out with his hands the ideas suggested by a well trained intellect, will succeed first. "The plow and the sickle shall live bright in glory, When the sword and the sceptre shall crumble and rust, But the laborer shall live both in song and in story. When warriors and Kings are forgotten in dust." This nineteenth century is already immortalized by its rapid strides toward improvement in the arts and sciences. Every branch of industry and every science, finds master minds to elu- cidate its principles and open new avenues to thought and pros- COUNTY EEPOETS. 493 peritj. Fifty years ago lie would have been called a maniac, who had foretold the position and prosperity of our country to- day. The universal intelligence diffused by our common schools, give us peace and prosperity at home, and strength and respect- ability abroad. Already our policy is independent, our genius grapples with the difficulties which have been the gordian knot to the nations of the old world, and we conquer them without difficulty. Who then, with such a past looking upon the tab- lets of history fifty years hence, could expect to find written against our name other words than Excelsior. The time is soon to come, and is even now upon the verge of existence, when our nation shall take the lead of the whole world in civilization and refinement. Since then, this is to be the case, and since agriculture must form the basis to the national struc- ture, and since the intelligence, energy and virtue of the whole mass must depend upon its undivided members ; how earnestly the genius of liberty beckons — how strongly duty commands us to put forth our best efforts in the ciuse of improvement. La- dies here we ask your controlling influence, your potent aid. Eecollect that in vain his satanic majesty tempted man to eat the forbidden fruit — angels might have done the same with a like result; but when the influence of woman was brought upon him he no longer had the power to withstand, or having the power he lacked the inclination. As we hinted before, the home the fixed habitation of man is the first step toward civilization. A happy pleasant home, the source and necessary attendant of prosperity ; woman alone pos- sesses the power to make home desirable, her smiles ever inspire the genius of society with increased excellence, and the prosper- ity which we see here to-day is conclusive evidence that you are not remiss in your duties. Ladies, I am instructed by the officers of the Society to return you thanks for the part you have taken in the exhibition, and in doing so permit me to remark, that without your department the Fair would lack one of its greatest attractions. I regret the necessity which compels me to omit mentioning in detail the various articles of ornament and use which you exhibit. You 494 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. well know that one should never handle delicate flowers with a heavy hand, nor would he attempt to execute an expressive piece of music when his voice was untuned to its expression. Thus it is with me, mj voice is untuned to express the beauty and excellence of the fabrics here displayed ; and should I at- tempt it I could not praise them adequately. Our advantages are great and necessarily connect with them great responsibilities. Here the live whittling, whistling, ener- getic Yankee, with his strange proclivities for something new ; the robust, hearty Englishman, with his excellent experience in practical agriculture'; the noble Scotchman with his honest truth- loving character ; the Norwegian with his knowledge of the more Northern latitudes; the jovial Irishman, and gay chival- rous Frenchman, and the cautious, patient, persevering German, with his love of ease and lager beer, in short, representatives from half the civilized world are here upon our soil, bringing with them the arts peculiar to the country from which they came, to add to the greatness of their new homes, and giving us an op- portunity for advancement which few communities possess. Then let us mingle together. Into the mass of society let the Yankee instil his energy, the Englishman, his practical knowl- edge, the Scot his honesty, the Irishman, his wit, the French- man his chivalry, and the German his patience and perseverance. Thus will we elevate the standard of intelligence and prosperity to that highth which none in our State shall excel. WAUSHARA COUNTY. Dear Sir: — The Waushara County Agricultural Society which was organized in March last, held its first annual meeting on last Wednesday. We have not been able to hold a Fair this fall, but have adopted measures to secure a sufficient sum of money to enable us to receive from the State the appropriation of $100, COUNTY REPORTS. 495 in conformity with the law of 1856 ; and hereafter we expect our Society to be a permanent institution. It has been hard work to get the thing started, but now that our farmers are awakened to their interests in this direction, we hope to keep the ball in motion, and that in future you will hear from us a heiier report. We shall make our report to the Secre- tary of State on the 25th instant, and shall have funds enough, as well as members enough, to hold a respectable fair next year, at which it is determined to use the Wisconsin Farmer for pre- miums, as we consider it the best, most useful, and cheapest arti- cle we can obtain for that purpose. I send you herewith a copy' of our Constitution and By-Laws, also a lis', of our officers for the ensuing year. [Not received.] O. II. GiLE, Secretary. Waushara, Nov. 14th, 1857. NORTHWESTERN UNION AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. EMBRACING PIERCE AND ST. CROIX COUNTIES. Dear Sir : — The Second Annual Fair and Cattle Show of the Northwestern Union Agricultural Society was held at River Falls on the 23d and 24th of September, 1857. The Society, this year, has fitted up a commodious piece of ground for the Fairs hereafter, at considerable expense. The shows were fine — the exhibition of form and garden products quite full, and included some of the finest specimens of grain fruit, and vegetables we ever saw. The number of manufactured articles, including some of the most improved farming implements, was large for this new county. Specimens of artistic and fancy work showed that neither taste nor skill were lacking among us, and especially among the ladies. 496 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. H. N. Twombly, Esq., of Prescott, delivered an able address before the Society. The number of entries was three hundred, and the number of premiums awarded was ninety- eight The Society now numbers one hundred and twcLty-five members, and has raised about $250. The Treasurer's report is not received. A part of the above $250 was used to fit up the Fair Grounds, which the Treasurer will not report, as it did not come through his hands. Yours truly, TVm. Martin, Corresponding Secretary. SHEBOYGAN COUNTY. The Sheboygan County Agricultural Society was organized Sept 5th, 1857, in accordance with an act of the last Legislature, The following is a list of officers : President — John J. Smith. Vice Presidents — John Parker, John Grove, W. W. IIusen. Executive Committee — John D. Parish, Stephen Crosby, James Little, Henry Tidman, Calvin Lewis. Treasurer — J. J. Brown. Secretary — N. C. Farnsworth. There are about one hundred and eighty-four members. The Society, soon after its organization in September, secured the lease of five acres of ground for the use of the Society for a period of ten years, and have expended about $850 in clearing and fencing it. The ground is located in the immediate vicinity of the village of Sheboygan Falls, and is regarded as being, in every respect, one of the most desirable sites for a Fair Ground that could be obtained in the county. The Annual Fair was held on the 7th and 8th of October. The show of horses, cattle, and sheep was unusually large for so new a county. There was also a fair show of dairy products, COUNTY EEPORTS. 497 domestic manufactures, and garden vegetables. Several fine varieties of fruit were entered, including some apples and pears wliicli could hardly be excelled in any part of tlie State. But two lots of poultry, and only one of swine, were presented. The number of agricultural implements and carriages was not large ; but what there were, gave evidence of superior skill and work- manship. In the manufacture of plows and carriages, it is con- fidently believed that this county is not behind any in the State. The amount of premiums awarded was about $200. On the afternoon of the second day, an address was delivered by T. H. Brown, Esq., of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Your obedient servant, N. C. Farnsworth, Secretary. WAUPACCA COUNTY. This society was organized May 4th, 1857, by adopting the constitution of the Dane county society, with such alterations as were necessary to adapt it to their locality, and by the election of the following officers : President, Lyman Dayton", of Dayton ; Vice Presidents, Ty- ler Caldwell, of Liud, Alex. Baxter, of Weyauwegia, and Francis Beardmore, of Farmington ; Secretary, L. B. Brai- NARD, of Waupacca; Treasurer, "W. B. Hibbard, Waupacca; Executive Committee, Henry Ketchum, of New London, Jno. M. Vaughn, of Waupacca, and Geo. W. Taggart, of Lind. At a meeting of the Society, August 4th, a Premium List was adopted and published for the annual Fair which was held at Waupacca, on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 23d and 24th. " At the Fair, says their report, was a very flattering display of the enterprise, genius, industry and resources of the county, as well as much artistic taste, skill and ingenious handiwork, in the construction of ornamental fabrics." 8l 498 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. " The exliibition of agricultural and horticultural products, in quality was satisfactory, and demonstrated the capacity of our soil and climate, to reward the husbandman's labor, with their choice productions. In the department of stock, — neat-cattle, horses, sheep, and swine there was positive evidence that we had made a good be- ginning, and that the judgment and taste of our farmers and stock growers were worthy of emulation, and the spirit evinced that those who had done well, were still determined to do bet- ter. Flour, in the department of manufactured articles, deserves particular notice, as the quality exhibited would have done hon- or to any country, or to any milling establishment. It was not only good but it was superior^ and as long as our mills can turn out such an article as was exhibited, they need not fear compe- tition in any market. In the mechanical department there was but a limited show, but it was sufficient to convince every one, that we have me- chanics among us who understand their business. And last, though not least, was the department of fine arts, for the ladies. In crayoning, penciling, drawing, painting in water colors and in oil, embroidery, netting, crotchet work, quilting and needle work generally, there was evidence that fair hands had applied themselves to the useful as well as the ornamental, and the witching eyes and smiling faces that accom- panied the exhibition of articles in this department, made con- firmed Benedicts quail, if not absolutely to ask for quarter. The awarding committees reported the following premiums : [A very liberal award of money, books, etc., including about 50 copies of the Wisconsin Farmer^ all of which we are obliged to omit for want of room. The report shows a ballance of near- ly $100 in the treasury. Very creditable, indeed. — Ed.] AVISCONSIN FEUIT GROWERS ASSOCIATION. The Annual Fair of the "Wisconsin Fruit Growers' Associa- tion, for the year 1857, was held at Janesville, in connection with the Fair of the State Agricultural Society, on the 28th, 29th, and 30th of September, and the 1st and 2d of October. The Society's large " Floral tent " was appropriated exclusively to the use of the Association. The tent is circular, or, strictly speaking, oval in form, enclosing an area of about one hundred feet in diameter, and three hundred in circumference. The tables arranged for fruit occupied the entire outer rim, or mar- gin, of the tent covered area, except the entrance,, and were three feet in width. A flower stand, about thirty feet in length, including semi- circular tables on the north and south, straight tables on the east and west, and raised step-like platforms for flowers above the tables, in outline conforming to the ground plan of the tent, occupied the centre. By Wednesday noon the tables designed for fruit were all filled, and additional space required. The circular tables were in part reduced, but not suiSciently to accommodate exhibitors. Two or three large collections, and some smaller ones, of fruit, had to be intruded upon the flower stand tables, where their colors blended in pleasing harmony with the flowers. Of the different collections, we write as their comparative mer- its appeared to us, with limited time for making our examination and notes ; often without the aid of exhibitors to explain their tangled nomenclature, and want of time to perform that in nowise easy task, could the whole five days of the fair have been devoted to that single object. Most of the exhibitors are doubtless clear of any just impu- tation of blame for the confusion existing at the time of plant- 600 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. ing their several orcliards. Their tree venders often sold the same variety under different names, and others were incorrectly named. How very incorrectly bundles of trees are, or may chance to be named by nurserymen, the reader will infer from the following, among other similar facts, which fell under the eye of the writer, while in the discharge of his duty as a mem- ber of a premium awarding committee at our State Fair two years ago. In the collection of one of our oldest nurserymen, the Pennock apple occupied six plates, under as many names, neither of which was the true name of that coarse and almost worthless variety. Nurserymen who misname varieties which they have on exhi- bition, will, and without doubt, do mistake the trees they sell to customers. No blame can properly attach to cultivators for con- tinuing such wrong names in their collections, until they have been once corrected by a competent committee. After that the wrong name should not be sufl'ered to reappear. We regret having to say that such has not been the happy result of their labors in our State, except in a few instances. If cultivators refuse to remain enlightened, prefenng to " re- turn into Egypt," ought committees to award premiums on such collections, under the wholesome restrictions, " named and label- ed?" We think they ought not to be thus publicly encouraged to stercofype their errors in their respective localities, as they do in the ca semination of scions, wrongly named, among their neighbors. C'le object of these premiums is, or should be, to spread abroad a c rrect pomological knowledge. Visitors and members expend their time and money for that worthy end. Should they not be gratified ? We think they have a right to be enlightened : that it is a part of the consideration with many, and a matter of interest with nearly all. The collections were almost all from the southeastern part of the state ; from the counties of Rock, Walworth, Racine, Keno- sha, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson and Dane. Our notes were taken in the following order . commencing at the left of the entrance and passing around the tables to the light, to the starting point. If any collections were missed, we FEUIT GROWERS ASSOCIATION. 501 shall much regret it ; our endeavor was to find every card, and the bounds of every collection. Many exhibitors were not present, which must suffice for our apology, if any are not herein noticed. Thomas H. Payne, Lake Co., 111. A fine collection of Pears, the largest in the tent. They were well grown, and mostly cor- rectly labeled. Of apples the variety was extended ; Mr. Payne says " 111 varieties." They were well grown, but only in part correctly named. We noticed " Dumelow," as " Court Pendu plat ;" " Ortley," affixed to a long striped apple, and other errors. His show was attractive. Russell Cheney, Bradford, Rock Co. About 40 plates were occupied, representing 20 to 25 varieties of the apple, mostly correctly named. Chas. Hanford, Bradford, Rock Co. New varieties grapes ; embracing Catawba, Isabella, and other good kinds. "The Char- ter Oak," and other large Connecticut grapes were of the Fox Grape family, and were coarse and pulpy, " Northern Musca- dine " had less of the peculiar flavor and odor of the Fox grapes, but wants character. His Grape and Strawberry wines were good. J. C. Brayton, Aztalan. 45 varieties apples ; 2 of grapes, Vermont and Catawba ; and 3 of pears, grown on 3 year dwarf trees planted last spring. C. Bemerman. a good show of large, coarse, acid apples, labelled " Dillno Pippin." B. E. Mack, Turtle, Rock Co. Some 20 varieties apples, well grown, and mostly good sorts. J. Eddy, Beloit. A good show of apples incorrectly named. D. Mathews, Burlington, Racine Co. A superb colleetion of apples, 76 varieties, all correctly labelled. This was the larg- est collection of recognizable varieties on the tables. A. G. Hanfokd, Waukesha. 55 varieties apples, embracing a large proportion of popular kinds, all under name, and cor- rectly labelled. E. A. RoBY, Richland City. A seedling Fox grape, slightly improved ; also, Raspberries. 602 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. C. Elsworth. 10 varieties apples, a good collection ; 3 va- rieties plums. M. S. BuEDiCK. A fair collection of apples. Thos. Howland. a showy collection of apples, "Plum Brothers," Lake Mills. A large variety of Apples, well grown, only a part under known names. A. BuRDiCK, Albion, Dane Co. A showy collection of ap- ples, among which were recognized fine specimens. Perry, Rus- set, labelled "Hunt Apple." J. M. Rember. 52 varieties apples," no label ; probably were mostly common seedlings. S. WooDwORTH, Kenosha Co. 60 varieties of apples; 10 of pears. Gr. P. Peffer, Pewaukee. A good collection of plums, grapes, cranberries, and pickled fruits. Geo. J. & S. H. Kellogg, Janesville. A good show of grapes : Catawbas nearly ripe. A variety as " Clinton," incor- rect, but a promising small black grape, bearing abundantly. A good show of j)lums — '10 varieties. A. S. Putney, Brookfield, Waukesha Co. A good collection of apples. P. B. Spaulding, Beloit (At the right of the entrance.) A fine collection of apples ; among which were beautiful specimens of Jonathan, and of other choice varieties; also, "pickled goose- berries. H. J. Starin" and Lady, Whitewater, occupied the North semi-circular table of the flower stand, with a very large collec- tion of apples ; well grown, and showy ; but only in part cor- rectly named or under known names. A fine show of preserv- ed fruits ; the largest on exhibition. Moore Spears, occupied the ^west table of the flower stand with a large and choice collection of apples, mostly, but not all, correctly named. P. B. Spaulding, Beloit. (In front of flower stand.) A large and showy collection of good Dahlias. Colby & Willey, Janesville. A small collection of good ap- ples under name. 4 varieties grapes — Clinton, Isabella, Cataw- FEUIT GEOWEES ASSOCIATION. 503 ba, and Alexander. A good show of evergreens, Dalilias Phlox- es and Petunias, They also occupied the south-east portion of the flower stand, with a rural design, consisting of a neat log cabin with a vine covered porch, an orchard bearing fruit, a neat lawn planted with evergreens, deciduous trees, roses, dahlias and shrubs ; a fish pond ; horse barn, with horses and hostler ; cattle and sheep ruminating ; a dog intently watching a duck in the pond, etc. "Visitors were especially attracted to this little corner occupying about 7 by 9 feet space. The show was in no small degree reviving to the drooping hopes of fruit growers. It inspired confidence in the capacity of our State to produce her own staple and choice fruits ; did honor to cultivators of our Youthful Commonwealth ; and was one which may be taken as a hopeful index to the future of our newer counties and of that portion of the great unsettled JSTorth- "West lying in and near our latitude. J. C. Brayton, Ch'n Ex. Com. Wis. Fruit Growers' Association. ooiviivLXjnsno-^^Tionsrs- ANALYSIS OP THE lEON ORE, OF lEON RIDGE. BY PROF. J. L. CASSELS, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO. Milwaukee, Oct. 5tli, 185 T. Deak Sir: Learning that Prof. J. L. Cassels of Cleveland, Ohio, had made very careful analysis of six different specimens of the ore from Iron Ridge, in this State, and knowing the deep in- terest felt by our citizens in these very valuable and easily worked mines, I requested him to furnish the results for pub- lication in the forth- coming volume of Transactions of the Wis- consin State Agricultural Society. This he has done, with the consent of the company for which they were made, and I for- ward his letter herewith for publication, as indicated above. This is perhaps due to Prof. Cassels, and it becomes the more important, inasmuch as his f >rmer very partial and incomplete analysis, made for a specific object only, has been extensively published, and has led to incorrect conclusions in regard to the value of these ores. Very truly yours, I. A. LAPH AM. D. J. Powers, Esq., Ac't Sec'y Wis. St. Ag. Soc. Analysis of the Iron Ore, of Iron Ridge^ Wisconsin, hy J. L. Cassels, M. D., Professor of Chemistry and Botany, of Cleveland Medical College, Ohio. Cleveland, Ohio, Sept. 2d, 1857. I. A. Lapham, Esq., Dear Sir : — In compliance with your suggestion I send you the following analysis cf the Iron Ore of Iron Ridge, Dodge COMMUNICATIONS. 505 County, Wisconsin, made by me for the North-West Iron Com- pany, for publication, by permission of the company, in the Transactions of the State Agricultural Society of Wisconsin ; and permit me here to state that several years ago I analyzed a specimen of the ore from Iron Ridge for a company then in- terested in that location, which was subsequently published in Prof. Owen's Report on the Geology of Wisconsin ; but said analysis was too incomplete to appear in such a publication, the object being simply to ascertain the per eentage of the iron in the ore, without any reference to its other constituents. The Iron Ridge, as it is called, is situated in Dodge County, Wisconsin ; runs nearly north and south ; and the location where the North West Iron Company is now mining the ore, from which the specimens analyzed were obtained, is about two miles north of the Iron Ridge station on the La Crosse and Milwaukee rail-road. The ledge of limestone rock which in most places overlies the ore, here disappears, and the bed ex- tends from the brink of the hill on its western face, back sev- eral rods dipping towards the east, the stripping on the top increasing in thickness as the mine i3 extended into the bank. The western face of the hill slopes off, and the ore has been carried down from the old bed at the top of the hill and deposited on the side and at the foot of the hill by action of rains, &c., in sufficient quantity to be worked. Tha ore as found in place in the upper bed, appear to have been deposited in strata or layers, while the grains of ore which to the naked eye appears smaller than flax seed and of the same color, but viewed through a pocket lens, exhibit the shape of kernels of coffee, the surface being smooth and pol- ished flatwise of the bed. The ore at the foot and on the sides of the hill as well as that at the top of the hill lies loose and may be shoveled out like loose gravel ; but that occupying the inner and lower part of the upper bed beyond the reach of weather influences is so compact as to require the use of the pick in mining. The upper bed as the work is extended into the hill varies from ten to sixteen feet in thickness. That on the side-hill has a depth of from one to six or eight feet. 3j 506 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. Experience proves, what might be anticipated from the an- alyses of the ores, namely: that the surface ores are the least refractory in the furnace, and there can be no doubt but a free exposure to atmospheric influences of the ore, will very much improve both their working properties in the furnace and also the character of the iron ; especially those containing the phosphate of lime. This last constituent of the ore — phosphate of lime — is doubtless derived from animal remains, fragments of which in the form of small shells are occasionally met with in the ores, being most abundant in those specimens having the largest percentage of the phosphate of lime. The surface ores work the best in the furnace, and the des- ignation of "best upper bed," "best lower bed," &c., at the head of the detailed analyses have reference to their furnace- working properties. There are two analyses of the "best up- per bed" as designated. One of these is of the lumpy or more compact ore ; the other of a dark brown color, and generally in lumps also. These ores do not constitute any very consider- able portion of the bed, but they are occasionally found both in the lower and upper surface ores. These are found to be always refractory in the furnace, as are also the hard and dry ores from the lower part of the upper bed. Throughout the whole bed the nodules are mixed in more or less with earthv matter and their ordinary working yield is about forty-two per cent., or forty after being wet up, as it is usually put into the furnace. NO. I, "BAD UPPER BED." This is a compact brown ore of a granular character. On heating the powder of this ore to 212° it lost two per cent, of its weight. Specific gravity, 2.993 Peroxide of iron, 41.67 Carbonate of Lime. 15.48 Carbonate of Magnesia, 8.25 Peroxide of Manganese, 2.56 Phosphoric acid, 1.53 Alumina, 12.74 COMMUNICATIONS. 607 Silica, 15.12 Moisture and loss, 2.65 100.00 One hundred parts of this ore ought to yield thirt;y .eight of pig-iron. NO. n, "BAD LOWER BED." This ore i? in small nodules, of loose texture, of a greasy feel, and chocolate color. The powder of this ore heated to 212,'' lost four per cent, of its weight. Specific gravity, 2.352. Peroxide of Iron, 35.74 Carbonate of Lime, 1.15 Carbonate of Magnesia, 10.00 Peroxide of Manganese, 5-43 Phosphoric acid, a trace. Alumina, 24.38 Silica, 19.15 Moisture and loss, 4.15 100.00 One hundred parts ought to yield thirty-five of pig-iron. NO. Ill, "BEST UPPER BED." This and Nos. IV and Y are in small flattened grains of a dark brown color. Powder heated to 212" lost two per cent. Specific gravity 2.941. Peroxide of Iron, 77.34 Carbonite of Lime, 0.55 Carbonate of Magnesia, 0.64 Manganese, 3.50 Phosphoric Acid, 1.75 Alumina, 5.00 Silica, 8.57 Moisture and Loss, 2.65 100.00 608 ' WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. One hundred parts of this ore ought to yield seventy- three of pig iron. NO. lY, "BEST LOWER BED." Specific gravity 3.077. Peroxide of Iron, 78.75 Carbonate of Lime, 2.00 Carbonate of Magnesia, a trace Manganese, 8.30 Phosphoric Acid, 0.75 Alumina, 4.50 Silica, 6.40 Moisture, 3.00 Loss, 1.30 100.00 Note. — This Is the ore now used at the Mayville Iron Works It is shoveled from the loose bed into waggons, and from thence directly into the furnace without any preparation or admix- ture of clay, lime, or other substance. i. a. l. One hundred parts of this ore ought to yield seventy-five per cent, of pig iron. NO. V, WASHED OPvE. Specific gravity, 3.030. Peroxide of Iron, 76.51 Carbonate of Lime, 0.75 Carbonate of Magnesia, a trace. Manganese, 3.10 Alumina, 5.21 Silica, 10.13 Moisture, 4.30 100.00 One hundred parts of this ore ought to yield seventy-three of pig iron. NO. YI, "BAD UPPER BED." This ore is of a grey color, hard, compact, and granulated. Specific gravity, 3.163. Peroxide of Iron, 35.32 Carbonate of Lime, 3.28 COMMUNICATIONS. 509 Carbonate of Magnesia, 6.25 ' Manganese, 2.50 Alumina, 21.50 Silica, 28.15 Moisture, 3.00 100.00 Yours Truly, J. L. CASSELS. To THE SeCRETAUY OF THE StATE AGRICULTURAL SoCIETY DeAR SiR : The following letter has just been received from Dr. Jackson, containing the most complete analysis ever made of the Iron Eidge ore. The specimen was from the loose ore of the North- Western Company's location. In an article on this ore, published in this report, (see page 358), I have given an analysis purporting to come from Dr. Jackson. I was misinformed, as both of those analysis were made by Dr. Cassels. Dr. Jackson finds no phosphorus. Dr. Chilton, of New York, has made two analysis, and finds no phosphorus. E. Daniels. State Assayer's Office, } 32, Somerset st. Boston, Dec. 17, 1857. j" Prof. E. Daniels, State Geologist to Wisconsin : Dear Sir: — I have analyzed sample No. 3, of the iron ores you left with me, and have obtained the following result: It is an oolitic iron consisting of flattened grains, the spere- roids having grains of quartz sand as a nuclei. These grains are cemented together by a clayey like mass of fine ore. On chemical analysis, made with the utmost care, the follow- ing reselts were obtained per cent : Water, 8.7.50 Silica, 7.750 Magniesa, .... 0.640 Alumina, .... 8.S00 Oxide o Manganese, - - 1.000 Lime, - - - - 8.560 Peroxide of iron, - • - 72.500 — 50.77 metalic iron. 100.000 510 WISCONSIN AGEIOULTURE. This ore was searclied for pliosplioric acid, sulphur and sul- phuric acid, arsenic and arsenious acid, but no trace of them can be discovered. The magnesia and lime are combined, not with carbonic acid, but with silicic acid or silica. The alumin'B is combined with silex, forming, with the above named silicates, a claj, which is mixed with the iron ore. Oxide of manganese, in the proportions in this ore, is beneficial to the iron, and im- proves the quality of bar iron made from it, givmg it a good steel forming quality. Properly smelted, this ore will make good pig and bar iron. Yours truly, C. T. Jackson, State Assayer. THE ENGLISH BLOOD HORSE "KING OF CYMRY." [see frontispiece.] BY GEO, O. TIFFANY. The engraving of "Kii.g of Cymry," is a very accurate like- ness of the English thorough bred horse imported into Wiscon- sin in 1854, by Capt. Mc Kinnon, of the British navy. It will be seen by the accompanying pedigree, that he is descended, on the side of both sire and dam, from some of the very best per- formers on the English turf, and the parity of his blood is un- doubted. The Diomed, mentioned as winner of the Derby in 1780, was imported into the United States, and was the sire of Sir Archey, well known as the king of the Southern turf, his descendents partaking of his valuable qualities, speed and stout- ness. Duroc, a son of his, was sire of the world-renowned American Eclipse. Henry, his formidable competitor, (and by many supposed to be the best horse, lost the great race by a few feet only, he being four years past and Eclipse nine, and fully matured), was a son of Sir Archey. The owner of King of Cymry, does not trace his pedigree further back than his sire Touchstone. I find on examinaton that he was by Camel, the sire of fourteen winners, and twenty-seven large prizes. Camel was sired by Whalebone. Among his get are Waverly, sire of COMMUNICATIONS. • 511 eight -winners, in 1817. Defence, by Whalebone, sire of eleven winners in 1824. Chateaux Margeau, bj the same horse, sire of five winners. A southern gentleman who visited England for the purpose of purchasing blood stock in 1837, thus writes to J. S. Skinner editor of the American Turf Kegister : " The pride and boast of Stockwell (the town where he is owned) is Camel, the sire of Touchstone and Caravan, now con- sidered two of the finest horses in England. No price which a man in his senses would give could buy this horse. His blood is first rate, by "Whalebone, dam by Selim." Langar a son of this Selim was sire of the winner of 44 prizes. Sir Hercules, son of Whalebone, was sire of the winner of 1 9 prizes. Stumps, son of, Whalebone, 10 prizes. By reference to the " Turf Eegister" I find scarcely an ancester of " King of Cymry" which has not been a winner among the very best horses of the year in England. The St, Ledger stakes, the Derby and the Oaks, being the most prominent among the many racing events, which being before the public, the very best horses of the year, i will mention some of the amounts which are pocketed by the winners of one of these. For instance the St. Ledger for 1845 gave the winner $25,250. The Derby for 1841 gave the winner $37,500. The Oaks for 1841 $28,500. These races are made by subscription. For instance from 100 to 150 owners of young horses agree to run them for a purse to which each subscribe 100 guineas. ^ Of the 150 perhaps 30 will start, sometimes not so many. Of course all that breeding, care, skill, and attention, can do, all that strength and speed is capa- ble of, is then brought into requisition, and nothing but a first rate animal can take the purse. If any additional proof was wanting to establish the fact that thorough hred animals transmit to their progeny their qual- ities, and also in a great measure those of their ancestors, it can easily be seen by any observing man, in the cross of the Durham or Devon upon our native, or rather monyrel stocky there being no native American stock of cattle or horses, al- though there is of men, the once lords of the forest. The half 512 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. bred animal being far superior to any of his native (so called) ancestry, almost without an exception. This State has long needed the introduction of blood horses of sufficient size for all our business purposes. The wants of an agricultural pop- ulation require a horse ot activity and strength. The farmer's business calls him often from home with his team a distance of of 30, 50, or mora miles, with his produce ; the country is new, the roads bad, he needs a team that can perform his work with all the alacrity consistent with the case. A team of 1150 to 1200 lbs. weight each, combine, if well bred, about all that can be asked of horse flesh — weight enough for any draft, and not too heavy for fast work or the road, if well formed. King of Cymry is a brown bay, 16 hands and 1 inch high, weighs when in ordinary condition 1213 lbs. He is owned by Capt. McKinnon, and kept on his farm since his importation until the last season, during which he was kept at Milwaukee, and is now at his owners farm at Menasha. This horse having been imported under great disadvantages, a long voyage of tempestuous weather, and such treatment on ship board, (unavoidable,) as would have killed outright any other than a remarkably strong constitutioned horse, is now where breeders and farmers can avail themselves of his servi- ces to improve their stock. Being the first English thorough bred horse ever imported into the State, I feel desirous that his true history and pedi- gree, together with the performance of his ancestry, such as I have been able to collect from scanty but authentic records, should have a place in the present volume of Transactions of the State Agricultural Society. As a matter of history, I feel that it will be useful in after years, and that it will soon be a matter of interest to those who have the stock, I am certain. The firm belief that " King of Cymry " is as pure blood as any horse in the United States, has impelled me to present this brief notice of him for publication in the Transactions of the State Agricultural Society. Geo. O. Tiffany. To the Executive Committee State Ag. Soc'y, Madison. PEDIGREE OF '^ KING OF CBIRY." " King of Cymry " was bred by Sir W. TV. Wynn, in 1847, and got by Touchstone, winner of tlie great Doncaster St. Leger, in 1834, out of Merganzer by Merchant ; grand dam Shoveler, winner of the Oaks in 1819, and own sister to Sailor, winner of the Derby in 1820, by Scad ; g. g. dam Goosander, the dam of Sam, winner of the Derby in 1818, by Hambletonian, winner of the great Doncaster St. Leger, 1795.; g. g. g. dam Eally, by Trumpeter, g. g. g. g. dam Fancy, own sister to Diomed, winner of the Derby, 1780, by Florizel g. g. g. g. g. dam Spectator; g- g- g- g- g- g- dam by Blank ; g. g. g. g. g. g. g. dam Flying Childers, out of Miss Belvour. Touclistone is the sire of Blue Bonnet, the winner of the great St. Leger in 1842 ; of Cotherstone, winner of the Derby in 1843 ; of Orlando, winner of the Derby in 1844 ; of Mendicant, win- ner of the Oaks in 1846 ; of Surplice, winner of the Derby and great St. Leger in 1848 ; of Newminster, winner of the great St, Leger in 1851 ; of Poynton, Jack Rosalind, Vattel, Prior of St. Margaret's, Flatcatcher, Assaidt, Loadstone, Escalade, jSTunny- kirk, the Italian, Compass, Sweetheart, William the Conqueror, the Mountain Sylph Colt, and many other winners. Touchstone is own brother to Laudeclot, winner of the great St. Leger in 1840. Touchstone covered from 1837 to 1S48, at 30 Gruineas a mare. Merchant, the sire of King of Cymry's dam, was bred by Mr. Thornhill in 1825, and was got by Merlin, out of Quail, by Go- hanna. Merchant was all his life a private stallion, in the Eid- dleworth Stud, covering only Mr. Thornhill's mares, and got the folloAving first-rate runners: Whalebone, Messine, Mendizable, Menaligpe, Munchausen, Montezuma, Merganzer, and many other winners. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR 1857 To His Excellency Alex:4:nt)kr W. Eandall, Goveexor of the State of "Wis- COKSIN : Sir : — In compliance with, the requirements of law, the Exec- utive Committee of the State Agricultural Society would respect- fully Report, — ^That during the past year of 1857, the State Agricultural Society has, through its proper channels of action, been pursuing its accustomed course, and discharging to the best of its ability and means, its various duties and responsibilities. As hitherto, the field of useful labor that has seemed to pre- sent itself for the consideration and action of the Society, has been iu no degree diminished ; but, from year to year, seems to widen and deepen in its demands. In view of these facts, the Society has aimed to do more than merely to provide for and hold an Annual Fair. Ample pains have been taken, through ao-ricultural Journals and otherwise, to arouse and elevate the ambition and spirit of all classes, to adopt more system and care iu wbat they do, to cultivate better, to be more careful in the selection of seed ; and for the purpose of aiding in this highly important work on the part of the Society, seeds and cuttings, particularly the former, have been purchased and distributed to a large extent, and generally of very choice descriptions ; all in all, probably not less than twenty thousand packages, during the past year. That some of them have fallen upon good 516 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. ground, and wi]l spring up and bear an hundred fold of highly improved and useful products, the Society already has abundant assurance. The leading article of distribution — the Chinese Sugar Cane — was distributed from our rooms to the extent of nearly ten thousand packages, into every part of the State. We learn that it has been very generally planted, and in the great majority of cases, grown to the entire satisfaction of the cultiva- tors, except in the matter of ripening its seed, in which it has generally failed, although obviously and wholly owing to the extraordinary backwardness of the season. Some few experi- mentalists have demonstrated, however, that the seed might have been ripened generally, even the past season, by simply planting that portion intended for seed more open to the sun, and sucker- ing it out to but few stalks in a hill. Several who pursued this course inform us that they fully ripened their seed. But the rich saccharine properties of the cane have been fully demonstra- ted to every one who has grown a hill of it the past season. The fact of its having been so widely distributed and advertised in this manner, to every neighborhood, will undoubtedly lead to its being extensively and profitably cultivated the present season. In fact, we doubt not but that the extra impetus given to thia subject alone, through the aid of this Society, will eventuate in more advantage to the State than the Society has ever yet been expense to i+, since its organization. Not wishing to confine its labors wholly to the more masculine and- substantial interests, to the neglect of the more refining and tasteful, the Society has, among other things, distributed some thousands of packages of flower seeds, mainly of new and choice varieties ; that they have proved a profitable and cheap embel- lishment to many a wayside cottage and happy home, can hardly be doubted. In the way of cuttings, considerable quantities of the German Osier Willow have been distributed, not so much from the Soci- ety's having any extraordinary faith in its probable profitable cultivation in our State, as in obedience to a strong desire on the part of many to experiment in its cultivation. Its culti- vation, both for home use and exportation to eastern cities, maj prove important as our State gets older. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 517 Prompted by a desire to improve still further, if possible, in tbe cultivation of our great staple, wlieat, by the introduction of the best possible kinds of seed, the Society despatched an expe- rienced and sagacious practical farmer, (Hon. David William?, of Walworth county), to Canada, during their wheat harvest, with instructions to examine their different kinds and qualities of wheat, grown upon their various soils and under various cir- cumstances ; and to report his views upon the advisability of its introduction, as seed, among our farmers. The gentleman per- formed his mission in a highly satisfactory manner, and duly reported its results, which have been spread before the people, and will undoubtedly lead to the obtainment of new and valuable seed. Early and ample pains were taken, on the part of the Society, for the holding of its Annual Fair ; and in view of the extensive hotel accommodations, convenient fairgrounds, railroad approach- es, and i^romising public spirit of the citizens of Janesville, that place was settled upon for the purpose. In anticipation of a large turn out, not only among our own people, but also from the neighboring State of Illinois, (unto whom we wished to make a creditable show), very ample, and somewhat expensive, preparations were made for the occasion ; providing not only for the show of the more substantial features of agricultural produc- tion, but also for the more attractive novelties sometimes employ- ed to embellish such occasions. As was anticipated, the occasion and the outlay met with a fair and full response on the part of the people, both exhibitors and spectators. The entries were considerably larger than at any previous f lir, and emhraced many animals, articles, and pro- ducts that are not surpassed in quality in the United States. Every department of the fa:/. Animal, Agricultural, Horticul- tural, Floral, Mechanical and Miscellaneous, was well filled, and, altogether, displayed a striking evidence of the progress of our young State. How much of this progress and improvement is attributable to the teachings and effects of the State and county fairs, we will leave for the observing and philosophic to deter- mine. 518 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. Owing to the occurrence of a severe autumnal storm during the last two, and principal days of the fair, the attendance of the people, as well as the receipts, were very materially diminished ; and but for the State appropriation to fall back upon, the Soci- ety, notwithstanding all the careful foresight in its power, would have been, in consequence of the aforesaid misadventure, far behind, pecuniarily, and obliged to have left scores of little hills unpaid, until time and good luck afforded them the means. All in all, the fair was a decided success over any of its predecessors, notwithstanding the uncongenial weather; and notwithstanding a very illiberal and unaccommodating spirit manifested by one of the principal railroads of the State, to wit.: the La Crosse and Milwaukee. Their utter refusal to carry stock and articles for exliibition, short of Jtill fare price, and general disposition to he 'unobliging^ so disgusted the great northeastern and central counties, that they were scarcely represented at the fair. It is the sincere hope of your humble servants, that this pampered and spoiled child of misplaced State liberality, wilJ, when its corruption fund emmisaries come around the capital the present winter, asking tor new favors, be met with the same spirit with which they met the poor farmers who have mortgaged their farms to build, not only their their road, but fine palaces, also, for the gentlemen who have (mis) managed it. Of all companies in the State, they were the last who should thus have given the cold shoulder to the farmers of the State. But notwithstanding the foregoing drawbacks, the society has been able to close up its pecuniary affairs for the past year in a creditable and satisfactory manner to all concerned, and with a small balance in the treasury, as will be seen by reference to the financial report of the Secretary, at the close of this communica- tion . With a full belief, on their part, that the Society is now placed upon a firm foundation, and more fully grounded in the hearts and approving good will of the masses of the people, than ever before. The undersigned would commend its various interest to your kind care and consideration ; and they do so with a full faith that the cause of agriculture, nor agricultural associations, will not be likely to retrograde during your administration. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 519 But, witli us, we feel assured that you will duly appreciate the fact that the great priaciple and purpose underlying all these associations, public displays, and premium lists, is to prove to labor that of its own production, there is abundant material to please the fancy and stisfy ambition ; and by bringing them together, combined and arranged, to afford a noble opportunity for study to the student, and a splendid and profitable holiday to the idle. For this reason the Society seeks to please all, for it is profitable for all to come. No person can leave an agricultural exhibition as ignorant as he came. Its annual shows give to all an opportunity to study the lesson of labor, which, perhaps, but one has properly illustrated. To inaugerate annually a great industrial gathering, where the knowledge of one may be spread over the minds of many — a gathering where each may not only prove to himself his own, "but mark his neighbors faults and follies," — where the incrust- ation of old habits may be broken np and fallowed for new ideas, proving to each that the end of knowledge is not yet reached, nor the opportunity of learning lost — an annual gath- ering where the industry and skill of the State may meet and recite to all the years before, and the success or failure of its efforts to solve that portion of the great industrial problem embraced within the field of its labor. In theory each and all these seve- ral steps of progress might be considered as so many evidences of our progress in the primal art of arts. But practically, it is not true, for the reason that most of these evidences of success are the results of an accidental combination of circumstances — that is, most of the evidences are not the result of the practical application of known and well established principles of agricul- tural science, but too often the accidental result of a thoughtless combination of forces, thrown together without design, thus in effect, teaching nothing conclusively ; consequently a repetition almost invariably proves a failure. Improvements in agricul- ture are no doubt being made ; but the laws of nature, upon which all successes are based, are most of them too dimly seen too conduct to a successful repetion. Consequently we are, as agriculturists, constantly lalling back from each seeming advance- 520 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. ment, not, perhaps, completely, but partially, at every step, for the reason that we have but slight foot-hold upon those laws of nature upon which success depends. Yet all these succes- ses and failures, as shown in the annual exhibitions of the Society, tend to teach them; but in such a qualified, ques- tionable, and fragmentary manner, that by far the greater part is useless. Had the Society a Farm School, where the philoso- phy of practice and the science of schools might mingle and perfect each other — where all that is proved in practical labor, and all that is true in scholastic science, could be blended in one concrete mass, affording a substantial foundation for the more elevated up-building of the industrial labor of the State — a farm school within whose ample fields and halls the State Society might hold its annual Fairs, thus giving to each laborer an oppor- tunity to prove or disprove the correctness of his theory or prac- tice— where the practical labor of the State could compare the results of its toil with the more pretentious ones of the school — a point where each isolated fact could be concencrated, combined with others and made practical — ^where the progress of labor could be noted, the principles upon which it depends developed, and thus substantial advancement secured, and thus the school be as the Mistress of Labor and the Master of Science. The need of labor is too great to be profitably mocked with here a bone and there a crust — its wants too great to be satisfied with such fostering care as may be found in a leanto of some overshadow- ing edifice. The winds and tides no longer command commerce, because commerce concentrates capital^ and a half million experi- ment is readily made, and commerce is finally eminently succes- ful. But agriculture diffuses wealth, while affording to all other pursuits the means of concentration ; thus labor not unfrequently appears as a petitioner for a moity of that which its own munifi- cence has bestowed. The greatest wealth of the State consists, first, in the moral and political purity, and the intellectual culture of its inhabit- ants. Secondly, in the productive character of its industrial pursuits, and the fertility of its soil. Comparatively productive as our agricultural labor no doubt is, yet, in most cases, it is so EXCEUTIVE COMMITTEE. 521 at the expense of the means of subsistence of the next or suc- ceeding generations. Thus by our general want of thorough and sufficient agricultural knowledge, we are rapidly squander- ing the original munificent gift of the Great Benefactor. This knowledge has much of it to be created, and more to be concen- trated and made effective. The fostering care of State and National governments have made munificent provisions for general education ; yet for the education which this State's great agricultural interest require, no provisions are made. For these reasons we respectfully ask your Excellency to reccommend the Legislature to make suitable pro- visions for the founding of an Agricultural College, in connec- tion with an ample Experimental Farm, and their endowment with sufficient means to secure their effective and practical ope- ration, either by a grant of a portion of the swamp lands belong- ing to the State, or by memorial to Congress for a special grant of lands for that purpose. The present time seems peculiarly appropriate for such a move- ment, especially for memorializing Congress, inasmuch as it will be in harmony with the action of many other of the Agricultu- ral States, who are now urging similar claims upon their attention. An additional voice from the Oreat Northwest will deepen the tone and strengthen the effort, and undoubtedly even- tuate in ultimate success. And what is more reasonable or proper than that at least a little fraction of the wide and almost unlimited public domain of this and other States, should be assigned and devoted to a more thorough and systematic development of the great scientific principles and practical action on which every thing like eminent agricultural success must rest. The liberal donation to Railroad Companies, (which are but the servants and carriers of the tillers of the soil), would seem to indicate at least the equal pro- priety of making every needful provision for the fullest devel- opment of this great primary interest, on which not only Eail- roads, but Governments, and all subordinate interests essen- tially, constantly, and forever depend. Without this Agricultural College and Experimental Farm, 522 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. five years will not elapse before some of our sons, who would be first in their great calling, will be crossing over to Michigan to her already promising institution, to avail themselves of that knowledge, which, for want of a proper foresight and enterprize, has not been secured and provided for them at home. Let us not, from our supineness now at the proper time, be thus depend- ent then. The law of the last session of the Legislature, passed in con- formity with a request in our last annual report, for the collec- tion, on the part of the several town Assessors, of Agricultural and Mineral statistics, seems to have been but partially com- plied with, and consequently the report of the Secretary of State on that subject is necessarily incomplete and somewhat imperfect- Still, what there is of it is highly valuable, and shows conclu- sively how valuable a perfect work of the kind would be ; show- ing at once, and annually, the exact agricultural, mineral, and business condition and production of each county in the State . It is almost as valuable information to the observant and intel- ligent citizen, as are the merchant's account books to him, in the way of explaining and telling him how his matters stand. The law is of indispensable value, and with some slight amendments, which will be duly and seasonably presented by its friends, will undoubtedly remain a fixed feature upon our statute books. As in our last year's report, we again call attention to the policy and necessity of some law for the protection and encour- agement of sheep husbandry and wool growing, which would necessarily involve a law for the restricting and thinning out of dogs, which, (as is natural in new countries), have become a great nuisance and drawback upon our annual incomes and aggregate receipts from this important and natural source of prosperity. It is confidently believed that some judicious law might be enacted that would, in due time, abate the evil without much growling^ and eventuate in substituting numerous flocks of fine wooled sheep, with their yearly golden fleeces and fat, savory mutton, in place of our present larking cur-dog population. Such an exchange is, in the opinion of the undersigned, devoutly to be wished and earnestly prayed for. EXECUTIYE COMMITTEE. 523 Hoping that your Excellency will have the kindness to submit such of our suggestions to the Legislature as may, in your judg- ment, be deemed proper, "We remain, very truly, Your obedient servants. In hehalf of the Execative Committee, \ t)"a ytt) WTTTt'aMS STATEMENT OP THE FISCAL AFFAIRS OF THE WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETT, FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1867. INCOME. To balance on hand, December 31, 1857, $ 968 62 " of seed and outstanding premium fund not used, .... 379 80 To Standing Appropriation, - - - 3000 00 From Annual and Life Members, ■ - 1903 00 To nett Receipts of State Fair besides mem- ber's tickets, .... 2853 21 $8804 63 EXPENDITURES. By Premiums and cost of Diplomas awarded for 1857, $2701 11 By purchase of Seeds, Cuttings, &c., - 485 20 Salary of Secretary, .... 1000 00 By Ofl&ce rent and Incidental Expenses, 262 18 By Express charges, $38,71, Postage, $55,71, 94 42 By Pill paid at State Fair, - - - 2383 09 By Miscellaneous bills for the year, - 1676 10 By Cash to balance, .... 502 53 $8804 63 524 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. Bills and vouciiers for all the above items, are on file in this office, and open to examination. George 0. Tiffany, Secretary. State Agricultural Rooms, Madison, December 31, 1857. ERRATA. Page 201, line 30th, for '• Ahoretum,^^ read Arboretum. " 203, line 20tli, for ^'■Jiines,^'' XQSLdt. pines. " 210, line 9th, for " accriodes" read aceroides. " 216, line 15th, for ^^ Pennsylvania^'''' read Pennsylvanica. " 219, line 33d, for " ci^ab tree,'''' read Crab Apple Tree. " 220, line 24th, for '' De Candole,'' read De Candolle, " 235, line 26th, " leana" read Leana. " 250, line 29th, for " Virginia,'''' read Yirginica. Note. — There are various other errata of an unimportant na- ture, through the pages of this work ; except in Scientific articles, we have not deemed printed corrections necessary. Ed. \\M \ i - i:'il|: ' ' ' ' 1 H ' V ^^^^^^^1 . i-:' i :| i ■\' ( i ■;■■.; 1 [ i ^ i : ■ '' '■ 1 1 ; :- t .i.'i^^l i|iii|iii iiil'ilrli