239 



but as yet good stock is not properly appreciated, although 1 think an increasing 

 attention is being given to the subject. As of horses, so of cattle, one good 

 animal is worth several poor ones, and costs no more in raising. 



Sheep. — As Indian dogs and wolves disappear before the tide of civilization, 

 sheep become more numerous among us; but as yet there are few large flocks 

 in the county. It is, however, regarded as one of the most profitable branches of 

 agricultural labor; and since the low prices of grain, and the high prices of wool 

 of the past season, many are becoming awake to the subject. 



Swine. — Thus far, there has not been pork enough raised in the county to 

 supply the home demand : immigration and the lumbering business consume a 

 large amount. We have generally a good breed of hogs, and our farmers all 

 raise reasonable quantities of pork, and the amount is rapidly increasing. 



The Dairy. — Although naturally one of the best grazing counties in the State, 

 there are as yet, to my knowledge, no dairies of any amount in the county. 

 Butter brings from twelve to sixteen cents, and cheese ten cents per pound ; and 

 but for importations from abroad would be vastly higher. I presume that more 

 than one half the butter and cheese sold in the county is from abroad. 



Maple Sugar is manufactured to considerable extent by those residing in the 

 timber lands. And the Indians and half-breeds on our borders annually produce 

 thousands of pounds, and some of the finest I ever saw. 



In conclusion, allow me to remark that we are as yet but a new county, and 

 our Agricultural interests in their infancy. Our population have generally had all 

 they could do in getting established, and preparing for future operations. We 

 have yet no Agricultural Association formed, or other stimulant to exertion than 

 those which necessity has imposed. As we become more independent, and have 

 more leisure to look about us, more will be done. And the time is not far dis- 

 tant when Winnebago will be one of the richest counties in the State, both in 

 agriculture and manufactures. Its geographical position is such as to make it 

 accessible, for markets, from the East and the West, and its soil and climate will 

 permit the successful cultivation of all the various products of the Northern 

 States; while the immense hydraulic power within our borders, inducing heavy 

 manufacturing establishments, will create a home demand, which is the best of 



all markets for the farmer. 



Very respeefully and truly yours, 



HARRISON REED. 

 To Albert C. Ingham, Esq. 



Sec. of the Wis. State Agr. Society. 



