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tion for discussion this evening, which referred to the profita- 

 bleness and best mode of raising stock. In the last ten years 

 there has been a comparative decrease of stock in this State 

 and in Ohio in the last two years. Along the line of the 

 canal and in the northern part of this State, the farmers had 

 almost entirely been engaged in raising grain. He believed 

 we might now double our number of cattle, without decreas- 

 ing our hogs. A farm of 160 acres, one half of it cleared, 

 with about 5 acres in meadow and 30 acres in corn, could 

 raise from 30 to 35 head of cattle, but at this time such farms 

 would not average over 15 head. The consequence of this 

 comparative decrease of the number of cattle raised has been 

 a considerable advance in price. Cows, which a few years 

 since could be bought for $8 or $10 now brought $15. 



It became an important question, whether an increase in 

 stock would result in a material reduction of prices? He 

 thought not. The American people were beef-eaters. It has 

 become a common practice, and one he thought that would 

 not be departed from, to have fresh beef on the table every 

 day, and almost every meal. The demand for oxen to go to 

 the Pacific coast was considerable, and would continue. Un- 

 der these circumstances, he believed our stock of cattle might 

 be greatly increased, and the farmer continue to receive re- 

 munerating prices. 



The first thing that demands our attention is the improve- 

 ment of the breed. Although our Durhams are but crosses 

 with the common stock, yet they are worth five dollars more 

 than the common breed, when both are two yerrs old. He 

 was glad to see this subject engaging the attention of the far- 

 mers, for since the agricultural societies had come into exist- 

 ence, some of his neighbors had gone into Kentucky and 

 brought here some improved stock. But independent of its 

 greater value, fine stock had a moral influence that no farmer 

 ought to disregard. To make our children take an interest 

 in agricultural pursuits, we must so conduct the farm as to 

 make it a pleasant home, and one in which they can take an 



