WINTER MEETING, 1880. 3 



The old rail fences that have served their time should be replaced to the extent 

 actually needed by a straight post and board fence. Four ordinary fence 

 boards with a two by four piece spiked upon the tops of the posts make a fence 

 that appears well and is not easily broken by cattle or horses. Where stone 

 are plenty they can be used in establishing permanent fences. But we never 

 ■expect to see the farms of Michigan fenced into as small enclosures again after 

 the rails now in use become worthless, and really we hardly think it desirable. 

 In many instances it would be an improvement to remove them entirely and 

 destroy the weeds and thistles and briars that have been allowed to grow along- 

 side of them. 



Another very important matter that demands our attention is a well con- 

 ducted system of underdraining. I am confident that many farmers do not 

 realize the necessity of such a work. It should not be overlooked in our 

 endeavors to render our lands more fruitful and productive. 



An abundant supply of good water is another consideration never to be over- 

 looked. If there be not springs and brooks on the premises which never fail, 

 wells should be sunk and facilities provided for raising the water and conduct- 

 ing it into tanks arranged for that purpose. 



A healthy location is always desirable. This should be secured by providing 

 for man and beast, as far as possible, pure air and clean water. Hence no 

 stagnant pools should be allowed to stand in the neighborhood impregnating 

 the air with their foul evaporations, or to be used as drink for the beasts of the 

 field. It is a mistake to expect good butter, good beef, and good health where 

 such nuisances are allowed, and the water from such places should be drained 

 off underground. Another matter that is worthy of recognition in connection 

 with other things that go to enhance the value of farm property, is a good sup- 

 ply of timber. In this State, as in other timbered countries, the labor of pio- 

 neer life was chiefly devoted to removing the timber from the land. With the 

 great anxiety to get rid of the dense forests and make improvements, we 

 scarcely stopped for a moment to consider the effect of our work. We now 

 realize the fact that great climatic changes have come over the country, and 

 that timber is becoming scarce where with a little more care there might have 

 been a plenty ; and still this work of destruction is now going on in the newer 

 portions of the State. We sometimes feel like interfering a little, aud saying 

 to the axman, "Hold on; spare some of those noble forest trees." But I am 

 digressing; I started to say that every farm should have a timbered lot, either 

 of natural forest trees or from transplanting such varieties as are congenial to 

 it and would be the most valuable when grown up. 



Belts of timber composed of deciduous trees, interspersed with evergreens, 

 so arranged as to break the prevailing winds, would be a thing of beauty, of 

 comfort, and eventually of profit. Trees along the roadside for shade also add 

 to the good appearance of a country. A limited number of ornamental trees, 

 both of evergreen and deciduous varieties, properly arranged in the vicinity of 

 farm buildings, together with shrubs and flowers in near proximity to the 

 dwelling, give an air of cheerfulness and beauty to the place which tends to 

 make such a home desirable and attractive. Governor Bagley did a noble act 

 when he set apart one day of the centennial year to be devoted to tree planting, 

 and I hope other eminent men will renew the proclamation, and that the inhabi- 

 tants will fall in with the enterprise so that the people of the next centennial 

 may see living witnesses of the industry of their forefathers. All kinds of 

 fruit trees that are adapted to our soil and climate should have a place on every 

 farm. Plant liberally, especially of cherries, for the boys and the birds. 



