1G6 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Avithont a chance for iniprovcnient, but defects in some are more noticeable 

 than in others. Provided you luive the will, much can be accomplished in the 

 odd Sjiells, and the employment of these tell upon the completion of necessary 

 work as well as upon reputation. One who is shifting witli the circumstances 

 will betake himself the lirst opportunity to the nearest town and help make a 

 crowd at the street-corners, or will go to a neighbor's and there waste both his 

 own and their time. Wishing to obtain local news, he will not be on the look- 

 out to gather the grains of knowledge that would assist in making his life use- 

 ful and his business a success. Some people seem to never profit by e\'i)eri- 

 ence ; others will not learn by precept, but insist on being a pupil in the school, 

 and after carelessly, yes recklessly, going forward, they see their folly and 

 pronounce experience a dear teacher. 



Matthews tells us that experience is of two kinds : " That gained from books 

 is learning, that from actual life is wisdom." Knowledge gained from books 

 is beneficial only as it assists in the discipline of the mind and works in har- 

 mony with the hands. Wisdom covers judgment, discretion, skill, and dex- 

 terity, and is learned by contact with the world. 



Such intercourse sharpens the perceptive faculties and drives away the 

 thought that your ills are worse than those of any other human being. Those 

 who look upon the bright side of life will seek and find the many pleasures 

 that result from a contented mind. 



No one is surrounded by the works of nature to the extent of the farmer. 

 His eyes can behold the sky above with the varied and changeable clouds, the 

 earth beneath with its hill and dale and ever babbling brook, and yet not realize 

 the beauties until the painter and poet describe them with the brush and pen. 



Hon. Wm. Ball of Hamburg, Livingston Co., read the following paper on 



"how shall AVE IMPKOVE OUR STOCK?" 



Mr. President, Fellow Farmers and Stock Growers : — In undertak- 

 ing to systematically and instructively treat upon this very important and 

 difficult subject I must be allowed to say that I feel my inability to discuss it 

 in a manner worthy of its demands. My object, however, will be attained if 

 it shall be the means of calling the attention of the farmer and stock grower 

 to the great importance connected with the subject either scientifically or 

 pecuniarily. 



If any one is in doubt in regard to the need of better cattle, better sheep, 

 better swine, better horses, or any other class of farm stock, he may get into 

 his wagon or sleigh and drive through the farming communities in the differ- 

 ent counties of this State and the doubt will give way to a thorough conviction 

 that a very great improvement is necessary in all branches of stock culture 

 before the farmer and breeder realize an adequate return for the care and 

 expense of rearing animals to maturity or for market. 



In this age of the world much is being written and published on the subject 

 under discussion. Farmers' clubs and institutes are organized and in good 

 working order throughout the State, and are a great means of disseminating 

 practical knowledge yearly. The granges of the nation are doing, a noble work 

 by bringing farmers and their families together in a social capacity, elevating 

 and improving in its tendency, by the discussions of the various subjects con- 

 nected with agriculture and its kindred relations; controlling and conducting 

 to a certain extent the sale and purchase of the products and needs of the farm, 

 as well as creating a desire for improvement in his varied industries. With all 



