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 



