52 BOARD 05 AGrxICULTURE. 



same one -which received the first premium at the State Fair last year, and 

 from liis reputation, we anticipate much improvement to our stock. The 

 Durhams, we look upon as good milkers, but not so hardy as the Hereforda ; 

 when crossed, they make fair milkers, good workers, and are docile and easy 

 to fatten. We can raise cattle easily and cheaply. To show how our farmers 

 are waking up to their true interests in this matter, I will refer you to the 

 inventory of our assessors for the last two years. In April, 1857, the number 

 of yearlings was twenty-five per cent, greater than in April, 1856 ; and from 

 what I can learn, should judge that in April, 1858, there will appear at least 

 fifty per cent, more than the present year. 



Rutabagas are raised here, as the principal root for feeding stock. They 

 cost but a trifle, compared with their value. I have grown and harvested 

 them for eight cents per bushel, and from experience I find that a cow fed 

 with a peck per day, with plenty of straw, is wintered better than on plenty 

 of the best hay alone. 



Lumbering, although it makes a market for our produce, has, in one respect, 

 injured the farming interest. A great many men who pretend to farm it, 

 work in the woods in winter and drive timber to market in spring. WJien 

 they return to their farms, the work is hurried, and badly done, the manure 

 has wasted, and the seed is got in too late ; the risk of crops not maturing ia 

 greatly increased ; and it is from such men that the cry comes, of the seasons 

 being so short that it is no use to try to farm in this country. The great 

 majority of our farmers pay but little attention to fertilizers. With some, 

 barn yard manure is shamefully neglected. The more intelligent are getting 

 barn cellars and sheds, so constructed as to preserve their manure. Very few, 

 if any, compost it or use muck. 



Respectfully, yours, 



Hiram Steyens. 



