FAKMEES' INSTITUTES. 133 



autninn come on, additional feed in some form mnst be giA'en. Tiie ride to 

 the village or the call npon a friend in the early evening must be given up till 

 after milking. Sunshine and storm, the same work is to be performed at the 

 same time each day. Cost of fencing is also greater than for the keeping of 

 sheep, and we may add to this fact that it oft occurs that one or more in the 

 herd has but little regard for the works of man in this direction, and often 

 leads the entire herd into mischief, Avhich the value of many milkings will 

 hardly make good. Additional expense of stabling room is also required. To 

 many this is a matter of little moment, as they have buildings readily adapted 

 to either cows or sheep, but to otliers the keeping of cows involves an outlay of 

 greater or less extent in stables. I mention these as items to which attention 

 must be given before we decide the question which pays the best. I have 

 spoken of cheese-making only in connection with the factory system. If it is 

 to be undertaken as a private enterprise and made up at home, the cost of cart- 

 age is obviated and the whey is retained home, to the evident betterment of the 

 swine upon the farm. 



Mr. Nims, of the township of Washington told me not long since that his 

 dairy of fourteen cows yielded him ^800 gross, above what was consumed in his 

 family. Again, which is likely to be the most permanent employment? Are 

 Ave not more likely to overstock the market with dairy products than with wool? 

 Does either commodity depend for its market upon a local trade? All branches 

 of honorable industry, like water, seek the level, and in the long run that busi- 

 ness pays the best for which an individual's surrounding circumstances and his 

 tastes seem to be the best adapted. We are too apt to rush to extremes. In our 

 haste to be rich we lose sight of some of our most important influences. You 

 who have read Victor Hugo's book, "Ninety-Six," Avill remember what a vivid 

 description he gave of a cannon, Avhich has broken loose from its fastenings 

 upou the deck of a war-ship, and rushes with a frightful momentum this Avay 

 and that, as the ship is naoved by the Avavos, earning destruction and death in 

 CA'cry lurch. Such Avould be the effect upon agricultural commerce, if Ave all 

 rushed blindly at Avhatever seems at the time to pay the best, only to change in 

 another direction as each ncAV fancy might direct. The interests of the com- 

 munity demand that all branches of agriculture for AA'hich our locality is 

 adapted shall be fostered and developed alike. Present or prospective dollars 

 and cents must not be the only consideration in the choice of our occupation. 

 AVill this or that occupation take up the time Avhich might be given to "calm 

 contemplation and poetic ease," of Avhich our farmers know so little. Will this 

 or that add most to the Avelf arc and comfort of our families, as the comforts 

 and refinement of home? 



" Sheep-raising has had its ups and downs, like every other business, but it is a 

 question if any business has paid better for a series of years. The rapid increase 

 of sheep is favorable to farmers of small means avIio Avisli to engage in wool- 

 raising. Sheep-raising is too much neglected in many localities. The animal 

 Avhicli furnishes clothing, fuel, and lights for the Avorld is entitled to more credit 

 than it receiA'Cs." It may be argued that other countries of perpetual A'egeta- 

 tion or of milder interest can furnish us Avith avooI cheajoer than aa'C can raise it. 

 The same may be said of coavs. Texas has been producing both avooI and beef 

 for our market for years, and yet our aa'ooI and beef commands a paying price. 

 I liaA'e not spoken of the long or combing aa'ooIs, nor yet of the distinctiA'ely 

 mutton breeds of sheep. Perhaps more profit can be obtained from these than 



