ADAPTATION OF SOILS. 487 



engaged ia to a further extent ; whether, under the Iiigh prices 

 of meat, the production of beef, pork, and mutton, may not be 

 made to pay you a profit. In regard to swine, they are kept 

 to a certain extent, as consumers of articles which would other- 

 wise be wasted. They are also regarded as useful in increas- 

 ing fertilizing material for the land. But according to some 

 trials which have the appearance of accuracy, a bushel of corn, 

 ground and cooked, or slightly fermented, will make twelve 

 pounds of pork. Something, doubtless, depends on the consti- 

 tutional propensity of the animals — some being able to assimi- 

 late a greater proportion of their food than others. But at 

 the rate mentioned, the pork would pay fairly, at seven cents a 

 pound, for the corn and attendance, and in connection with 

 the advantages before mentioned, might make the business 

 profitable. 



The suggestion has been made by an officer of your associa- 

 tion, that, by the aid of Indian corn in a green and dry state, 

 and root crops, cattle may be fattened at a profit on some farms 

 in your county. The object is worthy an experiment, which it 

 is to be hoped will be fairly made. In case a trial of this kind 

 should take place, it is desirable that there should be a proper 

 selection of the animals. There is as much difference in cattle 

 as respects aptitude to fatten, as in swine. 



But if it should be deemed advisable to engage in grazing 

 here, there is reason to believe that no stock would pay so well 

 as sheep — not particularly for wool, but for mutton. They are 

 specially adapted to light land. They will fatten where no 

 other animal can, — their meat is produced with least cost, and, 

 when it is of proper quality, it commands the highest price. 

 In connection with the growth of turnips, they have been the 

 means of bringing thousands of acres of thin, sandy land in 

 England, from an unproductive state, to one in which it yields 

 fine crops of clover, barley, and wheat. A few trials which 

 have been made in this country, have resulted satisfactorily. It 

 is true we have not the advantage of turnip culture to the ex- 

 tent it is enjoyed in Britain. There the roots are consumed 

 to a great extent on the land where they grow — a mode which is 

 very beneficial. Our winters are too severe for this. Generally, 

 the roots must be gathered and fed under cover. This greatly 



