REPORTS FROM COUNTY SOCIETIES, 459 



failure. With the exception of plums, the smaller fruits were nearly an aver- 

 age crop. X 



HOKSES. 



At the present time our supply of horses seems to be equal to, or exceed the 

 demand. That we are producing a larger class of horses is evident to every- 

 one with an observing or enquiriug turn of mind. In visiting the barnyards 

 of our farmers we frequently have our attention called to one or more fine 

 specimens of (grade) Percheron Norman colts. We felt a little pride as well 

 as pleasure over a conversation we heard a few days ago at Durand, a lunch 

 station between Flint and Lansing. Two strangers came in and stated that 

 they wished to purchase a few good work horses — that they had recently 

 bought some farms in this State, and were in pursuit of some horses to stock 

 them with. 



After a few minutes conversation, and no one seeming to know where to 

 direct the stranger, a gentleman sitting near me said : "I am pretty well 

 acquainted through this section, and have traveled considerably in this State ; 

 have recently been through the northern part, and if I was going to look for 

 a few good, young working horses, I would go up into Tuscola county." 



When he had finished his conversation with the stranger, I informed him 

 that I resided in that county. Continuing the conversation he said : "I have 

 just been through Tuscola county, went as far north as Unionville, and I not 

 only saw more good, young horses, but I saw farms with better buildings, 

 better fences, and under a finer state of cultivation, than any place I have 

 visited in the State. 



CATTLE. 



In department three, Durhams, there were thirty-five entries, and nineteen 

 premiums awarded, amounting to $56. In all other full blooded departments, 

 including Devons, Holsteins, Jerseys, etc., although twenty-eight premiums 

 were offered, amounting to $60, only six entries wei'e made, and less than $20 

 awarded. With these facts and figures before you, it is entirely useless for me 

 to speak of the best breeds of cattle. 



SHEEP. 



Our sheep classes run from ten to fifteen inclusive. We offer seventy-two 

 premiums, amounting to $164. In class ten, full blood American Merinoes, 

 there were thirteen entries, and twelve awards. In all other classes, including 

 Leicesters, Linconshires, Cotswolds, Southdowns, and Shropshires, there were 

 only two entries. The Merinoes, full blood, and graded like the Durham cat- 

 tle, seem to have the floor, and our farmers are inclined to let them keep it. 



SWIKE. 



The entry of hogs with pedigrees, consisted of Suffolk, Poland China, 

 Cherhire, Yorkshire, and Jersey Eed. 



POULTRY. 



In this class there were eighty-two entries, consisting of light Brahmas, 

 dark. Brahmas, Cochins (buff and partridge), Spanish, Poland, Leghorns, 

 (white and brown), Plymouth Eocks, Hamburgs, etc. 



