526 State Board of Agriculture, &c. 



that a dose of aconite or ginger would have been much 

 more merciful, and certain to bring quick relief. 



I do not suppose it possible for every farmer to be an expert 

 in treating all diseases of farm stock, for one's practice, we 

 should hope, would be somewhat limited, if confined to his 

 own herd, but let there be one in every neighborhood or 

 school district who shall have given sufiicient thought and 

 study to the science as to be able to treat successfully all 

 the known diseases of animals, and who shall be so watch- 

 ful of symptoms and careful in his conclusions as to be well 

 in hand when some new disease breaks out, like Texas 

 fever in cattle or epizootic in horses. 



He can thus do great good among his fellows, and reap 

 a satisfactory recompense, if skillful and honest. 



Let another farmer in the vicinity turn his attention to 

 that, to some, most interesting of all subjects — the hybridi- 

 zation or cross breeding of plants. Here is a field, I venture 

 to say, that will call into vigorous exercise all the faculties of 

 his being, needing great patience and indomitable perse- 

 verance, with careful study and close observation, but one 

 that will pay in dollars and cents, as well as in enlarged 

 views of natm-e's processes and a better appreciation of 

 her beauties. 



What blessings have already been showered upon the 

 heads of a Goodrich, a Breese, and a Pringle, for their 

 beneficent contributions to the sum total of our enjoyment, 

 in ]<]arly lioses and Snowflakes, that tickle our palates and 

 gladden our hearts ! 



And these gentlemen will tell you that the field they 

 have entered upon is simply boundless, and the results that 



