STATUS OF VIRGINIA AGRICULTURE IN 1870. 289 
brought into the county, with the exception of a few Chester hogs, and 
one or two Short-horn bulls. Augusta: In one portion of the county 
farm animals are increasing considerably, and stock of ail kinds— 
thorough-bred horses, Short-horn cattle, and Chester hogs—is receiv- 
ing more attention. In other portions the improvement is less percep- 
tible. Rockbridge: A very marked improvement is manifest in farm 
animals—horses, cattle, and hogs. In these particulars, perhaps, no 
county in the State has made so great an advance in the last five years. 
The improvement in horses has had reference to general utility, the ob- 
ject being to secure such as are suitable for heavy draught, light draught, 
and the saddle. Short-horn and Devon eattle are preferred, and Ches- 
ter and Hssex hogs. Highland: Domestic stock can hardly be said to 
beinereasing or diminishing, the object being to keep only asufficient num- 
ber for use, and to sell off all surplus. During the past year about 3,000 
fat cattle, 120 horses, and 2,000 sheep were driven from the county. 
Considerable attention is given to the improvement of every kind of 
stock. These remarks will apply in substance to Bath and Alleghany, 
the three counties being situated between Rich Mountain and the Alle- 
ghanies, and forming rather a subdivision of the valley than a part of 
the valley proper. Botetourt: Farm animals are rapidly increasing, 
with great improvement in cattle. All farmers find if te their interest 
to get off their scrub cattle, and replace them with Short-horns, particu- 
larly since the decline in produce and advanee in beef. Roanoke: The 
increase of farm animals is very great, with the exception of hogs. 
There is an increasing desire for improved stock, particularly cattle 
and horses, the Short-horn being the favorite breed of the former. Sheep 
have been neglected, but are now receiving more attention. 
Southwest Virginia Montgomery : Stock has been steadily increasing 
since the close of the war. The most particular attention has been 
directed to cattle, and of all the breeds the Short-horn and higher grades 
of the same are in most favor. But little attention is paid to sheep 
husbandry, though much of the rich mountain land is admirably adapted 
to it. Chester hogs have been introduced to some extent, but the hog 
stock of the county consists principally of the native breed, based orig- 
inally on the Berkshire and Irish Grazier. Quite an activity in rais- 
ing horses prevails, which are, with few exceptions, inferior stock. 
Pulaski: Horses, cattle, and hogs are gradually increasing from the 
stock on hand previous to the war. None of the improved breeds have 
been introduced. Wythe: Farm-animals are increasing to a moderate 
extent. More attention is paid to cattle than any other kind ; the Short- 
horns preferred. Cotswold sheep and Berkshire hogs are the favorites 
in their line, and much attention is paid to theirimprovement. Bland: 
Farm animals are on the inerease. Cattle engage much attention, and 
the herds are composed of numerous varieties. Carroll: This béing a 
grazing county, particular attention is paid to the improvement of cat- 
tle, experience demonstrating the advantages of improved stock. Much 
attention is paid to raising mules and horses, which is becoming a very 
common and profitable occupation. Hogs are also raised to considera- 
ble extent. Grayson: The raising of stock constitutes the main busi- 
ness of farming in this county, horses and cattle receiving most atten- 
tion. The horses are of a hardy, serviceable stock, of which the farmers 
have always been rather proud. Cattle, both in number and quality, 
(having been improved by the Short-horn,) are far in excess of what 
they were five years ago, and from their profits the business of the 
county is carried on. Washington: Cattle are on the increase, particu- 
larly of improved stock, of which the Short-horns are preferred. Hogs 
19 A 
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