13G MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 



from Devons as from Short Horns Avith the same expense. My 

 horses are the nearest approach to thorougli blood without be- 

 ing thoroughbred. I find a well bred horse of about 1,000 

 pounds able to do plowing as well as larger and coarser horses 

 or mules. I use thereon a IG-inch plow and go down 9 to 

 12 inches deep, at an average rate of three acres per day. On 

 tlie road they are quicker and, what is more to the purpose, are 

 intelligent and reliable. 



MERINO SHEEP. 



My sheep are principally Merinos. I have been crossing 

 a few with South Downs, to meet the demands of the city 

 butchers. I fancy the Merinos, but would advise no one if 

 favorably inclined to other breeds to grow them ; for a sheep 

 breeder will only do Avell with the hind he best fancies. 



ESSEX HOGS AND CAIIE OF STOCK. 



jMy experience with Essex Hogs is only that of two years, 

 but I believe them to be the coming breed. My Winter care of 

 stocl^is to shelter every thing during cold and stormy Aveather, 

 tA'iilg lip horses and cattle, and assorting sheep as their differ- 

 ent strength may seem to require. I feed occasionally sulphur, 

 ashes, and charcoal, and seldom have sick horses, cattle or hogs, 

 and never scab or ticks on sheep. 



FRUIT. 



I aim to have an abundance for home use of apples, pears, 

 and small fruits ; but do not try to sell much of the surplus^ 

 Eighty cents a barrel for apples will not pay one to neglect the 

 important work of the farm. 



DAIRYING 



with mc is principally for my own use, and to be sure of plenty 

 of good butter. I sell enough, however, to more than supply 

 the house with groceries from an average of three Devon cows. 



POULTRY. 



For ten years or more I have kept the White Cochin, and 

 I have no reason to object to them. They prove good layers, 



