CATTLE AND HOGS. 219 



past ten years, on account of insects. I have one hundred and 

 twenty acres of pasture land, divided into four fields, also forty 

 acres of meadow land. Cattle do better by changing them from 

 one pasture to another, and the yield of the pasture is far 

 greater. I feed from thirty-five to fifty head of steers, and 

 generally keep from four to seven cows. I have a thorough- 

 bred bull for breeding purposes. I have eight horses for farm 

 work, and generally raise from two to four colts. I do not 

 believe in keeping a surplus of horses. Whenever they are 

 salable I dispose of them, as 1 find it unprofitable to feed more 

 than necessary. I raise and feed from one hundred to two 

 hundred hogs during the year. I fatten for early market. It 

 pays to feed early, and hogs fatten faster during the pleasant 

 weather in the Fall. I have the best Poland China and Berk- 

 shire swine. 



I commence to feed cattle about the middle of July, and 

 feed them until the first of November, giving them what corn 

 they will eat, and allowing the hogs to follow after and pick 

 up the waste corn. I employ three hands, usually about the 

 middle of March or first of April, keeping them four months, 

 and also hire one hand for twelve months. I do all my haying 

 and harvesting with these men, and seldom hire extra help 

 for any purpose. It is wise policy to keep the best hands, 

 and pay good wages. 



Land in the vicinity of Canton is prairie, sufficiently roll- 

 ing to admit of easy drainage. It is neither high nor low, but 

 the farmers have been able to raise an average crop in seasons 

 of drouth as well as in an unusually wet season. The soil is a 

 black clay loam. 



Fulton county is well located for agricultural purposes. 

 The Illinois river forms the southern, Copperas creek the east- 

 ern, and Spoon river the western boundaries. Big creek runs 

 through the center, and the bluffs adjacent to these streams 

 furnish an abundance of wood, coal and stone. The Chicajxo, 

 Burlington & Quincy and the T. P. & W. roads cross at right 

 angles at or near the center of the county, and through it runs 

 the Illinois river. Thus we are afforded ample facilities for the 



