232 CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 



the latter impoverishes, weakens and disgraces a farmer and 

 his profession. 



BEST BREEDS OF CATTLE. 



For beef, the Durhams stand in the front rank; for dairy- 

 alone, the Jerseys have attained the greatest celebrity ; the 

 Devon is a beautiful animal, hardy and good for either purpose ; 

 the Herefords and Holsteins are excellent breeds of cattle, and 

 with proper care are well adapted for beef and the dairy. I 

 have seen many well-bred herds of what is called common 

 cattle, that filled the bill in all its requirements. A herd well- 

 graded up Avith the Short-Horns would serve the purpose of a 

 mixed husbandry better than any other. First consider the 

 adaptation of your farm and its products, then the main ob- 

 jects of your pursuit; then, with much care and discretion 

 select your herd accordingly. But whatever kind you may 

 choose, bear in mind always, that care and feed are the indis- 

 pensable elements that make up a good and profitable herd of 

 cattle, either for beef, dairy, or fancy stock. 



V SHEEP ARE ABOUT THE VERY BEST 



animals for a farm. They require dry land, pure water, tight 

 fences, good shelter, good care, and good keep ; with these 

 requisites they will much improve the fertility of a farm, and 

 the prosperity of its owner. 



Wool and mutton, the productions of the flock, are both 

 very important. If the former be your object, the _^Spanish 

 Merinos will be your selection. If the latter, the Leicester or 

 Cotswold will serve your purpose best. The first three or four 

 years are the best wool-producing periods of a sheep's life. 

 Their growth is also matured in the same time. Then, usually, 

 deterioration, especially in fleece, commences. 



I HAVE ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING RULE. 



Early in the Fall I select from my flock every sheep above 

 three years old for feeding purposes, except occasionally a fine 

 stock ewe which I hold one or two years longer. To these 

 feeders I give special attention, fattening them on oats and 



