THE TRAINING OF FARMERS 



1850, there were about three and a half -mil- 

 lion sheep in New York. There has been 

 a continuing and marked decline in the 

 number, until in 1900 there were less than 

 one million ; and yet all the natural condi- 

 tions for a good sheep husbandry are pres- 

 ent. The rearing of horses should be an 

 important part of farm business in the 

 East. More swine and more beef cattle are 

 needed. Not only this, but poultry and 

 dairy interests should have increased at- 

 tention. 



Another great cropping interest that 

 needs to be developed is the forests. Tim- 

 ber is as much a crop as corn or potatoes. 

 It should be planted, cared for, and har- 

 vested. In the last census year, New York 

 led all the states in the value of farm-forest 

 products. The value was about $7,500,000 

 worth. More than one-third of the state is 

 in timber or woodlots. Very little of this 

 vast area is yielding anywhere near a full 

 crop. The ordinary forest is half waste. 

 Nearly every large farm in most parts of 

 the northeastern states has its woodlot, as 

 it has its meadow, its pasture, or its wheat 

 234 



