306 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



by beautiful forests. But even the most fertile soil requires 

 to be roused by human activity, and by the example and efiforts 

 of the king, the country has taken an honorable position in the 

 agriculture of Europe. 



That success has attended the king's undertakings is shown 

 by the fact that in 1816, the year before he came to the throne, 

 there were but 585,000 horned cattle in Wurtemburg, whereas 

 on the first of January, 1859, there were 842,000. The num- 

 ber of sheep was about the same as at present, but their quality 

 was much inferior. The number of sheep in 1859 was 609,000, 

 and the inferior qualities of wool were only thirteen per cent., 

 whereas in 1816 the percentage of the same class was sixty- 

 five. The number of horses over two years old at present is 

 over 81,000, and several hundred a year are sold and exported, 

 while the 73,000 in 1816 scarcely sufficed for the wants of the 

 country. 



The council mentioned above examines all questions requir- 

 ing investigation, with respect to these public agricultural 

 establishments, and submits clear and brief reports upon them 

 for the approbation of the king, and they are carried into effect 

 without delay. The financial part of these establishments is 

 intrusted to the council of domains of the crown. Two func- 

 tionaries reside at Stuttgart, one charged with the general 

 management of the breeding stables, the other with the agri- 

 cultural and economical division. A veterinary surgeon is 

 attached to each establishment. 



The solicitude of the king extends to the employees of these 

 studs. They are paid regularly, and receive in addition to 

 their wages more or less clothing, and a lot of land to till on 

 their own account. Their widows or orphans are provided for 

 by a sort of mutual life insurance company. Day laborers are 

 often hired. 



The arrangement of these breeding establishments is simple 

 and practical. Each is surrounded by an embankment four or 

 five feet high, with a ditch the whole length. Upon this 

 embankment thci-e is a hedge. The fields and pastures arc 

 also surrounded l)y live hedges, and tiie drive-ways and roads 

 are all bordered with fruit-trees. Some j)ortions of the ancient 

 forests arc still left. The pastures are rich; the water 

 abundant. The climate is favorable to fruit trees, while rye. 



