388 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



One objection noticeable in the management of this society, 

 and which is by no means peculiar to this locality, is the custom 

 of showing cattle but one day, in some cases even removing 

 them from the grounds by one o'clock. This practice is preva- 

 lent in the western part of the State, and is attended with 

 numerous evils. It has an inevitable tendency to detract from 

 what should be the leading feature of the exhibitions. Com- 

 monly, but few visitors are to be found on the grounds the first 

 day, the chief attraction being reserved for the second. Every 

 thing is then given up entirely to the horse. In some instances 

 the whole interest of the exhibition seems to centre in a trial of 

 speed by horses that a farmer would not take and keep as a gift. 



I would not disparage the claims of that most noble and 

 useful animal, the horse ; and I know of no objection to his 

 sliowing his paces, whether fast or slow, for the gratification of 

 the multitude. Every one enjoys looking upon a fine horse, 

 eitiier at rest or in motion ; and hundreds will be attracted by 

 such a display who would not cross a street to see the best cow, 

 bull, or ox, to be found in the State. My objections are against 

 making the horse the leading' feature in the exliibition ; which 

 practice has wrought a great injury in many of the associations, 

 and will inevitably destroy the usefulness of some, so far as any 

 benefit to the farmer is concerned, unless a change is speedily 

 made. 



The question sliould be, Ts the raising of horses a leading 

 business in this State? I think nearly all will unite in saying 

 that it is not. 



I know that the prominence given the horse at many of our 

 county sliows, and the great fairs held at Springfield, stimulated 

 many persons to the raising of horses. Extravagant prices 

 have been paid for the services of noted stallions ; but the object 

 and exjjectation was to get fast animals, with a hope of large 

 prices. Disappointment has usually been the result ; and not- 

 witlistanding the high prices which have been current for ordi- 

 nary animals, for tbe past two years, caused by the government 

 demand, it is not probable that one-half the number of horses 

 ai'C l)eing raised at the ])rescnt time that there were four years 

 ago. There are few localities in the State where other descrip- 

 tions of stock cannot be raised, at a greater profit. Our popu- 

 lation is too dense ; there is too much demand for every eatable 



