356 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan. 



population. In some sections grazing would seem to be the 

 most profitable. Sheep husbandry and dairying will be 

 followed by farmers in such localities ; other sections are 

 adapted for fruit-growing ; and under the constant care of 

 one experienced, the business may be made a financial suc- 

 cess. Perhaps nowhere in the world are the choice grasses 

 gi'own to greater perfection than in our State. 



Science and experience alike have demonstrated that good 

 crops of hay can be grown for many years in succession 

 without the application of animal manures. Some of our 

 lands are well adapted to the production of cereals. In the 

 present state of the market the business would be close 

 and the profits very small ; but with skilled hands, sustained 

 by the necessary capital, so that every discovery in art and 

 science might be utilized for assistance in the work, we are 

 confident that the profit realized would equal that from the 

 same amount of capital invested in trade or manufactures. 

 We have been for some years somewhat extensively engaged 

 in the production of Indian corn. From careful observation 

 we know that the cost of production has been enough below 

 the market price to afibrd a fair profit. But, to accomplish 

 this result, large fields have been cultivated by machines and 

 horse-power. Plant food has been supplied in the cheapest 

 form known. The experience gained in the work has taught 

 us that the cultivation of the single acre without the aid of 

 suitable helps is done at a loss. 



We believe a greater confidence and a closer relation 

 between capital and labor are needed in our calling. Young 

 men should conquer their aversion to farm work, especially 

 in subordinate positions. The old maxim, of " learning to 

 obey before attempting to control," should not be forgotten. 

 We believe it to be quite as lucrative, and fail to see why it 

 may not be quite as honbrable to be employed as foreman or 

 laborer on a large estate as in a factory or counting room. 

 Great business ability and enterprise is being put forth in 

 extending the varied industries of our State. Capital is 

 abundant and cheap. There is within our borders much 

 cheap land. Already we hail with joy the dawning of the 

 day Avhen skilled labor, business ability, enterprise and 

 cheap land, together with capital, will place agriculture in 



