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called phosphates, that are thrown upon the market, or of 

 guanoes, whose only real recommendation is that they contain 

 some Peru\dan guano, or of .the special fertilizers so persistently 

 urged upon the farmer, except by using the greatest care to 

 guard against deception. 



For the Committee — Benjamin P. Ware. 



•FATTENING CATTLE AND SWINE. 



The attention of your Committee has not been called to any 

 experiment upon the subject entrusted to their care, but as 

 Chairman of the Committee I would call attention to a few 

 facts, which would tend to the advancement of this branch of 

 Agriculture, especially in our Eastern States 



Should accurate, detailed accounts of the exact cost of fat- 

 tening animals be kept, then, with a positive knowledge of 

 expenses as a basis, we could ascertain exactly how much per 

 pound we had gained or lost, and thus determine the advisa- 

 bility of continuing this branch of business. 



Such accounts as I suggest, with an accompanying statement 

 of how much corn, etc., was required to make a pound of beef, 

 mutton, etc., as the case might be, would enable the agriculturist 

 to ascertain whether he can afford to fatten animals to a profit, 

 provided that he has a knowledge of the market prices of corn, 

 etc., and of beef, mutton, etc. 



And with the knowledge of the constituent parts of corn, 

 etc., which can be obtained from the proper books, it is possible, 

 knowing tlie constituent parts of other articles of food and 

 their cost, to substitute other food for the corn, etc., that will 

 be cheaper and of fully equal fattening properties. 



The small farmer cannot always keep as detailed accounts as 

 would be necessary to carry out my suggestions, but those who 

 fatten a large number of animals might do so and enter tlieir 

 results in competition for the premiums offered by our County 



