XX BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



to one. While dogs there do destroy some sheep, yet the 

 number is so small under their system as to be only a frac- 

 tion of the loss from other causes. 



It would seem reasonable to suppose that what other coun- 

 tries, with no better facilities than ours can do, may be done 

 here. At least, the experiment is worth trying. It is certain 

 that sheep greatly improve pastures and make them capable, 

 after a few years, of feeding more cows on the same acreage ; 

 for they not only eat many plants and bushes which the 

 cattle will not touch, but their droppings have also a decided 

 fertilizing value. 



Beef Cattle. 

 There is a decided feeling among many of our farmers 

 that the time is ripe to again raise beef cattle in our State, 

 and it would seem that with the high price of beef, together 

 with the increasing demand for such food, many of our now 

 idle pastures might easily grow many beef animals. Particu- 

 larly so would this seem possible in districts remote from 

 railroads and transportation facilities, where it would be next 

 to impossible to get perishable farm produce to market at a 

 profit. The industry has got to be built up from the bottom, 

 however, and it will take many years to establish it on a 

 profitable basis. The beginning has got to be made, never- 

 theless, and soon, if we are to supply the demand. Many 

 seem to feel that as soon as they get well established in this 

 business price will drop so that there will be no profit. This 

 has not been the case in older countries ; in fact, prices have 

 advanced there, and are as sure to do so here. 



Legislation of 1913. 



The recommendations of the Board for legislation met 

 with generally favorable consideration by the Legislature. 



Chapter 260, Acts of 1912, was amended so as to provide 

 for a more general distribution of the bounty to children 

 and youths. An appropriation of $1,000 was granted the 

 Board for the encouragement of agTiculture and practical 

 home arts among boys and girls. The date on or before 

 which the returns of the agricultural societies drawing 



