52 PLAIN AND PLEASANT TALK 



from such extravagance much collateral advantage results. 

 Many, doubtless, are disappointed, as they expected angelic 

 cattle, and got nothing but flesh and blood ; those who are 

 the most furious in one extreme, revolt to the other, and 

 are as careless and neglectful this year, as they Avere cattle- 

 mad the last year. But, some good, notwithstanding, re- 

 mains. Good breeds have been brought in. Good blood 

 will run longer in good stock, than perseverance, often, will 

 in their owners. Here and there a man holds on. His 

 stock improves. His neighbor's herds are gradually 

 leavened. By and by particular coimties grow famous for 

 their fine stock. The farmers feel some pride in it ; and 

 now the thing begins to work rightly. When once the 

 best stock, of any kind, is a matter of hearty personal pride 

 with the farmer, over and above the mere price of them in 

 market, then there will be constant and solid improve- 

 ment. 



These remarks, applying to stock generally, are peculiarly 

 applicable to the subject of milch cows with which we set 

 out. 



Dahlias. — ^It is necessary to give your plants a strong 

 support, for, in good seasons, they grow so thriftily, that 

 rains and winds break down the branches even when the 

 main stalk is strongly staked. Those who are wilHng to be 

 at the trouble, should put three stakes so as to leave the 

 stem in the middle. Take a pliant withe, or small hoop, and 

 encircle the stakes at the top, the middle, and also about a 

 foot from the ground. In this way the branches will lean 

 on the hoops, and not be liable to split off; a few weeks' 

 growth will cover and conceal the stakes and hoops, leav- 

 ing to the eye only a mass of foliage, apparently, self-sus- 

 tained. 



