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32 WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
$44,000,000 per annum. There is room, therefore, for an increase of 17,000,000 
more sheep in the country to supply the home demand for wool, and for 
about 12 , 000,000 to displace the importation of woolen goods.” 
There has been a healthy increase in number the last year, and 
a determination among breeders to still further increase their 
flocks. 
’ SWINE. 
/ 
The hog must ever be one of the favorites of the stock farmer, 
as he is quiet and peaceable when well fed, rapidly increased, 
marketed at any age, and returns realized as readily and quickly 
as almost any farm product. With good clover pastures, with 
running water therein, warm sheds or stables in winter, with 
plenty of corn — heat producing and fattening food — they can be 
raised with profit. The hog crop of the state was considerably in 
excess of the previous year, but the average weight lighter. The 
most popular breeds are the Poland China and Berkshire. SufFolks 
and Chester Whites are also much admired by some growers. 
r SU <n POULTRY. 
The rearing of poultry is receiving much attention. Those ex¬ 
clusively engaged in it claiming that they can produce a given 
number of pounds of this delicate and desirable food as cheaply as 
beef or pork. Insects, as well as wild seeds and scattered grains 
may be utilized in raising these choice birds, and I doubt not, if 
made a specialty, may be made quite profitable, particularly near 
our large cities and villages, where eggs and young chickens com¬ 
mand high prices. Beside, much of the labor of caring for and 
feeding can be done by children and women, furnishing them a 
light and pleasant employment. The varieties grown are 
numerous. 
BUTTER. 
This dairy product is manufactured by almost every farmer’s 
wife in the state, and when well made, as it can only be by those 
possessed of a thorough knowledge of the business, and who take 
pride in doing 11 all things well,” is a delicious and healthful article 
of food. When I say that much poor butter is made in the state, 
I do it with a realizing sense of the truthfulness of the assertion 
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