TRANSACTIONS. 
ANNUAL REPORT. 
His Excellency, Hakrison Ludington, 
Governor of the State of Wiscoyisin. 
Sir: —In looking back and comparing the results in this centen¬ 
nial year, among those engaged in the various branches of agricul¬ 
ture and those of other useful avocations, we believe the farmers, as 
^ class, have been reasonably prosperous. While the crop of wheat 
. and of oats was a light yield and of poor quality, the corn product 
of the state was the largest ever raised, and of superior quality. 
The dairy and hog product was large, and commanded remunera¬ 
tive prices, so that the average farmer has, by economy and frugal¬ 
ity, saved something above a living, with which to keep up the fer¬ 
tility of his soil, and make needed improvements upon the farm. 
While many of those engaged in trade and business enterprises 
have been on the verge of bankruptcy and ruin, from the general 
stagnation of trade interests, the prudent farmer has been happy 
in the consciousness that while his calling seldom brings wealth 
rapidly, neither does it bring bankruptcy and ruin, and is, perhaps, 
under wise and just laws, as certain to produce competency and 
happiness as other callings, if intelligently and thoughtfully con¬ 
ducted. The farmers of the state are turning their attention more 
and more each year to stock growing, and the manufacture of but¬ 
ter and cheese, and while the prices of these products have ruled 
moderately low, these interests have been more remunerative than 
other branches of agriculture. We are fast learning that while 
wheat-growing may be temporarily profitable, especially when the 
country is new, it is not sensible, true farming, as the soil parts 
