24 
WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, 
with much of its fertility in the production of the cereals, and if 
not fed to stock, but little is returned to restore the waste, and 
notwithstanding this decreased fertility, and hence decreased actual 
value of the land, wheat-growing in Wisconsin has resulted in small 
profit to the producers. We must adopt a compensating system of 
farming; one which shall tend to keep up the original fertility of our 
lands. This can only be done by growing grass, corn and other 
products which are readily converted into beef, pork, butter, cheese 
and other concentrated articles of food, which will bear shipment to 
the seaboard and foreign markets. 
In this connection I desire to say a word to those Avho have been 
brought up upon the farm, and who are now about to choose an 
avocation for life. In my judgment, there never was a better time 
for the young man to engage in some branch of agriculture, and 
push it to the highest point to be attained with profit. The pres¬ 
ent and future of agriculture demand that you stick to the farm,, 
and not let any visionary schemes for the rapid accumulation of 
wealth, in speculative or other channels, dazzle or deceive you. A 
few will amass greater fortunes by some fortunate venture, and 
may win more honor and distinction in some other avenue of labor,, 
but I can see nothing specially inviting or hopeful in the leading- 
trades, business or professions, most of which are filled to that ex¬ 
tent that those engaged therein are poorly paid. Agriculture wants 
the education, culture, energy, physical strength and skill of our 
young men, and young women too, to make it pay, and give it a 
place in the front rank of the callings it so justly deserves. No oc¬ 
cupation is more ancient or more honorable, and under just laws, 
with education to guide and energy to push, none, all things con¬ 
sidered, will pay better. How little one knows of the treasures 
locked up in the soil, and the best methods of obtaining them^ 
Agriculture is a broad field when viewed in all its branches, and 
the best talent, education and skill are demanded in its progress and 
development. 
Agriculture also requires the active aid and co-operation of the 
young women of the country; and I wish here to say to them, do not 
despise the farm. In some respects there is more life and pleasure 
in the city than in the country, but city life often brings weakness 
and effeminacy to the young, while country life brings strength and 
self-reliance, and is compatible with the highest intelligence and 
