Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. 153 
and stables, are very great. If we had any ^assurance that the 
ground, open to us for improvement, would be well occupied, we 
might he thankful that so few of our barns are built, that so little 
stands in the way of better work. The danger is, we shall build a 
little at a time, as we find ourselves able, and with no comprehen¬ 
sive plan, and hence no satisfactory, economical result. 
Passing tools and buildings, we come to the handling of cattle 
and lands, as still more closely allied to wise farming. If there is 
?my one point of intelligent, enterprising, wholesome enthusiasm 
in farming, -any one thing which lifts it above drudgery into a fine 
art, it is the breeding and raising of fine stock. 
One ought never in any calling to miss the opportunity of spread¬ 
ing his sails to a moderate, healthy wind of enthusiasm. It is 
economical to do so. Progress is achieved, character helped along 
and money made, by that special insight in any department which 
generates enthusiasm, and that special interest which follows en¬ 
thusiasm. 
It is a saving of life-forces to do what we do with interest. It 
is not weight but rfmrf-weight that pulls us down; it is not work, 
but stolid, stupid work, that wearies us. 
Enthusiasm gives buoyancy, and buoyancy renews strength. 
The moment a man puts a little thought and feeling into his labor, 
it begins to grow light, and effort follows effort as gayly and easily 
as water flows down hill. We can not doubt, therefore, that the 
higher economy of life, by which we make our labors minister to 
our pleasures, and our pleasures to our character, and character to 
social position, is subserved by that thoughtful handling of the liv¬ 
ing things entrusted to us, which cause them to develop in our 
hands, and disclose to our lively attention their innate powers. 
The farmer is peculiarly fortunate in the number and variety of 
living products committed to him. Fruits, vegetables, grains, fowls, 
flocks, herds, horses, all wait on his skilful touch. From this point 
of view, we can not regret the occasional fanaticism that has char¬ 
acterized stock-breeding. 
One thousand dollars for a merino, has a fancy element in it, but 
even those stern old Romans for purposes of breeding gave $20,000 
for an ass. So says Mommsen. A round price to pay for a don¬ 
key, considering the much greater value of money then than now. 
Nor does the brute, judging from his present status, seem to 
