ANNUAL REPORT—MISCELLANEOUS. 
37 
rich and excellent quality, awaiting labor and capital to direct it, 
and transportation facilities to convey it to market, all of which 
will soon be furnished. As the railways penetrate this hitherto 
wilderness country, capital can be largely increased and labor am¬ 
ply remunerated by developing these mines of wealth. The zinc 
interest was also largely increased the past season. In the south 
western portion of the state this ore is found in great abundance, 
and in close connection with the lead bearing formations. So 
large is the business in the vicinity of Mineral Point, that I am in¬ 
formed that 150 to 200 teams have been seen in that city daily 
delivering this ore at the railroad depot to be shipped to the state 
of Illinois, near the coal fields, there to be manufactured. I look 
upon the mining interest as one of the important branches of in¬ 
dustry in the state; an interest which should be encouraged and 
to which the attention of capital may be attracted and directed. 
To this end I trust the geological survey will be prosecuted to 
completion, and facts spread, not only before our own people, but 
before the capitalists of the old world, that our great mineral re¬ 
sources and wealth may be known. A few thousand dollars, if 
wisely expended in this scientific research will, I doubt not, prove 
of incalculable benefit to the state’s development and progress. 
HEDGES. 
In my last annual report I called the attention of the farmers 
of the state to the vital importance of live fences. From further 
observation and thought upon this subject, I am fully confirmed 
in the practical value of the ideas then advanced. While 1 am 
fully of the opinion that excellent live fences may be grown from 
the soft maple, box elder, white thorn, different varities of the cul¬ 
tivated and crab apple, etc., yet I shall only here speak of the cul¬ 
tivation of willow and honey locust, both being rapid growers and 
making a first class live fence. 
WILLOW. 
From its extreme hardiness and ease with which it is grown 
from slips or cuttings, I believe it to be the best live fence plant for 
Wisconsin. Horace Cole, Esq., of Boiling Prairie, Dodge county, 
writes me giving his experience in growing this fence and its val- 
