FARM MACHINERY, Etc.

OneCopy,1 Year,postage paid$2.00TwoCopies,""3.75Five""sent at one time8.75Ten""sent at one time, and one to Club getter16.00Twenty""sent at one time, and one to Club getter30.00

AddressThe Prairie Farmer Publishing Co.,Chicago. Ill.

THE SHEPHERD'S MANUALA PRACTICAL TREATISE ON THE SHEEP.Designed Especially for American ShepherdsBY HENRY STEWART.

Finely Illustrated

Price, $1.50, by mail, postpaid. Address

PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO., Chicago.

NICHOLS'

CENTENNIAL WIND MILL.

Contains all the valuable features of his old "Nichols' Mills" with none of their defects. This is the only balanced mill without a vane. It is the only mill balanced on its center. It is the only mill built on correct scientific principles so as to govern perfectly.

ALL VANES

Are mechanical devices used to overcome the mechanical defect of forcing the wheel to run out of its natural position.

A wind wheel becomes its own vane if no vane is used, hence, vanes—save only to balance the wheel—are useless for good, and are only useful to help blow the mill down.

This mill will stand a heavier wind, run steadier, last longer, and crow louder than any other mill built. Our confidence in the mill warrants us in offering the first mill in each county where we have no agent, at agents' prices and on 30 days' trial.

Our power mills have 25 per cent more power than any mill with a vane. We have also a superior feed mill adapted to wind or other power. It is cheap, durable, efficient. For circulars, mills, and agencies, address

NICHOLS & DAGGETT, Elgin, Ill.

(Successors to theBatavia Manf.Co., of Batavia, Ill.)

CHICAGO SCALE CO.2 TON WAGON SCALE, $40. 3 TON, $50.4 Ton $60, Beam Box Included.240 lb. FARMER'S SCALE, $5.The "Little Detective," ¼ oz. to 25 lb. $3.300 OTHER SIZES. Reduced PRICE LIST FREE.FORGES, TOOLS, &c.BEST FORGE MADE FOR LIGHT WORK, $10,40 lb. Anvil and Kit of Tools. $10.Farmers save time and money doing odd jobs.Blowers, Anvils, Vices & Other ArticlesAT LOWEST PRICES, WHOLESALE & RETAIL.

CHICAGO SCALE CO.2 TON WAGON SCALE, $40. 3 TON, $50.4 Ton $60, Beam Box Included.240 lb. FARMER'S SCALE, $5.The "Little Detective," ¼ oz. to 25 lb. $3.300 OTHER SIZES. Reduced PRICE LIST FREE.

CHICAGO SCALE CO.

2 TON WAGON SCALE, $40. 3 TON, $50.

4 Ton $60, Beam Box Included.

240 lb. FARMER'S SCALE, $5.

The "Little Detective," ¼ oz. to 25 lb. $3.

300 OTHER SIZES. Reduced PRICE LIST FREE.

FORGES, TOOLS, &c.BEST FORGE MADE FOR LIGHT WORK, $10,40 lb. Anvil and Kit of Tools. $10.Farmers save time and money doing odd jobs.Blowers, Anvils, Vices & Other ArticlesAT LOWEST PRICES, WHOLESALE & RETAIL.

FORGES, TOOLS, &c.

BEST FORGE MADE FOR LIGHT WORK, $10,

40 lb. Anvil and Kit of Tools. $10.

Farmers save time and money doing odd jobs.

Blowers, Anvils, Vices & Other Articles

AT LOWEST PRICES, WHOLESALE & RETAIL.

THE PROFIT FARM BOILERis simple, perfect, and cheap;the BEST FEED COOKER;the only dumping boiler; empties its kettle in a minute.Over 5,000 in use;Cook your corn and potatoes, and save one-half the cost of pork Send for circular.D.R. SPERRY & CO., Batavia, Illinois.

THE PROFIT FARM BOILER

is simple, perfect, and cheap;the BEST FEED COOKER;the only dumping boiler; empties its kettle in a minute.Over 5,000 in use;Cook your corn and potatoes, and save one-half the cost of pork Send for circular.D.R. SPERRY & CO., Batavia, Illinois.

EVAPORATING FRUITFull treatiseon improved methods, yields, profits, prices and general statistics, free.AMERICAN M'FG CO.WAYNESBOROFRANKLIN COUNTY, PA.

EVAPORATING FRUIT

Full treatiseon improved methods, yields, profits, prices and general statistics, free.

AMERICAN M'FG CO.WAYNESBOROFRANKLIN COUNTY, PA.

HOOSIER AUGER TILE MILL.

Mills on hand.

Prompt delivery.

FOR PRICES AND CIRCULARS, ADDRESS

NOLAN, MADDEN & CO., Rushville, Ind.

"THE BEST IS THE CHEAPEST."

ENGINES, SAW MILLS, THRESHERS, HORSE POWERS,

(For all sections and purposes.) Write forFreePamphlet and Prices to The Aultman & Taylor Co., Mansfield, Ohio.

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

CONTAINING Practical Observations on the Causes Nature and Treatment of Diseases and Lameness in Horses, byGeo. H. Dadd, M.D.Will be sent upon receipt of price, $1.50; or free to any sender of three subscribers to this paper, at $2 each, by

PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO., Chicago.

MAPS.

RAND, McNALLY & CO.'SNEW RAILROAD—AND—COUNTY MAP—OF THE—UNITED STATES—AND—DOMINION OF CANADA.

Size, 4 × 2½ feet, mounted on rollers to hang on the wall. This is an

ENTIRELY NEW MAP,

Constructed from the most recent and authentic sources.

—IT SHOWS—ALL THE RAILROADS,—AND—Every County and Principal Town—IN THE—UNITED STATES AND CANADA.

A useful Map in every one's home, and place of business.Price, $2.00.

Agents wanted, to whom liberal inducements will be given. Address

RAND, McNALLY & CO.,Chicago, Ill.

By arrangements with the publishers of this Map we are enabled to make the following liberal offer: To each person who will remit us $2.25 we will send copy ofThe Prairie FarmerOne Year and THIS MAP POSTPAID. Address

PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO.,CHICAGO, ILL.

DRAINAGE.

PRACTICALFARM DRAINAGE.WHY, WHEN, and HOW TO TILE-DRAIN—AND THE—MANUFACTURE OF DRAIN-TILE.

By C.G. ELLOITT and J.J.W. BILLINGSLEY

PRICE, ONE DOLLAR.

For sale by

THE PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO.,150 Monroe St., Chicago, Ill.

MISCELLANEOUS.

FERRY'S SEED ANNUAL FOR 1884

Will be mailedFREEto allapplicants and to customers of last year without ordering it. It contains illustrations, prices, descriptions and directions for planting all Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Plants, etc.Invaluable to all.

D.M. FERRY & CO.DETROIT, Mich.

AGENTSmake overONEhundred per cent. profit selling the

Reflecting Safety Lamp

which can be sold in every family. Gives more light than three ordinary lamps.Sample lamp sent for fifty cents in stamps.We have other household articles. Send for circulars.

FORSEE & McMAKIN, Cincinnati, O.

MISCELLANEOUS

SEED CORN

FOR SALE.A large quantity of first-class, selected Iowa seed corn, in large or small quantities. AddressMITCHELL VINCENT,Onawa, Iowa.

FOR SALE.

A large quantity of first-class, selected Iowa seed corn, in large or small quantities. Address

MITCHELL VINCENT,Onawa, Iowa.

Please state you saw ad in this paper.

The Great Musical Wonder of the Age.A STEM-WINDING MUSICAL WATCH.Each Watch is finely made, silver plated, and acomplete and sweet-toned Musical Instrument. Size and shape of an ordinary Watch, and has a Music Box attachment concealed within, so arranged that when wound at the stem plays one of the following tunes: "Wait till the Clouds Roll By," "Carnival of Venice," "Blue Bells of Scotland," "Home, Sweet Home," "Coming Through the Rye," "Swanee River," Waltz, Polka, Schottische, etc. The notes, time, and tones are correct. It will please both old and young, and is truly theGreatest Noveltyever offered to the American public.Our Special Offer.In order to introduce our large Illustrated Family Story Paper entitledYOUTHinto every home in the Union where it is not a visitor, we are making this extraordinary offer: Upon receipt of40 cents(or 20 two-cent postage stamps), we will send our paper for the next THREE MONTHS on trial, and thisMusical Watchas an absoluteFree Gift. Just think of it! AMusic Boxand our large 16 page paperthree monthsforonly40cents. For a club of3and$1.00will send three subscriptions and threeMusical Watches. This is a chance of a life-time. Write to-day.Address,YOUTH PUBLISHING CO., 27 Doane St., Boston, Mass.

The Great Musical Wonder of the Age.

A STEM-WINDING MUSICAL WATCH.

Each Watch is finely made, silver plated, and acomplete and sweet-toned Musical Instrument. Size and shape of an ordinary Watch, and has a Music Box attachment concealed within, so arranged that when wound at the stem plays one of the following tunes: "Wait till the Clouds Roll By," "Carnival of Venice," "Blue Bells of Scotland," "Home, Sweet Home," "Coming Through the Rye," "Swanee River," Waltz, Polka, Schottische, etc. The notes, time, and tones are correct. It will please both old and young, and is truly theGreatest Noveltyever offered to the American public.

Our Special Offer.In order to introduce our large Illustrated Family Story Paper entitledYOUTHinto every home in the Union where it is not a visitor, we are making this extraordinary offer: Upon receipt of40 cents(or 20 two-cent postage stamps), we will send our paper for the next THREE MONTHS on trial, and thisMusical Watchas an absoluteFree Gift. Just think of it! AMusic Boxand our large 16 page paperthree monthsforonly40cents. For a club of3and$1.00will send three subscriptions and threeMusical Watches. This is a chance of a life-time. Write to-day.

Address,YOUTH PUBLISHING CO., 27 Doane St., Boston, Mass.

HOPEFOR THEDEAF.

Peck's Patent Tubular Cushioned Ear Drumscure Deafness in all stages. Recommended by scientific men of Europe and America. Write forillustrated descriptive bookand testimonials from doctors, judges, ministers and prominent men and women who have been cured, and whotake pleasure in recommending them. They are unseen while in use, comfortable to wear, and make a permanent cure. Address.—WEST & CO., 7 Murray St., New-York, Agents for South and West.

FAY GRAPES

CURRANT HEADQUARTERS ALL BEST NEW AND OLD.

SMALL FRUITS AND TREES. LOW TO DEALERS AND PLANTERS. STOCK First-Class. Free Catalogues. GEO. S. JOSSELYN, Fredonia, N.Y.

Rememberthat $2.00 pays forThe Prairie Farmerfrom this date to January 1, 1885: For $2.00 you get it for one year and a copy ofThe Prairie Farmer County Map of the United States, free!This is the most liberal offer ever made by any first-class weekly agricultural paper in this country.

LIVE STOCK DEPARTMENT. Stockmen. Write for Your Paper.

Hon. A.M. Garland is expected home from Australia about the first of February.

Col. J.W. Judy & Son, the popular thoroughbred cattle auctioneers of Tallula, Ill., last year sold 2,057 head of cattle for $500,620.

Ohio Jersey cattle-breeders will hold a convention at Columbus, on the 15th. The Short-horn breeders of the State will meet at the same city on the same day.

Mr. C. Huston, Blandinsville, Ill., has gone to Scotland to purchase Clydesdale horses. He expects to be gone about half the year, and will make several shipments.

Wm. Yule, Esq., the well-known Short-horn breeder, of Somers, Kenosha county, Wisconsin, names, throughThe Prairie Farmer, March 19th prox., for his public sale for 1884.

At the annual meeting of the American Guernsey Cattle Club, held at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York, December 20th, Dr. J. Nelson Borland, New London, Conn., was re-elected President; Edward Norton was chosen Secretary and Treasurer.

Three new cases of pleuro-pneumonia were recently discovered near West Chester, Penn. Thus far the disease has been confined to three dairy herds. All infected animals are promptly appraised, condemned, killed and paid for by the State. The disease was introduced there by cows purchased at Baltimore.

The twenty-ninth volume of the new series of Coates' Short-horn Herd-Book has just been published by the English Short-horn Society. It contains the pedigrees of bulls ranging from (47311) to (48978). The larger half of the volume is devoted to the entry of cows with their produce. Each breeder's entries of females are recorded together under his own name. Her Majesty the Queen heads the list, followed by the Prince of Wales.

The offices of the American Short-horn Breeders' Association in Chicago were badly damaged by fire on Sunday, December 30. Some 1,500 pedigrees were destroyed and many others partially destroyed. Pedigrees received previous to December 20th, were saved. It will take time and work to restore these pedigrees and the loss must cause some delay in the work of the office. It will be remembered that the records of the association had a narrow escape at the time the Evening Journal office burned.

The following are the officers of the National Chester-White Swine Record Co. for 1883: Hon. Jack Hardin, Pleasureville, Ky., President; H.W. Tonkins, Fenton, Mo., Vice-President; W.B. Wilson, Eminence, Ky., Treasurer; E.R. Moody, Eminence, K., Secretary. The capital stock of the company is $5,000, in shares of $10 each. Fees are charged as follows: Book of 100 blank pedigrees, with stub for private record and instructions for filling, $1; for entry in Record, each pedigree, $1; stockholders, 75 cents; Record will be furnished at cost of publication.

At the late meeting of the American Merino Sheep Register Association at Burlington, Wis., the following officers were chosen: President, C.S. Miller, Caldwell, Wis.; First Vice-President, Daniel Kelly, Wheaton, Ill.; Second Vice-President, F.C. Gault, East Hubbardton, Vt.; Secretary, A.H. Craig, Caldwell, Wis.; Treasurer, George Andrews, Mukwonago, Wis.; Directors, C.A. Dingman, Troy Center, Wis.; G.B. Rhead, Norvell, Mich.; George Peck, Geneva, Ill.; E. Campbell, Pittsfield, Ohio; S.D. Short, Honeoye, N.Y.; John S. Goe, Brownsville. Pa.; F.C. Gault, East Hubbardton, Vt.; E.F. Gilman, Farmington, Me.; Ward Kennedy, Butler, Ind.; A. Wilson, Richfield, Minn.; Fayette Holmes, Russell, Kan.; H.J. Chamberlain, Davilla, Tex. Registering committee, T.W. Gault, Waterford, Wis.; C.A. Dingman, Troy Center, Wis.; Perry Craig, Caldwell, Wis.

Here is an excellent prize winning record: S.H. Todd, of Wakeman, Ohio, won on Chester-Whites and Poland-Chinas in 1883 as follows: At the Tri-State Fair, at Toledo, O., sweepstakes for best herd of Poland-Chinas, and the same on Chester-Whites. At the Michigan State Fair he took sweepstakes on Chester-White boar; at the Illinois State Fair, sweepstakes, for best Poland-China sow; do. for Chester-White sow, and the grand sweepstakes of $50 for the best herd on the ground regardless of breed. He also won in breeders' ring the prize for best herd of Chesters, and the prize for best boar with five of his get; also first and second prizes for sow with five of her pigs. Besides these notable premiums Mr. Todd's stock won for him nearly 100 class prizes at various leading fairs.

One of the Chicago dailies recently made the point that this city should be the center of the swine and pork statistics of the country on the ground that here is the center of trade in these products. The point is a good one. Some years ago the bulk of the hogs of the West was marketed at Cincinnati. At that time the Price Current of Cincinnati with commendable enterprize established itself as an authority in swine and pork statistics, and it has held the position from that day to this, despite the fact that Chicago has for several years received and packed several times as many hogs annually as has the original porkopolis. And this year, as usual, the Chicago press is dependent upon Cincinnati for packing statistics throughout the extensive swine-growing regions of the country. Of course it makes no real difference to merchants or producers where the figures emanate from so that they are comprehensive and reliable. It is only a bit of local pride that suggests the idea that here should the records be kept and the statistics compiled. If there is not sufficient enterprize here to capture the business, there is no ground for complaint. We should not have alluded to the matter, probably, but for the fact that the Cincinnati Price Current, with its hog-packing statistics, for the season of 1883 has just brought it to notice. Here the figures are compared with those of last year:

Cities.1883-84.1882-83.Chicago, packed1,405,0001,500,000Kansas City254,059233,336Cincinnati301,000300,000St. Louis200,000207,000Indianapolis181,700183,000Milwaukee185,000197,000Louisville, Ky.142,000118,000Cedar Rapids, Iowa91,61886,965Cleveland, O.62,28042,352Keokuk, Iowa28,60131,411

The Iowa State Improved Stock Breeders' Association had a good attendance at its annual meeting at Ames, last month.

Hon. J. Kennedy read a paper on the subject "Will Sheep Breeding Pay." Viewed from a financial point of view, he thought there had been no better financial results from any commodity than from the sheep—the wool and mutton—when given proper care and attention. Speculators and traffickers in wool and woolen goods were failing all over the country, but he attributed this to want of fitness for the business in which they were engaged. Though the present depression in the wool market was somewhat due to tariff tinkering, was more the result of over-production—greater supply than demand.

Mr. Grinnell said that at one time he was the owner of a flock of 6,000 sheep, but wool went down in price, and he did not think it profitable to keep so large a flock, and sold out.

Col. Lucas believed the owner of 160 acres of land could not do better than to put upon the tract at least 100 sheep.

Hon. E. Campbell had found the business profitable where flocks were fairly dealt with. He thought Iowa one of the best places in the world in which to raise sheep. He believed that both sheep and cattle could be profitably kept upon the same farm. His favorite cross is Cotswold and Merino. The average weight of fleece in his own flock was over six pounds.

Col. John Scott introduced the subject of swine by reading a compilation of historical facts regarding them. He presented drawings, showing the different breeds and the improvements made in them, in form and size.

Mr. Failor spoke of the Jersey-Reds as his favorite breed for docility and other essentials.

Prof. Knapp said the most profitable hogs are those with sound constitutions, good muscular systems, of early maturity, and in general made to resist diseases which prevail from time to time, all over the country.

Mr. Young said that when we want an animal for the farm, we must first look to soundness of constitution. Breed is not of so much consequence. A breed should not be run after merely because it is novel. He breeds Poland-Chinas. In order to gain the most prolific breeding, the sows of this breed should not be allowed to get too fat before dropping the first litter; simply keep them in good condition.

C.R. Smith thought early breeding injurious to the swine interests of the country.

H.W. Lathrop asserted that the forcing system of putting on meat had injured the constitutions of many of our breeds of hogs. In times past, when less pampering was in vogue and hogs were allowed wide range, there was less disease than now.

Mr. Clarkson, of Des Moines, read a paper entitled "Plain and Practical Thoughts for Common Farmers." It treated of the breeding and care of cattle.

Mr. Roberts said the more care there is bestowed upon cattle, the more profitable they are. He had bred up from a good Short-horn bull. Other members agreed upon the necessity of improving the grade of cattle. The best demand is always for the best stock.

Hon. J.B. Grinnell read his paper upon the extent of the cattle interest and the necessity of protecting our cattle from contagious diseases, in this connection, the following resolutions were passed:

Resolved, That we earnestly urge upon Congress, in view of the fact, the cattle interest is one of the most important industries, the justice and expediency of passing laws providing for an effectual eradication of pleuro-pneumonia from the entire territory of the United States, and also preventing the introduction of all contagious diseases in the future. This is the only authority to which we can go for the power for this purpose, as Congress has the exclusive power to regulate commerce with other nations, as well as among the several States; and, as there is now no law in any of the States to prevent any man who has a herd infected with a malignant, contagious disease, from taking them anywhere he pleases to the herds of any of the States; to prevent which, there must be a law more comprehensive in territorial power and extent than any State has. Therefore, it is of the most vital importance that the authority to regulate inter-State commerce should promptly act to protect our great cattle interest from total annihilation.Resolved, That the Legislature of Iowa, as a police regulation, should put the power in some hands, carefully and wisely guarded from abuse and wasteful extravagance, to arrest by isolation and destruction, if necessary, any contagious disease which may suddenly be developed in any neighborhood. This, however, not to include any of doubtful contagious character, such as hog cholera; and that we respectfully ask the Governor to call the especial attention of the Legislature to this subject, though there is no pleuro-pneumonia in our State now, nor has there ever been any, but we need laws to arrest it if any should be introduced.Resolved, That nations, as well as individuals, who ask justice should do justice, therefore, we insist that our Government should as carefully and vigilantly seek to prevent the exportation of contagious cattle diseases as to prevent their importation. This policy would create a feeling of national comity, and an effort to eradicate the scourge of nations (the cattle diseases).

Resolved, That the Legislature of Iowa, as a police regulation, should put the power in some hands, carefully and wisely guarded from abuse and wasteful extravagance, to arrest by isolation and destruction, if necessary, any contagious disease which may suddenly be developed in any neighborhood. This, however, not to include any of doubtful contagious character, such as hog cholera; and that we respectfully ask the Governor to call the especial attention of the Legislature to this subject, though there is no pleuro-pneumonia in our State now, nor has there ever been any, but we need laws to arrest it if any should be introduced.

Resolved, That nations, as well as individuals, who ask justice should do justice, therefore, we insist that our Government should as carefully and vigilantly seek to prevent the exportation of contagious cattle diseases as to prevent their importation. This policy would create a feeling of national comity, and an effort to eradicate the scourge of nations (the cattle diseases).

The committee on resolutions submitted the following, which was adopted:

Whereas, It has become impossible to keep sheep in safety in many parts of this State, owing to the loss occasioned by the ravage of wolves and dogs: therefore, be itResolved, That this association petition the State Legislature to increase the bounty on wolves and the tax on dogs.Resolved, That the President of this association be requested to appoint a committee to draft a bill embodying the sense of this meeting in reference to a wolf and dog law.

Whereas, It has become impossible to keep sheep in safety in many parts of this State, owing to the loss occasioned by the ravage of wolves and dogs: therefore, be it

Resolved, That this association petition the State Legislature to increase the bounty on wolves and the tax on dogs.

Resolved, That the President of this association be requested to appoint a committee to draft a bill embodying the sense of this meeting in reference to a wolf and dog law.

The next meeting of the Association will be held at Ottumwa, commencing the first Tuesday in December next.

Col. Scott is to prepare and publish the proceedings of this meeting. The edition will be 5,000 copies.

The following are the officers for 1884: President, C.F. Clarkson; Vice-presidents, H.C. Wheeler, B.F. Elbert, R. Stockdale, H. Wallace, W.H. Jordan, E.W. Lucas, and P. Nichols; Secretary and Treasurer, Fitch B. Stacy.

History chronicles no improvement in the horse made by the agency of man. The horses of the days of Pharaoh, or of Homer, have their superiors in no part of the civilized world to-day. The Arabs have for ages been noted for the excellence of their horses, but that excellence was not created, nor has it been increased by the arts of man. Since the time of Cromwell the horses of England have steadily degenerated. Those most conversant with the matter say that this degeneracy has been the most marked and rapid during the last fifty years. The horses of this country lack the value of their ancestors of the Revolutionary period. Nowhere, or at no time, can man boast of improving the horse by the arts of breeding. What is the reason of this?

The horse, the ox, the hog, and the sheep comprise the four great classes of domesticated farm animals. In certain directions man has improved these three last. These improvements have made them more valuable. The ox has been bred to make more flesh from the same amount of food, and to lay on fat at an earlier age; the cow has been bred to give instead of a supply of milk barely large enough to sustain her young, a bountiful yield, and of a richer quality; the hog has been bred into a veritable machine to convert food into pork; the sheep has been bred to yield more wool, and of a finer texture, and to make more mutton. All these changes have been beneficial because the value of the animal lay in its production of beef, milk, pork, wool, or mutton, as the case might be. It is true that these changes have been accomplished at the expense of vigor and endurance. These two qualities are important in the hog, ox, or sheep, but those that have been developed so far overshadow their lessening that on the whole we can say that the arts of man have improved our kine, swine, and sheep.

But it is not so with the horse. Its value does not depend upon the quantity and quality of its flesh, milk, or bodily covering. Unlike the others its value depends upon the work it can do. Hence vigor and endurance are the prime essentials of a good horse. But as man has lessened the vigor and endurance of the hog, ox, and sheep, so he has of the horse. This is the invariable result of human art. Whenever man tampers with the work of nature he is certain to lessen bodily vigor. It could not be otherwise. For the course of nature, undisturbed and undeflected, is always towards the greatest health. Man changes the course of nature and the result is lessened vigor and endurance.

Man has improved some qualities of the horse. He has increased its speed, perhaps, but only for short distances. Our race horses of to-day would make a sorry record with those of days no longer past than those of the "pony express," to say nothing of the couriers of centuries ago, because they have been made to deteriorate in vigor and endurance. We have ponderous, heavy horses to-day; but they can not do as much work before the plow or dray as those of the eighteenth century. We can not point anywhere to horses produced by breeding that are the equals of the horses of the days of chivalry. They lack not only in vigor and hardihood, but in intelligence. As the perfect symmetry of development by the course of nature has been destroyed by man the intelligence of the animal lessened. Whenever the hand of man has touched his equine friend it has been only to mar.

This decrease in the excellence of the horse can not be shifted from man to time. One instance alone demonstrates the unfairness of this. The Andalusians are now mere ponies, yet they are the descendants of those noble beasts ridden to victory by the Spanish chivalry in the days when the valor of the horse was as important as the valor of the knightly rider. Taken from their hills and valleys to serve in the haunts of men, and to be subjected to the arts of breeding, they have sadly degenerated. But the horses of the Spanish explorers of both North and South America escaped, and to-day the descendants of these same Spanish horses are, under the nurture of nature and nature's ways, the superb wild horses of the new world. They are the work of nature; the Andalusian ponies are the work of man's art.

As this degeneracy is the necessary co-existent of man's breeding, so far as it is produced by this cause it can not be escaped. But a good part of the evil is not the necessary sequence of breeding per se. It is also attributable to errors in treatment so palpable and easy of correction that it behooves us to note and avoid them. In my next I shall briefly mention a few of the most important of these.

Breeder and Sportsman: The old story of the countryman and his deceptive plug was recently repeated in Jersey, where people are supposed to have their eye-teeth cut. It was an old gray pacer this time, attached to a dilapidated wagon by cords and odd ends of harness. The astute hotel proprietor refused to give $20 for the outfit. Owner thenreplied that he would pace the horse over a good track in three minutes. Landlord bets $100 to $50 that he can't do it. Money was then put up, and owner wanted to draw, as the track was a good way off, and he could not spare the time to attend to the matter. Landlord insisted that the horse must pace or pay forfeit. A sulky and harness were borrowed, and judge placed in the stand, according to Hoyle. Owner claims the right to three trials, according to National Association rules. Point conceded. Old crowbait is scored up and given the word. Works off the mile very slick in 2:43. Landlord feels small, and $100 goes into owner's pocket. Another greenhorn bets $100 that horse can't beat 2:43. Rips off another mile 2:42, and owner pockets the money. Landlord feels better; owner better yet. Latest advices: same old side-wheeler won two or three hundred same way at Flemington, some more at Paterson, and has had a little pacing circuit all to himself. "What fools these mortals be!"

The following by Richard White in the New York Sun, might very properly have been dedicated to those trichinæ-frightened twins, Bismarck and Paul Bert.

Sing, heavenly muse, the noble quadruped,Whom Orientals oft presume to scorn,Who glorifies the food that he is fed,Extracting carbon from convenient corn.Peaceful his life, his death almost sublime,His end a grand effect of modern art;Scarce has he bid a sharp adieu to time,When he is packed and ready for the mart.He goes abroad, our land to represent;The earth, from pole to tropic, is his range;He fills the bill for use and ornament,Greases the world, and regulates exchange.Though ministers abroad may lightly treatThe rights that only appertain to men,They must protect our Western corn-fed meat,Defending our four-footed citizen.If Bismarck bars our barrels, tubs, or cans,Forcing our pork to make its way incog,Upset his schemes, and overthrow his plans,And clear a pathway for the native hog.

Sing, heavenly muse, the noble quadruped,Whom Orientals oft presume to scorn,Who glorifies the food that he is fed,Extracting carbon from convenient corn.

Peaceful his life, his death almost sublime,His end a grand effect of modern art;Scarce has he bid a sharp adieu to time,When he is packed and ready for the mart.

He goes abroad, our land to represent;The earth, from pole to tropic, is his range;He fills the bill for use and ornament,Greases the world, and regulates exchange.

Though ministers abroad may lightly treatThe rights that only appertain to men,They must protect our Western corn-fed meat,Defending our four-footed citizen.

If Bismarck bars our barrels, tubs, or cans,Forcing our pork to make its way incog,Upset his schemes, and overthrow his plans,And clear a pathway for the native hog.

Dr. Detmers, V.S., stationed at the Union Stock Yards at Chicago, by the Department of Agriculture for the purpose of inspecting swine, alleges that during the last four months he has examined at one packing-house not less than four thousand hogs and has seen at least ten times that number, but has not seen the slightest trace of disease, as he certainly should if any had existed. During the last two years but very little swine plague has prevailed anywhere, and, as far as he knows, no diseased hogs have been shipped; nearly if not all the small rendering tanks having been closed.

M. Pasteur, the eminent French scientist, says epizootic hog-cholera, even of the most virulent type, can be prevented by inocculation with the attenuated virulent virus. He also says it is proven that the period of immunity is more than a year; that, consequently, this is long enough for the requirements of hog-raising, since the period of fattening does not generally exceed a year. Yet, in spite of these happy results, I repeat that the question of the use of vaccination for different breeds needs new investigation, so that the vaccination of swine may be made general.

The Dairy.Dairymen, Write for Your Paper.

The increasing demand for milk in our cities and villages, and for gilt-edged butter during the winter season, is leading some of our most intelligent farmers to study more carefully the problem of winter dairying. "It costs more to make butter in winter than in summer," says the American Agriculturalist, "but if a select class of customers in cities or elsewhere, are willing to pay for the increased cost of producing it fresh in zero weather, then there is no good reason why they should not be gratified. Its feasibility is already established on a small scale, and there seems to be no discernible limit to the demand for a first-class article during the six months when the pastures are barren. The farmer who has the capital can readily provide a barn that will make his cows nearly as comfortable and healthy in winter as in summer, and shelter all the food they need to keep up a constant flow of rich milk. We have not attained, perhaps, all the information necessary to secure the best rations for winter milking, yet we are approximating toward that knowledge. Some think they have found in ensilage the one thing needful. Yet, some of the parties dealing in gilt-edge butter begin to complain of that made from rations consisting largely of ensilage. We shall probably have to put down early cut hay with the flavor of June grass in it as an essential part of the winter rations for first-class butter. We doubt if the bouquet of the June made article can be found elsewhere. Another ration will be Indian meal, our great national cereal, which is abundant and cheap and likely to continue so. Then we want green, succulent food with the dry fodder to sharpen the appetite and help the digestion. This suggests roots as another ration. We have carrots, mangolds and sugar beets; all easily raised, and cheaply stored in barn cellars or pits. And from our own experience in using them during several winters in connection with dry feed, we judge them to be a safe ration in butter-making. Cabbage also is available, and in districts remote from large markets, might be grown for this purpose. Near cities it is probably worth more for human food than for fodder. The whole subject is yet in the tentative state, and all are looking for further light!"

A correspondent of the New England Homestead found difficulty in making the butter "come" from cream raised in the Cooley Creamer. In a later issue several correspondents tried to help her through the difficulty. One said:

First of all be sure your cream is ready to come before you churn it. If you have no floating thermometer, please get one right away. Deep set cream needs not only to be ripened, but the temperature must be right—not less than 62 degrees, and 65 degrees is better. Don't guess at it, but be sure. Mix each skimming with the others thoroughly, and keep the cream pail in a warm place at all times.

Another said: Keep the cream at 60 degrees to 65 degrees all the time before it goes into the churn. Take care to thoroughly mix the different skimmings. Sometimes in cold weather the butter will nearly come, and then hold on without any advance. In such cases, put into a thirty-quart churning, half a cupful of salt and four quarts of water heated to 55 degrees; it will cut the butter from the buttermilk in five minutes. My butter sells for fifty cents a pound and this is the way I manage.

Another: Sour your cream before churning and have it as near 62 degrees as you can, and you will have no trouble. The first fall we had the Cooley we had one churning that would not come into butter. I found it was perfectly sweet. Since then I have been particular to have it ripe and have had no trouble.

A newspaper correspondent contributes the following which is of course made up of a mixture of facts and guesses. But as it is somewhere near the truth, as a general thing, we do as all the rest of the papers are doing, print it.

"There are nearly $2,000,250,000 invested in the dairying business in this country," said an officer of the Erie Milk Producers' Association yesterday. "That amount is almost double the money invested in banking and commercial industries, it is estimated that it requires 15,000,000 cows to supply the demand for milk and its products in the United States. To feed these cows 60,000,000 acres of land are under cultivation. The agricultural and dairy machinery and implements in use are worth over $200,000,000. The men employed in the business number 700,000 and the horses nearly 1,000,000. The cows and horses consume annually 30,000,000 tons of hay, nearly 90,000,000 bushels of corn meal, about the same amount of oat-meal, 275,000,000 bushels of oats, 2,000,000 bushels of bran, and 30,000,000 bushels of corn, to say nothing of the brewery grains and questionable feed of various kinds that is used to a great extent. It costs $400,000,000 to feed these cows and horses. The average price paid to the laborers necessary in the dairy business is probably $20 a month, amounting to $168,000,000 a year.

"The average cow yields about 450 gallons of milk a year, giving a total product of 6,750,000,000 gallons. Twelve cents a gallon is a fair price to estimate the value of this milk at, a total return to the dairy farmer of $810,000,000. Fifty per cent of the milk is made into cheese and butter. It takes twenty-seven pounds of milk to make one pound of butter, and about ten pounds of milk to make one pound of cheese. There is the same amount of nutrition in three and one half pounds of milk that there is in one pound of beef. A fat steer furnishes fifty per cent of boneless beef, but it would require about 24,000,000 steers, weighing 1,500 pounds each, to produce the same amount of nutrition as the annual milk product does."

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