The Clydesdale Horse, by Alex. Galbraith, Janesville Fruit for the Farm - The Apple - by Geo. P. Peffer, Pewaukee.. 297-300 Health of Animals, by V. T. Atkinson, V. S., State Veterinarian 301-306 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, HONORABLE JEREMIAH M. RUSK, Thrice Honored Governor of Wisconsin: In conformity with an act of the legislature of 1854, I have the honor of transmitting to you the twenty-fifth report of the transactions of the State Agricultural Society. To you as the chief executive the society owes much. Your interest in agriculture manifested not only on your own beautiful farm, but upon every occasion where the society and state could be benefited, has won for you the enduring friendship of the farming community, and given you as their representative a proud distinction unparalleled even by your military glory. Our state is making rapid advancement in many directions. The raising of cattle and horses has given many of our farmers a large balance on the right side of the ledger. Our mechanical arts and industries are multiplying in every direction. Railroads are keeping pace in the march of improvement. Our recently developed iron interests are daily making millionaires of their discoverers. Erelong our state will be known as the happy home of many millions of peaceful and contented citizens. Much credit is due the State Agricultural Society for the present prosperous condition of our agricultural interests and the enviable reputation our stock raisers and breeders have attained. Our State Fair is a great agricultural and industrial school. It teaches by comparison, it encourages by competitive tests and establishes superiority by its awards of diplomas, premiums and ribbons. Its educating influence has set its mark of improvement upon the farms, the orchards, the gardens, the grainaries, the stables, and the good housewives' pantry stores through the length and breadth of the state. The Farmers' Annual Convention, held in the capitol in February, brings out the best agricultural and industrial talent in the state. An increased interest in it is clearly manifested, the hall is daily and nightly packed with intelligent and enthusiastic men and women. Papers and discussions usually cover nearly all farm interests, with many thoughts presented that have made homes brighter and firesides happier. The proceedings of the convention are published in our reports and distributed as equally as possible throughout the state. The issue for 1886 is entirely exhausted, still applications are received by every mail, not only from our own state but from nearly every state in the union, and from many foreign countries that have learned to estimate their value. Several thousand additional copies will be greatly needed for the forthcoming annual report. T. L. NEWTON, Secretary. |