LiYS StocL
Reported for the Indiana Farmer.
TflOEOUGH-BRKD    HORSES
CATTLE.
AND
Address  at the Late Indiana State
Fair, by W. R. Duncan, of
McLean Co., IU.
Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Indiana State Beard of Agriculture:
Sacred history teaches the fact that
man was made in the image and likeness
of tLe Deity. That to him was imparted
a higher order of reasoning faculties, a
susceptibility for the reception of saoh
an education as would enable him to
exercise an amount of wisdom known
only to Him in whose likeness he
was created, and who alone could
organize such a piece of machinery,
as anatomy has demonstrated the
human system to be. Powerfully and
wonderfully wrought as_ is his organization, elevated as is tho position it is apparent he was designed
to occupy in the sphere of usefulness by the Creator of his being,
when the prerogative ef a taskmaster
was exercised over him for the first
time, we find that the labor assigned
him was to keep and dress tbe
Garden of Eden.
From this lesson we learn that the
cultivation of the soil was originally  designed as the  most impor-,
tant avocation of the life of man,—
one worthy the exercise of all the
faculties   of his   nature;   the   ono	
best calculated, in consequence
of the study he must make of nature's
laws in order to be an intelligent husbandman, to hold him in direct communion with the Author of his being, and
enable him the more fully to realize the
fact that he is becoming moro and more
like Him as he makes intelligent progress
in his work.
From it we also learn that it was designed to be the most reliable and permanent source of wealth—the employment
for both mind and muscle on the part of
man, that should enable him to contribute
to the fullest extent, to the prosperity
and happiness of his fellow men. There
are, it is true, other sources of wealth,
other avocations in which man has been
and is at present engaged contribuiting to
the same grand object. They are only
auxiliaries, however, and contribute just
in proportion to the amount of supply
drawn from the main source. In order
that the creature should be equal to the
grand designs of the Creator, there was
created for his use all the families ofthe
brute creation, many of them endowed
with intelligence enough to learn all that
man should choose to teach them, in order that they should render such service
as he required in carrying cut the objects
of his being ; others as food for men and
for each other. Of all the animals thus
created,
THE HORSE
is the most intelligent and renders man
the most assistance. Although all ofthe
different families that are now bred and
in use for all the purposes to which man
has applied them, are from the same original source, such has been the influence
of climate, education and breeding that
there are as many classes of horses to-day
in the country as there are purposes for
which he is used. I propose to notice
these classes briefly, with a view to their
practical value as at present bred and
used in this country.
THE THOROUOH-BRED H0R8E,
as he is termed, or that class bred principally for the turf, are rather high mettled and too light in the bone to be a very
valuable horse for any other purpose, except to cross with other breeds that are
sluggish, coarse in their general formation, deficient in endurance, and unable
to render service in warm climates. As
there is nothing practical in horse-racing,
I will not dwell on his value for that
purpose, but simply state that all the
money any oneof them wins for his owner, only makes some one poorer to the
same extent, and further, demoralizes the
owner by increasing the desire to become
wealthy at the expense pf the sporting-
world, without engaging in such|ousincss
as contributes to the permanent wealth of
the whole people.
THE HEAVY DRAFT HORSE
of this country, as we see them at our
agricultural fairs at the present time, is
not a native of this climate. They have
been imported from France, England and
Scotland, where they have been bred for
years for heavy, slow work, principally
in the large cities on paved streets. That
olass of work that has heretofore been
done in this country by the mule, and for
which he is better adapted in my judgment than any horse, for the reason that
he can do more work during his life,
either light or heavy, at less expense to
his owner and in a more satisfactory
manner. As the breedingand use of this
class of horse is yet an experiment in this
country, I will give no opinion as to the
value to be derived from his uso, but
simply state that I doubt the propriety of
introducing so many into the country, or
of our agricultural societies giving them
30 much encouragement until it is practically demonstrated that they are to be
a permanent source of ^wealth. They
are a horse that never can come into general use in this country, for the reason
that the American will never become
slow enough in his own nature to use
such a horse for general purposes. Neither can they stand the heat of our southern climate, in consequence of their
amount of flesh and blood. They cen
only be bred successfully or profitably in
such numbers as may be required for
heavy work in the northern cities, where
the teaming is done by men of foreign
birth entertaining a prejudice against the
mule.
The class of horse bred and known in
this country, as
TnE ROADSTER
is   at  present   a very   popular   class.
present
w*nin>
a medium or general purpose horte is to
b3 produced by the coupling of extremes
in size, use the small horse on the large
mare, as it is likely to produce the best
result, yet I do not advise the coupling
of extremes in size at all. A gradual
increase or reduction in size is greatly
preferable. _ The error so often indulged
in of coupling extremes in size, formation and temperament, is one of the most
potent causes of failure in breeding. We
should always avoid the coupling of animals where there is a great disparagement in age. Time produces quite a
revolution in tho system. Two strong
counter-currents should never be brought
in contact if certain results are desirable ; when they are, the result is uncertain and often unsatisfactory. One of
the
f   '{T   /   - ? * - ■
FORTUNE
%l/ •*.?*' ISH
BEAUTY
fEfirtCTION
•i'Sic^Lu-
TENNLSSLl.   BLLLf
Poland-Chinas, owned by Henry Comstock, Liberty Mills, Ind.
breed which will yield the largest amount
of human food within a given period, for
the food consumed. Looking at the
value of the different breeds of cattle
from this standpoint, we discover that
the
BHORT-nORN DURHAM
stands par excellence. No other breed
can equal them as beef producers in
either quality or quantity, while for the
dairy it is questionable whether there is
any one of the distinct breeds that can
be bred with more profit. I have owned
Short-Horn cows that milked quite as
well as any other,.while a majority of all
the prizes I have ever known awarded
milk cows has been given to the grade
Durham.
Like all other breeds they are not universally good milkers, yet many of them
are, and all would be more so if bred
with a view to their value for the dairy.
There are but two otherdistinct breeds
■ red to any extent in this country, that
havo ever been bred as rivals for general
purposes,
THE DEVON AND HEREFORD.
These breeds have their friend*, who
claim their superiority over all others.
Be that as it may in somo localities. 1
remember that 1 am addressing the State
Hoard of Indiana, one of the States lying
in the rich valley of the Mississippi,
whose principal business must, always be
the growing of meat. Sho has other
sources of wealth ; they are only secondary, however, and should bo so regarded
by tho husbandman, especially in the
breeding of animals. This view of my
subject is equally applicable to the
breeding of all meat producing animals.
progress Indiana has made in agriculture, and the success of your State fair
from its organization to the present day.
As a sister western State, Illinois is
proud of your statistics. She stands
ready to
JOIN HANDS
with you, and give you any assistance
she can in your effort to win the first
honor in the gallant race now being run
for position and wealth between you and
your western sisters, although she is herself in the contest.
Those Potatoes.—Inform " P. B," of Huntington County, that I dug those potatoes at
one time, hut have no doubt that if I had dng.
the second time I would have got a few more.
They are the White Sprout variety.
Wheat la all cowed; selling from 11.10 to 11.35
per bushel. Corn only a half crop; selling at
60 and 60 cents. Potatoes 25 cents. No hog
cholera In this connty. Hogs are scarce and
high priced.
Wlllsome of the readers of the Farmer Inform me how and when to sow clover seed to
Insure a good " catch " on light sandy soli.
We like the vlsita of the Indiana Fakmeb.
Our Orange, No. 428. Ls prospering finely.
Stark Co., Ind., Oct. 4th. J. Hardy.
They are for light draft, or quick business on the road to a light vehicle, a horse
of value; but it becomes a serious question whether he is -of such value as to
justify our agricultural societies (such of
them, at least, as wero organized for a
legitimate purpose) to allow themselves
and the entiro community to bemado
horse jockeys of, in order that their value to tho sporting class maybe determined. If their popularity is based upon
their value for a useful, practical purpose, then is it not proper that the farmer
who breeds them should receive the encouragement from the agricultural societies of the country rather than the
jockey who trains them for the track ?
This class of horso has been so bred
that the blood of the thorough-bred race
horso largely predominates in his veins,
many of them containing crosses of the
blood of the Canadian pacer, giving them
knee action, as it is termed, enabling
them to trot with speed aud ease to
themselves, that being the preferable
gait in harness.   The class known as
THE  SADDLE nORSE
are being greatly and shamefully neglected by the breeders and agricultural societies of the country. If more of them
were bred there would be less use for
buggies, and many of our ladies would
enjoy better health, as no exercise conduces more to a lady's health than a
horseback ride in the open air. Exercise
on the back of a pleasant going horse is
always much to be eojoyed, and often the
most convenient way of doing business;
while the horse possessing the best saddle gait is often quite as well adapted to
general use as any other.
THE GENERAL PURPOSE HORSE,
or that class possessing more of the
qualities for which the horse is valuable
to thc entire community, is the horse of
the age, the class to which our agricultural
societies should offer the most encouragement, for the reason that he is the horse of
the poor man, as well as the rich. That
portion of our people that own not more
than one or two horses, must use them
for all purposes for which they use horses
at all. Such is the case with many people in the country, andwith a large majority of those in the city. For this reason the farmers should be encouraged to
breed the very best.
Having spoken of the different classes.
and.the purposes for which they are bred
in this country, I now invite your attention to a few thoughts upon the subject
of breeding, raising and general management of the horse to the time of maturity.
IN BREEDING
none but the very best sires should be
used. The breeding to inferior ones, in
consequence of the_ sum at which their
service can be obtained, is a great mistake, and is the cause'of the great number of animals we see in the country that
will not remunera.e the owner for their
raising. The best, as a general thing, is
the oheapest, and if none were used as
sires but the best the improvement would
be more decided, and the average value
of our horse stock greater. 1 would
therefore suggest that the service of all
such as are worthy of being kept for such
a purpose, be put at the lowrst rate that
will remunerate the owner, in order that
all may by accommodated, and thecoun
try derive the more benefit. As much as
possible, in breeding, we should avoid
the use of sires much larger than dams.
If it is desirable to improve the size-of
our domestic animals it is best to do so
gradually, if doue through the sire.
If it is to be done at once itis best to do
iir wi? j^s^jW; "</«
COMMON ERRORS OP TnE DAY
in breeding, is to use colts as sires. Such
should never bo tho case to any extent.
\ maro may be bred at three years old,
but a horse, if he is designed for a_ stock
horse for life, should bo used but little in
that way until he is mature. Many sires
are rendered partially impotent, and
some entirely bo, by premature copulation.
The pf riod of gestation in tho mare is
about eleven months. During this time
she may be used in any way that a reasonable man would use an animal, without
danger. Sudden fright, over work, or improper exposure to strange, cross animals
is dangerous, and often produce an abortion. After the first, there is more or less
danger of a repetition about the same
period, unless remedies are used. If the
proper remedy is used and a repetition
prevented, there is no danger afterward
from the first occurrence. Bv the exercise of a little care the mare will render
as much service in that condition as any
judicious farmer would require, without
danger. After the birth of the colt it
should be cared for in such a manner as
to be_gentle, and kept in healthy, growing
condition, up to maturity; but never
forced or made fat on grain. _ As for
breaking, he should never require that,
but should be given such lessons from
birth to maturity as maybe necessary to
have the animal at any time all you desire, or all he is capable of being. Such
a course of treatment will give less
trouble than any other, and always produce the most satisfactory results.
Remember that a gentle and properly
instructed colt is always a gentle and intelligent horse; that he is man's very
best servant, and at the same time the
animal in which he takes the greatest
delight.
I have met with few persons that were
not proud to be the owner of a fine, well
bred, intelligent horse; with many the
admiration amounts almost to idolatry.
Yet in what sense is a gentleman or lady
censurable for their care, their love or
admiration for the noblest animal ofthe
brute creation? Such is my admiration
that I felt it quite a compliment to be
selected to discourse before your honorable body upon his merits as man's assistant in carrying out the grand objects
of his creation.
Next to the horse in usefulness and
value, stands
TnE cow,
or the class of animals commonly termed
cattle. In this country at present, there
are quite a number of distinct breeds,
bred and used for different purposes,
while there are very many of no particular breed. These are termed the common cattle of the country. At the present there is but little known of their
original antecedents or of the bleod their
veins contain.
There has been no record kept of their
breeding, neither docs the owner care to
know more of the breeding of his cow
than that her dam gave a good bucket of
milk at each milking, and that his is an
improvement on the mother.
Butter, milk and cheese are elements
of human food in almost every family,
indispensable ones, too; consequently
even the common cattle of the country
are of no insignificant value. Yet when
we remember that history reveals the
fact, that in addition to the elements of
human food I havenamed, furnished by
the <sow, that meat is never low in price
for any length of time in any_ country
having a population of forty millions of
people or over, and that beef is the most
substantial and as healthy meat as any
other, there is forced on the mind the
Hi.«  ™n « t« .tn ■"" exPcctTcd - ? ad:  agricultural interests and resources of the west than any other.
.llrS-W!™?   X "' not  State the name and reputation of the  Brown planter is familia
allude to them further. i,rt„„„t,„u „r „„. „„.„_„,,„.;„„ Aiet*;**.     a m™„ ♦!,. ™„if;*„a. .
so through the dam.    In other words, if j importance of breeding   that family or
THE  HOLSTEIN OR DUTCH
cattle aro a new breed, of which but
little is known in this country as vet.
Their color and general formation does
not commend them highly to a people
having so much admiration for the beautiful as the Americans.
TnE    AYRSHIRE,    TIIE    ALDERNEY    OR
JERSEY.
arc small breeds, bred for the dairy in
some districts, yet I havo never seen
them anywhere that I did not think the
people were makiDg a mistake. They are
high-bred looking little cows, giving a
Bup as it were of rich milk, yielding a
large per cent, of butter. They may be
thecow for the rich man who can afford
to live on luxuries, but in no sense are
theythe cow for the common people.
They do not give much milk, while as
beef producers they stand among other
good beef producers where the merino
does among the mutton breeds of sheep,
as of no value at all.
As the number of Short-Horns in the
country, and their value in an open
market truly entitles them to
the first place in importance in your
State and throughout the West, I claim
your indulgence for a few moments
longer, while I offer a few thoughts in
reference to the
VALUE OP DIFFERENT FAMILIES
as established by the capitalists of this
country and England, by their efforts to
make corners in breeding.
Your State is comparatively young yet:
you have but few farmers who can afford
to be controlled by extremes of fashion
in breeding. Some one is to be seriously
hurt by this reckless rush to be in the
lead, so far as fashion is concerned.
The descendants of all families must
come to the butcher's block or go to the
bone yard. Those that come t., the meat
block and yield the largest return are
ultimately to bethe most valuable. A
practical necessity must sooner or later
produce a practical result. The number
that fashionable breeding is at present
sending te the bone yard will make them
think sooner or later.   A
FLAGRANT ERROR
in breeding in the human family must be
an error in breeding our high bred domestic animals, that cannot be otherwise
than attended with fatal consequences; I
will therefore call your attention again
to my address before the Short-Horn
Breeder's Convention held at Springfield,
Illinois, last December, on the principles
of breeding, now, published with the proceedings of that body. I regard them as
correct principles, such as you can rely
on with certainty for health, thrift and
constitution.
As I have said before, any animal
whose individuality is what it should be,
bred according to the rule of the short
horn record, can be relied on to produce
the valuable characteristics of the race
for all practical purposes. 1 therefore
insist that your people should not be discouraged because they are not able to
own $20,000 bulls. Pursue the even
tenor of your way steadily under the
rule of the record, and you are safe for
all time to come. _ That rulo properly observed, with a strict adherence to individuality in your male animals, will have
more te do with the prices in this country in a few years than any other
fashion.
At any rate it is a safe ground for all
breeders to occupy. 1 therefore submit
it for your consideration and the consideration of the breeders of your young
and prosperous State.
I congratulate you, gentlemen, on the
THE    BROWN    CORN    PLANTER.
Among tho noteworthy implements on exhibition at the State Fair, was that
tried and familinr friend o* the farmer, the Brown Corn Planter—the honored
head of thc corn planter family, and a machine that has done more to develop the
Even in our own
iar in almost every •
household of our corn-growing districts. Among the rnultitude of farmers on the
fair ground, who, having tested its merit, wero loud in its praise, were those who
have Brown planters made ten or fifteen years ago, and find them still accurate
and reliable droppers, whilo in Illinois we are told they are to be found in successful operation, after twenty years of service. These facts establish the reputation
of this machino for durability and assure the farmer that in buying a Brown
planter ho will get the worth of his money, an assurance he cannot have in purchasing a machine more recently put upon the market. In its present construction
this machine is also a model of simplicity—the object being to produce a reliable
and durable planter at the lowest possible cost to thc farmer, and by avoiding all
useless and expensive appliances, which serve to attract the eyes of committees
and purchasers, but are of no practical value in the field, Mr. Brown is enabled
to produce a planter for the low price of fifty dollars. He prefers to submit his
machines to the test of the field, the only place where points of real merit can be
actually demonstrated, and consequently was not a competitor for any premiums
at the State Fair.
The above out represents his Combined Drill and Check-Row Planter, as it
appears in the field. This machine will drill two rows at a time, depositing one or
more kernels in a place, as may be desired, and at any required distance apart in
the rows, and is also susceptible of being changed quickly and easily into a checkrow planter.
Indiana Farmer Family.
Oar Postal Card Correspondence.
RUSH COUNTY-October llth.
Corn is fully ud to last year.   Hogs are dying
with cholera.  Cattle are dull.   Yonng wheat
looks well.   Considerable wheat has been sown.
Samuel Habus.
ALLEN COUNTT—October 11th.
Weather flne. Just enough rain to make
grain and grass grow, and for farmers to get
along nicely with their work. Sickness is
plenty. Your paper is ever a welcome visitor
at our home. Subscriber.
JACKSON COUNTY-October 9.
Wheat all sown. The early sowing looks
well. Farmers Buffered very much from the
July freshet. A great deal of corn, wheat, oaU
and potatoes being destroyed. Times are hard,
and the outlook ls anything but encouraging.
. Jno. H. Camp.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY-October 11th.
We are having plenty of rain again. Wheat
sowing is about over, and lt ls coming np very
nicely; a large amount being sown. A great
many farmers are bosy cutting corn; the crop
ln this vicinity ls more than an average. Hogs
are plenty; worth from K% to 7 cents.
W.H. McClure.
HENRY COUNTY-October llth..
Early sown wheat looks flne. Corn pretty
good ln some localities of this county, bnt is
badly damaged on the low, flat lands and river
bottoms. Potatoes are a fair average crop.
The county fairs are over, and passed ofl lively
aad with good success. Grangers are still
found to be cheerful and lively. The Farmeb
Is a welcome visitor to all. O. Gaud.
HAMILTON COUNTY—Oct. 9th.
Wheat in this locality (Cicero,) Is coming up
better than was expected. Corn ls considerably
damaged by the frost. Late potatoes are not as
good as early ones. Beans was poorly Ailed—
was too wet for them. Hogs are still dying ln
tnis neighborhood. Cattle and sheep look well.
Fodder all out and wheatall sown. No rye has
been sown here. Wheat 60 cents to SI. Peta-
toes 25 to 40 cents. Corn 50 cents. Hogs 6 to 6%
cents. Lard 18; wool 35 to 50 cents; butter 22;
beans Jl.75 to S2.00. J. H. Albebtson.
TIPPECANOE COUNTY-October 9th.
Have had very dry weather until lately, bnt
are getting plenty of rain now. A few are Just
finishing seeding, while others are cnttlng np
corn and digging potatoes. All are busy, except
those who are sick. There ls considerable
slcknes here. We have had severe frost
lately, and it has cut the peach blow potato crop
short. They are not yielding near as well as
last year. Some have rotted. Other varieties
are fair potatoes. They are worth from 25 to 40
centa per bustiel. Old com 60 cents; new 35 to 40
cento. Wheat 60 cents to J1.10. Hay $9 to $15.
Hogs 6 to 7 cents: There are plenty of grangers
here, and ln good spirits. The Farmer is taken
and read by a«reat many here. They believe
lt is good, and can't help lt.
W. E. McMinint.
WAYNE COUNTY-October 9th.
A very dry September. Seeding was attended
with difficulty. About two-thirds of the usual
breadth was sown. The rains of the past week
are bringing it up nicely. Corn not as good as
was generally supposed. Hogs are dying with
cholera to a (earful extent. Would like to hear
from the State generally, as to the extent of
this disease. Any well tried remedy or cure
would be thankfully received by many ot youT
readers. S. E, W.
LATE  PUBLICATIONS.
Christopher Columbus. By S. C. Abbott.
Dodd * Mead publishers, New Yoik. For
sale ln this city by Bswen, Stewart & Co.
Price J1.50.
This is another volume ln the series of "Pioneers and Patriots of America" by this popular
author. We would strongly recommend the
whole series to parents who have boys old
enough to read. The books are all well written,
interesting and useful. There is no trash
among them. The present volume, especially,
ought to be ln the hands of every American
boy or girl who ls able to understand and ap-
predate its thrilling stories of peril and discovery.
Elsie's Womanhood. By Martha "Farquhar-
sod. Dodd & Mead publishers, New York.
For sale in this city by Bowen, Stewart A
Co.   Price Jl.75.
This ls a sebqel to "Elsie's Girlhood," by the
same author. It brings the story into the
seenes of the late war J and describes some of
Its most eventful lncedents. Among them is a
description of Anderson ville, and the wretched
life led by the prisoners there. The author has
endeavored to treat the subject of the war impartially, and in strict accord with facts, and
to leave ln the minds of her readers on both
sides snch an abhorrence of war as to permit
in any of them the thoughts of a renewal of
Its dreadful soenes. Tbe story la pleasantly told,
and with Its exciting Incidents and interesting
plot will secure a large nnmber of readers.
Daily Thoughts. By Rev. T. DeWltt Tal-
mage. EdltedbyRev.J.V.D.Sburts. Dodd
A Mead publishers, No. 3. For sale here
byMessrB.Bowen.Btewart&Co. Prioejl.75.
This book ls a collection of the best thoughts
of this gifted Brooklyn preacher, put Into a
form for dally reading, a page or more being
devoted to each day ln the year. It is compiled, as the author declares, in the belief that
such a work wUI better the condition of mankind, and the earnest hope that by its dally
persual many may be encouraged, strengthened
and blessed.
From Jest to Earnest. By E. P. Roe. Dodd
& Mead publishers, New York. For sale in
this city by Bowen, Stewart & Oo.
This is the suggestive title to a very readable
book. It ls written in this well known
authors happiest vein, and will repay, ln both
a literary and a moral sense, a careful perusal.
Summer Btm will Shire Aoaik. Song for
Piano and Chorus. Mnsio by H. P. Danks. H.
S. Mackie publisher, Rochester. New York.
Price 35 cents.    .
5H?: