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diff --git a/29057-h/29057-h.htm b/29057-h/29057-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a0cb84b --- /dev/null +++ b/29057-h/29057-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1468 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Address Delivered By Hon. Henry H. Crapo, Governor of Michigan, Before +The Central Michigan Agricultural Society, At Their Sheep-Shearing Exhibition, Held At The Agricultural +College Farm, on Thursday, May 24th, 1866., +by Henry H. Crapo. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +p { + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; +} + +.fm1 {font-size: 150%; + text-align: center; + font-weight: bold; +} + +.fm2 {font-size: 125%; + text-align: center; + font-weight: bold; +} + +.fm3 {font-size: 100%; + text-align: center; + font-weight: bold; +} + +.fm4 {font-size: 90%; + text-align: center; + font-weight: bold; +} + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; +} + +.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; +} /* page numbers */ + + +.blockquot { + margin-left: 5%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + +.transnote { background-color: #ADD8E6; color: inherit; margin: 2em 10% 1em 10%; font-size: 80%; padding: 0.5em 1em 0.5em 1em;} +.transnote p { text-align: left;} +a.correction {text-decoration: none; border-bottom: thin dotted red; color: inherit; background-color: inherit;} +a.correction:hover {text-decoration: none;} + + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Address delivered by Hon. Henry H. Crapo, +Governor of Michigan, before the Central Michigan Agricultural Society, at their Sheep-shearing Exhibition held at the Agricultural College Farm, on Thursday, May 24th, 1866, by Henry Howland Crapo + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Address delivered by Hon. Henry H. Crapo, Governor of Michigan, before the Central Michigan Agricultural Society, at their Sheep-shearing Exhibition held at the Agricultural College Farm, on Thursday, May 24th, 1866 + +Author: Henry Howland Crapo + +Release Date: June 6, 2009 [EBook #29057] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADDRESS BY HON. HENRY H. CRAPO *** + + + + +Produced by Betsie Bush, Carla Foust, and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from scans of public domain works at the +University of Michigan\\\'s Making of America collection.) + + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<div class="transnote"> +<h3>Transcriber's note</h3> +<p>Minor punctuation errors have been changed without notice. Printer +errors have been changed, and they are indicated with +a <a class="correction" title="like this" href="#tnotes">mouse-hover</a> +and listed at the +<a href="#tnotes">end of this book</a>. All other +inconsistencies are as in the original. +</p> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p class="fm2">ADDRESS</p> + +<p class="fm4">DELIVERED BY</p> + +<p class="fm1">HON. HENRY H. CRAPO,</p> + +<p class="fm3">Governor of Michigan,</p> + +<p class="fm4">BEFORE THE</p> + +<p class="fm2"><span class="smcap">Central Michigan Agricultural Society,</span></p> + +<p class="fm4">AT THEIR</p> + +<p class="fm2">SHEEP-SHEARING EXHIBITION,</p> + +<p class="fm4">HELD</p> + +<p class="fm3">AT THE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE FARM,</p> + +<p class="fm4">On Thursday, May 24th, 1866.</p> + +<p><br /><br /></p> + +<p class="fm4">LANSING:</p> +<p class="fm4">JOHN A. KERR & CO., STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS.</p> +<p class="fm4">1866.</p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="ADDRESS" id="ADDRESS"></a>ADDRESS.</h2> + + +<p><i>Mr. President, and Members of the "Central Mich. Ag'l Society:"</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ladies and Gentlemen</span>: Remote from the theatre of action in the late +rebellion, Michigan has experienced comparatively few of the evils that +followed immediately in its path. The usual pursuits of peaceful life, +were here scarcely disturbed, and by the permission of a Gracious +Providence, the industry of the inhabitants of our State was but little +diverted from its legitimate channels. Nevertheless, while so many of +her patriot sons were engaged in the deadly strife of Southern +battle-fields, and the result of the struggle was in the uncertain +future, a sombre cloud could not fail to brood over our daily life, +interfering with the full enjoyment of the blessings we retained.</p> + +<p>Now, however, the roar of cannon and the noise and tumult of war is no +longer heard in our land; the scenes of carnage and blood which our once +peaceful and happy country has recently witnessed are at an end; the +turmoil and strife of armed hosts in deadly conflict have ceased; the +public mind is no longer excited, and the hearts of the people are no +longer pained, by the fearful news of battles fought, and of the +terrible slaughter of kindred and friends. Social order again invites us +to renewed efforts in our respective labor and callings; and we are +permitted "to beat our swords into plow-shares and our spears into +pruning-hooks."</p> + +<p>Like the calm and quiet repose of peace when it follows the clamor and +din of war, so is the delightful, cheering and invigorating approach of +spring, as it succeeds the chilling blasts and pelting storms of dreary +winter.</p> + +<p>The truth of this is verified to us on the present occasion. We have +come together at this delightful spot, and on this beautiful spring day, +not only for the enjoyment of a festive season, but also for the +improvement of our minds and the increase of our present stock of +knowledge on subjects with which our several interests and our +respective tastes are more or less identified.</p> + +<p>At your request and upon your kind invitation, I am here to contribute +my share—small though it be—to the general fund. I should, however, +have much preferred the position of a quiet learner to that of an +incompetent teacher—to have <i>listened</i> rather than to have <i>spoken</i>. +But being here, it will be my purpose—by your indulgence—to speak, in +general terms, upon such topics as seem to me appropriate to the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span>occasion. I shall not presume to theorize, or to speculate; neither +shall I travel through unexplored fields with no other guide than +imagination; nor shall I attempt to entertain you with any rhetorical +flourishes, or figures of speech; but in a simple manner endeavor to +give briefly my own views on the several subjects discussed.</p> + +<p>The occasion is undoubtedly one affording a wide field for profitable +discussion; yet the space which your greatest indulgence can be expected +to allow me will render it necessary that I confine myself to a very few +topics, and will barely permit a hasty glance at some of those only +which may be considered appropriate in this address. You will therefore, +I trust, remember that in case I do not refer to subjects which you may +deem of importance, it will be from this reason, and not because I may +have considered them unimportant.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>In the first place, then, permit me a brief reference to this +Association, under whose auspices, and by whose directions—acting in +connection with the officers of the Agricultural College—this festival +is held. Your Society, I understand, extends over the counties of +Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Livingston and Shiawassee, and has been formed +for the purpose of combining and concentrating a wider scope of +individual action than could otherwise be attained, with a view to an +increased interest in the subject of Agriculture and of Agricultural +Fairs; thereby recognizing the principle that "in union there is +strength."</p> + +<p>The effort is not only laudable, but will, I have no doubt, be +productive of the most beneficial results. In fact we have in this very +effort to bring into notice and give an increased interest to one of our +most important branches of husbandry in our State—the growth and +production of wool—abundant evidence that such will be the result. By +coming together, as on the present occasion, in the spirit of a free, +frank and social interchange of ideas, an increased interest cannot fail +of being awakened, as well as an extensive inquiry instituted, among +farmers generally, not only as to the most desirable breed of sheep, but +also as to the best modes of tending and keeping and feeding the +different kinds, with a view to the greatest profits. The influence of +such a gathering as this is of much value—not only in encouraging a +desire for excellence and creating a spirit of competition and of +laudable emulation, but as furnishing the means for an active exchange +of the more desirable specimens. Those who assemble are enabled to enjoy +a season not merely of relaxation from toil, but also for mutual +consultation and discussion; and a healthy and growing interest in +everything pertaining to Agriculture, in all its varied forms and +branches, is thereby induced.</p> + +<p>In this connection I may be permitted to make a few remarks in relation +to the salutary influence which our Agricultural Societies cannot fail +to exert upon the farmers of Michigan, and of the <i>benefits</i> which are +certain to flow from them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span></p> + +<p>There is no employment which keeps man so isolated as that of +Agriculture; and these societies serve, in a very great degree, to +counteract the bad effects of this by bringing mind into intercourse +with mind. They should receive the united and cordial support of every +farmer.</p> + +<p>Whilst professional men are brought into frequent contact with each +other—and the trader is in constant intercourse with his customers—and +the mechanic is associated with those employed with him in the +shops—the farmer spends most of his time with his family, and with his +flocks and herds, and sees comparatively little of others. The +Agricultural Fair brings—or should bring—all the farmers together, +with their wives and daughters, where a healthy, social intercourse is +enjoyed. There a higher standard of excellence in everything is formed. +He there learns that what of his own he had been led to believe was the +best—whether in flocks or herds, or farm products—may be greatly +improved, and his ambition and pride, as well as his interest, are at +once excited to make an advance. At the same time the industrious +housewife, and the blushing Miss, by an examination of the cloths and +flannels—the carpets and quilts—the embroidered skirts and capes—the +collars and slippers, discover that these articles are worthy not only +of their admiration but of their emulation, and they, too, resolve to +copy from a standard of merit higher than their own. Thus is excited +among those so brought together a spirit of competition, and a desire in +their turn to excel.</p> + +<p>Another important benefit resulting from Agricultural Fairs, is a more +rapid and general diffusion of knowledge among the farmers in regard to +the advantages and practical utility of new inventions, for the saving +of time and labor in agricultural operations. This is illustrated very +clearly by the exhibition of Mr. Parish's "Stump and Grub Extractor," on +exhibition here. This machine, I understand, was patented on the first +day of the present month, and <i>now</i> all in attendance at this Fair have +had an opportunity of witnessing its operations and judging for +themselves of its merits. An effective machine of this kind is of +incalculable value to the farmer in removing <i>at once</i> from his fields +the unsightly stumps that disfigure them, and which adds so much to the +labor of cultivating those fields. Of the machine itself, I may be +permitted to say, by way of digression, that it surpasses in the +effectiveness of its operations anything of the kind which I have yet +had an opportunity of witness.</p> + +<p>But this is not all. The mutual consultation and discussion consequent +upon Agricultural Fairs, begets a spirit of inquiry and a desire for +information in relation to every subject connected with the farmer's +calling, and to gratify which he has recourse to periodicals and other +works in which its various branches are discussed and explained. He will +there learn what agricultural chemistry has done for him, and the +importance and value of the analysis of the different kinds of soil. He +will also find the result of the various systems of husbandry practiced +by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span> others as well as the effects of experiments made, and thereby +secure to himself their benefits without incurring their cost. And +although no amount of reading alone can make a man a farmer, yet the +knowledge derived from a perusal of agricultural papers devoted to the +interests of the tillers of the soil will be of incalculable value to +him.</p> + + +<h3>SHEEP-HUSBANDRY.</h3> + +<p>It will undoubtedly be expected that "Sheep-Husbandry," not only from +the importance of the subject itself, but because of its being the +principal feature in this exhibition, should receive at my hands a due +share of consideration.</p> + +<p>I am free to confess, however, that the subject will be approached with +no small degree of hesitancy and distrust on my part, not only because +of my want of practical knowledge in regard to it, but also because it +may be fairly regarded, I think, in many respects at least, as a sort of +debatable ground.</p> + +<p>Different views are undoubtedly entertained by equally intelligent and +experienced men, upon this as well as upon other equally important +subjects; and the fact I believe is well established that "Doctors" not +only <i>may</i> but <i>do</i> very often "disagree," and that, too, sometimes very +tenaciously. Should I advance opinions at variance with those +entertained by well-informed and practical men who may listen to me, I +will simply remark that I am not here to lay down rules and establish +principles for the guidance of any one, but to discuss principles and +rules of action, as well as practical questions, with a view to lead +others the more carefully to inquire into and investigate the same.</p> + +<p>The subject of Sheep-Husbandry with us is certainly an important +one—wool being a great, leading staple product of our State; and very +much attention is now being paid to it, which is fully justified by the +advantages of our soil and climate for the keeping of sheep. The farmers +of Michigan are fully aroused to the importance of this interest, and +have labored zealously, and at much expense and cost, to improve their +breeds of sheep, and to foster and develop this great interest. They +have certainly done much in this direction; but more—very much more, I +apprehend—remains yet to be done.</p> + +<p>It must, however, be remembered that a blind zeal, without that +knowledge which is the result of experience, observation and study, will +do very little in the right direction.</p> + +<p>Sheep, like cattle, should be selected for specific purposes, and in +reference to affording the greatest profit under existing, and probable +future circumstances. The exclusive cultivation of this or that +breed—of the fine or coarse, or of the long or short wools—whether +kept exclusively for their wool, or both for their wool and the +shambles, should never be practiced, unless under special and unusual +circumstances. The farmer<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span> in this, as in every other agricultural +department, must endeavor to see his relation to the merchant, and adopt +a practice having in view the chances of ultimately reaching the most +certain as well as the most profitable market; for, after all, the +connection between the producer and the manufacturer and merchant, is +but a partnership for loss and gain. The merchant will call upon the +manufacturer for such woolen goods as his market demands, irrespective +of the mere opinion which any one may entertain in favor of this or that +kind of wool; and the manufacturer, in his turn, will call upon the +farmer for just what is wanted. The farmer should therefore, in the +selection of his flocks, have in view the market upon which he is to +rely for the sale of his wool; the texture and weight of fleece; the +health and vigor of body and constitution, as well as the habits and +economy of the animal. He should sedulously seek to bring his sheep to a +high degree of perfection in every respect. In seeking to obtain quality +of fleece it is a self-evident fact that he should not overlook +quantity; and that quantity should also be considered in connection with +quality.</p> + +<p>It is a patent fact, of which if we needed evidence it may be found in +this exhibition as well as in the numerous county exhibitions of similar +character, which have recently been held, where very rarely any other +class of sheep are seen, that a strong preference for fine-wooled +Merinos is very generally, if not almost exclusively, entertained at the +present time among the farmers of this State, and money in the purchase +of that class is of but little account. It is well known that very high +prices are being paid not only for single specimens but for whole flocks +of this breed. This is probably all right, so far as it is necessary for +the purpose of attaining excellence in flocks, upon points already +spoken of. To such a preference there should be no objection, if it be +not carried so far as to superinduce an unprofitable reaction—and +provided that the demand for the grade of wool produced by these sheep +is to have no limit, and that all which can be grown is sure always to +command a remunerative price. But will this probably be so? Let us +consider.</p> + +<p>As I have already intimated, the demand for any particular quality or +kind of wool will not depend upon the fact that farmer A or farmer B has +such wool to sell, taken from sheep for which he paid very large prices, +and of which he has now a very large flock; but rather because that +particular kind and quality of wool is called for by the manufacturer +simply to fill the orders of the merchant, who in his turn is only +desirous to supply the demands of the consumer.</p> + +<p>From an examination of our imports, it appears that in 1863, of <i>sixty +millions</i> of woolen goods, about <i>forty millions</i> were manufactured of +the longer worsted wool. This wool is required to make a fabric of +lustrous appearance for imitations of Alapaca, and for a supply of which +our manufacturers now depend mostly on foreign countries The price of +combing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> wool has been for some time increasing rapidly, in comparison +with other wool, in consequence of its consumption gaining upon its +growth. And I saw recently that the British farmer had been urged to +increase the production of this article to its fullest extent, both from +a consideration of duty as well as of interest.</p> + +<p>The manufacturer of Alapaca cloths—a most beautiful fabric of recent +introduction—and their extensive use, has not only led to this +increased demand, but has enhanced the price of this kind of wool, which +will undoubtedly be maintained, as new fabrics requiring to be made from +long wools, especially for the garments of ladies, are now being +introduced in great variety, and are becoming daily more popular and of +more general use. Another cause for the continued and increasing demand +for these wools is the facility with which they can be used for the +purpose of making imitations of Lama fabrics and Alapacas; and I have no +doubt that factories for the manufacture of these goods will rapidly +multiply in New England and elsewhere, and will soon, to a very great +extent take the place of those now consuming the fine wools.</p> + +<p>In support of these views, permit me to give the following extracts from +the work of Mr. Randall, the well known and enthusiastic champion of the +Merinos. He says:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"In the American market there is a much larger demand for medium +than fine wools, and the former commands much the best price in +proportion to its cost of production."</p></div> + +<p>Again he says:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"American producers of very fine wool have ever fed an expectation, +but never obtained the fruition of their hopes."</p></div> + +<p>These are significant admissions, coming as they do from such a quarter.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>The South Downs are a variety of sheep of decided merit; but have never, +I think, been fully appreciated by the farmers of Michigan. They are of +large size and symmetrically formed, with hardy and robust +constitutions, and their wool is fine, short and curled, and destitute +of fibrous spires that give to it the felting properties. It is neither +a short nor a long staple, but ranks in this country as "middle wool." +The shorter staples are made into flannels and light woolen goods; and +the longer are extensively used for combing. Their mutton is +unsurpassed; its flavor is delicate, and the flesh juicy and well +intermixed with fat. They are the most prolific breeders—the proportion +of ewes bringing twins being at least fifty per cent. I recently saw a +fine flock of South Down ewes in the State of New York of which more +than three-fourths of the whole flock had twins.</p> + +<p>Among the more desirable varieties or families, for the production of +long wool, in this climate, are, perhaps, the Cotswolds, noble specimens +of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> which you have had an opportunity of inspecting on this occasion; +and have, I trust, with me, been highly gratified at their weight of +carcass, combined with their fine forms and apparent hardiness of +constitution, as well as the superior fleeces they have now yielded.</p> + +<p>My purpose, however, is not to advocate the claims of this or that class +of sheep at the expense of any other, but to present such views for your +consideration as may lead to a more thorough and candid investigation of +the whole matter.</p> + +<p>Let me say in continuation of this subject, that in a comparison between +the Cotswold and other long wool varieties, with the fine wool Merinos +the <i>advantage as to weight of fleece</i> is decidedly with the former; and +especially so when their respective fleeces are thoroughly cleansed and +scoured; for whilst the loss of the long wools very rarely reaches +<i>twenty per cent.</i>, that of the Merinos generally much exceed <i>fifty per +cent.</i>, and the fleeces of prize rams often more than <i>seventy per +cent.</i> Manufacturers are already beginning to make a discrimination +between wool that is clean and that which is not so. Suppose they buy +the South Down, Cotswold and Leicester wools, and their grades, from +which is lost by scouring twenty per cent. only, whilst upon the finest +Michigan wool there is lost <i>fifty</i> per cent. and more—making the cost +of the latter, at ordinary prices, one-third more per pound than the +former, how long will it be before they will study to increase their +consumption of long wool when they can make from <i>thirty</i> to <i>forty</i> per +cent. more cloth with the same money? They will certainly seek to avoid, +in some way, the necessity of buying with their wool so very large a per +centage of grease and dirt, as they claim they are now doing in the +purchase of fine wools.</p> + +<p>The South Downs, as I have already stated, as well as the long wool +sheep, have a decided advantage in the quantity and value of meat which +they yield for the shambles; for no one, I apprehend, will deny the fact +they not only yield more wool but very much more flesh to the live +weight than do the Merinos. And this is a fact worthy the serious +consideration of farmers, and certainly a strong argument in favor of +the more general breeding of long wool sheep. The war, and perhaps other +causes, have very seriously reduced our supply of meats, the waste of +which cannot soon be repaired. Many of our soldiers will not again +return to rural life, which will be quite too tame for them after the +long, protracted excitement of war. They will seek other occupations, +and be consumers rather than producers of meats. In addition to this a +tide of foreign immigration is setting in upon our shores, where they +will continue to swarm for years to come as never before, hungry for +meat; and it has been conclusively demonstrated that the ratio of our +ordinary increase of population far exceeds the production of cattle and +sheep, which deficiency in beef and mutton must hereafter be supplied in +some way. I will again quote from Mr. Randall's work. He says:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"I am strongly impressed with the opinion that the production of +mutton has been too much disregarded as a concomitant of the +production of wool. Near large meat markets mutton is the <i>prime +consideration</i>, and wool but the accessory."</p></div> + +<p>Here, then, is a potent combination of circumstances, which were never +before brought together, guaranteeing an abundant remuneration, as I +believe, to those who may engage in this particular branch of husbandry; +and the field, although now new, will nevertheless, I have little doubt, +be very soon successfully occupied. I cannot but hope that our ambitious +and enterprising stock breeders will secure to themselves their full +share.</p> + +<p>Perhaps I have already exhausted your patience by dwelling so long upon +this subject; but regarding it—as I most certainly do—as a very +important one, and this being an appropriate occasion for its +discussion, you will, I trust, bear with me a moment longer, whilst I +venture to make a few practical suggestions, before taking leave of it. +Let me then say, in this matter of Sheep Husbandry, in addition to what +has already been said, that you should guard against extreme views of +any kind. Merinos are undoubtedly a valuable and a very desirable breed +of sheep, as witness the noble specimens exhibited on this occasion; but +you do not want them and nothing else, unless they will pay a better +profit than any other sheep; nor should you pay an extravagantly high +price for them merely to enrich the sheep-breeders of another State; nor +because it is fashionable to do so. You should remember that the South +Downs, the Leicesters, the Cotswolds, as well as some others perhaps, +also have their respective claims to favor and are worthy of your +consideration. My own opinion is that a grade of sheep may be produced +by a cross between the Cotswolds and some other varieties, which will +furnish a staple of fine, long, combing wool of lustrous appearance, +that will prove—all things considered—quite as remunerative as fleeces +from the choicest Merinos and their grades.</p> + +<p>You should, also, avoid the too common error of overstocking with sheep +when the price of wool is high. Sheep Husbandry has been a very +profitable branch of business for the farmers of this State; but like +every other business it may be overdone, and is liable to fluctuations +and changes. Sheep must be well fed and cared for in order to produce +heavy fleeces; and there is certainly a limit to the number which may +profitably be kept upon any farm; and it not unfrequently happens that a +flock of fifty sheep on a small farm, will yield a larger net profit +than would a flock of five hundred if kept upon the same farm.</p> + +<p>When the price of wool is high, the farmers are too reluctant to sell +off their sheep, and thus become liable to an overstock. In fact, this +is now the great danger of the wool-growers of Michigan. The best +economy, and the most judicious management, will be to keep down the +number of your flocks to your means of pasturage and feed; and +constantly aim to improve the grade and quality of those you retain by +disposing of the less<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> desirable specimens for mutton. Your motto should +be to elevate the standard of your flocks, rather than to increase their +number beyond your means of feeding.</p> + +<p>Another evil is also to be guarded against,—that of giving your +attention to sheep to the exclusion of cattle. I am aware that in the +past there have been—in this State—few advocates for the raising of +cattle, and that the sound judgment of any man would at once be brought +into question who should attempt to do so. But I think there has been +more of prejudice than reason in this. The farmer, as a mere matter of +policy, should not confine himself to any one thing, as thereby the +fluctuations and changes incident to any branch of business, may very +possibly—nay very probably—disappoint his hopes and expectations. If +he has only sheep on which to rely, a sudden fall in the price of sheep +and wool, or a general prevalence of any of the diseases to which sheep +are always liable, would be a serious disaster to him; whereas, if his +attention is directed to both sheep and cattle, as well as to horses, +swine, &c., his chances of certain and continued success are very +greatly multiplied. In fact, cattle are already commanding enormous +prices in consequence of a general scarcity everywhere, not only for the +shambles, but for the dairy, and this deficiency will not, I apprehend, +be very soon supplied. I have recently +<a name="corr1" id="corr1"></a><a class="correction" href="#cn1" title="changed from 'visted'">visited</a> +some of the more highly +cultivated portions of the State of New York, where I found good fair +cows were worth <i>one hundred dollars</i> each and not easily to be had at +that. Good sized, first quality working oxen, are now worth here $250 +per pair; and a large lot of cattle has recently been sold for beef in +Flint, at seven cents per pound, live weight. Horses, too, are scarce, +and must continue to be so for a long time, as their destruction by the +late war was very great, and years will be required to replace those so +destroyed, especially in the rebel and border States, which must be +supplied from the North. Swine, also, are now deficient, and principally +because, a few years since, for a time the price of pork was very low, +and their growth was in consequence, at once almost abandoned. The +farmer should take a broader view of things, and pursue a steady, onward +course, avoiding all extremes, as well as sudden changes. As a large +portion of his farm products are more adapted to the feed of cattle, +horses and swine than to sheep, he should, if for no other reason, keep +a due proportion of these animals, any excitement in favor of sheep +notwithstanding. My own opinion most decidedly is, that the time has +come when the best interests of the farmers of Michigan require that a +portion of the attention now being devoted to sheep husbandry should be +directed to that of other kinds of stock.</p> + +<p>But, to return again from this digression to the subject of sheep and +wool.</p> + +<p>One of the most serious difficulties with which the farmers have to +contend, is the combinations that are too often sought to be made by +pur<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span>chasers to secure their wool at the lowest possible figures. The +manufacturers and wool buyers, undoubtedly act in concert,—at least to +some considerable extent,—to depress the price, and especially so, +before and about the time the new clip is coming in. They are well +drilled in this, and many of their operations are systematic and +efficient. At such time they pretend not to be in want of wool,—that +the demand will be light, &c. Purchases are made very sparingly, and +temporary supplies are procured from other sources, even at a higher +cost than the farmers ask. This is done upon the ground that an +occasional sacrifice of this kind pays well in the end, if thereby they +are able to keep down the price of the great bulk of domestic wool. +Sometimes fictitious sales are reported, and various other means are +employed to this end, with the view that a few holders, at +least,—either from necessity or timidity,—may be induced to sell, and +thus aid their efforts to establish low prices.</p> + +<p>It thus becomes the duty of the farmers to act with much consideration, +study and wisdom; and purely as a matter of self-defense, to adopt some +concert of action among themselves for the protection of their own +interests. When the price is low and the market dull at the time of +shearing, there should not be too much haste in making sales. In 1861, I +think it was, the farmers were over anxious to sell, for no other reason +than because at that time the price of wool was very low and the market +dull. They then overlooked the well established commercial fact that +depressed markets generally advance, rather than retrograde, and that +Government disbursements then certain to be made would create funds and +a higher market, and that the demand for the staple would increase. They +consequently sold for <i>twenty-five cents</i> per pound, fleeces, that in +less than three months commanded <i>forty-five</i> to <i>fifty</i> cents. They +also, in many instances, offered to sell their fleeces for less than +half the sum they would bring in a very few weeks. On the other hand, as +is too common, when wool at the time of shearing commands a high price +and the market is brisk, the farmers are inclined to hold on for still +higher prices. But this is another mistake in the opposite direction. +The rule should be,—"<i>sell</i>" when the market is quick, and prices are +good;—and "<i>hold on</i>" when the market is dull and prices are low.</p> + +<p>Before leaving this subject, permit me to call your attention to another +important matter in connection with sheep husbandry in this State. +Sufficient care has not heretofore been taken to clean and otherwise +properly prepare this great and important staple for market, and the +consequence has been that the character and representation of "Michigan +wool," I am sorry to discover, has been very seriously lowered in the +market, and a great loss to the producers has thereby been sustained. It +is a fact, perhaps not generally +<a name="corr2" id="corr2"></a><a class="correction" href="#cn2" title="changed from 'kown'">known</a>, +that from this cause alone, +"Ohio wool" sells for about <i>five</i> to <i>ten cents</i> per pound more than +"Michigan wool." In an interview which I recently had with an extensive +eastern manufacturer, who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> was induced last season for the first time to +purchase a lot of "Michigan wool," he expressed his surprise that the +Michigan wool growers should be so heedless of their own interests as to +overlook this important fact. From his statements I learned that the +prejudice of the manufacturers against "Michigan wool" was so great that +many of them would not buy it at hardly any price when they could get +"Ohio wool." He said a large proportion of our wool was poorly washed, +and that this was true of a great proportion of our finest and best +lots; and that it was not only sent to market in this condition, but was +badly and slovenly put up, with much larger twine than they use in +Ohio,—the fleeces, also having a torn and jagged appearance; and many +of them, when opened, were found to contain the <i>unwashed</i> tags. He, +however, expressed himself highly pleased with the quality of the wool +he had purchased, and said it compared favorably in that respect with +any he had ever received from Ohio; and he believed if our wool could be +sent to market as clean and in as good condition otherwise as the Ohio +wool,—and the prejudice which has been created against it, in +consequence of this not having been the case heretofore, could once be +removed, he doubted not that "Michigan wool" would command in the market +the highest prices and the most ready sales.</p> + +<p>This is certainly a serious matter, and prompt and efficient measures, +of some kind, should at once be taken to remedy the evil; and every +wool-grower should feel, as he really is, personally interested in the +work. I commend this subject, gentlemen, to your serious consideration, +and trust some concert of action will be had to prevent a continuance of +this great evil, and to place "Michigan wool" where it should most +certainly stand, at the head of the list. If this can be done in no +other way, I would suggest the formation of a "Wool-Growers Board of +Trade," or some other efficient organization for the purpose—if for no +other—of tracing out and holding up to scorn every individual who shall +aid in inflicting so serious an injury to this great interest, and of +doing so great a wrong to his neighbors and fellow-citizens, and that, +too, from the base and fraudulent motive of selling dirt and tags as +fine wool—for be assured that any imposition of this sort, practiced +upon manufacturers, will recoil upon our own heads; and where <i>one</i> cent +will thus be saved, thousands, yes, tens of thousands of dollars, will, +as a necessary consequence, be indirectly lost to the farmers of +Michigan. And the loss they have sustained from this cause during the +last three or four years will undoubtedly exceed the enormous sum of two +millions of dollars.</p> + +<p>But I must take leave of this subject.</p> + + +<h3>THE STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.</h3> + +<p>Permit me now to occupy your attention for a brief space whilst I speak +of this Institution—the State Agricultural College—upon whose grounds +we are now assembled, and where by the kindness and courtesy of its<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> +officers, we have been so cordially welcomed and so pleasantly +entertained. It is not, I think, inappropriate to the occasion that I +should do so.</p> + +<p>Let me remind you then, in the outset of my remarks on this subject, +that this Institution is in its early infancy; and that notwithstanding +the beautiful landscape which is spread out before us; with its verdant +fields just springing into luxuriance, dotted with the finest specimens +of the choicest breeds of sheep and cattle, with the College grounds +skillfully laid out and now in process of being tastefully adorned by +Art, a few years only have been numbered with the past since not only +this spot, but all the surrounding country, as well as almost the entire +territory of our young, but noble and now highly prosperous State, was +an unbroken wilderness, covered with the primeval forest, the entangled +woods giving shelter and concealment to wild and ferocious beasts, as +well as to the wandering and savage red man. What a change has thus been +wrought in a few short years! the result of the toil and privation of +the adventurous pioneers, of whom many have already become intelligent, +enterprising and forehanded farmers.</p> + +<p>And more than this: Michigan, although but recently settled, and one of +the youngest in the great sisterhood of States, has been the first to +establish a professional school for the agricultural education of her +sons, in which is not only taught the sciences and their application to +agriculture, but also agriculture as an art, with such experiments as +are calculated to impart a more thorough and practical knowledge of the +same; and connected with the study of these a department of manual +labor; the legitimate effect of all which is to increase the student's +desire for knowledge as well as his love of study, and to remove the +barrier too often existing between the educated and laboring +classes—which can only be done by giving a better education to those +who labor, and by removing the prejudices of the educated against labor.</p> + +<p>But I propose to speak more definitely of the aims and objects of this +Institution, as well as its claims to the favor and support of the +farmers of Michigan. They need not be told, I think, that its design is +to promote their benefit. But have the farmers of this State, as a +class, heretofore recognized this fact? And have they in return for the +advantages which it proposes to them, given it that countenance and +encouragement which it claims at their hands? I fear not. There are, it +is true, noble exceptions to this; yet it is also true that a large +proportion of their number have looked upon it with suspicion and +distrust, as though its purpose was to do them a wrong—to inflict upon +them an evil. They have not merely withheld from it their aid and +support, but their active influence has too often been exerted to its +disadvantage and prejudice. This is certainly wrong—very wrong!</p> + +<p>Let us look a little into this matter. Is knowledge—a knowledge of +those sciences which are intimately connected with agriculture as an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> +art—of no value to the farmer? Is it necessary that he should be a dolt +in order to be fitted for his vocation? Will ignorance and bad husbandry +increase his crops or enable him to find a better market for his +products? Or, will his enjoyment, in his daily round of toil, be any +greater because unconscious that he is groping his way along in the +dark? No! For however that may have been in the past it is certainly not +the case now. And although "ignorance," as it is said, may be "bliss," +yet in these days, at least, it must be a sort of negative bliss.</p> + +<p>Ignorance is certainly not power; nor does it lead to wealth as a means +of comfortable support and enjoyment—which is the legitimate end of all +labor. Will <i>ignorance</i> give respectability, or sweeten the toil of the +husbandman? Will it elevate his thoughts and desires to higher and +nobler aims, or inspire him to "look from nature up to nature's God?" +Will it lead him instead of a fixed stolid gaze upon the earth over +which he walks, to engage in the study of those great and omnipotent +laws which regulate all matter, and which so wonderfully, yet certainly +control both the animal and vegetable kingdoms? No! It will accomplish +none of these desirable ends, but the very reverse of them all.</p> + +<p>This proposition is so self-evident to intelligent men, that to advance +it to such an audience as the one before me—except as the basis of an +argument—must be entirely superfluous. But what was the social position +of the farmers, let me ask—even in this highly favored country—fifty +or sixty years ago? Were they not then regarded as men without +knowledge—devoid almost of sensibilities—unfitted for anything except +the mere routine of daily labor and toil—and capable only of delving in +the soil day by day? And were they not then considered, even by +themselves as well as by others, as occupying the very lowest position +in the scale of society? Such were the facts. Every person who was +regarded as too ignorant and uncultivated for other pursuits, was, by +common consent, considered as having a prescriptive right to farming as +a vocation. In fact ignorance was regarded as the proper and sufficient +diploma for the farmer. And as a consequence he was not only poor and +without influence, but too often considered by others as without +respectability merely because he was a farmer; and all that was conceded +to him—in fact all that he claimed for himself—was a simple +subsistence upon the hardest fare, without any of the luxuries, and very +often with a scarcity of the necessaries of life.</p> + +<p>Remember, I am speaking of the farmers, as a class, <i>fifty</i> or <i>sixty</i> +years ago—before there were any county fairs, or agricultural colleges, +newspapers or magazines, and when agriculture was the result of labor +without knowledge, system or calculation.</p> + +<p>But although the farmers have emerged from this condition very slowly, +yet what is their position now? Are they not regarded as being on a +level at least with those of other callings in social importance? Do +they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> not occupy positions of confidence and trust in society? Are they +not found in our Legislative Halls in fair proportion with men of +different pursuits? This is certainly true: and the advance alone is the +result of a higher mental culture—of a wider range of thought—and of +an increased fund of knowledge, and consequently of an improved system +of farming.</p> + +<p>And if the advance of agriculture and the condition of the farmer have +been tardy, as compared with the improvement in other departments of +labor—in other avocations of life—it is solely because science and +study have not as soon been applied to agriculture—and because also the +farmer has not been permitted the advantages resulting from so early a +development of facts connected with his calling as have other classes of +men.</p> + +<p>But the great work is now fairly in progress of elevating the farmer to +his true position in the social order of society—of teaching him that +his vocation, instead of being the dull, unintellectual lot of the +ignorant, is the most noble and dignified, as well as the most conducive +to men's happiness in which he can be engaged; and nothing is now +wanting to secure the steady advancement of this work, but for the +farmers to do justice to themselves and to their calling, by laying hold +of the means for that end which are placed within their reach. Assuming +all this to be undeniably true, where can be found more potent agencies +in the work of elevation than Agricultural Colleges? And why, then, +should any farmer in this State hold back from giving this Institution +his cordial and hearty support? And stranger still—why should he put +himself in antagonism to its success? Such an attitude, to my mind, is +not merely unwise, but preposterous—yes, suicidal. If the College is +not what it should be, the more his self-interest should prompt him to +bestow upon it his aid. It is the <i>Farmers' Institution</i>—founded for +<i>his</i> benefit, at much cost; and if <i>he</i> does not feel an interest in it +and labor to make it a success, who will? Who should?</p> + +<p>But why have a portion of the farmers of Michigan seemed to look with +distrust upon this Institution, and in some cases, I regret to say, +seemed to regard it as a sort of wrong to themselves; and if they have +not actually opposed, have, at least, withheld from it their support? I +must confess, that should I give what seemed to me to be the true answer +to these questions, it might be regarded by some who have not very +carefully looked into the subject, as an assumption on my part +unwarranted by facts.</p> + +<p>Would that it were so; that I were mistaken. But having given the +subject some little thought and investigation, you will, I trust, permit +me the honest expression of my own views upon this important matter. It +is for that purpose and none other, that I am here. But you, Mr. +President, as well as all those now present, can certainly take no +personal exception to these views, as the very fact of such presence +shows that you are not of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> the class to which I may allude; and I am +gratified in being able to say that I believe there are very many +others, not present, who are the warm and devoted friends of this +Institution; and who, with you, I most certainly hope, constitute the +rule and not the exception.</p> + +<p>But the answer: And in giving which, I will avail myself of the +privilege conceded to a certain class of men,—that of answering one +question by asking another. Why then do men ever oppose or neglect their +own interests? To my mind, only from want of knowledge, from prejudice +or self-will—or some other of the same brood of enemies to man's +success in laudable undertakings; and of which <i>ignorance</i> is the chief, +and may be regarded as the prolific source of all the others. In this +case, undoubtedly, as in others, some are opposed from a mere notion of +opposition, or from a mere whim; others again, simply to agree with, or +differ from, some, who are either in favor or opposed; whilst some must +oppose whatever they themselves do not originate;—and, others again, +have no doubt been led honestly to entertain a distrust which has +finally grown into an opposition, through the influence of +misrepresentations, or from a perversion of facts by those whose +interests, from some cause, are at variance with its success.</p> + +<p>But I am quite certain that the whole opposition and indifference to +this Institution, so far as it may come from the farmers themselves, is +unnatural and fictitious, and will soon pass away as does everything +else which is built upon such foundation. It is said by some that "the +Institution has been a mistake from the beginning;" that it "was located +wrong;" that it "was not started right;" that it "has been badly +managed;" and that it "is an expensive concern, and will never pay;" and +a great deal more. But it is very easy to say all this, and yet there +may be very little reality in it, and still less reason.</p> + +<p>Let me here say to the objectors and fault-finders,—suppose all this be +true? who <i>then</i> is to blame? Is the Institution itself responsible for +all these mistakes? Or, are they not rather the consequences of +unavoidable and untoward circumstances, magnified and aggravated by +<i>your</i> opposition, and over which its friends and managers could have no +possible control. I admit the probability that the early success of the +College would have been more certainly secured, had an old and highly +cultivated farm been purchased for the purpose; but for this the means +were wanting. You say, perhaps, that College students should not be +required to <i>clear land and dig stumps</i>. True; but when the officers and +managers of such an Institution are <i>compelled</i> to do this, and to reach +the end desired as best they may through such means, they are certainly +entitled to all praise, and richly deserve the meed of commendation for +even partial success, and which should be all the dearer to us because +of being reached under such adverse circumstances. That the facilities +which the College now possesses are inadequate to the proper +accommodation of those who wish<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> to avail themselves of its advantages, +and even to the extent of the limited number of students now belonging +to it, is certainly to be regretted. But this is an evil to be overcome +by the patient and persistent efforts of its friends, and not by the +antagonism and opposition of its enemies; by making the most out of the +limited means at command, and not by abandoning the whole because the +means are not now all we could desire. That its management may have been +a matter of criticism with those who have known but little about it, or +who have taken little or no pains to investigate the facts, is not +strange; yet, for one, I am clearly of the opinion that—when all the +difficulties with which it has had to contend, are duly considered—its +management, thus far, has been all that any person could reasonably hope +for or expect; and more—that its officers and professors are entitled +to great credit and much praise, for securing under so much +discouragement, that degree of success which is apparent here even to +the casual observer; and claim of us, and are entitled to receive at our +hands, a proper and just recognition of their valuable services, and the +fidelity with which they have been rendered.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>Farmers of Michigan! Be not led astray by such objections as I have +stated, or by any others of a similar import. You have here a noble +Institution, in faithful and competent hands—one that will soon be of +incalculable value to you—and one, too, that will reflect much credit +not only upon you, but upon the whole State. And although it may not now +be all you could wish or desire, yet when we consider what it now is in +view of the difficulties with which it has had to contend, we have a +sure guarantee, that it will yet be a success and will realize all your +reasonable expectations. Let me ask of you, in all earnestness and +candor, to give it now your warm, your hearty support, so that you may +not only assist in securing for yourselves and the public the great end +of its establishment, but that you may, by and by, safely, and without +the fear of successful contradiction, lay claim to the honor of being +among its early friends and upholders. There is something noble and +magnanimous in rendering substantial aid and support to a cause in the +hour of its weakness and in the time of its need; whilst there is +something not only selfish but mean, in stepping forward with proffers +of assistance, and with spurious claims of imaginary or intended favor, +when such assistance is no longer needed, and when the heat and burden +of the day has been borne by others; for, be assured, that the time is +coming when no farmer will covet the distinction of having been among +the number of the enemies of this Institution.</p> + +<p>The advantages of our Agricultural College, in connection with an +experimental farm, are too obvious to every intelligent mind to require +that I should occupy your time in dwelling upon them. And, when I speak +of an experimental farm, I do not mean a mere model farm, by which a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> +specimen of good farming only is exhibited; but, like this, a farm +embracing a variety of soils—adapted to an extensive range of +experiments—and where the value of the different kinds of grain may be +tested, as well as the relative advantages of different modes of +tillage; the relative effect and value, by actual trial, as well as by +analysis, of various manures as fertilizers; and the economy of labor; +as well as the comparative value of the different breeds of cattle, +sheep, horses, swine, &c., &c., with a view to the introduction and +dissemination among the farmers of the State, of such as should prove +the most profitable; or of such as could be most successfully used for +obtaining the most desirable grades. Such a farm as this, under the +efficient and skillful management of its present able and persevering +Superintendent, cannot fail to be of very great benefit to the farmers +of this State, and should, both as a matter of duty to others and of +interest to themselves, receive their united and generous support. And I +am firmly of the opinion that when they shall afford this Institution +such aid, it will soon become one of the first among our noble +institutions of learning, and will be a just cause of pride, not merely +to the farmers themselves, but to every intelligent person throughout +the whole extent of our noble State.</p> + +<p>And now let me invoke, for the future prosperity and success of this +College, not merely the liberality of the farmers—or what they may +regard as such—in the payment of a trifling tax for its maintenance, +but what is of equal importance, and which it has a right to demand in +justice to itself—their earnest advocacy of its claims.</p> + + +<h3>AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE STUDENTS.</h3> + +<p>But I have already, I fear, trespassed quite too far upon your patience, +and should, perhaps, before this, have relieved you from further +infliction. Yet seeing before me, many—if not all—of the students of +this College, I must beg your indulgence for a moment longer, whilst I +address to them a very few remarks.</p> + +<p>Let me say, then, to you, young gentlemen, that you are now in the +enjoyment of privileges for the acquisition of that +<a name="corr3" id="corr3"></a><a class="correction" href="#cn3" title="changed from 'knowlege'">knowledge</a> +so essential to success in after life, which were denied to me—and the +absence of which I have felt as a great and serious loss through the +whole period of my existence. See to it that you place a just value upon +these privileges, and that you do not abuse them. Whilst most of you, I +trust, are fitting yourselves for the employment of farming as an +avocation, some, perhaps, may be looking forward to other professions +and pursuits. I, however, on this occasion, must confine my remarks to +those of the former class.</p> + +<p>And to such I would briefly remark, that the value and importance of an +agricultural education to the youth whose lives are to be devoted to the +highly reputable occupation of farming, begin now to be admitted, and +happy will it be for our common country, when such education shall be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> +regarded as a necessity. Labor is no longer degrading, but is creditable +and dignified; and agricultural pursuits are no longer regarded as +disgraceful or ignoble by any except the fop and the coxcomb, but are of +all employments the most honorable in which men can be engaged. Nor is +it, as has been too often supposed, a cheerless life of toil and +fatigue, but has many substantial and endearing charms. It is also the +fountain-head for the supply of all our wants; and when contrasted with +other employments, its advantages cannot fail to be appreciated. Whilst +those who seek a profession must be content to spend many weary years of +wasting study—of constant struggle—before they can begin to live, the +farmer has at once before him, health and quiet, ease and contentment, +as well as the enjoyment of sober pleasures which do not cloy, and +whilst the chances of those who engage in commercial pursuits are, that +about <i>ninety-five</i> out of every <i>one hundred</i> are destined to failure, +the farmer is exempt from such a hazard, for the chances of failure with +him are found to be only about <i>four</i> in every <i>one hundred</i>.</p> + +<p>I do not, of course, in this comparison, include those who, having no +land of their own, are obliged to toil for others as laborers, and who +cannot therefore be ranked as farmers.</p> + +<p>To the farmer, if each day does bring its labors, it also brings its +pleasures; and even as he toils in his dusty fields, he can derive +unalloyed pleasures, not only from the study and care of his bleating +flocks and lowing herds, but from the prospect of an abundant harvest as +he looks over his fields of waving grain or contemplates his orchards of +rich and luscious fruits. And each day renews to him these pure and +substantial pleasures, which afford not only gratification, but health. +With the farmer there are no all-absorbing cares, no corroding +anxieties, no vitiating excitement. He is measurably freed from the +seductions of enervating pleasures. From the green fields and fresh air +he drinks constant draughts of inspiration. His great study is, or +should be, Nature and Nature's God. To him each season has its profits +and its pleasures; for he knows that while he rests or sleeps his fields +are working for him. He is also freed, in a great measure, from the +baleful influences which attend that false ambition so often excited by +other pursuits.</p> + +<p>My young friends, when you leave your "Alma Mater" and fix upon your +route for life's journey, let your choice of a profession be carefully +and wisely made; and then, with undeviating course, pursue it steadily +and persistently to the end, for in this only will be found your +reasonable chances of ultimate success.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>Mr. President, I have already detained you and this audience quite too +long; and with many thanks for your kind and patient attention, I will +now bring my remarks to a close.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="transnote"> +<h3>Transcriber's note<a name="tnotes" id="tnotes"></a></h3> + +<p> +The following changes have been made to the text:</p> + + +<p>Page 11: "recently visted" changed to "recently +<a name="cn1" id="cn1"></a><a href="#corr1">visited</a>".</p> + +<p>Page 12: "not generally kown" changed to "not generally +<a name="cn2" id="cn2"></a><a href="#corr2">known</a>".</p> + +<p>Page 19: "knowlege so essential" changed to +"<a name="cn3" id="cn3"></a><a href="#corr3">knowledge</a> so essential".</p> +</div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Address delivered by Hon. Henry H. +Crapo, Governor of Michigan, before the Central Michigan Agricultural Society, at their Sheep-shearing Exhibition held at the Agricultural College Farm, on Thursday, May 24th, 1866, by Henry Howland Crapo + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADDRESS BY HON. HENRY H. 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