lue of domestic
animals and their products.

THE FUTURE OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS

One of the most striking features of recent progress in domestic
animals is the large increase in the number of horses and the still
greater increase in their value. There are those who have believed
that the invention of many beneficent forms of mechanical power would
in time, if not in the very near future, supplant the use of animals
as a motive power. The fact seems to be, however, that they merely
augment man's resources and increase his opportunities without
lessening his need for animal power.

It appears reasonable to suppose that there will be witnessed in the
United States a gradual shifting of live stock centers. During the
past half century, the great central West has been noted for the
production of live stock, particularly for beef, mutton and wool, as
an incident of its pioneer development. Already the production of
large herds of cattle and flocks of sheep has disappeared for the
central West, and is now confined largely to Texas and the mountain
states. The northeastern states are unrivaled in the production of
grass, and have considerable areas less fitted for tillage than the
prairie states. In time, therefore, the tendency will be for the
regions best fitted to rear animals to increase their numbers of
breeding animals. On the other hand, those states which produce grain
in relatively large abundance may give more attention to fattening
animals and to the production of dairy products which can be shipped
long distances. As time advances, the history of other countries will
doubtless be repeated. A greater distinction between the breeding and
rearing of animals, and their fattening and preparation for market
will occur.

ADVANTAGES OF KEEPING LIVE STOCK

Since animals occupy a place in practically all farm organizations, it
is desirable to state briefly the advantages and disadvantages which
may accrue to any individual enterprise. The most striking advantages
affecting the farmer are:

(1) Animals make it possible to use land that would otherwise be
wholly or partly unproductive. Hillsides and mountain slopes, soil too
stony to cultivate, fields traversed by winding streams, and land
partially covered with trees, are familiar examples. As previously
mentioned, only about one-half the farm area in this country is
improved land, and only two-thirds, even of the improved land, is in