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

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

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

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

CATTLE.

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

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

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

Resolved, That we earnestly urge upon Congress, in view of
the fact, the cattle interest is one of the most important
industries, the justice and expediency of passing laws
providing for an effectual eradication of pleuro-pneumonia
from the entire territory of the United States, and also
preventing the introduction of all contagious diseases in the
future. This is the only authority to which we can go for the
power for this purpose, as Congress has the exclusive power
to regulate commerce with other nations, as well as among the
several States; and, as there is now no law in any of the
States to prevent any man who has a herd infected with a
malignant, contagious disease, from taking them anywhere he
pleases to the herds of any of the States; to prevent which,
there must be a law more comprehensive in territorial power
and extent