onsultation 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 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.

SHEEP-HUSBANDRY.

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.

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.

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 _may_ but _do_ 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.

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 importa