Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1842-01-11


Of granting Legislative ala for the advancement of
our agricultural interests, can scarcely be ques-
toned There probably never will be period in
our history, when aid to this object viii accomplish
more than at The present time. Our settlements
are IN their infancy, and most of our farming dis
trlcts however much disposed TO form agricultural
societies and engage in agricultural improvements,
do not feel able to advance the requisite MEANS
Agricultural Societies cannot answer any valuable
purpose by stimulating farmers to engage in spirit
ed competition, without funds to conduct their ope-
ratIons. Could moderate sum be appropriated
and distributed among such counties, as ight be
disposed to form agricultural societies, impulse
would at once be given, and societies would soon
be able to sustain themselves. 1t is impossible to
calculate the benefits that would accrue to the peo-
pie OF Wisconsin, were every county in the Terri
tory in a condition to offer premium, on such pro-
ductions as are adapted to our soil and climate, and
such as are Immediately essential to our present
wants and necessities. Instead of being dependent
as we now upon the East, for many of the con-
veniencics and necessities of life, we should soon
be in a condition to supply ourselves. We have by
natare climate and sol. adequate to the furnish
ing Of Amos every article of food and clothing as
we'll as most Of III" Injuries of life. VIII not our
Legislature therefore devise some measures to
stimulate, and awaken the people to renewed effort
many Of the members of both houses of the legsla-
ture practical farmers and can appreciate
the wants of the people. All, political econo-
mists, must see the immense good which would re-
suit by adopting measures calculated to lead to a
speedy introduction of such articles as we now are
obliged to import from abroad.
The beneficial results which a small appropria-
ton for the encouragement of agriculture may ac-
complsh, is exemphfed in the State of New York
Last winter the legislature of that State made a
small appropriation, to be distributed among the
several counties according to their population,
which should form an Agricultural Society. The
effect has been that every county in the State, in
which no Society hitherto existed, has organized
Society; and old societies which had become inef-
tcient, have been melted to vigorous action. The
late Fair of the State Agricultural Society held at
Syracuse was an exhibition of the spirit of i'm
provement in the various branches of husbandry,
unparalleled in that State. No appropriation of
equal amount, has probably ever had teaden-
cy to advance the true wealth and interests of the
Empire State, as much as that granted by the le-
glslature for the promotion Of Agriculture.
Nothing is needed in this Territory, excepta lit
tie pecunlary aid to lay the foundation of "a perma-
nent system of agricultural Improvement. Our
farmers are men of the light stamp, and of the right
spirit; only help them to make the beginning and
the work will progress. Let every County in the
Territory be entitled to receive small amount on
the condition of forming Society and of contribu-
ting sum equal to that granted by the Territory;
and efficient agricultural associations will immedi-
ately spring mp In every portion of Wisconsin,
Our neighbors in Iowa Territory are manitesting a
commendable spirit in agricultural improvement.
A proposition is now laid before the Legislature OF
Iowa, to grant premium for the best crop of cured
hemp, that shall be produced in the Terrtorv-
Similar steps by our own legislature would be pro-
culuvatlng the hemp crop in the West the Union
Agriculturist remarks &c One advantage that
hemp has over other grains, is the same as wool
the small per cent on its value that it costs to oct
II to market 1t will pack solid and make good
freight for steamboats,; and we will guaranty it can
be shipped from here tChicago,) to New-York for
70 cents per hundred. 1T will therefore cost more
to get two bushels of wheat to market, than ten,
dollars worth of hemp
But there is perhaps a still stronger argument in
favor of the immedate,introductio of sheep into
Wisconsin, than can be made in favor of any pro
ducton of the soil. Thus far but little compare
lively has been done toward the raising of sheep in
this Ierntory 40 country in the world holds out
better Inducements by nature for this purpose than
Wisconsin. The legislature of this Territory can
not better enhance the immediate interests and
prosperity of the people, than by granting encour-
agement to the growing eff wool. Facilities 70,
the manufacture of wool will doubtless keep pace
with the wants of the country. We are informed
that a wooden mandatory will be erected in the
enterprisng village of Delavan, Walworth co.. the
ensuing summer. Carding machines have already
been put in operation in different portions of the
Territory. There exists therefore no prominent
objections to the introduction of sheep.
The last Milwaukee Courier contains n call of a
IL II. N. .