The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-23
Numbers of Farm AnlmaIs.

Agricultural Report for January and February.
IL was stated year ago that the interest in
horse-breedinR was unabated; it has been greater
still during the past year, resulting in enlarge
ment of numbers and enhancement of the aggre-
gate value. No class Of domestic ANIMALS has
increased IN such proportion within the year
The advance averages per cent. and is well
distributed through the country. though natur-
ally larger in the States rapidly developing
beyond the Mississippi. Il 70 quite marked
the Pacific coast q natural result of the rapid
increase of population there, and development
of industrial enterprises generally. Many per-
sons II Ohio and elsewhere giving up sheep
In favor OF horses The tendency in the central
States west of the Alleghenies is strong toward
larger and heavier horses suitable for draught
purposes, the French breeds predominating in
the improvement. In contrast to this there is
an influx of bronchoS from Texas. and even some
are bred by few farmers, TO the deterioration of
the stock sc far practiced. These Texas ponies
have overruu the cotton STATES during the past
year. and are bred in that region to limited
extent The increase 10 very noticeable in the
ranch regions OF the great mountain system.
Horses are found TO be hardy there, not smooth
cred by crowding together a storm like sheep
drifting aimlessly like cattle. but courage
ousiy breasting the billiards. and intelligently
seeking subsistence beneath the snow
There was also q less pronounced advance in
the number of mules. estimated at 81 Per cent
The extension of cattle-grcwing has been nor
NAL. corresponding very nearly with increase OF
population. Though prices nave been low and
heavy losses have occurred in some of the ranch
districts from cold and storms. often in connec-
Ion with CBeTCrOW0lHR OF l06uIuG STOuuuss
there is an abiding faith the future of the
business, grass being the cheapest and most
abundant source of beef, yielding perhaps nine
tenths of all that 10 produced in the country.
Corn has a relatively small share in the beef
making in any country. The Northwestern
States are giving and more prominence to
cattle. the wheat interest relatively declining in
the older settlements.
Mich cows are receiving rather more atten-
ton than in recent years in the Eastern and
middle States, and are increasing everywhere
with the advance of population There Is some
recuperation from the depression felt in cheese
making districts. New York especially, when
prices of their products ruled so low.
There has been further decline in numbers
Of sheep amounting to between and 3 per
cent, the aggregate mum Der being about forty
three and half millions. There has also been
some change of pastures. Some of the Texas
hock-mastsrs have sent considerable numbers
to New Mexico. There has been for several
years deportation of sheep from Pennsylvania
to the cheaper grasses of the far West.
The decline in swine has been slight. aversg
ing less than per cent, leaving the aggregate
100000 The ravaees of disease in
States below the latitude of 40 degrees where
hogs are kept in large numbers have been
we're in many places.