Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-11-02

uldu6 when steam TOauS WSHc
first operated, but experience
shows that far more horses were
required to carry on the commerce that
developed as result of improved IA
cilities for transportation than could
be used under the old system, when
all inland travel was dependent upon
horsepower and local wants were met
almost entirely by local products.
While it is true that some horses have
been displaced by mechanical agencies,
it is also true that the demand for
horse-labor in other directions has in
creased correspondingly and in proper
ton to the activity of the commerce
of the country. For the past few years
certain classes of horses have been
very cheap, and this is directly attrib-
utable to the sudden increase in their
production, an increase that was far
beyond all possible demands, and to
the general depression Of business,
which greatly reduced the demand for
borse-labor, as well as for that Of man.
But good horses are and always have
been in constant demand at remuner-
ative prices, and all well-informed
horsemen admit that the demand for
horses Of good quality is greater than
the supply. Horse-breediag was such
an exceedingly profitable occupation
few years ago, and there was such an
active demand for horses Of a very in
ferior type, that any one with little
capital could engage in the rearing of
horses and make money. That period
might justly be compared to the boom
period Of Western town. or TO the
rush into any branch of industry that
is apparently simple, easy TO carry on,
and promises large returns. But now
the business of breeding horses is es-
tablished on a better, sounder and
firmer basis. The breeders OF this
country are beginning to understand
that it is only by the exercise of much
knowledge, good judgment and con-
slant watchfulness that horses OF SUI
perior quality can be produced, but
that when these requisites are properly
applied, the reward is satisfactory.
Horses will always be used for draught
work in cities and in country; they
will always be used for riding and driv-
ing; and racing, the sport OF kings,
will always continue. But the horse
might become entirely extinct, and an
enormous field for the employment of
veterinary knowledge and skill would
still remain. According to the Stats
tics of 1896, the horses of the United
States number Is, 125, 057 and are valued
ut more than $500 900 900, while the
mules Of the country are worth S103,-
1000 more. The cattle Of the United
States number 4S.200, coo. and are worth
SS73, 100000. The sheep are worth over
$65.000,O0O, and are rapidly increasing
in number and value. The swine num-
Der about 100000, and are worth
more than 1886 100000. The total value
of the several classes of live stock men,
toned amounts to s1.727, $780, S4. This
total is considerably less than 1t has
been for some years, and than it will
be when the general business condi-
lions improve and livestock values re-
| spond to the resulting stimulation. The
export trade Of the United States bears
principally upon the livestock indus
| try, and exports Of horses, cattle, meats
and dairy products are increasing from
year to year. No. the field Of the vet
erinarian is not bounded by any pros
pective limitation of the horses USE
fulness. 1t includes the cultivation,
| care and protection of animals that
supply us with our most nutritious and
expensive foods; with many Of the lux
uries. as we'll as necessaries, OF our
diet; with warm clothing for our body.
head, hands and feet: with many of
the pleasures and comforts of life; with
agreeable, healthful and elevating rec
reation, as we'll as those that furnish
the common means OF transporting
freight.