moved. More than one hundred railway
companies are now using the Glidden wire, and it stretches along many
thousands of miles of track.

A RAMBLER'S LETTER.

I would like to call your attention to the fact that there is
considerable cholera among swine in Dewey township, Ill., west from
Joliet. Mr. Cooter lost about 130 hogs. Other farmers have suffered
equally.

I have been looking over the stock in this part of the country and find
it excellent, as a general thing. Many of the farmers are breeders of
fine Hereford cattle. They also own first-class horses. Some of them
whom I called upon would like to know the address of State Veterinary
Surgeon Dr. Paaren, and I should be pleased if you will give it in THE
PRAIRIE FARMER.[A] I have often thought, Why is it that so many sons of
wealthy farmers leave their homes for the purpose of either studying in
some classical college, to learn a trade, or to become book-keepers and
clerks in mercantile business. I think if farmers would take more
interest in agricultural papers, instead of having their children
fooling away their time on novels or comic stories and pictures, it
would be better for both old and young. Let the parents buy a microscope
and let the young folks examine insects and fungi of all kinds, and let
them write their experiences down in a book whenever there is leisure
time. Or let them write to THE PRAIRIE FARMER something in the line of
farming, be it agriculture, horticulture, or about raising and caring
for stock. In so doing the boys of our farming country will become proud
of their noble profession and of their homes. They will gradually be, as
every farmer should be, educated up to the times. There are few farmers
who can afford to let their sons study in an agricultural university,
but every one can surely afford to subscribe for an agricultural paper,
it being one of the most profitable investments for himself and family.

The ground is covered with snow to a small extent, and the roads are in
a fine condition. The crops are all good here except corn, which is very
poor indeed, even the crop in most cases is small. Farmers are not at
all satisfied, and times are not at all encouraging.

H.A.P. WEISSBERGER.
WILL CO., ILL.

[A] 355 Western Avenue (south), Chicago.

A FARMER'S LIBRARY.

As this is the season to make up our list of papers and magazines for
the ensuing year, I will take a glance around my own cosy room set apart