I


methods of fertilizing and weed control made the
cranberry industry a commercial success. It takes a
long while to develop a successful cranberry bog, and
nowadays the mechanical pickers slosh through the
bog water where once hand pickers, then pickers
with cranberry rakes, labored to harvest the crop.
Most o-- the crop is now marketed through coopera-
tives.
             BETTER LIVESTOCK
     Until farmers fenced their pastures and sep-
arated their herds, cattle mingled and interbred.
Livestock exhibits at state and county fairs helped
to stimulate interest in improving the breeds.
     The first state fair in Wisconsin opened on Octo-
ber 1, 1851, in Janesville. Exhibits included 52 cat-
tle, 68 horses, 120 sheep, and 20 hogs. It is possible
that not a single purebred Shorthorn or Devon ani-
mal was owned in Wisconsin at that time. No dis-


tinct breeds of horses are mentioned in the exhibi-
tors' lists. One horse, a Hambletonian, was said to
be registered on the stallion's side, but not on the
dam's. Sheep were highest among improved live-
stock. A newspaper reported on the big event:
    The first state fair held in Wisconsin commenced here
this morning. The beginning is an auspicious one, and when
it is remembered how young our State is, it reflects great
credit upon the enterprize and intelligence of her Farmers.
An area of something over six acres, on the edge of the
plateau which looks down upon the rapid and silvery Rock,
and enclosed by a high board fence, constitutes the Fair
ground. Along two sides of the enclosure are pens for Sheep
and Swine, and stands for Cattle. Near the centre is a large
and lofty Tent, for the display of Fruits, Flowers, Fancy
Articles, Paintings, Jewelry, &c. Hard by is a long shed for
the exhibition of Agricultural and Mechanical Products. In
the open space between these centre pieces and the Cattle
stands on the sides there is ample room for the exhibition and
trial of all sorts of Agricultural Implements, as well as for
the display of Single and Matched Horses.


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