"MONDAY, Jan 1. (1877) The Gentlemen in parties of from 3 to 6 went round as is customer here on New Years' day to make "calls" upon the ladies who gatherd themselves in companies of from 3 to 6. On calling, they, each party, exchanged cards on which are printed their names and "A happy New Year." Mr. Herod would have liked me and Mr. W. to have gone round with him and others. We were, however, invited out to Wm. Woodward's to dine. There were two of Joseph Brunskill's sons, Wm. and David, and their wives and Miss Sarah Lockey that was in Swaledale last year. We had roast Turkey and various other things and taken altogether a very pleasant time. We had some music, reading, and riddles. The following was set us by Wm. Woodward: "What is the difference between 6 dozen, dozen, and half a dozen dozen?" Answer 792. Wm. Brunskill and wife had a very nice little girl, a niece, with them. I have found the children here remarkably quick-witted. "Wm. Brunskill told me that his farm contains or rather consists of 80 acres. He winters on 20 acres of hay, 9 cows, 7 stirks [yearling heifers] and calves, and three horses. The horses are kept in and also summered on the same crop, which is equal to keeping 22 head of horses and cattle. He also raises about 20 hogs. Cows he values at $25 each, 2 years old at $15, 1 year old at $9. Butter all the year round 25 cents per lb. The young hogs get blue milk and corn, 4 or 5 sows sufficient to breed 20 hogs, which are about the proper proportion to keep along with 9 cows. Beef, life weight, averages one year with another about 4 cents per lb. and pork 6 1/2 cents per lb. dressed for market. He has 12 acres of Indian corn which average about 40 bushel to the acre. Horses are worth on an average about $80. We accompanied Miss Lockey home; she lives near Mr. Waller. "John Willis sent me his Uncle's address through Anne, viz Mr. Willis, Rama, Mifflin, Iowa County, Wisconsin. It is not far from Mineral Point where Mrs. Spensley lives." NOTE: "Blue milk was the residue left after skimming or separating removed the cream." jiminal