SOMERSET CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Secretaey's Report. 



The Somerset Central Agricultural Society, held its Annual 

 Cattle Show and Fair, on the Society's grounds in Skowhegan, on 

 Tuesday and Wednesday, September 22d and 23d, 1863. The first 

 day of the Show was uncomfortably cold, which undoubtedly rnade 

 the gathering of "men and beasts" much smaller than it would 

 otherwise have been ; but notwithstanding the inclemency of the 

 weather, there was a good show of stock on the ground, especially 

 of oxen. There being a large demand for oxen, for lumbering pur- 

 poses in this locality, much attention has been given to the rearing 

 of this kind of farm stock. The old-fashioned native breed oxen, 

 which a quarter of a century ago were considered good enough to 

 work, as they were tough and smart, do not answer the purpose 

 now. Large, well-built oxen, fat and sleek, are sought for for 

 work or beef, and none other need apply. Hence almost all of the 

 oxen within the limits of this Society are improved breeds, princi- 

 pally grade Durhams, with here and there a Hereford. 



More improvement has been made in neat stock by the introduc- 

 tion of Durham blood than by all other breeds put together ; 

 although there are but few thoroughbreds amongst us. Some 

 efforts have been made the past year, to introduce some thorough- 

 bred stock animals of this kind, and we hope the effort will not be 

 abandoned. In the efforts being made to raise fine oxen, we 

 think the equally important matter, that of raising good cows, is 

 very much neglected. Thus while we have a fine collection of 

 superior oxen and steers on exhibition, we have but very few cows 

 and heifers. In the rearing of oxen too much attention is given to 

 the sire and too little to the dam. Were more attention given to 

 rearing cows, equally as good oxen might be produced, and cows 

 brought up to a very much higher standard of excellence. The 

 dairy products of the cow should be a subject of improvement, as 

 well as her stock properties ; the dairy should not suffer at the 

 expense of the ox team. 



