TRANSACTIONS. 247 



carried tliein farther and farther in each successive genera- 

 tion. 



Keeping this principle in view, it is probable that im- 

 provements might be made in our native breed of cattle, 

 ■which in time would result in forming a well defined; dis- 

 distinct variety. If crosses of different breeds are to be 

 made, it is desirable that the male should be of the smaller 

 breed. Thus, in a cross of the Durham with a Devon or na- 

 tive, •the progeny would probably be much better if the fe> 

 male were a Durham, than if of the smaller variety. The 

 larger sizeof the female gives assurance of a greater degree 

 of thriftiness in the offspring than if the cross is made the 

 other way. 



But, we will suppose the cross made, and the calf on 

 hand, calling for care and attention. What course is best 

 to secure a good degree of growth in the animal, at the 

 least expense to the breeder ? This question has been, 

 and will be, answered differently by different persons, as 

 difference of situation or other circumstances may dictate. 



Evidently, the most natural course is to let the calf 

 Buck its mother till old enough to wean, and some practice 

 this plan and think it the the best way. But it is evident 

 that the use of a cow three or four months for each calf, 

 must make it an expensive mode of raising stock, to say 

 nothing of the injury the cow sustains. 



Others modify this course by allowing but one cow for 

 two calves, and selecting a cow that will not be used for 

 dairy purposes afterwards. This obviates the expense, 

 is the least trouble, and, in some respects, is a very good 

 plan. Olhers, however, think they cannot afford to keep 

 cows for the purpose of rearing calves alone, but wish to 

 raise them and retain the cows for the dairy. 



They accordingly take the calf from the cow and learn 

 it to drink. Sooner or later skimmed milk is substituted 

 for new milk, and the difference made up by the use of 

 meal, or something of the kind. The danger in such cases 



