584 [AsSEMBLT 



that will compare with them. They are almost universally cherry 

 red or mahogony color, with fine clean limbs, smooth slim horns, 

 sprightly in appearance and action, and remarkably hardy. We 

 have no oxen that will out sell a well-matched pair of Devon- 

 shires. I regret that some of our breeders of cattle do not take 

 more pains to introduce pure blood bulls of this breed in our 

 county. I think the A} shires would be a good improvement in 

 our county. I have no personal experience with this stock, but 

 from their appearance, I think they would make valuable milk- 

 ers. They are not as large as the Durhams, and I think would 

 not require as much food as the Durhams, which is an item of im- 

 portance to the dairyman. 



Horses. — This important animal does not receive that attention 

 I think he deserves, though they are improving. 



Mules. — Some attention is being paid of late years to raising 

 mules, which, I think, in a county like this, where so much breed- 

 ing is done, will be found profitable. 



Sheep. — But little attention is paid to this important animal. 

 They are diminishing very rapidly since farmers have been fenc- 

 ing their fields with stone walls. There are many of our farmers 

 who have disposed of their entire flocks. There is, I presume, no 

 better county in the State for raising sheep than this, and I think 

 if farmers would engage in this business, they would find it pro- 

 fitable. 



Swine. — But few are raised except for home consumption. Of 

 breeds, there are variety and mixture, from the beautiful Berk- 

 shire to the shark and land-pike. There are some, however, very 

 fine breeds. 



Fowls and eggs are beginning to command some attention, very 



few except the common varieties are raised. 



Meadow and Pasture lands. — Timothy is by most farmers pre- 

 ferred for hay, tho' many prefer a mixture of clover and timotiiy. 

 There are many of our farmers who mix clover seed of the large 

 variety with timothy seed for hay. They grow and are both fit 

 to cut at the same time. For myself, I prefer the latter, provided 



