No. 112.] 603 



" 6. The increase or decrease in the number of animal stock; the 

 breeeds most common^ and what improvements are in 'progress^ and 

 what breeds of cattle are most approved for the dairy and far rnar- 

 A:e^"— In consequence of a light crop of hay, farmers have found 

 it expedient to lessen their " number of animal stock" one-fourth 

 or more. 



" The breeds most common^'' are native, T\'ith crosses of foreign 

 stock. 



" Improvements are in progrcss^^'' by the introduction of Dur- 

 hams, Ayrshires and Devons, and by a careful selection from na- 

 tive stock. 



Those ^' most approved Jor the dairy ^'"^ are the native breed ; and 

 ■ also those with a mixture of f.reign blood. They are hardy, 

 easily kept, good breeders, and fine milchers ; excelh nt for butter 

 and cheese. For an example, reference may be had to the cow 

 of Mr. Peter Hill of Jackson, with a mixture of foreign blocd, 

 from which was made 21 lbs. and 3 ozs. of butter in seven days, 

 in the month of June last, on pasture. 



Those most approved fur market as milch cows, and for breed- 

 ing good stock, aie of the saii;e character. This is also true of 

 our best working oxen — Being short legged, tight built, and of 

 strong muscular texture. 



For beef, they have a decided preference. In proof of which, 

 reference is luid, for kindness, and strengtli in work, and for easy 

 fattening properties, to those oxen jaised by Mr. John Lee of 

 Cambridge, recently i»ui chased by Geo. F. Hastings of Jackson, 

 and now on exhibitioi: as a sln^w in the city of New-York. They 

 have been estimated to weigh eighty bundled, and aie supposed 

 to be of tlie liutst build, and the lieavitst yoke of oxen in our 

 world. , 



Shcfp. — Wool growers are numerous. Their flocks hng<^, of tho 

 Merino and Saxon variet}', oi' moderate size, producing lleeces o|fc 

 fine gnidc. Recent ellbrts have been made by some farmers to 

 improve their Hocks. Miij. George W. Melvie of CiiUibridge, 

 within a fcw months, has purchased soiue large Fiench ^Jerino 



