860 [Assembly 



horn bull, known as " Alexander tlie Great ," imported from tlie 

 western part of the State, and now in the possesion of Mr. Rich- 

 mond of Moriah, would be distinguished in any herd as a nearly 

 perfect and most beautiful animal. A number of very choice 

 Devons were brought into the town of West Elba, by Mr. John 

 Burn, in the year 1849. Several were exhibired by him at the 

 county fair of 1850, and their rare beauty and remarkable appear- 

 ance produced a strong sensation. The influence of their exhi- 

 bition, led to the immediate purchase and introduction into the 

 county of several superior animals of the breed. I am not aware 

 of the existence in the district of a single individual of the Ayr- 

 shire stock. In the course of my survey, reference to the sub- 

 ject of that stock was continually made, and a strong desire 

 manifested by the most intelligent farmers for its introduction. 

 The important and salutary improvement in the general stock, 

 so conspicuous in the county, is universally ascribed to the influ- 

 ence of the agricultural society. The exhibition of choice and 

 rare animals which the fairs attract, arouses attention to their 

 superior qualities. A competition and emulation has been ex- 

 cited that is introducing into the county a class of cattle, which 

 will soon impress upon its stock the highest character. 



It is apparent, from the table of the census returns, embraced 

 in this report, that the wool grooving interest of Essex county 

 has already attained very considerable importance. The climate, 

 the physical formation, the soil and position of this region will 

 combine to render tliis territory one of the most eligible and 

 prosperous wool growing districts of the State. Sheep thrive 

 upon broken cliffs and rocky acclivities, where no other domestic 

 animal, save the g< at, could subsist. They browse and fatten 

 upon the scanty bushes that mantle these positions, and upon 

 the coarse herbage that starts from among the fissures of the ro^-ks. 

 The extended tracts of sandy plains, now waste and unproduc- 

 tive, are pcculidrly adapted to ^heep ranges. The light and dry 

 soil is congenial to their habit and health, and they flourish upon 

 the short and coarse vegetation that abounds on these plains, but 

 is rejected by other stock. The term of foddering of sneep, is 

 far shorter than that of other animals. 



