204 "W'EST OXFORD SOCIETY. 



FROM REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 



Cows. 



It is a fact, that the cows and heifers of our State are sadly neg- 

 lected in the distribution of the good things found in the well-to-do 

 farmer's granary. It is equally evident, that this is a great error, 

 and a correction is necessary before that improvement in stock is 

 made which the country demands. A heifer calf will do well 

 enough with one-half the milk for six weeks ; but a steer must be 

 nursed and pampered as many months. And what is the result? 

 Small, diminutive cows, producing small calves, yielding a small 

 quantity of milk, and making but little beef when no longer profit- 

 able for the dairy. If the barn is too small to accommodate his 

 whole stock, the heifer or the old cow is the one destined to enjoy 

 the cold breeze on the north side of the barn when the mercury is 

 below zero. The petted steers must be protected from the cold. 

 The exhibition of them at our shows, corroborates these facts. 



Such things ought not so to be. A dead weight is thus placed 

 upon all improvement; or if any is made, it is with expense dispro- 

 portionate to the means of most farmers. 



The advice of your Committee is : Bestow more care upon your 

 cows and heifers. Attend to their wants more faithfully. Do you 

 want good oxen 7 Feed the mother before and after calving, and 

 she will amply repay you by producing large, strong young — yield- 

 ing sufficient milk for their growth and furnishing your dairy with a 

 liberal supply of butter and cheese. 



M. K. Maery, Chairman. 



Bulls and Steers. 



The Committee on Bulls and Steers, having attended to the duties 

 assigned them, .would make the following report : 



Your Committee wdre glad to find so many fine animals on the 

 ground for their inspection, showing not only the desire of the own- 



