154 Board of agriculture. 



FKOJI ASA CHARLES, FRYEBrBG. 



"Nothing of consequence is done for the improvement of domestic 

 animals. Among neat cattle, I think the Devons are most prized. 

 Sheep are not largely raised in this to^\n ; it may be for the want of 

 pasturage. The native breeds are raised in most cases, probably, not 

 from choice, but convenience. We have, however, the imported breeds 

 mostly mixed, such as the Merino, Saxony, and others. Of 9wine, 

 every kind and and description may be found, from the long-snouted» 

 slab-sided racer, to the sleekest 13cdford or Suffolk, and all possible 

 gradations between, and each may have its admirers, as general esteem 

 is settled on no one breed. There is probably no settled conviction 

 among our farmers, as to the profit of raising pork. My^ own opinion 

 is, that in connection with the dairy, and in proportion to its extent) 

 pork-raising is one of the most profitable branches of husbandry." 



FROM JAMES W. CABPENTERj KEXXEBEC COUXTY. 



" Considerable attention is given in Pittston, to raising improved 

 stock. Among neat stock, the Durhams, I should judge, are the 

 most highly esteemed. A very few full blood Merino sheep are to 

 be found in this town. A small number of the more common breeds are 

 kept by most of our farmers, which is the extent of our wool-growing. 

 A cross between the Newbury White and Suffolk swine is the most 

 highly esteemed among us. I believe that pork can be grown at a 

 profit, if the round hog will sell for eight cents per pound, and Indian 

 corn at not over eighty cents per bushel, in connection with dairj' and 

 farming operations, giving credit for the manure." 



FROM JbWS ROGERS. 



" The old native breed of neat cattle still continues to be bred, for 

 the want of some enterprising farmers to introduce improved breeds, 

 which will be more profitable for the dairy and for beef. Of sheep, 

 we have some half blood South Downs, and a mixture of the Dishley. 

 These are worth, at the present time, from eight to ten dollars per 

 pair. Of swine, an even cross between the Suffolk and Berkshire is 

 considered the best breed. It is thought by the farmers in this town, 

 that pork can be made, from farm produce, for seven cents per pound." 



FROM S. K. AVATSOX. 



" Considerable attention has been given, of late, to the improve- 

 ment of our neat stock. Sorilc four years ago, J. H. Underwood, Esq., 

 brought into Fayette a full blood Hereford bull. His stock, thus far, 

 stands ahead of anything we have had before. Previous to this, we 

 were prejudiced in favor of the Durhams. Some think a cross of the 



