SECRETARY'S REPORT, 119 



propagation, and cross-bred females should be served by tliorougli- 

 bred males. 



In ordinary practice, breeding from near relationships is to be 

 scrupulously avoided; for certain purposes, under certain conditions 

 and circumstances, and in the hands of a skillful breeder, it may be 

 practiced with advantage, but not otherwise. 



In a large majority of cases (other things being equal) we may 

 expect in progeny the outward form and general structure of the 

 sire, together with the internal qualities, constitution and nutritive 

 system of the dam ; each, however, modified by the other. 



Particular care should always be taken that the male by which 

 the dam first becomes pregnant is the best which can be obtained ; 

 also, that at the time of sexual congress both are in vigorous 

 health. 



Breeding animals should not be allowed to become fat, but al- 

 ways kept in thrifty condition ; and such as are intended for the 

 butcher should never be fat but once. 



In deciding with what breeds to stock a farm, endeavor to select 

 those best adapted to its surface, climate, and degree of fertility ; 

 also with reference to probable demand and proximity to markets. 



No expense incurred in procuring choice animals for propaga- 

 tion, or any amount of skill in breeding, can supersede, or compen- 

 sate for, a lack of liberal feeding and good treatment. The better 

 the stock, the better care they deserve. 



Characteristics of Various Breeds. — The inquiry is frequently 

 made, what is the best breed of cattle, sheep, &c., for general use 

 in Maine ; and it may be reasonably expected that some expression 

 of opinion should be given. In reply it may be said that no breed 

 can by any possibility fulfill all requirements in the best possible 

 manner ; one is better for meat and early maturity, another for milk, 

 another for wool, and so on. Because under certain circumstances 

 it may be necessary or advisable for a man to serve as his own 

 builder, tailor, tanner and blacksmith, it by no means follows that 

 all which is required will be as well, or as easily done, as by a 

 division of labor. So it is better for many reasons, and more profit 

 can be made, by employing different breeds foa different purposes, 

 than by using one for all, and towards such profitable employment 

 we should constantly aim. At the same time there is a large class 

 of farmers so situated that they cannot keep distinct breeds, and 

 yet wish to employ them for different uses, and whose requirements 



