-240 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



market price in dollars as readily as any other desirable quality. 

 The man who rears horses, may as properly regard it in breeding, 

 as the man who rears sheep may regard fineness of fleece, and when 

 either presents his animals, he is entitled to a full and fair exami- 

 nation. Speed is of little value, however, unless accompanied 

 with other desirable qualities ; and the trials should have refer- 

 ence to all qualities, speed included, and each should be fairly 

 estimated — undue prominence being given to none. This being 

 understood to be the rule, and good committees appointed, it is 

 easy so to conduct the trials that they may be a source of unmixed 

 •gratification, and be enjoyed by all who love to see God's crea- 

 tures in their best estate. 



Trials of horses and of working oxen should be conducted on the 

 same principles. A horse may excel in speed, and yet be an 

 an unsound, vicious, and almost worthless animal. A yoke of oxen 

 may move a heavier load than any other, and yet be so undisci- 

 plined and dangerous that no farmer would be willing {o employ 

 them to do his labor. Trials at agricultural shows should embrace 

 the qualities which constitute value. These trials, together with plow- 

 ing matches, are among the most attractive portions of our exhibi- 

 tions, and we cannot alford either to lose them, or to have them 

 perverted. 



Lung Murrain — Mis-called Pleuro-Pneumonia. 



When my last report was submitted, a deadly disease was lurk- 

 ing in the herds of Massachusetts, although its presence was not 

 generally known until some months later. On the 28th of last 

 May, Gov. Morrill appointed a Commission to visit the infected 

 district, and investigate the disease. The report of this Commis- 

 sion was published in pamphlet form, and was also inserted in our 

 agricultural volume of the past year. It is highly gratifying to be 

 able now to state, that owing to the prompt and vigorous measures 

 adopted, the disease is believed to be exterminated, or virtually so. 

 Further research, and additional testimony regarding the nature of 

 this alarming murrain, corroborate the views expressed in that 

 report. Very recently, Prof. Simonds, of the Royal College of 

 Veterinary Surgeons, England, as reported in the November No. 

 of the London Farmers' Magazine, expressed himself as follows : 



