32 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



all of our best working oxen are a cross of the short-horns. 

 They arc larger, bear a greater burden, and are the most valua- 

 ble. There are some Devon oxen that are beautiful cattle, 

 spry and active, but much lighter ; they are desirable for farm 

 use. 



The best age for heifers to come in depends upon how the 

 calf has been raised. If it has had full feed and good care 

 during the first year, they will come in much younger and do 

 well. I had one come in at eighteen months which did well, 

 developed well, and made a good milker. If well cared for, 

 two years is as good an age as any. When they fail to do well, 

 it is well to let them run one year farrow. 



The most of our bulls are put to service at two years old ; 

 but if used much it will check their growth, and their 

 development will be less perfect. During their growth they 

 should be kept as quiet as possible, that they may lay a founda- 

 tion for bone and muscle. The foundation for a good cow or 

 ox should be made the first year. Calves should have constant 

 good keep, and be made to grow thriftily, without check. They 

 will then be robust, and well developed in all their parts, and 

 come to maturity one year younger than with poor, ordinary 

 keeping. 



I have a heifer calf dropped in January last, three-fourths 

 short-horn. I took the calf from the cow at two days old ; set 

 the milk of the cow twelve hours : skimmed it, warmed it, and 

 added to it daily half a pint of meal, and fed the calf three 

 months. In two weeks it would eat a good sized turnip daily ; 

 in four weeks it eat hay and was led to water, and at the end of 

 three months was a large calf, and has continued to grow 

 through the summer. 



Good breeding cows should bo healthy, robust, well developed 

 in all their parts. Such cows will impart to their offspring the 

 same qualities. I want broad hips, heavy quarters, slim neck 

 and tail, and good milking qualities. 



The requisite for cattle in winter is to tie them in warm, airy 

 stables, so that they will be comfortable and contented. All 

 fodder should be cut, particularly if you mix meal with it. 

 Haifa bushel of turnips daily to an ox or cow contributes to 

 health and thrift and saving of hay. Cattle in good warm 

 stables will consume one-third less food in winter than when 



