214 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



the Ayrshire, Jersey, Devon, Short-horn, and native stock, 

 besides various grades, or crosses from some one of those well- 

 bred varieties with another, or with what are called " Native." 

 For the last few years the attention of many of the farmers of this 

 county has been turned to the improvement of their domestic 

 herds by the introduction of the best blood for the dairy, and 

 crossing it with the best native stock. The result has been a 

 gradual increase, each year, in the entries of thorough-bred 

 cattle at the society's exhibition, which this year assumes the 

 most prominent place. 



The cows entered for premium and exhibition coming under 

 the inspection of the committee were 35 in number, nearly all 

 of which were for exhibition only. 



It is to be regretted that greater care is not taken by exhibit- 

 ors) to keep and render in to the committee more systematic and 

 detailed accounts of the productiveness of their animals ; the 

 yield of milk and butter in a given time — quality as well as 

 quantity being regarded; their mode of treatment, with the 

 amount and cost of feed given ; for by comparison of these 

 experiments and observations, we may determine the best and 

 most profitable stock for the farmer. 



Your committee, in conclusion, would remark that in examin- 

 ing the stock presented for their inspection, they find such 

 evidence of the superiority in the improved breeds, that they 

 cannot refrain from earnestly recommending it to all stock 

 growers ; and by patronizing its introduction, by liberally 

 encouraging those persons who have, at the cost of much time 

 and money, introduced those fine breeding animals that were 

 on exhibition to-day, the object will be attained. 



Henry F. Wing, Chairman. 



WORCESTER NORTH. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



There were twenty-seven cows and ten heifers on exhibition, 

 for their superior milking properties, making the show, in the 

 department of milch cows, very satisfactory both as to number 

 and quality ; clearly showing that the farmers of Worcester 

 North are fully conscious of the importance of having a good 



