228 BOAED OF AGRICULTURE. 



three year old heifers. Thirteen calves were raised last year, 

 and nine this year. 



The above may seem a small product for that number of 

 cows, but when it is considered that they are all young, two 

 and three year old heifers, it is a fair yield. 



The importation of Devons of late into this country has 

 been quite limited. This has resulted in consequence of the 

 prohibition by the government of the importation of cattle, to 

 prevent the spread of contagious diseases ; and also from the 

 fact that there is nothing to be gained by importing, except 

 as a cross. The testimony of those who have visited the best 

 herds in England, with the design of selecting animals with 

 which to improve our own herds, has been, that ^^ we need not 

 go abroad to obtain animals equal in every point of excellence 

 to the best that can be found in England." 



The late experience of the breeders of Devons, only con- 

 firms their former opinion of the excellent qualities of the 

 breed, for the three grand objects for which all neat stock are 

 kept, namely, milk, work, or beef, and of their adaptation to 

 many sections of our country, in preference to any other 

 breed ; also, that they will produce as much milk, work or 

 beef, from the food consumed, or on a given quantity of land, 

 as any other breed ; their milk yielding a large amount of 

 the first quality of cheese and cream, and the cream yielding 

 a large amount of superior butter. The only objection ever 

 presented to the breed, is, "they are too small"; but we can 

 keep more of them, and that on shorter pastures and coarser 

 food. In short, as many pounds of beef, and of a superior 

 quality, can be produced with the Devons, on a given amount 

 of food, as with any other breed, though it will require more 

 animals to accomplish it. 



In the northern portion of our country, and in mountainous 



sections, and on the sterile soils of many farms, the Devons 



will always be in demand. 



H. M. Sessions. 



The report was accepted. 



