NEAT STOCK. 191 



been named, and scarcely more, not for want of matter, but for 

 lack of space to enlarge. 



Determining on tbe most valuable breeds, mentioned accord- 

 ing to tbe true test, not by tbe profits yielded between buying 

 and selling, but by tliat wbicb it yields, says Low, to the breed- 

 er and the feeder, conjointly, from its birth to its maturity : 

 this being the test, the short-horns, or Durhams, merit what 

 has been most justly awarded to them, the preference over all 

 other breeds known to stock breeders and graziers. 



It having been unanimously decided by both practical and 

 scientific observers, that " the male has far more influence than 

 the female in fixing the characteristics of the progeny," the 

 way for farmers to improve their stock to the best advantage 

 is, to procure a thorougli-bred bull of the breed desired. No 

 such farmer will ever keep a grade bull, though it be superior 

 to its well-bred sire, in form and symmetry, for remember, pu- 

 rity of blood is every thing in this matter. Let farmers unite, 

 if no one feels able to procure a thorough-bred animal of the 

 breed desired, and purchase such an one, and all will soon see 

 the advantage. 



For raising grade stock with native cows, the Improved short- 

 horns are altogether the best ; for this grade stock makes good 

 milchers, good working oxen and good cattle for grazing and 

 fattening. The short-horns are not, as you sometimes hear it 

 said, universally white or nearly so. They are seen of every 

 variety of color, that can be made by mixing red and white. 

 They may be spotted, or a roan, or a creamy white, or pure 

 red. The hair of the well-bred animals is of a soft, silky feel- 

 ing, and of a superior quality to that of any other breed. 



It is hoped that others will strive to emulate the worthy ex- 

 ample of Prof. Fowler and L. Sweetser, Esq., of Amherst, Paoli 

 Lathrop, of South Hadley, and H. Hunt, of New Salem, who 

 have procured some well-bred Alderneys, Ayrshires, Durhams 

 and Devons. Let this work of improvement go on until every 

 "scrub bull" of the ancestry of "Pharaoh's lean kine" shall 

 be banished from the hills and valleys of Hampshire and Frank- 

 lin counties. Let thorough-bred bulls only be employed — 

 those whose pedigree is pure, and recorded in the herd book. 



The pedigree of animals is registered in herd books as fol- 

 lows : — 



