STOCK. 273 



imported from England, though from what part seems uncertain. 

 Some Dutch cattle were brought to New York, the Swedes 

 carried a few to Delaware, while the records of New Hampshire 

 show the importation of cattle from Denmark by a Danish 

 colony. Quebec received cattle from Normandy. In process 

 of time, it is probable, these different breeds have all been com- 

 mingled, spreading throughout the United States. 



The New England Colonies were most painstaking, and suc- 

 ceeded in retaining better qualities among their flocks than is 

 shown by the stock of other States, perhaps aided now and then 

 by the bringing over of some pure-blooded animal from the fine 

 herds of England. However, not much was done to improve 

 the stock by importation until within fifty years, though now 

 almost any farmer has an opportunity of introducing good blood 

 among his cattle. The question to be answered by each stock- 

 raiser for himself will have reference to the qualities of the 

 different breeds, as which is easiest acclimated or which points 

 are best suited to his farm and market facilities. The Jersey 

 cow commands the highest price in the market, if we judge from 

 the amount she brings at the public sale of cattle at different 

 times, and we witness marks of that blood in many of the flocks 

 scattered over the hills and valleys of the State ; they are repre- 

 sented as profitable to keep for making butter, and many of 

 them are good milkers. The Ayrshires are becoming popular in 

 many localities, being a hardy race, well adapted to our climate, 

 excellent milkers, and make good butter, also profitable for 

 farmers to keep. Devons and Shorthorns are kept to some extent 

 pure, but mostly to cross with other breeds ; a cross of the 

 Shorthorn bull with a Devon cow produces a fine animal. 



Many of our farmers consider grade cows more profitable to 

 keep than thoroughbreds. But let us remember that food and 

 management have as much to do with a good cow as breed ; that 

 a well-fed and well-cared for animal pays far better than a cow 

 suffered to run down through the winter, and coming out in the 

 spring, with just strength enough to live it through. Give her 

 proper food and attention, and she will repay you. 



During the present century great progress has been made in 

 developing the good qualities of the cow. Fifty years ago, a 

 cow that gave 1,200 quarts of milk a year was considered by 

 many a good cow. Perhaps even now a large proportion o 



