82 BOARD or AGRICULTURE. 



three years old and upwards. In 1850, there were 152,911, an 

 increase of 9,320 in ten years. The oxen four years old and 

 upwards numbered 46,584, in 1840; 49,986, in 1850; making 

 an increase of 3,402 in the same time. The number of steers 

 and heifers one year old and upwards, was about 88,562, in 

 1840, while in 1850, it was reported to be 76,703; showing a 

 decrease of 11,859. But the number of horses had increased 

 in the ten years from 60,030, to 74,060; or at the rate of 

 1,403 annually. 



These official statistics show, to some extent, the change which 

 has taken place in some parts of the State in regard to breed- 

 ing or raising stock. The number of steers and heifers under 

 three years old, was 11,859 less in 1850 than in 1840; giving 

 an annual decrease of 1,185, and showing that instead of rais- 

 ing more stock on our farms, to satisfy the wants of our people, 

 we had become more and more dependant on other states. 



The number of cattle brought from without the Commonwealth 

 to supply our markets, and to meet the necessities of our far- 

 mers, is now very great ; far greater, it is thought, than the num- 

 ber raised within our own borders. In many places it is sup- 

 posed to be cheaper to purchase young stock, than to raise it. 

 The consequence is, that comparatively little attention is paid to 

 the raising of stock in eastern Massachusetts, though on account 

 of the increased price now asked for this stock, there is a per- 

 ceptible change, even within the last three years, and more at- 

 tention is now paid to raising it. A farmer of Essex County, 

 writes thus: — "No attention is given to breeding. The farm- 

 ers buy their heifers at hazard, and their pigs, or shotes in the 

 same way, mostly. One person has a breed of pigs which he 

 has had for eighteen years, and which he much esteems. The 

 first wa,s of unknown origin. Some pork and beef are marketed 

 out of town, but it is supposed that as much is purchased from 

 abroad for the use of the town." 



Another, in the eastern part of Worcester County, says : — 

 " No attention to the breeding of stock. There were introduced, 

 a few years ago, the short-horned Durham, and the Holderness. 

 I may add that our farmers, in their purchases, take great pains 

 in the selection of the stock, and are willing to pay liberally. 



