SECRETARY'S REPORT. 85 



want tlie best cows for such purposes, and the cross just men- 

 tioned, I think, will come the nearest to it. For working oxen, 

 a cross of the Devons with our native stock, is considered the 

 best, they being the most active and docile." 



These selections are made not as the only ones which express 

 the opinions contained in them, but because each of them is 

 supposed to be a fair representation of the state of things in 

 the vicinity of the writer. 



The prevailing opinions in regard to the respective merits of 

 different breeds of cattle vary so much in different localities, 

 that it is difficult to tell precisely which are most generally 

 esteemed. We have already seen that in the western part of 

 the State the Durhams are the most highly valued for some 

 purposes, while the Devons are better liked for others. 

 Probably the former are more widely distributed in that region 

 than the latter ; this, however, may arise from the fact that they 

 are better known and more fully appreciated. It was, also, 

 the opinion of a late celebrated farmer of Plymouth County, 

 that the improved short-horns were the finest cattle in the 

 world, and were to be preferred where good feed was plenty 

 and the climate was not too severe. The Western States, he 

 tliought, might answer these conditions, and many whose 

 opinion should have much weight with us, believe the Valley of 

 the Connecticut to be equally well suited to them on account of 

 its rich pastures and its abundant feed. 



On the other hand, the Devons are preferred in many other 

 parts of the State. Their beautiful color recommends them 

 everywhere. The number of "full-blooded" animals of this 

 breed in the State is not far from two hundred. 



The Ayrshires are highly prized in some sections, while the 

 Alderneys, or Jerseys, are equally esteemed by many on 

 account of the richness of their milk. This breed has not, as 

 yet, been very extensively tried. There are only about seventy- 

 five of full blood in the State, exclusive of calves under six 

 months old. Probably the result will be that different breeds 

 will be selected for special purposes ; for working oxen, 

 particularly for the road, the Devons may come into favor; 

 for size and the market, the Durhams may obtain the prefer- 

 ence; for milk, or for butter, the Ayrshires, Devons, Jerseys, 



