SECRETARY'S REPORT. 93 



" By taking into the account the value of the manure that 

 may be made for the farm, it appears to be the opinion of some 

 who have given attention to the subject, that it can usually be 

 raised with a small profit." 



In the county of Middlesex, a farmer writes as follows: — 

 " We have the native, Suffolk, and Middlesex crosses, and a 

 few fine Suffolks. An equal blood of the Suffolk and native, is 

 considered the best. This gives the fine points desirable, with 

 more hardiness than the pure Suffolk has. Swine have been 

 greatly improved here within a few years, — and as much in 

 consequence of better attention, as in an improved breed." 



From these extracts we see that the Suffolk, or rather a 

 cross of the Suffolk with some other breed, holds the highest 

 place in public estimation in all parts of the State, for practi- 

 cal purposes on the farm. The farmer is well aware that the 

 pork of hogs of a medium size, and younger than formerly, 

 will command a higher price in the market. He begins to con- 

 sult the prevailing taste and fashion when he raises for the 

 market. He will select, therefore, animals that come to matu- 

 rity early, in preference to those which will not do for the 

 market till a more advanced age. 



POULTEY. 



The raising of poultry has received no small share of atten- 

 tion by many farmers in the State, and in many cases with much 

 profit. "With proper care in furnishing shelter and room in 

 winter sufficiently warm, light and dry, and furnished with food 

 and fresh water, hens will ordinarily continue to lay and grow 

 fat. 



The sale of poultry in the metropolis alone, often amounts, it 

 is said, to more than a million of dollars a year. The demand 

 increases, and the market is always ready. By proper manage- 

 ment, too, they may be made of great service in destroying the 

 noxious insects which infest the crops. This subject would 

 seem to commend itself to the careful consideration of the 

 farmer. 



To show what profit may be found in the judicious manage- 

 ment of fowls, the following statement of a practical farmer in 

 Norfolk County, may be given: — "There can be a profit of 



