138 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



from June to October, may be set down as a very superior co"w. 

 Amono- the heifers, I noticed several from the island of Jersey, 

 recently imported by Judge Grennell. I am glad that tlic farm- 

 ers of the county will thus have an opportunity of seeing 

 specimens of this class of which so much is said. Of the 

 quality of their milk for the making of butter, there can be no 

 question. Of tlie quantity, I am not fully informed, but think 

 favorably. I have seen one of these cows at Nahant, that 

 yielded eighteen quarts of milk, daily. 



Of bulls, there was a good number, about twenty in all, some 

 of them very superior animals. Too much attention cannot be 

 paid to the selection of males, for the rearing of stock. I 

 should as soon think of raising " figs from thistles," as good 

 progeny from inferior bulls. All those best experienced in 

 these matters, are particular, not only to have their bulls of 

 good character in themselves, but the descendants of those of 

 good character. I am satisfied that no animals are worthy of 

 premium, that have not been reared with particular regard to 

 their quality. Why should a premium be awarded for an 

 animal that chances to be good ? To be sure, such animals 

 may occasionally be found, but no one can claim any merit for 

 their being so. The object of cattle shows is, to give oppor- 

 tunity to reward praiseworthy efforts in improving stock. 

 "With this view, many are anxious to introduce upon our farms 

 improved breeds of animals, from foreign countries ; and with- 

 out doubt, benefits may accrue in this way. But my impres- 

 sion is, we have, in the native stock of our own hills, as good 

 stamina for improvement, as can anywhere be found. Cer- 

 tainly, for labor and the dairy, the two grand purposes of keep- 

 ing animals. Perhaps some of the full fed Durhams may grow 

 larger than the natives ; but these when well fed, will answer 

 all ordinary purposes, and they may be kept at much less 

 expense. 



In my admiration of the working ox, I had almost forgotten 

 to notice the fatted ox, of which there were a number that 

 weighed, alive, more than two thousand pounds. Seven pre- 

 miums were awarded for fat oxen; and I fully concur in the 

 opinion expressed by the discriminating chairman of this com- 

 mittee, that those who would entitle themselves to a premium 



