REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 139 



for fine animals, should, at the same time, furnish an intellic^cnt 

 statement how they were made so, as did Mr. Charles Wells, 

 of the pair of cattle raised on his farm. The main purpose of 

 premiums is, to elicit information; to enable others to " go and 

 do likewise." 



There was an exhibition of sheep, such as befitted the fine 

 pastures in this mountainous region. Some of ahuost every 

 variety, and of superior excellence. Not being expert in the 

 distin<2;iiishing characters of these useful animals, I must leave 

 their merits to be spoken of particularly, by the committee 

 that examined them. 



The show of steers was very good indeed, most of those 

 exhibited being marked with Durham blood ; indicating more 

 favorably of this class of animals, than I have ever before wit- 

 nessed, and affording evidence unmistakable, if size is the 

 consideration principally to be regarded, the Durhams go ahead 

 of all others. When ten pair of two-year olds, averaging 

 2,500 pounds, and eight pair of three-year olds, averaging more 

 than 3,000 pounds, are brought together in one small county, as 

 was here done, I am disposed to say, "beat this who can." 



Of the swine exhibited, I saw but little ; my attention was 

 attracted mostly to the elaborate report of the distinguished 

 chairman of the committee. The growing of swine, is one of 

 the objects demanding the constant attention of the farmer; 

 both as it relates to his profit in the business, and the improve* 

 ment of his lands, in preparing fertilizing materials for his 

 crops. I know of farms where the net profits of the swine 

 kept thereon exceed a thousand dollars annually ; no mean 

 item in the balance sheet of the farmer. 



- Of horses, the show was very superior, far surpassing any 

 before seen in the county, and, as I was informed, in any adjoin- 

 ing county. It is gratifying to witness the increased attention 

 given to the rearing of this useful animal ; and particularly to 

 insuring animals of the best blood. It is quite as easy to rear 

 an animal that will be worth one hundred dollars or more, at 

 three years old, as one-quarter part this amount, by care in 

 beginning right. Whoever will presume to grow horses should 

 be mindful how they start. Good blood in a horse, should 



