A LITTLE EXPERIENCE. • 99 



perpetuating the valuable qualities at which we are aiming. 

 Now, let us work as assiduously and faithfully as do those 

 who engage solely in breeding blood stock. Let us select 

 from the native cow such as have been longest bred in the 

 direct line of the very best milking family stock. In all 

 cases use a pure-bred bull from the best line of milking stock 

 in both sire and dam, and with all the milking characteris- 

 tics developed in the bull. If this rule should be adopted in 

 all cases of breeding grade stock, and judiciously carried out, 

 the increase of milk and butter in round numbers would be 

 astounding, and we could reasonably look for the near ad- 

 vent of the ideal dairy cow, and those who now persist in 

 using grade bulls would be imperative in their demand for 

 pure-breds. 



The Chairman. The subject is now open for discussion ; 

 and, as I see abundance of talent here present, I hope the 

 whole time will be profitably occupied. 



Mr. Barber (of Bernardston). If there is any one sub- 

 ject in which farmers should feel a deep interest, it is in the 

 breeding and care of the dairy cow, and every individual 

 who has had any experience in the matter knows how ex- 

 ceedingly difficult it is to obtain a good dairy cow. It can 

 only be done by a long, intelligent, and systematic course of 

 breeding. This is a matter which requires more intelligence 

 and more foresight than we usually give to the subject; 

 because, under the general condition of things, it is utterly 

 impossible for farmers of small means, or carrying on small 

 farms, to have all the appliances necessary to successful 

 breeding under their control ; and it can only be done by the 

 union of a number of farmers for special dairy purposes, 

 either for butter or for cheese, because these acquire a degree 

 of knowledge, of foresight, and close examination of con- 

 ditions, which can only be secured by constant watchfulness, 

 and having the necessary appliances at hand. 



Let me give you a little experience in the matter of breed- 

 ing, as it were, at hap-hazard ; because that is the only way 

 that small farmers can do. I have been engaged in farming 

 for the last six years. I believe in securing the best dairy 

 stock. I started with a grade Jersey. I secured, as I sup- 

 posed, the best sire ; and yet I have not been able to obtain a 



