176 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



them to and from the pasture, and watched them all day ; 

 for in France, having no fences, the children, in turns, watch 

 their own and their neighbors' cows. Thus various breeds 

 and qualities of cows were constantly under his eye. A 

 thoughtful lad, he was one day rubbing them down, when 

 he noticed the difference in the hair, parts of it running 

 upward, contrary to the usual growth of hair on the animal. 

 In addition to the significance of the variations in the leaves 

 and kinds of plants, he had heard mentioned some quirls in 

 the hair, and other signs, which were said to have some sig- 

 nificance. The thought struck him, Could there be any visi- 

 ble marks denoting different values? The thought once 

 raised, he pursued it from day to day, from year to year, all 

 the time discovering new points, which finally led him to 

 believe he had made important discoveries. Like the learner 

 of the present day, he met many things which frequently 

 made him doubt, and which were great drawbacks to the 

 system of classification he was endeavoring to form from the 

 yet conflicting appearances. 



His attention to the matter having first been drawn by the 

 dandruff on certain spots on the hind-parts of the cow, and 

 the variations of the hair, in pursuing these inquiries he 

 found a great variety in the shapes of these quirls. This led 

 to a new train of reflection and observation, which resulted 

 in his becoming convinced that these shapes were the signs 

 by which to distinguish cows, and to know their good and 

 bad qualities. 



After years of perseverance, he got his ideas into such a 

 fixed arrangement that he was emboldened to give it to the 

 world, and stand the scrutinizing tests of committees of 

 various agricultural societies. The result was shown in the 

 many orders for his book, the medals and membership certifi- 

 cates of the leading societies, and a pension from the gov- 

 ernment of three thousand francs for life. The value of the 

 system was established. It has spread into every country 

 where agriculture is encouraged, and his work has been 

 frequently translated. 



As we look at his portrait, he appears to have a clear eye, 

 a cool head, great determination, firmness of character, a 

 well-balanced mind, and, with it all, a vigor' of constitution 

 which buoys him up, and enables him to override obstacles. 



