372 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



steadily grown in favor : hence they are to be found in all 

 portions of the State, not only as the family cow, but often 

 in large butter-dairies composed of other stock, where a few 

 are kept to impart solidity, texture, and color to butter. 



There are many large farms where they are bred as a 

 specialty, whence the butter termed Gilt Edge is sold for 

 the top market-price. Containing more nutritive properties, 

 it is judged by those using it more economical, notwith- 

 standing the higher price it bears in market. 



Cream and milk from the Jerseys is also largely produced 

 for sale in the towns and cities where the best article com- 

 mands the best price ; and the constantly growing demand is 

 increasing the number of Jersey cattle within the State 

 yearly. 



The breeding of Jerseys for sale is also an important and 

 growing interest. Cattle are kept on the farms of Massachu- 

 setts as carefully, and as closely guarded, as they are on their 

 native island ; and, where they are bred as a specialty, no 

 other cattle should be kept, not even within sight of the 

 males. 



The fundamental principles and laws governing breeding 

 animals of pure breeds are generally accepted and practised ; 

 and to keep up the march of improvement keeps the intel- 

 ligent energy of the breeder ever active. 



The familiar maxim that like produces like, to have due 

 force with breeding animals should also be inseparably con- 

 nected with care and feed equal to the type of animal 

 desired. 



The conditions appertaining to the structure and inherent 

 powers of reproduction will not admit of any neglect on the 

 part of the breeder, but are always dependent on his con- 

 stant skill and care. 



The breeding and feeding must be intelligent, uniform, 

 and co-equal to build up or keep up any pure breed. 



The especial characteristics of the Jersey cow have never 

 been satisfactorily explained. How she gets more out of her 

 feed, why her milk-product is of unequalled richness, and 

 why the cows hold in milk for so long a time, it would seem 

 must be attributed to nice selection, and uniform conditions 

 of breeding and keeping for long-continued duration of time. 



I have observed that the internal structure of the Jersey 



